Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Rangat, Jan 05: A live Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) warhead was found nearly 3 KM away from Dhani Nallah Beach yesterday morning by a team of Wildlife Division. According to information soon after sighting the bomb like structure the matter was immediately informed to the nearest police station. On information a police team of Middle Andaman reached the spot and cordoned off the area considering the threat from RPG Warhead to the public.
On close observation it was found that on the RPG warhead ‘DZGI-40’ was written, which after online search was found to be Chinese manufactured Type 69 (Chinese RPG-7) DZGI-40 anti-personnel 75 mm High Explosive.
Soon the Andaman and Nicobar Command was informed about the warhead after which by evening a team of ANC reached the spot and disposed of the warhead by exploding it at the beach, under expert supervision. There was a huge sound, which attracted a large crowd.
Thankfully no one spotted the explosive before wildlife division staffs or else simple movements could have triggered the explosion, killing many.
On June 03, 2015 two sanitary workers, Ganesh, aged 21 yrs and Yogaraj, aged 22 yrs, both residents of Brookshabad Tsunami shelter, were killed in a blast that took place at Port Blair’s Brookshabad Municipal Dumping Yard when they came in contact with an unexplored shell.
Experts believe that this particular RPG warhead might have been misfired by some Chinese ship or from Coco Island, which somehow washed ashore and reached the beach near Dhani Nallah.
Archives for January 5, 2024
Stellar Policing in South Andaman in 2023: A Year of Achievements in Law and Order, Investigations, and Community Engagement
Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Jan 05: Mr. R Kalaivannan,IPS, the Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District today led a press conference and highlighted the achievements police in South Andaman District in 2023. Addressing the press conference he said that the focus was on law and order management and investigation aspects.
Firstly, in the law and order aspect, the police successfully managed all VIP movements, festivals, and functions throughout the year, ensuring peaceful arrangements. The district experienced an entire year without any law and order issues, showcasing the department’s effective arrangements.
In terms of investigation, the police registered a total of 1,109 cases last year, out of which 1,009 were actively pursued. An impressive 94% of these cases have been detected, including 32 heinous crimes such as rape, murder, attempted murder, and robbery. Notably, 31 cases were worked out among these, covering seven murder cases and 12 rape cases. The successful resolution of special act-related cases amounted to a total of 42.
During the press meet he gave the following details :
Efficient Handling of Narcotics, Excise and Wild Life Crime Cases:
• Registered 29 NDPS cases, leading to the arrest of 42 individuals and substantial seizures, including 20.255 Kg of Ganja, 242.494 kg of Methamphetamine, and 10 Cannabis plants.
• Registered 555 excise cases, resulting in 556 arrests and significant seizures, such as 2652.49 litres of IMFL, 56.5 litres of illicit liquor, and 1109 kg of handia.
• Destructed 10305 litres of premature liquor wash (Lehan), reinforcing the commitment to curbing illegal substances.
• 733.29 Kgs Venison, 3.85 Kgs Monitor lizard meat and 16.68 Kgs Wild Boar meat were also seized in respect of wildlife crime.
Traffic Regulation and Enforcement:
• Rigorously enforced traffic regulations, issuing 15,394 challans and collecting fines amounting to Rs. 90,38,200.
• Booked 1,287 individuals for drunken driving, emphasizing a zero- tolerance approach to road safety.
Legal Proceedings:
• Received 10,288 summons and served 8,725 of them.
• Received 2249 warrants and executed 1,731 warrants, ensuring the swift and effective administration of justice.
Maintaining Law and Order:
• Successfully maintained law and order, ensuring peace and security in the district.
• Seamlessly executed VIP arrangements and provided flawless security during various events.
Community Engagement:
• Conducted 615 awareness programs, covering critical issues such as POCSO awareness, Cybercrime prevention, and drug awareness.
• Facilitated 109 community interactions, fostering positive relationships through meetings with senior citizens, PRI members, and Fishermen watch groups.
• Tourist Police Kiosk was also launched at Cellular Jail to facilitate tourists coming to the historic site and provide assistance to them.
