CBI scans forest routes for clues

Shimla: CBI sleuths today scanned two routes in the Dandi forest to ascertain whether the rape and murder of a student was committed in the forest between Hilaila and Dandi or in some house or dera (a labour hutment).

Cut GST rates or face stir, says Beopar mandal

Ambala: The Haryana Beopar Mandal today threatened to launch an agitation if the Centre fails to make amendments to the GST.

History-sheeter shot dead in Hisar over liquor shop

Hisar: Three assailants shot dead 40-year-old history-sheeter Pradeep Jamawari outside his house in Urban Estate Colony here last night. Pradeep Jamawari, a resident of Jamawari village in the district, was convicted in a case and had completed his jail term last year. He faced over 50 criminal cases and was involved in several hardcore criminal activities.

Nation’s first solar-based micro irrigation project launched

Kurukshetra: Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today announced 85 per cent subsidy for solar power-run micro irrigation projects in 36 administrative blocks that are facing acute depletion of underground water table.

‘Bhaichara rally’ in Jhajjar on Aug 27

Panipat: The All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) will hold a ‘Bhaichara rally’ in Jhajjar on August 27, said Yashpal Malik, national president of the samiti. He appealed to people belonging to 36 communities to participate in the rally in a large number.

Women in Mewat report mysterious chopping of braids

Gurgaon: At least 15 incidents of women's braids being mysteriously chopped off have been reported from the villages of the Mewat region in last two weeks, police said today. These bizzare happenings have left the villagers in panic. Most women report to have fallen unconscious when their braids were chopped off leading to the villagers blaming godmen, ghosts, witches and "cat-like" creatures.

Won’t let LoC trade halt: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: Appealing to the Centre to revive the Lahore Declaration for restoring peace in the region, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the PDP would not allow cross-LoC trade to be stopped. She was addressing a rally on the 18th foundation day of the Peoples Democratic Party here.

Two militants killed in encounter

Srinagar: Two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces today in Pulwama district of Kashmir, police said.

Charred body of Tibetan found in forest

Dharamshala: The charred body of a Tibetan was found in a forest near the Dalai Lama temple at McLeodganj, creating panic in the area. While many Tibetans suspected that it could be another act of self- immolation, police officials say the post-mortem report would reveal the fact.

CM opens Rs 70 crore projects through teleconferencing

Dharamsala: Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated the SDM office at Indora through teleconferencing today. The newly opened SDM office has not yet been granted approval by the Himachal Cabinet.