Greater Noida Bus Fire: Multi-State Lapses, Safety Violations And Unpaid Fines Exposed

A ground investigation across sleeper buses operating between Delhi, Bihar, Indore, and Jaipur reveals critical violations of passenger safety norms. In buses travelling from Delhi to Bihar, designated emergency exits were found completely sealed with nuts and bolts, making escape during emergencies nearly impossible. Crucial safety equipment like glass-shattering hammers was absent, and fire extinguishers were either inadequate or improperly maintained. A similar situation was exposed in sleeper buses arriving in Jaipur from Indore, where emergency doors were blocked by sleeper berths or welded shut, and fire cylinders were stowed away inside luggage compartments instead of being mounted. The report highlights severe negligence by operators and enforcement lapses by transport authorities.

An India Today investigation brings to light crucial developments in the POCSO case involving Gem Granite Chairman R. Veeramani in Tamil Nadu. The network accessed key videos and evidence showing multiple minor victims targeted in an alleged abuse nexus operating across decades. Following court intervention by a POCSO Special Court judge after police previously sought closure, four individuals—including Veeramani, his associates Mahendra Simhan, Shanti, and Ganesan—were arrested. Fresh revelations indicate that complaints were filed as early as 2024, raising questions over alleged police inaction and political shielding. Summons have now been issued to top police officials who handled the initial probe to ascertain whether intentional attempts were made to bury the matter. The Tamil Nadu administration has asserted zero tolerance, stating that high-profile individuals and officers aiding the accused will face strict legal scrutiny.

A video showing the sexual abuse of a minor girl has emerged in the POCSO investigation involving granite baron Veeramani, triggering a political confrontation in Tamil Nadu. The footage, accessed and verified by India Today while following child protection guidelines, shows Veeramani undressed in a room with a minor girl from an underprivileged background. The development follows allegations that complaints and video evidence were submitted to the police as early as 2024, yet an earlier closure report had been initiated before being overturned by a special POCSO court judge. The probe has also resulted in the arrest of his associates, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, along with another individual identified as Ganesan. Political reactions have intensified, with television spokesperson American Narayanan questioning the previous administration under DMK and demanding accountability over alleged inaction, while highlighting the current state government's zero tolerance policy towards crimes against children and women.

Enforcement Directorate officials are conducting raids at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority office in Mohali as part of a probe into allegations of money laundering, change of land use, and waiver of dues. In response, Aam Aadmi Party workers staged demonstrations outside the GMADA premises, waving black flags and shouting slogans against the central agency. Protesters alleged the central agency is being weaponised against the state government ahead of elections in Punjab. The agency's ongoing operation in the state also included searches at a government house in Sector 39 in Chandigarh and at the residence of a relative of Punjab Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, escalating political friction across the state.