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The death of Anjel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, has sparked widespread concern and debate after he succumbed to injuries sustained in a violent altercation in Dehradun. Chakma was critically injured on December 9 and died on December 26 after spending 17 days in hospital.
Police in Dehradun have said that their investigation so far has found no evidence of racial abuse or a racially motivated attack. According to officials, the incident occurred in the Selaqui area during a birthday gathering, where an argument between two groups escalated into a physical fight. Anjel Chakma and his brother Michael were injured in the clash, police said, adding that five people have been arrested in connection with the case.
Senior police officials stated that no complaint alleging racial abuse was made during interactions with investigators in the days following the incident, and the official complaint does not mention any racial slurs. They have maintained that the violence stemmed from tempers flaring over remarks that were perceived as offensive during the gathering.
The victim&rsquo;s family, however, has strongly contested this account. Anjel&rsquo;s father, a Border Security Force jawan currently posted in Manipur, has alleged that his son was brutally attacked while trying to defend his brother, who was allegedly subjected to racial slurs and called &ldquo;Chinese.&rdquo; The family has demanded the strictest punishment for all those involved.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed grief over Anjel Chakma&rsquo;s death and said that strict punishment must be ensured. He said he spoke to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who condemned the incident and confirmed that arrests had been made. Both state governments have announced financial assistance for the bereaved family, with Tripura offering ₹5 lakh and Uttarakhand around ₹4 lakh.
Family members described Anjel as a bright and responsible student who had recently secured a job with a French multinational company through campus placement. According to relatives, he had planned to support his family financially and fund his younger brother&rsquo;s higher education.
The case has now reached the Supreme Court of India, where a public interest petition has been filed seeking judicial intervention. The plea argues that Anjel Chakma&rsquo;s death highlights a broader failure to prevent discrimination and violence against people from the northeastern states and calls for stronger safeguards to protect their fundamental rights.
As investigations continue and legal scrutiny intensifies, the case has reignited questions about student safety, alleged racial prejudice, and accountability. For Anjel Chakma&rsquo;s family, the demand remains clear: justice for a young life they say was lost too soon.

Police deny racial motive as family alleges abuse; case reaches Supreme Court

Tripura Student’s Death Sparks Probe, PIL Filed

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has ordered a detailed inquiry into the death of Dipannita Pal, a Class 2 student, who allegedly died after being forced to stand under the sun during a school programme.
Saha said he has directed the District Magistrate of West Tripura and the Directorate of Education to investigate the circumstances that led to the child&rsquo;s death. 
The Chief Minister, who also holds charge of the Elementary and Secondary Education Departments, visited the student&rsquo;s residence in Jogendra Nagar and offered condolences to the grieving family.
"I have been monitoring the matter. I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Dipannita Pal, and expressed my heartfelt condolences to the family members. The untimely demise of an innocent child is truly heartbreaking and painful," Saha told reporters.
He said his office had remained in constant touch with doctors at Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital while the child was under treatment.
"Despite the best efforts of the doctors, Dipannita left us with no return. Necessary instructions have been given to the District Magistrate and the Directorate of Education to investigate the incident. Appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation report. The state government will stand by the bereaved family, and maximum assistance will be provided to the family in this difficult time," the Chief Minister said.
The incident occurred after seven-year-old Dipannita was reportedly made to stand under direct sunlight during a school event on November 9. 
Despite informing her teacher that she was feeling unwell, she was allegedly asked to continue participating. 
Witnesses said she collapsed during the programme.
Family members rushed her to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she had suffered a severe sunstroke. 
Part of her body had reportedly become paralysed due to the impact. 
After several days of treatment, she died on November 18, triggering widespread shock and anger in the community.
A formal investigation is underway, and the state government has assured strict action once the findings are submitted.
&mdash;IANS

Tripura CM visits grieving family after tragedy

School negligence suspected in Class 2 student’s death; Tripura CM demands full probe

Tripura CM Orders Probe Into Student’s Death

Tripura Police have launched a search after 18 Bangladeshi immigrants, who had entered the state illegally, escaped from a detention centre in Narsingarh, West Tripura district, officials said on Sunday.
The detainees, aged between 18 and 40, were previously arrested for illegally entering the state without proper documents. 
Police stated that the incident occurred when plans were being made to deport the infiltrators.
This comes days after six inmates escaped from the Dhamanagar sub-jail in North Tripura district, injuring a security guard with sharp weapons. 
Two of those escapees have since been re-arrested.
Among the latest escapees are Najim Uddin and Md. Rahim Ali from Churaibari near the Assam-Tripura border; Sunil Debbarma from Melaghar in Sepahijala district; Rosan Ali from Kadamtala in North Tripura; Abdul Patta from Nilambazar in Assam&rsquo;s Sribhumi district; and Narayan Chandra Datta from Feni district, Bangladesh.
Police have registered a case and intensified the search to recapture the escaped

