Earlier this month, the authorities issued notifications to the proprietors of these shops and local vendors, instructing them to vacate their shops from the station premises and the surrounding lands in the Sealdah South Section of Eastern Railway. However, due to their noncompliance, a bulldozer was deployed on Saturday night to demolish these shops.

A large number of police, Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed for this drive.

After the change of government in the state, the Railways have been conducting drives to evict encroachments in the station areas. Similar drives were held at several stations, including Howrah, Sealdah, Dum Dum, Jadavpur and Habra. This time, the drive was also launched at Park Circus station in Kolkata.

Late Saturday night, the Park Circus station premises were surrounded by railway police and the RAF. Security was tightened to prevent any unrest. First, the Railways used loudspeakers to announce instructions to vacate the station area and railway land. Some time was given to the traders to remove their belongings. However, none of the traders in the station area moved their goods. After that, a bulldozer was brought in, and the illegal shops were demolished one by one.

The Park Circus station area has always been congested. It is alleged that a large number of illegal shops had mushroomed at the station premises over the years. The Railways have never been able to evict illegal hawkers at that station, which is located in a minority community-dominated area. There were allegations that railway passengers used to face harassment and crimes at various times while travelling to that station.

After the BJP government came to power in the state, it was decided that illegal hawkers would be evicted from the station premises. The eviction drive lasted for about two and a half hours.

Meanwhile, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has also taken steps to remove illegal encroachments and shops under several flyovers across the city.

It was learnt that the KMC has issued notices to illegal hawkers to remove their shops from under the Sealdah flyover in North Kolkata and Sukanta Setu in the southern outskirts of the city. Those who have illegally encroached on spaces under these two bridges have been asked to move out within the next seven days. The KMC will take action in accordance with the provisions of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, as mentioned in the notice.

The incident took place recently near Red Road in central Kolkata on Friday. The police have launched an investigation into the matter after receiving a complaint from the businessman.

According to the complaint, the businessman hailing from Baduria in North 24 Parganas was robbed of his gold chain worth Rs 3 lakh and Rs 70,000 in cash.

A senior officer of Kolkata Police said, "The kidnappers allegedly demanded a ransom of one crore rupees from the businessman. After the amount was denied, they robbed the victim of Rs 70,000 and a gold chain and fled."

The terrified businessman filed a complaint at the Phoolbagan police station in north Kolkata. "Based on the complaint, we have started an investigation into the incident. We are trying to find out who was involved in the incident," they said.

According to the complaint, the businessman, engaged in import-export trade, had visited a shopping mall in Phoolbagan with two of his associates when the incident happened. There, a group of men approached them, identifying themselves as CID officers, and allegedly took the businessman away in a black SUV on the pretext of conducting a search.

When the associates of the businessman tried to intervene, they were assaulted. Inside the moving vehicle, the victim was held at gunpoint and allegedly asked to pay a ransom of Rs 1 crore. When the businessman could not pay up the money, he was severely beaten up in the moving car.

Meanwhile, the robbers came to know that the businessman's companions had informed the police. Out of fear, they pushed the businessman out of the car near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas and fled.

According to the police, efforts are being made to find the accused by examining the footage of the CCTV camera installed near the shopping mall in Phoolbagan and also in and around Red Road.

Officials confirmed that Dr Aggarwal, who was already under suspension at the time of her arrest, was taken into custody on Saturday. The agency also arrested Deputy Controller of Accounts Neeraj Chopra in the same case.

According to ACB officials, the case relates to alleged financial irregularities in procurement carried out through the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), which functions under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The alleged irregularities are linked to purchases worth several hundred crore rupees.

A senior official said that Aggarwal was directly associated with procurement processes during her tenure as DGHS, while other officials held key roles in financial approvals and accounts management.

The ACB said the investigation was initiated after the Vigilance Department flagged suspicious transactions and possible violations in procurement procedures. Following this, the agency began examining documents related to tendering, technical and financial evaluations, contract allocations, supply verification, inspection processes, approvals, and payments.

Officials stated that the investigation was initiated after the Vigilance Department flagged certain suspicious transactions and violations in procurement procedures, prompting a detailed scrutiny of the entire procurement cycle.

The agency is currently examining at which stage the alleged irregularities occurred, who benefited from the contracts, and whether more officials or private entities were involved in the scam.

Aggarwal was removed from the DGHS post on May 21 and placed under "awaiting posting" before being transferred to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital. She was subsequently suspended at the direction of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu to facilitate disciplinary proceedings.

ACB sources said Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga was earlier arrested and interrogated as part of sustained questioning in the case, and further custodial interrogation helped investigators trace additional links in the procurement process.

Officials added that the probe focused on reconstructing the entire procurement chain to determine whether established rules were bypassed and whether any financial misconduct led to wrongful gains to individuals or entities.

The case is being seen as one of the significant anti-corruption actions in Delhi’s health procurement system in recent years, with investigators continuing to examine large volumes of financial and administrative records.

The hill areas of Coimbatore district are also likely to experience heavy rain under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the prevailing weather system is expected to trigger moderate rainfall at isolated places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The department said favourable atmospheric conditions would continue to support rain activity across several regions of the state over the next two days.

The weather office has specifically warned of heavy rainfall with gusty winds in the Nilgiris, Theni and Dindigul districts on Sunday. Similar conditions are also expected in the higher reaches of Coimbatore district, where residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides and waterlogging.

Moderate rainfall has also been forecast for several northern districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram.

While widespread heavy rain is not expected in these districts, intermittent showers are likely to provide relief from prevailing warm weather conditions.

The IMD further said that the Nilgiris and the hill regions of Coimbatore are likely to continue receiving heavy rain accompanied by strong winds on Monday as the weather system persists.

For Chennai, the forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with moderate rain likely at a few places in the city during the day.

The rainfall is expected to keep daytime temperatures under check, although humid conditions may continue. The maximum temperature in Chennai is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain close to seasonal levels.

Meteorologists have advised the public, particularly those travelling through hilly regions, to stay updated with official weather bulletins and exercise caution in view of the possibility of heavy rain, gusty winds and localised disruptions.

Dedicated teams of Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS), Special Staff and Police Stations of West District conducted sustained intelligence-based raids, surveillance and targeted operations against drug peddlers and traffickers operating within the district, said the police in a press statement on Sunday.

During the operation, 13 NDPS cases were registered, and 16 accused, including two women, were apprehended.

The operations resulted in the recovery of substantial quantities of narcotic substances, including 32.161 kg of ganja, 89.77 grams of smack, 9.8 grams of cocaine, and 6.62 grams of MDMA. Besides narcotic substances, one three-wheeler (Auto), one Scooty, one mobile phone, and Rs 1,450 in cash were also recovered.

The Anti-Narcotics Squad registered a case vide FIR No. 314/2026, under section 20(c)/29 of the NDPS Act at the Punjabi Bagh police station and arrested four accused persons, namely Mithun Kumar, Vikram Kumar, Sanjay Yadav and Md. Rizwan. A total of 23.160 kg of ganja (Commercial Quantity) was recovered from their possession.

