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NEW DELHI: The opposition on Monday tore into the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government after the accused in Badlapur sexual abuse case was killed as he opened fire in police custody. The opposition and family of the accused, both claimed the encounter was fake and demanded a judicial probe.
According to a senior police official, Akshay Shinde managed to snatch a gun from an officer and fired at officer Nilesh More, injuring him in the thigh.In retaliation, another officer returned fire, striking Shinde in the temple. He was critically injured and later succumbed to injuries.
After the encounter, the people of the city, especially women, celebrated by distributing sweets. The celebrating women justified the police encounter and welcomed it and said that today both the girls have actually got justice in the incident.
Briefing on the matter, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the incident should not be politicised.
“The accused was being taken for investigation when he snatched a police gun and fired. Police fired back and got injured and was taken to hospital. As per initial information, he (accused) has succumbed to his injuries. Let the official announcement come,” he said.
“Opposition is always raising questions on everything and this is the same opposition who said that the accused should be hanged. What will the police do to defend itself? Such politics should not be done on the issue,” he added.
Meanwhile, the family members alleged that their encounter was fake and the police carried out the encounter as a part of politics.. Akshay’s parents met him in Taloja jail this afternoon.
They claimed that their son cannot kill a mosquito, how will he fire at the police?
The leader of opposition in Maharashtra Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar raised suspicion about Akshay’s encounter and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.
“There must be a judicial inquiry into this! Akshay Shinde’s shooting is an attempt to destroy evidence?? How exactly did Akshay Shinde shoot? Were the accused Akshay’s hands not tied when he was in police custody? How did he get the gun? How can the police be so careless?” Wadettiwar said.
“In the Badlapur case, on one hand, no action is taken against the directors of the institution when they are related to BJP, on the other hand, today the accused Akshay Shinde shot himself, it is very shocking and suspicious. From the beginning we do not believe in the role of the police in the Badlapur case. We demand there must be a judicial inquiry into this matter now!” he added.
Baramati MP Supriya Sule also accused the Maharashtra government of depriving people of Maharashtra of justice and said that the incident shows there is an “absolute breakdown of law enforcement and justice system”.
“The Mahayuti Government’s approach to the Badlapur sexual assault case of two minor girls is shocking! Delay in the filing of FIR first, and now the prime accused is killed in custody! This is an absolute breakdown of law enforcement and justice system. This is inexcusable, it deprives the people of Maharashtra of justice,” she wrote on X.
Akshay was arrested last month for allegedly assaulting two girls, aged four and five, inside the school’s washroom where he worked as an attendant. While in police custody, Shinde reportedly snatched a police officer’s weapon and opened fire on officers. Several police personnel were injured during the attack. Shinde was critically wounded in the retaliatory firing and was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In response to the growing criticism over the investigation, the Maharashtra government has established a Special Investigation Team to probe the case further. Additionally, the Bombay High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and is monitoring the investigation.

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav on Monday raised concerns over the sale of adulterated ‘khoya’ in Mathura, demanding an inquiry into the matter. Her remarks came against the backdrop of allegations of adulteration in Tirupati Laddu prasad, which, she said, had hurt the religious sentiments of all devotees.
She criticised the food department for its inaction, saying, “Due to the failure of the food department, adulterated food and oil are causing illness to people.The department remains negligent and silent on the matter.”
Dimple also pointed to reports indicating that ‘khoya’ sold in Mathura is adulterated and urged the BJP government to initiate investigations into both cases. The source of these reports was not mentioned.
In response to concerns about food safety, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Uttar Pradesh has collected 13 samples of ‘prasadam’ from prominent temples in Mathura for testing.
A political controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh, with chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu claiming that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government.
The YSR Congress Party has rejected the allegations, accusing Naidu of making baseless claims for political purposes. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by Naidu, has circulated a laboratory report to support its claim.
Dimple also criticised the BJP’s approach to elections, calling the “One Nation One Election” initiative a farce and accusing the party of “killing democracy.” She pointed out that elections are currently being held in Haryana, while by-elections in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh remain pending.
“All these elections could have been conducted together,” she said, adding that the BJP implements policies based on convenience.
Dimple, accusing the government of making false claims about investments, said, “Investments worth lakhs of crores of rupees are being promised, but nothing is visible on the ground,”
She also addressed the use of bulldozers, referring to guidelines from the Supreme Court, and describing the practice as “unlawful and a crime.”

