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Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Indian Express
Jharkhand rape accused's ‘mysterious' death sparks custodial death allegations
A man arrested for sexual assault was found dead under mysterious circumstances in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district last week, with his family now alleging he was killed in custody and demanding a 'thorough' probe. The body of 30-year-old Aftab Ansari was found near the bank of Damodar river on July 26 — three days after he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a tribal woman. According to the police, a right-wing outfit had 'handed over' the suspect to them on July 23 and that he had broken out of jail three days later. The police eventually found him on the riverbank about 20 km from the district headquarters, Ramgarh SP Ajay Kumar said. 'On July 23, we arrested Aftab and took him to the hospital. On July 24, around 12:15 PM, he escaped from the police station. CCTV footage shows him fleeing, but no immediate search was carried out by the officers,' the officer said, adding that five people – two policemen and two home guards among them – had been suspended. But the family, however, claims that outfit had assaulted Aftab at the garment shop he worked in on July 23 before handing him to the police. They have also alleged that the outfit was connected to his death. Based on their complaint, the police have named 12 people from the outfit in the FIR filed on July 26. Of these, one person has been arrested. 'He was in custody, and later a video surfaced showing him 'escaping' the police station. But no one escapes a police station like that. We believe he was forced to flee as part of a cover-up,' his brother Altaf alleged. Meanwhile, Aftab's wife Saleha alleges a 'conspiracy between police and the outfit'. But the police deny the allegations, admitting only to 'negligence'. 'We should have secured him properly in the lock-up. But he was seen walking out in a healthy condition. He fled from custody, and later died. That doesn't qualify as custodial death,' the SP said, adding that the post-mortem showed no injury marks. The issue took a political turn after a tweet by BJP leader Babulal Marandi on July 24 alleging 'religious conversion' in the case. 'A man named Aftab Ansari raped her and also forced her to convert to Islam by making a video… This is a blot on the law-and-order situation under the Hemant government. @HemantSorenJMM Sir, why are criminals so emboldened during your rule?' he tweeted. After the body was found, Health Minister Irfan Ansari alleged that the BJP leader's 'provocative tweets and statements created pressure on the police, poisoned the atmosphere, and ultimately led to Aftab's death'. 'This killing did not happen in police custody, it happened under the shadow of the BJP's ideology,' he said. The minister added that he had informed the chief minister and had ordered the DGP to conduct a 'high-level investigation'. He said: 'Whoever is responsible for Aftab's death, whether wearing a uniform or saffron clothes, must face punishment. This fight is no longer just for justice; it is to protect humanity'. In response to the minister's allegation, Marandi told The Indian Express that he had tweeted 'after receiving a complaint from the girl's family' and that tweet was to 'ensure action against the accused'. He also claimed that if the administration had acted earlier, 'there would be no need for me to highlight such things publicly'. 'Posting on X is a way to bring attention. Everyone sees it, including the authorities. I didn't do this out of ideology, I did it because the state and administration were silent,' he said. Shubham Tigga hails from Chhattisgarh and studied journalism at the Asian College of Journalism. He previously reported in Chhattisgarh on Indigenous issues and is deeply interested in covering socio-political, human rights, and environmental issues in mainland and NE India. Presently based in Pune, he reports on civil aviation, other transport sectors, urban mobility, the gig economy, commercial matters, and workers' unions. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aftab Shivdasani once revealed he faced casting couch during early days in his career: 'He used to call me late at night...'
