NEW DELHI: Ten years after the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 came into force, a new study by the India Justice Report has exposed how the country’s juvenile justice system is crumbling under the same ills that plague adult courts – massive delays, crippling vacancies and shocking opacity. Children in conflict with the law, the very group the Act swore to protect in their “best interest”, are paying the heaviest price.As of Oct 31, 2023, more than 55,000 children were waiting for their cases to be decided, with 55% of the total cases pending before Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs) across 18 states and two Union Territories. Out of 1,00,904 cases that came up before 362 JJBs in the year ending Oct 2023 (including 50,627 carried over from previous years), only 45,097 – a mere 45% – were disposed of. In Odisha the pendency rate touched a staggering 83%, while Karnataka managed to keep it at 35%. Nationally, the picture is grim: nearly one in every two cases simply rolls over to the next year.

The report, titled “Juvenile Justice and Children in Conflict with the Law: A Study of Capacity at the Frontlines”, is based on parliamentary answers, a year-long RTI inquiry and data from states (Nov 2022 to Oct 2023) . It reveals that one in every four JJBs – 24% or 111 out of 470 boards that responded – is functioning without the mandatory full bench of a principal magistrate and two social worker members. Only three states and Union Territories – Odisha, Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir – have 100% fully constituted benches. With an average of 154 pending cases per board, the incomplete benches mean slower hearings, less child-sensitive decisions and prolonged institutionalisation of children.Perhaps the most alarming finding is that only 11 districts across the entire country meet the basic minimum standards required to deliver justice in a child’s best interest. Out of 292 districts that provided usable data on seven critical parameters – presence of a JJB, child welfare institution, special juvenile police unit, legal aid clinic, probation officer, staff strength and manageable pendency – just 11 cleared the bar. Eight of these are in Mizoram.Residential infrastructure for children in conflict with the law is equally dismal. Fourteen states, including large ones like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, have not established even a single “Place of Safety” for 16 -18-year-olds accused of heinous offences – a mandatory requirement under the Act. Facilities for girls are particularly scarce: only 40 homes nationwide can accommodate girls in conflict with the law, including those that house both genders.The study warns that the absence of proper facilities forces children to be shifted far from their families, making access to guardians and legal representation difficult and sometimes leading to unsafe mixing of age groups and offence categories – the very evils the 2015 Act was meant to end.Ten years on, the report concludes, India still cannot produce routine, public, time-series data to prove that its juvenile justice system is working optimally for the child. Instead, thousands of children remain trapped in limbo, bearing the brunt of a system that looks disturbingly similar to the broken adult criminal justice machinery it was supposed to be different from.

Authorities intensified searches across hospitals and media offices in Jammu and Kashmir, probing links between medical staff, extremist modules, and fugitive operatives following the Delhi blast. Recoveries of arms and explosives from a “white-collar” terror module have fueled the investigation, with a media house also raided for alleged anti-national content.

NEW DELHI: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir intensified searches across hospitals and media offices on Thursday as part of the widening investigation into the Delhi blast, with police focusing on possible links between medical staff, extremist modules, and networks connected to fugitive operatives.The scrutiny, officials told PTI, stems from the recovery of arms, ammunition and nearly 3,000 kg of explosive material in the “white-collar” terror module that first came to light in south Kashmir earlier this month.

In Srinagar and Anantnag, police teams, accompanied by medical officers, inspected lockers used by doctors and other hospital staff in district hospitals, private facilities, medical colleges and health centres. Officers said the drive was aimed at preventing misuse of storage spaces for illegal or hazardous material and ensuring that hospital infrastructure was not being exploited for activities that could compromise security. Every rack and locker was examined, and staff were reminded that lockers must be used strictly for official purposes. Officials said these checks will now be part of routine vigilance across health institutions.The operation followed the discovery of an AK-47 rifle in the locker of Dr Adeel Rather at the Government Medical College in Anantnag earlier this month. His arrest led to the unravelling of a larger terror network involving several doctors. During Thursday’s inspection at GMC Anantnag, police and hospital administrators identified unclaimed lockers and directed that records be updated to prevent further misuse.Parallel to the hospital searches, the State Investigation Agency raided the Jammu head office of Kashmir Times and the residence of owner Prabodh Jamwal. The agency said arms, ammunition and incriminating documents were seized during the raids. According to investigators, the publication is accused of promoting anti-national activities and running content that allegedly propagated secessionist narratives. Items recovered during the search included a revolver, empty AK-series cases, live rounds, fired bullets, grenade safety levers and suspected pistol ammunition. These will undergo forensic and technical analysis as part of the ongoing inquiry.Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Special Cell identified a new link in the Red Fort car blast investigation, connecting the case to fugitive Indian Mujahideen operative Mirza Shadab Baig. Baig, wanted for the 2008 blasts in Rajasthan and Gujarat, studied at Al-Falah—an institution already under scrutiny after the “suicide bomber” involved in the Delhi attack was found to be a professor there. Multiple agencies are now examining networks tied to the university, which is facing separate cases for alleged financial irregularities and forgery, alongside searches by the Enforcement Directorate earlier this week.

