THE CLIFF NEWS

The Mumbai Police have uncovered key evidence linking Mohammed Shariful Islam, alias Vijay Das, to the January 16 attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan during a failed robbery attempt at his Bandra residence. Fingerprints as Crucial Evidence Police officials revealed that 19 fingerprints belonging to Islam, a Bangladeshi national, were lifted from various locations at the crime scene. These include the bathroom window he used for entry and exit, the duct shaft, and the ladder employed to access the building. While the fingerprint samples did not match any entries in state or national databases, investigators suspected the involvement of a foreign national, considering the lack of records and the common issue of illegal border crossings from Bangladesh. Sequence of Events and Arrest Following the attack, Islam fled Saif Ali Khan’s 11th-floor apartment in the Satguru Sharan building on St. Theresa Road, Bandra West. The police meticulously tracked his movements using CCTV footage: Further investigation revealed his association with Jitendra Pandey, a contractor who had been seen with Islam on CCTV in Andheri. Pandey provided critical details, helping authorities narrow their search to Thane. After an extensive manhunt involving over 100 personnel from Mumbai Police, the Crime Branch, and Thane Police, Islam was found hiding in mangrove bushes. Investigation and Court Proceedings Islam, who has confessed to the crime, is in police custody and has been remanded for five days. Authorities plan to recreate the crime at Saif Ali Khan’s residence to gather additional evidence and verify his account of events. This case highlights the crucial role of forensic evidence, CCTV surveillance, and technological tools in solving complex crimes.

An Army jawan was critically injured during an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists in the Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, officials reported on Monday. The gunfight resumed this morning following a brief halt overnight. Encounter Details The operation began on Sunday when security forces, acting on specific intelligence inputs, cornered two terrorists in Gujjarpatti, Sopore. The joint search operation involved the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Gunshots rang out as the security forces intensified their operation. The Army’s Special Forces later joined the effort to strengthen the ongoing mission against the terrorists. Area Secured The area has been fully cordoned off to prevent any escape, ensuring the safety of residents and operational integrity. Official Statement The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps provided an update on X (formerly Twitter), stating:“On 19 Jan 25, based on specific intelligence input regarding presence of terrorists, a Joint Cordon & Search Operation was launched by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice at Gujjarpatti, Sopore, Baramulla. Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire. Own troops effectively retaliated. Operation is in progress.” Current Status As of now, there are no reports of casualties among the terrorists. Further updates on the situation are awaited as the operation continues.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani extended their congratulations to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during a private reception in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, January 19, 2025, ahead of his inauguration. The Ambanis expressed optimism about strengthening India-U.S. relations and conveyed their wishes for a transformative second term of leadership under President-elect Trump. Strengthening Global Ties The Ambanis highlighted the potential for collaboration and progress between the two nations and globally during Trump’s presidency. Attending Inaugural Events The Ambanis are slated to attend the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on January 20. The inaugural festivities began Saturday with a reception and fireworks display at the Trump National Golf Club in Virginia. On Sunday, Mukesh and Nita Ambani participated in a “candlelight dinner” with President-elect Trump, alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance. High-Profile Attendees Inauguration Day will witness a host of prominent attendees, including billionaire Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. French entrepreneur Xavier Niel and his wife are also among the attendees. Zuckerberg, along with Republican mega-donor Miriam Adelson, is co-hosting a black-tie reception on Monday to celebrate the inauguration, which the Ambanis are expected to attend. Donald Trump Sworn in as 47th President Donald Trump, who previously served as the 45th President from 2017 to 2021, will take the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. India Represented at Ceremony India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will represent the Indian government at the swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the importance of India-U.S. relations.

Director Shankar has revealed that work on Indian 3 will begin soon, with the film expected to be completed in six months. In a recent interview, Shankar confirmed that the film will feature extensive VFX and some patchwork shooting. Despite setbacks with Indian 2 and Game Changer, Shankar is optimistic about the project. In the interview, Shankar mentioned that the storyline of Indian 3 would explore the origin of Veerasekaran Balaram, father of Senapathy, both characters played by Kamal Haasan. The film will feature Kamal Haasan alongside Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh, and SJ Suryah. Shankar also spoke about the disappointment of Indian 2‘s box-office performance, stating he didn’t expect the negative reviews and expressing his satisfaction with the film’s message of cleanliness. Indian 3 has generated significant buzz due to the end-credits teaser and anticipation for the film’s grand scale, following the success of the original 1996 classic.

