The CBI has recorded the statement of journalist Ashutosh Negi, who advocated for a central agency investigation into the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case. Negi was summoned as the CBI probes the alleged involvement of a "VIP" in the case, following social media claims of concealed evidence despite the conviction of the primary accused.
The National Security Guard (NSG) is recommending a new "breathable" uniform for its black cat commandos providing VIP security. This decision follows an incident in April where a commando fainted due to intense heat while protecting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The new uniform, made of a nylon and cotton blend called nyco, aims to prevent heatstroke and exhaustion among commandos, especially during high-temperature deployments.
Police conducted a search at the Kasba residence of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in connection with the alleged Durga Puja pass scam, days after his arrest. The investigation involves the unauthorised use of the UNESCO name and logo to sell VIP passes and preview show tickets, with Sen's wife and daughter also under scrutiny for their alleged roles and financial irregularities.
Parents of Ankita Bhandari, the 19-year-old resort receptionist murdered in 2022, met senior CBI officials in Delhi to discuss the ongoing probe into an alleged "VIP" involvement. The CBI has registered a case against unknown persons regarding this VIP role. The parents also requested narco tests for former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore and Urmila Sanawar, whose audio clips purportedly mentioned a VIP.
The parents of Ankita Bhandari, murdered in Uttarakhand in 2022, were detained while protesting near India Gate.
The parents of Ankita Bhandari, murdered in Uttarakhand in 2022, were detained while protesting near India Gate.
The BJP's Sikkim unit has supported the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as governor, despite opposition allegations linking him to the "VIP" in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The party called for an independent and impartial probe by the CBI, which recently met Bhandari's parents, and stressed that justice must be free from political influence.
Rahul Gandhi met the parents of Ankita Bhandari, who were protesting at India Gate, demanding justice for their daughter's murder.
The CBI questioned former MLA Suresh Rathore in Haridwar regarding the Ankita Bhandari murder case, a day after meeting Bhandari's parents. Rathore, who has been expelled from the BJP, denied knowing actress Urmila Sanawar, whose allegations fueled the 'VIP' involvement controversy. The case has seen renewed protests following a governor's appointment and a recommended CBI inquiry earlier this year.
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.
The Congress' Seva Dal organised a candle march in New Delhi, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari, who was murdered in Uttarakhand in 2022. The protest called for an impartial investigation and accountability, especially regarding allegations against BJP's Dushyant Gautam, whose recent appointment as Sikkim Governor has drawn criticism from the Congress.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has deactivated the digital IDs of former general secretary Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra, and special invitee Gopal Rao. This action follows alleged irregularities in the issuance of VIP darshan passes and an ongoing SIT probe into financial misconduct at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. The move aims to curb misuse of preferential entry passes.
Television actress Urmila Sanawar faces a fresh First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder case, a day after her arrest in Uttar Pradesh. The new FIR, filed by a Dehradun resident, alleges "objectionable and defamatory allegations" made by Sanawar against Sikkim Governor Dushyant Kumar Gautam and BJP national general secretary BL Santosh. Sanawar is scheduled to undergo a narco-analysis test as part of the CBI inquiry, while the Uttarakhand Congress has criticised her arrest, claiming it is an attempt to shield influential individuals involved in the murder case.
A high-level committee, formed after a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, reviewed safety arrangements at several community puja pandals. The committee announced new measures, including prohibiting food stalls near entry/exit points and eliminating separate VIP entries, to enhance crowd management and safety during the festival.
Following a fatal pandal stampede, the West Bengal government has deployed nine experienced IPS officers to manage Durga Puja crowds in Kolkata. The Kolkata Police also issued an 11-point advisory, detailing measures like closing pandal entries during rain, regulating visitor movement, and coordinating with puja organisers to ensure safety during the festive rush.
Kolkata Police have launched an investigation into the stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that resulted in 19 deaths on Saturday evening. The probe focuses on potential lapses in crowd management, confusion over entry/exit routes, and the impact of heavy rain. Eyewitnesses and locals have pointed to inadequate police presence and poor communication, while the Chief Minister also raised concerns about dimly lit pandals and the actions of private security.
Delhi Police has announced elaborate security and traffic arrangements for the INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. Over 4,000 police personnel, along with CAPF companies, will be deployed, with the venue divided into 14 zones and monitored by over 200 CCTV cameras and drones. Traffic diversions are planned, and organisers have been instructed on crowd management and conduct, while local traders express concerns about business disruption.
TVS Racing announces the global expansion of its Apache Racing Experience GP Season 3, starting November 15.
As they say some doors open because of who you know, and some, it turns out, open just because of where you're from, recalls Binu Alex.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the north corridor of the bullet train project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting its 'Make in India' aspect and potential to transform lives. The corridor will connect major cities from Delhi to Guwahati, significantly reducing travel times. Vaishnaw also launched new Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and MEMU services in Varanasi, while criticising previous governments' railway budgets for Uttar Pradesh.