The ANS registered a case video FIR No. 265/2026 U/s 22/25 NDPS Act, Rajouri Garden police station and arrested the accused Ram Kumar with the recovery of 6.62 grams of MDMA along with one three-wheeler (Auto).

Special Staff registered a case vide FIR No. 268/2026 U/s 21 NDPS Act, Rajouri Garden police station and apprehended one accused and recovered 9.8 grams of cocaine and one Scooty.

During the operation, four separate cases were detected with the recovery of approximately 89.77 grams of smack, leading to the arrest of four accused persons from police stations Tilak Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Khyala and Vikas Puri.

Apart from the commercial quantity case, several separate cases were registered involving the recovery of ganja from different police stations of the West District.

The police in the statement said that sustained action under Operation Kavach-14.0 reflects "the commitment of the West District Police towards eliminating the drug menace and dismantling narcotics supply chains through intelligence-led policing and coordinated enforcement".

Further investigation in all cases is in progress to apprehend other persons involved in drug trafficking, the police said.

Seven women, who had recently given birth, lost their lives over a span of less than two months, prompting the Union Health Ministry to cancel the manufacturing licence of the company producing the Oxytocin injection suspected to be linked to the cases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also stepped in, seeking a detailed report from the Indian government. The action follows investigations into the quality of 'TOCIN' (Oxytocin Injection 5 ml) manufactured by M/s Jackson Laboratories Private Limited in Amritsar.

Laboratory analysis by the Rajasthan Drug Control Department found that the sample failed to meet quality standards because it did not contain the prescribed quantity of the active Oxytocin ingredient.

Acting on these findings, the CDSCO inspected the company's manufacturing units in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and recommended the cancellation of its manufacturing licence, a recommendation subsequently accepted by the Union Health Ministry.

The Ministry has also sought a comprehensive report from the Rajasthan government. At the same time, the WHO has asked India whether similar incidents have occurred elsewhere and what corrective measures are being taken.

The women whose deaths are under investigation include Payal (New Medical Hospital at Kota on May 5), Jyoti (May 7), Priya Mahawar (J.K. Lon Hospital at Kota on May 9), Pinki Mahawar (May 10), Shireen (New Medical Hospital at Kota on May 17), Preeti (PBM Hospital at Bikaner on June 19) and Sharda Nayak (PBM Hospital at Bikaner on June 21).

As questions mounted over the deaths, investigators focused on medicines administered during delivery, particularly the 'TOCIN' (Oxytocin Injection 5 ml) manufactured by M/s Jackson Laboratories Private Limited in Amritsar.

Laboratory analysis conducted by the Rajasthan Drug Control Department found that the sample failed to meet quality standards because it did not contain the prescribed quantity of the active ingredient, Oxytocin.

The Ministry has also sought a detailed factual report from the Rajasthan government as part of a wider investigation.

The case has drawn international attention because Oxytocin is among the most critical medicines used in maternity care across the world. It is routinely administered to induce labour when childbirth does not begin naturally, to control excessive bleeding after delivery, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and to help manage incomplete miscarriages by contracting the uterus. Since the drug is used during life-saving procedures, any compromise in its quality can have serious consequences for both mothers and newborns.

The WHO's intervention has extended beyond Rajasthan, with the global health body seeking details on whether similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in India and whether defective batches were distributed outside the state.

Authorities are now examining supply chains, batch distribution records and hospital procurement systems to determine the full extent of the issue.

The investigation is expected to establish whether the maternal deaths were directly linked to the substandard drug and whether additional regulatory action is required to strengthen quality surveillance of essential medicines used in public healthcare facilities, officials said.

No casualties have been reported in either incident, while firefighting operations are underway.

In the first incident, a fire broke out at a warehouse storing wooden pallets in Nimbavali village, completely engulfing the structure. According to the warehouse owner, the fire brigade was informed about the blaze around an hour before help could reach the spot, as fire tenders were already engaged in tackling another major fire nearby.

Godown owner Shoeb Dost Maniyar said, "The fire broke out about half an hour ago, as some people informed us. This is the business of manufacturing and storing wooden and plastic pallets… We have suffered losses of around Rs 15-20 lakh."

The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be determined.

In a separate incident, another warehouse storing tyres and wooden pallets caught fire in the Nimbavali area along the Mumbai-Nashik Highway in Bhiwandi. Three fire tenders from the Bhiwandi Fire Brigade were rushed to the spot, and efforts to bring the blaze under control are continuing.

Fireman Suresh said, "This incident occurred in Nimbavali village. The warehouse stores both new and used tyres… We received the call at around 3:17 a.m., and three fire tenders are currently engaged in firefighting operations."

Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities have been reported in the second incident. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Officials are continuing firefighting operations at both locations, and further details are awaited.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, earlier on Thursday, addressed the rising concern of forest fires in the Konkan region, attributing them largely to a lack of public awareness and deep-rooted misconceptions among local farmers.

He was responding to a question raised by MLA Prashant Thakur. Minister Naik pointed out that many farmers mistakenly believe that burning dry leaves and biomass, a practice locally linked to preparing paddy fields, makes the soil more fertile.

"In reality, burning the land damages soil texture and destroys the natural compost-like environment," Naik explained, emphasising that the forest department is launching a special campaign to dispel these myths.

According to the IMD's forecast, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 39 - 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday before dropping to 35 –37 degrees Celsius by Wednesday. The minimum temperature is likely to hover between 28-30 degrees Celsius.

However, high humidity levels are likely to make conditions feel far more oppressive, pushing the heat index, or "feels like" temperature, to around 48 degrees Celsius during the peak afternoon hours.

The combination of high temperatures and humidity is expected to create uncomfortable conditions across the national capital, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly during the afternoon.

The forecast comes after Delhi experienced another sweltering day on Saturday, when the actual maximum temperature settled at 41.3 degrees Celsius , but the heat index climbed to a scorching 48.4 degrees Celsius, making outdoor conditions significantly harsher than the recorded temperature suggested.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Safdarjung, the city's base weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 30.8 degrees Celsius , which was 2.9 degrees Celsius above normal and 2.1 degrees Celsius higher than the previous day. The maximum temperature of 41.3 degrees Celsius was 4.1 degrees Celsius above normal, although marginally 0.2 degrees Celsius lower than Friday's reading.

Other weather stations across Delhi also reported elevated minimum temperatures. Palam recorded a minimum temperature of 28.4 degrees Celsius , up 0.9 degree Celsius from the previous day, while Lodhi Road registered an increase of 2.4 degrees Celsius.

The IMD said trace rainfall was recorded in isolated parts of Delhi during the early hours of Saturday, but no significant rainfall occurred during the rest of the day.

Weather conditions are expected to remain hot on Sunday, although the IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorm development during the afternoon or evening. Strong surface winds of 20–30 kmph, with gusts reaching 40 kmph, are also expected during the day.

Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for Tuesday and Wednesday, forecasting rain and thunderstorms across the capital.

