Latest news with #Kamini
New Indian Express
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
The Constant Gardener
Choudhury is no stranger to artistic experiments, having embraced a diversity of materials and media through the decades, including acrylic, enamel, ceramics, embroidery, textile art and vegetable dyes on handmade paper. She was first introduced to natural dyes and eco-printing around 2006 at Patha Bhavan in Kolkata, where she once served as an art and craft teacher. During the pandemic, she found herself rediscovering this organic technique and the creative results of these experiments form the cornerstone of Aranyaka. 'I transfer the shapes and impressions of leaves directly onto the paper or cloth,' Choudhury explains. Born in Siliguri in 1950, the artist inherited a love for horticulture from her late mother. 'My mother had planted a sapling of Kamini flowers in our garden. It has become a big plant now with dark green leaves and cuticles. During the monsoon, it blossoms with white flowers. I feel it is my mother's blessing,' muses Choudhury.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Haryana's war on drugs: Over 3k held, 1,858 FIRs filed in 6 months
Haryana appears to be intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking, with the state reporting significant gains in the first half of 2025 through more arrests of peddlers and larger drug seizures compared to the corresponding period last year. Heroin seizures have seen a sharp increase, with 31 kg confiscated so far this year, a 62% jump over last year's figure.(Representational Image) Official data reveals a 29% rise in serious drug-related cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between January and June this year. Police registered 1,858 first information reports (FIRs), up from 1,657 during the same period in 2024. Heroin seizures have seen a sharp increase, with 31 kg confiscated so far this year, a 62% jump over last year's figure. In the last six calendar years, Haryana recorded the seizure of 205 kg of heroin with the highest 40.55 kg seized from Sirsa district in six years followed by 22 kg in Fatehabad district. Also Read | Drug cartel spanning 10 nations busted by NCB after Mandi House arrest Police officials say there is a growing presence of synthetic and party drugs like MDMA that points to a disturbing trend. For instance, the first six months of 2024 have already seen a dramatic rise in MDMA seizures with 288 grams recovered, a staggering 86% increase over the previous year. This nearly equals the cumulative total of 392 grams seized over the six-year span from January 2019 to December 2024. As per the data, in the last six months, police registered 16 FIRs and arrested 22 individuals in MDMA seizure cases. Notably, 15 of these cases emerged from Gurugram district and the arrested accused comprise both foreign national and residents of Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Also Read | Punjab: Govt to target bail bond brokers in crackdown on drug offenders Data shows that cocaine seizures saw many fold rise as police seized 179 grams of cocaine in the last six months. The traditional drugs like ganja and opium mixtures saw a drop and small quantity cases also declined by 57%. Dismantling smuggling networks As per official data, in 2025 so far, Haryana registered 233 commercial quantity cases against 166 last year, showing a nearly 29% jump. Also what stands out this year is the state's focus on large-scale cases involving larger amounts of drugs, often linked to organised networks. 'Our focus has been on dismantling entire smuggling networks instead of just catching small-time peddlers,' said OP Singh, director general of police (DGP) and chief of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB). Also Read | Indian grocery store owner arrested for selling 'Kamini' opium in Australia Another highlight of police action against drugs is the arrests of suspects from outside the state which rose by 34.5%. As many as 246 inter-state accused involved in drug trafficking were arrested in the past six months in comparison to 161 during this period last year. In an indication that police are not just going after individuals, there were 850 cases in six months involving two or more arrests in a single case— up from 471 in 2024. As many as 3,051 people were arrested in the first half of this year which is 28% more than last year. Police sources say the strategy now is to track both the street-level suppliers and the big players behind the scenes, including financiers by using tougher legal tools to clamp down on repeat offenders. This year, 39 people were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act — up from just 8 last year – that allows preventive detention of up to one year without trial. Police sources say that they have also started going after the assets linked to drug trade profits. So far, property worth ₹87 lakh have been seized, compared to ₹23.40 lakh in 2024. 'The first half of 2025 signals a shift in Haryana's overall strategy. The focus now is on prevention and disruption, not just reaction,' says OP Singh, HSNCB chief. 'The state is moving towards a long-term plan to break the supply chains, seize the money, and go after the big players. It is a tougher road, but Haryana seems ready as war on drugs is escalating and entering a new phase.'
