ALL 16, including a police officer accused of sexual assaults against children, have appeared before Bradford Magistrates' Court.
The police officer Amjad Ditta faces a single charge of sexual touching.
Ditta was attached to West Yorkshire Police's Protective Services Operations.
He was a serving officer at the time of the alleged offence reported.
The police officer has been suspended from duty, the police department has previously said.
He and the other accused were given bail and scheduled to appear before Bradford Crown Court on January 20.
The accused have been charged with rape and supplying drugs, related to offences against three teenage girls in Halifax during the three years to 2009.
The victims were aged between 13 and 16 at the time.
District Judge Charlotte Holland said that the alleged offences were "too serious" to be dealt with by the magistrates' court and that it was necessary for them to be heard at crown court instead.
The list of Halifax residents who are accused in the case include: Vaqaas Abbas, 30, Nadeem Adalat, 34, Sajid Adalat, 43, Waseem Adalat, 33, Amjad Ditta, 35, Christopher Eastwood, 45, Mahtab Islam, 46, Mohammed Rizwan Iqbal, 34, Ishtiaq Latif, 32, Asad Mahmood, 33, Khalifa Mughal, 36, Younis Mohammed, 34, Nadeem Nassir, 39, Shahzad Nowaz, 40, Shazad Nazir, 44, Sohail Zafar, 36.
FORMER prime minister Imran Khan, 72, is expected to seek bail in the Al-Qadir Trust case when the Islamabad High Court (IHC) hears petitions on 11 June to suspend the sentences handed to him and his wife Bushra Bibi.
Khan has been held in Adiala Jail since August 2023 in several cases. PTI chief Gohar Ali Khan told ARY News that “June 11 is going to be an important day for both Khan and his wife,” but he gave no further reason. The IHC had earlier adjourned the matter after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) asked for more time to prepare its arguments.
Gohar said the PTI will work with opposition parties to launch a movement led by the party’s founder from jail. He urged those parties to join “for the sake of the country's survival and security” and added that “The party will address a press conference on June 9 regarding it,” outlining plans for the forthcoming budget.
Last month Khan said he would direct the party’s protest campaign against the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition from prison. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has warned of a full-scale movement for Khan’s release after Eid Al-Adha.
Khan, convicted in a few cases, continues to claim the 8 February 2023 general election saw the ‘Mother of All Rigging.’ He brands the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party “mandate thieves.”
Special assistant to the prime minister on political affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday urged PTI to accept prime minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer of talks and sit with the government to amend election laws.
Gohar said Bushra Bibi is being held without charges to pressure Khan and insisted no deals would be made for his release. He also dismissed reports of internal rifts within PTI.
The Al-Qadir Trust case centres on a 190 million Pound settlement reached by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) with the family of property tycoon Malik Riaz. In August 2019 the NCA said it had frozen eight bank accounts containing 100 million pounds “suspected to have derived from bribery and corruption in an overseas nation.”
The agency informed the government then led by Khan’s PTI. It is alleged Khan asked his aide on accountability, Shehzad Akbar, to resolve the matter and that the frozen funds belonging to the national treasury were “settled” against Bahria Town’s liability.
Bahria Town Ltd, Riaz’s real-estate firm, was later found to have illegally acquired large tracts of land on Karachi’s outskirts. It donated hundreds of acres to the Al-Qadir Trust, whose only trustees are Khan and Bushra Bibi.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Some states continue to report relatively low numbers
India’s total number of active COVID-19 cases has risen above 6,000, with health authorities reporting 358 new infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). While there were no Covid related deaths during this period, the increase in cases is prompting state-level monitoring and precautionary measures.
Current case load and recoveries
As of 8:00 a.m. on June 9, 2025, India has 6,491 active Covid-19 cases. The central health ministry confirmed that 358 fresh cases were detected in the last 24 hours, with no fatalities reported in the same timeframe.
According to the ministry’s data, 624 patients recovered or were discharged across the country since the previous update, contributing to the ongoing efforts to manage the spread of the virus through home care and hospital treatment where necessary.
Kerala, Gujarat and Delhi among most affected
Kerala continues to be the worst-affected state, reporting 1,957 active cases. The state added seven new cases in the past day. Gujarat follows with 980 active cases, after recording 158 fresh infections in the same period.
West Bengal stands third with 747 active cases, including 54 new cases reported since Sunday. Delhi is close behind, with 728 active cases, having reported 42 new infections in the last 24 hours. In contrast, Tamil Nadu recorded 25 new cases, bringing its active tally to 219.
Low case numbers in the Northeastern and Eastern states
Some states continue to report relatively low numbers. Assam, for instance, now has six active cases, with two new recoveries in the past 24 hours. Since January 2025, Assam has reported seven total recoveries. Similarly, Odisha reported just four new cases, bringing its total active cases to 34. The state's health department has advised the public, especially those showing flu-like symptoms, to avoid attending the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri on 27 June.