NEW DELHI: Ronnie Flanagan, who has headed the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) since 2010, will retire at the end of October. His departure follows the news of ACU head Alex Marshall‘s planned retirement in November.
Flanagan has had a distinguished career. He was formerly the Home Office chief inspector of constabulary for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and also served as the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.He took over from Lord Paul Condon, the ACU’s first head, who left in 2010 after a decade-long tenure, reported ANI quoting ESPNcricinfo.
Lord Paul Condon was appointed by the ICC in 2000 to tackle the widespread issue of match-fixing in cricket. His efforts led to life bans for three international cricket captains: Mohammad Azharuddin, Saleem Malik, and the late Hansie Cronje. Condon’s work established significant safeguards to protect cricket from corruption.
As Condon’s term was ending, he warned that T20 cricket, particularly domestic franchise leagues, posed a major threat to the sport’s integrity.
His warning was proven accurate with the IPL corruption scandal in 2013. During the ICC annual conference that year, Flanagan urged cricket boards worldwide to implement stringent anti-corruption measures.
He stressed, “The need for robust laws to prosecute players, match officials, and franchise owners guilty of corrupt practices, especially in domestic T20 leagues, to prevent future scandals.”
The ICC has stated it will discuss Flanagan’s successor at its quarterly meetings in October.
As Flanagan prepares to step down, the cricket community recognizes his key role in bolstering cricket’s defenses against corruption. His contributions, along with those of his predecessor, have been vital in maintaining the sport’s integrity, although challenges continue to evolve in both domestic and international cricket contexts.
Flanagan’s leadership has been instrumental, and while the battle against corruption in cricket continues, his efforts have laid a strong foundation for the future.

Actor Pratibha Ranta says she is just grateful that she got to be a part of a beautiful film like “Laapataa Ladies“, which has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025. The Kiran Rao-directed and Aamir Khan produced movie is set in 2001 rural India and revolves around two brides who accidently get swapped during a train journey.
Ranta played Jaya, one of the two brides, who fights societal norms to realise her dream of becoming an organic farmer.
Ranta, who made her acting debut with TV show “Qurbaan Hua” in 2020 and later appeared in the web series “Aadha Ishq”, made her debut in films with “Laapataa Ladies”.
“We were hoping for the film’s selection. Today when this news came out, I was so happy and I don’t know what to say right now. We were hoping for that. I’m so overwhelmed and happy with the response that we have received today,” she told PTI in an interview.
Nitanshi Goel played the other bride Phool, and the film also featured actors such as Sparsh Shrivastava, Chhaya Kadam and Ravi Kishan in pivotal roles.
Ranta, who hails from Shimla, said she made some of the best memories and friends during the shoot of the movie.
“The best part is the kind of friends I have made during this film, I have cherished those moments a lot. We still meet, we still talk to each other and I think it’s a beautiful feeling just to be able to connect with so many beautiful people. That’s the most beautiful thing,” she said.
The actor said she instantly connected with her character’s dream of becoming a farmer as she also comes from an agricultural family.
“I have apple orchards back home,” she said.
Ranta, who most recently featured in Sanjay Leela Bhansali‘s “Heeramandi”, shared that despite wanting to explore several genres, she also wants to portray characters like Jaya in “Laapataa Ladies”.

“I would love to be a part of a film that gives out a good message. My character should have a lot of gravity. I think that’s what I’m looking for. My character should inspire others, like Jaya. So many people were able to relate with Jaya. When It’s so similar, it motivates us. I want to do something of that sort again. I’m actually looking for very strong characters now,” she added.

A TikTok creator featured in Oprah Winfrey‘s recent town hall with US vice president Kamala Harris publicly criticised the use of her video without permission, expressing her discontent and vowing not to vote for Harris in the upcoming election.
TikTok creator Blaire Allison shared her frustrations in a video posted on Saturday, “So I got my four seconds of fame on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and of all people to be her guest, let me show you who it was,” she said, showing a clip from the town hall that aired last Thursday.In the segment, various individuals discussed the financial problems faced by average Americans and Allison’s original comments from November 2023 about the cost of living.
In her mocking imitation of Harris, Allison made it clear that she does not support the vice president’s presidential ambitions. “To my Americans: Let me make something perfectly clear, OK? I do not support Harris for president,” she said, imitating Harris. “As I stand here today, on this stage, standing on this stage today, the day after yesterday, I just want you to know, OK, how I stand and how I stand today is that I do not support Harris for president.”
Allison quickly gained traction, amassing over 2 million views on X and over 100,000 views on TikTok. In a follow-up video, she clarified that Winfrey’s team had not secured her permission to use her original clip. “I have made it very clear that I don’t support Kamala Harris, at all,” she said.
In an email to Fox News Digital, Allison expressed her disappointment and said, “I was disappointed that such a well-known talk show such as Oprah Winfrey didn’t even notify me they were using my clip,” she noted.
Allison’s original TikTok portrayed the struggles of individuals coping with rising living costs, particularly teachers and minimum wage workers. “How are people affording life right now?” she questioned in her video.
Social media users shared the TikTok creator’s rebuttal to the Winfrey interview on X, commenting how she “savages” Harris and her response to Harris was “hysterical.”

