THE SUNDAY Vol. 36 No. 00 | Sunday, September 7, 2025 22 Pages | `5 & for State `6 | Reg. No. MCS/048/2021-23; RNI No. 46955/1988 M.p.c.s. office Mumbai-400001 FREE PRESS JOURNAL l www.freepressjournal.in l EDITIONS: l MUMBAI l INDORE l PUNE l BHOPAL l NASHIK l KONKAN l E-paper WEEKEND Weekend Discover the captivating power of the franchise on Star Trek Day CARTEL CRACKDOWN | IT expert among 12 arrested Maha police bust `12k cr drug racket in Telangana FPJ News Service MUMBAI A huge drug manufacturing syndicate operating in Telangana was busted by the Mira Road Police of Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday, with the officials seizing MD (mephedrone) drugs worth Rs 12,000 crore. According to officials, about 35,000 liters of chemicals used in making drugs were also found during raids at the fac- fp Representative image tory in Telangana's Cheramalli area. Investigation revealed that most of the drugs produced in the factory - which was running for several years were supplied to Mumbai F&B Oysters’ fine-dine journey 85-year-old’s guide on how to become an influencer through local criminals and agents. The drugs were being manufactured secretly under the guise of a chemical factory. Mephedrone weighing 5.968 grams, 27 mobile phones, three four-wheelers, four electronic scales, chemicals and other materials used in the production of the contraband have been seized along with Rs 23.97 lakh cash, MBVV police commissioner Niket Kaushik told reporters. "The total value of the items P&P Savan Kotecha on forming Indian boyband OutStation Modi, Macron discuss Ukraine IANS NEW DELHI seized, including mephedrone, will be running into several crore rupees. We have arrested 12 persons, including a Bangladeshi woman. Further probe is underway to unravel the entire supply chain linked to the unit," he said. It is estimated that hundreds of kilos of the mephedrone drug has been manufactured and supplied in the market, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a phone conversation with Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, exchanging views on recent efforts towards bringing an end to the conflict in Ukraine while reiterating India’s consistent support for peaceful resolution of the issue and early restoration of peace and stability in the entire region. The two leaders had recently spoken over phone on August 21, coordinating their positions on the war in Ukraine in order to move towards a just and lasting peace. 4Continued on | Nation 4Continued on | Nation Briefs LUCKNOW Amity student slapped 60-time Veteran journo dies Veteran photojournalist Subhash Chander Malhotra, a former editor of PTI's photo service whose 40-year career spanned major political, sporting and social events, died of a cardiac arrest at a private hospital here on Saturday. He was 78. Malhotra, who leaves behind a rich legacy in the world of Indian photojournalism, is survived by his wife Geeta, son, daughter and grandson. SHIMLA 4 more bodies found in Kullu Four more bodies were retrieved on Saturday from the rubble in landslide-hit Akhada Bazaar area of Kullu, sending the toll of deaths caused by the calamity to eight, an official said. The rescue operation in BharmaurManimahesh in Chamba district was concluded after the 64 remaining stranded pilgrims were airlifted, Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said. A landslide each on Tuesday and Thursday struck the Akhada Bazaar area. PTI India remains engaged with US: Jaishankar NEW DELHI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday "fully reciprocated" US President Donald Trump's "positive assessment" of the India-US partnership and his appreciation of the "special" relationship between the two nations, signalling an intent by both the sides to check the downturn in their ties. Modi's comments on social media came hours after Trump said at a news conference in White House that he will always be "friends with Modi" but added without elaborating that he didn't like what the Indian leader was doing at this "particular moment". "Deeply appreciate and xternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response to US President Donald Trump's remarks on the India-US relationship. "PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump. But the point is that we remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can't say more than that. But that's really what I would say," Jaishankar said. E fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties," Modi said. "India and the US have a very positive and forwardlooking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership," he noted on X. It was the first exchange of views between the two leaders after they held a phone conversation on June 17. 4Continued on | Nation PM MODI TO SKIP UNGA SESSION Five law students of Amity University’s Lucknow campus were allegedly booked after an FIR was lodged against them for brutally assaulting and abusing one of their classmates inside a vehicle in the campus parking area. The video of the incident recently went viral on social media. Confirming the incident, senior police officer Dinesh Chandra Mishra said an investigation had been launched, and five students were named in an FIR registered on the basis of a complaint by the victim's father, Mukesh Kesarwani. NEW DELHI Trump says PM ‘great friend’, Modi reverts with ‘likewise’ rime Minister Narendra Modi will not be addressing the General Debate at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as per the revised provisional list of speakers released for the high-level session later this month. The 80th session of the UNGA is set to open on September 9, marking a milestone year as the UN celebrates its 80th anniversary. According to the updated list of speakers, India will now be represented by a "minister" instead of the Prime Minister. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar is expected to address the General Assembly on September 27. P 790-PAGE CHARGESHEET grand farewell to Bappa People take part in a procession for immersion of Ganpati idol, marking the conclusion of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai Raja was killed in presence of Sonam Our Staff Reporter INDORE Now, SIR likely to be conducted across country ECI to hold key meeting with all CEOs on Sept 10 ‘Nude gang’ horror grips Meerut women LONG HAIR AND NAKED NEW DELHI As the heat over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls gathers pace after the controversial drive conducted in the poll-bound state of Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering conducting SIR across the country. According to the sources, the ECI has called a meeting of all the state Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) in Delhi on September 10 and will have a discussion at length on this matter. The meeting will be attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, election commissioners