Latest news with #Inspector
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Mum of five jailed for biting senior garda's hand at courthouse
Incident took place in foyer after the defendant was asked to leave. Mundrita Muntean, Meadowbank, Athlone pleaded guilty to assaulting Detective Inspector Ray Mulderrig and to using threatening and abusive behaviour on December 13 last year. Sergeant Fergus Flynn led by Mr Leo Mulrooney, BL instructed by State Solicitor Elisa McHugh told the court that in a statement Detective Inspector Mulderrig said he was attending a sentencing hearing for two juveniles at the courthouse on December 13, 2024. During the hearing the defendant was either crying or commenting as the court case proceeded as she sat at the back of the courtroom. Det Inspector Mulderrig asked a garda to ask her to be quiet. She was asked to leave the court room. At 3pm there was a commotion in the foyer of the court and there was a loud noise at the entrance to the court room. The incident took place during a sitting of the Circuit Court at Sligo courthouse. News in 90 Seconds - Aug 8th When the Detective Inspector went out to the foyer, Muntean was talking loudly on her mobile phone. When he asked her to be quiet, she told him to "f**k off'. He produced his identity card and asked her to leave, but she ignored hm and pushed at him. The Detective Inspector put her left hand between her shoulders and she pushed back at him, telling him to 'f**k off' again. He told her she was being arrested for using threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour. The defendant then went limp and fell to the ground. The Detective Inspector pulled her to her feet and moved her to the entrance of the courthouse with one hand grasping her clothing and the other hand on her shoulder. The defendant turned around and bit his finger, breaking the skin and drawing blood, the court heard. Det Inspector brought the defendant to the ground and kept her there until Garda Gillespie arrived and brought her across to the Garda Station. Garda Gillespie witnessed the assault and Garda Fergus O'Brien took pictures of the officer's hand. Detective Inspector Mulderrig attended his GP later and a medical report said his middle finger had been injured and the cut caused three breaks to the skin. The skin was cleaned with sterilised water and antibiotics were prescribed. There was no victim impact statement. The court heard the defendant had 17 previous convictions, including three for obstruction and the remainder for theft and handling stolen property. Read more Mr Colm Smyth, SC with Keith O'Grady BL instructed by Mr Tom MacSharry, Solicitor told the court the charge of assault causing harm had been withdrawn in favour of one of assault. Mr Smyth said become upset during the course of a case being heard before the court and was later talking on the phone. The defendant was a Romanian national and had five children ranging in ages from four to sixteen. One of her children had a serious medical condition and another had ADHD and her youngest child was very dependent on her, the court heard. The defendant was under a lot of stress with her family. She apologised to the Garda and had pleaded guilty to charges of assault and using threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour at the earliest opportunity. Mr Smyth said his client was asking for leniency. Her behaviour was not justified but she was hysterical at the time. Mr Smyth asked the court not to impose an immediate custodial sentence but to leave something hanging over her head. He asked the court to take into account, that her eldest son had medical issues. 'She has seen the error of her ways and will not be in trouble again. Jail would impose great hardship,' he said. Judge Ronan Munro said there was an element of 'I am not going to do what you tell me' about the defendant. When Mr Smyth again asked the court to have something hanging over her head, the judge said she had received suspended sentences before. Mr Smyth said these were many years ago. In sentencing the defendant, Judge Munro said it was a minor assault and the Detective Inspector was not making a big deal about it. But she had assaulted a garda in the course of his duty and above all places, the rule of law should be observed in a courthouse. She had been given plenty of chances by the Garda to move on, the court heard. This was 'not an aberration as it went on for some time and Detective Inspector produced his ID but she told him to 'f**k off'. In mitigation, she made an early plea, she had children with difficulties, there was no major effects on the Detective Inspector and she was emotional at the time. But, given her record, it was clear she thought she could offend the law. The judge said he did not think she would change her ways, and she did not have any respect for the gardai or the courts. He added that he was jailing her as 'an attack on a garda is the same as attacking society'. The judge jailed the defendant for six weeks for the assault charge and took the charge of using threatening, insulting and abusive behaviour into account. The judge said it was a short sentence and would have an effect on her family, but this type of incident must not be tolerated. The defendant started weeping, but the judge said she had no respect for the gardai or the court.
