News for '-special'

SIT Formed To Probe Shiv Sena Leader Pradeep Purnekar's Murder

SIT Formed To Probe Shiv Sena Leader Pradeep Purnekar's Murder

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Thane police have established a 23-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar. Purnekar was shot and stabbed on Tuesday night and later succumbed to his injuries. One arrest has been made, and two vehicles seized, with police investigating all angles under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Arms Act.

INDIA Bloc MPs march to Supreme Court, file petition against CEC over 'vote chori'

INDIA Bloc MPs march to Supreme Court, file petition against CEC over 'vote chori'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Opposition MPs from the INDIA bloc, including prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched to the Supreme Court to file a petition against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging 'vote chori' and irregularities in electoral rolls.

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Kerala High Court Directs FIR Against Former CM Pinarayi Vijayan In CMRL Bribery Case

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Kerala High Court has directed the Vigilance to register an FIR under the anti-graft law against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena T, and son-in-law P A Mohamed Riyas in the alleged CMRL bribery case. The court stated that information provided by the Enforcement Directorate contains sufficient material to show commission of cognizable offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, ruling out the need for a preliminary enquiry. The court also deemed illegal the state government's decision to form a Special Investigation Team for a preliminary enquiry.

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

'Stir will go nationwide': CJP vows to continue fight against CEC

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, have vowed to escalate their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, expanding protests nationwide after their release from detention. They allege an "emergency-like situation" created by the Modi government, illegal detentions, and harassment of protesters, drawing parallels to the 1975 Emergency. The CJP is protesting alleged irregularities in voter rolls and demanding Kumar's resignation, accusing authorities of suppressing dissent.

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Gujarat government announced that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will be awarded the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award' for his extraordinary bravery. Machchhar thwarted his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight, saving 174 lives despite being stabbed. He is currently receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, and special prayers for his recovery have been organised at the Somnath temple.

Punjab CM Mann Alleges BJP Election Campaign Behind CBI Raids

Punjab CM Mann Alleges BJP Election Campaign Behind CBI Raids

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has criticised the CBI raids on his OSD and others, alleging it's part of the BJP's election campaign strategy in non-BJP ruled states. The CBI registered a corruption case following directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which noted prima facie evidence of corruption. Mann dismissed the allegations, stating his government is not involved in corruption and will cooperate with investigations.

Education Consultant Faces Charges For Rs 37 Lakh Visa Fraud

Education Consultant Faces Charges For Rs 37 Lakh Visa Fraud

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

The Jammu Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet against an education consultant, Lalit Sharma, for allegedly duping multiple individuals of over Rs 37 lakh by falsely promising to arrange work visas abroad, particularly to Canada. The investigation confirmed the receipt of funds and established an offence under Section 420 of the IPC.

3 Indian Faves On Most-Loved Food List

3 Indian Faves On Most-Loved Food List

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

TasteAtlas has compiled its 50 top-rated deep-fried specialities from around the globe. Three Indian favourites earned places on the list.

CPM MP John Brittas injured in police action during Delhi protest

CPM MP John Brittas injured in police action during Delhi protest

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

CPI(M) leader John Brittas was allegedly manhandled and injured by Delhi Police personnel during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Rajya Sabha MP was taken to RML Hospital for examination. Brittas has written to the President, Rajya Sabha chairman, and CJI seeking an independent investigation into the alleged assault, claiming he was dragged, assaulted, and abandoned. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the incident, and other political leaders like M A Baby and Manoj Jha visited Brittas, criticising the police action and alleging brutality against protesters. The protest was organised to demand Kumar's resignation over alleged electoral roll irregularities.

How Tiger Pataudi Inspired Jeffrey Archer

How Tiger Pataudi Inspired Jeffrey Archer

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Jeffrey Archer immortalised his nearly 50-year friendship with Tiger Pataudi in the short story The Century.

Nanded Police Bust Illegal Sand Mining Operation

Nanded Police Bust Illegal Sand Mining Operation

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Police in Nanded district, Maharashtra, seized five brass of illegally excavated river sand and apprehended the truck driver on Friday. The driver failed to produce valid permits, leading to a case registered under the BNS and Maharashtra Land Revenue Code for theft and unauthorized resource extraction.

Delhi's three new protest venues: What you need to know

Delhi's three new protest venues: What you need to know

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Delhi Police have designated three new venues for protests - Burari Ground, CBD Ground, and Ramlila Ground - after denotifying Jantar Mantar. These sites vary in size and location, with concerns raised about the impact of protests on commercial and residential areas near CBD Ground, while Burari Ground is the largest. Ramlila Maidan has a rich political history.

SIT Formed In Shiv Sena Leader Pradeep Purnekar Murder Case

SIT Formed In Shiv Sena Leader Pradeep Purnekar Murder Case

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Thane police have established a 23-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Pradeep Purnekar, who was shot and stabbed. One person has been arrested, and the victim's son has accused former mayor Meenakshi Shinde and her husband, who deny the allegations.

