September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

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Actor Shine Tom Chacko Arrested in Kochi Drug Case, Secures Bail Hours Later

Malayalam film actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested by the Kochi police on Saturday, days after he allegedly fled from a hotel during a narcotics raid. The arrest followed nearly four hours of interrogation in connection with an ongoing drug-related investigation. However, the 41-year-old actor managed to secure bail just a few hours after his arrest. Police confirmed that Chacko has been charged under Sections 27 (drug consumption) and 29 (abetment and conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials also stated that a medical examination and further proceedings would soon follow. Chacko, who rose to fame with the 2014 fantasy-comedy film Ithihasa — the highest-grossing Malayalam film that year — appeared before the Kochi City Police for questioning after receiving a formal notice. The controversy erupted on Wednesday when the actor allegedly escaped during a police raid at a hotel, which was part of a broader crackdown on suspected drug use. Adding to the scandal, actor Vincy Aloshious filed a formal complaint on Thursday with both the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and the Malayalam film industry’s internal complaints committee. She accused Chacko of misbehaving on the set of the film Suthravakyam, allegedly while under the influence of alcohol. Vincy also took to Instagram to share her experience, asserting that she would no longer work with individuals who misuse alcohol or drugs. This isn’t the first time Shine Tom Chacko has been linked to a drug controversy. Earlier this month, he was named by a woman drug peddler—currently under arrest—who claimed she had supplied narcotics to both Chacko and fellow actor Sreenath Bhasi. The case has added to growing concerns within the Malayalam film industry regarding substance abuse and has intensified calls for stricter oversight and accountability among film professionals.

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14-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest IPL Debutant, Smashes 34 Runs in Style

At just 14 years and 23 days, Vaibhav Suryavanshi made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as its youngest-ever debutant, and he did it with flair. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, the teenage sensation was brought into the playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants as an impact substitute for the rested captain Sanju Samson. Facing a target of 181, Suryavanshi opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal and immediately made his presence felt by launching Shardul Thakur for a six over extra cover — off the very first ball he faced. The audacity of the shot left commentators stunned. Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, on-air during the game, exclaimed, “My word, what the hell was that? One of the hardest shots in cricket is to gain power over cover off the front shoe … Power to burn from the 14-year-old. What a way to announce yourself to the world.” Inspired by his idol, Brian Lara, the left-handed batter continued in attacking fashion, hitting two more sixes en route to a 20-ball 34. His opening stand of 85 runs with Jaiswal laid a strong foundation, though Rajasthan ultimately fell short by two runs. Speaking after the game, Rajasthan Royals’ spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule praised the youngster: “It was important to give him an opportunity. He batted well in the nets, his preparation was good. Obviously, we missed Sanju, but it created an opportunity for Vaibhav and he made the most of it. He batted beautifully.” Bahutule added, “He’s a great kid with a really good head on his shoulders. He’s got a game that’s almost 360 degrees. He’s courageous, dominating, and wants to play his shots. His theory is, ‘watch the ball, hit the ball’.” Vaibhav Suryavanshi first made waves in November when he became the youngest-ever player to secure an IPL contract at just 13 years old, with Rajasthan Royals outbidding Delhi Capitals to sign him for ₹1.1 crore ($128,750). Even before his IPL debut, he had turned heads by playing in the Ranji Trophy at age 12 and scoring a century off just 58 balls against Australia while representing India’s Under-19 team. With his fearless debut and natural flair, the cricketing world may have just witnessed the birth of its next superstar.

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Tamannaah Bhatia Reportedly Cast Opposite John Abraham in Rohit Shetty’s Next Based on Rakesh Maria’s Life

Tamannaah Bhatia seems to be on a roll with back-to-back major projects. After making headlines for her rumored casting in No Entry 2, the actress is now reportedly set to star in Rohit Shetty’s upcoming action drama, based on the life of former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria. According to a report by PeepingMoon, Tamannaah is expected to play Preeti Maria, Rakesh Maria’s wife, a strong and supportive figure in his life. She is said to be paired opposite John Abraham, who is likely to portray Rakesh Maria. A source close to the development revealed, “Preeti has been a constant pillar of strength for Rakesh, supporting him through some of the most dangerous and testing moments of his career… Tamannaah is thrilled and honored to bring this character to life.” If confirmed, the film will mark Tamannaah’s reunion with John, after she appeared in a brief role as his wife in Vedaa (2023). The film is reportedly inspired by Rakesh Maria’s autobiography Let Me Say It Now and is being helmed by Rohit Shetty. The shoot began on April 18 in Mumbai, with plans to film across 40 iconic locations, including CST Station, Dongri, and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The makers are eyeing an early 2026 release, although an official announcement is still awaited.

