HYDERABAD FRIDAY AUGUST 30, 2024 `9.00 PAGES 36 LATE CITY EDITION U.K. UNIV TO OPEN FIRST FOREIGN CAMPUS IN INDIA UNDER NEP 2020 The University of Southampton was on Thursday granted approval by the University Grants Commission to set up a branch campus in India CAMPUS EXPECTED TO COME UP IN GURUGRAM ONE OF UK’S TOP RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan handed over the Letter of Intent to the UK university at an event in Delhi. The new campus is likely to be located in Gurugram, within the Delhi NCR. It will offer a wide range of undergraduate and post-graduate degree courses starting July 2025 ■ ■ The University of Southampton is one of the UK’s top research institutions with one-third of its research rated as ‘world-leading’ The National Education Policy 2020 calls for internationalisation of education in India by inviting leading foreign universities to set up branch campuses here and collaborate with local institutions 80th RANK FOR UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON IN THE LATEST QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKING CHENNAI ■ MADURAI ■ VIJAYAWADA ■ BENGALURU ■ KOCHI ■ HYDERABAD ■ VISAKHAPATNAM ■ COIMBATORE ■ KOZHIKODE ■ THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ■ BELAGAVI ■ BHUBANESWAR ■ SHIVAMOGGA ■ MANGALURU ■ TIRUPATI ■ TIRUCHY ■ TIRUNELVELI ■ SAMBALPUR ■ HUBBALLI ■ DHARMAPURI ■ KOTTAYAM ■ KANNUR ■ VILLUPURAM ■ KOLLAM ■ TADEPALLIGUDEM ■ NAGAPATTINAM ■ THRISSUR ■ KALABURAGI DURGAM CHERUVU ASSETS OF CM’S BROTHER PUT ON NOTICE Besides Tirupathi Reddy, 240 other residents in colonies surrounding Durgam Cheruvu issued notices, given 30 days to remove encroachments S B A C H A N J E E T S I N G H @ Hyderabad A day after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy declared that he would himself demolish the any structure belonging to his family members if it was found to be within the full tank level (FTL) and buffer zone of any water body Revenue officials on Thurs, day issued notices to A Tirupathi Reddy, the chief minister’s brother, as his house and office were reportedly found to be within the FTL of Durgam Cheruvu. Responding to the notice, Tirupathi clarified that he had purchased the 600 sq yd property in 1995 with a sanctioned layout and building permission, and was unaware that it was within the buffer zone of Durgam Cheruvu. He added that the property which he purchased belonged to a person named Koteswar Rao. Tirupathi Reddy also stated that the layout was approved before the APWALTA Act came into existence and that he would comply with any corrective action deemed necessary by the authorities. In addition to Tirupathi Reddy, notices were also issued to 240 other residents in colonies surrounding Durgam Cheruvu, also known as the Secret Lake, including prominent neighbourhoods like Amar Cooperative Society, Kavuri Hills, Nectar’s Colony, Doctor’s Colony and a few others. These areas, known HOUSE IN FTL MARKED WITH ‘F’ Revenue authorities in Serilingampally mark houses with an “F” to indicate that the structures are located within the FTL of Durgam Cheruvu. Areas such as Amar Cooperative Society, Kavuri Hills, Nectar’s Colony, Doctor’s Colony known for their luxurious constructions, are home to many influential individuals, including politicians, film stars and high-ranking bureaucrats PIC: VINAY MADAPU for their luxurious constructions, are home to many influential individuals, including politicians, film stars and high-ranking bureaucrats. Building and flat owners are already tense following notices from the deputy collector of Serilingampally mandal, demanding the removal of structures falling within the FTL/ buffer zone of Durgam Cheruvu. Residents argue that this enforcement is unfair as they were not aware of the violations until now. The notices, issued under Section 23 (1) of the Telangana Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002 (WALTA), specify that properties in these colonies fall within the FTL/buffer zone. The authorities have given the property owners 30 days for voluntary demolition, failing which action will be taken by the Hy- derabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protect i o n A g e n cy ( H Y D R A A ) authorities. Under the WALTA Act, the government can declare water bodies as heritage bodies and conservation zones and can take measures to prevent encroachment. The notice issued to Tirupathi Reddy said: “The designated officer has the power to prevent and remove encroachments from the demarcated water body area”, directing him to remove the encroachment within 30 days or face demolition. Referring to the notice, the chief minister’s brother accused the BRS of using this issue to divert attention from the illegal activities during its 10-year rule. He said:. ‘’I am ready to vacate the building, if it is proved to be falling under the FTL/buffer zone,’’ he said. I purchased the 600 sq yd property in 1995 with a sanctioned layout and building permission, and was unaware that it was within the buffer zone of Durgam Cheruvu. I would comply with any corrective action deemed necessary by authorities Tirupathi Reddy, CM’s brother HYDRAA TO GET MORE STAFF, ISSUE NOTICES SOON State government is planning to give authority to HYDRAA to issue all types of eviction notices related to constructions on lakes, parks, canals and government lands Currently notices are issued by Irrigation department, GHMC, Municipal Administration Department, Panchayat Raj and other departments. To address this, CS Santhi Kumari directed the principal secretary of the Municipal department to finalise procedures for all