Police search for escaped Bangladeshi immigrants

Tripura Police launch search after 18 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants flee detention centre

18 Bangladeshi Immigrants Escape Tripura Jail

A dramatic cross-border chase ended in Tripura after a Pakistani woman, who allegedly escaped from a Nepalese prison during recent unrest, was arrested at Sabroom railway station late Saturday evening.
Officials said the woman, identified as Louis Nighat Akhtar Bhano, wife of Md Golaf Faraj from Sheikhupura district in Pakistan, was detained by the Government Railway Police (GRP) after she was seen moving suspiciously at the station. She had arrived on the Kanchanjungha Express from Sealdah, West Bengal.
&ldquo;During initial questioning, she claimed to be Saheena Parveen from Delhi, but failed to produce any identification,&rdquo; an officer said. A search revealed pieces of paper tied around her waist with Pakistani contact numbers scribbled on them.
Bhano later confessed that she had travelled to Nepal 12 years ago, got involved in drug trafficking, and was arrested by Nepal Police in 2014 for possessing brown sugar. She had been serving a 15-year jail sentence in Kathmandu, but managed to escape amid the political unrest that recently gripped the country.
According to investigators, she entered India around two weeks ago and tried to cross into Bangladesh through West Bengal, but failed. &ldquo;She then decided to reach Sabroom to cross the border from Tripura,&rdquo; the GRP officer said.
Authorities are now interrogating her to uncover her network and any local links. Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh, some of which remains unfenced, making it vulnerable to illegal crossings.

Nepal Jailbreak; Pak Woman Nabbed in Tripura

Pak national caught in Tripura after fleeing Nepal prison; planned to enter Bangladesh

A chilling incident of alleged rape and poisoning of a minor girl in the Rajnagar area of western Agartala has led to the arrest of a man known to the victim's family. Police confirmed the arrest of the accused, Shankar Das, a local fish trader. The victim is currently receiving medical care in a hospital.
The incident reportedly took place while the girl&rsquo;s parents were away seeking medical treatment. The accused allegedly exploited their absence, luring the minor, who reportedly referred to him affectionately as "Dadu" (grandfather), to a secluded room.
The complaint filed by the victim's mother alleges that the accused subjected the child to severe physical assault before forcing her to ingest a poisonous pesticide. Neighbours discovered the child in a critical state and immediately transported her to IGM Hospital, from where she was later moved to GB Pant Hospital for specialised treatment.
Police reports indicate the minor sustained multiple injuries from the assault. Authorities have registered a case against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and attempt to murder charges.
The Officer-in-Charge of the West Agartala Women Police Station confirmed that Shankar Das was arrested on Saturday night with the help of the Amtali Police and subsequently presented in court. The officer noted that the victim&rsquo;s condition is stable and the investigation will move forward following her recovery and discharge from the hospital.
The brutal nature of the crime has caused significant outrage among the local community, with law enforcement assuring a comprehensive and rigorous probe into the matter.

Tripura Police arrest local man under POCSO after assault on minor girl

Agartala Man Arrested for Rape, Poisoning of Minor

Agartala: Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the killing of a homemaker in Gomati district, Tripura, after her burnt body was recovered in Mirza on Friday.&nbsp;
The deceased has been identified as Anjali Sarkar, in her mid-30s.
According to police, Anjali and her husband Pankaj had approached a local police station on Friday to file a complaint against three individuals who allegedly threatened and assaulted them at their shop in Mirza market on Thursday night over a past dispute. 
Hours later, Anjali&rsquo;s charred body was discovered at the Mirza motor stand.
In response to the incident, Gomati district superintendent of police suspended assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Sanjoy Sarkar for negligence. 
Officials said the ASI failed to properly verify the complaint and did not take action against the accused despite instructions. 
A departmental proceeding has been initiated against him.
Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy visited Anjali&rsquo;s residence on Sunday and assured that strict legal action would be taken against those responsible. 
Opposition parties also exerted pressure on the administration. 
Congress legislators Sudip Roy Barman and Birajit Sinha met the family, demanding the accused be arrested before Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s scheduled visit to Udaipur on September 22.&nbsp;
Left Front MLAs also visited the family and pledged to raise the issue in the Assembly.
Police have assured that all accused individuals will be booked and that strict action will follow in the case.