• Project AASHA- an anti-suicide initiative was started to provide counselling and to improve mental well being of the citizens.
Reflecting on these achievements, Mr. Kalaivanan R, IPS, SP South Andaman, stated, “Our success is a result of the hard work and dedication of our officers and the support of the community. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our residents, solving crimes, and engaging with the community to build trust and cooperation.”
The South Andaman District Police looks forward to another year of service and collaboration with the community to create a safer and more environment for all, he added.
Member of Parliament demands Construction of Changing Rooms and Toilet Blocks at Shoal Bay-19 Beach
Port Blair, Jan 05: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Administration to construct changing rooms and toilet blocks at Shoal Bay-19 beach for the convenience of visitors.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament mentioned that the Shoal Bay-19 Beach is gaining huge popularity among the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
He added that on holidays and weekends, a large number of residents visit Shoal Bay-19 Beach to enjoy nature and spend their leisure time.
But he pointed out that the beach lacks changing rooms and toilet facilities, posing an inconvenience for visitors.
“In particular, girls and women find it difficult to change clothes or attend to their needs due to the absence of such amenities, especially considering the beach’s distance from residential areas,” he added.
To enhance the popularity of Shoal Bay-19 Beach and make it more accessible to the public, he requested the intervention of the Chief Secretary in constructing changing rooms and toilet blocks at the beach. He mentioned that this essential infrastructure will not only improve the overall experience for visitors but also encourage more residents to explore and enjoy this beautiful destination.
The Member of Parliament added that the popularity of any beach contributes to increased employment and business opportunities for the local residents. By providing necessary facilities at Shoal Bay-19 Beach, Administration can stimulate the local economy and create a positive impact on the lives of those living in the vicinity.
NSUI State President bats for expediting the process for filling up of 413 PST posts in Education Department
Port Blair, Jan 05: The National Students Union of India State President Mr. M.A Sajid has demanded for expediting the filling up process of 413 PST posts in the Education Department.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Mr. Sajid said that the Education Department has notified to fill up the vacant 413 PST posts which were deemed abolished and the RR for the same was released earlier.
In this regard, Mr. Sajid has requested the Chief Secretary to expedite the process for filling up of these posts at the earliest and complete the recruitment by the end of January, 2024 so that the unemployed youths of Andaman & Nicobar Islands who have been waiting for 8 to 10 years can grab the opportunity.
Further, Mr. Sajid also stated that during the GTT recruitment process held recently, the applications were called for in Online mode and it was seen that a huge number of mainlander youths had submitted their application.
Therefore, considering the issue arising against the local youths, Mr. Sajid has requested the Chief Secretary to consider on accepting Application Forms from the candidates through “Offline” mode for the PST posts whose recruitment process is anticipated soon. He said that doing this will help more and more Islander youths to get the job opportunity.
ANTCC President urges LG to look after the Animal Welfare in Shaheed Dweep Islands
Port Blair, Jan 05: The Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President Mr. Rangalal Halder has highlighted the distressing situation in the Animal Husbandries of Shaheed Dweep (Neil Islands), specifically concerning the increasing number of cows and bulls without essential support for their well-being in the Island.
In a letter addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, A & N Islands, Mr. Halder said that the population of these animals has risen significantly in the Island, posing a serious threat to their health & welfare, although the absence of adequate medical support and scarcity of food resources exacerbate their plight, putting them at risk of health-related challenges.
He stated that the paltuns initially facilitated the proper transfer of animals with necessary permissions but now, there is a lack of paltun and cargo services operating in our islands, hindering the relocation of cows and bulls to more suitable environments on other islands.
In light of these circumstances, he has further requested the LG to take immediate and suitable steps to address this critical situation for transferring of these animals to other islands where they can receive the necessary care, medical attention, and adequate nutrition for their proper growth and well-being.