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
President Trump Is Downsizing The Internal Revenue Service
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), part of the Department of the Treasury, is the federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal tax laws. It is currently facing significant challenges due to budget cuts implemented by President Trump. IRS Staffing Cuts Highlighted in Inspector General Report The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) publishes reports that provide insight into the operations of the IRS. On July 18, 2025, TIGTA released report number 2025-IE-R027. The report reveals that the IRS employed 103,000 people at the beginning of 2025. By May, 26,000 of those employees had left or will soon leave, reducing the agency's workforce to 77,000—an attrition that will take place over just seven months (IRS data table). One Big Beautiful Bill Introduces Sweeping Tax Changes Congress passed—and President Trump signed into law—One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), officially titled An Act to Provide for Reconciliation Pursuant to Title II of H. Con. Res. 14 (full bill text). OBBB is a comprehensive tax overhaul passed solely with Republican votes through the Senate reconciliation process. It includes numerous complex tax and non-tax provisions, which will: The Legacy of the Inflation Reduction Act On Aug. 16, 2022, President Biden and Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which increased IRS funding by $80 billion over 10 years. Later acts of Congress reduced this amount to $38 billion. TIGTA tracked the IRS's use of these funds. As of Sept. 30, 2024, the IRS had spent only $9 billion. Of that amount, $2 billion went toward regular annual operating expenses due to shortfalls in its base budget (TIGTA March 2025 report). The intent of this funding was to modernize the IRS and to increase enforcement on higher income taxpayers. Treasury Requests Less IRS Funding in 2026 On May 30, 2025, the Department of the Treasury submitted its budget request for fiscal year 2026, calling for a 20% funding reduction compared to the prior year. Excluding IRA-related funds, the Treasury is requesting $12 billion for 2026, down from $13.2 billion in 2025. Additionally, the department has asked Congress to rescind another $17 billion of the IRA funding, leaving just $21 billion available—more than half of which has already been spent (Treasury FY 2026 budget request). Congress Proposes Even Deeper Cuts House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee have introduced a proposal to cut another $2.8 billion from the IRS budget for 2026—above and beyond the Treasury's request. If enacted, this would reduce the IRS budget to levels not seen since 2002 (Bloomberg report). The tax code the IRS is required to enforce is much larger and more complicated than it was in 2002. Mounting Challenges for the IRS The IRS faces several challenges heading into the next filing season: The new IRS commissioner recently stated that the 2026 tax filing season will likely begin around Feb. 16. This indicates the IRS realizes next filing season will be difficult. What Taxpayers Can Do Now The upcoming tax season will likely be difficult for the IRS, taxpayers, and tax professionals alike. Here are steps individuals and families can take to prepare: Looking Ahead President Trump and he Trump administration are implementing major changes to the IRS. The real impact of these shifts will become clearer in the year to come. Many tax professionals expect the next filing season to be quite challenging.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MPSC recruitment 2025: Notification released for Group B non-gazetted posts at mpsc.gov.in, registration begins on this date
The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has released the official notification for the MPSC Group B Non-Gazetted Services Combined Preliminary Examination 2025. A total of 282 vacancies have been announced across key administrative roles such as State Tax Inspector (STI), Assistant Section Officer (ASO), and Police Sub-Inspector (PSI). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The online application process will begin on August 1, 2025, and continue until August 21, 2025. I nterested and eligible candidates can apply via the official MPSC website, The recruitment drive is a major opportunity for aspirants aiming for prestigious positions in the Maharashtra state services. Here's a detailed look at the key dates, eligibility, vacancies, exam structure, and how to apply. MPSC recruitment 2025 : Total vacancies and posts As per the official notification, MPSC has announced 282 vacancies for the following Group B non-gazetted posts: State Tax Inspector (STI): 114 posts 114 posts Assistant Section Officer (ASO): 74 posts 74 posts Police Sub-Inspector (PSI): 94 posts These positions fall under the Maharashtra Government's General Administration Department, Finance Department, and Home Department respectively. MPSC eligibility criteria Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements: Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree from a recognised university. A bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Age Limit: General category: 18 to 38 years Reserved category: Up to 43 years (age relaxation applicable) For PSI: Minimum 19 years, maximum 31 years Candidates must also have knowledge of the Marathi language. Aspirants can check other details regarding MPSC recruitment from the official notification . MPSC Group B recruitment application process The application window for MPSC group B recruitment exam will commence August 1, 2025 onwards. Here's how candidates will be able to apply: Visit the official MPSC website: Register using a valid email ID and phone number Log in and complete the application form Upload documents and pay the application fee online Submit and save the confirmation page for future reference About MPSC preliminary exam The preliminary examination will feature a single objective-type paper comprising 100 multiple-choice questions. The paper will test candidates on General Awareness, Current Affairs, Logical Reasoning, and Maharashtra-specific knowledge. The exam carries a total of 100 marks and must be completed within 1 hour. Aspirants are advised to start their preparation early, review the syllabus carefully, and track official updates on the MPSC portal. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .
CNA
28-07-2025
- CNA
Team lead of ICA's Visit Pass Unit sought sexual acts from men to help them with applications
SINGAPORE: An Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer who oversaw a team in the agency's Visit Pass Unit, which grants passes to foreigners, obtained sexual favours from six men in exchange for helping them get passes. Kannan Morice Rajagopal Jayaram, 55, pleaded guilty on Monday (Jul 28) to three charges of corruptly obtaining gratification in the form of sexual acts in exchange for helping the bribers with short-term visit pass applications. Another three similar charges involving three other men will be considered in sentencing, which was adjourned to August. Kannan, who has been suspended from duty, was an inspector with ICA at the time of the offences between 2022 and 2023. The court heard that he first joined ICA in 1996 and was promoted in November 2018 to become a team leader of the Visit Pass Unit. He was promoted to the rank of inspector in June 2021. As a team leader in the unit, he was responsible for overseeing a team of 10 to 11 ICA officers, who reported to him. The officers were tasked with processing any applications submitted by foreigners seeking to extend their stays in Singapore, such as applications to extend their short-term visit passes. The unit also handled cases involving overstayers in the country and cases involving the loss of travel documents. There were prevailing guidelines governing short-term visit pass extensions, but Kannan's subordinates had the discretion to grant or reject such extensions if there was enough justification to do so. They would usually consult Kannan, as he was their team leader, whenever they encountered difficulties with such extension applications. Kannan had the discretion to approve any short-term visit pass extension applications that were handled by his team. Occasionally, Kannan would man the walk-in counter at ICA's headquarters and personally attend to any such applicants wanting to renew their short-term visit passes. Kannan knew that it was not right for him to contact foreign short-term visit pass applicants and initiate sexual meet-ups with them, but he did so anyway. Court documents described how he had such encounters with three men. One of them, an Indian national then aged 26, was in Singapore to study hospitality management. He had received only in-principle approval for his student pass application at the point of entry into Singapore in March 2022, so he was given a short-term visit pass so he could continue to stay legally in Singapore while he waited to get his student pass. He had to repeatedly apply for extensions of his short-term visit pass at ICA's headquarters. He first got to know Kannan in October 2022 when he went to the headquarters for such an application. When he went back again in November 2022, Kannan attended to him personally, and they exchanged contact details. After the foreigner completed his application, Kannan contacted him on WhatsApp, asking to meet up. The foreigner initially declined as he was in school, but later called Kannan for help when his application was rejected. Kannan instructed the foreigner to bring his immigration documents and meet him at the void deck of a block of housing flats near Kallang MRT station on Dec 24, 2022. They went to a nearby supermarket where Kannan bought beer and took the foreigner back to his home, where they drank it. At Kannan's home, he instructed the foreigner to submit a short-term visit pass extension application on the ICA website. Kannah then called his subordinate who was at ICA's headquarters and instructed her to approve the application, granting a short-term visit pass for two weeks. He said he had granted the foreigner the "wrong number of days" for an earlier extension application. The officer followed Kannan's instructions, even though the foreigner's previous application had already been rejected. When the foreigner realised his application had been approved, he thanked Kannan and continued drinking beer with him. After this, Kannan asked for a kiss. The foreigner declined as he was not sexually attracted to Kannan. Kannan persisted, and the foreigner eventually acceded as he was "grateful to the accused for his help in granting" the application, said Deputy Public Prosecutors Bryan Wong and Benjamin Low. He was also afraid that Kannan would cancel the pass if he was rejected. They went to Kannan's bedroom, where Kannan performed sex acts on the foreigner. The foreigner later admitted that he would not have allowed Kannan to carry out those acts if he had not been an ICA officer with the capability to extend the pass. Kannan admitted that he knew the foreigner was not likely to reject his advances due to his status as an ICA officer. ICA previously said in a statement that it had received information on Kannan's acts and immediately reported him to the relevant authorities for further investigation. Kannan's case was adjourned to August for mitigation and sentencing.