"There is a possibility of very light to light rain in the coming days, with weather conditions intensifying on Tuesday and Wednesday, when a yellow alert has been issued," an IMD official said.

According to the IMD, partly cloudy skies are expected on Sunday, with the possibility of light thunderstorm during the afternoon or evening. Strong surface winds of 20–30 kmph, gusting up to 40 kmph, are also likely during the day.

Rodriguez on Saturday, said on state television that 3,238 people have been injured and 3,142 families affected by the disaster.

After the two powerful magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, Venezuela has recorded 430 light to moderate aftershocks, Rodriguez said in the latest government update on the national emergency, Xinhua news agency reported.

On behalf of Venezuelan authorities, Rodriguez offered his deepest condolences to the thousands of victims of the natural disaster.

He said tens of thousands of people are still working around the clock on search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research (Funvisis) reported on Saturday that a magnitude-4.1 earthquake was felt across the central region of the South American country, further unsettling a population already on edge following two devastating quakes earlier this week.

The state seismological agency said the epicentre of the latest tremor was located approximately 35 km west of La Guaira, a key port city along the central coast that has been declared a disaster zone after sustaining severe damage from Wednesday's two powerful earthquakes.

The agency reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 5 km, which typically amplifies ground shaking and increases the potential for structural damage.

Residents in Caracas and surrounding areas reported feeling the tremor, with many rushing out of buildings in fear of further collapse. The quake comes just days after the region was struck by two significant seismic events on Wednesday that caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, landslides and casualties.

Officials have been struggling to coordinate relief efforts, as rescue teams work tirelessly to reach affected communities in coastal and mountainous regions.

Seismologists continue to monitor the region closely, with Funvisis maintaining round-the-clock surveillance. The agency has called on the public to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.

The incident took place near Basti village in Bhaderwah when the driver lost control of the vehicle at a blind curve. The six persons brought to hospital were identified as Imam Din, 65, Zaytoon Bibi, 60, Bashir Mohammad, 50, Masoom Bi, 45, Badar Din, 38, and 12-year-old Yaseen.

Zaytoon Bibi was declared brought dead, while Imam Din succumbed to his injuries during treatment, officials said.

Bad hilly roads, overloading, over-speeding, dangerous overtaking and road rage remain among the major causes of accidents in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir.

The vast majority of road accidents are caused by human error, including over-speeding, distracted driving such as the use of mobile phones, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Other contributing factors include ignoring traffic signals, poor vehicle maintenance, hazardous weather conditions and inadequate road infrastructure.

The Traffic Department has deployed special squads to check road accidents in these areas, and drivers found violating rules are regularly punished.

In addition, petrol pump owners have been advised not to provide fuel to two-wheeler riders who arrive without wearing crash helmets.

Regional Transport Officers have been issuing periodic advisories highlighting traffic offences and the penalties they attract.

If a minor is found driving a vehicle, the parents are liable for imprisonment, fines and cancellation of the vehicle's registration certificate.

If drivers are caught violating traffic rules, cancellation of driving licences, in addition to monetary penalties, is among the options available to the authorities.

Investigators claim the accused had searched the internet for information related to suicide attacks and was allegedly being groomed by Pakistan-based handlers for terror activities.

Babita was arrested by the Rajasthan ATS from Jaipur's Vatika area earlier this month.

After completing her custodial interrogation, she was produced before the Court of the Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate, which remanded her to judicial custody.

She is scheduled to be produced again on June 29.

According to ATS sources, interrogation revealed that Babita had allegedly been in contact with JeM operatives for nearly two years and was suspected to be under preparation for a possible suicide attack.

Investigators claim Pakistan-based handlers were imparting online training and that forensic examination of her digital devices showed searches related to suicide attacks.

Investigators also suspect Babita was planning to leave India through the illegal "donkey route" to reach Pakistan without valid travel documents.

The ATS officials said she did not possess an Indian passport.

The probe also alleges that Pakistan-based handlers trained her online to use social media for establishing contact with Indian Army personnel as part of an alleged honey-trap strategy.

According to the prosecution, a case has been registered against Babita under Sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Officials said the investigation remains sensitive due to national security concerns, and her social media accounts, digital devices, and call records are being examined.

According to ATS officials, Dhakad allegedly used the name "Khadija" online after interacting with individuals connected to the network.

During a forensic examination of her mobile phone, investigators reportedly found a Facebook account under the pseudonym "Duniya Dhokhebaaz", which contained more than 300 foreign contacts, including several individuals based in Pakistan.

The Rajasthan ATS, alongside central intelligence agencies, is currently tracking the network's digital footprint to identify other potential sleeper cells or local contacts. Security officials said that the investigation is ongoing and further details regarding the financial and logistical aspects of the network are expected as the data analysis progresses.

While services were held up for nearly 25 minutes earlier in the morning, train movement along a particular stretch had to be stopped for nearly an hour in the afternoon.

While one of those who attempted suicide could be saved, the other person did not survive.

The first incident occurred at the Kalighat Metro station at 7:20 a.m. after a person jumped in front of a train moving towards Garia from Dakshineswar.

The motorman applied emergency brakes, but could not stop the train before it reached the spot where the person had jumped.

The rake was then reversed and power to the third rail was switched off before Metro Railway staff could get on the tracks to rescue the person.

Truncated services were run between Dakshineswar and Maidan and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Shahid Khudiram during this period.

Normal services could only be restored at 7:44 p.m.

The second attempt took place at the Belgachia station at 3.09 p.m. after a person jumped before another Garia-bound train.

The same procedure had to be followed.

However, it took longer as the person had died.

Truncated services were run between Girish Park and Shahid Khudiram stations while the tracks were cleared.

Normal services resumed at 3:56 p.m.

The Metro Railway's Blue Line where the disruptions occurred is the oldest metro stretch in the country. It has no platform screen doors to prevent suicide attempts, unlike the other metro lines in Kolkata.

The Metro's Blue Line is also the busiest and called the "lifeline of Kolkata". It connects Kolkata's northern suburbs to the city's extreme south, carrying 6.5 to 7 lakh passengers daily.

Any disruption in service in this line, particularly during the monsoons, results in severe inconvenience to students, office-goers and others.

Over the years, Metro Railway has taken several steps to try and prevent suicides.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and Metro staff have been instructed to keep a lookout for people behaving in a strange manner after entering the stations.

Motormen also reduce speeds of trains before entering the platforms, so they may be able to control them better. However, this is not always possible.

A defence spokesman said that the operation was carried out in the Mungiakami area of Khowai district based on specific intelligence inputs. During the operation, the joint team intercepted a vehicle suspected of carrying narcotics. However, on noticing the security personnel, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into a densely populated area, evading arrest.

A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of approximately 50,000 methamphetamine tablets with an estimated market value of more than Rs 5 crore. The recovered narcotics and the seized vehicle have been handed over to the Customs Department for further investigation and legal action.

