MONDAY 02 JUNE 2025 www.thestatesman.com SINCE 1818 Pages 12 |` 5.00 X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR PASWAN LIKELY TO CONTEST ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS PV ANVAR TO CONTEST NILAMBUR BYPOLL P4 WEATHER Partly cloudy sky. Possibility of light rain/thundershower in some areas. RAINFALL: 002.0 mm P5 P9 Will bolster scientific justice system: Shah Min. 59% TEMPERATURE Max: 35.4˚C (-1.4) Min: 28.6˚C (+0.8) SUN RISES 04:52 hrs MOON RISES 09:52 hrs SUN SETS 18:17 hrs MOON SETS 23:14 hrs Full Moon on 11 June THUMBNAILS STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 1 JUNE Security forces evacuates stranded people after the flood following incessant rainfall, in Imphal on Sunday. nANI IPL qualifier 2 between Punjab & MI delayed due to rains: The Qualifier 2 between the five-time champions Mumbai Indians & PBKS in the ongoing IPL 2025 has been delayed due to rain at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The rain poured just after the toss, which the PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first. After winning the toss, Shreyas said, "We are going to bowl first. Slightly overcast, and the wicket was under the covers yesterday. Based on these, we are going to bowl first. It's a fresh day. We've recovered pretty well and rejuvenated, and our mindset is to go out there and win.” U nion Home Minister Amit Shah, on Sunday, vowed uncompromising action against those who betray the nation, asserting that no traitor would be spared, no matter where they may hide. His comments come in the wake of ongoing raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) across Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, following the arrest of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel accused of passing sensitive information to handlers in Pakistan. “Anyone who betrays the country will be tracked down and punished with the severest of consequences,” Shah declared during the inauguration of a new Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) facility in Rajarhat, on the outskirts of Kolkata. “They can run, but they cannot hide.” The arrest has prompted a sweeping investigation, with NIA searches intensifying across the region, underscoring mounting concerns over internal security and foreign espionage. Addressing officers and law enforcement professionals at the event, Shah highlighted the need for Indian investigative agencies to stay “two steps ahead” of criminal elements, especially in an age where crime has increasingly moved online. “The nature of crime is evolving, and our response must evolve with it,” he stated. Shah unveiled several initiatives aimed at bolstering India’s forensic capabilities, including the establishment of a ₹2,000 crore National Forensic Data Centre. He also announced government support for deploying mobile forensic units at the district level across states. Currently, India has seven forensic science colleges, with eight more in the pipeline. A temporary campus is also operating in Nagpur to support the training of forensic professionals. “This is part of a broader push to create a robust, evidence-led criminal justice system,” the Home Secretary said. Referring to recent legislative reforms, Shah noted that a new legal framework has replaced the 160-year-old Indian Penal Code. The changes, he said, aim to ensure that the innocent are not wrongfully punished, while real offenders are brought to justice. “This marks a revolutionary transformation in our approach,” he remarked. He further emphasised the enhanced use of modern forensic tools—including DNA testing, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Denmark strongly back India in its fight against terror digital forensics, psychological profiling, and forensic auditing— which have been instrumental in cracking cold cases and uncovering financial fraud. More than 17,000 police stations across India have now been equipped with CCTV surveillance, with real-time monitoring undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs. A new rule also mandates forensic examination in cases where the potential sentence exceeds seven years. Shah revealed that in nearly 60% of criminal cases, charge sheets are now being filed within the new 60-day deadline. “I monitor this progress,” he added. To expedite the judicial process, a cluster model of CFSLs is also under development, with each facility designed to serve three to four states through coordinated, evidence-based investigations. Shah underscored that true reform would come only when police forces, forensic specialists, and the judiciary operate in tandem. “We are shifting from argument to proof. Justice must not only be done—it must be founded on indisputable evidence,” he concluded. The newly inaugurated CFSL campus at Rajarhat features advanced laboratories across multiple disciplines, including biology, serology, DNA analysis, chemistry, narcotics, toxicology, ballistics, computer science, psychology, and physics. Shah also opened new units dedicated to narcotics and forensic investigation, reiterating the Centre’s commitment to modernising law enforcement to meet the challenges of the 21st century. NEW DELHI, 1 JUNE in all matters concerning national interest. The delegation’s visit to Ethiopia comes under India’s