Entrance Test for IGNOU B.Ed B.Sc Nursing (Post Basic) and Ph.D on 07th Jan, 2024
Port Blair, Jan 05: The Entrance Test of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will be held on Sunday, 07th January, 2024 at JNRM College, Port Blair. The Entrance test for BSCN (PB) and Ph.D will be held in the Forenoon Session and for B.Ed will be in the Afternoon Session. The candidates, who have applied for Entrance Test, are advised to download their Hall Ticket from IGNOU website (www.ignou.nic.in) and follow the instructions given in the hall ticket. Along with the downloaded Hall Ticket, students must produce his/her Admit Card (original) to enter the exam hall. The candidate has to report at the exam center one hour before commencement of the examination. If any problem is faced in downloading the hall ticket, students may contact IGNOU Port Blair Regional Centre on 09679549866) or e-mail to rcportblair@ignou.ac.in.
A communication from the Regional Director, IGNOU, Regional Centre, Port Blair said.
Be Aware of Telegram Hijacking
Port Blair, Jan 05: Instant Messaging (IM) Apps have become a popular medium of communication among individuals. Fraudsters have targeted the app users and have managed to devise ways and means to take over or hijack their IM accounts to commit cyber offences by impersonating them. Users need to be aware and alert about these frauds with necessary safety measures against the same.
In this regard, Andaman and Nicobar Police issue the following advisory to safeguard yourself against Telegram Hijacking:
1. Make your phone number private
2. Never share verification codes with anyone, even if you know them.
3. Beware of unusual requests received over Telegram or other messaging apps.
4. Turn off notification preview for SMS. Anyone who can see the verification code on your phone can easily hijack your account.
5. Enable “Two-Step Verification’ for your Telegram account.
6. Log out of Telegram web/ desktop when you finish using it.
7. If your Telegram account has been hijacked Inform your family and friends that your account has been hacked, and they should not respond to any Telegram messages that appear to be from you.
8. Warn others not to share their verification codes or any other confidential information.
9. Report to Telegram regarding your stolen account “https://telegram.org /support”
For any assistance, information or enquiries, please contact: Cyber Cell, Port Blair, over Cyber Helpline No.1930, 9531856083 or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
A&N Police Introduces E-Malkhana with State-Of-The-Art QR Code Technology at PS Humfrigunj
Port Blair, Jan 05: In a pioneering move towards modernizing evidence management, Andaman & Nicobar Police has launched E-Malkhana at PS Humfrigunj of South Andaman District, featuring innovative QR code technology. To add a touch of professionalism and cleanliness, all case properties are now meticulously packed in pristine white bags, adorned with individual QR codes for easy identification. It was launched by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Tyagi, IPS, I/c DGP, A&N Islands in presence of Mr. Kalaivanan R, IPS, SP South Andaman, Mr. Arshdeep Singh Panwar, DANIPS, SDPO Bambooflat and SHO SI Mohan Rao. This initiative was launched under the guidance of Mrs. Monika Bhardwaj, IPS DIGP (L&O) by South Andaman District Police.
The introduction of the E-Malkhana system not only signifies a leap towards efficiency and transparency but also brings an aesthetic appeal to the traditionally utilitarian process of evidence and property storage. 383 case properties have been integrated with QR codes and stored in systemic manner year wise for easy retrieval at the E-Malkhana room of PS Humfrigunj.
Key Highlights of the E-Malkhana Launch:
1. Pristine White Packaging: Case properties are now elegantly packed in white color bags, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the evidence storage facility. This not only reflects a commitment to cleanliness but also ensures a standardized and professional appearance.
2. QR Code Integration: Each white bag is adorned with a unique QR code, strategically placed for quick and convenient scanning. This integration streamlines the process of tracking and retrieval, promoting a systematic and organized Malkhana environment.
3. Enhanced Security Measures: The implementation of QR codes adds an additional layer of security to the evidence management process. Authorized personnel can swiftly access information while maintaining strict control over who can retrieve items, ensuring the integrity of the evidence.
4. Efficiency in Retrieval: The QR codes enable officers to retrieve case properties with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This efficiency is crucial for law enforcement operations, contributing to faster decision-making and response times.
