21 die in PM’s constituency
Stampede during distribution of sarees in Lucknow
Lucknow, April 12
“It was Mr Lalji Tandon’s birthday, but we received ‘death’ as a gift,” said Ketaki Devi, whose mother-in- law was among 21 women who died in a stampede during free distribution of sarees in a function organised to celebrate senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon’s birthday today.

Saree distribution violates model code: Jethmalani
Women’s body for action against BJP leader

Policemen and civilians stand near the scene of a stampede during a rally in Lucknow on Monday. At least 21 women were crushed to death. They had gathered  there  to collect free sarees distributed by BJP’s Lalji Tandon as part of his 70th birthday celebrations.  — Reuters photo

PM consoles victims’ kin
Ex-gratia announced for next of kin
Lucknow, April 12
An anguished Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee tonight consoled the family members of those who were killed in a stampede in his Lok Sabha constituency during a saree distribution on the occasion of birthday of senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon.

Supreme Court orders retrial in Best Bakery case
New Delhi, April 12
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court today ordered re-investigation in the Best Bakery carnage during the Gujarat riots and re-trial of the case in Maharashtra to ensure fairness of justice.
In video (28k, 56k)
Editorial: The court asserts

CBSE pre-medical test on April 17
New Delhi, April 12
The All-India pre-medical and pre-dental entrance examination, which was cancelled following the incident of paper leak, will now be held on April 17, the CBSE announced here today.

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Editorial: Exam system has collapsed

Punjab’s plea for re-probe in Bhattal case shot down
New Delhi, April 12
The Supreme Court today dismissed Punjab Government’s petition seeking a re-investigation into the corruption case against Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, pertaining to alleged misappropriation of Rs 20 lakh from the Chief Minister’s relief fund when she was heading the Congress government in the state.

Sukh Ram rejoins Congress
New Delhi, April 12
Former minister Sukh Ram, who was expelled from the Congress eight years ago after he was embroiled in a telecom scam, rejoined the party today.

Jogi’s cassettes to boost Cong campaign
Mahasamund, April 12
The sound and fury of electoral battle in this sprawling constituency may have lost its feverish pitch after Congress candidate Ajit Jogi suffered severe injuries in a road accident, but the contest is still intense.

Ajit Jogi’s condition stable

Lara conquers peak 400 St John’s (Antigua), April 12 West Indies skipper Brian Lara became the first batsman to make 400 Test runs on the third day of the fourth Test against England here today.