Bihar: BJP diverting attention from development, says Nitish
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) said on Friday that the Samajwadi Party did what it deemed fit, but the alliance of anti-Hindutva parties battling the state elections was intact. “An attempt was made to revive the Janata Parivar, but it did not succeed," he said. "The Samajwadi Party did what it deemed was right for it.” He also defended his decision to join hands with Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad, whose 15-year rule was thought to have been characterised by lawlessness. “The RJD has been a partner in the government for the past several months," he said. "Have women and families stopped moving around freely in the State? It is an attempt by the National Democratic Alliance to divert attention from development issues.”

Karnataka: 2 killed in Duronto derailment
Two people were killed and eight injured when nine coaches of a Mumbai-bound Duronto Express derailed near Kalburgi in Karnataka early on Saturday. The accident took place at Martur village station, about 20 kilometres from Kalburgi. Two persons were killed and eight injured in the mishap, said Amit Singh, Kalburgi superintendent of police. Singh said nine coaches of the train went off the rails.

Maharashtra: BMC limits meat ban to 2 days
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Friday withdrew its controversial circular against the four-day meat ban imposed on slaughter and sale of meat in the city in the face of a public outcry.  The Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena strongly protested the ban. The Bombay Mutton Dealers' Association, meanwhile, challenged the decision in the high court.

Jammu and Kashmir: BSF convoy in Udhampur attacked
The National Investigation Agency on Friday announced  a cash reward on information leading to the arrest of six Lashkar-e-Toiba and Hizbul Mujahideen militants who were part of the larger conspiracy behind the attack in Udhampur. Abu Dujana, a Pakistani resident, Adil Sher Gujri, Ashiq Hussain Bhat and Manzoor Ahmed Bhat, Moin Kachroo and Majid Zargar were named as having a role in the August 5 attack. Two BSF personnel were killed in the terror strike while one terrorist Mohammed Noman was killed in retaliatory fire.

Delhi: Panel issues warrant against ACB chief
The Commission of Inquiry appointed by the Delhi government in the multi-crore CNG fitness scam case has issued a non-bailable warrant against Anti-Corruption Branch chief M K Meena. The commission has also suggested a 30% cut in Meena’s salary for failing to respond to summons to appear before it and furnish details of the case.