The successful operation reflects the unwavering commitment of the Assam Rifles, in close coordination with the Customs Department, to curb narcotics trafficking and ensure peace and security in the region, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, in Mizoram, the Assam Rifles organised interaction programmes with village authorities, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Young Mizo Association (YMA) leaders at Zokhawthar, Khawbung and Farkawn in Champhai district, and Sangau in Lawngtlai district, as part of its continued efforts to strengthen civil-military cooperation and promote peace in border areas.

Around 40 participants, including Village Council Presidents, CSO representatives and YMA leaders, attended the programmes. During the interactions, participants discussed border security, measures to curb drug trafficking and other illegal activities, public welfare, local grievances and ways to strengthen civil-military coordination for community development.

The meetings provided a common platform to enhance mutual understanding, improve coordination and reinforce cooperation in maintaining peace and harmony along the India-Myanmar border.

In Manipur, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Imphal, organised a high-impact Training-cum-Awareness Programme at the Mantripukhri Garrison in Imphal East district.

The programme was aligned with this year's global theme, "World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," and aimed at equipping frontline security personnel with advanced knowledge and practical skills to combat drug trafficking.

According to the defence spokesman, experts from the NCB conducted intensive technical sessions focusing on the evolving narcotics scenario in Manipur, methods for identifying various contraband substances and the latest trends in drug trafficking.

Participants were also trained on the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the legal framework under the newly enforced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to strengthen operational effectiveness and ensure lawful enforcement.

Highlighting the importance of inter-agency coordination, senior Assam Rifles officers felicitated the visiting NCB officials, and the programme concluded with a commemorative group photograph. Nearly 220 personnel from the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles participated in the training programme.

The spokesman said the initiative has significantly strengthened coordination between specialised narcotics intelligence agencies and security forces, enhancing their collective capability to combat drug trafficking, assist law enforcement agencies and systematically dismantle the drug network operating in the region.

A joint memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister by the UNC, Naga Women's Union and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, demanding immediate intervention against what the organisations described as a proxy war against the Nagas by Kuki militant groups, who are now under a Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the government.

The Naga bodies claimed that the Kuki militant groups and the Myanmar-based KNA (B) are not only violating the Indo-Naga Framework Agreement signed on August 3, 2015, but also pose a serious threat to India's eastern frontier security.

UNC President N.G. Lorho and other senior Naga leaders, Vareiyo Shatsang, Samson Remei, A.C. Thotso, K.S. Paul Leo and L. Adani, are holding a series of meetings with political leaders, civil society organisations, women's groups, peace activists and concerned citizens besides the media in Delhi to present the Naga perspective and seek immediate constitutional and political intervention.

The Naga bodies' move came after the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) expressed regret on June 25 over what it described as a "grave mistake" in the killing of six Naga hostages in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on May 13.

The UNC said this was the first time that Naga elders from Manipur had addressed the national media in New Delhi since the recent cycle of violence, which it alleged had directly threatened Naga people and their ancestral lands.

It said the incidents occurred while the state was still struggling to recover from the Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict that began in May 2023, and claimed the recent developments reflected a deeper conspiracy against the Naga people and their commitment to peace. The Naga bodies also questioned the ability of both the state and Union Governments to protect civilians and maintain law and order.

The UNC said that following the killing of three Thadou church leaders on May 13 this year, 20 Naga civilians were allegedly abducted by Kuki militant groups from Leilon Vaiphei and Sapermaina Kuki villages. Fourteen of them were released on May 15, while six remained missing despite repeated appeals and extensions granted by the UNC to the Manipur Government to secure their release.

The UNC said that on June 10, Naga village guards, facilitated by the UNC and the Naga People Organisation, Senapati, released 14 Kuki detainees as a humanitarian gesture despite widespread public anger. However, the following day (June 11), the bodies of the six missing Naga civilians were recovered in a mutilated and dismembered condition.

The UNC described the killings as deeply traumatic and said the incident had severely shaken public confidence in the government's ability to ensure the safety of innocent civilians. The Council demanded a time-bound, independent and court-monitored investigation into the abduction and killing of the six Naga civilians.

It also sought concrete security guarantees for all Naga-inhabited areas, particularly vulnerable regions where civilians have allegedly faced intimidation, hostage-taking and armed incursions.

The UNC maintained that large parts of present-day Kangpokpi district are historically ancestral lands of the Zeliangrong Nagas and asserted that any violence, militarised assertion or demographic intimidation in these areas should be treated as a serious issue of Naga security and territorial integrity.

Referring to its memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister, the Council argued that the situation should not be viewed merely as a law-and-order issue or an internal communal conflict.

It alleged that the attacks on Naga villages in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts on May 7, including Namlee-Wanglee, Choro and Kaka villages, involved cross-border armed movement, military-grade weapons, drones, rocket launchers and coordinated assaults by armed cadres.

Sonam, who was arrested for the alleged murder of her husband Raja Raghuvanshi last year, was granted conditional bail by a lower court, citing certain technical shortcomings in the investigation.

Raja's mother Uma Raghuvanshi told IANS that Ketan Agarwal's case is "exactly" like that of her son.

Drawing similarities between both the cases, Uma Raghuvanshi said: "Just like Sonam Raghuvanshi had planned, weaved a story; Siya Goyal too conspired and pushed her fiancee off the cliff."

"I can understand the pain of that mother as I have still not been able to overcome the pain of losing my son," the emotional mother added.

Referring to Siya and Sonam, she said: "If girls do not want to get married then don't, but please don't kill other people's sons. And please speak to your parents, they don't have the right to murder."

She also added that such accused should be immediately punished but "neither they are being hanged nor punished".

Pointing to Sonam Raghuvanshi's bail, Uma Raghuvanshi said: "Her bail is sending a wrong message to the society. Accused may think that they, too, will easily come out of prison after committing such heinous crimes, if they are caught."

"Firstly, they (the accused) are not scared of being caught and even if they are arrested, the accused think that if Sonam can be released then they too will be let out," she added.

Emphasising that Siya might have committed the crime looking at how Sonam got bail, Uma Raghuvanshi remarked: "She became 'choti Sonam'."

Urging Ketan Agarwal's family to keep fighting for justice, Raja Raghuvanshi's mother said: "I have not yet received justice for my son but I would urge his family to not lose hope till the accused is given death penalty."

"All of them, Siya, Sonam and Muskan should be hanged," she added.

Muskan Rastogi along with her alleged lover, purportedly murdered her husband last year before stuffing his dismembered remains in a cement filled blue drum.

She urged parents to listen to her children while arranging a marriage.

"Parents should not go ahead with a match if the girl objects to it," she stressed.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the forces also destroyed two vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and other logistical supplies used by the group to plan terrorist attacks.

The military operations took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, specifically targeting al-Shabaab mobilisation centres and training facilities, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministry said the targeted locations were actively used by the militant group to store vital military supplies.

"The Ministry of Defence extends its appreciation to the international partners supporting Somalia's counterterrorism efforts, whose continued assistance has played a significant role in the success of these operations," the ministry said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab did not comment on the operations, which took place amid intensified ground offensives by Somalia's elite forces and their international partners.

