S P O T L I G H T

Minister quits DMK, joins AIADMK
Chennai, April 1
A Tamil Nadu minister, Mr M. Tamizhkudimagan, quit the DMK today and joined the AIADMK. Mr Tamizhkudimagan told reporters that he had quit the DMK because his self-respect was hurt by the denial of the Elayangudi constituency from where he had won the 1996 poll. PTI

20 miscreants held
Samastipur, April 1 
At least 20 miscreants were arrested under a special drive in the district last night, the local police said. Five country-made pistols, a rifle and a large number of cartridges were seized from their possession. UNI

Assets unearthed
New Delhi, April 1
The CBI is understood to have unearthed assets worth more than Rs 1 crore after raids on the office and residential premises of Mr B.P. Verma, the dismissed Chairman of the Central Board of Excise and Customs. UNI