Burnt body of Tripura homemaker discovered

Anjali Sarkar’s charred body found in Mirza; four arrested, ASI suspended for negligence

Tripura Homemaker Found Burnt; Four Arrested

A shocking incident of domestic violence was reported in Tripura where a woman allegedly poured acid on her husband while riding pillion on his motorcycle.
The victim, identified as 38-year-old farmer Shibaji Debbarma, was on his way to Chandpur with his wife Sumitra riding behind him. Without warning, she poured acid on his face and neck, leaving him with severe burns. Startled by the attack, Shibaji stopped the motorcycle and cried out for help. Villagers rushed to the spot and managed to stop her from continuing the assault.
He was immediately taken to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala, where doctors confirmed he is in stable condition though still under treatment.
Police officials stated that initial inquiry suggests there may have been a history of domestic conflict between the couple. Sumitra has gone into hiding since the incident and police teams have launched a search to locate her.
No formal complaint has been filed by the victim yet as he continues to recover in hospital. Authorities have assured that further legal action will be taken once he is in a position to record his statement.

Tripura woman pours acid on husband, flees

Farmer attacked with acid by wife while riding bike, survives with burns in Tripura

Tripura Police have launched efforts to locate 19-year-old Sneha Debnath, a college student who has been missing in New Delhi since July 7.
A senior police official confirmed that Tripura&rsquo;s Director General of Police (DGP), Anurag, personally contacted the Special Commissioner of Delhi Police, urging immediate action. The DGP is closely monitoring the situation.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also directed police authorities late Saturday night to take swift steps in the case. In a social media post, the Chief Minister's Office stated: &ldquo;The report of Miss Sneha Debnath, a resident of Sabroom, who has reportedly gone missing in New Delhi, has come to the notice of the Chief Minister's Office. Following this, necessary instructions have been promptly issued to the police to take immediate and appropriate action.&rdquo;
According to reports, Sneha, a mathematics student at Delhi University&rsquo;s Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, went missing from the Wazirabad area in north Delhi. Her family, originally from Bhuratali village in Sabroom, Tripura, filed a missing person complaint with Mehrauli Police Station on July 9.
Family sources revealed that Sneha had left her home in Saket on the morning of July 7 to receive a friend at Sarai Rohilla Railway Station. She was dropped off by a cab near Signature Bridge, after which her phone was found to be switched off.
Sneha, the daughter of a military officer, has been residing in Delhi with her family for several years. Her father, Pritthis Debnath, has persistently followed up with Delhi Police and appealed to Chief Minister Saha&mdash;who also handles the Home portfolio for intervention.
Family members are deeply worried as Sneha left without taking any belongings and hasn&rsquo;t withdrawn money from her bank account, which remains inactive. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

19-year-old Sneha Debnath missing since July 7; Tripura CM directs police for swift rescue action

Tripura Girl Missing in Delhi, Police Begin Probe

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha stated that the state has adopted a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse under the 'Nasha Mukt Tripura' mission launched in 2018.
Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse, the CM revealed that 3,307 NDPS Act cases have been registered, 5,800 offenders arrested, and large quantities of narcotics &mdash; including 3.06 lakh kg ganja, 48 kg heroin, and nearly 1 crore tablets &mdash; have been seized. Over 8.69 crore ganja plants were also destroyed.
To break the supply chain, properties worth Rs 7 crore belonging to traffickers were attached. CM Saha said police and central agencies are coordinating closely, with strong intelligence and community engagement.
The state is also promoting alternative livelihoods to curb cannabis cultivation. De-addiction centres will be set up in all eight districts, and a major Rs 198 crore rehab facility is planned in Bishramganj with DoNER&rsquo;s support.
Tripura DGP Anurag said drugs worth Rs 800 crore were seized last year, with Rs 102 crore seized in the first half of 2025 alone.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
&nbsp;

Tripura Adopts Tough Measures to Tackle Drug Menace

CM Manik Saha says over 5,800 arrests and massive seizures made under ‘Nasha Mukt Tripura’ mission.