Rahul Gandhi Urges President To Reconsider Governor Appointment Amid Murder Probe

Rahul Gandhi Urges President To Reconsider Governor Appointment Amid Murder Probe

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Rahul Gandhi has written to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to ask the government to reconsider the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as Governor of Sikkim. Gandhi argues that Gautam's appointment, while a CBI probe into the Ankita Bhandari murder case is ongoing, places him beyond the reach of investigation due to gubernatorial immunity. Ankita's parents allege Gautam's involvement and have protested the appointment.

Dodge cops, get democracy points: Jantar Mantar protests inspire online games

Dodge cops, get democracy points: Jantar Mantar protests inspire online games

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Online video games are emerging that recreate scenes from the Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi. Games like 'Jantar Mantar Chalo', 'Bhaag Neha Bhaag', and 'Jantar Mantar to Jail' allow players to experience elements of the demonstrations, from gathering crowds and dodging police to collecting 'Accountability' and 'Democracy' coins. Creators, inspired by news and real-life events, developed these games rapidly using AI and coding, gaining significant traction online.

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested in Illinois for allegedly plotting a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship. Authorities recovered a manifesto with white supremacist ideologies and references to violence against people of Indian descent, along with weapons and tactical gear. The plot was uncovered after Paporakis shared concerning electronic communications, leading to swift action by law enforcement.

Ben Shelton 'Outplayed' by Arthur Gea in Shanghai Masters

Ben Shelton 'Outplayed' by Arthur Gea in Shanghai Masters

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

US Open finalist Ben Shelton was 'outplayed' by France's Arthur Gea, suffering a shock defeat in the third round of the Shanghai Masters.

CJP protests: 1,000 protesters detained, 2 cops injured

CJP protests: 1,000 protesters detained, 2 cops injured

Rediff.com10 Oct 2026

Two Delhi Police personnel, including a female Pink Force member, were injured during the detention of approximately 1,000 protesters across New Delhi district on Saturday, following a denied protest permission by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the Election Commission.

Should My Friend Pay His Girlfriend's Bills?

Should My Friend Pay His Girlfriend's Bills?

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

There should be an open discussion about finances in a relationship, suggests rediffGURU Ravi Mittal, a dating coach and CEO of online dating website Quack Quack and Rebounce, a matrimony platform.

Congress wants 'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath

Congress wants 'Bangladesh-like regime change': Rajnath

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Union Minister Rajnath Singh has accused the Congress and its allies of attempting to instigate a 'Bangladesh-like regime change' in India, leveraging youth energy for political confrontation and anarchy, rather than constructive nation-building.

CJI rejects INDIA bloc leaders' request for meeting, asks to move court

CJI rejects INDIA bloc leaders' request for meeting, asks to move court

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant has rejected the INDIA bloc leaders' request for a meeting to submit a representation over alleged electoral irregularities, stating that they should approach the court by filing a petition as the matter is already sub judice.

India secures hardened narco-trafficking kingpin's deportation from Turkey

India secures hardened narco-trafficking kingpin's deportation from Turkey

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the deportation of hardened narco-trafficking kingpin Navpreet Singh from Turkiye, hailing it as a significant achievement for the Modi government's commitment to eradicating drug cartels by 2029. Singh, who used a fake identity to smuggle drugs, was arrested by Delhi Police and remanded to 10-day custody. The government highlighted its intensified efforts to bring back fugitives, with 288 extraditions since 2019.

Jantar Mantar de-notified as protest site after SC order: Delhi police to HC

Jantar Mantar de-notified as protest site after SC order: Delhi police to HC

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Delhi Police informed the High Court that Jantar Mantar was denotified as a protest site based on Supreme Court directions, a revelation made during a hearing on a plea by the Indian Youth Congress seeking protest permission. The court issued notice on the IYC's request for reconsideration and broader issues concerning protest regulation, while new sites have been designated.

Major Drug Bust: Man Arrested With Over 600 Grams Of MDMA In Kozhikode

Major Drug Bust: Man Arrested With Over 600 Grams Of MDMA In Kozhikode

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Police in Kozhikode, Keralam, arrested a 38-year-old man, Muhammad Shafi, with 600.21 grams of MDMA from a lodge. Shafi was allegedly involved in drug peddling, procuring the banned substance from other states and selling it locally. Authorities are investigating the source of the large quantity of MDMA.

Supreme Court Overturns POCSO Conviction Due To Flawed Evidence

Supreme Court Overturns POCSO Conviction Due To Flawed Evidence

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Supreme Court has acquitted a man previously convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor girl with intellectual disability. The apex court cited "woefully short" evidence, including the mother's "unnatural conduct," delayed FIR, and the victim's failure to identify the accused, as reasons for overturning the conviction and setting aside judgments from the Meghalaya High Court and a trial court.

Jurel reveals why his century celebration was special

Jurel reveals why his century celebration was special

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten 115 against Sri Lanka, inspired by his 'Mamba Mentality' motto, showcased his disciplined approach to Test cricket, contrasting with Rishabh Pant's aggressive style while building a crucial 112-run partnership.

