Clearance to Quattrocchi challenged in apex court
New Delhi, April 28
An application was moved in the Supreme Court today challenging the CBI’s reported move to withdraw the red corner notice against Italian businessman Ottavio Quattrocchi, an accused in the Bofors kickback case. In his application, Ajay Agarwal, a lawyer, asked the apex court to issue directions to the Centre to restore the red corner notice, in case it had been withdrawn.

Congress terms Bofors used cartridge
BJP calls it a farewell gift to Quattrocchi
New Delhi, April 28
In the midst of crucial Lok Sabha elections, the Bofors issue returned to haunt the Congress, with the BJP and the Left today slamming the government for gross misuse of the CBI, which has withdrawn the Interpol red corner notice against principal accused Ottavio Quattrocchi.

SC order Cong conspiracy, claims Modi
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi used the CBI decision to withdraw the red corner notice against Ottavio Quattrocchi to break his silence on the Supreme Court’s order for a probe into the BJP leader’s alleged role in the 2002 post-Godhra riots by painting himself as a victim of political vendetta alleging that the apex court’s verdict was “a Congress conspiracy”.

Nation page: In Gujarat, Advani dwarfed by Modi
Opinions page: Polls: It is wiser for judges to defer cases with political overtones
Editorial: Modi remains in the dock

Pounding on, 70 Taliban killed
With artillery fire and gunships continuing to pound Taliban hideouts in Dir area for the third day, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday claimed that 70 militants, including their leader Qari Shahidullah, have been killed during the current offensive.

Pakistani citizens rally against the Taliban in Lahore on Tuesday. Fighter jets began bombing Taliban hideouts in a district near Islamabad. — AP/PTI

Tribune Exclusive
Elections come to the rescue of drug peddlers
Chandigarh, April 28
Acting on The Tribune report about a municipal councillor allgedly acting as a drug peddler, Batala police today formed a special cell headed by a DSP to deal with drug-related crimes.

Key witness in Ambani chopper case found dead
Mumbai, April 28
The mystery behind the tampering of a helicopter belonging to industrialist Anil Ambani deepened today after the man who had discovered the mischief was found dead this morning.

K’taka CM latest victim of shoe attack
Blames Deve Gowda for it
Davanagere (Karnataka), April 28
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa today became the latest victim of footwear attacks on politicians, but refused to pardon the “culprit” and blamed former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda and his sons for the incident. “Devegowda and his sons are behind the incident. I cannot be scared by such tactics.

No to intoxicants for votes Village youth become torch-bearers Bumb (Samrala), April 28 In this nondescript village young voters have resolved to close doors to workers of the political parties which distribute drugs and alcohol for votes in Lok Sabha elections. With around 700 votes, almost every household in this otherwise prosperous village has at least one family member on drugs, thanks to liquor shop and drug store located in nearby Bagli village. Bumb sarpanch Balwinder Singh (extreme left) and village youths are all smiles after deciding not to entertain political parties that distribute drugs and alcohol for votes in the Lok Sabha elections. Tribune photo: Vicky Gharu