politics 25 - The Latremie Post

Uneasy Questions Arise In Haryana IGP Y Puran Kumar’s Suicide Case

**Chandigarh:** A day after Inspector General of Police (IGP) Y Puran Kumar allegedly died by suicide, controversy has erupted over the inclusion of his name—without the state government’s prior sanction—in an FIR lodged against his former aide. The aide is accused of demanding a bribe from a liquor contractor in Kumar’s name.

District Rohtak police arrested Head Constable Sushil, a former aide of IGP Kumar, on Monday. He was sent to judicial custody on Tuesday. Sushil was arrested for allegedly demanding a bribe in the name of the deceased IPS officer, despite Kumar not being summoned to join the investigation.

According to police sources, Sushil had previously worked with IGP Kumar during his tenure as IG, Rohtak range. Kumar reportedly continued to keep Sushil on his team even after Kumar’s transfer as IG, Police Training Centre, Sunaria, Rohtak.

The arrest stems from allegations that Sushil demanded Rs 2.5 lakh monthly from a liquor businessman, invoking IGP Kumar’s name. The FIR was filed based on a written complaint and video footage provided by the businessman. Police added that Sushil allegedly threatened the businessman by warning that failure to pay the bribe could result in implicating him in a liquor smuggling case.

Sources suggest this bribery case might have been one of the reasons that led Kumar to take the extreme step of suicide.

### Vocal Advocate for Officers’ Rights and Seniority

IGP Y Puran Kumar, a 2001-batch IPS officer, was known for his vocal stance on issues concerning the rights and seniority of officers. He frequently challenged the government on matters such as promotions granted to certain batches and the representation of Scheduled Caste (SC) officers in police ranks.

Though an official statement on Kumar’s suicide note has not yet been released, it is reported that the note mentioned several serving and former top IPS officers who allegedly “authorised” a campaign aimed at humiliating him.

Reports revealed that Kumar had written to Chief Minister Nayab Saini, expressing that his representations had been ignored, particularly those concerning himself and his batch-mates from the SC category. He also claimed that in the state home department, even routine files that did not require legal opinions were unnecessarily being sent for such reviews.

Kumar had reportedly filed five complaints alleging harassment and humiliation by a senior IAS officer. He objected to the formation of a committee comprising three former IAS officers tasked with probing his allegations.

### Allegations of Intentional Humiliation

In March 2023, while posted as IGP, Home Guards, Kumar informed then Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal that the position he was assigned was not a cadre post. He stated that the Home Department had told the Punjab and Haryana High Court the same year that the state government had never formally created this post. Kumar alleged that his posting was intended to insult and humiliate him publicly.

—

This tragic incident has brought to light underlying tensions within the police department regarding seniority, caste representation, and internal politics. Further updates are awaited as investigations continue.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/uneasy-questions-arise-in-haryana-igp-y-puran-kumars-suicide-case

Bihar Election 2025: Jitan Ram Manjhi & Chirag Paswan Toughen Stand On Seat-Sharing Ahead Of Assembly Polls

**Patna:** Bihar’s two prominent Dalit leaders and Union ministers, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Chirag Paswan, are posing a significant challenge to the BJP by hardening their stance on seat-sharing deals for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

Manjhi, leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), has asserted that his party will not contest the polls unless it is allotted at least 15 seats in the alliance. Speaking to reporters, he clarified that HAM would remain part of the NDA camp but emphasized the need for adequate recognition through a respectable number of seats.

“I don’t want to become chief minister. I just want our party to be recognized,” Manjhi said. “In the absence of recognition, we face humiliation. If we do not get the proposed number of seats, we will not contest the election. We will support the NDA, but we won’t contest.”

BJP national president JP Nadda reportedly contacted Manjhi to pacify him and discuss the seat-sharing issue.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Manjhi quoted lines from Dinkar’s classic war poem *Rashmirathi*, with a slight modification. The poem narrates Lord Krishna’s desperate attempt to prevent the Mahabharata battle. Manjhi’s version reads:

*“Ho nyay agar to aadha do, yadi us mein bhi koi badha ho, to de do keval 15 gram, rakho apni dharti tamam, HAM wahi khushi se khayenge, parijan pe asi na uthayenge.”*

This loosely translates to: “Give us just 15 villages and keep everything else. HAM will be happy and won’t raise arms against our own.” In the original poem, Dinkar wrote ‘5 gram’—five villages for the five Pandava brothers—but Manjhi replaced this with 15 to underline his demand.

