Port Blair, Oct 09: In a startling revelation, a recent case has come to light in these Islands, exposing the covert operations of a probable spy network. The PS Central Crime Station, CID, has arrested two individuals under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, on charges of engaging in alleged suspicious anti-national activities.
In a twist reminiscent of Bollywood espionage dramas, one of the accused fell victim to a honeytrap. A woman on social media established a close connection with one of the accused and exploited him to obtain sensitive information concerning the defense forces stationed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, investigators are still determining the extent of information that may have been shared with the unidentified woman, who remains untraceable. Presently a joint interrogation is being carried out by all intelligence agencies in this regard.
This case came to light following a report from an intelligence agency, which raised concerns about the suspicious activities of contractual staff working in the jetty area. Consequently, a case has been registered at the PS Central Crime Station, CID, under the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
On investigation, it was revealed that a contractual staff namely Abhishek Kumar Gupta R/o Deoria Distt., U.P engaged by an out sourcing agency had joined NSRY during the month of March, 2023 and had shared sensitive information through Whatsapp&Instagram.
A lady honey trapped him and persuaded him to share sensitive information pertaining to security agencies for money. Allegedly, he had accepted Rs.20,000 approx. on different occasions for sharing sensitive information.
Further accused Abhishek managed to join his colleague Santu Biswas R/o Nadia Distt., West Bengal to pass this sensitive information to him during his absence. Accused Santu Biswas had also shared sensitive information to Abhishek Kumar Gupta in lieu of money.
Both the accused persons Abhishek Kumar Gupta and Santu Biswas have been arrested and are in Police remand. Their links are being investigated to unearth the involvement of other accused persons.
Archives for October 9, 2023
Berthing Jetty of Yeratta tilted 20 cm towards sea; One pontoon placed at Yeratta Jetty for ferry services
Port Blair, Oct. 9: It was observed that the Berthing Jetty of Yeratta was tilted approximately 20 cm towards the sea and therefore it was directed that the Jetty is currently unsafe for berthing of vessels. Considering the safety of passengers and vessels, the Port Management Board (PMB) was forced to suspend the operation of vessels from Yeratta Jetty so as to prevent any untoward incident.
To facilitate the people and ensure supply of essential commodities, daily vessels to Long Island from Nimbutala and Port Blair has been started by DSS. Considering the difficulties being faced by the school children, patients etc., it was decided by PMB and DSS to position one pontoon at Yeratta Jetty so that the ferry services could be resumed.
Accordingly, one pontoon was handed over by PMB to DSS on Oct.4 considering the tide availability. All precaution has been taken into account by PMB and DSS as per High Water Tide and Currents and availability of Tugs, Mooring Boats etc. to take the Pontoon safely to Yeratta Jetty. The joint operation of PMB and DSS was successful and the Pontoon has been positioned at Yeratta Jetty on Oct.6, 2023 and the ferry services has resumed. The entire operation was carried out by PMB with the assistance of DSS and under the supervision of CPA, PMB along with the guidance of the Secretary (Shipping).
MoRTH informs Member of Parliament about expediting NH4 restoration during the upcoming working season
Port Blair, Oct 09: The Member of Parliament for Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, has received a reassuring response from the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, regarding the urgent repair and restoration of the Andaman Trunk Road (NH-04) in North & Middle Andaman.
In his email dated August 10, 2023, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma had highlighted the pressing need for repairs and restoration of certain stretches of NH-04, a vital lifeline connecting the islands.
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, has now responded with a comprehensive update on the ongoing efforts to address these concerns.
Mr. Gadkari in his letter said that the entire 331-kilometer stretch of NH-04 currently falls under the purview of the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). Of this, approximately 239 kilometers have already undergone blacktopping, with an additional 35 kilometers slated for completion by March 2024.
He informed that new bids for the balance work of the Middle Strait Bridge have been invited, along with bids for Package-III, which encompasses approximately 57 kilometers.
The Hon’ble Minister added that during the ongoing monsoon season, NHIDCL is taking proactive measures to ensure that the road remains in a traffic-worthy condition under the Risk & Cost of the existing contractor.
He mentioned that both the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) and NHIDCL are actively addressing the issues affecting various stretches of NH-04.
The Minister assured that every effort is being made to closely monitor and expedite road restoration during the upcoming working season.