and other senior poll body officers. It is pertinent to note here that the SIR drive conducted in Bihar had become a political battle in Bihar, with opposition parties, including RJD, Congress, CPI, CPM, TMC, SP, 4Continued on | Nation FP News Service LUCKNOW Panic has gripped Daurala village in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh after a fourth incident allegedly linked to the so-called ‘nude gang’ came to light on Saturday. They arrive naked and drag women to deserted areas, spreading panic among women. Considering the seriousness of the matter, the police have started an investigation. No suspect has been caught yet, but officials are monitoring the area using drones. Locals claim that at least four such incidents have occurred in the past few days. Drones are being used to monitor the area. As per sources, in the latest `1.5 crore gold ‘kalash’ stolen from Red Fort’s Jain festival IANS NEW DELHI In a major security breach, a golden 'kalash' (urn) and other valuables worth about Rs 1.5 crore were stolen during a Jain religious event within the Red Fort premises in the capital. The stolen kalash belonged to Delhibased businessman Sudhir Kumar Jain, who brought series of precious items for ccording to local sources, the alleged gang members, who reportedly have long hair, emerge naked from farm fields and suddenly attack unsuspecting women passing by. They allegedly attempt to drag the women into the fields and physically assault them. A IANS the rituals. Lamenting his loss, he said that the precious piece of metal belongs to his ancestors, and he was hopeful of getting it back soon, as assured by the Delhi Police. The theft took place, during the ‘Daslakshan Mahaparv’, a 10-day festival being held at the 15 August Park inside the historic monument. 4Continued on | Nation UK team inspects Tihar Jail as India seeks to bring NiMo back ANI NEW DELHI case, two men allegedly attempted to drag a woman into a field while she was travelling alone to work in Bharaala village. The woman screamed and managed to free herself from their clutches. The villagers soon reached the spot and surrounded the fields from all sides. But no one was found. When asked how they looked, the woman told her family members that the accused were not wearing any clothes. Traumatised by the incident, the woman has now changed her route to work. A team from Britain's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) recently inspected Tihar Jail in the national capital, according to prison sources. This is part of the Indian legal system's efforts to bring fugitives back to India, The primary objective of the government was to intensify efforts to bring back fugitives like Nirav Modi to India. The government is also looking to prove that the accused who would be extradited to India will get a safe environment in Tihar jail. In the past the British courts had rejected India's extradition petitions in some cases citing Jail conditions. For this reason, the Indian government has also given a guarantee to Britain that no accused will be illegally interrogated in jail. According to the information, the CPS team visited the high-security ward of Tihar and spoke with the prisoners there. 4Continued on | Nation 4Continued on | Nation The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Meghalaya Police has filed a 790-page chargesheet in the honeymoon murder case of city businessman Raja Raghuvanshi. The charge-sheet was submitted in the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sohra Sub-Division, Shillong, on Friday evening. According to the chargesheet, Raja’s wife Sonam Raghuvanshi and her lover Raj Kushwaha masterminded the conspiracy, while Raj’s friends Akash Rajput, Anand Kurmi and Vishal Singh Chauhan executed the killing. All five are in judicial custody and face charges of murder, conspiracy and destruction of evidence. Police confirmed that a supplementary charge-sheet would soon be filed against three more accused who were later arrested for destroying evidence. 4Continued on | Nation Trump signs order to grant tariff exemptions starting Monday WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order offering tariff exemptions from Monday, 8 September 2025, to trading partners who strike a deal on industrial exports such as nickel, gold, among other metals and pharmaceutical compounds and chemicals. According to the media report, the latest executive order identifies more than 45 categories for zero import tariffs into the United States for ‘aligned partners’ who can come up with framework pacts to cut Trump tariffs and duties imposed on world nations. 6 dead as cable wire of cargo ropeway snaps at Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat PTI HALOL (GUJ) Six persons died after the cable wire of a cargo ropeway snapped at Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat's Panchmahal district on Saturday, officials said. The incident at Pavagadh Hill, which is famous for the Mahakalika Temple at the summit, occurred around 3pm, they said. Superintendent of Police Haresh Dudhat confirmed the six deaths and said police and fire brigade teams were at the spot for rescue and relief operations. The ropeway, meant to carry different items, was going downhill with six persons when the incident occurred, Panchmahal Col- Relief work underway lector Ajay Dahiya said. "The deceased comprise two lift operators, two labourers and two others. The impact of the fall was near the base point where the first tower of the cable is located," he said. The temple is situated at a height of around 800 metres, with pilgrims either choosing to climb some 2000 steps or use cable cars to reach the summit. Local officials were, however, not sure of the height from which the cable car fell. The main ropeway for use by the public has been shut for the part two days due to inclement weather, Dahiya informed. lunar eclipse 5-hour celestial spectacle tonight FPJ Online T he last Chandra Grahan (lunar eclipse) of 2025 is set to grace the night sky on Sunday, September 7, and will be fully visible across India. This celestial event holds not only astronomical significance but also religious importance due to the associated Sutak Kaal, a period of spiritual observance in Hindu tradition. This eclipse is especially notable, as it will be the final lunar eclipse of the year and the last visible from India until March 2026, making it a rare viewing opportunity for skywatchers and spiritual observers alike. 4Continued on | Nation DATE & TIME IN INDIA Lunar Eclipse Begins: 9:58 PM Maximum Eclipse: 11:42 PM Total Eclipse Ends: 12:22 AM, September 8 Lunar Eclipse Ends: 1:26 AM, September 8 SUTAK KAAL TIMINGS Since the eclipse is visible in India, the Sutak period, a traditional time of religious caution, will be observed. Below are Sutak Kaal timings as per Drik Panchang: Sutak Begins: 12:19 PM, September 7 Sutak Ends: 1:26 AM, September 8