In a historic achievement, Aritra Roy from Tripura has become the first person from the state to scale Mount Everest, reaching the summit on May 19 during the 2025 spring climbing season.
A certified mountaineer and member of the Agartala Adventure Club, Roy's remarkable journey was supported throughout by the Assam Rifles, who provided critical logistical and administrative assistance. His ascent came 72 years after Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's first successful Everest climb in 1953.
Roy&rsquo;s expedition began with a unique and grueling 1,400-km cycling trip from Agartala to Phaplu, Nepal, which he completed in 63 days, combining physical endurance with a message of environmental consciousness. The Assam Rifles facilitated this leg of the journey, ensuring his smooth passage across challenging terrains.
Prior to Everest, Roy had successfully climbed Africa&rsquo;s Mount Kilimanjaro and Europe&rsquo;s Mount Elbrus. Driven by a deep desire to make his state proud, Roy expressed his gratitude to the Assam Rifles for their support with training, equipment, and coordination with the Nepal-based expedition team.
The final summit was preceded by weeks of acclimatisation at Base Camp and beyond, navigating difficult terrain such as the Hillary Step and enduring the harsh climate of the death zone. With determination and resilience, Roy reached the 8,849-meter summit, where he unfurled the Indian flag.
His achievement has been met with widespread celebration in Tripura and across India. Roy now joins an elite group of around 500 Indians who have conquered the world&rsquo;s highest peak. The success of this expedition stands as a powerful symbol of human endurance and the spirit of adventure, and it reinforces the Assam Rifles&rsquo; ongoing commitment to empowering youth in the Northeast.
Aritra Roy&rsquo;s inspiring journey will serve as a beacon for future generations, proving that with vision and support, no summit is unreachable.

After a 1,400-km cycle journey and weeks of acclimatisation, Aritra Roy summits Everest with vital support from Assam Rifles, making history for Tripura

Tripura’s Aritra Roy Becomes First from State to Conquer Mount Everest

Gujarat Congress Internal Dispute: The countdown to the 2027 Gujarat Assembly election has already begun. The 2029 Lok Sabha election is not far away either. The Congress high command is making claims of a change of power in Gujarat. Rahul Gandhi is talking about rebuilding the Gujarat Congress from the ground up. There is talk of removing the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; and putting the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; on the field. But looking at the current state of the Gujarat Congress, one question cannot be avoided: before entering the race, will the Congress even be able to get its own team to stand in one line? Before declaring war against the BJP, the Congress is caught in a political battle within its own house. The question is bitter, but necessary: if a party cannot create unity within its own organisation, how does it expect to take on the BJP&rsquo;s formidable organisational machinery in Gujarat?
Leaders Changed, But Why Didn&rsquo;t the Problem? Keeping the 2027 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections in mind, the Congress has begun making changes to its Gujarat organisation. The high command wanted to remove the old and inactive structure and bring forward leaders with the ability to fight elections. But when a party repeatedly needs to change its state in-charge, the question becomes bigger than the capability of the individual holding the post. Mukul Wasnik was replaced by Randeep Singh Surjewala as Gujarat Congress in-charge. With the new in-charge came expectations of a new direction, a new strategy and greater discipline within the organisation. Yet, barely had Surjewala taken charge when a controversy erupted within Banaskantha Congress over the organisational structure. That is where the Congress&rsquo;s real trouble begins.