NASA is gearing up for a crucial mission this week with the launch of the SpaceX Crew-9 flight to the International Space Station (ISS). The Crew-9 mission, featuring astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, has arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is set to launch for the International Space Station (ISS) on September 26.Hague will serve as the commander, while Gorbunov will take on the role of mission specialist.
However, the mission has evolved into a rescue operation due to recent complications. Originally intended to simply deliver new crew members, Crew-9 is now tasked with bringing back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stranded on the ISS following issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. This unexpected turn emphasises the importance of flexibility and rapid response in space missions, showcasing NASA’s commitment to crew safety and the effective management of international partnerships in space exploration.

SpaceX Crew – 9 revised launch timing and location

The new launch is set for no earlier than 2:05 p.m. EDT (1805 GMT) from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, accounting for both equipment preparations and weather conditions.

Pre-launch quarantine and mission preparations

Astronauts Hague and Gorbunov have already arrived at the Launch and Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center. They will now enter a quarantine period at the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, where they’ll practice mission procedures, including dry dress rehearsals, adjust their sleep schedules, and connect with loved ones.
The mission is expected to last five months, during which the crew will conduct over 200 scientific experiments before returning to Earth with Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The launch will be streamed live on YouTube, NASA+, and SpaceX’s official website.

Updated crew composition for Crew-9 mission

The Crew-9 mission will now feature only two astronauts: NASA’s Nick Hague, who will make history as the first active U.S. Space Force Guardian to travel to space, and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. The original crew members, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Stephanie Wilson, have been replaced by mass simulators, though future missions are being considered for them.

Impact of Boeing Starliner issues and enhanced safety measures

The delay is connected to issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which resulted in astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore being stranded on the ISS. Crew-9 will now act as a rescue mission, safely returning Williams and Wilmore to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
NASA’s decision to delay the launch ensures that all systems undergo thorough testing, meeting stringent safety standards for the mission. This extra time allows both the crew and the spacecraft to be fully prepared for a smooth operation. In addition to transporting new astronauts to the ISS, the Crew-9 spacecraft will also facilitate the return of Williams and Wilmore, highlighting NASA’s adaptable approach to maintaining ISS operations.
The Crew-9 mission emphasises ongoing efforts to keep the ISS functional and maintain crew rotation schedules. It will continue to support scientific research and foster international collaboration aboard the space station.
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AEW was formed by some really popular and influential WWE wrestlers, and many of them have significantly contributed to the development of the company ever since 2019. One such wrestler is Dustin Rhodes, who used to wrestle in the WWE under the moniker of Goldust.
Alongside his brother Cody, Dustin has had some amazing matches in the company so far and is probably in the prime of his career right now.While there have been several speculations that he’ll make a return to the WWE just like his brother, it’s unlikely that is going to happen. According to Dustin Rhodes, AEW is good for his soul.

Dustin Rhodes isn’t leaving the AEW anytime soon

In a post on X, Dustin Rhodes recently exclaimed that he was in love with AEW and has clearly indicated that he’ll be continuing with the company for days to come. He said, “I love AEW!! For 5 yrs I have been on this “One Last Ride”, and I have loved it. This place is good for my soul!”
He’s been putting up some really interesting matches for a while now, and he’s one of the superstars to look out for.
In a recent match, Dustin Rhodes defended his ROH tag-team titles alongside Sammy Guevara and defeated the Undisputed Kingdom in a Bloody Bunkhouse Brawl. The match had some amazing spots and was increasingly entertaining in nature.

