A Rajasthan police constable, Bhagaram, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 27-year-old pregnant woman in a Jaipur hotel while her three-year-old son was in the room. He had enticed her by claiming to take her statement about her husband’s dispute, threatening her with her husband’s imprisonment if she resisted.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) issued show-cause notices to Bikram Singh Majithia and other members for public criticism of the SGPC’s removal of two jathedars. SAD’s Balwinder Singh Bhunder emphasized the importance of party discipline. The dissent has triggered internal conflicts and further scrutiny by the disciplinary committee, with potential actions pending their responses.
Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) has urged married church members to have more children to counter falling birth rates and the influx of illegal immigrants, particularly Buddhist Chakmas from Bangladesh. The call to action highlights concerns that a declining population could adversely impact Mizo society, the state, and the church.
A damaged MGL pipeline caused by unauthorized excavation in Andheri East led to a 40ft-high blaze, injuring three motorists and gutting multiple vehicles. The fire was contained after the gas supply was quickly disconnected. An FIR has been filed against the contractor and operator for negligence, with an inquiry report sought from the fire department and BMC.
In Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur, three revenue officials and nine others were detained for questioning regarding the murder of journalist and RTI activist Raghvendra Bajpai. The investigation, which involves multiple teams, is exploring Bajpai’s reports on alleged irregularities as potential motives for the crime. His wife has demanded severe punishment for the perpetrators and financial aid from the state.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and IAF chief witnessed the handover of the first rear fuselage for the Tejas Mark-1A jet produced by the private sector to HAL, marking progress in India’s self-reliance in defense. Despite delays, HAL aims to meet additional delivery commitments for the IAF starting from 2025-26 through partnerships with private Indian companies.
In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India canceled the bail granted to two individuals involved in an impersonation case during a government job exam. The apex court emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in public administration and highlighted the impact of such acts on societal faith in the system. The trial court’s decision to deny bail was supported.
Jharkhand police’s investigation into the killing of NTPC deputy general manager Kumar Gaurav has led to questioning over a dozen people. Officials are exploring the possibility that Gaurav was mistaken for another officer. Gaurav was shot dead in a suspected attack linked to the coal mining mafia, while he was on his way to work in Hazaribag.
The Indian government condemned the vandalization of a Hindu temple by Khalistan separatists in California as despicable. They urged local law enforcement to take stringent action and ensure the security of places of worship. The incident, involving anti-Hindu messages, occurred ahead of the Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles, alarming the local Hindu community and prompting united resistance against hate.