A Symptom of Congress&rsquo;s Organisational Illness Banaskantha is not an ordinary constituency. It is the only Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat that the Congress won in the 2024 general election. That makes it the biggest symbol of political hope for the Congress in Gujarat. So when differences emerge over organisational posts and responsibilities in precisely this constituency, when questions are raised over decisions taken by the state leadership, and when the district organisation itself becomes a subject of controversy, this cannot simply be dismissed as a &lsquo;local dispute&rsquo;. It is a symptom of the Congress&rsquo;s organisational illness. And if this illness continues until 2027, the BJP will be the direct beneficiary. The Congress needs to understand one basic reality: elections are not won through posters, press conferences and speeches by big leaders. Elections are won at the booth. The BJP&rsquo;s organisational machinery is active right down to the booth level. To challenge it, the Congress needs a strong network of workers, clearly defined responsibilities and a united district-level organisation. But here, the very formation of the district organisation is becoming a source of controversy. So where exactly will the Congress find the strength to challenge the BJP at the booth level?
&lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; or Obstacles in Each Other&rsquo;s Way? Rahul Gandhi talks about identifying the &lsquo;lame horses&rsquo; in Gujarat and bringing the &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; to the forefront. It sounds attractive. But politics does not work that way. Simply choosing good horses does not guarantee victory in a race. The horses must run together rather than pull each other down. The direction of the race must be clear. And the coaching staff cannot be fighting among themselves. Only then can a team win. The Gujarat Congress&rsquo;s problem may not simply be about &lsquo;which leader should be promoted&rsquo;. The real problem is whether the leaders who are brought forward will actually work together. Mukul Wasnik is gone. Randeep Singh Surjewala has arrived. The state in-charge has changed. But if factionalism remains unchanged, internal power struggles remain unchanged, coordination between the district and state organisations remains weak, and organisational decisions themselves continue to trigger controversy, then what exactly is the Congress talking about when it talks of change? Changing faces will not change the Congress&rsquo;s fortunes. Its working style must change. Leadership accountability must be fixed. Factionalism must be brought under control. And above all, the party worker must be given confidence that the Congress is genuinely one team. Because if the Congress wants to fight the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other.
When Will the Political Infighting Within Gujarat Congress End? The biggest illusion for the Congress in the 2027 election would be to assume that public anger against the BJP will automatically translate into Congress votes. Politics does not work that simply. Reaching voters requires sustained ground-level work. It requires a booth-level organisation. It requires coordination among local leaders. It requires worker morale. And above all, it requires leadership running in one direction until election day. If even one of these five links is weak, the entire electoral calculation can collapse. For the Congress, this is no longer the time for experiments. It is the time for decisions. How many state in-charges will be changed? How many meetings will be held? How many times will the organisational structure be reshuffled? The question is no longer who the next Gujarat Congress in-charge will be. The real question is: when will the political infighting within the Gujarat Congress finally end? If every new in-charge is going to inherit the same old disputes, factionalism and internal resentment, then how can a new Congress emerge simply because a new face has arrived?
Will &lsquo;Race Horses&rsquo; Remain Just Another Political Slogan? If the Congress wants to win Gujarat, it must first win within its own organisation. It must win the trust of its workers. It must win the confidence of its district organisations. It must bring its leaders onto one platform. Otherwise, the Congress will lose its internal battle before its fight against the BJP has even begun. And then the talk of &lsquo;race horses&rsquo; will remain nothing more than another political slogan. The Congress has very little time left in the race for power in 2027. If it wants to take on the BJP, it must first stop its own leaders from fighting each other. Because power in Gujarat will not be won through statements from the Gandhi family. It will be won through organisational strength on the ground. The final question is simple: Is the Congress preparing to defeat the BJP, or is it still calculating whom it needs to defeat inside its own house? Want to win Gujarat? Then first, win the Gujarat Congress.

