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Otago Daily Times
29 minutes ago
- Otago Daily Times
Jail term avoided for poaching, trespass and smoking meth
Photo: ODT files A Dunedin man who was caught poaching pigs with a 15-year-old boy has avoided a prison sentence. Steven Alan Roberts, 44, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after earlier pleading guilty to unlawful hunting, possessing methamphetamine and trespass under the Railways Act. The court heard that between 10pm on August 16 and 4am on August 17 the defendant was at Taieri Railway Gorge, which has a railway track running through it and is surrounded by farmland. Permission from the land owner or a permit is required to hunt on the land surrounding the railway tracks. Roberts was found in the Hindon area illegally hunting with another man and the 15-year-old. Police saw the trio walk along the railway tracks with dogs without permission. The group was stopped in a ute which had wild pigs on the back of it. The vehicle was searched and knives, GPS devices and dog collars were found inside. Roberts confessed he had been hunting wild pigs but did not know whose land he was on. He later told a probation officer he had recently met the man he was with and believed he had the appropriate permit. While on bail for that offending, the defendant bought 1g of methamphetamine. He admitted smoking it and scraping the residue out of the pipe to snort. Yesterday, counsel John Westgate said his client had addiction issues. "This is a man who has acknowledged that he has an issue with drugs, he's willing to get help," he said. The unlawful hunting was "a stupid thing to do" and he would have to 'pay the price' for it. Judge Emma Smith said the explanation Roberts gave the probation officer about believing his friend had a permit "might stretch belief". "It's pretty cynical offending by you," Judge Smith said. She noted he had no similar prior convictions but did have a significant history of drug-related offending. "You're too old to be using drugs ... you're just going to end up in prison," the judge said. Judge Smith said it seemed Roberts had not taken advantage of his previous community-based sentences. "I am going to give you that opportunity ... [but it's] probably your last chance." She sentenced Roberts to 150 hours' community work and nine months' supervision. She ordered the hunting equipment found be destroyed and that the defendant pay court costs of $143.
The Wire
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Wire
Andhra's U-turn on Appealing Tuni Arson Verdict Spotlights Clout of Kapu Community
New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh government has quickly reversed its decision to appeal the 2023 acquittal of 41 people in the 2016 Tuni train arson case. This sudden reversal, made within 24 hours, throws into sharp relief the political sensitivity surrounding the Kapu community. Events began Monday (June 2), when the Home (Courts-B) Department issued a government order (G.O. Rt. No. 852). The order directed the public prosecutor at the Andhra Pradesh high court to appeal the May 1, 2023 judgment of Vijayawada's VII Additional Metropolitan Magistrate Court for Railways. That judgment had acquitted all accused in the Tuni arson case. By Tuesday, however, another order, G.O. Rt. No. 869, formally withdrew the earlier directive. The public prosecutor was instructed not to proceed with the appeal. The initial G.O. reportedly prompted concern among political leaders. Deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan, president of the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and a prominent Kapu leader, was reportedly displeased by the move to reopen a case affecting Kapu sentiments. The decision to withdraw the G.O. drew public statements from Kapu community representatives. Chinamilli Venkatarayudu, Kapunadu West Godavari district president, was quoted by South First saying the initial move was intended to 'persecute the Kapus'. Bandi Srinivasa Rao, a Kapu Ikya Vedika leader from Eluru district, reportedly called the initial decision 'vendetta politics', adding that the government had 'hurt the feelings of the Kapus'. The Tuni incident, central to these government orders, occurred on January 31, 2016. During a 'Kapu garjana ' ('roar of Kapus') rally in Tuni in East Godavari district, led by former minister Mudragada Padmanabham, to demand OBC status for the Kapu community, protesters allegedly stormed the Tuni railway station. Four coaches of the Ratnachal Express were set on fire and other public property was damaged. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) later filed cases against 41 individuals, including Padmanabham (accused #1) and Dadisetti Raja (accused #3), then a Kapu leader and now Tuni MLA, under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Railways Act. On May 1, 2023, the Vijayawada railway court acquitted all 41 accused, citing insufficient evidence and procedural lapses in the investigation. The court also ordered disciplinary action against three RPF officials for a flawed investigation. The Wire has reached out to Padmanabham. We shall update the copy once he responds. Why is the Kapu community politically so important? The Kapu community forms an estimated 15-17% of Andhra Pradesh's population, concentrated in coastal districts, particularly East and West Godavari. This demographic strength translates into considerable electoral influence. For decades, some Kapus have persistently demanded inclusion in the OBC list, similar to agitations by Jats, Marathas and Patels elsewhere in India. This demand often accompanies a sense of historical underrepresentation in political power compared to the Kamma and Reddy