hyderabad l thursday l july 03, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 16 l late city EDITION Bangladesh court hands six-month jail term to EX-PM sHEIKH Hasina The International Crimes Tribunal, where Hasina is facing trial on charges of crimes against humanity, on Wednesday sentenced her in a contempt case First sentence since her exile in Aug 2024 Verdict based on leaked audio clip It marks the first time that 77-year-old Hasina has been sentenced in any case since she fled to India following a student-led uprising in August last year. The sentence, delivered in her absence, will come into effect from the day of her arrest or surrender before the court, chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam told reporters after the verdict was handed down protester Abu Sayeed, whose killing in Rangpur University escalated to a nationwide violent protest that eventually ousted her ■ The verdict came over a leaked audio clip in which Hasina is allegedy heard telling a party leader that she has “licence to kill” people ■ Hasina’s trial was opened on Monday over the murder of student Aug 8, 2024 When Muhammad Yunus-led interim govt was sworn in, in Bangladesh 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 of Dalai Toll 38; experts to probe Sigachi blast Institutiongo on Lama will 2 more bodies found on a day the company promises `1 cr to kin of each victim even as patience of relatives runs thin scientist, CSIR-IICT), Surya @ Sangareddy / Hyderabad Narayana (chief scientist, CSIR-IICT), and Santosh Ghuge The state gover nment on (safety officer, CSIR-NCL, Wednesday constituted an ex- Pune), has one month to subpert committee to investigate mit its report. the explosion that killed at least The explosion, which oc38 people at Sigachi Industries curred around 9.20 am on June in Pashamylaram. 30 while microcrystalline celRescue operations continued lulose powder was being manuon Wednesday, with factured for use as a two more bodies recovbinding agent in ered from the debris, pharmaceuticals, bringing the official caused extensive death toll to 38. Anothdamage to the facilThe company was er 10 workers are still ity. At the time of leased to Elango u n a c c o u n t e d fo r. the incident, 143 Gouda 5 years ago Meanwhile, the comworkers were and he has been handling day-to-day pany announced that present on-site. operations it will offer an ex-graSigachi MD and since then tia of `1 crore to the CEO Amit Raj Sinkin of each deceased. ha, who visited the S Chidambaranathan, T he committee, site on Wednesday, Sigachi vice-chairman chaired by B said that external Venkateshwar Rao, experts had inspectEmeritus Scientist at CSIR-IICT, ed the remaining equipment to has been tasked with identify- help determine the cause of the ing the causes of the blast and explosion. Internal and thirdrecommending measures to party assessments are underprevent similar incidents in the way and findings will be shared , future. with government investigators, The order to set up the four- he said. member panel was issued on Collector P Pravinya conWednesday by M Dana Kishore, firmed that blood samples from Principal Secretary, Labour six persons have been sent for and Factories department. DNA analysis. So far, 18 bodies The committee, which in- have been handed over to famicludes T Pratap Kumar (chief lies, she said.  continued on p2 E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e Quad raps Pahalgam terrorist attack, but does not name Pak E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ New Delhi The foreign ministers of the Quad countries, India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, strongly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. In a joint statement issued after their meeting in Washington, the ministers called for the “perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay .” While the statement urged all UN member states to cooperate under international law with efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible, it notably stopped short of naming Pakistan, which India holds responsible for cross-border terrorism, including the Pahalgam attack. From India’s perspective, the explicit mention of the Pahalgam attack is significant. “We unequivocally condemn all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms, in- Mineral supply chains The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative aims to strengthen economic security by collaborating on securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains cluding cross-border terrorism,” the statement read. Cross-border terror for India denotes the terrorism directed against it from Pakistan. Beyond terrorism, the joint statement highlighted concerns over security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. While avoiding direct reference to China, the ministers condemned the “dangerous and provocative actions” in the South and East China Seas. The ministers also announced the launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, plans for the first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise, and the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership, which is slated to be inaugurated in Mumbai later this year. Medaram Jatara to start from January 28, 2026, announce organisers of tribal festival | P3 E x p r ess Rea d E-Prix: ACB to examine Arvind Kumar today gill bill Shubman Gill scores a century against England in the second Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday | AFP | P11 Hyderabad: The ACB has summoned senior IAS officer Arvind Kumar for questioning in connection with the