Congress has set its sights on defeating the BJP in Gujarat. But there’s a bigger battle brewing inside its own house.

Congress Wants to Defeat BJP in Gujarat, But Who Will Save Congress From Itself?

Gujarat High Court Launches Study Circle for Advocates: In a major initiative to strengthen the professional skills and legal knowledge of young advocates, the High Court of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Judicial Academy (GSJA), has announced the launch of a Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop) for Advocates Practicing before the High Court of Gujarat with up to 10 years of practice. The programme will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal Announces Study Circle The initiative was announced by Gujarat High Court Chief Justice and Patron-in-Chief of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, Justice Sunita Agarwal, after the Flag Hoisting Ceremony held at the High Court Lawns on August 15. The announcement was made in the presence of Justice Bhargav D. Karia, Judge of the Gujarat High Court and President of GSJA, members of the Board of Governors of GSJA, other High Court judges, Senior Advocates and members of the Bar.
Focus on Legal Education and Professional Skills The new Study Circle is being introduced as a continuous legal learning and professional development programme for young members of the Bar. The initiative aims to enhance advocates&rsquo; understanding of legal principles, legal research, drafting and advocacy skills through direct interaction with Senior Advocates and subject experts. The programme is also expected to strengthen academic engagement between the Bench and the Bar and provide advocates with an opportunity to discuss important and evolving legal issues.
Justice Sunita Agarwal Highlights Importance of Continuous Learning Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal highlighted the indispensable role of advocates in the administration of justice. She emphasized that continuous legal education has become increasingly important in an era of rapidly evolving jurisprudence. The Chief Justice also stressed that effective advocacy and strong legal research are essential components of a robust justice delivery system. She appreciated the efforts of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy in conceptualizing and developing the Study Circle programme.
Three Key Legal Modules in First Phase The first phase of the Study Circle will feature three major academic modules covering important areas of High Court practice. Module I will focus on the expanding contours of maintainability in writ jurisdiction under Article 226, an important area of constitutional and administrative law practice. Module II will cover the basic principles of Administrative Law and Second Appeals under Section 100 of the CPC, with particular emphasis on the Doctrine of Substantial Question of Law. Module III will focus on Criminal Law Jurisdiction, particularly the inherent powers of High Courts under Section 482 of the CrPC and Section 528 of the BNSS, including their scope, limitations and principles of judicial discipline.
Study Circle to Be Held Fortnightly The Study Circle is proposed to be conducted on a fortnightly basis, providing advocates with regular opportunities for legal learning and professional interaction. Future sessions will cover a wide range of subjects, including Constitutional Law, Writ Jurisdiction, Arbitration and Conciliation Law, Commercial Law, Public Interest Litigation, Service Law, Taxation Law, Admiralty Jurisdiction, Legal Ethics and Drafting Skills. The programme will also address contemporary legal issues that are particularly relevant to advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court.
Registration to Begin Soon Registration for the Study Circle (Symposium/Workshop Series) for Advocates Practicing in the High Court of Gujarat &ndash; Series of Academic Modules 2026 will begin shortly through the official website of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy. The programme is specifically intended for advocates practicing before the Gujarat High Court who have up to 10 years of professional practice.
Registration Fee The registration fee for the Study Circle has been fixed at ₹100 per programme, which will be paid by each participating advocate. The workshops will be conducted at the Lecture Hall of the Gujarat State Judicial Academy, High Court Campus, Ahmedabad. Advocates attending the workshops will also receive Certificates of Participation.
Major Step Towards Strengthening Justice Delivery The Gujarat High Court and Gujarat State Judicial Academy's new Study Circle is being viewed as a significant step towards professional excellence and development of the legal fraternity. By bringing young advocates, Senior Advocates and legal experts together for regular academic discussions, the initiative aims to improve legal knowledge, research and advocacy skills while strengthening the Bench-Bar relationship. The broader objective is to contribute towards a more effective and efficient justice delivery system in Gujarat.

Study Circle Launched for Advocates With Up to 10 Years of Practice

Gujarat High Court Big Move

A chilling video of the accused in the Indore MBA student murder case has sparked outrage after he was seen smiling and appearing unconcerned when questioned about the crime.
The accused, Piyush Dhanotia, was arrested for allegedly raping and murdering his 25-year-old classmate in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Police said he strangled the woman on February 10 inside his rented accommodation and later locked the room before fleeing. Her partially decomposed body was discovered days later after residents complained of a foul smell.
However, what has intensified public anger is the accused&rsquo;s demeanour. In a video that surfaced online, Dhanotia is seen smiling when reporters ask him why he committed the crime. When pressed for answers, he responded dismissively, saying that what had happened had already happened and that he would speak at the right time. Throughout the interaction, he showed no visible sign of regret.
Police officials said he admitted during interrogation that he forced the woman into sexual acts and killed her when she resisted, though he has reportedly changed his version multiple times. Investigators are also examining allegations that he circulated objectionable videos of the victim in their college WhatsApp group.
The victim&rsquo;s father has accused the accused of blackmailing his daughter with obscene images and attempting to extort money.
As the investigation continues, the accused&rsquo;s apparent lack of remorse captured on camera has become a focal point of the case, drawing sharp reactions both online and offline.
&nbsp;

Video shows MBA student murder accused laughing amid probe

Indore Murder Accused Smiles on Camera

Galgotias University has landed in controversy after showcasing a robotic dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 that was widely believed to be developed by its students. The robot, however, was later identified as a commercially available product made by Chinese robotics firm Unitree Robotics.
The backlash began after a video from the summit went viral, in which a university professor introduced the robot dog, named &ldquo;Orion,&rdquo; and referred to it as being developed at the institution&rsquo;s Centre of Excellence. Social media users were quick to point out that the machine closely resembled Unitree&rsquo;s quadruped robots, which are already available globally for research and industrial use.
Unitree is known for manufacturing advanced four-legged robots designed for tasks such as inspection, obstacle navigation and research applications. Its products are often compared to models developed by global robotics players.
Following the uproar, the Greater Noida-based university issued a clarification stating that it never claimed to have built the robot. It maintained that the robodog was purchased as part of its AI investment initiatives and is being used as a research and learning tool for students. Another faculty member present at the summit reiterated that the display had been misinterpreted and that there was no attempt to conceal the original manufacturer&rsquo;s branding.
Despite the clarification, sources familiar with the developments said the university was asked to vacate its pavilion at the summit amid mounting criticism. The institution, however, denied receiving any formal directive from the organisers or the ministry.
Notably, the robotic dog was removed from display shortly after the controversy escalated online.

