New Delhi, Jan 20: Nitin Nabin was on Tuesday formally declared as the BJP national president, succeeding J P Nadda and beginning a new chapter for the party as it seeks to tighten its grip on politics in the country.

K Laxman, Returning Officer for BJP organisational polls, declared the results of the organisational elections and handed over the certificate of election to 45-year-old Nabin, the youngest ever to occupy the top party post.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nadda, senior ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, among others, were present at the BJP headquarters to witness the leadership transition.

Nabin became the 12th president of the BJP, which was founded in 1980, the same year he was born.

The low-profile and unassuming Nabin had resigned as the minister for law and justice, urban development and housing in the Bihar government after he was appointed working president of the BJP on December 14.

“This election shows that in the BJP, leadership rises from hard work and dedication, not from dynastic privilege,” Laxman said, announcing the outcome of the elections.

“Today is a very historic occasion, when our young, energetic, and talented Nitin Nabin is taking charge as the National President of the world’s largest political party, the BJP. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on my behalf and on behalf of crores of workers,” Nadda said, addressing the gathering.

Bengaluru, Jan 20: The Karnataka government has placed DGP (Civil Rights Enforcement) K Ramachandra Rao under suspension with immediate effect, citing conduct unbecoming of a government servant and causing embarrassment to the state administration.

News channels beamed video on Monday purportedly showing Rao in compromising position with women.

The video went viral in the social media as well. Rao sought to reject the videos outright terming them “fabricated and false”.

In an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) on Monday, the government said videos and news reports widely circulated on television channels and digital media platforms showed the senior IPS officer acting in an “obscene manner”, prompting the decision to initiate disciplinary action.

“Vide videos and news reports widely broadcast on public news channels and media platforms, it is observed that Dr K Ramachandra Rao has acted in an obscene manner which is unbecoming of a Government Servant and also causing embarrassment to the Government,” the government order said.

The order further said the matter was examined by the state government, which found that the officer’s conduct amounted to violation of Rule-3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

The government said it is prima facie satisfied that “it is necessary to place Rao under suspension with immediate effect, pending inquiry”.

During the suspension period, Rao will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Rule-4 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. The order also places restrictions on his movement, stating that during the period of suspension, the officer should not leave headquarters under any circumstances without the written permission of the State Government.

Rao is the step father of Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya alias Ranya Rao, who is accused of orchestrating the illegal import of gold worth over Rs 12.56 crore from Dubai to India along with two others — businessman Tarun Raju, and jewellery dealer Sahil Jain.

Ranya was apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, 2025 with 14.8 kilograms of gold allegedly smuggled from Dubai.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Ranya had made 45 solo trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025, raising suspicions on her involvement in a broader smuggling network.

Ranya is presently in the judicial custody at the Bengaluru Central Jail.

New Delhi, Jan 20: The Supreme Court has made it clear that an accused whose sentence has been suspended and who has been released on bail cannot be forced to remain personally present before an appellate or revisional court on every date of hearing.

A Bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B. Varale delivered the ruling while hearing a matter arising from a cheque dishonour case under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The petitioner had been convicted by the trial court, but her sentence was suspended during the pendency of the appeal and she was granted bail.

However, the appellate court later cancelled her bail and issued a non-bailable warrant for her absence on certain dates, a move that was challenged before the apex court.

Strongly disapproving the approach of the appellate court, the Supreme Court held that once bail is granted after suspension of sentence, insisting on the accused’s physical presence at every hearing is unnecessary, oppressive and devoid of legal justification, particularly when appeals often remain pending for extended periods.

Describing the cancellation of bail and issuance of non-bailable warrants as “appalling and shocking”, the Bench observed that the appellate court should have explored reasonable alternatives such as appointing an amicus curia or permitting other lawful arrangements instead of resorting to coercive measures.

The apex court restored the petitioner’s bail and directed that it shall continue until the final disposal of the criminal appeal. It further ordered that a copy of the judgment be placed before the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court for circulation among the district judiciary through an appropriate circular.

The Supreme Court also directed the appellate court to decide the pending appeal expeditiously, preferably within a period of three months. (KNC)

New Delhi, Jan 20: Two flights to and from Srinagar airport were cancelled on Tuesday following the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) at Delhi airport in connection with Republic Day preparations, officials said.

The affected flights were cancelled by the respective airlines owing to airspace and operational restrictions imposed at Delhi airport.

Airport authorities said these curbs are part of heightened security and logistical arrangements being put in place ahead of the January 26 celebrations.

In view of the disruption, airport authorities issued a passenger advisory urging travellers to check the latest status of their flights with the concerned airlines before arriving at the airport.

Passengers were also advised to remain in contact with airlines regarding rescheduling options or refund procedures.

“Due to a NOTAM in force at Delhi Airport in view of Republic Day arrangements, two flights to/from Srinagar Airport have been cancelled by the respective airlines today. Passengers are requested to check the latest flight status with their airline before proceeding to the airport. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the advisory said.

Officials indicated that flight operations are expected to return to normal once the Republic Day-related restrictions are lifted and airspace operations resume fully.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, security agencies, along with the Delhi Police, have significantly intensified security measures, placing the national capital under a high-security alert to prevent any potential threat.

As part of the enhanced security arrangements, posters of most-wanted terrorists have been displayed at railway stations, bus terminals and crowded marketplaces across Delhi.

The Delhi Police Special Cell has released a list of fugitives linked to various militant organisations, including Khalistan-linked groups, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and ISIS.

Prominently featured on these posters is Arshdeep Singh, alias Arsh Dala, the Canada-based chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, who intelligence agencies have identified as a key conspirator behind recent targeted killings.

Other names displayed include Ranjeet Singh Neeta of the Khalistan Zindabad Force and Mohammed Abu Sufyan, associated with Al-Qaeda.

Given the heavy daily footfall, security has been stepped up at all major railway stations, including New Delhi, Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar.

Major bus terminals such as ISBT Kashmiri Gate and the Anand Vihar bus stand have also been placed under tight security cover.

Authorities said regular announcements are being made through public address systems at these locations to encourage public vigilance.

To further sensitise citizens, continuous safety messages are being broadcast, while ‘wanted’ posters have been put up in busy marketplaces such as Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Sadar Bazaar and Paharganj, urging people to report any suspicious activity or security breach.

In addition, over 5,800 extra personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces, including the BSF, CRPF and CISF, have been deployed across the capital to strengthen security.

The Kartavya Path area, the main venue for Republic Day celebrations, is under round-the-clock surveillance through an extensive CCTV network integrated with Facial Recognition System technology.

Specialised anti-drone units and sniper teams have also been positioned on high-rise buildings to counter any possible aerial threats, officials said.