Eighteen members of a family were among at least 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad charred early Monday in a bus inferno triggered by a highway collision with a fuel tanker while travelling from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Shoeb, the lone pilgrim to survive, escaped because he was seated beside the driver when the bus burst into flames after ramming into the tanker around 1.30am (11pm IST). Both men broke through a window and jumped. Hyderabad police commissioner V C Sajjanar said the 46 passengers were part of a 54-member group that flew from the city to Saudi Arabia on Nov 9. They were to return on Nov 23 after visiting Islam’s holiest site. “Four members of the group hired a car to travel to Medina after completing Umrah rituals. Another four stayed back in Mecca,” Sajjanar said. The victims include 22 women and 11 children. Shoeb, whose brother also travelled to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage but wasn’t on the bus, remains in intensive care at Saudi German Hospital with injuries to his arms and legs. “I spoke to Shoeb. Going by what he said, some passengers were asleep during the crash. He was lucky to be in the cabin with the driver,” his sibling, Mohammed Sameer, told TOI over phone. Telangana govt to send team to Saudi to coordinate relief

“It is unclear if the tanker hit the vehicle while it was moving or was stationary.”Sameer and his family landed in Jeddah three days after the rest of the pilgrims and are yet to finish their Mecca rituals. PM Modi condoled the deaths in a post on X. “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance,” he wrote.Telangana govt has decided to depute a team, led by its minorities welfare minister Mohammad Azharuddin, to Saudi Arabia to coordinate relief efforts. Announcing ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of those who died, the govt said it would help arrange the funerals of the deceased in Saudi in accordance with traditions. Two members of each affected family would be flown to Saudi, it said. “The bodies were charred beyond recognition. DNA tests are also likely to be conducted to identify the victims,” said Azharuddin, adding a control room had been set up at Haj House (numbers 79979 59754/99129 19545) to provide more information to families of victims. The minister reaffirmed the state govt, in coordination with the foreign ministry and Saudi authorities, was making all possible efforts to provide assistance, guidance, and necessary support to the families. Police and govt officials, who are in contact with authorities in Saudi, said the Al-Makkah Travels-owned bus was about 25km short of its destination when the fatal crash occurred.Saudi authorities have started investigating the circumstances that led to the accident. In a 2023 report, the UN pointed out that Saudi had a high road fatality rate compared to other high-income countries. Transporting worshippers around Saudi’s holy sites has frequently proven dangerous, particularly during Haj, when roads can be chaotic with buses creating interminable traffic jams, sources said.

PM Narendra Modi (ANI image)

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident in Medinah, Saudi Arabia in which more than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead. In a post on X, he wrote: “Deeply saddened by the accident in Medinah involving Indian nationals. My thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of all those injured. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are providing all possible assistance. Our officials are also in close contact with Saudi Arabian authorities.”

