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Removal of Anurag Thakur as BCCI President historic, Will help weaning out corrupt elements with corporate interests: Critics
SHIMLA- Anurag Thakur’s removal as the BCCI President by the Apex Court for alleged contempt of court and perjury by lying in the court after taking oath of telling truth has come a major blow to BJP and its youth wing. The action of Supreme Court is welcomed by those awaiting reforms and transparency of affairs in BCCI. Being India’s insanely rich sport body, BCCI lured politicians and mafia-like elements to creep in as board members.
In April 2016, too, the Supreme Court had remarked that cricket bosses has transformed the Board into a “mutual benefit society” which disburses huge amounts to choice members without even bothering to ask how they spend it.
As per the Supreme Court, not only Anurag ignored the implementation of Lodha Committee but also lied in the court, which can land him in jail if confirmed. The court had found him prima facie guilty of perjury for approaching ICC chairman Shashank Manohar for a letter undermining the judgment of July 18, 2016 upholding the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee recommendation to have a CAG nominee on the Board’s apex council.
How can a person who prima facie seems to have committed an offence of contempt of court and perjury continue to head BCCI? Which court is going to grant relief if the apex court orders his prosecution? You apologise if you want to escape,
the Bench had told counsel Kapil Sibal, who was appearing for BCCI and Thakur.
Anurag Thakur in an affidavit submitted to the court had denied seeking any letter from ICC Chairman and explained that he had just asked for his view on it.
I pointed out to the Chairman of the ICC, Mr Shashank Manohar that, when he was President of BCCI, he had taken a view that the recommendations of the Justice Lodha committee appointing the nominee of the CAG on the Apex Council would amount to governmental interference, and might invoke an action of suspension from ICC. I therefore requested him that, being the ICC Chairman, can a letter be issued clarifying the position which he had taken as BCCI President,
had said Anurag in his affidavit filed in the court.
However, the court found the content of the affidavit false. In political sphere, it means a huge damage to the image of three-time Member of Parliament from Himachal and son of former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Prem Kumar Dhumal.
Watch: Anurag Thakur’s Media Statement After Removal As BCCI President
HP CPI(M) Welcomes SC’s Move
Among those who welcomed it, the Communist Party of India Marxist in Himachal Pradesh has termed the decision of the Apex Court as historic in the direction of making reforms in the cricket body.
The members of the HP State Secretariat CPI (M) and Deputy Mayor of Shimla, Tikendar Panwer said that he had personally have a writ pending in the HP High court seeking democratisation of the HPCA. The writ was filed long before the formation of the Lodha committee and its recommendations and interestingly both the writ petition and the recommendations are quite congruent, Panwar claimed.
Panwar said that both the writ and recommendation of Lodha committee shared some common reforms such as:
- Democratisation of the sports body with regular elections to the body of HPCA and getting rid of the life time members with voting rights.
- Transparency within the HPCA where it should be brought under the RTI.
- Only sports personnel should be responsible for managing the affairs of the bodies especially cricket.
- Complete transparency in selection process with laying basis on performance in local tournaments. Unfortunately local level district tournaments have completely been finished and obituary of such tournaments was written by HPCA led by its president
The CPIM has termed the decision as historic and said that it will surely help in weaning out corrupt elements with corporate interests from the helm of affairs. He further added that he party will also demand the democratisation of HPCA in the state and the state government must ensure that action must be taken against the convertible HPCA from society into company and all those responsible for doing this right from the president and those who are into different government jobs must be taken to task.
For Anurag it is a matter of great worry as there is no court to provide him relief from decisions of the Apex Court. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur threatened that once the Supreme Court passes an order to initiate prosecution, no other court would dare to come in between, and the BCCI president would have “no way out, but go to jail.”
Photo: ESPN Info
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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