June 2019 - Page 4 of 17

Jharkhand’s anti-pollution board offers 50% off on hospital registration fees

Source: hindustantimes.com

In a bid to deal with biomedical waste hazard in Jharkhand, the state pollution board on Tuesday held a meeting with the government authorities as well as private health service providers in Ranchi.

Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) has come up with several offers to woo the hospitals, nursing homes and clinics to get their institutions registered with the board at the earliest.

The board has slashed fees for consent to establish (CTE), consent to operate (CTO) and authorisation by 50%, said JSPCB chairman AK Rastogi. “The offer is applicable for only two months. After August 31, the relaxation will be withdrawn,” he said.

For example, authorisation fee for the hospital having up to four beds is ?1,000 annually. If hospital takes authorisation by August 31, it will have to pay ?500.

Similarly, hospitals having bed capacity of more than 200 have to pay ?6,000 annually, while the actual fee is ?9,000 to ?11,000. JSPCB member secretary Rajiv Lochan Bakshi said that the board would prohibit the operation of individual or private incinerators and the wastes of hospitals in periphery of 70-km radius would be treated at a common bio-medication waste treatment facility (CBWTF).

Bakshi said that two CBWTFs, one at Ramgarh and another at Lohardaga, were functioning. The CBWTF of Saraikela-Kharswan would start functioning very soon, while three more CBWTs are proposed and will be coming up in Dhanbad (Sindri), Ramgarh and Santhal Paragana.

The hospitals have also been asked to establish sewage treatment plants and effluent treatment plants by December 2019.

The pollution board officials said if hospitals failed to get them registered with the board, they might have to face legal action. As per the provisions under Section 15 and Sub-section-1 and Sub-section-2b of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the defaulter could face five-year jail term or ?1 lakh fine.

Jharkhand’s most hospitals, nursing homes and clinics are not registered with the board so the latter doesn’t have actual figure of bio-medical waste generation. As per the Bio-Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016, every health care centres, be it government or private, should be registered with the board.

Notably, the meeting was called a day after the report, highlighting the problems of bio-medical waste in Jharkhand, was published in HT on Monday.

As per a survey conducted by Delhi-based environmental group Toxics Link and Ranchibased NGO Lok Swar in 31 government and private hospitals of Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Bokaro and Deoghar, found that these hospitals produce around 4,700 tonnes of bio-medical waste annually but 59%, around 2,700 tonnes, are left untreated and turns out to be harmful.

CBI arrests serial offender in Ranchi’s own Nirbhaya case

Source: hindustantimes.com

In a major breakthrough, the CBI has arrested a 23-year-old “serial rape offender” allegedly involved in brutal rape and murder of an engineering student on December 16, 2016, in Ranchi.

Rahul Rai, who carries many pseudonyms like Ankit, Aryan and others, was picked up by the CBI from a Uttar Pradesh jail where he was cooling his heels in other rape cases. After committing the gory crime in Ranchi, Rahul reportedly fled to Lucknow where he committed three rape crimes in a similar manner.

The Ranchi’s Nirbhaya was raped and murdered at her house. The perpetrators had burnt her after committing the crime.

The incident occurred on the fourth anniversary of the gory gang rape and murder of a paramedical student in New Delhi and had rocked the state which witnessed widespread protests, rallies and candle marches demanding immediate arrest of culprits.

The CBI’s Lucknow special crime branch on Saturday produced Rahul before a Ranchi court which forwarded him in judicial custody till July 6.

The court of special judicial magistrate (CBI) Ajay Kumar Gudia is yet to decide on the CBI’s request, seeking Rahul on police remand for interrogation.

Earlier, the case was investigated by the Ranchi police and the crime investigation department (CID) but no breakthrough was made.

The police had conducted DNA tests on more than 80 suspects in this case but all reports didn’t match with the victim’s DNA.

Cyber experts had also been engaged to search and examine social media, including mails, but they too failed to find any clue.

The state government on January 3, 2017, had finally recommended for a CBI probe. A year later, the Centre approved the government’s request leading to registration of FIR by the CBI on March 28, 2018.