According to initial reports, the crash took place early Monday when a passenger bus travelling from Mecca to Medina collided with a diesel tanker. The pilgrims had completed their rituals in Mecca and were heading to Medina when the collision occurred around 1.30 am IST. Many of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad. Local sources said more than 40 people died on the spot, while the Telangana Haj Committee stated that 42 pilgrims had lost their lives. The victims reportedly include women and children, and most passengers were asleep at the time of the crash.Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy said he was shocked to hear about the tragedy and instructed officials to urgently collect detailed information, including the number of passengers from Telangana. The state government has set up a control room to assist affected families, while authorities remain in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs and Saudi officials.The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 helpline to support families seeking information. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi said he contacted travel agencies and MEA officials and shared passenger details with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. External affairs minister S Jaishankar also expressed grief. In a post on X he wrote: “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

NEW DELHI: The Indian government, following the tragic bus accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia that reportedly killed 42 passengers, has released emergency helpline numbers to assist families. The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 control room, with the following contact details: 8002440003 (toll free), 0122614093, 0126614276, 0556122301 (WhatsApp).The crash occurred around 1.30 am IST on Monday when the bus, travelling from Mecca to Medina, collided with a diesel tanker. Many of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad, including 20 women and 11 children. Most passengers were asleep at the time of the collision. Local residents rushed to help rescue teams, while Saudi authorities have yet to issue an official casualty count.

Also read| Medina-bound bus collides with diesel tanker; majority of pilgrims from HyderabadMany of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad, including 20 women and 11 children. Most passengers were asleep when the collision occurred. Local residents reportedly rushed to help rescue teams, while Saudi authorities have yet to issue an official casualty count.Following the tragedy, the Telangana government set up a control room at the state Secretariat. Chief minister Revanth Reddy directed top officials to gather full details, coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy, and extend immediate support to affected families. The CMO said chief secretary Ramakrishna Rao also alerted the Resident Commissioner in Delhi to collect information about passengers from Telangana.Also read|Mecca-Medina bus crash: What we know so farExternal affairs minister S Jaishankar said on X that he was “deeply shocked” by the incident and added that the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were extending “fullest support” to affected Indian nationals. He offered condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to the injured.Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi was quoted by news agency ANI as saying that he had contacted two local travel agencies and forwarded passenger lists to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He also spoke with deputy chief of mission Abu Mathen George, who informed him that Saudi authorities were collecting further details.

NEW DELHI: More than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday, according to initial reports from local sources. Many of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Telangana Haj Committee said that, “42 pilgrims, lost their lives.”24×7 helpline number:8002440003 (Toll free), 0122614093, 0126614276, 0556122301 (WhatsApp)Also read |Indian pilgrims killed in Saudi bus crash: Owaisi requests govt to bring back bodies – What we know so far

Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy said he was shocked to learn about the accident involving pilgrims from the state, with early information indicating that 42 people were on board the bus. He directed the chief secretary and director general of police to immediately gather complete details, including the number of passengers from Telangana.“He asked how many people lived in Telangana. He advised them to speak with officials from the Central Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy. He ordered that, if necessary, they should immediately enter the field to provide appropriate relief efforts. With the CM’s orders, CS Ramakrishna Rao alerted the Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal, who is in Delhi. He ordered to collect details on how many people belonging to our state are in the accident and provide them immediately. A control room was set up in the Secretariat,” the CMO said.Also read | Mecca-Medina bus crash: Control room set up in Jeddah – here are the helpline numbers

The crash occurred around 1.30 am IST while the bus was travelling from Mecca to Medina. The pilgrims had completed their rituals in Mecca and were heading to Medina when the collision happened. Most passengers were reportedly asleep at the time. Preliminary information suggests the victims include 20 women and 11 children from Hyderabad.Local residents rushed to the spot to assist rescue teams. While Saudi authorities have yet to issue an official toll, on-ground sources said more than 40 people died on the spot. The bus is believed to have been carrying pilgrims from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.

The Telangana government has set up a control room at the state Secretariat to coordinate information and assist affected families. Officials have been instructed to remain in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and Saudi authorities as the situation unfolds.Indian consulate in Jeddah opens 24×7 helplineIn view of the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 control room for assistance.Helpline number (toll free): 8002440003Asaduddin Owaisi says he contacted travel agencies, MEA officialsHyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed grief over the incident. He told ANI that he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared the list of passengers with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He also spoke to Abu Mathen George, deputy chief of Mission, who informed him that local authorities were gathering details and would update him soon.Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar in a post on X said, “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