Aftab Shivdasani shared his casting couch experience on 'Yaaron Ki Baraat'. He received inappropriate late-night calls from an industry figure. Aftab distanced himself from the situation. Ram Gopal Varma launched him in 'Mast' after spotting him in a commercial. He has films like 'Welcome To The Jungle' and 'Kasoor 2' lined up. 'Masti 4' is also in the pipeline. Aftab Shivdasani has always maintained a grounded presence in the industry. But behind the glitz and glamour of his career lies a chapter many don't talk about openly. The actor once recalled facing the casting couch during his early days in the industry. Revealing the Unspoken on National Television Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek Oberoi appeared as guests on Yaaron Ki Baraat, hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Sajid Khan. During a candid segment, Aftab opened up about facing the casting couch early in his career. He revealed that a well-known figure from the industry would repeatedly call him late at night, asking him to come to a hotel. Sensing the inappropriate intent behind the calls, Aftab chose to distance himself and stopped responding. The Kasoor actor's revelation shed light on the uncomfortable realities many newcomers face in the industry. When Red Flags Became Clear He further recalled facing the casting couch early in his career, during his transition from modelling and music videos to acting. He shared that a well-known industry figure had promised him a film but would repeatedly call him late at night, making him uncomfortable. Sensing the inappropriate intent behind the interactions, Aftab chose to distance himself and stopped responding. Though he did not name the individual, he acknowledged that the experience was unsettling and a harsh reminder of the hidden challenges many newcomers face in the entertainment world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally Undo A Breakthrough with Ram Gopal Varma Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma launched Aftab as a lead actor in the 1999 film Mast, opposite Urmila Matondkar . However, Aftab revealed in a chat with ETimes that his casting had nothing to do with his background as a child actor. While still in school, he frequently auditioned for commercials just for the love of being on camera. It was during one of those ad shoots—a cola commercial—that he caught RGV's eye, eventually leading to his big Bollywood debut. On the work front, the actor has featured in several hit films over the years, including Kasoor, Awara Paagal Deewana, Hungama, Footpath, 1920: The Evil Returns, and Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3. Up next, he's gearing up for a packed slate with exciting projects like Welcome To The Jungle—Akshay Kumar's multi-starrer comedy, Masti 4 alongside Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi, and Kasoor 2, where he's paired opposite Urvashi Rautela .
News18
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Aftab Shivdasani Once Spoke About Facing Casting Couch: 'He Used To Call Me Late At Night…'
Aftab Shivdasani once revealed that he faced casting couch during early days in his career. Ram Gopal Varma gave him his big break in Mast with Urmila Matondkar. Actor Aftab Shivdasani started his acting career as a child artist, having starred in films such as Mr India, Shahenshah, and ChaalBaaz. He then took a break and returned to the film industry, only to restart his career with modelling and ad gigs. It was during that phase in life when the actor admitted to facing the casting couch. Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek Oberoi, together, appeared as guests on Riteish Deshmukh and Sajid Khan's game show, Yaaron Ki Baraat. During a segment on the show, Aftab shared his ordeal when a renowned personality from the entertainment industry would call him late at nights and ask him to visit him at a hotel. Upon realising the intent, the Kasoor actor stopped entertaining him. Aftab said on the show, 'When I was not an actor and was doing music videos and modelling assignments, I visited a person who promised me a film. He used to call me late night, kept me hanging. Later on, I realised that it's a hoax and stopped picking his calls. And the guy was a very well known personality and I can't name him here. I did meet him once or twice but later I stopped when his intentions became clear." For the unversed, casting couch refers to the exploitative practice where people in positions of power in the entertainment industry demand sexual favours from aspiring actors in exchange for roles or career opportunities. It's widely condemned as unethical and abusive. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma gave Aftab Shivdasani his first big break in Mast, co-starring Urmila Matondkar in 1999. In a conversation with ETimes, Aftab clarified that his background as a child actor had no connection to him landing the lead role in Mast. While still in school, he often auditioned for commercials simply because he enjoyed being in front of the camera. It was during one such stint, a cola advertisement, that he caught the attention of RGV, who later cast him in Mast. Meanwhile, on the work front, Aftab Shivdasani has been a part of superhit films such as Kasoor, Awara Paagal Deewana, Hungama, Footpath, 1920: The Evil Returns, Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, and several others. Next, he has an array of films in the pipeline. He is a part of Welcome To The Jungle in Akshay Kumar's multi-starrer, Masti 4 with Riteish Deshmukh and Vivek Oberoi and Kasoor 2 with Urvashi Rautela. First Published: July 18, 2025, 19:56 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Khanapara & Basistha to Dharapur bus routes to go green from Jan 1
1 2 Guwahati: Streets of Guwahati are seeing more green electric buses operated by the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), as privately owned diesel buses gradually disappear. In a recent move, the transport department resolved to convert two city routes into dedicated "green corridors" — a shift that has triggered widespread concern among diesel bus operators who fear it would severely impact their livelihoods. Effective from Jan 1, 2026, these new green corridors will only allow electric or CNG buses. Diesel buses will be allowed on these two routes only till Dec 31 this year. The two major city bus paths — route no.-23 which goes from Khanapara to Dharapur via Ganeshguri, and route no.-36 which goes from Basistha Mandir to Dharapur via Paltan Bazar — covers key localities of the city. The city currently has around 352 privately owned diesel buses, alongside 256 electric and 100 CNG buses under ASTC. However, not all operate simultaneously. Data from the Kamrup (Metro) district transport office shows that 113 private city bus permits have been cancelled since Jan last year till now. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo DTO-cum-RTA Kamrup (Metro) secretary Tamsir Aftab said the decision was taken during a regional transport board meeting. Operators have been asked to either shift routes or convert their buses to CNG or electric vehicles. "This transition is being carried out in a phased manner, and it will reduce pollution, ease traffic, and streamline green bus operations. ASTC's enforcement wing will be responsible for scheduling and accountability on these corridors," Aftab said. Meanwhile, Devraj Das, secretary of the Metropolitan Transport Association Guwahati, said, "It is not possible for us to comply with that decision due to the present financial condition of the owner members. We started doing this business as a source of livelihood to our families, besides each city bus owners also contributes to the employment and livelihood of other two families which includes the drivers and conductors. Amid rising living costs and high unemployment, this decision feels arbitrary and unconstitutional."