Rangalal Halder visits PHC R.K Pur and takes stock of healthcare facilities
Port Blair, Oct 09: ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder visited PHC R.K Pur on Monday and took stock of facilities being provided to the patients. He was accompanied by TCC Member Mrs. Deepa Baul, City Congress President Mr. Mohd. Zubair, Chairman, Adivasi Congress Mr. Sebastian Tirkey, Councillor, Ward No. 14 Mr. Y. Joga Rao and Congress Worker Mr. K. Durvasu.
During the visit, Mr. Rangalal Halder inspected various wards and interacted with a number of patients to have first-hand feedback from them about the quality of services being provided. He also enquired about their health condition.
Patients and their attendants were thrilled to see the Congress President amongst them.
People present over there informed the Congress leaders about various important issues of PHC R.K Pur such as non-working of Generator, non-availability of technician and machine in Dialysis Unit, Shortage of staffs, Poor Condition of ambulance, Non availability of food for poor patients, Shortage of Xray technician etc.
Mr. Rangalal Halder noted all issues and assured to take up the issues with concerned officials. He also appreciated the efforts of Medical Officer and the whole medical fraternity for relentlessly working 24X7 and making all possible efforts to provide all sort of medical services to the people suffering from different ailments even amidst shortage of facilities. He also acknowledged the charitable work done by the medical staffs by providing food to the poor patients from their own pockets.
Police team of OP Kishorinagar found semi submerged wooden dinghy in the creek of Mutha Nallah
Port Blair, Oct 09: On 28/07/2023, a Police team of OP Kishorinagar, while conducting Coastal area patrolling near Loha Tikrey under PS Kalighat jurisdiction noticed a semi submerged wooden dinghy in the creek of Mutha Nallah. The team fetched the water from the dinghy and found that the dinghy was fitted with two engines but could not find any mark of identification on the engines. Later, the measurement of the dingy was taken which was found to be of length 14 mtrs, width – 2.75 mtrs and depth of 2.5 mtrs. Since, the dinghy was found unattended, the team conducted search in and around of the creek and after ascertaining the fact that the dingy was unclaimed, the same was seized under the cover of seizure memo on the spot and the dinghy was towed to Kishorinagar dinghy ghat.
On the basis of a seizure memo, a Challan was chalked out in the U/s 25 Police Act, 1861 at PS Kalighat. Simultaneously, a signal was disseminated to all Station House Officers (SHOs) across the jurisdiction, requesting information regarding any lost or missing dinghy reports. Regrettably, all SHOs have responded with nil reports, indicating no prior complaints or reports regarding the dinghy in question.
The District Police extend a public appeal: If any individual believes they have a legitimate claim to the aforementioned property, they are kindly requested to come forward. This request comes with a stipulated time frame, as claims must be submitted to the undersigned office or directly to the SHO of PS Kalighat within 14 days from the date of this publication. Failure to do so will be considered a waiver of any potential claim.
Commencement of Vehicle Parking Management Contract at New Integrated Terminal Building, Veer Savarkar Airport, Port Blair from 10th September, 2023
Port Blair, Oct 09: The operation from the New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair commenced from 21st Aug, 2023. Further to this, to ensure smooth flow of vehicles and maintenance of Parking space, a Vehicle Parking Management contract has been awarded to M/s VIP Services. The parking contractor, on behalf of AAI, shall be responsible for management of facility and collection Parking fees, excess time fees and applicable fine.
To ensure efficient movement of passengers, Lane 1 has been designated for Taxi Departure and Lane 2 for other than Taxi Departure respectively, while Lane 03 has been designated for arrivals for Private Vehicles. This separation will contribute to smoother passenger transitions and reduce traffic bottlenecks. All commercial vehicles must be parked in the designated parking areas else penalty shall be imposed. This measure is aimed at preventing congestion and ensuring a consistent flow of arrivals.
SCHEDULE OF PARKING TARIFF:
Parking fee will be charged from all vehicles entering the designated parking area.
Details Upto 30 minutes (in INR) from 30 minutes to 120 minutes (in INR)
Coach/ Bus/Truck
(for both pick and drop) 170 250
Tempo/ SUV/Mini Bus 20 35
Commercial Car (Authorized Licensee of AAI e.g Pre Paid Taxi) 20 35
Commercial Car (Vehicles which are not Authorized Licensee of AAI) 48 48 + 50
Premium Car Park 75 80
Pvt Car 30 40
Two Wheeler 10 15
For Four Wheelers, after two hours, rate will increase by Rs. 10/- per hour and for two wheelers, the charge after 2 hours will be Rs. 5/- per hour. The Parking rate beyond 7 hours up to 24 hours will be 300% of the “30 minutes to 120 minutes” slab and every 24 hours or part thereof (as per existing rates).
