Latest news with #President'sMedalforGallantry
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Karminagar celebrates I-Day with sign language
Hyderabad: At the 79th Independence Day celebrations in Karimnagar on Friday, collector Pamela Satpathy and other officials expressed their patriotism in a unique way by rendering the national anthem in the Indian sign language. The collector and officials spent the past two months learning the sign language through formal classes organised at the collectorate. The initiative aimed to help officials better understand and communicate with people who are hearing and speech impaired. Across the state, Independence Day celebrations were marked by cultural programmes, with students displaying vibrant performances. In Nalgonda, families of freedom fighters were felicitated. Meanwhile, in Rajanna Sircilla district, officials issued a statement cautioning against rumours circulating on social media that Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha violated the flag code by wearing shoes while hoisting the tricolour. They clarified that this act did not breach any flag code provisions and warned of strict action against those spreading misinformation. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad In Hyderabad, the ceremonial parade at Golconda Fort was led by Asifabadassistant superintendent of police, S Chittaranjan. Greyhounds Constable Vishnu, posted at the Armed Reserve quarters in Medak and a recipient of the President's Medal for Gallantry, was presented the award by chief minister A Revanth Reddy. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
IPS officer Ajay Sahni to get his third President's Medal
Lucknow: Senior IPS officer Ajay Kumar Sahni, who led 52 encounters, was on Wednesday named for the President's Medal for Gallantry this year. This is the third President's Medal of his career. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now A 2009-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre officer, Sahni is known as an 'encounter specialist' in the police force. He was picked for the award for showing 'exceptional courage' during a high-risk armed operation in Meerut on Republic Day (Jan 26, 2020). The President's Medal citation describes the 2020 Meerut operation as "a do-or-die situation in open combat." It praises Sahni's "rarest among rare" gallantry, leadership, and dedication under direct threat to life. In 2020, Sahni, as SSP Meerut, received information about two armed robbers on a motorcycle committing multiple robberies in Transport Nagar police station limits. When intercepted, the criminals opened fire at police and sped towards the Meerut–Delhi Bypass (NH-58).Sahni, along with the Crime Branch's surveillance team, moved to cut off their escape. The suspects, when cornered, opened fire, injuring station officer Dinesh Kumar and head constable Manoj Kumar. While a bullet nearly struck his chest, Sahni led the counterattack. In the ensuing gunfight, Chand alias Kale, a notorious gangster with a Rs 1 lakh bounty and over 40 cases, was killed. The two cops who were injured were also awarded gallantry medals. In Feb 2020, he led the encounter in Meerut in which Shiv Shakti Naidu — the kingpin of Delhi's notorious Naidu gang, involved in an Rs 8 crore heist and carrying a Rs 1 lakh reward — was fatally wounded. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Naidu was wanted in over a dozen cases in Delhi alone and faced multiple cases across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. In 2021, he was awarded a gallantry medal for this encounter. In 2020, Sahni was awarded for eliminating Sujit Singh alias Budhwa, leader of the D-9 gang and a Rs 50,000 bounty criminal who escaped from Rampur Jail and was hiding in Azamgarh. Sahni is credited with dismantling the entire D-9 gang, one of eastern Uttar Pradesh's most feared criminal syndicates. During his 2016 posting in Siddharthnagar, police, under his leadership, apprehended several members of the infamous Bawaria gang after a fierce gunfight in which a bullet struck his jacket.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Time of India
API Ashwini Bidre-Gore murder case: Main accused Abhay Kurundkar gets life term
Accused Abhay Kurundkar NEW DELHI: The Panvel session court on Monday has pronounced the final verdict in the murder case of assistant police inspector (API) Ashwini Bidre-Gore. The main accused suspended police inspector Abhay Kurundkar was sentenced to life imprisonment. Two others, Kundan Bhandari and Mahesh Phalnikar, were given seven years each in prison. The verdict brings closure to the case that has been ongoing for nine years. Background of the case: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Ashwini Bidre-Gore, a police officer from Maharashtra, went missing in April 2016. She had been in a relationship with her colleague, Inspector Abhay Kurundkar, and the case began when she was last seen with him. After a dispute between the two, Kurundkar allegedly murdered Bidre, dismembered her body, and disposed of the remains in a creek in Vasai. Despite extensive searches, the police were unable to recover her body. Details of the crime: Kurundkar was found to have killed Bidre following a personal dispute. After the murder, he cut her body into pieces and placed the remains in a trunk and sack. He, along with the help of his accomplices Bhandari and Phalnikar, then dumped the body parts in the Vasai creek. The remains were never recovered, and her family lived in uncertainty for years, not knowing the fate of their loved one. The court's verdict: After a prolonged investigation, which took nine years, the Panvel sessions court delivered its final judgment. The court convicted Inspector Abhay Kurundkar of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for killing his colleague. Kundan Bhandari and Mahesh Phalnikar were convicted under Section 201 of the IPC for helping to dispose of the body and tampering with evidence. Unexpected recognition for kurundkar: A surprising element of the case was that in 2017, while still an accused in the case, Kurundkar was awarded the prestigious President's Medal for Gallantry. Judge K.G. Paldewar expressed astonishment that Kurundkar received such an honor despite being implicated in the murder of his colleague. The judge questioned the integrity of the police department, raising concerns over how Kurundkar's name had been recommended for the award while he was under suspicion. The judge suggested that an inquiry be conducted into the actions of the officers who had approved the nomination for the medal, considering that Kurundkar was already an accused in a serious criminal case. Role of the accomplices: The court also convicted Kundan Bhandari, who worked as Kurundkar's driver, and Mahesh Phalnikar, a close friend of Kurundkar and a bank staff member, for their involvement in concealing the murder and assisting in the disposal of the body. Bhandari and Phalnikar played key roles in helping Kurundkar cover up the crime. After the court's verdict, Phalnikar collapsed in court, indicating the emotional toll the verdict had on him. The role of technology in the investigation: The successful prosecution of Kurundkar was largely due to strong circumstantial evidence. Special Public Prosecutor Pradip Gharat pointed out the use of Google Maps data and tracking technology, which confirmed Kurundkar's presence at Vasai creek on the day of the murder. This critical evidence helped prove his involvement in the crime and was key to establishing his guilt. The prosecution also argued that Kurundkar had framed false records to create an alibi for himself. He had allegedly made false entries in the police logbook to suggest that he was on patrol duty when Bidre was killed. This manipulation of official records led to additional charges under Section 218 of the IPC (public servant framing incorrect records to protect someone from punishment). Concerns over police lethargy: The court was highly critical of the police for their slow response to the case. There were delays in registering the murder case, and the judge pointed out that political pressure may have affected the initial investigation. The judge reprimanded the officers involved in the delay and emphasized the need for disciplinary action to be taken against those responsible. This delay in the investigation led to a year-long period where the case remained unresolved, adding to the distress of Bidre's family. The "rarest of rare" case: Judge K.G. Paldewar described the murder as falling into the 'rarest of rare' category, highlighting the extreme brutality and callousness of the crime. The court acknowledged that Bidre's father and daughter, who had suffered deeply due to her loss, were the true victims in this case. The judge emphasized that they had lost not just a loved one, but a mother and daughter due to the brutal actions of a colleague. Next steps: The sentencing of the convicted individuals will be announced on April 11. Judge Paldewar has ordered that Bidre's father and daughter be heard on the issue of compensation before the sentence is delivered. This decision marks the end of a long battle for justice for Ashwini Bidre-Gore. The court expressed that they would ensure the convicted individuals face appropriate sentences, considering the severity of the crime. The legal response: In response to the verdict, Advocate Vishal Bhanushali, representing the defense, stated that his role as the defense counsel was to ensure that the trial adhered to the highest standards of fairness and due process. He acknowledged the emotional and intense scrutiny surrounding the case and emphasized that the defense had acted in accordance with legal procedures, despite the overwhelming evidence against the accused. This case has been a shocking and tragic reminder of the lengths to which people may go when abusing power and trust. The brutal murder of a police officer by her colleague, followed by a lengthy cover-up, has shaken the public's confidence in the justice system. With the conviction of Kurundkar, Bhandari, and Phalnikar, the court has finally delivered a long-awaited verdict. However, the questions surrounding police conduct and political influence in the case highlight the need for continued vigilance in ensuring that justice is served fairly and without interference.