Formula E race case at 11.30 am on Thursday. Arvind Kumar returned to Hyderabad on June 30. He is expected to provide clarifications and respond to allegations related to his role in the Municipal Administration department during the period when the alleged irregularities occurred. Stat story of the blast n  Total working persons: 143 n  Persons traced and fine: 60 n  Injured and under treatment: 35 n  Identified deaths: 18 n  Unidentified deaths: 20 n  Missing: 10 DNA processing and family mapping n  Bodies handed over to families or sent home: 18 Temporary relief n  of DNA samples No. n  families paid 18 `1 lakh each as contingency amount n  persons who 34 sustained injuries in the blast paid `50,000 as contingency amount n  of missing No. families given temporary relief of `10,000 pending for result at lab: 18 n  Samples of deceased not yet collected: 2 n  of blood samples of No. family members yet to be processed at lab: 25 n  of family samples No. yet to be collected: 5 n  of families not No. traceable to date: 3 Rescuers battle exhaustion, time P K r i s hn a @ Sangareddy A dense, choking cloud of smoke and dust still hangs over the ruins of the ill-fated Sigachi chemical factory in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district on Wednesday, two days after a devastating blast claimed 38 lives and left over 30 others seriously injured. Little remains visible of the factory now reduced to a tangled , mass of metal, rubble, and ash. Don for 500% tariffs on Russia’s partners JAYA N T H JACO B @ New Delhi IN a development that could possibly reshape US foreign trade policy and geopolitical alliances, President Donald Trump has backed a Senate bill proposing a sweeping 500% tariff on countries keeping economic ties with Russia. The legislation, known as the Sanctioning Russia Act, aims to economically isolate Moscow by penalising thirdparty nations, including India and China, which continue to import vast quantities of Russian oil. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who introduced the bill Donald Trump earlier this year, confirmed Trump’s support during an interview on ABC News. “If you’re buying products from Russia and you’re not helping Ukraine, then there’s a 500 percent tariff on your products coming into the United States,” Graham said. “India and China buy 70% of Putin’s oil. They keep his war machine going.” If enacted into law, the proposed tariffs would directly hit India and China, the largest buyers of Russian crude. The air remains heavy with the acrid stench of burnt chemicals, searing throats and bringing tears unbidden to the eyes of those who brave the scene. Yet, for three relentless days, rescue teams comprising personnel from the fire department, police, HYDRAA, NDRF and local administration keep working around the clock, regardless of the exhaustion and the hazard. “Clad in protective gear and masks, we keep entering the factory’s wreckage. But despite all measures, the chemical fumes are unbearable. Our throats burn, our eyes sting constantly said Mahesh, a po,” lice constable from Hyderabad, pausing briefly before returning to the grim task. Teams rest in shifts at the site, snatching moments of sleep before resuming the search as they race against time.  Continued on P2 Move flouted directions of Supreme Court, RBI: rcom RCom said it will seek legal, remedial measures, arguing that SBI did not properly hear its side of the story as required by the Supreme Court and did not follow RBI norms on classifying a loan account as fraud SBI flags Anil Ambani-led RCom loan as fraud B E N N K OC H U V E E D A N @ Mumbai The country’s largest bank, State Bank of India, has classified the loan account of beleaguered Reliance Communications (RCom), under bankruptcy since June 2019, as a ‘fraud’ account, and reported the name of its erstwhile promoter and director Anil Ambani to the Reserve Bank of India. According to SBI, RCom used `12,692.31 crore, 41% of the total loan, to pay connected parties through a web of inter-group transactions. The company owed `31,580 crore to banks, SBI said in its letter. In an exchange filing on Wednesday RCom confirmed , receipt of the letter from SBI, dated June 23. The firm asserted its right to seek remedial and legal measures, arguing that the bank did not properly hear its case as required by the Supreme Court and did not follow RBI norms on classifying a loan account as fraud. In a March 28, 2023 order, the SC direct- ed banks to provide borrowers with a personal hearing before classifying their loan accounts as fraudulent, citing the principles of natural justice. The court noted that classifying a loan account as fraud has severe implications for borrowers, including potential criminal proceedings and restrictions on future borrowing. Following this, RBI issued revised guidelines to banks incorporating this ruling into its Febr uary 2016 guidelines. After SBI’s move, other banks with exposure to RCom are expected to follow suit. “We have taken cognizance of the responses to our show-cause notice and... concluded that sufficient reasons have not been provided by the respondent to explain the non-adherence to the agreed terms and conditions of the loan documents,” SBI said in its June 25 letter, which RCom disclosed to exchanges on Wednesday . H a r p r ee t B a j w a & J aya n t h J a c o b @ Chandigarh/New Delhi In a landmark announcement just days ahead of his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama on Wednesday formally announced that the centuries-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his death, ending years of speculation over the