Situation in Karnataka and other states
Karnataka recorded 57 new Covid-19 cases, increasing its total active case count to 423. Meanwhile, Delhi discharged over 100 patients in the last 24 hours. This trend of simultaneous new infections and recoveries reflects a manageable situation, with healthcare systems largely coping under the current load.
New variants and government advisory
The recent uptick in cases is being attributed to new sub-variants of the Omicron strain, including JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC. These variants are believed to be more transmissible but are, so far, associated with milder symptoms. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies them as "Variants Under Monitoring"—meaning they do not currently pose significant concern but should be watched closely.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is now regarded as endemic, according to public health experts, and no longer represents the same emergency-level threat it once did. The virus is behaving more like seasonal influenza, with periodic surges expected.
West Bengal urges calm
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a review meeting on Monday to assess the state’s Covid-19 preparedness. Emphasising calm, she stated, “There is no need for panic or to get scared about Covid.” She clarified that although the virus still circulates, the government has made adequate preparations at all administrative levels.
Health officials across the country have also encouraged individuals with symptoms to isolate and seek testingiStock
Banerjee added that the WHO now considers Covid endemic, though she advised residents to verify this independently. West Bengal’s tally stood at 747 active cases, including the 54 new infections added on Monday.
Precautionary measures continue
Several states are maintaining or reintroducing basic precautionary measures, especially in public gatherings and institutions. For instance, Odisha plans to reopen schools on 20 June with Covid safety protocols in place, according to Education Minister Nityananda Gond.
Health officials across the country have also encouraged individuals with symptoms to isolate and seek testing, while hospitals and clinics continue to monitor patients for signs of complications.
The impact
While the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in India has drawn attention, authorities emphasise that the situation remains under control. The absence of new deaths, widespread recoveries, and a growing understanding of the current variants are helping states manage the impact more effectively.
Officials continue to urge vigilance, not panic, as the country adapts to living with Covid-19 in its endemic form.
Keep ReadingShow less
Yusuf, who resigned as Reform chairman last week before returning two days later, said he wanted to be 'crystal clear' on the party’s stance. (Photo: Getty Images)
ZIA YUSUF has said that Reform UK would deport every illegal immigrant in Britain if the party came to power.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Yusuf stated, “We will deport everybody who is here in this country illegally, which is roughly about 1.2 million people.”
Yusuf, who resigned as Reform chairman last week before returning two days later, said he wanted to be “crystal clear” on the party’s stance.
Addressing recent criticisms within the party, he added, “I am Muslim. I don’t therefore think that Islam is a ‘threat to the country’,” but said “resentment” was building due to “two-tier policing.”
He said Islamist terrorism remained a major concern for intelligence agencies and pointed to issues of assimilation. Yusuf described his resignation as a result of “exhaustion” and regretted a tweet criticising new MP Sarah Pochin’s comments on a burqa ban.
Nigel Farage is expected to present Yusuf as a potential cabinet minister while also pledging to reopen some coal mines in south Wales.
Richard Tice, Reform deputy, said Yusuf had faced “horrendous online abuse” and added the party was reorganising to manage growth. Nick Candy will take over Yusuf’s former responsibilities.
Keep ReadingShow less
Israel had vowed in advance to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was among a group of pro-Palestinian campaigners on board a Gaza-bound aid vessel intercepted by Israeli forces and diverted to its shores, the country’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on 9 June.
The ship, Madleen, was organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a group challenging Israel’s blockade of Gaza. It had departed Sicily on 1 June, carrying a dozen activists and a symbolic amount of humanitarian supplies.
Israeli military blocks flotilla’s progress
Israel had vowed in advance to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said the military was instructed to stop the vessel “by any means necessary”. The Foreign Ministry later confirmed the Madleen had been redirected to Israel and that its passengers would be repatriated.
In a social media post, the ministry dismissed the effort as a publicity stunt by “celebrities”, referring to it as the “‘selfie yacht’ of the ‘celebrities’”. It accused Thunberg and others of staging a “media provocation”. Footage released showed passengers in life jackets being offered sandwiches and water after interception.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition claimed it lost contact with the ship after alarms were triggered and drones were seen overhead. The group accused the Israeli military of “kidnapping” the activists. Surveillance footage appeared to show a vessel approaching and personnel boarding the Madleen.
Thunberg voices opposition to blockade
Greta Thunberg, known globally for her environmental activism, has been a strong critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Speaking last week, she said, “No matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying... it’s not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the live-streamed genocide.”
Israeli Defence Minister Gallant responded sharply, calling Thunberg “an antisemite” and warning that the ship would not be allowed to reach its destination. “Israel will act against any attempt to breach the blockade or aid terrorist organisations,” he said.
Small-scale aid onboard
The Madleen carried a limited quantity of humanitarian goods, including baby formula, flour, rice, medical supplies, children’s prosthetics, and diapers. The Israeli Foreign Ministry called the shipment “tiny”, adding it was “less than a single truckload of aid”.