The semi-naked half-charred body of the victim was found inside her house. The incident came to light after the girl’s sister, failing to reach her on phone, sent some neighbours to check on her. On reaching the house, they found the door ajar and smoke emanating from the room.

When they entered, they found her body lying near the bed with her face fully burnt. Other materials in the room were also gutted.

The premiere investigating agency registered the FIR against unknown persons under Sections 448 (house trespass), 302 (murder), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence), 328 (causing hurt by means of poison), 376 (rape) and other sections of the Indian Penal Code.

CBI’s deputy superintendent of police (DSP) RS Solanki was entrusted with the investigation of the case.

Monsoon covers whole Bihar, many places receive good rainfall

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

PATNA: Several cities and towns in different parts of Bihar on Saturday received good rainfall as the monsoon covered the entire state, Met officials said.

The monsoon which hit Bihar’s north east districts on Friday, covered the entire state on Saturday, the Patna Meteorological Centre said.

Several cities and towns in different parts of the state received a good rainfall bringing down the temperature below normal maximum temperature.

Patna, like other cities, which have been facing the heatwave since the beginning of June this year, on Saturday witnessed a pleasant weather because of the first spell of good rainfall since the morning.

Patna received 33.0 mm of rainfall during the day between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, bringing down maximum temperature down to 32.4 degrees Celsius which is three notches below normal, Met official said.

Gaya recorded a temperature of 33.0 degrees Celsius which is three degrees below normal maximum temperature, he said.

Bhagalpur and Purnea recorded maximum temperature of 36.0 degrees and 33.8 degrees respectively, Met official said, adding that Bhagalpur and Purnea recorded 3.2 mm and 0.3 mm rainfall respectively.

Met department forecast said that Patna is expected to witness generally cloudy sky on Sunday while Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnea are expected to witness generally cloudy sky with possibility of rain or thunderstorm.

Doctors’ strike 2.0: Jharkhand doctors threaten to strike, demand protection laws

Source: indiatoday.in

Earlier this month, Bengal witnessed a deadlock between the medical fraternity and the state government over violence against doctors. What started as clashes between doctors and a patient’s family, became a nationwide protest which also spread to other parts of the country. The medical fraternity across India expressed absolute solidarity on the demands of their safety.

Now, Jharkhand is headed in the same direction. A delegation of doctors met Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi on Sunday and handed over a charter of demands to him. One of the demands included the introduction of the Medical Protection Act after reports of violence and assault on doctors at Rinchi Trust Hospital where a patient was allegedly brought dead but the family of the deceased accused the medical staff of negligence.

On Friday, a 21-year-old man, Ashutosh Pandey was brought to Rinchi Hospital near Kathal More in Ranchi after he reportedly drowned in Patratu Dam. Doctors claim that Pandey had died of asphyxiation before being brought to the hospital. However, his attendants and about 100 locals vandalised hospital property and allegedly thrashed three doctors, who sustained severe injuries.

Doctors across the State on Sunday worked wearing black badges as a mark of protest against the attack on doctors at Rinchi Hospital on Friday.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Jharkhand chapter has threatened to protest if the state government does not act on their demands for doctors’ safety.

A special meeting of the IMA, Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA), Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA), the hospital board, and the women wing of the IMA was held on Sunday at 4:45 pm at IMA Ranchi.

The motive of the meeting was to plan a future course of action regarding the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PNDT) (Dr Seema’s case in Koderma) and the agitation regarding Medical Protection Act (MPA). Around 143 doctors were present at the meeting.

Decision summary of meeting:

1)To stop wearing the black Ribbon from now onwards as police administration did a commendable job by arresting the main culprit within 24 hours on order of chief secretary of Jharkhand, much before our ultimatum of 48 hours. “We are thankful to the police administration,” the doctors said.

2) A high level delegation will meet the chief Secretary of state and submit a memorandum by 6 pm on June 24 at Project building.

The doctors listed out their demands for the state government:

A) We are hurt by the brutal attack on doctors in Rinchi hospital, when the patient attendant came for treatment of a dead body (already declared dead at CHC Patratu) and damaged the hospital. We request that the remaining assaulters be arrested at the earliest. We also request that the case of Rinchi be dealt with speedy trial in a fast track court.