NEW DELHI: More than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead after a passenger bus collided with a diesel tanker in Saudi Arabia early Monday, according to initial reports from local sources. Many of the victims are believed to be from Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, Telangana Haj Committee said that, “42 pilgrims, lost their lives.”24×7 helpline number:8002440003 (Toll free), 0122614093, 0126614276, 0556122301 (WhatsApp)Also read |Indian pilgrims killed in Saudi bus crash: Owaisi requests govt to bring back bodies – What we know so far

Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy said he was shocked to learn about the accident involving pilgrims from the state, with early information indicating that 42 people were on board the bus. He directed the chief secretary and director general of police to immediately gather complete details, including the number of passengers from Telangana.“He asked how many people lived in Telangana. He advised them to speak with officials from the Central Ministry of External Affairs and the Saudi Embassy. He ordered that, if necessary, they should immediately enter the field to provide appropriate relief efforts. With the CM’s orders, CS Ramakrishna Rao alerted the Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal, who is in Delhi. He ordered to collect details on how many people belonging to our state are in the accident and provide them immediately. A control room was set up in the Secretariat,” the CMO said.Also read | Mecca-Medina bus crash: Control room set up in Jeddah – here are the helpline numbers

The crash occurred around 1.30 am IST while the bus was travelling from Mecca to Medina. The pilgrims had completed their rituals in Mecca and were heading to Medina when the collision happened. Most passengers were reportedly asleep at the time. Preliminary information suggests the victims include 20 women and 11 children from Hyderabad.Local residents rushed to the spot to assist rescue teams. While Saudi authorities have yet to issue an official toll, on-ground sources said more than 40 people died on the spot. The bus is believed to have been carrying pilgrims from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana.

The Telangana government has set up a control room at the state Secretariat to coordinate information and assist affected families. Officials have been instructed to remain in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs and Saudi authorities as the situation unfolds.Indian consulate in Jeddah opens 24×7 helplineIn view of the tragedy, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah has activated a 24×7 control room for assistance.Helpline number (toll free): 8002440003Asaduddin Owaisi says he contacted travel agencies, MEA officialsHyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi expressed grief over the incident. He told ANI that he had contacted two Hyderabad-based travel agencies and shared the list of passengers with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He also spoke to Abu Mathen George, deputy chief of Mission, who informed him that local authorities were gathering details and would update him soon.Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar in a post on X said, “Deeply shocked at the accident involving Indian nationals in Medinah, Saudi Arabia. Our Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah are giving fullest support to Indian nationals and families affected by this accident. Sincere condolences to the bereaved families. Pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

NEW DELHI: The govt’s unified digital platform, e-Jagriti, which enables consumers to file and track grievances with all consumer commissions, has garnered over 2.7 lakh registered users, including 1,388 NRIs, since its launch on Jan 1.In a statement, the consumer affairs department said on Sunday that as of Nov 13, the unified portal has facilitated over 1.3 lakh case filings and ensured the disposal of more than 1.27 lakh cases. “This year, 466 complaints by NRIs have been filed through the platform, with major participation from countries such as the US (146), UK (52), the UAE (47), Canada (39), Australia (26) and Germany (18),” it said.The e-Jagriti platform integrates legacy systems and portals into a single seamless interface. It streamlines procedures for citizens by reducing paperwork, minimising travel and eliminating physical documentation. It also strengthens access for NRIs by removing geographical barriers and allowing them to assert their consumer rights from abroad.The department said with its OTP-based registration, e-Jagriti enables people, including NRIs, to file complaints, make digital or offline fee payments, participate in virtual hearings, exchange documents online and track cases in real time. It is operational at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and in all states and UTs“NRIs and citizens can file and manage cases from any location, with secure end-to-end encryption and role-based permissions. Automated workflows, real-time updates via SMS/email, and virtual hearings have contributed to disposal rates exceeding 100% in 10 states and in the NCDRC recently. Features such as multilingual interfaces and accessibility tools make it user-friendly for diverse demographics, while integration with Bharat Kosh and PayGov gateways ensures hassle-free fee payments,” an official said.The department said the platform has recorded an increase in disposal efficiency this year. Between July-Aug, 27,545 cases were disposed of against 27,080 filed, and in Sept-Oct, 24,504 cases were disposed of against 21,592 filed — both surpassing the 2024 performance and demonstrating faster resolution of complaints.