Israel, along with Egypt, has maintained a blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the region in 2007. While Israeli officials say the measure is needed to prevent arms smuggling, rights groups argue it restricts essential goods and worsens the humanitarian crisis.
Repeat of earlier flotilla efforts
This is not the first attempt by activists to challenge the blockade. In 2010, a similar flotilla mission involving the Mavi Marmara ended in bloodshed when Israeli commandos boarded the ship, resulting in the deaths of nine people. A tenth person later died from injuries sustained during the raid.
Israel said its forces were attacked with clubs and knives during the operation. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition described it as “an unlawful and deadly attack”, saying the Madleen’s mission was “a continuation of that legacy”.
A separate mission earlier this year was also thwarted when a ship named Conscience, departing from Tunisia and en route to Malta, caught fire following explosions near the vessel. No injuries were reported, but the mission was called off.
Aid distribution remains contentious
In parallel with the flotilla controversy, Israel has promoted a new aid delivery mechanism via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The group claims to have delivered over 1.1 million meals and 11 truckloads of food on 9 June across three distribution sites.
However, the initiative has faced criticism and has been boycotted by the UN and other major organisations. They accuse Israel of using humanitarian aid as a tool of control and allege that the new system sidelines independent oversight.
The foundation suspended operations temporarily on 8 June, citing threats from Hamas. A spokesperson claimed that local workers received warnings of “serious consequences” if they continued with the aid delivery programme.
Keep ReadingShow less
Several cars burn on North Los Angeles street during clashes between protesters and police on June 8, 2025 in Downtown Los Angeles, California, US. (Photo: Getty Images)
PROTESTERS set fire to vehicles and clashed with police in Los Angeles on Sunday after President Donald Trump sent National Guard troops to the city. Officers kept crowds away from the troops, who had been deployed as unrest entered a third day.
The protests were triggered by recent immigration raids carried out by federal officials, which have led to the arrest of dozens of people identified by authorities as undocumented migrants and gang members.
The raids began in broad daylight on Friday in a city with a large Latino population. The deployment of California’s National Guard — usually controlled by the state’s governor — was criticised by opponents who said Trump was escalating tensions. Trump has made strict immigration enforcement a central part of his second-term agenda.
"We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved," California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X.
"This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California," he added.
At least three Waymo self-driving vehicles were set on fire on Sunday, and two others were vandalised as protesters moved through parts of downtown Los Angeles.
Traffic was stopped for over an hour on a major freeway while people gathered on the road. Officers from the California Highway Patrol dispersed them using flash-bangs and smoke grenades.
After a brief early confrontation outside a detention centre between Department of Homeland Security agents and a few dozen protesters, most clashes involved local police.
By early afternoon, Los Angeles Police Department officers set up containment lines away from federal buildings, keeping demonstrators from reaching armed National Guard troops from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who were stationed in camouflage gear and helmets.
As night fell, groups of masked protesters remained in certain areas, with some throwing projectiles and fireworks.
The LAPD said 56 people had been arrested over two days, and three officers had sustained minor injuries.
‘Troops everywhere’
Trump defended the use of troops, suggesting more could be deployed in other parts of the country.
"You have violent people, and we are not going to let them get away with it," he told reporters. "I think you’re going to see some very strong law and order."
Asked if he would invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows the military to operate as domestic police, Trump said: "We’re looking at troops everywhere. We’re not going to let this happen to our country."
US Northern Command, part of the Department of Defense, said "approximately 500 Marines... are in a prepared-to-deploy status should they be necessary to augment and support" federal operations.
The National Guard is usually deployed for natural disasters or, occasionally, civil unrest, with the agreement of state officials.
Trump’s decision to send in the Guard without the governor’s consent is the first such move since 1965, during the civil rights era. Democrats, including former vice president Kamala Harris, criticised it. Harris called the move "a dangerous escalation meant to provoke chaos."
‘Intimidation’
Republicans supported Trump’s decision.
"I have no concern about that at all," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing Newsom of "an inability or unwillingness to do what is necessary".
Protesters told AFP they believed the deployment was meant to deter dissent.
"I think it’s an intimidation tactic," said Thomas Henning. "These protests have been peaceful. There’s no one trying to do any sort of damage right now and yet you have the National Guard with loaded magazines and large guns standing around trying to intimidate Americans from exercising our First Amendment rights."
Marshall Goldberg, 78, said the presence of the troops made him feel "so offended."
"We hate what they’ve done with the undocumented workers, but this is moving it to another level of taking away the right to protest and the right to just peaceably assemble," he told AFP.
ICE raids in other US cities have led to smaller protests in recent months, but the unrest in Los Angeles is the most significant reaction to Trump’s immigration policies so far.
A CBS News poll conducted before the Los Angeles protests showed a slight majority of Americans supported the immigration crackdown.