B) Free treatment of griviously injured medical superintendent of Rinchi hospital.

As the superintendent will not be able to work for the rest of his life, so monetary compensation be given to him. The damage to the hospital should be compensated either by the assaulters or the government itself.

C) To prevent any future attacks on doctors and provide a safe environment for doctors to work, the Medical Protection Act should be made applicable in Jharkhand so that we can give our 100 per cent to the society.

D)In Koderma, false allegations has been levelled against Dr Seema Modi with regard to PNDT as the pregnancy was of eight months and the PNDT Act is applicable only to 3-5 months pregnancy. She has been arrested in an unlawful manner. A fact finding commitee report should be sent to court so that Dr Seema Modi of Dhanbad gets justice.

E) The Clinical Establishment Act should be implemented in practical ways. For example, a skin specialist cannot handle an emergency like a gunshot injury or a patient of heart attack.

F) Clinical Establishment Act should be applicable only to hospitals having more than 5O beds.

G) Single window certification for all clinical establishments.

J) Setting up of a police official cell number and a Nodal officer in each hospital

I) We would follow up the situation every 15 days if there are no further arrests or any action on our demands. We will plan a graded action like a protest march. Strike will be our last resort.

K) Our legal advisor will be affixed.

-IMA state and District officials

The arrest of Koderma-based doctor Seema Modi, on charges of sex determination test last month, is also believed to have irked the doctors’ fraternity. They are backing up the incarcerated lady gynaecologist and claim that she is not guilty.

Violence, altercation, and brawls between the attendants and the patients’ kin puts other patients at risk and affects the morale of the medicos, says Dr Pradip the secretary general of IMA Jharkhand chapter.

The Cabinet had approved the Medical Protection Act in Jharkhand in 2017. Later, a select committee too gave a report on it. But it is yet to be passed by the assembly.

The Act mandates imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of Rs 50,000 for attacks on doctors, nurses and hospital establishments.

Earlier, when the bill was tabled in the House, it was referred to a select committee. Further, when it was initiated again, the government itself withdrew it.

However, the meeting between the health minister and the delegation of doctors seems to have been successful this time. While it is not clear when the government will table the Medical Protection Bill or when the session will be convened, the chief secretary has directed DGP KN Chaubey to ensure the safety of the medical practitioners.

An order has also been issued to the SPs of all the 24 districts to be more vigilant and keep an eye on the security and protection of the doctors.

The intervention of the government has been seen as a major step to pre-empt a Bengal-like situation in Jharkhand. At the same time, the decision and the move of the government will raise the morale of medicos. The order to make doctors safety a priority is also set to mollify the agitating doctors for the Medical Protection Act already exists in 17 states.

Bihar police arrest Maoist injured in encounter, seize arms

Source: newindianexpress.com

PATNA: Bihar police have arrested a Maoist who was injured during an anti-naxal operation in Vaishali district of the state on Monday.

The injured Maoist has been identified as Mohammad Aijaz. His associate Raja Sahni managed to flee.

The encounter between the anti-naxal team and the ultras ensued after the cops intercepted the duo. The cops found them moving suspiciously near Ram Sharan College on Jandaha-Mahnar road.

The operation was carried out on a specific intelligence input by ASP (operation). Vaishali Superintendent of Police (SP) MS Dhillon, who monitored the operation said, ” We got tip off that some persons affiliated to a Maoist outfit led by one Amarnath Sahni were reaching a spot to purchase arms and ammunition”.

Following this, an anti-naxal team was formed and rushed to the spot. “The ultras came in a bike. When intercepted, one of them fired on the police party. The team retaliated and in the encounter Mohd. Aijaz suffered bullet injuries in his leg,” Dhillon said, adding, Sahni, a resident of Dih Bicholi, however, escaped.

“Both are wanted in three murder cases and three other cases under Arms Act and ULAP act. A country-made revolver, 6 ammo and one fired cartridge along with bike have been seized from the duo, the SP further added.

