India firmly dismissed the concerns raised by the United Nations human rights body on Sunday regarding the security measures implemented ahead of the proposed Cockroach Janta Party demonstration in Delhi, branding the remarks as "unwarranted" and an "unacceptable interference" in domestic matters.
Two foreign nationals, a man from Ghana and a woman from Uzbekistan, were arrested in Greater Noida on Monday for alleged drug-trafficking. Police recovered 920 grams of MDMA, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore, and seized a scooter used for the illicit trade. Efforts are underway to apprehend a third individual involved in preparing the MDMA.
Opposition leaders from CPI-M and AAP faced detention in Delhi and Chandigarh while protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over serious allegations of voter-list manipulation and suppression of democratic rights.
A 21-year-old woman in South Delhi was allegedly stalked and harassed by two men on a motorcycle, who then rammed their bike into her scooty, causing serious injuries. Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the incident, which occurred near Panchsheel Park metro station.
Around 200 people, including Tushar Gandhi's organisation members and CPI(M) supporters, were detained in Mumbai for protesting.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the Modi government over the "war-like deployment" of police and paramilitary in Delhi to prevent a protest against the Election Commission. He highlighted extensive security measures, internet suspension, and detentions, calling it an "undeclared Emer-GenZ" and questioning the government's confidence in electoral integrity.
AISA president Neha Bora appeared before a special executive magistrate after the Delhi High Court dismissed her challenge to a police notice requiring a Rs 10,000 "peace bond." Bora refuses to sign the bond, alleging it's used to curb democratic dissent, while the court has directed authorities to provide her with all material supporting the allegations by October 29.
India has strongly asserted that human rights should not be weaponised for political pressure or selective targeting of nations, pushing back against attempts to negatively characterise the world's largest democracy based on unverified allegations and incomplete statistics.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the closure of 57 Metro stations and cancellation of trains in Delhi ahead of protests, stating the Centre 'cannot use a hammer to kill a fly' and ordered against complete prohibition of transport services.
Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been sent to five-day judicial custody in Tihar Jail following their alleged violation of peace bonds and unauthorised protest at Jantar Mantar.
An e-rickshaw driver, Abhishek, was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants in Delhi's Shahbad Dairy area. His family and locals protested by blocking a road with his body, demanding justice. Police have registered a case, formed multiple teams, and are investigating the incident, examining CCTV footage to identify the accused.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has denied signing any bond preventing further protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, vowing to continue taking to the streets. He accused Delhi Police of illegal detention and mistreatment, including not allowing him to contact family after his grandmother's death on Saturday, and criticised the government's handling of protests and alleged police brutality.
The Bombay High Court has observed that while peaceful demonstration is a fundamental right, factors like a protestor's credentials and public inconvenience must be considered before restricting police action. The court directed the Maharashtra government to respond to petitions alleging illegal detention during recent anti-CEC protests and also noted the need to consider protesters' antecedents.
A man identified as Asif, accused of gang-raping a 17-year-old girl near Kalkaji Mandir, has been arrested following a police encounter in southeast Delhi. Asif, one of three men who allegedly posed as policemen, fired at the police team before being shot in the leg during the exchange. The incident occurred in Astha Kunj Park, and police are now searching for the other two accused.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a 'Lehra do Tiranga' march in Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday, despite the NDMC announcing the park's closure and Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders against mass gatherings. The march is part of an ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Police have urged people to stay away, while Dipke questioned the authorities' stance on waving the national flag and alleged surveillance. The agitation follows the arrest of CJP leaders and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.
Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, protested alleged rape claims, leading to a 15-hour blockage of National Highway-44 and clashes with police. The university suspended classes and postponed exams. BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the AAP government of instigating the unrest to disrupt an upcoming Amit Shah rally, while police registered a rape case and formed an SIT despite LPU calling the claims "rumours."
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged CEC Gyanesh Kumar to resign and turn approver, stating the opposition's fight is against the "bigger powers" behind him.
Actor Imran Khan, a US national and OCI cardholder, plans to challenge a Mumbai police notice in the Bombay High Court. The notice, issued after his participation in a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner, demands he leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating immigration laws. Khan's petition argues that no law prohibits OCI cardholders from protesting.
Ajinkya Shinde, a native of Latur, Maharashtra, has taken charge of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Jantar Mantar 2.0" protest in Delhi. This follows the detention of CJP's top leaders, including Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, by Delhi Police on Saturday. Shinde, a former computer engineer and AAP activist, is leading the agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation. The national capital saw a significant crackdown on Saturday, with nearly 500 protesters and leaders detained.
Police in Ahmedabad have seized heroin and mephedrone worth nearly Rs 25 crore from the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway, arresting three individuals with prior criminal records in connection with an inter-state drug trafficking network.
