Biker death: Bail denied for sub-contractor, CCTV sought
NEW DELHI, Feb 11: A Delhi court on Wednesday denied bail to sub-contractor Rajesh Kumar Prajapati in connection with the death of 25-year-old biker Kamal Dhyani, who fell into an uncovered 15-foot Delhi Jal Board pit in Janakpuri. Judicial Magistrate Harjot Singh Aujla cited the gravity of the offence, societal impact, and potential interference with witnesses or evidence as reasons to reject bail. The court noted lapses in safety measures, supervisory responsibility, and the ongoing investigation into permissions, barricading, and personnel deployment. Prajapati’s counsel argued his arrest on February 6 was illegal, as he was produced in court only on February 8, violating constitutional safeguards. The court directed police to submit CCTV footage from the station to clarify timings and listed the matter for February 16 to consider the illegal detention plea. Two arrests, including Prajapati and a labourer, have been made, while three Delhi Jal Board officials were suspended. Interim protection was granted to two other contractors involved in the case. (PTI)
India gets its first musical road on Mumbai Coastal Road
MUMBAI, Feb 11: Mumbai’s Coastal Road has become India’s first-ever “musical road,” where motorists can hear the iconic Bollywood song Jai Ho by A.R. Rahman while driving over specially designed grooves at 70–80 kmph. The 500-metre stretch, inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, uses friction-generated sound waves to produce the melody, based on Hungarian technology. Signboards have been installed to alert drivers and ensure the correct speed for the experience. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and former MP Rahul Shewale, who conceptualised the idea, highlighted that the road evokes patriotism and offers a unique driving experience. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation plans to expand the concept and consider implementing it on the Samruddhi Expressway. This innovation marks India’s debut in musical roads, joining Japan, Hungary, South Korea, and the UAE in such projects. (Agencies)
Hardeep Puri clarifies on Rahul’s Epstein files claims
NEW DELHI, Feb 11: Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri strongly refuted Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s claims linking him to convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Puri clarified that he met Epstein only a few times as part of a delegation and exchanged just one email, stressing that his interactions had no connection to Epstein’s criminal activities. He called Gandhi a “Yuva Neta” making baseless allegations and highlighted his own public service and contributions. Puri detailed that in November 2014, as a private citizen, he engaged with global leaders like Reid Hoffman to discuss India’s opportunities, predating government initiatives like Digital India. He reiterated that references to him in the Epstein files are minimal—three or four meetings over eight years—and all facts are publicly available. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, accused the government of compromising India’s interests, alleging energy and financial weaponisation by the US and linking Epstein files to undisclosed pressures on the Prime Minister. (Agencies)