None of the cops was injured in the encounter.

The captured accused, Aijaz, son of Mohammad Idrees Mian from Chandsarai has been hospitalised and is said to be out of danger. “Even after the encounter with ultras, the areas affected with Naxal activities are being sanitised for remaining associates”, Dhillon said.

In the past, two farmers were abducted and killed by CPI (Maoists) after they were returning from a nearby village Dihouchauli. The areas falling under the Jandaha and Patepur police stations in Bihar’s Vaishali district are suspected to be in the grip of ultras.

What to See and do When in Rajgir

Source: india.com

A historic city located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, Rajgir is predominantly a religious place for both Buddhism and Jainism. Its link to both Gautama Buddha and Mahavir has imparted it with a sacredness, not easily experienced anywhere else in India.

While there’s tons to see and do in Rajgir, start your tour of the city with the 6th-century Ajatshatru Fort. The fort’s highlights are its high walls, Bimbisara jail, gigantic stone tower and Ajatshatru Stupa.

Another popular Buddhist pilgrimage site is the Vishwa Shanti Stupa, also known as the World Peace Pagoda, situated on Ratnagiri Hill. Considered to be the world’s tallest Peace Pagoda, this white structure is an architectural marvel with the four phases of Buddha’s life showcased through four golden statues of Buddha.

Among the Jain temples here, the most prominent is the Digambar Jain Siddha Kshetra Temple. Another important one is the Lal Mandir, located in Udaigiri Hills; a magnificent structure made of red and white stones.

Built during the Mauryan period, the sturdy 40km long Cyclopean Walls made of raw stones is an iconic architectural wonder encircling old Rajgir. Even though the walls no longer retain its former glory, it is nonetheless a must visit for history aficinados.

A prime attraction in Rajgir, Venu Vana is the Bamboo Forest, where Lord Buddha was said to have lived 2,500 years ago. There’s a big pond in the midst of Venu Vana; it adds to the peacefulness, serenity and beauty of the place.

The Hot Springs of Rajgir have an importance of their own. Found in abundance in the city, they are considered to be sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Known for their medicinal values, the most sacred Hot Spring in Rajgir is the one in Saptarni Cave and the hottest is said to be the one at Brahmakund, at 45 degree Centigrade.

Thekua, Chura Matar and Dhuska from Bihari cuisine need as much exposure as Litti Chokha

Source:-

The undying love for food led this economics major to turn her passion for cooking into her profession. Chef Pallavi Nigam Sahay is a celebrity chef whose love for regional food can be seen in her book “The Bhojpuri Kitchen”. Hailing from Bhopal, she currently lives in Muscat and is following her passion. She is currently working on the second book while consulting several popular restaurants. Here are some of the excerpts from an exclusive interview…

From MP to Bihar and now Oman, you have come a long way. How has been your whole experience?
It can’t be defined in one word! Sometimes it has been very interesting and sometimes very challenging. I got to learn a lot about different kinds of cuisines and cultures. But there were times when surviving those cultural differences was tough.

Tell us about your first cooking experience and how was it?
My first tryst with cooking was when I tried to cook Dum Biryani. Before cooking, I properly took out all ingredients and arranged on the kitchen platform. I followed every step, marinated the lamb overnight, soaked in the rice and sealed the wok with “dum”. I also took out very carefully kept La Opala crockery from the crockery cabinet to serve the dish. A nice aroma was coming from the kitchen and I was sure the dish would turn out well. But much to my chagrin, the lamb remained uncooked, when the biryani was served. My mom had to pressure cook the entire thing again to make the biryani palatable.

You hail from Bhopal and are married into a Bihari family. Was it a cultural contrast?
The food in both places has a lot of difference; the cooking techniques are very different. In Bihar, while making gravies they never use onion paste, it’s always chopped onions, whereas I have never seen my mom, my aunts or even distant relatives in M.P. making gravy without the onion paste. Also, there is no concept of making fresh garam masala paste in Bihar, whereas in Madhya Pradesh, we always keep it ready in the fridge to make quick curries etc. Not just that, even the way of eating is very different. In Bihar, there’s a tradition of eating one grain at a time, lunch must be “Dal Chawal and Bhujia”, where bhujiya is the dry preparation of seasonal vegetables; and dinner “Roti Subzi”, where the subzi is the vegetables cooked in gravy. Whereas in M.P. we eat “Dal Chawal and Roti Subzi” for lunch and dinner both.