At the launch event, Mr. Sanjay Kumar Tyagi, IPS emphasized the importance of combining technological advancements with a visually appealing and organized Malkhana.
The South Andaman District Police encourages the community to embrace these advancements, underscoring the department’s commitment to evolving with the times while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
CEO Announces Final Electoral Rolls-2024 for A&N Islands, Reveals Addition of 4,447 Electors
Port Blair, Jan. 5: A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Chief Electoral Officer, A&N Islands, Shri B S Jaglan, IAS, with the representatives of recognized Political Parties and media persons in connection with the publication of Final Electoral Rolls-2024 at Secretariat today. The Electoral Registration Officer, ANIPC/Joint CEO, Shri Dilkhush Meena, IAS, Deputy CEO, Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS and Electoral related Officers were also present during the meeting.
Chairing the meeting, the CEO said, that Election Department, A&N Islands is committed towards conducting elections in A&N Islands in a free, fair and transparent manner. Sharing the details of the Final Electoral Rolls-2024, the CEO informed that as per the Final Electoral Rolls number of voters is 3,11,802 and there is a net addition of 4447 electors in the Final Electoral Roll – 2024. As per the Final Electoral Roll – 2024, the number of Male voter is 1,62,389 and Female voter is 1,49,410 while the number of Third Gender voter is 3, the CEO said adding that the number of Young Voters (18-19 years) is 4,472 as per the Final Electoral Roll – 2024.
The Chief Electoral Officer also urged the Political parties representatives to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and help in identifying any missed out eligible voters besides encouraging eligible citizens who is going to attain the age of eighteen years as the inclusion of eligible voters is a continuous process. Before publication of the Final Rolls, the list of claims & objections received during SSR-2024 was also shared with the Political Parties on weekly basis in Form-9, Form-10, Form-11 & Form-11b, the CEO added.
The CEO further requested the Political Parties to help the Election Department in increasing the voting percentage in A&N Islands by motivating the eligible voters and creating awareness among them to participate in the election process. The voters should feel empowered as they are electing their representative, the CEO said adding that Election Department will also conduct voter awareness campaign to motivate voters to exercise their franchise during the ensuing Parliamentary Election – 2024.
The Final Electoral Roll 2024 was shared and CD containing Final Electoral Roll – 2024 was also handed over to the representative of the Political Parties present in the meeting. The Final Electoral Roll – 2024 is also available in the CEO’s Portal https://www.ceoandaman.nic.in
General public can download the copy of Electoral Roll from the CEO’s Portal https://www.ceoandaman.nic.in and electors can search their names in electoral Roll through the Portal https://elecoralsearch.eci.gov.in/ and Voter Helpline Mobile App.
ICG Conducts cleanliness drive at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Port Blair
Port Blair, Jan 05: In a resounding celebration of community-driven cleanliness and environmental stewardship, Headquarters Coast Guard Region (Andaman and Nicobar) organised a cleanup drive under the aegis of “Swachhata Hi Sewa Abhiyan” at Corbyn’s Cove beach, Port Blair. The event was organised as a run-up to ICG 48th Raising Day celebrations and was flagged off by the District Commander (South and Little Andaman) Coast Guard DHQ-14, DIG PB Mandal, TM. The cleanup drive witnessed participation of nearly 200 individuals from various government organizations, schools and Defense Security Corps (DSC) and resulted in collection of 450 kgs of garbage from the beach.
The coastal cleanup campaign is an example of unwavering commitment to Swachh Bharat, an ambitious national movement aimed at fostering cleanliness and sanitation. This campaign with its roots deeply embedded in community involvement, seeks to inspire every citizen about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.
During the culmination ceremony, Commander Coast Guard District-14, applauded the determination and collective resolve of all participants to maintain the pristine beauty of these Isles. As India continues to champion Swachh Bharat, the special campaign toward “Swachhta Hi Sewa Abhiyan” serves as an apt example of collective duty by the local community at large.