September 11, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Tag: thecliffnews

Air India Air Hostess, 21, Dies in Tragic Car Crash in Bhopal; Friends Escape with Minor Injuries

A tragic accident in Bhopal claimed the life of a 21-year-old Air India air hostess, Harshita Sharma, late Thursday night after the car she was travelling in plunged into the Kolar canal. The incident was reported by police on Friday. According to authorities, Harshita was out for a drive with her two friends, Jai and Sujal, when the car suddenly veered off course near the Holy Cross School bridge in Kolar. Police said the vehicle lost control while trying to avoid a cow that unexpectedly appeared on the road. In the driver’s attempt to steer clear of the animal, the car skidded and fell into the canal. Police File Case of Negligent Driving Kolar police station in-charge Sanjay Soni confirmed that a case of negligent driving has been registered against Jai, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. Harshita suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby private hospital in critical condition. Doctors later declared her brain dead, and she passed away early Friday morning. Her friends, Jai and Sujal, sustained only minor injuries and are recovering. Family Devastated, Unaware of Her Presence in City In a heart-wrenching revelation, Harshita’s father, Pradeep Sharma, said the family was unaware that she had arrived in Bhopal. She had informed them on Wednesday night that she would be coming to celebrate his birthday on Friday, but they did not know she had already reached the city and was staying at a hotel. The family only learned of the incident after a friend, Shivani, called to inform them that Harshita had been admitted to the hospital. By the time they arrived, doctors had already pronounced her dead. Investigation Underway Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Further action will be taken based on the results of the post-mortem report, authorities said. The untimely death of Harshita Sharma has sent shockwaves through the community and aviation circles, where she was known to be a dedicated and cheerful cabin crew member.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Half of US Visa Revocations Linked to Indian Students, Says AILA Amid Rising Deportation Concerns

The American Immigration Lawyers’ Association (AILA) has raised alarms over the increasing number of student visa revocations and terminations in the United States, revealing that nearly 50% of the 327 reported cases involve students from India. The data, compiled from attorneys, students, and university personnel, also showed that 14% of those affected were from China, with other impacted nationalities including South Korea, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In a statement cited by PTI, AILA emphasized the need for increased transparency and oversight in visa-related decisions. “There should be a way for students to appeal SEVIS terminations that are inaccurate, without facing gaps in employment or requiring university involvement, given the sheer number of students affected,” the association said, calling for more accountability in immigration enforcement. This revelation comes amid growing controversy over the treatment of international students in the US. According to a Reuters report, numerous students have now turned to the courts to block immigration officials from deporting them following abrupt visa cancellations. On a single day, judges in Massachusetts, Montana, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., issued emergency injunctions against federal authorities, stopping them from taking action against students affected by what critics call arbitrary and unjustified revocations. One such case is that of Krish Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was arrested in November for disorderly conduct after a verbal altercation but was not charged. Nonetheless, in April, he was informed that his SEVIS record had been terminated. A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled that the termination of his student status was likely unlawful, offering him temporary protection. Visa Crackdown Sparks Global Concerns The wave of visa revocations appears to be a part of the lingering effects of immigration policies introduced during the Trump administration. Despite legal pushback, hundreds of students are facing abrupt deportations, SEVIS database terminations, and a lack of recourse to appeal. Adding to the concern, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently confirmed that 682 Indian nationals have been deported from the US since January 2025, most for attempting to enter the country illegally. These developments have sparked outrage and political concern in India, with opposition leaders questioning the Ministry of External Affairs and demanding a clearer response to the plight of Indian students abroad.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Indian Student Harsimrat Randhawa Killed by Stray Bullet in Hamilton, Canada

A tragic incident unfolded in Hamilton, Ontario, on Wednesday evening when 21-year-old Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa was fatally struck by a stray bullet while waiting at a bus stop. Randhawa, a student at Mohawk College, was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a shooting between two vehicles. The incident occurred around 7:30 PM local time near the intersection of Upper James Street and South Bend Road. According to Hamilton police, a passenger in a black sedan opened fire on the occupants of a white sedan. During the exchange of gunfire, one of the bullets hit Randhawa in the chest. Paramedics arrived swiftly and transported her to the hospital, but she sadly succumbed to her injuries. Police have confirmed that Randhawa had no connection to the individuals involved in the shooting. The senseless violence also impacted nearby homes. One residence on Allenby Avenue sustained damage when gunfire shattered a rear window while the residents were watching television. Fortunately, no one inside was harmed. The Hamilton Police Service has launched a homicide investigation and is appealing to the public for assistance. Investigators are asking anyone with dashcam or security camera footage taken between 7:15 PM and 7:45 PM in the vicinity of Upper James Street and South Bend Road to come forward with any relevant information. In response to the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Toronto expressed deep sorrow. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they stated, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Indian student Harsimrat Randhawa in Hamilton, Ontario. As per local police, she was an innocent victim, fatally struck by a stray bullet during a shooting incident involving two vehicles. A homicide investigation is currently underway. We are in close contact with her family and are extending all necessary assistance. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family during this difficult time.” This devastating incident has reignited discussions around public safety and gun violence in Canada.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Four Dead, Several Trapped in Mustafabad Building Collapse; CM Orders Probe