In most of the Bihari gravies, there’s a special mix of whole spices used to temper the oil before adding a mixture of ingredients, commonly known as Panchphoran which includes “kalaunji ke dane (nigella seeds), saunf (fennel seeds), methi (fenugreek seeds), rai (mustard seeds) and jeera (cumin seeds)”. This was quite new to me coming from Bhopal. Also, there’s a lot of use of black peppercorns, more than any other whole spice in Bihari cuisine.

What are the herbs and spices that you love the most?
I just love black cardamom for the wonderful smoky flavour it adds in a dish, and I also love mace a lot. I use black cardamom in my kheer instead of the green one and everyone loves it. And I use mace in most of my Biryanis and Pulaos as well and a little of it in my Carrot Cake and Souffles. On the other hand, when it comes to herbs, I love mint and coriander leaves, and rosemary comes second on my favourite list. I sprinkle the combination of mint and coriander on top of my everyday curries as well.

Tell us about 5 ingredients of Bhojpuri cuisine that never bore you.
The first in that list is Nigella seeds, I love them for the rustic earthy flavour they add to a dish. Second, in the list is Sattu, I like to use it in my milk every day and have it rather than any other protein powder. The third is the Fox Nuts or Makhana that I love munching on my movie nights. Fourth is the Oal or Yam, which is used a lot in the Bhojpuri cuisine. My Maa or my MIL makes a chutney with yam and it’s called ‘Oal Ki Chutney’, and I absolutely love it. They also use a lot of sesame seeds and make a mithai called ‘Tilkut’ during Makar Sankranti, which is made using sesame seeds and jaggery/sugar. When it’s there in the season, it is a constant companion to my tea.

What is unique about Bihari food?
It’s simplicity! From Fresh vegetables and minimum use of spices to simple cooking techniques, you have a beautifully done traditional Bihari dish on the table. Take Bihari Chokha for that matter, it is so simple yet incredibly delicious. It is not a very rich cuisine as they don’t use much ghee, cream and milk or paneer, but they always use fresh seasonal vegetables.

What do you love the most about Bihari cuisine and which is your favourite dish?
It’s the simplicity of cooking techniques. My favourite dishes are: Dhuska and Mutton Curry, which are traditionally eaten on the day of Holi. My other favourite is Litti Chokha, which is a classic Bihari dish.

Are there any lost recipes that are in dire need of revival?
Champaran is a district in Bihar, from where Mahatma Gandhi started his Satyagraha Andolan. It is famous for its mutton, it is said that the mutton from Champaran, after cooked, is as soft as butter and can melt in your mouth. There’s a dish called “Taash Gosht” from Champaran in which, very thin layers like carpaccio are scaled out of lamb, and are marinated with basic spices. This marinated meat is further cooked on top open tawa. This dish has a taste which is out of this world and I think is in dire need of revival.

When it comes to Bihari cuisine, there is nothing more popular than “Litti Chokha”. What are those dishes which you think need more recognition?
I think Dhuska, Fried Pancakes made of a spicy batter of rice and chana dal needs more recognition. Tilkut a sweet prepared by using white sesame seeds, Thekua, a cardamom-spiced whole wheat and jaggery fried cookie and Bihari kebabs need more recognition.

Tell us about some unique Bihari dishes that few know about?
Dahi Chura Gur is one of the most favourite Bihari breakfasts. You will be surprised to know but there have been such instances of baraat getting angry and returning back, because they didn’t get Dahi Chura Gur for breakfast. Another one is Chura Matar. Both chura or poha and matar are separately fried and mixed together. Peetha is another dish, which is cooked using whole wheat dumplings stuffed with spicy chana dal mix. It is steamed and is enjoyed as it is.