Bihar Cop Demands SIT Probe Into Son's Alleged Murder At IIIT Ranchi

Bihar Cop Demands SIT Probe Into Son's Alleged Murder At IIIT Ranchi

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A Bihar Police sub-inspector has alleged that his 19-year-old son's death at IIIT Ranchi was a "cold-blooded" murder, not a suicide as claimed by the institute. He has demanded an SIT inquiry, citing inconsistencies like the absence of ligature marks and his son's normal behaviour just hours before his death. The institute has expressed sadness and called for a transparent investigation, while its director has been sent on leave.

India-Pakistan showdown drives World Cup ticket boom, draws 1 lakh-plus applications

India-Pakistan showdown drives World Cup ticket boom, draws 1 lakh-plus applications

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has received over one million ticket applications for the ODI World Cup 2027, with the India vs. Pakistan match being the most sought-after, attracting over 100,000 applications. Other high-demand matches include South Africa vs. India and India vs. Australia. The tournament will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 2 to November 21 next year.

Delhi stir: Train services to operate as per normal schedule on Sunday

Delhi stir: Train services to operate as per normal schedule on Sunday

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

Northern Railway has announced that all train services will operate as per their normal schedule on October 11, following cancellations and rescheduling of several trains on October 9-10 after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced a protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi.

'Our path is independent': DMK exits INDIA bloc, cites Congress 'betrayal'

'Our path is independent': DMK exits INDIA bloc, cites Congress 'betrayal'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The DMK has announced its exit from the INDIA bloc, citing "betrayal" by the Congress and asserting its independent political path. The party accused Congress leaders, including TNCC chief B Manickam Tagore, of making unsavoury remarks and acting as "sleeper cells," which contributed to the DMK's electoral setbacks. The DMK warned Congress leaders against further criticism and stated it would not participate in Congress-led agitations.

Man Sentenced To 20 Years RI For Sexual Assault In Jalna

Man Sentenced To 20 Years RI For Sexual Assault In Jalna

Rediff.com29 Sep 2026

A special court in Jalna, Maharashtra, has sentenced Faizan Ahmed Abbas Husain to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The court also ordered the Maharashtra government to provide Rs 50,000 compensation to the victim.

CBI Uncovers Multi-State Banking Exam Cheating Network

CBI Uncovers Multi-State Banking Exam Cheating Network

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a multi-state impersonation and cheating network involved in banking recruitment. Four individuals, including a CGST inspector, were arrested for allegedly infiltrating banking exams and interviews by posing as candidates, thereby compromising the integrity of public examinations.

CBI Uncovers Multi-State Exam Impersonation Network

CBI Uncovers Multi-State Exam Impersonation Network

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled an alleged impersonation and cheating network spanning Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, and West Bengal. Four individuals, including a CGST inspector, have been arrested for fraudulently infiltrating public examination selection processes by posing as candidates. The CBI's investigation is ongoing to identify further accomplices.

Only some people are heard: Ex-IAS Divya Mittal launches party

Only some people are heard: Ex-IAS Divya Mittal launches party

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Former IAS officer Divya Mittal has launched her new political party, Jan Neeti Bharat, with the aim of contesting the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections and redefining governance by making people central to policymaking and ensuring government accountability.

Delhi Police denies protest nod to CJP, cites 'serious law and order concerns'

Delhi Police denies protest nod to CJP, cites 'serious law and order concerns'

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

The Delhi Police has denied permission for a planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing late application and previous rule violations, with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) now in force in the New Delhi district.

Former civil servants issue 'people's impeachment' notice against CEC

Former civil servants issue 'people's impeachment' notice against CEC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Former civil servants and rights activists have issued a "people's impeachment" notice demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. They allege six charges against him, including undermining the Election Commission's functioning, mass disenfranchisement through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and compromising political impartiality. The group, including G K Pillai and Najeeb Jung, was prevented from submitting the notice at the EC office.

Aequs Expands Partnership With Safran For Aerospace Manufacturing

Aequs Expands Partnership With Safran For Aerospace Manufacturing

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Indian precision engineering firm Aequs has signed long-term supply agreements with French aerospace major Safran. These contracts will support Safran's supply chain and expand Aequs' role in manufacturing critical aerospace components, including fully assembled A320 family aircraft wheels and landing gear components for various Airbus and Boeing programmes, with significant in-country value addition in India.

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will regret not meeting us'

'CEC Gyanesh Kumar will regret not meeting us'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

INDIA bloc MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were detained during a protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with Congress MP Pawan Khera warning Kumar would 'regret' not meeting them and asserting the 'trouble' had only just begun.

Maharashtra SIR: ECI revises poll roll schedule, final list on Nov 16

Maharashtra SIR: ECI revises poll roll schedule, final list on Nov 16

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of Maharashtra's electoral roll, pushing the final publication date to November 16, 2026. The period for filing claims and objections has also been extended.

Rahul Gandhi's Anti-BJP Battle Faces A New Challenge

Rahul Gandhi's Anti-BJP Battle Faces A New Challenge

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Unless the Congress stops seeing a CIA and RSS in everyone who disagrees with it, many well-meaning people will find it difficult to rub shoulders with Rahul Gandhi, notes M R Narayan Swamy.