Last month, the SNA killed 50 al-Shabaab fighters and wounded others during a coordinated military operation on the outskirts of Baidoa in Southwest State.

The Ministry of Defence said the forces destroyed multiple technical battle vehicles, weapons caches, and operational equipment used by the militant group during the assault.

The ministry also accused armed militia loyal to the former Southwest State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed of directly colluding with al-Shabaab militants. Mohamed has, however, denied the accusations.

"The government reaffirms that it will never tolerate any individual or group using weapons or armed militias for political purposes or to undermine national security. Anyone supporting terrorists or providing them cover will face action in accordance with the law," the ministry said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the dawn ambush, asserting that its fighters successfully killed two senior SNA commanders and seized four military transport vehicles during the withdrawal.

Islamabad, June 27 (IANS) The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan on Saturday condemned the statement made by the country’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, regarding the Kashmiri identity of the people of Rawalakot and Mirpur in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The criticism came after Asif, during a television interview, said that the residents of Rawalakot and Mirpur in PoK are "not proper Kashmiris".

Reacting to the remarks, the rights body said that "individuals in state positions must exercise utmost responsibility, caution, and respect in matters of this nature".

The HRC called on the Pakistan government to issue an appropriate clarification on the matter and take steps to ensure that such statements are not repeated in the future.

Launching a scathing attack on the Pakistani Defence Minister over his remarks, PoK leader Faisal Mumtaz Rathore took to social media platform X and said, "People of Jammu and Kashmir do not need validation of their identity from the Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif or anybody else for that matter. Boomers such as him and their antics are creating divisions instead of bringing people closer."

Rathore said that the Pakistani Defence Minister, after noticing backlash for his "faux pas", is now "covering up by finding faults" in governance issues in PoK.

"Sir, ask your higher-ups, and they'll tell you how well we've governed. A more dignified act would be to address the elephant in the room and apologise for your original remarks instead of scapegoating our governance," he added.

This comes amid intensifying protests in PoK, where dozens of innocent civilians lost their lives in a brutal crackdown by Pakistani security forces.

Several international human rights organisations, activists, and the Kashmiri diaspora across the globe have strongly condemned the killings of innocent civilians in PoK while calling for international attention to the alleged abuses in the region by Pakistani authorities.

Earlier this week, members of the Kashmiri diaspora in the UK staged a protest outside the British Parliament in London before marching to 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the British Prime Minister, to denounce alleged food blockades and the killing of civilians in PoK by Pakistani forces.

During the demonstration, the protestors called on the UK government to intervene amid the grave human rights abuses in PoK.

Addressing the gathering, one of the protesters alleged that the food supplies and medicines were unable to reach several areas in PoK due to a blockade by Pakistani authorities, resulting in severe hardship for the residents.

"People are dying because of the hunger. People dying before they can reach the hospital. It's totally unacceptable. You have more than a million Kashmiris living in the UK. You have responsibility here. You need to intervene for the sake of humanity," he said, urging the British government to intervene and contact the Pakistani authorities.

The complainant, described as a "vigilant citizen", had approached the bureau after alleging that a case registered at Manjalpur Police Station on June 1 was being investigated by PSI Mallika Parmar of Vishwamitra Police Chowki.

During the investigation, Parmar allegedly demanded Rs 25,000 to avoid harassment and expedite bail proceedings.

After negotiation, the demand was reportedly reduced to Rs 10,000, which was allegedly routed through ASI Jaykishan Gameti of the Surveillance Squad.

The ACB said a trap was laid near Manjalpur Police Station, in front of "Bhavna Xerox" on the main road. During the operation, the ASI allegedly accepted Rs 10,000 on behalf of the PSI and placed the cash on the dashboard of a car.

Both officials were subsequently apprehended, and the entire amount was recovered on the spot. Officials confirmed that the alleged bribe amount of Rs 10,000 was fully recovered during the operation.

The ACB stated that the investigation is based on a formal complaint and a subsequent verification process before the trap was executed.

Further legal proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act are underway.

On Friday, the ACB trapped a Police Sub-Inspector and a head constable posted at Bopal Police Station in Ahmedabad in a bribery case involving Rs five lakh.

According to officials, the accused initially demanded Rs 10 lakh, later settling for Rs 5 lakh, before a trap was laid in which the head constable was caught red-handed while accepting the money.

"The PSI was not present at the spot during the operation but was named in the case," officials added.

A senior police official said that the search and rescue operation entered its fourth day on Saturday, during which the body of Ballari Marak (alias Olyn Synkly), 30, was recovered from the debris on Saturday afternoon.

Search teams are continuing efforts to trace the three remaining missing persons despite challenging conditions caused by the deluge.

The deceased has been identified by local residents.

The official said that search and rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Keyi Panyor Police are continuing for the three persons who remain missing in the flash flood incident at the NEEPCO Colony.

The missing persons have been identified as Elesh Marak (13), Tao Anjina (46) and Sourav Kumar (48).

The Potin-Kimin highway in Keyi Panyor district remains blocked due to persistent landslide activity and continuous slippage of earth and debris onto the carriageway despite repeated clearance efforts.

Police personnel have been deployed at vulnerable locations along the Pitapool-Potin route to facilitate landslide-clearance operations, regulate traffic, and ensure public safety.

Road restoration work is continuing on a war footing, subject to weather conditions.

Priority is being given to emergency vehicles, essential supplies and engineering equipment to restore connectivity at the earliest, the police official said.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter was deployed on June 25 to airlift relief materials, including a rescue boat, and transport National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to Keyi Panyor district.

According to district administration officials, five persons were initially reported missing after flash floods inundated the NEEPCO project colony near Poosa under the Yazali circle of Keyi Panyor district.

During the ongoing search operations, rescuers on June 24 recovered the body of one of the missing persons, identified as Nirmala Gupta (35), a teacher at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV).

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) and Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju expressed deep grief over the loss of life caused by the flash floods in Keyi Panyor district and expressed concern for those still untraced.

Praying for their safe recovery, the Governor also wished a speedy and complete recovery to those injured in the disaster and conveyed his solidarity with the affected families during this difficult period, an official statement said.

Calling for proactive measures, the Governor directed the district administration and all concerned departments to remain on high alert and strengthen preparedness for the ongoing monsoon season.

Meanwhile, at least 20 people sustained injuries of varying severity in the calamity, including three who are reported to be in critical condition.

The injured were shifted to a government hospital for treatment.

Officials said that an under-construction retaining wall collapsed following incessant heavy rainfall, resulting in severe waterlogging in low-lying residential areas in and around the colony.

Around 20 houses and residential units were damaged after flash floods, triggered by continuous rainfall since June 23, battered the Yazali circle of Keyi Panyor district.

The state-owned North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) has begun releasing water from the Ranganadi Dam as a precautionary measure amid rising inflows into the reservoir.

Power generation at the hydropower project has been temporarily suspended.

A few goods-laden vehicles were also damaged after being struck by the flash floods in the affected area.

