The Cybercrime Branch of the Ahmedabad Police has apprehended two individuals associated with a group that was involved in financial fraud. Ajay alias Ajju Babulal Verma (25) and Himanshu Harishbhai (18) were allegedly peddling an ayurvedic medicine, claiming it enhanced sexual power under the brand name ‘Ankush Aryuveda’. The duo targeted people nationwide by sending them fraudulent parcels of the medicine and then coerced them into making payments under threat of legal repercussions.

The scam orchestrated by the accused spanned over the last two months and duped 13 individuals of a substantial sum. Officials from the Cybercrime Branch disclosed that the fraudsters bolstered their scheme by sending fake notices, masquerading as the Gandhinagar Cyber Crime Department, demanding payments via digital wallets. The notices included threats of imprisonment or fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 if the victims did not comply.

Further investigations unveiled a case against the key suspect in Daman, hinting at a larger network of criminal operations. The Cybercrime Branch is actively pursuing the case to expose the full extent of the fraudulent activities orchestrated by the gang. It serves as a reminder for citizens to remain vigilant and cautious when dealing with unsolicited offers and products, especially those promising miraculous results.

The authorities have urged anyone who may have fallen victim to a similar scam or has relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. The swift action taken by the Cybercrime Branch highlights their commitment to safeguarding citizens against fraudulent schemes and holding those responsible for financial crimes accountable for their actions.

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) – Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena has expressed concern over the lack of drinking water supply in the national capital, as more than two crore people are reportedly deprived of access to clean water. In a letter to Chief Minister Arvid Kejriwal, the L-G highlighted the failure of the Delhi government’s policies in ensuring water supply to the citizens.

According to the L-G, the Economic Survey 2023-24 revealed alarming facts about the water shortage in Delhi. Despite a marginal increase in water treatment capacity from 906 MGD to 946 MGD over the last decade, the population surged by 15 percent, leading to an overall shortfall of about 290 MGD in water supply. The L-G also raised concerns about the mismanagement of groundwater extraction in the city.

The L-G pointed out that 7 percent of households in Delhi, equivalent to 20 lakh people, still do not receive piped water supply. He also highlighted the substantial debt burden of Rs 73,000 crores on the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) due to financial mismanagement. The L-G acknowledged the challenges in communicating directly with the Chief Minister but emphasized the urgency of addressing the water crisis in Delhi.

The L-G criticized the Delhi government for scapegoating officials and failing to take responsibility for the water supply crisis. He cited the Finance Minister Atishi’s acknowledgement of the government’s inefficiency over the past decade, as indicated in a recent note. The L-G highlighted the significant increase in the percentage of “unaccounted for water” in Delhi, which has worsened over the years due to neglect and mismanagement.

In comparison to other cities like Singapore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune, Delhi’s water management system lags behind significantly, with a high percentage of water losses and inefficiencies. The L-G emphasized the need for immediate action to address the water supply challenges in Delhi and called for accountability and effective management to ensure access to clean drinking water for all residents.

A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha has lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging violation of Model Code of Conduct by senior officers. The party wants the officials suspended for flouting the code.

BJP leader Samir Mohanty raised concerns about security arrangements during BJD leader VK Pandian’s visit to the hospital after a bus accident. The party called the conduct of the police and officials “unfortunate” and a clear violation of the MCC.

Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Souvic Biswal, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and Jajpur district SP Vinit Agrawal were part of Pandian’s hospital visit. The party also wants action against Bhubaneswar Development Authority officials for approving appointments despite the MCC being in place.