Jharkhand Minister Calls Mob Lynching Death a ‘Cut & Paste’ Allegation, Says Wrong to Politicise Incident

Source:- news18.com

A man who was assaulted on suspicion of theft in Jharkhand’s Kharsawan district and beaten up for hours before being handed over to the police on June 18, succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital on Saturday.

Reacting to allegations that Ansari’s death was a result of mob lynching by right-wing outfits, Jharkhand minister CP Singh called it a “cut and paste” job of using whatever allegations fit such incidents.

“Trend is prevalent these days to associate such incidents with the BJP, RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal. It’s a time of ‘cut and paste’ wherein who fits what words and where, it is difficult to say. The government is conducting an investigation. The trend to politicise such incidents is wrong,” Singh was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The incident came to light after several videos of the assault went viral on social media. In one of the clips, Ansari is seen being beaten with a wooden stick. At the end of another video, he is shown being forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and ‘Jai Hanuman’.

“Tabrez was with two other men who had gone there to steal. The villagers caught them. While two of the men fled, Tabrez was caught by the villagers and beaten up,” Chandan Kumar Sinha, SP of Seraikella-Kharsawan told HuffPost India. The primary accused, Pappu Mandal, was arrested after his death.

In one of the videos, Ansari can be heard denying the charges against himself.

According to reports, Ansari worked as a welder and labourer in Pune and had returned to his home in Kharsawan for Eid last month and to get married.

A Jharkhand-based activist said Ansari left for Jamshedpur at 5 pm on June 18 with two men, unaware of where they were taking him.

Bigg Boss Marathi 2, Weekend Cha Daav, June 23, 2019, written update: Vidyadhar Joshi gets evicted; saves Neha from eviction

Source:-timesofindia.indiatimes.com

In the latest episode of Bigg Boss Marathi 2, Mahesh Manjrekar calls Vaishali, a partial supervisor during the task ‘Ek Daav Dhobi Pachad’. She tries to justify herself but Mahesh tells Team B that he would have been happy if they won the task without Vaishali’s help.
Mahesh appreciates Veena for her strategy of applying oil on the pipe during the same task

Later, Parag and Veena get into a fight as Veena blames him for being disloyal to his group. On the other hand, Parag blames Shiv for dividing their group.

Veena gets angry at Shiv as he is trying to impress her and at the same time he is also trying to give attention to Heena. On that, Shiv tries to explain to her that Abhijeet Kelkar and Vaishali had only asked him to do that to gain more attention from the viewers.

Mahesh then sends some of the housemates one-by-one to the confession room for the Chugli Booth activity. During this activity, Veena’s fan sends her a message that Heena is trying to separate Shiv and Veena on Abhijeet Bichukale’s orders.

Later, Mahesh calls one of the viewers on the stage to punish the culprit of the week. She calls Parag as the culprit and punishes him to apologise to Veena, Kishori, and Rupali.

After apologizing, Parag- Rupali, and Veena- Shiv present a romantic dance whereas Vaishali sings a song for them.

Mahesh plays some songs and asks the housemates to guess the contestant to whom the song is addressed to. Surekha Punekar performs on the song ‘Mala Mhantyat Ho Punyachi Maina’ whereas Vidyadhar shows some dance moves with Kishori to the song ‘Vaajale Ki Bara’.

After all the fun moments, Mahesh moves towards the elimination process. He announces that among all the 6 nominated contestants, Vidyadhar gets evicted and has to take an exit from the show.

While Vidyadhar takes his bags, everyone gets emotional. Shiv and Vaishali get teary-eyed.

Mahesh calls him on the stage and shows a small video clip of his journey in Bigg Boss house.

Lastly, Mahesh gives him the special power to save anyone for the next week. He saves Neha and gives her a birthday gift.

L&T tightens its grip on Mindtree, buys out Nalanda Capital’s stake

Source:- livemint.com

If L&T achieves all its share purchase targets, it will end up holding 66% in Mindtree, worth at least ₹10,800 crore
Last week, L&T launched its open offer to buy a 31% stake from the public shareholders of Mindtree

MUMBAI: Singapore-based Nalanda Capital on Monday sold its entire 10.61% stake in Mindtree Ltd to Larsen and Toubro Ltd (L&T), signalling the likely end of the stiff fight put up by promoters to the first hostile takeover bid of an Indian software services company.