In a tragic incident in northeast Delhi’s Mustafabad, a four-storey building collapsed in the early hours of Saturday, April 19, 2025, resulting in the death of at least four people. The collapse occurred around 3 am in Shakti Vihar, trapping approximately 22 people under the debris. Rescue teams managed to bring out 14 individuals, who were rushed to GTB Hospital, where doctors confirmed four of them as brought dead. Authorities believe that 8 to 10 people are still trapped under the rubble. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse. She confirmed that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Delhi Fire Service (DFS), and other concerned agencies are actively involved in rescue and relief operations. “Arrangements have been made for proper treatment of all the injured,” the Chief Minister stated. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Gupta wrote, “Deeply saddened by the tragic building collapse in Mustafabad. Orders have been given to investigate the incident and strict action will be taken against the culprits. My deepest condolences to those who died in the unfortunate accident. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.” Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his condolences and urged party workers to assist in the ongoing relief efforts. “I appeal to all the party workers to fully cooperate with the administration in relief and rescue operations,” he said. Leader of Opposition Atishi echoed the sentiment and asked AAP volunteers in Mustafabad to provide their full support to authorities on the ground. Delhi Labour Minister Kapil Mishra, after visiting the collapse site, said that CM Gupta is directly monitoring the situation. He raised concerns about rampant illegal constructions in areas such as Mustafabad, Seelampur, Jafrabad, Seemapuri, Jamia, and Old Delhi. “The Municipal Commissioner has been instructed to vacate nearby unsafe buildings. No officer responsible for the building collapse will be spared,” Mishra added. Police teams and rescue agencies continue to work at the site, while an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

Read More
Editor04 mins

BluSmart Halts Services Amid SEBI Crackdown on Founders, Plans Fleet Transition to Uber

BluSmart, the fast-growing electric cab service, has abruptly suspended its operations in major Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. This sudden halt in services has left thousands of commuters stranded and confused. The disruption follows a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) order against the company’s promoters, who have been accused of financial misconduct. According to reports, BluSmart may soon exit its core ride-hailing business and instead operate as a fleet partner for Uber. As per The Economic Times, shareholders have approved a plan to begin transferring BluSmart’s fleet to Uber over the next few weeks, signaling a significant pivot in the company’s operations. The crisis unfolded after SEBI issued an interim order against Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi—the co-founders of Gensol Engineering, a company closely linked to BluSmart. Both brothers have resigned from their roles after the market regulator accused them of misappropriating funds and treating Gensol like a “piggy bank”. BluSmart, launched in 2018 as Gensol Mobility Pvt. and later rebranded, was founded by Anmol Jaggi along with Punit Goyal. The company quickly rose to prominence as India’s first and largest all-electric, zero-emission ride-hailing service. As of January 2025, it boasted a fleet of over 8,500 electric vehicles, a network of 5,800 charging stations across 50 hubs in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru, and a base of over 10,000 driver partners. It had completed over 1.45 crore rides and had recently ventured into international markets by launching a premium EV limousine service in the UAE. The root of BluSmart’s operational shutdown lies in its financial ties with Gensol Engineering Limited (GEL), also promoted by the Jaggi brothers. SEBI’s investigation revealed that Gensol borrowed ₹978 crore from public financial institutions like the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) between 2021 and 2024. Of this, ₹664 crore was earmarked for the purchase of 6,400 electric vehicles to be leased to BluSmart. However, only 4,704 EVs were reportedly procured, leaving ₹262.13 crore unaccounted for. The SEBI probe revealed alarming financial irregularities, including luxury purchases and personal expenditures made using diverted funds. One major transaction involved a payment of ₹42.94 crore for an upscale apartment in the DLF Camellias project in Gurugram. Other questionable expenses included a ₹26 lakh golf set, personal travel and leisure, credit card bill payments, and fund transfers to close relatives. As BluSmart prepares to reposition itself in the mobility space through a partnership with Uber, the scandal has raised broader concerns about corporate governance and transparency in India’s rapidly growing EV and startup ecosystem.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Microsoft Introduces “Computer Use” Feature in Copilot Studio for AI-Agent Automation

Microsoft has unveiled a new feature for its Copilot Studio, called “computer use,” which allows AI agents to autonomously access websites and applications. This innovation is designed to help companies build AI agents without the need for coding expertise. Through Copilot Studio, users can simply input their desired actions in natural language, test, and fine-tune the instructions in a simulated environment to see the agent in action. The feature enables AI agents to automate tasks on user interfaces across various desktop and browser applications, such as Edge, Chrome, and Firefox. Charles Lamanna, CVP of Business and Industry Copilot, explained in a blog post that with the computer use feature, enterprises can build agents that interact with applications by performing actions like clicking buttons, selecting menus, and typing into fields. This capability allows agents to connect with systems that don’t have APIs, offering greater flexibility in automation. Furthermore, Microsoft hosts the infrastructure, so organizations don’t need to manage their own servers, and all enterprise data remains within Microsoft Cloud boundaries, ensuring privacy and security.

Read More
Editor02 mins

Cyber Crime Branch Busts Major Mule Bank Account Racket in Digital Arrest Scam; 8 Arrested, ₹68.49 Lakh Duped

In a major crackdown, the Cyber Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested two more individuals involved in the purchase and sale of mule bank accounts used by cybercriminals in elaborate “digital arrest” scams. This brings the total number of arrests to eight in connection with a racket that duped a victim of ₹68.49 lakh. Modus Operandi: “Digital Arrest” Scam The con involved cybercriminals impersonating Mumbai Crime Branch officials, falsely accusing the victim of sending a 200 mg MD drug parcel. They claimed he was also being investigated under money laundering charges. Under this fabricated pretext and psychological pressure, the scammers coerced the victim into transferring a huge sum into mule accounts, eventually siphoning off ₹68.49 lakh. Fresh Arrests: The Bhatt Brothers The two newly arrested accused: They were found in possession of mobile phones and SIM cards linked to mule bank accounts. Investigation revealed: Previously Arrested Key Players: Police Action: This breakthrough highlights the growing menace of mule accounts and the psychological manipulation tactics cyber fraudsters are using. Authorities urge the public to never share personal documents, remain cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement, and to report suspicious activity immediately.

Read More
Editor03 mins

Swami of Ramakrishna Mission Duped of ₹2.5 Crore in Sophisticated Cyber Scam Posing as ED Probe

In a shocking case of cybercrime, Swami Supradiptananda, secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior, was duped of ₹2.5 crore by cybercriminals posing as Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. The scam, executed with chilling precision, kept the swami under what police describe as a “digital arrest” for 26 days, isolating him from all contact with the outside world. According to SP Dharamveer Singh, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the matter. The scammers initiated contact on March 15, accusing the swami of involvement in a ₹20 crore money laundering case supposedly linked to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. They exploited real-world developments in the Goyal-Canara Bank case to lend credibility, even referencing the November 2023 ED prosecution complaint. To further entrap him, the fraudsters sent forged documents, including: The swami was told that the ashram’s funds needed verification by RBI and would be returned post-investigation — a claim that later proved false. Under psychological pressure and threats of arrest, a ₹5 lakh fine, and 7 years in prison, he complied with their every demand. For 26 days, he was made to send hourly updates, including live location, selfies, and was instructed not to communicate with anyone — not even ashram officials or family. The con artists managed to extract personal, financial, and institutional details, convincing the swami to authorize the transfer of ₹2,52,99,000 to multiple unknown accounts under the guise of legal compliance. When promised refunds failed to materialize and calls from the fraudsters ceased by April 11, Swami Supradiptananda realized the ruse and immediately reported it to the authorities. Police have since traced one of the beneficiary accounts to Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, and dispatched teams to West Bengal, Assam, and other locations as part of the ongoing probe. Swami Supradiptananda has been associated with the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram in Gwalior since 2014. The case serves as a stark reminder of the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber frauds in India, especially those targeting respected institutions and individuals through psychological manipulation and forgery.

Read More
Editor04 mins

CBI, ED Raids Target AAP Leaders Amid Rising Political Tensions

In a development steeped in political controversy, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday conducted a raid at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Durgesh Pathak, sparking a fresh war of words between AAP and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). AAP leaders have denounced the move as a “politically motivated” attempt to stifle the party’s growing influence. The raid, reportedly linked to an alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), came just days after Durgesh Pathak was appointed as co-incharge for the Gujarat Assembly Elections 2027. Reacting swiftly, AAP’s national general secretary Sandeep Pathak posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The CBI’s raid on @AamAadmiParty leader Durgesh Pathak’s residence… sends a loud message that BJP clearly views AAP as a growing threat in Gujarat and is rattled by its rising influence.” Joining the chorus, AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the Modi government of using central agencies as tools of political vendetta. “BJP’s dirty game starts again… As soon as @ipathak25 was made co-incharge of Gujarat, CBI was sent to threaten him,” Singh wrote on X. The controversy is compounded by another enforcement action earlier this week when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the Mohali residence of AAP MLA Kulwant Singh, as part of a money laundering investigation tied to the massive ₹48,000 crore Pearl Agrotech Corporation Limited (PACL) scam. The ED team, reportedly from Delhi, searched Singh’s premises in the Janta Land Promoters Limited (JLPL) area, which is linked to his real estate business. Although Singh was not present, his family members were questioned. Sources say the raid is connected to the larger PACL Ponzi scheme, which allegedly defrauded thousands of investors under the pretext of real estate projects. Funds collected through the scam were reportedly funneled into shell companies across India. Adding further complexity, Kulwant Singh had previously been questioned by the ED in another money laundering case involving drug trafficking. These back-to-back raids on AAP leaders—at a time when the party is expanding its political footprint beyond Delhi and Punjab—have led to renewed allegations of misuse of central agencies to suppress political opponents. As the Gujarat 2027 battle heats up, the confrontation between AAP and BJP is poised to intensify, with each side accusing the other of foul play.

Read More
Editor04 mins

Snake, Cement & Betrayal: India Gripped by Surge in Chilling Spouse-Murder Cases

In a disturbing trend reflecting the dark fissures lurking within seemingly ordinary households, another horrifying case of spousal murder has surfaced—this time from Akbarpur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district. The case echoes a string of recent sensational crimes, including the infamous Merchant Navy murder in Meerut, where a wife and her lover killed her husband and encased his body in a cement-filled drum. In the latest spine-chilling incident, Amit, a daily wage labourer from the Bahsuma police station area, was found dead on his bed under mysterious circumstances. Initially, it appeared to be a tragic snakebite death, a theory supported by a viral video showing a snake repeatedly striking Amit’s seemingly lifeless body. But what followed shocked even seasoned investigators. A post-mortem revealed the unsettling truth: Amit had been strangled before the snake bites occurred, indicating the venomous reptile was deliberately used to mask the actual cause of death. Under interrogation, Amit’s wife, Ravita, confessed to plotting the murder with her lover Amardeep. As Amit slept, the duo allegedly strangled him to death, then bought a snake for Rs 1,000 and forced it to bite the already-dead body in an attempt to simulate a natural death. Both Ravita and Amardeep have been arrested, and the police are conducting further forensic examinations. The viral video is also being probed as potential evidence of premeditation and an attempt to manipulate the narrative. The case has drawn eerie comparisons to another gruesome incident in Meerut—the Muskan Rastogi–Saurabh Rajput murder. Muskan, aided by her lover, allegedly murdered her husband and sealed his body in a blue plastic drum filled with cement to erase all traces. That case had shocked Uttar Pradesh, and this latest revelation adds fuel to the fear that such calculated spousal killings are becoming a chilling pattern. Adding to this grim list is the infamous Uthra murder case from Kerala in 2020. Uthra, 25, was killed by her husband Sooraj S Kumar, who used a cobra to bite her while she slept at her parental home. This was his second attempt—months earlier, he had tried to kill her with a Russell’s viper. The court sentenced Sooraj to life imprisonment in 2021, calling it one of the most unusual and cold-blooded murder cases in Indian legal history. Across India, reports of missing spouses, suspicious deaths, and elaborately planned murders are surfacing with unsettling frequency. In Meerut, the spotlight on domestic violence and betrayal has once again intensified. These cases are not only stories of homicide—they are chilling warnings about the dangers of unchecked emotional violence, toxic relationships, and the sinister extremes of premeditated betrayal.

Read More
Editor04 mins
Switch Language »