future of Tibetan Buddhism’s highest spiritual seat. The decision, however, drew sharp criticism from China, which insists it holds authority over any future reincarnation. “I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” the exiled Tibetan leader declared in a statement posted on social media and his official website. He stressed that only his personal institution, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, has the authority to identify and recognise his reincarnation, warning that no outside entity including , governments, has any right to interfere in the sacred process. “I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.” The Chinese government condemned the announcement, reiterating its long-standing claim to control the selection of Tibetan spiritual leaders, a stance that triggered international criticism for politicising religion. “The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn and approved by the central government,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in Beijing. She cited a Qing dynasty-era method to justify Beijing’s authority over reincarnations. Mao said China permits religious freedom but within limits defined by the state. “The survival and development of any religion lies in adapting to the country’s social environment and cultural traditions,” she said, defending China’s efforts to align religious practices with its governance model. The Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter — Dalai Lama Rijiju, two CMs to attend B’day event Union minister Kiren Rijiju, CMs Pema Khandu and Prem Singh Tamang and Karnataka minister Gangadharaia are expected to attend the 90th birthday celebrations of the Dalai Lama on July 6 at Dharamshala Gere arrives, U.S. may send diplomat Hollywood veteran Richard Gere is already in McLeodganj along with his son Homer James Jigme Gere. The US is likely to be represented by Bethany Poulos Morrison, Dy Assistant Secretary in the State Department Beijing views the Dalai Lama as a separatist and continues to reject his spiritual and political influence, especially in regions like Tibet and parts of the Himalayan belt where devotion to him is deep-rooted. In contrast to China’s rebuke, the Dalai Lama’s reaffirmation was welcomed by Tibetan groups and Buddhist communities across Asia. The spiritual leader revealed that his decision following 14 years of consistent appeals from religious leaders, civil organisations, and Tibetan communities inside and outside Tibet. Scolded for losing lakhs in online betting, teen kills dad E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad A 19-year-old man allegedly killed his father at Gopanpally village on Tuesday after being reprimanded for losing `6 lakh in betting and on a lavish lifestyle. According to Gachibowli police, the victim, identified as Hanumanthu, worked as a mason, while the accused, Ravinder, had completed his Intermediate education. Around Tuesday midnight, police received a petition from 25year-old Kethavath Ramesh who claimed that at about 12.30 pm on Tuesday he received a call from his nephew Ravinder, claiming , that his father had stabbed himself and died. Ramesh, accompanied by his relative Mohan and sister-in-law Jamalamma, rushed to the scene and found Hanumanthu lying in a pool of blood with a neck injury The body was shifted to their . native place in Wanaparthy district for funeral arrangements. During the investigation, police said Ravinder confessed to killing his father. Hanumanthu had reportedly mortgaged land and raised `6 lakh, which Ravinder used for betting and personal expenses. After repeated reprimands, Ravinder allegedly took his father to an isolated location and stabbed him on Tuesday afternoon. ED follows the money trail, raids ex-HMDA official in DA case probe E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Hyderabad The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday conducted searches at multiple locations in Hyderabad, including the residences of former HMDA director (town planning) Shiva Balakrishna and his relatives, in connection with illegally acquired properties and suspected money laundering. Based on an FIR filed by the ACB, the ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is investigating the matter. The investigation is examining whether funds were transferred to Balakrishna as part of a quid pro quo arrangement through illegal means. Officials have also sought documents related to land and other financial transactions. Earlier, the ACB had arrested Balakrishna along with his brother, Shiva Naveen Kumar, in a disproportionate assets case. Both were later released on bail granted by the Nampally court. Following the bail orders, the ACB arrested a few more individuals connected to the same case. In January 2024, the ACB raided the houses of Balakrishna and his relatives. During the raids, assets worth crores were seized. According to an ACB statement, the teams recovered `99.60 lakh in cash, 1.9 kg of gold ornaments and 6 kg of silver articles. Documents related to movable and immovable properties valued around `5.96 crore were also found. The ACB stated that the total value of the assets identified during the searches was `8.26 crore, while the market value of the assets is likely to be considerably higher. Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, have been invoked against Balakrishna. Officials have reportedly found that after acquiring disproportionate assets, Balakrishna registered some of the properties in the names of associates. The accused allegedly created multiple shell companies to launder ill-gotten money .