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Cloudburst in J&K’s Ramban Kills 3, Toll Rises to 5 in Jammu Region; NH-44 Closed, Rescue Ops On

A devastating cloudburst hit Seri Bagna village in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, April 20, claiming the lives of three individuals — including two brothers, Aqib Ahmad and Mohd Saqib, officials confirmed. Rescue operations are currently underway amid ongoing adverse weather conditions. Rising Death Toll Across Jammu Region With this incident, the total number of fatalities due to weather-related disasters in the Jammu region over the past two days has risen to five. On Saturday night, two people, including a woman, were killed and another woman injured after lightning struck in the Arnas area of Reasi district. Widespread Destruction in Dharam Kund In Dharam Kund village, flash floods triggered by relentless rain and multiple cloudbursts damaged around 40 houses, with 10 homes completely destroyed. Police teams managed to rescue over 100 residents despite dangerous and continuous rainfall. Several vehicles were also washed away by surging streams. A district official said: “There is widespread damage due to cloudbursts, hailstorms, landslides, and continuous rain. We are currently prioritizing saving lives. Detailed damage assessment will be done later.” Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closed The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) — the only all-weather route connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country — was closed due to landslides, mudslides, and falling rocks between Nashri and Banihal. A portion of the road near Panthiyal was also washed away, stranding hundreds of travelers. Officials confirmed that all stranded commuters have been moved to safety. A Traffic Department spokesperson has advised people to avoid travel on the route until weather conditions improve and the road is fully cleared. Government Responds: Omar Abdullah, Jitendra Singh Step In Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah has reportedly called a high-level review meeting to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the efforts of the Ramban district administration, particularly Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, for their swift response: “There were landslides and strong winds in Ramban. The administration acted quickly and saved lives,” Singh posted on X. He assured ongoing relief efforts, promising additional support if needed, including resources from his personal fund. “We request people not to panic. We will get through this together,” he added.

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Omar Abdullah Slams Delhi Airport After Flight Diverted to Jaipur, Reaches Capital at 3 AM

A Jammu-to-Delhi IndiGo flight carrying Jammu & Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was unexpectedly diverted to Jaipur late Saturday night, leading to passenger distress and strong remarks from the political leader. Abdullah took to social media platform X to express frustration over the ordeal, calling Delhi airport a “bloody shit show” and stating he was “in no mood to be polite.” Three Hours in Air, Diverted to Jaipur According to Abdullah, the flight took off from Jammu and remained airborne for nearly three hours before being diverted to Jaipur, where passengers were left aboard the aircraft past midnight. He posted a selfie from the aircraft’s steps around 1 AM, saying he was trying to get some “fresh air” as they awaited further instructions. “Delhi airport is a bloody shit show [excuse my French but I’m in no mood to be polite]. 3 hours in the air after we left Jammu we get diverted to Jaipur & so here I am at 1 in the morning on the steps of the plane getting some fresh air. I’ve no idea what time we will leave from here,” Abdullah wrote on X. Flight Reaches Delhi at 3 AM Later, the National Conference leader confirmed that the flight finally landed in Delhi just after 3 AM. IndiGo had not issued an official statement regarding the delay and diversion at the time of this report. Delhi Airport Facing Operational Changes The disruption comes amid ongoing operational changes at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Terminal 2 (T2) has been shut temporarily for maintenance work, with flights from IndiGo and Akasa moved to Terminal 3 and the newly upgraded Terminal 1. This shift has led to additional passenger traffic and congestion at other terminals. Bad Weather Adds to Aviation Woes The diversion was also compounded by poor weather conditions in Srinagar on Saturday, which disrupted flight schedules across the region. Earlier in the day, passengers at Jammu airport had reported long delays and multiple cancellations. IndiGo issued a travel advisory citing “unfavourable weather” in Srinagar and assured that its teams were actively monitoring the situation. “Weather conditions in Srinagar are impacting flight operations… If your flight is impacted, you can explore flexible rebooking options or claim a refund,” the advisory said. The sequence of delays, diversions, and lack of timely communication has added to growing passenger concerns, especially as travel volumes increase across the country.