Robodog row sparks backlash at India AI Impact Summit 2026

Galgotias Asked to Exit AI Summit

Actor Sidharth Malhotra is mourning the loss of his father, Sunil Malhotra, who passed away recently. The actor shared the news with an emotional message on social media. His wife, Kiara Advani, has now also paid a heartfelt tribute to her father-in-law.
On Wednesday, Kiara took to Instagram to share pictures from her wedding reception, where she and Sidharth were seen smiling alongside his parents. In a deeply personal note, she remembered Sunil Malhotra as a warm, generous, and steady presence in the family. She reflected on how he welcomed her with open arms and unconditional love, describing his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Kiara wrote that his stories, laughter, and quiet strength would remain with her forever. She added that his legacy of integrity and gentleness lives on through his children and grandchildren. Concluding her message, she expressed that he would always be loved and remembered.
The couple is currently in Delhi with their family during this difficult period. Members of the film industry extended their condolences online. Jacqueline Fernandez offered prayers, while Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra shared messages of support.
On the professional front, Sidharth will next appear in Vvan: Force of The Forest, directed by Arunabh Kumar and Deepak Mishra and produced by Balaji Motion Pictures. The film also stars Tamannaah Bhatia and is slated for release later this year.
Kiara, meanwhile, awaits the release of Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups, directed by Geetu Mohandas. The film features Yash, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, Huma Qureshi, and Rukmini Vasanth in key roles. The film is expected to release on March 19, alongside Dhurandhar 2, directed by Aditya Dhar.

Actor pens heartfelt note after Sunil Malhotra’s passing

Kiara Mourns Sidharth’s Father

Days after 23-year-old Sahil Dhaneshra lost his life in a fatal SUV crash in Delhi&rsquo;s Dwarka, the father of the 17-year-old accused has expressed regret over the incident, stating that his family is &ldquo;deeply grief-stricken.&rdquo; He also confirmed that the Scorpio SUV involved in the accident is part of his commercial transport business.
The crash occurred around 11:50 am on February 3 near Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in Sector 11, Dwarka. According to police, the SUV rammed into a Yamaha R15 motorcycle, killing Sahil on the spot. The vehicle then struck a parked Swift Dzire, injuring cab driver Ajit Singh.
Post-mortem findings revealed that Sahil sustained a fractured skull, multiple rib fractures, and an elbow injury due to the high-impact collision.
The minor driver was detained at the scene and booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for rash driving, negligence causing death, and endangering life. He was later presented before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. On February 10, he was granted interim bail to appear for his Class 10 board examinations.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered a separate case against the boy&rsquo;s father under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which holds guardians or vehicle owners accountable when a minor commits a traffic offence.
Speaking to the media after being questioned, the father said he was not in the city at the time of the accident and was unaware that his son had taken the vehicle. He stated that the family has cooperated with investigators and provided all necessary documents.
Sahil&rsquo;s mother alleged that her son was killed by a &ldquo;reckless teen&rdquo; just minutes away from his workplace. The 23-year-old, who worked part-time at an insurance firm, had plans to pursue higher studies in the United Kingdom later this year.

Minor held in SUV crash; father booked under MV Act provisions

Dwarka Crash: Accused’s Father Apologises

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday set aside a March 2025 judgment of the Allahabad High Court that had ruled that grabbing a minor girl&rsquo;s breasts and dragging her under a culvert did not amount to an attempt to rape. The apex court termed the ruling a &ldquo;patently erroneous&rdquo; application of criminal law principles.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, held that the high court had incorrectly reduced the charges from attempt to rape under Section 376 read with Section 511 of the IPC and Section 18 of the POCSO Act to lesser offences. The court restored the original summons issued by the Special POCSO Court in Kasganj, clarifying that its observations were prima facie and would not influence the trial&rsquo;s outcome.
Rejecting the high court&rsquo;s reasoning that the accused had merely &ldquo;prepared&rdquo; to commit rape, the Supreme Court reiterated the settled distinction between preparation and attempt, noting that an attempt begins when intent moves into execution. Based on the allegations, including forcibly taking the minor on a motorcycle, dragging her near a culvert, and fleeing only after she screamed, the Bench held that a prima facie case of attempt to rape was clearly made out.
The proceedings were initiated suo motu after senior advocate Shobha Gupta raised concerns over the high court&rsquo;s reasoning. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the controversial observations and later the entire judgment.
Beyond correcting the legal error, the court addressed a broader concern about insensitivity in judicial handling of sexual offence cases. It requested the National Judicial Academy in Bhopal to constitute a five-member expert committee to frame guidelines aimed at fostering compassion and sensitivity in courts, especially in cases involving minors and vulnerable victims.
The committee, to be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Aniruddha Bose, has been directed to submit a report within three months. The guidelines are to be drafted in simple, accessible language and tailored to Indian realities to ensure they are understandable to victims and laypersons alike.