On the other hand, Chirag Paswan, leader of the undivided Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), is more reserved but still sends clear signals about his intentions. Though he has refrained from openly applying pressure, he dropped a cryptic message on the death anniversary of his late father, Ram Vilas Paswan, the founder of LJP.

Recalling his father, Chirag said, “Papa always used to say, do not commit a crime, do not endure a crime. If you want to live, learn to die, learn to fight at every step.”

Reports suggest that the LJP is demanding 40 seats in the NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement. However, the BJP reportedly wants to allocate only eight seats to HAM and 22 seats to Chirag’s faction, highlighting the ongoing tussle ahead of the elections.

The seat-sharing negotiations within the NDA are still in the early stages, with further information expected to be shared at the appropriate time. Meanwhile, both Manjhi and Chirag remain key players whose decisions could significantly impact the alliance’s prospects in Bihar.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bihar-election-2025-jitan-ram-manjhi-chirag-paswan-toughen-stand-on-seat-sharing-ahead-of-assembly-polls

‘Terrorists targeting Jaffar Express were proxies of India’: Pakistan minister

**‘Terrorists Targeting Jaffar Express Are Proxies of India’: Pakistan Minister**

*By Snehil Singh | October 8, 2025, 3:49 PM*

—

**Overview of the Incident**

Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has accused India of orchestrating a series of attacks on the Jaffar Express train. The most recent attack occurred on Tuesday when an explosion near Sultan Kot derailed four bogies of the train, injuring seven passengers.

According to Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro, the blast happened at 8:15 AM, and all injured individuals were promptly taken to Shikarpur Civil Hospital for treatment.

—

**Accusations Against India**

Speaking to *Dawn*, Railways Minister Abbasi claimed that the terrorists targeting the Jaffar Express are, in fact, proxies of India. He stated:
*”India is not ready to digest and bear its defeat during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos. These cowardly acts are the pain India continues to feel from the wounds it received during the May war.”*

Abbasi further assured the public that the train service would continue as usual, emphasizing, *”We will never be afraid of such attacks.”*

—

**Responsibility Claimed by Baloch Republican Guards**

The militant group Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) has claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attack. The group stated that the Jaffar Express was targeted specifically when “occupying Pakistani Army” personnel were on board, causing casualties among soldiers.

The BRG declared,
*”We claim responsibility for this attack and announce that such operations will continue until the independence of Balochistan is achieved.”*

—

**History of Attacks on Jaffar Express**

The Jaffar Express, which operates between Peshawar and Quetta, has been a frequent target of militant attacks, especially in recent months. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has often been implicated in these assaults.

The latest explosion marks the seventh attack on this train in 2025 alone. The deadliest incident occurred in March when militants hijacked the train and killed 21 passengers.

—

**Diplomatic Tensions and Denials**

Following the March hijacking, Pakistan accused terrorists of coordinating with handlers in Afghanistan and alleged that India was behind the masterminding of the attack.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal strongly rejected these claims, stating:
*”The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism is.”* He urged Pakistan to reflect inward rather than blaming external forces for its internal challenges and failures.

—

**Conclusion**

The recurrent attacks on the Jaffar Express highlight ongoing tensions and security challenges in Pakistan’s railway corridors, with serious accusations and denials between the two neighboring countries underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-blames-india-over-jaffar-express-attack/story

‘Terrorists targeting Jaffar Express were proxies of India’: Pakistan minister

**‘Terrorists Targeting Jaffar Express Were Proxies of India’: Pakistan Minister**

*By Snehil Singh | Oct 08, 2025, 03:49 PM*

—

**Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi Blames India for Attacks on Jaffar Express**

Pakistan Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has accused India of orchestrating a series of attacks on the Jaffar Express train. The most recent incident occurred on Tuesday when an explosion near Sultan Kot derailed four bogies of the train, injuring seven passengers.

Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed Abro confirmed that the blast took place at 8:15 AM and that all injured individuals were promptly taken to Shikarpur Civil Hospital.

—

**Accusations Against India**

Speaking to *Dawn*, Minister Abbasi stated, “The terrorists targeting Jaffar Express again and again are, in fact, proxies of India that is not ready to digest and bear its defeat it faced during Operation Bunyan Al Marsoos.”

He further added, “These incidents are a cowardly act of India that is still feeling the pain of wounds it received during the May war.”

Despite the attacks, Abbasi assured that the train service would continue as usual. “The train will continue operating as per routine, as we will never be afraid of such attacks,” he asserted.

—

**Baloch Republican Guards Claim Responsibility**

The Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) have claimed responsibility for the latest attack on the Jaffar Express. According to the group, the train was targeted when “the occupying Pakistani Army” personnel were on board, leading to casualties among soldiers.

“The BRG claims responsibility for this attack and declares that such operations will continue until the independence of Balochistan,” the group announced.

—

**Jaffar Express: A Frequent Target for Militants**

The Jaffar Express, which runs between Peshawar and Quetta, has become a frequent target of militant attacks in recent months. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has often been held responsible for these attacks.

Tuesday’s blast marks the seventh attack on the Jaffar Express in 2025. The deadliest incident occurred in March when militants hijacked the train, resulting in the deaths of 21 passengers.

—

**Pakistan Alleges Indian Masterminding; India Denies**

Following the March hijacking, Pakistan alleged that terrorists involved were in contact with handlers in Afghanistan and accused India of masterminding the attack.

However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal vehemently rejected these claims. He stated, “The whole world knows where the epicenter of global terrorism is.” Jaiswal advised Pakistan to focus on addressing its internal issues rather than blaming other countries for its problems and failures.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/pakistan-minister-blames-india-over-jaffar-express-attack/story

Can Syria prevent a new crisis with Kurds from developing? – analysis

**Can Syria Prevent a New Crisis with Kurds from Developing?**

After deadly clashes in Aleppo, Syria’s transitional government reached a ceasefire agreement with Kurdish forces in an effort to stabilize the northern region. This development comes amid rising tensions and recent violent encounters that threatened to escalate into a broader conflict.

A member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard as Syrian Kurds attend a protest in solidarity with people in Sweida on July 17, 2025. The demonstration highlights the ongoing complexities and divisions within Syria, underscoring the urgent need for lasting peace and cooperation between all parties involved.

*Photo credit: REUTERS/Orhan Qereman*

By SETH J. FRANTZMAN
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869778

Kerala Bans All Sresan Pharmaceuticals Medicines From Sale Following Tamil Nadu License Cancellation

Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram): Health Minister Veena George announced that all medicines manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, have been banned from distribution and sale in Kerala. The move follows action taken by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Controller to cancel the company’s manufacturing license. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Drugs Controller has reported that the Respifresh TR syrup (60ml, Batch No. R01GL2523), manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, failed to meet quality standards. In response, the Kerala Drugs Control Department has immediately halted the distribution and sale of this medicine across the state. The syrup was being distributed by five suppliers in Kerala, who have now been instructed to stop its distribution. Strict action will be taken against anyone found selling the drug. The public has been advised not to use this medicine if they have it in possession. The minister clarified that these medicines are not supplied through government hospitals. She also directed that strict action be taken against establishments that provide this medicine to children below 12 years without a prescription from a registered doctor. Earlier Kerala government constituted a committee to submit a report on the management of pediatric cough syrups following the death of at least 14 children after consumption of Coldrif syrup in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Tuesday. Kerala Health Department has also asked the Drugs Controller to issue a notice to pharmacies not to sell pediatric drugs to children without a doctor’s prescription. Veena George said that the State Drugs Controller has imposed a ban on the particular cough syrup, and the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) does not supply the syrup to government hospitals. Kerala Health Minister Veena George’s Statements Speaking to ANI, Veena George said, “It’s unfortunate that 16 children died by consuming this cough syrup Coldrif. The Government of India has issued an advisory on the consumption of cough syrup. In Kerala, the Drugs Controller has issued a notification banning the particular cough syrup Coldrif in all the pharmacies across the state.” “We don’t have this in our essential drugs list. This is not being supplied by the KMSCL, which is our corporation that supplies medicine to government hospitals. But, we are ensuring that the sale is not happening in private hospitals and pharmacies,” the Kerala Minister added. She said that the committee on pediatric cough syrups will submit its report to the Kerala Government. “We have already done this in the case of antibiotics and have strict enforcement in the State. We have established a committee that will submit a report to the government. The committee is particularly focused on the management of pediatric cough, because irrelevant combinations should not be in the syrups. We have decided to issue a guideline regarding the management of pediatric cough, which is very essential,” she said. Furthermore, she alleged that doctors were prescribing cough syrups to children under the age of 2 years, which is not advisable. Veena George said, “We do have a protocol on the consumption of cough syrup. It is not advisable to give cough syrups to children under 2 years old, but this case shows that doctors are prescribing cough syrups to children under 2 years old, which is unscientific and unacceptable. Kerala Health Department has asked the Drugs Controller to issue a notice to pharmacies not to give pediatric drugs to children without a prescription.” (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/kerala-bans-all-sresan-pharmaceuticals-medicines-from-sale-following-tamil-nadu-license-cancellation

Pakistan: At Least 19 TTP Militants, 11 Soldiers Killed Intelligence Based Operation In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

**Peshawar:** At least 19 militants of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group were killed in a clash with the Pakistan military in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district on Wednesday, October 8. The area borders Afghanistan and has been a hotspot for militant activity.

Meanwhile, 11 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives during the intelligence-based operation targeting terrorists belonging to the group known as “Fitna al-Khawarij.” According to a statement released by the military’s media wing, among the deceased soldiers were a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major.

The military statement confirmed that a sanitisation operation is currently underway to eliminate any remaining terrorists in the area. The names of the fallen soldiers have been disclosed as follows: Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif, Major Tayyab Rahat, Naib Subedar Azam Gul, Havildar Adil Hussain, Naik Gul Ameer, Lance Naik Talish Faraz, Lance Naik Sher Khan, Lance Naik Irshad Hussain, Sepoy Tufail, Sepoy Muhammad Zahid, and Sepoy Aqib Ali.

In a related incident on the same day, some reports indicated that 11 Pakistan security personnel were killed in an ambush by the TTP in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district. Reports stated that a convoy of paramilitary soldiers was initially targeted by bombs, followed by a heavy attack when a large number of terrorists opened fire on the convoy.

The TTP, in a statement to Reuters, confirmed that their fighters carried out the attack on the convoy.

In recent years, Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant attacks, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, after the banned TTP called off its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the worst-hit region in the country. According to PTI, citing the latest statistics issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the region accounted for nearly 71 percent (638) of the total violence-linked fatalities and over 67 percent (221) of the incidents of violence in the third quarter of 2025.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/breaking-news-11-pakistan-army-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-by-ttp-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwas-kurram-district

PM Narendra Modi’s Special Message Ahead Of Inaugurating Navi Mumbai Airport & Metro 3 Line; Here’s What He Said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reiterated his government’s focus on improving Mumbai’s infrastructure and enhancing the Ease of Living for its residents. He was preparing to inaugurate two of the city’s most significant projects: Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote, “On the way to Navi Mumbai to take part in the programme marking the inauguration of Phase-1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. With this, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will get its second major international airport, thus boosting commerce and connectivity. The final phase of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 will also be inaugurated. We are committed to enhancing Mumbai’s infrastructure and boosting Ease of Living for the people of this dynamic city.”

Talking about the inauguration of the Mumbai Metro, he added, “Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 is a significant enhancement to Mumbai’s infrastructure! Metro connectivity is essential for a city’s growth. This project will have a positive impact on the lives of the people of Mumbai.”

