KOLHAPUR: The dengue epidemic raging in Vashi and other villages in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra claimed its first victim on Tuesday with the death of a woman sarpanch of Vashi. At least 200 persons had been affected by dengue in the district. Parvatibai Bajirao Mali (44) died on Tuesday morning, hospital sources said adding she was admitted there four days ago.

Ex-minister held

NEW DELHI: Former Union minister S Krishna Kumar was arrested on Tuesday by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of Foreign Exchange Regulation Act violation involving Rs 1.10 crore. He was remanded to a day's judicial custody by additional chief metropolitan magistrate Sunita Dhingra Sehgal late in the evening. The ED accused Kumar and his family members of having received foreign exchange worth over Rs 1.10 crore in violation of FERA from the United Arab Emirates during 1991-94.

Power ordinance

NEW DELHI: The government said on Tuesday itwill discuss with the AIADMK its reservations over the power ordinance and try to sort out the issue. The Prime Minister's political adviser, Pramod Mahajan, said the government was open to discussions on the provisions of the bill and if there were any minor problems, they could be resolved.

Dalit killed

BHUBANESWAR: A Dalit youth had to pay with his life because another young man of his caste dared to address a man belonging to a higher caste as Bhai (brother) and not Saanta (master) in a village in Puri district. The Ambedkar-Lohia Vichar Manch has demanded a judicial inquiry.

Deportation

RAIGARH: Seven Chinese nationals including a woman, who were found to be overstaying in India after the expiry of their visas, have been asked to leave the country . The Chinese were staying in the premises of a private company in this tribal-dominated district in eastern MP.