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Opposition Slams BJP MPs for Targeting Supreme Court; BJP Distances Itself from Remarks

The recent remarks by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma criticizing the Supreme Court have triggered strong backlash from the Opposition, with several leaders accusing the ruling party of attempting to undermine judicial independence. AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi hit out at Godda MP Nishikant Dubey, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi take immediate steps to stop party members from threatening the judiciary. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also weighed in, alleging that the Centre is actively working to weaken the authority of the Supreme Court. Responding to the growing controversy, the BJP officially distanced itself from the statements made by its own MPs. A party spokesperson clarified that the comments were “personal statements” and stressed that the BJP “completely rejects” such views. The controversy erupted weeks after the Supreme Court passed a landmark verdict that imposed a three-month deadline for the President and state Governors to grant assent to Bills passed by the legislature for the second time — a move seen as strengthening legislative accountability. Nishikant Dubey’s Contentious Remarks Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed deep displeasure with the apex court’s growing involvement in governance. “If one has to go to the Supreme Court for everything, then Parliament and State Assemblies should be shut down,” Dubey said. He accused the judiciary of functioning with bias, saying, “Show me the face, and I will show you the law.” Dubey also took issue with the court’s past decision to decriminalize homosexuality under Section 377 of the IPC, claiming that all major religions consider homosexuality a crime. He criticized the court for allegedly disregarding religious sentiments and claimed the judiciary is stoking religious tensions by its inconsistent approach to temple-mosque disputes like Ram Mandir, Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Gyanvapi. He further questioned the court’s authority to set timelines for the President and Governors, asserting, “You will dictate Parliament? The President appoints the Chief Justice, not the other way around.” Dinesh Sharma Echoes Sentiment Adding to the controversy, BJP leader Dinesh Sharma said that the President of India is “supreme” and that no one, including the judiciary, can direct Parliament. “When Dr. Ambedkar wrote the Constitution, the roles of the Legislature and Judiciary were clearly demarcated. The President has already given assent — no one can challenge her,” Sharma said. As the storm around these remarks intensifies, the issue has turned into a flashpoint over the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in India’s constitutional democracy.

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Prime Accused in Murshidabad Father-Son Murder Arrested; Fourth Arrest in the Case

In a significant development, one of the prime accused in the brutal murder of a father and son in West Bengal’s violence-hit Murshidabad district has been arrested, police confirmed on Sunday. The killings took place in the Jafrabad locality of Shamsherganj during protests over the Waqf Act on April 11. The victims, identified as Harogobindo Das and his son Chandan Das, were found murdered with multiple stab wounds at their residence, sparking outrage and heightened tensions in the area. The arrest was made by the Special Task Force (STF) of the West Bengal Police in coordination with the Special Investigating Team (SIT). The accused, identified as Ziaul Sheikh, a resident of Sulitala Purbapara — a village adjacent to Jafrabad — had been absconding since the day of the incident. He was apprehended from a hideout in Chopra in the Uttar Dinajpur district on Saturday. According to a senior police officer, Sheikh was among the key conspirators who allegedly instigated a mob to vandalize the victims’ residence, ultimately leading to their murder on April 12. This is the fourth arrest in connection with the double murder. Earlier, the police had taken into custody two brothers — Kalu Nadar and Dildar — as well as Inzmam Ul Haque. Kalu was arrested from Murarai in Birbhum district, while his brother Dildar was caught near the Bangladesh border under the Suti Police Station limits. The third accused, Inzmam, was detained from Suripara, another nearby village. Police claim they have obtained substantial evidence, including CCTV footage and mobile tower data, confirming Ziaul Sheikh’s presence at the crime scene. Murshidabad district has witnessed widespread violence amid the Waqf Act protests, resulting in at least three fatalities. Police have so far lodged over 100 FIRs and arrested 276 individuals in connection with the unrest. Meanwhile, BJP leader Amit Malviya alleged that Hindu families were systematically targeted during the riots. In a post on social media platform X, he claimed that homes belonging to Hindu residents were marked with ink and surveilled before being set ablaze. Malviya further stated that such targeted attacks often occur on Fridays and alleged that local Muslim residents provided information to the attackers, helping them identify Hindu-owned properties.