Mountainous Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed heavy rainfall over the past several days, triggering landslides, flash floods and widespread damage to houses and infrastructure across several districts.

Disaster management authorities have advised residents living in vulnerable locations and along riverbanks to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement.

Meanwhile, the Assam government had earlier issued a high alert following reports of heavy rainfall and flash floods in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, fearing significant downstream impacts on several districts of the state.

In view of the continuing heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and rising river discharge, authorities anticipate a substantial increase in water levels and flow velocity in the Brahmaputra and its tributaries across downstream regions of Assam.

In a major breakthrough, the Mothpur Police have frozen assets and bank accounts worth Rs 96.97 lakh belonging to a notorious betting operator, Raees (also known as Rahees/Abdul Raees Ansari), a resident of Baraura village, along with members of his family.

The operation was conducted by SHO Devkaran Chaudhary and his team under the supervision of Additional SP Dr Kamal Jangid and Circle Officer (Atru) Ramanand Yadav.

Investigations revealed that Raees Ansari has been actively involved in illegal betting operations since 2002.

A total of 11 cases have been registered against him at Mothpur Police Station under the Rajasthan Public Gambling Ordinance (RPGO) Act, and he has been convicted in all the cases, indicating a long-standing pattern of criminal activity.

A detailed financial investigation found that despite having no legitimate source of income, Raees Ansari (56), a resident of Imam Chowk, Baraura, had managed to accumulate significant wealth through illegal betting activities.

Police said the accused routed illicit earnings through bank accounts held in the names of his wife and son to evade detection.

His wife, Salma, a homemaker with no independent income, held five fixed deposit accounts and one savings account with a total balance of Rs 4,64,836.60, all allegedly linked to proceeds from betting activities.

Similarly, his son, Shahid Ahmed, who is unemployed, received transactions totalling approximately Rs 2 crore between 2019 and 2026.

One account recorded credits of Rs 1,15,57,876.95 and debits of Rs 1,15,02,991.37, while another showed credits of Rs 1,00,78,965 and debits of Rs 1,00,75,219.24.

Based on the findings, police have frozen the family's financial assets, including balances in multiple accounts comprising 14 fixed deposit accounts totalling Rs 69,44,361 and nine savings accounts amounting to Rs 27,52,984.40.

The investigation also uncovered immovable properties and vehicles allegedly acquired through illegal earnings.

These include a 1.45-hectare agricultural land parcel in Baraura village jointly held in the name of the accused, valued at around Rs 25 lakh, and a leased plot obtained from the Baraura Gram Panchayat on March 5, 2025, where a two-storey house worth approximately Rs 30 lakh was constructed.

In addition, a residential plot measuring 35x50, registered in the name of his wife, Salma, was used to build a single-storey house.

Police further identified a Maruti Suzuki Eeco car and a Passion Pro motorcycle allegedly purchased through proceeds of illegal betting.

The SIT will be led by Thane Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Panjabrao Ugale, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer known for his extensive experience in crime investigation and anti-corruption units.

The newly formed SIT under Joint CP Ugale is expected to unravel the entire nexus behind the TET irregularities.

The scope of the investigation will primarily focus on identifying the kingpins, intermediaries, and any internal department officials involved in tampering with exam results, tracing potential financial trails and monetary exchanges made for qualifying certificates and reviewing past examination data to establish the scale and timeline of the malpractice.

The Chief Minister's directive comes hours after the Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE) has abruptly postponed the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026, which was scheduled to be held on Sunday.

It was done after a joint raid by the Bhiwandi police exposed a major question paper leak just a day before the state-wide examination.

The exam was set to take place across 1,028 centres in Maharashtra.

Council officials said that the postponement was necessary to maintain absolute transparency and fairness for all candidates.

The postponement of TET has thrown the future of more than 428,122 candidates into limbo and sparked widespread outrage across the state.

The decision follows growing concerns over malpractice and manipulation within the state's teacher recruitment examinations.

Taking a firm stance on the matter, Chief Minister Fadnavis held high-level discussions with School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Date to assess the depth of the irregularities.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister explicitly directed the Maharashtra Police Chief and the Education Ministry to ensure that the culprits face the absolute strictest legal action. There will be zero tolerance for any malpractice that compromises the integrity of our educational recruitment system and toys with the future of honest candidates," government sources said.

Chief Minister Fadnavis directed the state's top police officer to enforce the absolute strictest punitive action against anyone involved in the malpractice, asserting that no culprits should be spared.

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse has assured complete cooperation from the Education department, noting that structural loopholes are being actively reviewed to prevent such leaks and manipulations in the future.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also reacted strongly to the development, suggesting that the masterminds of the operation should face charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Describing the postponement as a necessary measure to protect the sanctity and transparency of the recruitment process, the MSCE has urged candidates not to panic.

The Council assured the public that a fresh timeline and revised dates for the TET 2026 examination will be published on its official website as soon as the preliminary investigation yields more clarity.

The SIT will be led by Thane Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Panjabrao Ugale, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer known for his extensive experience in crime investigation and anti-corruption units.

The newly formed SIT under Joint CP Ugale is expected to unravel the entire nexus behind the TET irregularities.

The scope of the investigation will primarily focus on identifying the kingpins, intermediaries, and any internal department officials involved in tampering with exam results, tracing potential financial trails and monetary exchanges made for qualifying certificates and reviewing past examination data to establish the scale and timeline of the malpractice.

The Chief Minister's directive comes hours after the Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE) has abruptly postponed the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026, which was scheduled to be held on Sunday.

It was done after a joint raid by the Bhiwandi police exposed a major question paper leak just a day before the state-wide examination.

The exam was set to take place across 1,028 centres in Maharashtra.

Council officials said that the postponement was necessary to maintain absolute transparency and fairness for all candidates.

The postponement of TET has thrown the future of more than 428,122 candidates into limbo and sparked widespread outrage across the state.

The decision follows growing concerns over malpractice and manipulation within the state's teacher recruitment examinations.

Taking a firm stance on the matter, Chief Minister Fadnavis held high-level discussions with School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and Maharashtra Director General of Police (DGP) Sadanand Date to assess the depth of the irregularities.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister explicitly directed the Maharashtra Police Chief and the Education Ministry to ensure that the culprits face the absolute strictest legal action. There will be zero tolerance for any malpractice that compromises the integrity of our educational recruitment system and toys with the future of honest candidates," government sources said.

Chief Minister Fadnavis directed the state's top police officer to enforce the absolute strictest punitive action against anyone involved in the malpractice, asserting that no culprits should be spared.

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse has assured complete cooperation from the Education department, noting that structural loopholes are being actively reviewed to prevent such leaks and manipulations in the future.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also reacted strongly to the development, suggesting that the masterminds of the operation should face charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Describing the postponement as a necessary measure to protect the sanctity and transparency of the recruitment process, the MSCE has urged candidates not to panic.

The Council assured the public that a fresh timeline and revised dates for the TET 2026 examination will be published on its official website as soon as the preliminary investigation yields more clarity.