### Navi Mumbai International Airport: India’s Largest Greenfield Aviation Project

Developed at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, the Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a major milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global aviation hub. Built under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, it is India’s largest Greenfield airport project and the second international airport serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Spread over 1,160 hectares, NMIA has been designed for maximum efficiency, with the capacity to handle 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The airport will feature an Automated People Mover (APM) system connecting all four passenger terminals to facilitate smooth inter-terminal transfers. Additionally, another landside APM will link the city-side facilities.

Environmentally conscious in design, NMIA incorporates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) storage, generates 47 MW of solar power, and operates electric bus services for city-wide connectivity. Furthermore, it will become India’s first airport connected by a Water Taxi service, enhancing accessibility while reducing carbon emissions.

### Metro Line 3: Mumbai’s First Fully Underground Metro

Alongside the airport inauguration, PM Modi will also dedicate Phase 2B of Mumbai Metro Line 3, which stretches from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. Built at an estimated cost of ₹12,200 crore, this phase completes the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, which has been constructed at a total cost exceeding ₹37,270 crore.

This metro line is Mumbai’s first fully underground metro and represents a monumental leap in the city’s urban mobility network. Metro 3 is expected to transform daily commuting by offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient travel between North and South Mumbai.

By connecting major business, residential, and transport hubs, Metro Line 3 promises to ease congestion, reduce pollution, and redefine public transport for millions of Mumbaikars.

*Text: Kamal Mishra*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/pm-narendra-modi-special-message-ahead-of-inaugurating-navi-mumbai-airport-metro-3-line-heres-what-he-said

Bihar Assembly Election 2025: AAP Enters Fray With First List Of 11 Candidates, Sanjay Singh To Lead Campaign

New Delhi: With the release of its initial list of 11 candidates, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has formally entered the Bihar Assembly election contest.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, AAP MP Sanjay Singh stated that he and other senior party leaders will campaign in Bihar. The Bihar Assembly election is expected to be a three-cornered contest among the ruling NDA, the Mahagatbandhan, and Prashant Kishore’s Jan Suraaj.

Jan Suraaj has raised many of the same issues that AAP has been advocating. However, Singh emphasized the difference between promises and delivery. “We have already delivered on the ground, but Prashant Kishore is making promises only. Making promises and actually implementing them on the ground are two very different things,” he said.

Highlighting AAP’s achievements, Singh added, “We have created Mohalla Clinics, revolutionised education, and offered free water and electricity. In Delhi, buses are free for women. Our government in Punjab has restored water flow in previously dry canals, guaranteed 300 units of free electricity, and given jobs to thousands of young people. The true strength of AAP is its ability to meet people’s expectations.”

On the party’s campaign strategy in Bihar, Singh explained, “AAP’s Bihar unit has been preparing for the elections locally. As for the party’s national leadership participation, a full-fledged campaign involving the central leadership will ensue after nominations are finalised.”

Discussing key election issues, he said, “Will caste, religion, and vote-rigging become the main issues in this election, or will the focus shift toward concerns like healthcare, unemployment, and law and order? The people of Bihar will have to make that decision.”

Singh also urged voters to “teach the BJP a lesson,” accusing the party of attempting to delete votes in Bihar. “It is important to remember the assault on a Dalit Chief Justice. Bihar must use their voting rights to respond to such acts,” he added.

The race for one of the most prestigious political battles of the year has officially begun after the Election Commission announced the dates for the Bihar Assembly Elections. The 243 seats will go to the polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting of votes scheduled for November 14.

*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/bihar-assembly-election-2025-aap-enters-fray-with-first-list-of-11-candidates-sanjay-singh-to-lead-campaign

Gold futures rise above $4,000 per ounce for the first time

NEW YORK, United States — Gold futures soared above $4,000 per troy ounce for the first time Tuesday, as many investors sought a safe place to park their money amid the continuing U.S. government shutdown.

The price for New York spot gold had previously closed at $3,960.60 per troy ounce, which serves as the standard benchmark for gold trading.

https://business.inquirer.net/551473/gold-futures-rise-above-4000-per-ounce-for-the-first-time