Reprieve for cop accused of rape

Patna: Investigations have given a clean chit to Morkahi station house officer Satyendra Paswan, accused of raping a schoolgirl at the police station in Khagaria district on September 12.

Khagaria superintendent of police (SP) Deepak Burnawal said the medical report and the findings of a probe team headed by deputy SP (headquarters) have not confirmed rape. “My office received a copy of the medical report yesterday (Thursday). The report did not confirm rape of the girl, who claimed to be a minor,” he added.

A two-member team of the state women’s commission visited Khagaria and recorded the statements of the victim and her relatives. The commission’s report is awaited.

Second day of hunger strike

Patna: The hunger strike of All India Students’ Association (Aisa) members against anomalies in Patna University graduation first year results entered the second day on Friday. Aisa member Tariq Anwar said every year students have to face difficulties owing to the negligence of the university administration.

Charter

Patna: The Pradesh Mukhiya Mahasangh on Friday submitted an 18-point charter of demands to rural works and panchayati raj minister Bhim Singh. The demands include independence and strengthening of gram panchayats.

Letter

Patna: Bihar Human Rights Commission member Neel Mani on Friday sent a letter to the secretary of department of social justice and empowerment, Government of India, drawing his attention towards the delay in the release of funds for running district disability rehabilitation centres.

New courses

Patna: Patna Women’s College launched two diploma courses in retail and healthcare under the community college programme on Friday. The duration of the courses will be a year.

Exhibition

Patna: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited organised a regional handicraft exhibition-2013 at its office. Devendra Kumar, general manager of eastern region-1, inaugurated the exhibition. A cultural programme was also organised.

Drought loans

Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday directed officials to facilitate loans to the farmers of drought-hit villages from nationalised and co-operative banks. Kumar also said the state government would provide subsidy to the farmers on the purchase of diesel and seeds. Kumar also directed the officials of water resources department to strengthen the water resources in the state.

Dengue cases

Patna: Twenty-nine fresh cases of dengue reached city hospitals on Friday of which nine were confirmed. Sources from civil surgeon’s office said so far 756 dengue cases have been reported from the city hospitals of which 502 were confirmed.