Meet the man who is on mission mode to enforce hygiene standards in eateries and restaurants.
Families of the 19 victims of the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are grappling with immense grief, unable to partake in the festivities. Many recount the tragic night, highlighting alleged lapses in crowd control and inadequate police presence at the Chorbagan pandal. Survivors share harrowing experiences of losing loved ones in the crush.
Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff escaped unhurt after gunmen opened fire at his car in Mumbai's Juhu area, injuring his driver and an autorickshaw driver. Police have formed 15 teams to investigate the incident, which a viral social media post attributed to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, though authenticity is unverified. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured Shroff of swift action against the assailants.
The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed that the first T20I between India and Afghanistan will proceed as scheduled on September 13 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, despite earlier requests from Delhi Traffic Police to reschedule due to the high-profile BRICS Summit.
Mumbai traffic police confiscated eighty dome lights and three sirens used on private vehicles to impersonate VIP vehicles during a 48-hour special drive.
A trustee of the Trimbakeshwar Temple Trust has been arrested following allegations of a VIP darshan scam where devotees were charged extra for quick access without receipts.
Prominent individuals, including Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and Zerodha founders Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, have appeared on a notice list during Karnataka's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls due to various discrepancies. Authorities clarify that these notices are part of a verification process and officials will assist in resolving the issues without inconveniencing the individuals, also debunking reports about CM D K Shivakumar's mother receiving a notice.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a detailed advisory regarding traffic restrictions and diversions during the upcoming BRICS Summit from September 12-13. While Delhi will not be shut down, commuters should expect temporary stoppages and diversions, especially on routes used by VVIP convoys. The advisory covers movement for residents, essential services, public transport, and advice for exam candidates and hospital visitors, urging reliance on official updates.
Five-time world champions Brazil have arrived in Kolkata for a high-profile friendly match against India.
The Congress party staged nationwide protests, demanding the immediate arrest and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused the Election Commission of an "unprecedented attack" on voter equality through an alleged 'Mark VIP' feature and called for an independent review of decisions made under Kumar, citing objections from other commissioners regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
A delegation from Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit) met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe rape allegations against former SGPC member Amarjit Singh Chawla. Chawla resigned after being booked for rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation. The delegation highlighted serious questions surrounding the case, including the woman's travel, arrest, and stay in various facilities, and expressed concern over the impact on revered Sikh institutions.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is establishing a 24x7 command centre and implementing extensive civic preparations to ensure the smooth hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit. These measures include enhanced sanitation, beautification, traffic management, and coordination among various agencies to present a welcoming city for world leaders.
An FIR has been registered against Aishwarya, daughter of Karnataka BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda, for allegedly abusing and assaulting a woman police sub-inspector at a temple in Mandya. The incident occurred when Aishwarya reportedly sought to bypass a queue, leading to an altercation. While Aishwarya has also filed a counter-complaint, her father has apologised for her conduct and called for an inquiry into the matter, advocating for an end to VIP protocols at temples.
A nearly 70,000-page chargesheet filed by the Supreme Court-mandated SIT details the diversion of donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya, revealing a network of eight accused who allegedly removed, concealed, and distributed pilfered funds during cash-counting, supported by 105 CCTV instances and thousands of text messages.
The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) is set to host its first-ever T20I against reigning world champions India, a landmark event expected to significantly elevate cricket's profile and drive its long-term growth in Japan, according to JCA COO Alan Curr.
Central Delhi has undergone a significant beautification drive, including extensive lighting, floral displays, and BRICS-themed signages, in preparation for the upcoming BRICS Leaders' Summit. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and other civic bodies have focused on sprucing up key routes, hotels, and the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, to welcome delegates and visitors.
The DGCA has issued new guidelines for aircraft operators flying VIPs and VVIPs, including chief ministers and governors, emphasising safety and preventing undue pressure on flight crews.
Its unresolved, noncommittal conclusion is exactly the sort of anticlimactic reality Daayra wants to bring our attention to. Neither justice nor revenge can undo the fate met by the world's Nirbhayas or Arushis, observes Sukanya Verma.
New Delhi is under a thick blanket of security as it hosts top world leaders for the BRICS Summit. Extensive security measures, including thousands of personnel and CCTV cameras, are in place. Commuters can expect temporary traffic restrictions and diversions due to VVIP movements, though officials aim to minimise public inconvenience.
Kolkata's passionate football fans have shown immense enthusiasm for the upcoming India-Brazil friendly, with lower-priced tickets selling out within an hour of going online. India is set to play five-time world champions Brazil on October 3, followed by a match against two-time world champions Uruguay, providing a significant test for the Indian squad ahead of crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.