Protests in Punjab Overshadow the Release of Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency Kangana Ranaut’s political drama Emergency, which hit theaters on Friday, faced backlash in Punjab as widespread protests led by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sikh organizations disrupted its screenings. Most cinemas in the state refrained from showing the film, citing security concerns and pressure from demonstrators. Protests and Boycott Calls Protests erupted in cities such as Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala, with demonstrators accusing the film of misrepresenting the Sikh community. Protesters held black flags and placards that read “Boycott Emergency” and “Ban Emergency,” demanding an immediate halt to the movie’s screening. “We approached both the Central and Punjab governments to stop this film, but no action was taken,” said SGPC spokesperson Partap Singh. Another SGPC member, Rajinder Singh Tohra, added, “The film insults the entire Sikh community. We won’t allow it to be shown anywhere in Punjab.” Objections to the Film Directed, written, and produced by Kangana Ranaut, Emergency portrays the 21-month period of Emergency (1975–1977) under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The SGPC and Sikh groups claim the film portrays Sikh characters in a derogatory manner. “The movie has been made to disturb the peace of Punjab,” said Singh, as the SGPC submitted memorandums to district authorities demanding a ban. Restricted Screenings in Punjab The demonstrations forced many cinemas across Punjab to cancel screenings. In Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Mohali, theater owners halted the movie’s release following objections from Sikh organizations. Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner of Police Shivam Aggarwal confirmed that cinema owners decided not to screen the film amidst the unrest. Kangana Ranaut Responds Kangana Ranaut responded strongly to the protests, labeling the restricted screenings as “harassment of art and the artist.” In a post on X, she stated, “This is propaganda to tarnish my image and harm my film. I have the utmost respect for all religions and have closely observed Sikh traditions growing up in Chandigarh.” Political Support for the Boycott Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira backed the SGPC, criticizing Ranaut for her past remarks about farmers and the Sikh community. He called on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to impose an immediate ban on the film in the state. Public Poll on the Boycott A public debate has sparked over whether the boycott is justified: The controversy surrounding Emergency highlights ongoing tensions between creative expression and community sentiments.

Actress Urvashi Rautela faced severe backlash after her remarks about Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing incident were deemed insensitive by netizens. While reacting to the brutal attack on the actor, Urvashi diverted attention to flaunting her diamond-studded Rolex watch, gifted by her mother, and expressed concerns about wearing expensive items in public due to insecurity. She said, “It is very unfortunate. Now Daaku Maharaj has crossed ₹105 crore at the box office, and my mother gifted me this diamond-studded Rolex. My father also gifted me this mini watch on my finger, but we don’t feel confident wearing it outside openly. There is this insecurity that anybody can attack us. Whatever happened was very unfortunate.” The remarks, made during the promotion of her film Daaku Maharaj, went viral and drew widespread criticism, with many accusing her of being “ignorant” and “self-centered” about the gravity of the incident involving Saif Ali Khan. Urvashi Issues Public Apology Amid the trolling, Urvashi took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt apology, acknowledging her insensitivity. In the now-deleted post, she addressed Saif Ali Khan directly, writing:“Dear Saif Ali Khan Sir, I hope this message finds you in strength. I am writing with a deep sense of regret and heartfelt apology. Until now, I was completely unaware of the intensity of the situation you are facing. I feel ashamed that I allowed myself to be consumed by the excitement surrounding Daaku Maharaj and the gifts I was receiving, instead of pausing to acknowledge and understand what you are going through.” She continued, “Please accept my sincerest apologies for being so ignorant and insensitive. Now that I know the gravity of your case, I am deeply moved and want to extend my unwavering support. Your grace, dignity, and resilience during such a challenging time are truly admirable, and I have nothing but immense respect for your strength.” Urvashi concluded the note by offering her thoughts, prayers, and assistance, adding, “Once again, I am truly sorry, sir, for my earlier indifference.” Ongoing Backlash Despite her apology, Urvashi continued to face trolling on social media, with users labeling her a “wannabe” and an “attention seeker.” While some appreciated her effort to apologize, many questioned her motives and sincerity, further fueling the controversy. This incident has sparked conversations about the importance of sensitivity and awareness, especially when public figures comment on serious matters.