ABC News
27-07-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Dire conditions in WA prisons will have consequences for everyone
Most Western Australians are within driving distance of human rights abuses. That's the confronting reality brought into sharp focus by the prison watchdog this week. Few would expect prisoners to get an easy ride, but what is going on behind taxpayer-funded barbed wire fences at Hakea Prison is much worse — both for those inside, and the rest of us outside. Days without fresh air, sleeping on the floor next to a toilet, having to block your ears so cockroaches don't crawl in, extremely limited access to phone calls and almost non-existent education and support programs. "The conditions are still in breach of international human rights," Inspector of Custodial Services Eamon Ryan said on Tuesday, noting he'd raised similar concerns more than a year ago. Those concerns were especially significant, he said, because almost everyone who goes into prison will one day come out. How they are treated while locked up, he said, is what decides who you might be standing next to in the shopping centre or driving alongside one day. "And right now, the conditions in Hakea just simply don't provide any sort of rehabilitation, any sort of possibility for men to improve themselves so they don't return to a life of offending when they're released," he said. That's not good news for anyone, especially because the rest of the prison system is also in a pretty poor state. These issues are almost certainly not intentional. But they are an entirely predictable outcome of two key choices made by successive governments of both stripes. The first part of the problem is that WA's imprisonment rate has been increasing recently from an already high base. It rose 16 per cent between 2022 and 2024, mainly due to the rate of prisoners on remand exploding by 41 per cent. The Justice Department has said those increases can at least be partially attributed to a rise in family and domestic violence offences. Few would argue against those laws — but prison pressures would indicate they were introduced either without understanding the impact they would have on prison populations, or without regard for that impact. The same can be said of other laws which have been introduced over recent years to make it harder for some people to get bail, or to increase the length of their sentence. Hakea is particularly vulnerable to increasing remand rates because it mostly houses prisoners who are yet to be sentenced. Looking across the state though, all but two prisons are either over capacity or above 95 per cent. "The prison system is full and there is no spare capacity for more prisoners," Inspector Ryan wrote. "Likewise, there is no infrastructure capacity available should the need arise in response to a major incident." That squeeze is also raising the risk of a major incident — as shown by a riot at West Kimberley Regional Prison at the weekend. An increasing population isn't a problem in and of itself though. The problem is that sufficient capacity hasn't been built to avoid the situation where three or four prisoners are being crammed into cells designed for one or two people. And this isn't new, with Inspector Ryan's predecessor Neil Morgan calling for urgent funding for new prisons in 2016. No new prison has since been built, just additions to existing facilities. The government has begun work to turn things around at Hakea and more broadly. A state-wide infrastructure plan has been prepared by the department and is currently sitting with government. Corrective Services Minister Paul Papalia told Parliament earlier this month it "seeks to address the challenge of more prisons". Then staff will need to be found and trained to run that prison — a challenge when the WA Prison Officers Union estimates the state is about 1,200 officers short already. And Papalia has said the Corrective Services Academy is running at capacity. "We need to be encouraging people to come into the job," secretary Andy Smith told ABC Radio Perth this week. "People don't go through high school thinking 'I'd love to be a prison officer' [like] they do for police, ambos, teachers, nurses, doctors. "But we've got to do something to get people into this job." Similar resourcing issues plague emergency services, education and health. All are just as important to a well-functioning society. The difference is how they affect a government's chances at the ballot box. As the family member of one recent Hakea inmate said this week, he couldn't have cared less about conditions behind bars until he personally knew the person experiencing them. Regardless of how prisons impact politicians' fortunes though, there's no excuse for a system which breaches human rights. Western Australia does not have poor finances to blame. Instead, the reported human rights abuses — which will only result in angry prisoners more likely to reoffend — are the result of choices by those in power.
