kalaburagi l Monday l march 24, 2025 l `9.00 l PAGES 12 l city EDITION israel army steps up ground offensive in gaza strip Israel’s army pressed ground operations across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, urging Palestinians to flee an offensive in Hamas-ruled Rafah city Palestinian toll in Gaza’s war passes 50,000 ‘israel’s plans violate global laws’ More than 50,000 Palestinians have officially been declared to have been killed in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the territory’s Health Ministry said on Sunday, even as new Israeli airstrikes killed at least 26 Palestinians overnight, including a top Hamas political leader and several women and children | P9 ■ ■ Israel’s Cabinet approved a proposal to set up a new directorate for advancing “voluntary departure” of Palestinians in line with Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate Gaza Palestinians say they don’t want to leave, and rights groups say Israel’s proposal amounts violation of international law 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank to be created by israel 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 Do not dispose of phone or tamper with data, HC CJ tells judge Varma S h e k h a r S i ng h @ New Delhi DELHI High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya has instructed Justice Yashwant Varma not to dispose of his mobile phone(s) or delete, modify, or tamper with any conversations, messages, or data. The directive conveyed through a formal letter dated March 21 follows an order from Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, emphasising the need to preserve evidence. In a subsequent letter addressed to the CJI, Chief Justice Upadhyaya said he had requested the Delhi Police commissioner to furnish call detail records (CDR) and internet protocol detail records (IPDR) of Justice Varma’s mobile phone for the past six months. “The call detail records have Kerala BJP bets on Rajeev Chandrasekhar as new chief E x p r e s s N e w s s e r v i c e @ T’Puram The BJP has selected former Union minister and businessman Rajeev Chandrasekhar to lead its Kerala unit. The decision was finalised during a meeting chaired by BJP central observer Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Saturday party sourc, es said. The BJP’s core committ e e m e t i n T h i r u va n a n thapuram on Sunday to endorse this decision, with attendees including Kerala in-charge Prakash Javadekar and co-incharge Aparajita Sarangi, MP . The official announcement is expected on Monday during the state council meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. On Sunday, Chandrasekhar submitted his nomination before the retur ning officer, Narayanan Namboothiri, at the BJP headquarters in the state capital. Given that Chandrasekhar is the sole nominee, his election on Monday is expected to be a mere formality. He will succeed K Surendran who served as state president for five years, including two years as interim chief. By taking Chandrasekhar on board, the BJP is signalling its focus on securing the uppercaste Hindu vote base. Yashwant Varma been received and are being forwarded in a pen drive along with this letter. As for the IPDR, the same shall be provided as soon as it is received from the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, or the relevant mobile service provider,” the letter stated. The letter stated that a formal request had been made to the DCP (Security) to obtain details of personal security officers and security personnel stationed at Justice Var ma’s residence over the last six months. Once received, these records would be duly submitted. The developments come in the wake of a fire that broke out at Justice Varma’s residence on Tughlaq Road on the night of March 14, leading to the discovery of currency notes in a storeroom inside the judge’s official residence. Justice Varma, on his part, has dismissed the allegations and termed them “a conspiracy to tarnish” his reputation. In a written response to Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya on March 22, Justice Varma stated, “... No cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members. The suggestion that one would store cash in a commonly-used storeroom verges on the incredible and incredulous.” Sunrisers’ Smashing Start Kishan makes a statement Kishan makes his SRH debut with a ton as his team beats RR. A look... After being sidelined from the Indian setup, Ishan Kishan, for his new IPL team, smashed an unbeaten 47ball 106 helping Sunrisers Hyderabad to 286/6. His first IPL century played a part in Rajasthan Royals falling short by 44 runs Records tumble in Hyd In what is one of the flattest grounds of the IPL, bowlers were taken for a ride in Hyderabad on Sunday. Jofra Archer’s 0/76 became the most expensive spell in the history of IPL as four bowlers across sides went over 50 runs Noor nails it at Chepauk One of the most anticipated combinations this season, Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad showed why he is going to be lethal for Chennai Super Kings as he took 4/18 in four overs against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. His spell helped CSK beat MI by four wickets | P11 Reservation based on religion is against Constitution: Hosabale RSS general secretary says it is only possible for backward classes within a religion E x p r e s s N e w s Se r v i c e @ Bengaluru “Reservation based on religion is not possible, and it is allowed for backward classes within a religion. But such reservation has been provided in Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states. The Constitution, authored by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, does not allow it. If any state is implementing it that means it is going against the father of our Constitution,” RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Sunday, addressing the media on the concluding day of three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha. On the Congress government in Karnataka approving a Bill in the recent budget session to provide 4 per cent quota to minorities, Hosabale said such efforts were made earlier by Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, when Sushil Kumar Shindhe was chief minister. But those attempts were futile as high courts set aside the decisions. On the Karnataka government passing a resolution pressing the Centre to bring in an Act to allocate Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan & 4% quota: HDK to clear JDS stand today Bengaluru: The Janata Dal (Secular), which is in an alliance with BJP in Karnataka, is reportedly in a Catch-22 situation as to whether to support the 4% quota for minorities in government contracts under 2B category or join hands with its alliance partner BJP to oppose it | P5 Crimes against children rise, over 10 POCSO cases filed every day this year R a k s h i t h G o w d a @ Bengaluru Crimes against children in the state have surged, with an average of 10 Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases registered