INDIA’s 78th Independence Day was marked by a flag-raising ceremony at Cardiff Castle, led by the Consul of India in Wales, Raj Aggarwal.
Cardiff Castle was illuminated in the Indian tricolour, and the ceremony featured speeches and performances, including the Indian national anthem by the Rekha Natya Academy.
Raj Aggarwal emphasised Wales' recognition of the Indian community’s contributions, stating, “This event reflects the vibrancy and warmth that defines the relationship between Wales and India.”
The event was attended by key figures, including deputy lord Mayor Cllr Helen Lloyd Jones, Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford, MP Kanishka Narayan, anti-racism campaigner Usha Ladwa-Thomas and senior officers from the armed forces and police.
Performances included traditional music by Ty Krishna and patriotic songs by Atreyee Saha.
The celebration also acknowledged the achievements of Sujatha Thaladi, appointed as honorary air commodore of RAF 614 Sqn, and CBE recipient Emmanuel Ogbonna.
Raj Aggarwal announced the planned opening of a £5 million Ty Krishna wellness centre in Cardiff Bay in 2025.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)