The protest coincided with the arrival of Chandigarh Administrator-cum-Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria for the Special House meeting of the local civic body.

At the protest, the AAP stated that the alleged theft of devotees' offerings at the Ayodhya Ram Temple has deeply hurt the faith and sentiments of millions of Ram devotees across the country. The party said questions raised regarding jewellery, cash, and other donations offered with devotion and trust at the feet of Lord Shri Ram have caused anguish among devotees nationwide.

The party said the so-called "Ayodhya Model", which was promoted across the country for years, is now facing serious questions over alleged irregularities in construction work, land purchases, offerings, and other matters. It added that if the government was genuinely committed to fighting corruption, it should ensure a fair, independent, and time-bound investigation into the entire matter rather than limiting itself to merely formal actions.

The AAP alleged that if investigations and action in such a serious matter were confined only to lower-level employees, it would create the perception that those actually responsible were being protected, and that if accountability extended to higher levels, no individual should be considered above the law.

The party questioned Chandigarh Administrator Kataria and the BJP, asking whether even the offerings made by devotees at Lord Shri Ram's temple in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh were not safe; if not, who would take responsibility for safeguarding the faith and trust of millions of Ram devotees.

The party said Lord Shri Ram did not belong to any one political party, adding that Shri Ram was a symbol of faith, culture, and belief for millions of people, and in any matter concerning devotees' faith, the truth must come out and action must be taken against those found guilty.

During the protest, the AAP also alleged that the BJP and the administration used the police to suppress public sentiments and opposition voices being raised on this issue.

The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Rajnagar police station, causing panic among participants and forcing the procession to stop temporarily. The injured teenager has been identified as Md. Nemat, son of Md. Sahmad Hussain, a resident of Laheri Bazaar in Rajnagar.

According to eyewitnesses, the sword penetrated approximately two-and-a-half inches into his head during the display. The youth who was handling the sword reportedly fled the spot following the accident.

After the incident, local residents and procession participants rushed the injured teenager to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Rajnagar. Doctors were unable to remove the sword because it had become deeply embedded.

He was subsequently referred to the Sadar Hospital in Madhubani and later advised to seek advanced treatment at DMCH in Darbhanga.

However, his family instead took him to Ramshila Hospital in Sakri, where doctors performed surgery lasting several hours and successfully removed the sword. According to the medical team, the teenager's condition is currently stable.

Rajnagar Station House Officer Satyendra Kumar stated that the police have received information about the incident.

However, no written complaint has yet been submitted. He said that they had received information, but no written complaint had been filed by any party so far, and that necessary action would be taken after a complaint was received.

The incident has once again raised concerns regarding the safety of weapon displays during religious processions.

Traditional demonstrations involving swords and other weapons are a part of Muharram observances in some areas, but accidents during such performances have prompted calls for greater caution, safety measures, and administrative oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The couple, who had played a key role in introducing the two families and facilitating Siya and Ketan's marriage alliance, recorded their statements before the police as part of the ongoing probe.

According to police sources, the Mittals told investigators they were unable to believe that Siya could have been involved in the alleged conspiracy to kill her fiancee.

"We never expected Siya could do something like this. Both Siya and Ketan were humble, well-mannered and good-natured," Narendra Mittal reportedly told the police.

Having known Siya since childhood, he said the family never imagined she could commit such a crime.

The marriage discussions between the Goyal and Agarwal families had reportedly begun in January 2026 after the Mittals introduced the two sides.

Siya and Ketan got engaged the following month, and their wedding was scheduled for November.

Mittal clarified before investigators that his role was limited to bringing the families together and facilitating the match.

The case came to light after Ketan Agarwal died on June 18 after falling from a cliff at Lohagad Fort near Pune during a trek with Siya Goyal.

Initially it was treated as an accidental death. But the case took a dramatic turn after Ketan's family raised suspicions over Siya's conduct. This is how a detailed police investigation was initiated.

Siya Goyal was allegedly in a relationship with Chetan Chaudhary and viewed Ketan as an obstacle to that relationship, say probe personnel.

During the trek, Siya signalled Chaudhary, who then allegedly pushed Ketan into a 400-foot gorge, resulting in his death, investigators said. So, with this in view both Siya and Chaudhary have been accused of conspiring to carry out the murder.

Police sources further claim that during questioning, Siya allegedly confessed that she believed killing Ketan was "easier" than confronting her family and calling off the arranged marriage.

Investigators allege that Siya told them she chose not to cancel the wedding because she did not want to hurt her family's sentiments.

During questioning, Siya's brother, Sahil Goyal, reportedly told police that she first met Chetan Chaudhary at one of his cricket matches and that the two grew close over time.

However, Siya's parents have said that they neither knew nor had ever met Chaudhary. They added that if their daughter is found guilty, she should face the harshest punishment.

The incident came to light after the parents of a child studying at L.D.R. International School in the Ghuma area noticed behavioural changes and conducted counselling, following which the child disclosed the alleged abuse.

Police said the accused, employed as a sanitation worker at the school, allegedly committed "serious sexual abuse and inappropriate physical conduct" against a child aged around five years inside the school premises.

It is further alleged that the accused threatened the child and instructed them not to disclose the incident to anyone.

Following a complaint lodged by the child's parents at Bopal Police Station, a case was registered on June 25 under Section 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Sections 5(F), 5(L), 5(M), 6 and 10 of the POCSO Act.

Police said swift action was taken and the accused, identified as 54-year-old Pasha Bhangi, a resident of Manmohan Nagar near Sanathal Toll Tax in Sarkhej area of the city, originally from Dedar village in Siddhpur taluka of Patan district, was arrested.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Tapansinh Dodiya, speaking at a press briefing, said the case emerged after the child's parents noticed unusual behaviour.

"Around a week ago, the child studying at L.D.R. International School showed signs of nervousness while returning home. The parents carried out counselling and questioned the child, following which the child disclosed that sexual abuse and physical assault had taken place," he said.

He added that the alleged offence occurred when the child went to the school washroom. "The sanitation worker, who was on duty, was responsible for cleaning the washroom. During this time, it has come to light that the accused committed inappropriate physical contact and sexual abuse," he said.

Responding to questions on preventive measures, Dodiya said police regularly conduct awareness programmes in schools on child safety.

"Police teams visit schools and conduct sessions on good touch and bad touch, how children should respond to inappropriate behaviour, and whom they should inform immediately. We also appeal to parents to observe behavioural changes in children and counsel them appropriately," he said.

Regarding the accused's background, he said the man had been working at the school for about 1 year and had previously worked in similar sanitation roles at other locations.

He also stated that a case had been registered against the accused in 2021 at Vastrapur Police Station for obstruction of public duty and rioting.

Police further said that the interrogation suggested behavioural irregularities and that the investigation into the case continues.

The Union also demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh to each deceased worker's family and a government job for one family member, the statement said.

The SKU protest was against the death of three sanitation workers in Mundka in West Delhi.

The protest was organised under the SKU banner by sanitation workers from various workplaces, including Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD), Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), and Delhi University (DU).

The SKUs condemned the authorities' negligence and said that despite numerous rules and laws, the governments have failed to prevent the deaths of sanitation workers in sewers and septic tanks.

"This is not an isolated incident, as every year, many sanitation workers die while cleaning sewers and septic tanks. This practice, which is outlawed, still exists even 75 years after India's Independence," said the SKU statement.

Behind this criminal neglect to ensure the safety of sanitation workers lie the entrenched caste biases and class hierarchies in society, where the sanitation workers, the majority of whom belong to the Dalit community and live in precarious conditions, find themselves facing the brunt of the government's apathy, it said.

Contributing to this neglect is the policy of recruiting sanitation staff on a contractual basis across institutions, it said.

The dehumanising practice of manual scavenging continues despite the prohibitive legislation, and incidents similar to this keep repeating. Since most sanitation work is privatised, employer companies and contractors force workers to risk their lives daily, it said.

Despite the problem getting more acute with each passing day, the apathy of governments has ensured that deaths due to occupational hazards are a common occurrence, it said.

The government agencies have still not ensured that sanitation workers mandatorily use safety gear. Further, the non-implementation of labour laws and the allowing of private contractors to exploit them have worsened the lives of workers across the country, it said.

These incidents expose the precarious working conditions of not just sanitation workers but all workers employed in the informal sector, who are at the mercy of their employers, it said.

The SKU demanded that strict action be taken — including the registration of homicide cases — against the Mundka factory owner, the contractor, and the officials responsible for the workers' deaths, it said.

The stern warning to errant coaching institutes comes close to the recent tragic fire incident in a coaching institute in Lucknow that claimed at least 15 lives.

In the Lucknow fire incident, at least 15 people lost their lives after the blaze engulfed the commercial building, housing a coaching centre in Lucknow's Aliganj area.

Four people were arrested over alleged involvement in the the coaching fire, while four administrative officials were suspended over accountability issues.

The Delhi Chief Minister, while warning coaching institutes, said on X, "One month. That is the deadline. The number of coaching institutes in Delhi is not the issue. The safety and security of our children is."

"Any coaching institute without a fire audit, mandatory safety equipment or prescribed safety measures will face strict action, including sealing, if it fails to comply within one month," said the Chief Minister.

"Students are urged to report any unsafe coaching institute by message, email or phone. Every complaint will be acted upon. No compromise with the safety of our children," she said, inviting students to join the government's efforts to make the city safer.

The Chief Minister's warning to errant coaching centres also coincides with a public interest litigation (PIL) filed before the Supreme Court seeking directions for the formulation and enforcement of a National Minimum Fire and Life-Safety Framework for high-risk public-occupancy premises across the country.

The Chief Minister's warning to errant coaching centres also coincides with a public interest litigation (PIL) filed before the Supreme Court seeking directions for the formulation and enforcement of a National Minimum Fire and Life-Safety Framework for high-risk public-occupancy premises across the country.

The petition has referred to several major incidents, including the Uphaar Cinema fire, the AMRI Hospital fire, the Surat Takshashila Arcade coaching centre blaze, the Anaj Mandi fire, the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire, the recent Malviya Nagar guest house fire in Delhi and the Aliganj coaching centre fire in Lucknow, among others.

The woman and the cab driver narrowly escaped the explosion, while police recovered another live country-made bomb from the spot.

The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Nagendra, a native of Ankola in Karwar district. Tumakuru Superintendent of Police Ashok Venkat visited the spot and inspected the scene.

According to the police, Nagendra and Ramya, both natives of the Ankola region, had been in a relationship for nearly eight years. Ramya, a laboratory technician at Rajiv Gandhi University in Bengaluru, reportedly rejected Nagendra's marriage proposal due to differences between the two.

Police said Nagendra allegedly hired a cab and went to the paying guest accommodation where Ramya was staying in Bengaluru before forcibly taking her away. After witnessing the incident, one of Ramya's friends lodged a missing person complaint with the Siddapura Police Station in Bengaluru.

During the journey on National Highway-48, an argument reportedly broke out between the two, during which Nagendra allegedly assaulted Ramya and struck her on the head. Ramya managed to jump out of the moving vehicle, prompting the cab driver to stop and rush to her aid.

Police said Nagendra then locked himself inside the car and detonated a country-made bomb, killing himself on the spot. The force of the explosion completely mangled the vehicle.

The cab driver, identified as Praveen, has given a slightly different version, and his statements are being verified by the police. He has told police that the vehicle had been booked through Uber in Nagendra's name.

He said the journey had been uneventful until they reached Kallambella, when he received a phone call from Ankola informing him that the woman had allegedly been kidnapped.

Praveen further claimed that Nagendra attacked Ramya with a knife during the argument. He stopped the vehicle on the roadside and helped the woman escape by sending her away on a passing motorcycle. According to him, Ramya warned that Nagendra was carrying bombs.

The driver told investigators that when he approached the car, Nagendra was holding a country-made bomb. He allegedly managed to snatch one explosive from him and throw it away. Nagendra then lit another bomb, triggering the fatal explosion.

Police recovered the unexploded bomb from the scene and have launched an investigation into how Nagendra procured the explosives.

Officials from Siddapura Police in Bengaluru and Kallambella Police in Tumakuru are jointly investigating the case. Teams from Bengaluru have also reached the spot to assist in the probe. Police are yet to issue an official detailed statement, and further investigation is underway.

According to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the nodal agency of the Indian government for monitoring earthquake activity, the epicentre of the earthquake was in Afghanistan, and its magnitude was 6.2 on the Richter scale. It also mentioned that the earthquake struck at 7:04 p.m. (local time).

"Earthquake of magnitude 6.2, June 27, 19:04:51 IST, Lat: 36.442 N, Long: 70.672 E, Depth: 215 Km, Location: Afghanistan," it wrote in a post on social media platform X.

In April, a similar earthquake of magnitude 5.5 had hit the HinduKush region in Afghanistan, sending tremors across Pakistan's Islamabad, Peshawar, and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to local media reports.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 199 km and measured 5.5 in magnitude, reports leading Pakistani media outlet Geo TV.

Swat, Hangu, North Waziristan and Chitral felt tremors, while residents of Rawalpindi experienced severe tremors, the media report said.

The report also highlighted that there was a similar incident in April in which an earthquake of 6.1-magnitude hit Islamabad, parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This earthquake originated in Afghanistan's HinduKush region at a depth of 190km, according to the PMD. The report also mentioned the cities Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad and Skardu also experienced tremors.

It also mentioned that there was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in February this year, which jolted Islamabad, Swat, and Hunza.

In the same month, earthquake tremors were also felt across Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India, with its epicentre in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km.

According to the information shared by the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, that earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale.

Meanwhile, hundreds have reportedly been killed in twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday.

India on Friday launched 'Operation Amistad' to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, dispatching two Indian Air Force (IAF) planes carrying a field hospital unit and more than 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical equipment.