Also read: Booker T claims popular WWE star got “lost in the shuffle” in AEW
Recently, there were rumors of his retirement too, but he shot those rumors down too. He said, “Yes my contract is up in September, and No, I am absolutely NOT DONE. Having the best matches of my life and hopefully, God willing I will get to retire on my own terms, respected with a full heart. Hopefully Negotiations go well because I am damn worth the world.”
Professional wrestlers are usually allowed to stay till the end of their contract before they renew them, so that’s likely going to be the case with Dustin Rhodes too. He’s been putting in some really exceptional work with his matches here, and his fans are absolutely delighted to see him perform in the ring.
Also read: Now, let’s talk RAW’: AEW Star Has Showed Her Concern For WWE’ Hour Cut Amid Shift To Netflix

The journey has just begun for “Laapataa Ladies” at Oscars 2025, says director Kiran Rao while admitting she is still in a state of “slight shock” to find that her film will represent the country at the Academy Awards. The Film Federation of India, which selects entries for the best international film category at Oscars, on Monday picked “Laapataa Ladies” from among 29 titles as India’s official selection.
“The journey has only just begun with being chosen as India’s entry to the Oscars. It’s a long and hard journey because there’s a lot of expertise, money, and support required and campaign strategy that one has to develop and carry through. We will put our best foot forward and try our best to take the film as far as it goes down this road towards the Oscars,” Rao told PTI in an interview.
The filmmaker said she initially thought it was a prank when the first call came through but she is “delighted and humbled” at the honour of representing the country though “Laapataa Ladies”. She produced the film via her Kindling Pictures with former husband Aamir Khan and his banner AKPPL and Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios.
“I’ve not had a moment to breathe and soak it in entirely. But I spoke to Aamir and a few of my actors and team when we got the news. It is a moment of collective joy and disbelief! We’ve poured so much of ourselves into this film,” she said.
“Laapataa Ladies”, starring Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta, is a heartwarming and empowering take on two brides in rural India in 2001 who accidentally get swapped during a train journey. It also stars Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma.
Based on a story by Biplab Goswami with screenplay and dialogues by Sneha Desai and additional dialogues by Divyanidhi Sharma, the film released in theatres on March 1 to great reviews.
And now that a 13-member select committee, led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, unanimously decided on “Laapataa Ladies” for the best international category at Oscars, Rao hopes it resonates with the international audiences the way it did at home.
“We are grateful for this recognition and excited about the journey ahead… It is a moment of collective joy and disbelief! We’ve poured so much of ourselves into this film… The first step for all of us is to create a plan by pooling in the collective expertise and also learning from those who have walked this path before.
“While it is an expensive undertaking, we are hopeful that we can build the right support system, both within the industry and through international platforms, to promote the film effectively,” she added.
The director said she first called Khan when she found out that “Laapataa Ladies” was set to represent India at the Oscars.
“Aamir was the first person I spoke to. My producer, the person who found the script for me. We congratulated each other,” she said.
Rao said Khan’s experience and deep understanding of the international film landscape, owing to the campaign of his 2001 film “Lagaan” would come in handy.
“Lagaan”, set in the pre-independence era, was the last Indian film to enter the top five nominations in the best international feature film category (formerly called best foreign film) at Oscars 2002.
Only two other films have previously made it to the final five and they are the Nargis-starrer “Mother India” and Mira Nair’s “Salaam Bombay!”
“I can only pray and hope that I follow in Lagaan’s footsteps to be nominated in the top five… Aamir’s been through this process before, and his insights will definitely help us make informed decisions. Having his guidance will be a great asset as we navigate the road ahead,” said Rao, who served as an assistant director on “Lagaan”.
About the time the Ashutosh Gowariker directorial made it to the Oscars, she recalled “cheering from the sidelines during that incredible journey”.
“It was inspiring to see how the team navigated the Oscars and created such an impact. I’ve learned a lot from that experience, which will certainly help in shaping our approach this time,” she said.
Rao said the 2023 edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, where “Laapataa Ladies” had its world premiere, proved to be a “great launchpad” for the film.
“It really exposed us to a huge market in North America. All the other films and filmmakers who came there heard about the film and we had such a great reception there that it gave us a lot of confidence also in our marketing for India and taking it to other countries,” she said.
She is now gearing up for the release of the movie in Japan theatres on October 4.

“We’re hoping for more international releases after that as well. It (Toronto) was great to start it off on an international journey from last year. Thanks to that, we have some sort of an insight into what we should be doing, how we should be pushing the film going forward in the Oscar journey.