The Catch Up: 19 December

Dec 19, 2024

Corruption allegations surface as Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau files a case against KTR, linked to mismanagement of a high-profile Formula E race. Meanwhile, political tensions escalate as Congress claims BJP MPs physically blocked and attacked opposition members in Parliament, sparking a heated clash. The conversation also pivots to a troubling global domestic abuse case, exposing the long-term impacts of violence. It's a whirlwind of political drama and serious societal issues on the agenda.

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Political Turmoil and Tragic Incidents: A December Catch Up

00:00 • 3min

This is the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express, and I'm Flora Swain.
Today is the 19th of December, and here are the headlines:

Telangana ACB Files Case Against KTR Over Formula E Race Irregularities

Telangana's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a case against Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao (KTR), the son of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, over alleged irregularities surrounding the Formula E car racing event in Hyderabad. KTR, a former minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, was named the primary accused. The case involves mismanagement of funds during his tenure, with former MAUD secretary Arvind Kumar and ex-HMDA chief engineer BLN Reddy also implicated. The event took place in February 2023.

Congress Claims BJP MPs Blocked and Attacked Opposition in Parliament

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused BJP MPs of blocking and attacking opposition members attempting to enter Parliament on Thursday. Kharge said BJP MPs physically stopped them at the gate, even pushing female MPs, while BJP MP Pratap Sarangi claimed Rahul Gandhi pushed an MP, injuring Sarangi. Gandhi denied the allegation, stating BJP MPs were the aggressors. The incident follows an ongoing clash between NDA and INDIA MPs, with Congress lodging a formal complaint against the BJP at the Sansad Marg police station.

Congress Files Complaint Over Misbehaviour in Parliament Scuffle

In the wake of an altercation on Parliament premises, Congress MPs, led by Pramod Tiwari, filed a complaint with the Sansad Marg police station accusing BJP MPs of manhandling Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Priyanka Gandhi, witnessing the incident, described how Kharge fell after being pushed, with a CPI(M) MP also collapsing on him. She expressed concern that Kharge might have been seriously injured. The confrontation follows tensions between NDA and INDIA MPs during parliamentary proceedings.

13 Dead in Mumbai Ferry Collision: Lack of Safety Regulations Blamed

A tragic collision between an Indian Navy speedboat and a passenger ferry near the Gateway of India on Wednesday resulted in 13 deaths, including Navy personnel and civilians. Boat operators in Mumbai have criticized the lack of safety regulations and monitoring in the harbor. Although Navy personnel claim the accident was due to losing control during testing, they stated no specific testing location exists. An investigation is ongoing, while operators highlight that such tests are typically conducted in non-peak hours for safety.

French Court Sentences Dominique Pelicot to 20 Years in Landmark Abuse Case

Dominique Pelicot, 72, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and raping his wife, Gisele, over a decade, while also allowing dozens of other men to assault her. A French court found 50 men guilty, though most received shorter sentences than the prosecution's recommendations. The case, which came to light in 2020, uncovered disturbing footage of the abuse on Pelicot’s computer. Gisele, who waived anonymity, has spoken out to help other survivors, saying her fight is for all rape victims.

This was the Catch-Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.