Major Heist in Mangaluru: Robbers Steal Gold Worth ₹12 Crore In a daring daylight robbery, a gang of five armed robbers looted gold worth over ₹12 crore and ₹5 lakh in cash from the Koteker Ullal Cooperative Bank in Karnataka’s Mangaluru district on Friday. The assailants threatened bank staff with guns, swords, and knives before fleeing the scene. Details of the Incident The robbery occurred at the K C Road branch of the bank. Eyewitness Usha, who lives opposite the bank, described the robbers dragging multiple bags of loot while wearing masks and caps. She recalled, “It was terrifying. They moved quickly, taking advantage of the empty streets as it was Friday.” Possible Insider Involvement Preliminary investigations suggest potential insider involvement, as the bank’s CCTV cameras were sent for repair on the day of the robbery. The police are probing this angle further. Police Response and Challenges The heist coincided with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to Mangaluru, during which many officers were occupied with security arrangements. The robbers also exploited the area’s relative quietness, as many residents were away offering Friday prayers. CM Siddaramaiah’s Emergency Meeting The Chief Minister convened an emergency meeting with senior police officials, including West Range IGP Amit Singh and Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal. Expressing his displeasure, he questioned the ease with which the robbers escaped, demanding explanations for the lack of monitoring at toll plazas and insufficient security at the bank. Ongoing Investigation Police reported that the suspects communicated in Kannada and Hindi, and efforts are underway to trace their movements. Authorities are also examining nearby toll booths and gathering witness statements to identify the culprits. This robbery follows another incident in Bidar, where two robbers shot an ATM cash van employee and stole ₹93 lakh, raising concerns about rising criminal activity in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, January 17, approved a ₹11,440 crore package to revive Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the State-owned steel producer, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. Breakdown of the Revival Package The revival package includes: “This package aims to address RINL’s legacy issues and ensure its long-term sustainability,” the Union Minister said. Strategic Importance of RINL Union Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the critical role of RINL in India’s steel industry, noting its coastal location in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as a significant strategic asset. “RINL holds a unique position in the steel sector, contributing significantly to India’s industrial growth,” he said. The government also plans to modernize the plant and secure raw materials, ensuring operational efficiency. The revival is expected to benefit RINL employees, local economies, and Andhra Pradesh’s industrial landscape. Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Steel Industry Growth Prime Minister Modi highlighted the revival’s alignment with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has a special place in the hearts of Andhra Pradesh’s people. This equity support of over ₹10,000 crore underscores the importance of the steel sector in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Modi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Future Plans The Union Minister outlined RINL’s operational roadmap, including the activation of two blast furnaces and plans to have all three furnaces operational by August 2025. This revival initiative signals the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s steel industry and fostering self-reliance in critical sectors.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday unveiled the first part of its manifesto, titled Sankalp Patra, for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, emphasizing women’s empowerment and senior citizen welfare. Key Promises in BJP Manifesto BJP president JP Nadda announced the following initiatives: Nadda stated, “The welfare schemes we have announced will serve as the foundation of a developed Delhi. Our manifesto prioritizes the empowerment of women and the welfare of senior citizens.” Continuation and Enhancement of Welfare Schemes Nadda assured that if the BJP forms the government, all existing public welfare schemes will not only continue but be strengthened. He also criticized the AAP-led government’s implementation of free bus travel for women, promising to increase the fleet of buses to ensure better service. AAP’s Counterattack AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the BJP of copying his party’s welfare initiatives. “The BJP manifesto is nothing but a copy of AAP’s welfare schemes. The BJP leadership should publicly acknowledge that welfare measures like free electricity, water, and bus services are a boon for the people,” Kejriwal said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who previously criticized AAP’s welfare programs as “revdis” (freebies), should now admit their value. “The BJP manifesto can be summed up in one line — ‘Arvind Kejriwal’s work is good, and we will continue it,’” Kejriwal remarked. Competing Promises While the AAP has promised ₹2,100 per month for women, the BJP has pledged ₹2,500. Meanwhile, the Congress has also offered ₹2,500 in its manifesto. Kejriwal criticized the BJP for not addressing critical issues like law and order, housing for slum dwellers, and regularizing unauthorised colonies. He emphasized that his government’s welfare measures have significantly benefited Delhi’s residents and should not be dismissed as mere “freebies.” BJP’s Women-Centric Policies Highlighting its focus on maternal safety and nutrition, Nadda referenced the Central Government’s initiative to increase maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks in 2017. He reiterated the party’s commitment to empowering women through practical and impactful policies. As the election race heats up, both parties are showcasing their achievements and promises, vying for the support of Delhi’s voters.

Indian television actor Aman Jaiswal, aged 23, passed away in a road accident on Jogeshwari Highway. Known for his work in Dhartiputra Nandini, Aman was riding his bike when he was struck by a truck. Despite being rushed to Mumbai’s HBT Trauma Hospital in Jogeshwari East, he succumbed to his injuries within half an hour. A Promising Career Cut Short Aman Jaiswal, originally from Balia, Uttar Pradesh, had made a significant mark in the television industry. He gained recognition for his lead role in Dhartiputra Nandini and his portrayal of Yashwant Rao Phanse in Sony TV’s Punyashlok Ahilyabai, which aired from January 2021 to October 2023. He also appeared in the hit series Udaariyaan, produced by Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta. Tributes and Condolences Director Dhiraj Mishra shared an emotional tribute to the late actor in an Instagram post, writing, “You will live in our memories… God can be so cruel sometimes. Your death made me realize today… Goodbye @aman__jazz.” The post was later deleted. Aman’s fans and colleagues from the entertainment industry expressed shock and grief over his untimely demise. Passion for Life Aman was not just a talented actor but also an avid traveler who loved biking. His Instagram account featured videos of his travels, and he was admired for his singing and guitar-playing skills, which earned him thousands of likes from his fans. The sudden loss of Aman Jaiswal has left his fans and the television community mourning a bright talent whose life ended far too soon.