unprecedented diplomatic campaign to expose Pakistan’s sustained role in cross-border terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack. In a diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, Tharoor on Cong criticism over all-party delegation: ‘Can't afford to dwell on it’ STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 1 JUNE All-party delegation leader and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Sunday underlined the importance of focusing on their mission Operation Sindoor outreach, informing the world about India's antiterrorism stance and response, while engaging with international counterparts. After visiting Panama, Guyana and Colombia, Tharoor and his delegation arrived in Brazil on Sunday in an effort of India's global outreach to convey India's zero tolerance against terrorism. This global outreach aims to strengthen diplomatic efforts against terrorism and convey India's P12 PM meets ADB prez, latter pledges $10 bn investment message of zero tolerance. Tharoor has acknowledged the criticism and questions raised by colleagues but prioritised conveying India's message to the countries they visited. When asked for comments on the criticism going on in India, even within his (Congress) party against him, the Congress MP said, "I think this is a time for us to focus on our mission. Undoubtedly, in a thriving democracy, there are bound to be comments, criticisms. But I think at this point, we can't afford to dwell on it, when we get back to India, no doubt we have a chance to speak to our colleagues, critics, and media there.” the Modi government has formed seven multi-party delegations to inform different nations about Pakistan’s links to terrorism and India’s strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Indian Embassy in Ethiopia in a press statement on Sunday on social media platform X said: "The multiparty Indian Parliamentary delegation, which is on a visit to Ethiopia from May 30-31 and June 1, 2025, in the aftermath of Pahalgam terror attack, held fruitful interactions and intense discussions with top Ethiopian lawmakers, dignitaries, African Union Commission." The press statement also added: "The Indian delegation started their visit by meeting with Adem Farah, Deputy Chairperson of the Prosperity Party in the rank of Deputy Prime Minister. The visiting delegation conveyed India's unified and determined stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Members of Parliament briefed on India's 'New Normal' against cross-border attacks, zero tolerance for terrorism, and all political parties' resolve to stand united in all matters of national interest. Both sides reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism. The Deputy PM strongly condemned the terrorist act and expressed the need for collective international action. He also conveyed Ethiopia's strong commitment to work with India in the field of counter-terrorism." STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 01 JUNE Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met with the President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masatsugu Asakawa, to discuss a wide range of issues, including the ADB’s support for the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. “Had a wonderful meeting with Mr Masatsugu Asakawa, in which we shared perspectives on a wide range of issues. India’s rapid transformation over the last decade has empowered countless people, and we are working to add further momentum to this journey,” the Prime Minister said in a post on platform X. Mr Asakawa, who concluded his three-day visit to India on Friday, announced a $10 billion plan over five years to support India’s urban transformation. This includes metro extensions, regional rapid transit systems, and urban infrastructure development. Acknowledging his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Asakawa said in a post on X: "The Viksit Bharat 2047 vision is bold, and @ADB_HQ is supporting that ambition. We will direct $10 billion, including third-party capital, over the next five years into municipal infrastructure development, extending metro networks, building new Regional Rapid Transit System corridors, and modernising city services. I was pleased to convey this during my meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi in New Delhi." "By scaling up public and private sector finance, deepening knowledge collaboration, and mobilising capital, we stand ready to support India's drive to become a developed nation by 2047 and to deliver inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth for its 1.4 billion people," Mr Asakawa further stated. Earlier last month, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, also met with ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa in Milan. During her meeting, Ms Sitharaman emphasised that India offers significant opportunities for the ADB to pilot innovative financing products and models. Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina charged with crimes against humanity AGENCIES STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Denmark have strongly backed India in its fight against terrorism in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation led by Nationalist Congress PartySharadchandra Pawar (NCPSP) MP Supriya Sule held fruitful interaction with top Ethiopian lawmakers, dignitaries and the African Union Commission, as part of India's efforts under Operation Sindoor to reach out to partner countries to convey India's 'New Normal' against crossborder attacks, zero tolerance for terrorism, and all political parties' resolve to stand united PSG WIN CHAMPION LEAGUE TITLE FOR FIRST TIME Shah highlighted the need for investigative agencies to stay “two steps ahead” of criminals RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 92% PUTIN’S TOUGH STANCE ON A UKRAINE PEACE PLAN DHAKA, 1 JUNE Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been formally charged with crimes against humanity by the country's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) over her alleged role in the violent nationwide uprising of July 2024, according to local media reports. The charges, which were made public on Sunday, mark a significant turn in the political landscape of Bangladesh, as the trial of the exiled former leader began with live television coverage. Alongside Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun have also been named co- accused in the case. The tribunal, in its Sunday session, received a formal submission of charges from prosecutors who claimed Hasina was the central figure responsible for instigating the mass violence that engulfed the country during July and August last year. Leading Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune, reported that an investigation report submitted on May 12 identified Hasina as having "directly ordered" the killings. The findings allege that she instructed state security forces, members of her political party, and affiliated organisations to execute brutal crackdowns against the growing wave of anti-government protests. "These killings were planned," said Chief Prosecutor of Bangladesh's ICT Mohammad Tajul Islam, during the high-profile televised hearing. He presented video recordings and encrypted communications as evidence, claiming they establish Hasina's orchestration of a "coordinated, widespread and systematic attack." According to the prosecution, Hasina, then serving as the head of government, bore command responsibility for the violent actions carried out by security forces under her leadership during the peak of the unrest. "She unleashed all law enforcement agencies and her armed party members to crush the uprising," Tajul Islam told the tribunal. This development comes weeks after the interim government, currently led by Muhammad Yunus, banned all activities of the Awami League -- Hasina's party -under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The mass protests, initially sparked in early 2024 by student-led demonstrations opposing a controversial job quota system, quickly morphed into a widespread movement demanding Hasina's resignation. By August 5, facing intense pressure, Hasina stepped down and fled to New Delhi, where she has remained in selfimposed exile. ‘Waste to best lady’ Kamala Moharana passes away 67-year-old Kamala had fallen accidentally on Wednesday night in her house at Khairabad village outskirts of Kendrapara town and suffered serious back injuries . She was first taken to the district headquarter hospital at Kendrapara and later shifted to SCB medical and hospital at Cuttack where she succumbed to her injuries. STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE BHUBANESWAR, 1 JUNE Kamala Moharana, popularly known as Waste to Best lady of Kendrapara district whom the Prime Minister Modi praised in Maan Ki Baat and even touched her feet in a public meeting, passed away on Saturday night . 67-year-old Kamala had fallen accidentally on Wednesday night in her house at Khairabad village outskirts of Kendrapara town and suffered serious back injuries . She was first taken to the district headquarter hospital at Kendrapara and later shifted to SCB medical and hospital at Cuttack where she succumbed to her injuries. PM Modi praised Kamala Mohapara on 26 February 2023 in the 98th episode of Mann Ki Baat programme as she converts waste materials to beautiful materials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi , on 29 May 2024 , also touched the feet of Moharana in a meeting at Kendrapara for her noble work. Kamala also sent a Rakhi made from waste materials to the Prime Minister on last year's Raksha Bandhan day. Kamala was invited by the union government to attend the Republic parade in New Delhi this year. She was running a successful Self Help Group (SHG). Starting with a small band of women in 2016, now around 50 women earn by converting garbage to beautiful materials. Without her spark of novel idea to convert waste to best she would have ended up like large numbers of rural women who toil from dawn to dusk to make ends meet. But she helped many women to earn. She was a torchbearer of Swachh Bharat Mission. Her death is a great loss for us, said MP Baijayant Panda. The news of the sudden death of Kamala Moharana is deeply mourned by people from various walks of life. Many leaders of sundry political parties, social workers, women leaders and others rushed to her house to pay last respects to her. Kamala is survived by her husband, five married daughters and a son. Her body was consigned to flame in the village cremation on Sunday.