Top court restores rape attempt charge, seeks sensitivity guidelines

SC Sets Aside HC Order in POCSO Case

India&rsquo;s merchandise imports from Russia plunged by over 40% in January 2026, falling to about $2.86 billion from $4.81 billion a year earlier, official trade figures show, largely reflecting a steep reduction in crude oil purchases.
Crude oil typically accounts for roughly 80% of India&rsquo;s imports from Russia, and estimates suggest purchases of Russian crude last month were significantly lower than in previous years. Other goods imported from Russia include coal, fertilisers, iron, pulses, and precious stones, but these have not offset the slump in oil imports. The downturn in oil imports intensified after mid-2025, following punitive tariffs levied by the United States on Indian goods connected to purchases of Russian oil and ongoing diplomatic pressure. India&rsquo;s refiners, including some major private and state firms, have substantially reduced or halted buying Russian crude as they explore alternative sources.
In early February 2026, Washington eased the additional tariff on Indian products after New Delhi signalled a commitment to &ldquo;stop directly or indirectly importing&rdquo; Russian oil and to increase purchases of energy products from the United States, as well as broadening ties in global energy markets.
Analysts expect the shift in crude sourcing to continue, with Indian refiners eyeing other suppliers, including Middle Eastern and Venezuelan grades, as part of broader diversification strategies.

January sees 40% fall in Russia merchandise imports amid crude cutbacks

India’s Russia Imports Drop Sharply

A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Andhra Pradesh&rsquo;s Annamayya district for allegedly abducting and murdering a seven-year-old girl from his neighbourhood in Madanapalle town.
The child had been playing outside her home on Sunday evening when she went missing, sparking panic among her family and local residents. A missing complaint was filed the following morning, prompting an intensive search operation led by district police.
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from across the town, which reportedly showed the suspect, a neighbour living opposite the victim&rsquo;s house, taking the child into his residence. Acting on this lead, police searched the house on Tuesday morning.
During the inspection, officers discovered the girl&rsquo;s body concealed inside a water storage drum within the premises. The accused was present at the house at the time and was immediately taken into custody.
Preliminary findings suggest the child was killed inside the residence on Sunday night, and her body was hidden thereafter. Authorities are probing whether sexual assault occurred before the murder, with confirmation pending post-mortem and forensic examination results.
Following the discovery, tensions escalated in the area. Residents and family members staged a protest on the Madanapalle highway, briefly preventing police from shifting the body to the government hospital for autopsy and demanding strict punishment for the accused.
Police have stated that all possible angles, including prior allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the suspect, are being examined as the investigation continues.

Child’s body found in drum; protest erupts in Madanapalle town

7-Year-Old Killed, Neighbour Arrested

The United States and Iran held their second round of indirect negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened regional tensions. While both sides indicated forward movement in discussions, parallel military developments have added complexity to the fragile engagement.
Reports suggest the US has significantly reinforced its military presence in the Middle East. Over 50 advanced fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-22 and F-16 jets, were reportedly repositioned to the region within a 24-hour window. The deployment follows Washington&rsquo;s decision to send a second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to Middle Eastern waters, underscoring its strategic posture.
Despite the show of force, the Geneva discussions were described as substantive and focused. Iranian officials signalled that preliminary understandings were reached on broad guiding principles that could shape a future agreement. However, they cautioned that drafting and finalising any deal would take time.
On the American side, officials maintained that the talks unfolded largely as anticipated. Washington&rsquo;s core objective remains preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a position repeatedly emphasised by senior US leadership.
Meanwhile, regional tensions persisted. Iran temporarily restricted navigation in parts of the Strait of Hormuz during a naval drill, highlighting the waterway&rsquo;s vulnerability. Additionally, US leaders suggested that differences remain over key conditions laid out by President Donald Trump.
As diplomacy continues, both nations appear to be balancing dialogue with deterrence, leaving the broader geopolitical landscape uncertain.

Second Geneva round shows progress as military moves raise stakes

Agartala News