Nearly 200 protesters, including prominent activists, were detained at Jantar Mantar during demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police registered cases under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for disobedience and obstruction, following prohibitory orders in the New Delhi district. The protests stem from alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions, prompting significant police deployment and ongoing legal actions.
A Delhi court on Monday set aside an order seeking explanation from the Delhi Police Commissioner on why legal action should not be taken against him for non-submission of a report in a February 2020 riots case.
Incumbent Amulya Patnaik demits office on Saturday.
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.
Delhi Police are intensifying their investigation into the alleged violence during the ongoing CJP protest, analysing CCTV footage, drone videos, mobile phone recordings, and other digital evidence to identify those involved in attacks on security personnel and damage to public property, with a focus on whether 'outsiders' and 'habitual offenders' infiltrated the demonstrations.
A Delhi court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Shubham Tyagi, an accused in the Satya Niketan building collapse that killed seven people. Tyagi was allegedly co-running a paying guest facility in the collapsed building and failed to disclose a crucial rent agreement, which weighed heavily against his plea. The court noted a "joint venture" with co-accused Sudhanshu and the need for further investigation into their roles and the money trail.
'If Gyanesh Kumar had some shame he would have resigned and would have taken agni pariksha.'
Delhi Police has implemented a comprehensive multi-layered security system for the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, deploying 15,000 personnel, 200 paramilitary companies, and over 500 CCTV cameras. The arrangements aim to ensure maximum security for visiting dignitaries while minimising public inconvenience, with extensive coordination across agencies and states, and robust measures at the main venue, Bharat Mandapam.
A gym trainer, Vijay Kumar, was shot dead in south Delhi's Aya Nagar. Police are investigating a possible link to a longstanding village rivalry and are verifying a social media post by gangster Himanshu Bhau claiming responsibility. This incident follows other violent deaths in the area, including a dairy businessman's murder, also linked to the Himanshu Bhau gang. Family members deny Vijay Kumar had personal enmity, suggesting he was caught in an ongoing family feud.
Groups of men wearing saffron scarves, claiming affiliation with the Hindu Raksha Dal, threatened and assaulted demonstrators during Saturday's protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in central Delhi. Four members have been arrested for an assault on DDU Marg, while videos show larger groups operating unhindered, openly supporting police and administration, and justifying violence against "anti-national" protesters. The group's chief, Pinki Chaudhary, claimed responsibility for the attacks on social media.
The Railway Board cancelled certain Mail and Express trains arriving at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations on October 10 due to expected road traffic from a planned protest. The Cockroach Janata Party announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Delhi police requested the closure of 57 metro stations to prevent protesters from reaching the site.
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.
Seven people died in the collapse of a Satya Niketan PG building near Delhi University's South Campus, which reportedly had chronic water seepage and lacked structural columns and beams. Police have arrested the PG owners and are investigating a labour contractor. The incident has led to the suspension of MCD officials, city-wide building inspections, and a Delhi High Court inquiry into the tragedy.
Protesters associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, many of whom participated in a July demonstration, adapted their strategies for a recent protest on Saturday. They used digital artwork, prepared for potential police action like lathi charges, and advised newcomers on safety measures such as carrying multiple masks and goggles. The protest, called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation, faced heavy security deployment, barricades, and mass detentions, preventing a large-scale gathering at Jantar Mantar.
The Election Commission of India clarified its position after INDIA bloc MPs marched to its office, stating that no formal appointment was sought until late afternoon. The EC later declined a request to meet 240 MPs at the Parliament House Annexe, citing protocol that meetings must be held at the EC premises. The incident involved a protest march led by Rahul Gandhi and a standoff with police.
A protest in Mumbai's Shivaji Park area, supporting the Cockroach Janta Party's stir against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, intensified on Sunday with the arrival of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray and MNS' Amit Thackeray. Police detained dozens of protesters, including social activist Anjali Damania, leading to further condemnation from the Thackeray cousins who criticised the police action and the BJP government.
Actor Imran Khan, a US citizen, has challenged a Mumbai Police notice directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly attending a political protest. The Bombay High Court is set to hear his petition on Tuesday. Khan claims he had no association with the protest organisers and that the notice is "illegal, arbitrary, perverse and drastic." He also received a show-cause notice regarding his OCI status.
Former Delhi chief secretary Rakesh Mehta, who served under ex-chief minister Sheila Dixit, has allegedly died by suicide at his Noida residence. Police recovered a suicide note citing 'mental and health issues' as reasons. Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, was 74 and had been credited with significant infrastructure projects in Delhi during his tenure from 2007 to 2010.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various student organisations have called for a united protest on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They demand his resignation and an overhaul of the electoral system, describing the confrontation as a fight for democracy against the BJP. The groups are seeking to sustain street pressure, following a previous agitation that led to a minister's resignation.
'Fifty thousand policemen were deployed; the entire New Delhi district was under siege. It shows how scared they are.'