communities, which respectively provide much of the leadership and support for the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress Party. Kapu community leaders assert large population figures to bolster these claims for political power and resources. Historical analyses show various cultivating sub-groups (Munnurukapus, Balijas, Telagas) consolidated under the broader 'Kapu' identity, a term originally meaning cultivator. Pressures from the post-liberalisation economy also intensify these socio-political dynamics and demands. There have been previous attempts to politically mobilise the Kapu community. In 2009, Chiranjeevi, a popular Telugu actor and Pawan Kalyan's elder brother, launched the Praja Rajyam Party. Stating 'social justice' as its motto, it won about 18% of the vote and around 20 assembly seats. However, the party was merged into the Congress immediately after the elections. Pawan Kalyan, himself a major film star, began his political journey in 2014, initially backing the National Democratic Alliance. He later distanced himself, aligning with Left parties and the Bahujan Samaj Party for the 2019 elections, before later embracing a more pronounced Hindutva stance. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
T sees sharp rise in deaths on rly tracks
Hyderabad: Rail-related accidents in Telangana have reached alarming proportions, with an average of three fatalities reported daily. The growing frequency of such incidents has become a major concern for railway safety authorities in the state. According to railway crime records, over 1,300 individuals lost their lives in rail related incidents across Telangana in 2024. These incidents were primarily due to trespassing, crossing tracks dangerously, using mobile phones, and falling from moving trains, officials say. Accidental deaths—one of three categories in death cases—have risen sharply, rising from 408 in 2021 to 735 in 2024. Already, 460 fatalities have been recorded on the tracks in the first four months of this year alone, with suspicious deaths and suicides contributing to 186 of them. "In Telangana, most fatal accidents occur in suburban sections, particularly near stations with MMTS services. The primary reason is passengers opting to cross the tracks instead of using foot over bridges, often in haste. Accidents also occur when individuals misjudge the speed of oncoming trains while boarding or alighting, leading to serious injuries or death." Craze for selfies, reels "More recently, youngsters have been spotted climbing onto train rooftops to shoot social media reels or dangerously positioning themselves near moving trains," said a senior South Central Railway official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Additionally, suicide attempts are a grim contributor. "When someone appears in front of a moving train, even if the driver applies brakes, the train needs nearly a kilometre to come to a complete stop—making it nearly impossible to avert a fatal accident," the official added. Authorities have also raised concerns about passengers seated near the doors or steps of coaches—particularly during night journeys—being at risk of accidentally falling off due to drowsiness. Travellers are advised to stay alert and avoid leaning too close to the doors, especially during overnight travel. Data from National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) further highlights the extent of the problem. Over 70% of railway accidents nationwide involve passengers either falling from trains or being struck while crossing tracks. In 2022 alone, India recorded 23,139 railway accidents, resulting in 2,457 injuries and 20,792 fatalities. Trespassing on railway tracks and bid to board or alight from moving trains, is not only life-threatening but also a criminal offence. Under Section 147 of the Railways Act, 1989, trespassers may face jail for up to six months, fine of 1,000, or both.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
RPF arrests West Bengal native for selling train tickets illegally
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested a man hailing from West Bengal, who was involved in illegal sale of train tickets at Podanur railway station in Coimbatore. The arrested has been identified as Imran Hossain Sekh, 37, a native of Bhagabatipur in Hooghly district, who had been residing at M.G.N. Street in the city. RPF sub-inspector P. Manikandan and his team conducted a check around the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) centre at Podanur railway station on Wednesday afternoon. They frisked Sekh, who was found in suspicious circumstances near the main portico of the railway station. A statement from RPF said Sekh was found carrying three live PRS counter tickets valued ₹26,230 and five unfilled reservation forms. His mobile phone contained images of numerous journey-expired PRS counter tickets, including 10 recently booked and sold tickets valued ₹85,065. When questioned, he confessed to having been booking railway tickets at PRS centres at Podanur, Coimbatore, Coimbatore North, Peelamedu, Mettupalayam and Ottapalam railway stations and selling them to passengers for a margin of ₹300. The RPF registered a case against Sekh under Section 143(1)(b) (purchases or sells or attempts to purchase or sell tickets with a view to carrying on any such business either by himself or by any other person) of the Railways Act, 1989. The accused, along with the seized properties, was produced before the First Judicial Magistrate Court on Thursday. The court remanded him in judicial custody till June 5.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Partially confirmed train ticket: Can you travel on a ticket with 2 confirmed and 2 waiting list passengers?