every day in the first two months of 2025. In 2024, the police registered 8,233 cases of crime against children, an increase from 7,854 cases in 2023. Among these, 4,003 were POCSO cases, marking a 38.89% rise in four years, from 2,882 cases in 2021. Despite the increase in the number of cases, the conviction rate remains low, with only 353 con- victions out of 13,990 total cases registered in four years (20212024). Worryingly, over 26% of these cases ended in acquittal of the accused (3,662), while 202 were classified as false cases. The disturbing trend continues in 2025, with 348 and 264 POCSO cases registered in January and February respectively . Crimes against children in the state saw over 7% rise in 2024 compared to 2023, according to police data. Additionally 23 child , marriage cases and 16 child labour cases were reported in the first two months of the year. According to the State Crime SC appoints retired judge to settle dispute between mutts over Anegundi Brindavana Ramakrishna Badseshi @ Kalaburagi In a landmark order to settle a dispute between the seers of Uttaradi Mutt and Raghavendra Swamy Mutt over performing puja and aradhana of Brindavana at Nava Brindavana, situated near Anegundi of Koppal district, once for all, the Supreme Court has referred both the parties for a mediation. The apex court has requested former SC judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul to act as a mediator between the parties. The division bench of the apex court, comprising Justices MM Sun- dresh and Rajesh Bindal, passed the order on March 19 this year and the copy of the order was made available to The New Indian Express on Sunday . In the meantime, the Supreme Court has asked the parties to maintain the status quo. A division bench of the Karnataka High Court (Dharwad bench) comprising Justices HT Narendra Prasad and Venkatesh Naik T on December 20, 2024 set aside the judgment of a single judge of the high court Dharwad Bench, restricting Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam to perform puja and aradhana of Shri Jayateer- tha Swamiji to one of the Brindavanas by identifying it as the Brindavana of Jayateertha Swamiji. The division bench stated that the single judge’s order should continue for three months from December 20 or till the parties obtain necessary order or interim injunction or decree from the civil court whichever is earlier. It meant that the order passed by the single judge restricting Mantralaya Ra ghavendra Swamy Mutt from performing puja and aradhana to any of the Brindavanas will continue till a Supreme Court order. P5 We have prayed to the SC for referring the dispute for mediation by appropriate authority and the apex court has accepted our prayer Uttaradi Mutt sources rare find ASI discovers 110 megaliths near dam in Kerala Pa r v e z S u lta n @ New Delhi The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stumbled upon a cluster of over 110 megaliths (large stones used to build structures and monuments) near the Malampuzha dam in Palakkad, Kerala, during a recent exploration expedition. According to ASI officials, the discovery could offer more insights into ancient civilisations and their practices. Megaliths indicate significant burial sites, ritualistic areas, or places of cultural importance. Megalithic structures were built using large, rough stones without mortar or cement. Such chambers were common during Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The presence of ancient bur- The site near Malampuzha dam in Palakkad where ASI officials found the megalithic structures | Archaeological Survey of India ial chambers suggests there could be a large organised settlement at the site and it could shed more light on the region’s history . “Recent explorations near the Malampuzha Dam in Palakkad, Kerala, has led to a discovery of megalithic structures spread across island-like Tribal-Sub Plan (SCSP/TSP) grants proportionate to the population of SC/STs, Hosabale said he will welcome it if the move is constitutional. “It is up to the BJP government at the Centre to reply, but RSS will not oppose steps taken for the betterment of socially and economically weaker sections of society he said. ,” “There is no situation that required RSS to advise the government, which has been going mounds. The team of ASI surveyed the area and came across more than 110 me g aliths spreading across 45 hectares of land,” the ASI posted on X. The ASI said most of the burials are of ‘cist’ variety — both single and multiple chambered — stone circles, urns, dolmens, and dolmenoids. “These structures are primarily constructed with massive granite slabs and boulders, some also incorporate laterite stones,” it added. Cist graves are small stonebuilt coffin-like boxes used to hold dead bodies. Megaliths are found across India. Most notable sites include Brahmagiri in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu. Recently, the ASI discovered a large collection of antiquities at Ratnagiri in Odisha. Prize catch The discovery of such a large number of megalithic burials in clusters could provide more insights about the early Iron Age society and belief system in Kerala, ASI officials said. The rich pottery adds depth to the site’s cultural story Records Bureau, under the Children Act, police have registered 105 cases of child labour, 142 under the Juvenile Justice Act, and 152 under the the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2024. Last year, the state also reported 3,766 cases of child kidnapping and abduction. Child rights activist Vasudev Shar ma said, “Increasing number of cases indicates growing awareness about reporting cases, but the punishment for criminals remains low. Most cases of child sexual abuse happen within the family or involve someone known to the victim.” in the right direction. In Manipur, the clamping of President’s rule and disarming of warring groups gave hope. We are happy with the government’s decision which has been done following its own assessment. The Sangh does not advise the government daily as there is no such mechanism,” he said. He claimed that RSS will not intervene in the appointment of BJP national president as JP Nadda completed his tenure nine months ago. “RSS keeps repeating that both minority and majority are people of the country RSS has reached out to . leaders from the so-called minority RSS chief Mohan Bhag. wat himself met them,” he said.  Continued on P4 Express read Standardised bill for all hospitals soon New Delhi: The Centre will release a standardised format for hospital bills applicable to clinical establishments, including hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centres. It will require them to provide a clear breakdown of charges incurred by the patient | P7 Pope Francis back home after 5 weeks in hospital Vatican City : A frail Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after a five-week hospitalization for life-threatening double pneumonia, and he made a surprise stop at his favorite basilica on the way home before two months of recovery.