Nalanda sold its whole stake worth ₹1,707.46 crore to L&T in an ongoing open offer for shareholders of Mindtree. The 10-day open offer closes on 28 June.

Two people directly aware of the matter confirmed the transaction. It is, however, not known if Nalanda took the step following a show-cause notice by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to the firm for pressing Mindtree’s public shareholders to refrain from tendering shares to L&T at ₹980 per share in the open offer.

On Thursday, Sebi served the show-cause notice to Pulak Chandan Prasad-led Nalanda Capital asking why penal action should not be taken against it for behaving like persons acting in concert (PAC) to thwart L&T’s open offer, without making a counter offer.

“Sebi has questioned Nalanda Capital that on what basis it advised Mindtree’s other public shareholders that L&T should offer a price 20% higher than ₹980 per share. Nalanda Capital has been asked to clarify that being an FPI (foreign portfolio investor), which Sebi regulation empowers it to advise any shareholder in any investee company in India on any such share sale,” said the first person, who is directly aware of Sebi’s processes.

Even though Nalanda has now sold its entire stake to L&T, the company, which is registered as an FPI with Sebi, has to mandatorily respond to the show-cause notice in order to avoid potential penal action by the markets regulator.

Sebi’s notice followed complaints by Mindtree’s investors last week accusing Nalanda Capital of attempting to prevent Mindtree shareholders from selling shares to L&T in the open offer.

On 20 June, proxy advisory firm InGovern Research urged Sebi to probe the matter arguing that Nalanda Capital’s actions could be significantly detrimental to the interests of Mindtree’s minority shareholders. Mint has reviewed a copy of the letter.

Emails to Nalanda Capital, Mindtree and Sebi remained unanswered.

The two people cited earlier said Sebi’s contention is that without the prior approval of the markets regulator, Nalanda Capital cannot either act as a PAC or prevent Mindtree’s public shareholders from tendering their shares in the open offer without making a counter offer.

L&T last week launched its open offer to buy a 31% stake from the public shareholders (including Nalanda) of Mindtree. “Last week, L&T bought close to 7% in Mindtree from public shareholders in the open offer. Amansa Holdings Pvt. Ltd has sold its entire 2.77% stake to L&T on Friday. With stake purchases from Nalanda, mutual funds and some index funds, L&T now holds close to 48% in Mindtree,” said the first person quoted earlier.

The purchase of Nalanda’s stake takes L&T closer to its target of acquiring control of Mindtree.

Mindtree’s existing promoters have been resisting L&T’s takeover plan. Mindtree’s four promoters—N. Krishnakumar, N.S. Parthasarathy, Subroto Bagchi and Rostow Ravanan—hold a total of 13.32% with their families.

However, in the past two months, L&T first acquired a 20.32% stake in Mindtree held jointly by Café Coffee Day (CCD) founder V. G. Siddhartha and two CCD affiliate firms. It later bought more shares of Mindtree from the open market to raise its holding to 28.90%.

L&T has the option of buying a total of 15% of Mindtree shares from the open market. If L&T achieves all its share purchase targets, the engineering conglomerate will end up holding 66% in Mindtree worth at least ₹10,800 crore, along with management control, which will mark the country’s first ever hostile takeover in the IT industry.

Nalanda spent ₹453.1 crore when it bought Mindtree shares in 2009 at an average price of ₹260, making an almost four times gain on its investment in the last decade.

A third person familiar with the development said another reason behind Nalanda’s move could be the promoters of Mindtree losing control of the board.

Last week, Mindtree’s board agreed to induct three L&T executives—chief executive officer S. N. Subrahmanyan, chief financial officer R.S. Raman and senior executive vice-president of L&T’s defence business Jayant Damodar Patil. Mindtree also agreed to L&T’s proposal to induct two independent directors—former L&T executive Prasanna Rangacharya Mysore and former bureaucrat Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa.