Former Karnataka Speaker and senior Congress MLA KR Ramesh Kumar, who had said “enjoy rape when it is inevitable” in the state assembly apologised for his “offthe-cuff remark”. “If it hurts the sentiments of women, I’ve no problem apologising. I apologise from the bottom of my heart,” Kumar told the assembly. He made the remark during a discussion on rain and flood damage when Speaker Visveshwara Hegde Kageri found himself dealing with MLAs who insisted on extending the debate. After widespread outrage over his insensitive remark, Kumar tweeted: “I would like to express my sincere apologies to everyone for the indifferent and negligent comment I made in today’s assembly about ‘Rape!’. My intention was not to trivialise or make light of the heinous crime, but an off-the-cuff remark! I will choose my words carefully henceforth! (sic)”
Sole survivor of IAF chopper crash dies in hospital
Group Captain Varun Singh, the only person to have survived the December 8 Mi-17V5 chopper crash in which 13 people including India’s chief of defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat were killed, passed away on December 15 after battling for life for a week. The IAF (Indian Air Force) is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of brave heart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on December 8, 2021. Singh passed away at the Air Force Command Hospital in Bengaluru. Son of an army officer, Singh was awarded Shaurya Chakra earlier this year for displaying outstanding courage and presence of mind while handling a rare mid-air emergency involving a light combat aircraft (LCA) that he was flying last year.
Hindu temple vandalised in Pakistan's Karachi
The man entered a Hindu temple in Ranchore Line area of Karachi in the evening and damaged the statue of Hindu deity Jog Maya using a hammer. The accused was later apprehended by the public and handed over to local police. According to media reports, the accused has been booked under sections that deal with blasphemy. In recent years, there has been a surge in attacks on places of worship of religious minorities in Pakistan. The country has been repeatedly slammed by the international community for not safeguarding the interest of its minorities.
Two RSS workers arrested for murder of SDPI leader in Kerala
The police arrested two persons in connection with the murder of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) State secretary K.S. Shan in Alappuzha. The arrested have been identified as Rajendraprasad, alias Prasad (39), of Mannancherry and Ratheesh, alias Kuttan (31), of Mararikulam South, both Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists. The police said the duo had actively participated in the conspiracy to kill Shan. An official said Rajendraprasad hatched the plot, organised attackers and the vehicle used in the assault. Shan was attacked by assailants at Kuppezham Junction in Mannancherry. Following the murder, a gang hacked Ranjith Sreenivas, BJP OBC Morcha State secretary, to death at his house at Vellakinar in Alappuzha municipality. A special investigation team led by Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Vijay Sakhare is investigating the twin political murders.