India Gazette
13-07-2025
- India Gazette
Delhi Police cracks down on notorious day burglar gang, recovers 53 stolen phone
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has achieved a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat crime in the city. A dangerous day burglar gang has been smashed, and two individuals, including a major burglar, have been apprehended. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police apprehended two accused, including a Child in Conflict with Law (CCL) and a 22-year-old identified as Aftab alias Sukha, from the Sector 10/11 area near Japanese Park in Rohini. 53 high-end phones were recovered from the possession of the accused, along with house-breaking tools were seized from the accused, indicating their involvement in various crimes. According to a Delhi Police, both apprehended were found to be involved in several cases of burglary, phone theft & other similar offences. The arrests were made by a team from Northern Range-I of the Crime Branch under Sections 35(1)(c) and 106 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). During interrogation, the duo confessed to carrying out several thefts and break-ins in areas including Chirag Delhi, Saket, Mehrauli, and Dwarka. Acting on their disclosures, police recovered 53 high-end mobile phones from their possession. So far, 30 of these devices have been linked to First Information Reports (FIRs), eFIRs, and lost phone reports registered across Delhi NCR. The Crime Branch has successfully busted six cases of day burglary and phone theft, bringing relief to the gang would target unsuspecting victims, snatching their phones and other valuables during the day. The Crime Branch is conducting further investigation to identify other members of the gang and uncover their involvement in other crimes. Meanwhile, two minors were apprehended in connection with a firing incident in Delhi's Mukundpur area on Thursday, after they allegedly demanded extortion money from a local woman and opened fire when she refused to pay, an official said on Friday. According to Delhi Police, a PCR call was received at Bhalswa Dairy police station around 10:40 PM on July 10 regarding gunshots fired in the Mukundpur locality. 'On 10 July at around 10:40 PM, a PCR call was received at PS Bhalswa Dairy about reporting a firing incident in the Mukundpur area, on the statement of Heera Devi (45) resident of Mukundpur in which complainant alleged that two minors came to her house and demanded extortion money of Rs 30,000/- per month and when she refused to pay the extortion one of them fired two round towards her house and one of the bullet hit her daughter Nisha (18) on her upper left arm,' Police said in a statement. A search operation was launched, and both assailants, aged 17 and 15, were traced to DDA Flats, JJ Colony, Bhalswa Dairy with the help of secret information, local intelligence, and technical surveillance. A country-made pistol and one live 7.65 mm cartridge were recovered at the instance of one of the minors, the official said. Preliminary investigations revealed that the 17-year-old accused was previously involved in murder and robbery cases. During interrogation, he confessed that he, along with two others, Vivek alias Tilla and Shivchandan alias Pandit, had committed the murder of Amit alias Langda in September 2024. All three were arrested in connection with that case. The accused further disclosed that Vivek alias Tilla had received a phone call from Shivchandan alias Pandit, who is currently lodged in jail. Pandit allegedly instructed Tilla to collect a monthly extortion of Rs 30,000 from Heera Devi and to open fire if she refused. Tilla then directed the 17-year-old to execute the plan, identifying him as a CCL (Child in Conflict with Law). The weapon of offence, a country-made pistol, along with one live 7.65 mm cartridge, was recovered at the instance of the Child in Conflict with Law (CCL). Both the CCLs have been apprehended as per law, and Sections 308(4) & 61(2) BNS have also been added to the case. Further investigation is going on. (ANI)