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Indian grocery store owner arrested for selling ‘Kamini' opium in Australia
The owner of an Indian grocery store and his son have been sentenced for their roles in a drug and illicit tobacco operation uncovered by Australian authorities earlier this year. The South Australian pair was found to be importing and distributing opium – disguised in part as the controversial 'Ayurvedic' preparation Kamini Vidrawan Ras – alongside large quantities of illegal tobacco. The owner of an Indian grocery store was arrested for selling opium and illegal tobacco in Australia(Australian Border Force) On June 26, they were sentenced to prison and received additional fines, according to a press release by the Australian Border Force (ABF). The investigation began in January 2024, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers executed a search warrant at the family's Indian grocery and takeaway shop in Plympton, Adelaide. Inside, they discovered 2.2kg of opium in paste and pellet form, 29kg of illicit tobacco, and 2,080 illegal cigarettes. CCTV footage from the premises showed the son selling the products to customers. Subsequent raids at the family's Trott Park residence uncovered another 432g of opium, while a storage locker in Reynella, rented by the father, contained an additional 3.5kg of opium and 20kg of tobacco. Photos shared by ABF show rows of the 'Kamini' opium packets that were recovered from the father-son duo. What is Kamini and why is it dangerous? A key product seized in the raids was Kamini Vidrawan Ras, an opium-based preparation. According to a 2023 article published in the Medical Journal of Australia, it has been banned by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) since 2016. Kamini tablets contain variable doses of opium – between 2mg and 20mg – and often include toxic heavy metals like mercury, lead, and arsenic. The article noted that Kamini poses serious health risks, including addiction, overdose, and heavy metal poisoning. The report also noted a rising trend of opioid use disorder linked to Kamini among patients of Indian background, particularly those of Punjabi origin. Sentencing and penalties The son was sentenced on 26 June 2025 to six months in prison but was released immediately on a Commonwealth Recognisance Release Order (RRO), with a $500 bond and a one-year good behaviour condition. He was also fined $6,000 and ordered to forfeit $23,450 under proceeds of crime legislation. The father received a three-month sentence, also served on immediate release under an RRO. He was fined $3,000. What ABF said on the sentencing ABF Acting Superintendent Steve Garden described the operation as an example of 'intelligence-led policing' that traced the illegal supply chain from importation to street-level sales. 'As Australia's border security agency, we use all available intelligence to end the impact of border crimes in our community, no matter the amount of illicit goods or complexity of the criminal activity," Acting Superintendent Garden said. 'Today's outcome is the result of a sustained, intelligence-led investigation that followed the illicit supply chain from importation to street-level distribution. Every seizure is a step towards safer streets and stronger communities."