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Emraan Hashmi’s Ground Zero Creates History With Srinagar Red Carpet Premiere Ahead of April 25 Release

Even before its theatrical release, Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Ground Zero has already etched its name into history. On April 18, the film held a red carpet screening in Srinagar, making it the first movie in 38 years to do so. This is a landmark moment not just for the film, but for Kashmir’s cultural and cinematic revival. 🎬 A Historic Milestone for Kashmir The last time Srinagar hosted such a high-profile film event was before 1989, when militancy and political unrest forced the closure of cinema halls across the region. Ground Zero’s red carpet screening marks a powerful symbol of change, normalcy, and cultural resurgence in the Valley. 🗣 Emraan Hashmi on Ground Zero and Kashmir In an emotional conversation with NDTV, Emraan reflected on the significance of the event: “Even now, there is a kind of perception about 1989… This is one of those small steps in removing that perception.” On filming in Srinagar, he shared: “It was such a smooth sailing shoot… Wonderful people, no issues. Safety and norms were all in place. It brings in that air of normalcy.” He further urged: “I wish more theatres would erupt here in Srinagar. I would invite more film crews to come and screen their films here. It’s going to help the country.” 🎥 About Ground Zero The film promises to be a gritty, emotionally driven drama rooted in conflict, resilience, and human stories set against the backdrop of Kashmir. 💡 Why This Matters

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‘Piku’ Returns to Theatres on May 9, 2025 — Celebrating 10 Years of a Timeless Classic

To mark the 10th anniversary of one of the most beloved Bollywood films of the decade, Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan have announced the re-release of Piku in theatres on May 9, 2025. This special return to the big screen is not just a nostalgic celebration, but also a heartfelt tribute to the late Irrfan Khan, who played a pivotal role in the film. 🌟 Deepika’s Heartfelt Tribute Deepika Padukone took to Instagram to share the news with a touching caption: “A film that will always have my heart – PIKU is back in theatres on 9th May, 2025 to celebrate its 10th anniversary! Irrfan, we miss you! And think about you every so often…” The post featured a nostalgic video, including a message from Amitabh Bachchan, inviting fans to relive the film’s charm in cinemas once again. 💬 Fans’ Overwhelming Response The announcement sent fans into an emotional frenzy, with the comments section overflowing with love: 🎞 About Piku (2015) Directed by Shoojit Sircar, Piku is a slice-of-life dramedy centered around a father-daughter relationship: The film earned critical acclaim and love from audiences for its humor, emotional depth, and subtle yet powerful performances. The chemistry between Deepika and Irrfan, especially, is still remembered fondly. 🎬 Director Shoojit Sircar on Irrfan In “Irrfan: A Life in Movies” by Shubhra Gupta, Shoojit Sircar revealed: “Irrfan initially thought Piku would be a love story because Deepika was in it. But he embraced the character of Rana fully — it was a very significant role for him.” 🍿 Why This Re-Release Matters

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No GST on UPI Transactions Over ₹2,000, Clarifies Finance Ministry

The Government of India on Friday, April 18, 2025, issued a strong clarification denying reports that it plans to impose Goods and Services Tax (GST) on UPI transactions above ₹2,000. In a statement, the Finance Ministry said the reports are “completely false, misleading, and without any basis.” It added, “Currently, there is no such proposal before the government.” No MDR, No GST The Ministry reiterated that GST is only levied on charges like the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applicable to certain payment instruments. However, since January 2020, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has removed the MDR on person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions. “Since currently no MDR is charged on UPI transactions, there is consequently no GST applicable to these transactions,” the Ministry emphasized. UPI Growth and Government Incentives UPI usage has skyrocketed over the years. From ₹21.3 lakh crore in FY 2019-20, UPI transaction value reached ₹260.56 lakh crore by March 2025, showing the massive adoption of the digital payment mode. To support this surge, the government launched an incentive scheme from FY 2021-22, particularly to encourage low-value P2M UPI transactions and support small merchants. Under this scheme: These payouts underscore the government’s sustained effort to promote and support UPI-based digital transactions, the Ministry said, reaffirming that digital payments remain a top policy priority.

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