ATM Cash Vans coming to refill ATM machines in airport premises shall be exempt from parking charges as well as Excess Time fees.
Govt. owned vehicles shall be exempted from car parking charges and excess time fees.
Death Mourned
Port Blair, Oct 09: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member BJP & Former State President BJP-ANI has deeply mourned the sad demise of Mr. P. Appal Naidu (Aged about 98 Yrs), F/o Mr. P. Shanna Rao, State Vice President BJP, R/o Mazhar Pahad, Port Blair, who left for heavenly abode on 09.10.2023 at his residence. Mr. Jolly prayed to the Almighty for the eternal peace of the departed soul and to give strength to his bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
Advisory for candidates for Professional/Technical/Non-Technical courses reserved at mainland institutions
Port Blair, Oct. 9: All concerned candidates who have applied for allotment of various Professional/Technical/Non-Technical courses reserved at mainland institutions for the academic session 2023-24 have been informed that the counselling for the surrendered/vacant seats viz. BAMS-1 seat and Paramedical courses (DMLT – 1, DRRT – 1 , DOA – 1 & DMC – 1)- 4 seats
will be held on Oct.16, 2023 at 3.30 pm in the Conference Hall of Secretariat, Port Blair.
All the interested candidates whose names have appeared in the merit list of the mentioned courses have been directed to appear in person with all educational qualification certificates/testimonials in original along with 5 passport size photographs and 2 permanency certificates for sureties and other documents in support of their category for counselling on the date, time and venue as mentioned.
The surrendered seats will be allotted from the respective categories from where the seats have been surrendered. If the seats still remains un-utilized from the respective categories, the same will be allotted from Category-V as per merit.
If the seats remain still vacant, the same will be allotted to the fresh eligible candidate who is present in the counselling as per their merit. Therefore, fresh eligible candidates those who are interested for allotment of the above seats have also been requested to be present on the date of counseling alongwith all testimonials in original.
No subsequent claim will be entertained or considered from any candidate, irrespective of his merit, who fails to appear in person or does not produce necessary certificates in original at the time of counseling/selection.
Spot Admission for MBA at PU Port Blair Campus
Port Blair, Oct. 9: Spot admission for MBA (Business Administration) at Pondicherry University Port Blair Campus will be held on October 16 & 17, 2023 from 10 am to 5 pm. Interested candidates have been asked to bring all original certificates with one set of photo copy. Those selected have to remit a fee of Rs.66742/-. For details, they may contact: mbacoordinatorpb@pondiuni.ac.in and over phone nos. 9434281143/03192-295556.
District Health Society (SA) under Health Mission conducting two days Reproductive Child Health Camp at Little Andaman
Port Blair, Oct 09: In continuation to the Ayushman Bhavah campaign, the District Administration through its District Health Society, South Andaman under Health Mission is conducting two days Reproductive Child Health (RCH) Camp at Little Andaman in coordination with Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Science (ANIIMS) & Directorate of Health Services, A & N Administration. This RCH Camp started today on 09/10/2023 at PHC Hutbay followed by tomorrow on 10/10/2023 at PHC R.K. Pur. Mr. Casper James, Tehsildar Little Andaman inaugurated the camp in presence of Dr. Rajni Tiwari, Chief Medical Officer I/c, PHC Hutbay, Mr. B. Nagendra, District Programme Manager, District Health Society (SA) along with the special doctor’s team of ANIIMS consist Dr. Reema Dakua, Dept. of Paediatrics, Dr. Nazma Sathik, Dept. of OBG, Dr. Rohith. J, Dept. of Surgery and other doctors & paramedical staffs.
The Tehsildar (LA) informed the gathering that in order to provide special health care services in the community level Mrs. Veditha Reddy, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman has initiated to conduct such specialist health camps at each block & community level, so that critical health care services can be made available in rural areas.
All together 273 patients have been screened in the RCH camp consisting of OBG, Paediatrics, Surgery & general medicine and the DPM, DHS(SA) has also taken an orientation training of paramedical staff on RCH, HMIS & NCD reporting at PHC Hutbay.
The general public Little Andaman has been asked to avail the benefit of special health camp at their doorsteps and to enrol them under Ayushman Bharat Heath Account (ABHA). The eligible beneficiaries of Pradhan Manthri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) registered themselves at nearest health centres.
Earlier, during inauguration Mr. Abdul Salam, Health Educator, PHC Hutbay, welcomed all dignitaries & gathering.