eviction notices to be issued by HYDRAA Additional officers and staff for HYDRAA to be allotted soon. Issues related to FTL, nala encroachment, government vacant lots and park conservation to be included under its purview OFFICIALS DIRECTED TO REVIEW DOCUMENTS Telangana HC directs Rangareddy district deputy collector and tahsildar of Serilingampally mandal to review contentions of petitioners accused of constructing illegal residential properties within the FTL of Durgam Cheruvu | P3 HYDRAA to take action on at least six erring officials E X P R E S S N E W S E R V I C E @ Hyderabad THE Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is reportedly preparing to initiate criminal action against at least six officials who gave permissions for constructions on water bodies. According to sources, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath requested the Cyberabad Police Commissioner to file criminal charges against certain officials who have worked in the GHMC, Revenue department and officials of other departments. Sources said that action was recommended against certain officials including the then Nizampet municipal commissioner, GHMC deputy municipal commissioner of Chandanagar circle, Bachupally tahsildar, assistant planning officer of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), assistant director of the Survey and Land Record department, Medchal-Malkajgiri disCONTINUED ON P3 trict and a surveyor. CM orders probe into W’gal hosp construction cost hike M A N D A R A V I N D E R R E D D Y @ Hyderabad Construction material was purchased at prices higher than market rates. In one instance, marble for flooring were procured at `500 per sq ft, while the market price was around `300, a 66% price hike Senior official CHIEF Minister A Revanth Reddy reportedly ordered a Vigilance and Enforcement probe into the escalation of construction costs for the super specialty hospital in Warangal. The initial estimated cost for the hospital was `1,100 crore, but it has since increased to `1,726 crore. During his visit to Warangal on June 29, the CM held a review meeting with district officials, where it was revealed that the construction costs had significantly exceeded the original estimate. The chief minister then immediately ordered a forensic audit. At the meeting, officials informed the CM that during the previous government, there had been oral instructions in this regard. Revanth then expressed anger asking: “How can you increase the cost by `626 crore based on oral orders?” Sources said that irregularities took place in procurement of construction materials. Speaking to TNIE, a senior official said, “Construction material was purchased at prices higher than market rates. In one instance, marble for flooring were procured at `500 per sq ft, while the market price was around `300, a 66% price hike. This (irregularity) was witnessed in procurement of all other materials too.” CROC SCARE IN FLOOD-HIT VADODARA A huge crocodile being rescued from a residential locality after flood water recede, in Vadodara on Thursday. “We have rescued 10 crocodiles in the last five days. Two have been released and eight are still with us. We will release them when the water level of the Vishwamitri river decreases,” an official said | PTI SC fumes over Revanth’s remarks on Kavitha bail S U C H I T R A K A LYA N M O H A N T Y @ New Delhi THE Supreme Court on Thursday slammed Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for his inappropriate comments over the granting of bail to BRS leader K Kavitha and AAP leader Manish Sisodia in cases linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. During a media interaction, Revanth had wondered how Kavitha got bail in just five months while former Delhi deputy CM Sisodia got it only after spending 15 months in jail and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is yet to get relief. He hinted at a ‘deal’ between the BJP and BRS for securing bail for Kavitha. The allegation shocked the Purported audio of RG Kar calls to family add to ire S U L A G N A S E N G U P TA @ Kolkata THREE purported audio recordings of phone calls allegedly made by RG Kar Medical College on August 9 to the parents of the rape-murder victim surfaced on Thursday indicat, ing the institution’s muddled approach and insensitivity while breaking the horrific news to the relatives. In the first call, the hospital authorities simply said their daughter was ‘a little ill’ and asked them to come immediately Two minutes later, anoth. er call came saying she was very sick. In the third call, again after two minutes, the caller claimed their daughter had committed suicide. The victim’s family members said the hospital authorities deliberately misled them, though they knew their daughter had been raped and murdered. The victim’s father said when they went into the hospital, they saw their daughter’s body wrapped in a green bedsheet. But media images later showed the body in a blue bedsheet. What prompted the hospital to change the bedsheet, he wondered. “There has been a deliberate attempt to suppress facts. We want the CBI to investigate why the Kolkata Police misled us.” he said and demanded a thorough investigation into the events leading to her murder. On August 10, authorities arrested Sanjay Roy, a civic vol- Muslims must register marriages: Assam govt FIR against CPM MLA P R A S A N TA M A Z U M D A R @ Guwahati THE Assam assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024, which makes it mandatory to register marriages with the government. Since the legal age of marriage of 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys cannot be contravened, it will act as a strict deterrent against teenage pregnancy and improve overall growth of girls, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The bill replaces the Britishera law, The Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act, 1935. “Today is a historic day in our effort to fight the social evil of child marriage. The #AssamLegislativeAssembly has KAZI CUT OUT NEW LAW TO HELP CHECK POLYGAMY, ENFORCE MAINTENANCE RIGHTS All earlier registrations of marriages conducted by Kazis will remain valid, said Himanta Biswa Sarma 1 Only new marriages will come under the purview of the legislation where registration has to be done with govt 2 passed the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorces Bill, 2024,” Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on X. “I thank all the legislators who pledged their support to this Bill and Govt’s vision of preventing child marriage. This Bill is above party politics and is a means to give our girls a life of dignity Sarma said. ,” The Kazi system for registering Muslim marriages will end. Assam has 90 Kazis, most of them govt teachers 3 Earlier in the day he told the , Assembly that the government’s aim was not only to abolish child marriages but also to replace the Kazi (religious official) system. He said all marriages would be registered as per an order of the Supreme Court. It emerged during the discussions in the Assembly that Assam has 90 Kazis, most of them government teachers. On August 22, revenue and disaster management minister Jogen Mohan had stated in the statement of Object and Reasons that The Assam Moslem Marriages and Divorces Registration Act was adopted by the British India government for the then Province of Assam for Muslim religious and social arrangements. He said under it, the registration of marriages and divorces is not mandatory and the machinery of registration is informal. “There remains a scope of registering marriages of intended person below 21 years (for men) and 18 years (for women) and hardly any monitoring (is) made for (the) implementation of this Act throughout the state, which attracts and invites huge amount of litigation in the criminal/civil court,” Mohan said. Mukesh in rape case E X P R E S S N E W S S E R V I C E @ Kochi AMID growing chorus for the resignation of CPM MLA M Mukesh, the Kerala police on Thursday booked the actor-politician following a complaint by an actress from Kochi. However, Mukesh secured interim protection from arrest from a local court. Besides Mukesh, actor-producer Maniyanpilla Raju and actor Edavela Babu were charged with rape by the police in Kochi, while a case was filed against actor Jayasurya in Thiruvananthapuram for outraging the modesty of a woman. In all, the police filed six cases in Kochi and one in court, which expressed its strong displeasure. “Is this a kind of statement which should be made by a CM? A constitutional functionary is speaking in this manner! Why should they drag the court in political rivalry? Do we pass orders after consulting political parties? We are not bothered by politicians or if anybody criticises our orders,” a threejudge bench headed by Justice B R Gavai said. The bench, also comprising justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and K V Viswanathan, asked senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Reddy, how can a constitutional functionary speak like this. It said it is the duty of political parties to show respect to institutions. Thiruvananthapuram in the day based on the complaint of an actress who worked in Malayalam and Tamil films. The case against Mukesh was registered under IPC Sections 376 (rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to women with intent to outrage her modesty), 452 (house trespass with the intent to hurt or assault someone), and 09 (insult the modesty of a woman by word, gestures or acts). The complainant alleged Mukesh sexually harassed her at a villa at Maradu when she approached him for membership of Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Mukesh was an office bearer of AMMA then. Women participate in a rally in Kolkata on Thursday | PTI unteer frequently seen at RG Kar, whose presence was captured on CCTV near the seminar hall where the body was first seen. A Bluetooth device found at the scene further implicated Roy According to CBI . sources, Roy confessed to the crime during interrogation. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police arrested a woman, Renuka Singh (38), whose alleged stoning left police sergeant Debasish Chakraborty badly injured in an eye during the Nabanna Abhijan rally a couple of days ago. The city police are also looking for other miscreants who indulged in large-scale violence during the rally that day . EXPRESS READ Arighaat to strengthen N-triad: Rajnath Singh New Delhi: India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine was commissioned into the Navy in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who said that this will further strengthen the country’s nuclear triad and enhance nuclear deterrence. The ceremony took place in AP | P7 Heavy rains across Telangana from today Hyderabad: The state has been put on orange alert for heavy to very heavy rains from August 30 to September 1. Districts under orange alert include Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajigiri, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Rangareddy, Suryapet, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Adilabad and Kumurambheem Asifabad.
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