The Indian Railways has introduced strict vigil measures against those who are travelling in the Railways with improper tickets. To be more specific, an improper ticket means you are travelling in the wrong coach (bogie) of the train, but the ticket itself is valid for travel. It's like saying you have four relatives travelling to Dehradun from Delhi but due to heavy demand, only two of your tickets are confirmed, the other two were put in the 'waiting list' category. #Operation Sindoor From crossfire to calm: What India, Pakistan Army chiefs said on the hotline Did China send a cargo plane with military supplies to Pakistan? India-Pakistan tension: Exodus of migrant workers takes a toll on industry From May 1, 2025, if you face such a situation (partially confirmed and partially waitlisted ticket) only people with confirmed ticket will be allowed to travel. The remaining people with a waitlisted ticket won't be allowed to travel even in sleeper class or any of the AC coaches (3E, 3AC, 2AC, etc). If you don't follow this new rule, then the TTE is empowered to impose a heavy fine on you in violation of Section 155 of the Railways Act, 1989. Read below to know what you can do in such a situation where half of your group got confirmed tickets, but the other half is still on the waiting list. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm What are your options? To reiterate the situation, you booked four Railway travel tickets, but only two tickets were confirmed, the other two were put in the waiting list category. Sonal Alagh, Partner, Alagh & Kapoor Law Offices, shares the solution to this problem where you are on a waitlist ticket and neither got confirmation nor RAC even after the preparation of the chart. Live Events Alagh says: 'If an online ticket remains fully waitlisted even after final chart preparation, the IRCTC system automatically cancels it and refunds the fare, as per Rule 213-A of the Indian Railways Refund Rules, 2015, read with the IRCTC policy update. No physical cancellation is needed by the passengers. However, if a waitlisted passenger still wishes to travel, they must purchase a fresh Unreserved (General) class ticket, which is available either at station counters or through the UTS mobile app. Entry into general compartments without a valid general ticket constitutes unauthorised travel and is punishable under Section 137 of the Railways Act, 1989, which may include fine or imprisonment.' This means the persons who are on the waitlist ticket even after preparation of the chart need to separately purchase (online through UTS App or offline) a general compartment ticket. The above shared solution is not required in cases where the waitlist ticket is converted into an RAC ticket by the Indian Railways. To give you a brief background on waitlist tickets, usually they are confirmed at the time of chart preparation or put into RAC (reservation against cancellation). However, if there is a heavy demand for the train tickets, waitlist tickets do not get confirmed or get RAC, instead they are cancelled. In RAC, you pay the full price of the ticket, but you need to share your berth with another passenger. Also read: IRCTC bans waiting list passengers from Sleeper and AC travel starting May 1, 2025 IRCTC Waitlist ticket refund rules for offline and online purchased tickets Since a railway ticket can be bought from the station reservation counter (offline) and also from the IRCTC website/app (online) the process for getting refund for waiting list tickets which are not confirmed till the time of preparation of the chart differs. Here's the process: For online tickets: According to IRCTC website, 'In case of wait-listed e-tickets on which all the passengers are on waiting list even after preparation of reservation chart, names of all such passengers booked on that Passenger Name Record (PNR) will be dropped from the reservation chart and refund of full fare will be credited automatically back to the account, from which booking transaction took place, without deducting any cancellation charges.' For offline tickets: According to a report by the Economic Times which quoted PTI, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on March 25, 2025: "Waitlisted PRS counter ticket shall be cancelled across the reservation counter on surrendering of the original PRS counter ticket as per time limit prescribed in Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fares) Rules 2015. However, in normal circumstances, cancellation of PRS counter ticket can also be done online through IRCTC website or through 139 within the prescribed time limit as per Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fares) Rules 2015 and refund amount shall be collected by surrendering original PRS counter ticket across the reservation counters as per instructions issued from time to time.' What is the reason behind this solution? This is not the best solution since the general compartment in a train is not as luxurious as AC compartments, but given the bad situation (4 tickets booked but only2confirmed) it is a better alternative. The other alternative is to cancel the entire train trip. Ashish Yadav, Senior Associate, TAS LAW, says, the Indian Railways took this decision after widespread complaints and instances often seen in viral videos and photos circulated on social media wherein in many instances, passengers with confirmed tickets struggled to claim their seats due to overcrowding and unauthorised occupancy by waiting list passengers. 'Hence the reason why effective from May 1, the TTE has provided the power to ask waiting list passengers to deboard at the next station if travelling in reserved AC or Sleeper compartments,' says Yadav. Alagh says, 'Under the revised Indian Railways regulations effective May 1, 2025, waitlisted passengers are strictly prohibited from traveling in reserved compartments such as Sleeper and AC coaches, even if accompanying friends with confirmed tickets. This is in accordance with the Indian Railways Commercial Manual (Vol. I, Para 603) which outlines the requirement of a valid reservation for entry into reserved coaches.' Punit Bhansali, Associate, MVAC Advocates & Solicitors, says: As per the new regulations, the waiting list passengers cannot travel without a valid ticket in the reserved coaches. Consequently, if any passenger is found travelling without a valid ticket a fine of Rs 250 for Sleeper coach and Rs 440 for AC coach will be charged. Additionally, the passenger will also be charged the fare from the boarding point to the next station and will be disembarked from the coach. If a waiting e-ticket remains unconfirmed after the final chart preparation, it will be automatically cancelled, and a refund will be processed to the passenger's account. As such, if the passenger wishes to travel in the unreserved/ general coach, the passenger has to purchase a separate unreserved ticket. Holding a cancelled waiting ticket does not grant the right to travel in any coach; a valid unreserved ticket is required to board unreserved/ general coaches."