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rishton Se Bandhi Gauri: Shivani Gosain talks about her double role, says 'From Kamini to Mandakini, my journey has been full of surprises'
Shivani Gosain, known for her impactful performances on television, is currently making waves with her double role in the new show Rishton Se Bandi Gauri. Reflecting on her career and this unexpected turn in her latest project, she says, 'From Kamini to Mandakini , my journey has been full of surprises.' Having been part of notable shows like Kasautii Zindagii Kay (as Varsha Bhabhi), Rang Badalti Odhani, Love You Zindagi, Saraswatichandra, Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki, Naagin 5, Pratigya 2, and cameos in Anupamaa and Kahaan Hum Kahaan Tum, Shivani has carved out a space for herself as a reliable, versatile actor. In Rishton Se Bandi Gauri, Shivani plays Kamini — a negative, selfish widow, and the eldest daughter of the Bundela family. 'She's manipulative and only wants wealth and power for herself and her son. She even goes as far as planning her nephew's murder for property,' she shares. But the real twist comes when the show takes a supernatural turn. 'Mandakini was once the bahu of the same family, who was burnt alive for not bearing a son. Kamini pretends to be her to scare her mother and gain control, but the actual spirit of Mandakini ends up possessing Kamini's body. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pamätná bankovka 500 Kčs Národná Pokladnica Nakupovať teraz Undo Kamini's soul gets trapped in a photo frame — and that's when I began playing both roles.' The double role has been well-received. 'The feedback has been amazing. People didn't expect the twist, and they're loving Mandakini's track in particular.' Her look as Mandakini is striking. 'I wear a red saree with full jewelry and a long plait — the chudail ki choti. Mandakini is extremely possessive about her choti because it holds her power and identity. It's almost like its own character.' As for the production experience, Shivani is all praise. 'The production house is professional, respectful, and very actor-friendly. The entire team — producer, director, creatives — is supportive. It's a blessing to be working with them.' From sharp-tongued Kamini to the vengeful spirit of Mandakini, Shivani's latest roles showcase the range and unpredictability that have defined her television journey.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Tears, Photos, DNA Samples: Grieving Families Wait In Despair At BJ Medical College
The BJ Medical College, Ahmedabad, usually open for all throughout the year, has been a site of grief chaos since yesterday, when London-bound Air India plane AI-171 crashed over its hostel premises at around 1.30 pm, minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. The crash killed all but one of the 242 passengers on board, as well as 10 students of the BJ Medical College. Since the incident, the insitute has been swarmed by relatives and friends of the victims, waiting to identify or collect their bodies. In the adjacent building, Kasturi Bhavan, DNA samples are being collected from the distraught relatives of unidentified victims. Unable to hold back their tears, they've been waiting in corridors for news on their loved ones. It takes 72 hours for a sample to be identified. Sonal Joshi, a local from Ahmedabad, is here with her brother, whose wife Kamini was killed in the crash. In the DNA collection room, as her brother broke down, Sonal was trying desperately to provide some identification details to the medical staff. Holding up a photograph of a radiant Kamini in a green silk sari, she points to her sister-in-law's rudraksh locket, hoping it could help the medical staff identify her body. Sonal Joshi The family of sisters Heer and Dheer Bakshi, both in their twenties, is equally inconsolable. Their maternal uncle, Kartik Oza, speaking fondly of his nieces, tells this journalist that one was a fashion designer and the other a techie. Their mother, who is also a British citizen, now regrets postponing her travel. The family had come to Ahmedabad to celebrate the birthday of the victims' maternal grandmother. The family of Heer And Dheer Bakshi While Pawan Kumar has come from Delhi to support his friend Yogesh, who lost a relative in the crash, Rizwan has lost three family members: his brother Pervez, sister-in-law Zubeira, and niece Yasmin Vohra. Rizwan is still waiting for DNA identification. There were also 53 British citizens on the ill-fated flight; relatives of many of them are yet to reach the place. Several housekeeping and cleaning staff of the medical college, who had been serving food to the students at the time of the crash, are also reported to have died, though official confirmation is awaited. One such staffer, who had stepped out to buy beedi, was killed, while his wife sustained 50% burns. Jyotsnaben from Meghani Nagar also waited outside the postmortem building to collect the body of her nephew, who used to sell tea with his mother near the college hostel building. The mother has sustained serious burns. Doctors told this journalist that some of the bodies have been charred so badly that it is difficult to identify anything. The ill-fated plane crashed over the Atulyam hostel block, where 80 medical undergraduate as well as superspecialty students were staying. The fatalities are expected to go up as there are many yet to be located. Volunteers at the BJ Medical College The local administration has made arrangements for food and accommodation for the grieving relatives. Volunteers at the site have also been handing out food and water bottles.
