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A 33-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his parents to death inside their residence in Bengaluru&rsquo;s Whitefield area on Wednesday morning.
The victims were identified as Naveen Chandra Bhat, 60, a retired Navy captain, and his wife, Dr Shyamala Bhat, 55, a practising dentist. The incident took place at their villa in Adarsh Vista Apartments located in Vignan Nagar.
According to police, the attack occurred around 7:30 am and is suspected to have stemmed from a family-related dispute. Both victims were rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to their injuries roughly 45 minutes later.
The case was registered after a complaint was filed by a fellow resident of the apartment complex. Officers subsequently took the couple&rsquo;s son, Rohan Chandra Bhat, into custody and booked him on charges of murder. He is expected to be produced before a court.
Investigators are still working to determine the precise motive behind the killings, as the circumstances leading to the violent altercation remain unclear.
The bodies have been kept at Bowring Hospital&rsquo;s mortuary. Authorities plan to conduct the post-mortem examination after the couple&rsquo;s daughter, who is travelling from the United States, arrives in Bengaluru.

33-year-old arrested after retired Navy captain and dentist wife stabbed at home in B'luru

Bengaluru Man Held for Killing Parents

The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to provide a detailed account of 74 cases involving allegedly unnatural deaths reported in Dharmasthala between 1990 and 2021. Officials have been asked to clarify the current status of each case and outline both completed and proposed investigative steps.
The order came from a division bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Kusumavati, whose daughter Soujanya was gang-raped and murdered in the town in 2012.
The petition also references allegations made by former sanitation worker CN Chinnaiah, who had claimed he was forced over several years to bury the bodies of women and minors in and around Dharmasthala. A state police Special Investigation Team (SIT) was subsequently formed to examine these assertions. Chinnaiah was later taken into custody on a perjury charge.
During the hearing, the Advocate General assured the court that the government would compile comprehensive information on all 74 cases and submit it within a week. Counsel for the petitioner called for a thorough inquiry, arguing that each case warranted proper investigation and trial.
The bench refrained from commenting on the merits of the matter until the State submits its report. It was also noted that the Karnataka government had not initially been listed as a respondent in the petition, prompting the court to direct the petitioner to formally include it and issue notice.
The court has granted the State two weeks to respond and scheduled the next hearing for February 19.

Karnataka govt asked to detail probe status in decades-old deaths

HC seeks report on 74 Dharmasthala death cases

In a shocking turn during ongoing Income Tax raids, Confident Group chairman and CEO C J Roy, 57, shot himself in the head at his office on Longford Road, Ashoka Nagar, in Bengaluru on Friday afternoon. The incident unfolded between 3pm and 3.30pm, as police confirmed, while I-T sleuths from Kerala questioned him over alleged disproportionate assets.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, inspecting the site, shared initial details with reporters. "Prima facie, it appears Confident Group founder C J Roy shot himself dead. His body is at Narayana Hospital in HSR Layout," Singh stated. He noted the raids had stretched over three days, with officers grilling Roy even that afternoon. "Only investigation will reveal what actually happened," he added, stressing forensic teams including Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are on the job. A case is registered, and police plan to question the I-T team, absent from the scene post-incident.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, addressing the media, painted a picture of mounting pressure. "Officials were asking him several questions when Roy sought a five-minute break, went inside, and did this," Shivakumar revealed. "This should not have happened. He was a good businessman. Our government assures a transparent probe truth will come out." He mentioned a Delhi report request, hinting at higher scrutiny.
Roy's brother recounted the ordeal to reporters, saying the Kerala I-T team first raided on 3 December last year, lingered in Bengaluru, then summoned Roy from Dubai on 28 January. Sources close to the family whispered of Roy's distress from relentless probes. A Kochi native famed for his fleet of luxury cars, Roy built Confident Group into a powerhouse across Kerala, Karnataka, and southern states.
The company mourned on Facebook: "Our beloved leader has departed, but his values and vision guide us. The Confident Group family grieves this sudden, irreparable loss."
Police probe abetment angles, but early signs point to suicide amid financial scrutiny.

CJ Roy with his fleet of luxury cars (file photo)

Bengaluru realty tycoon ends life amid I-T raids; police probe distress factors

Confident Group CEO CJ Roy Shoots Self

A tragic double suicide has shaken Karnataka&rsquo;s Davangere district, following a chain of events linked to a troubled marriage and an alleged elopement. A 30-year-old man, Harish, allegedly died by suicide earlier this week after his wife left their home and reportedly ran away with her lover just months after the wedding.
The incident took a more distressing turn when 36-year-old Rudresh, the man who had arranged the marriage, also allegedly died by suicide after learning about Harish&rsquo;s death. Both deaths were reported on Monday, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.
According to police, Harish and Saraswati had been married for only three months. Saraswati allegedly left home under the pretext of visiting a temple but later eloped with her lover, identified as Kumar. After discovering this, Harish allegedly took the extreme step and left behind a suicide note.
Police said the note mentioned that Harish felt threatened by his wife and her partner. He also reportedly named two of Saraswati&rsquo;s relatives as being responsible for his distress. Following Harish&rsquo;s death, Rudresh, who had played a key role in arranging the marriage, also allegedly died by suicide.
Saraswati was arrested on Wednesday on charges of abetment of suicide. Authorities confirmed that cases have been registered in Davangere, and investigations are ongoing to determine the sequence of events and the role of those named in the suicide note.
Harish was a resident of Gummanuru village in Karnataka, while Rudresh hailed from Anekonda.&nbsp; Police revealed that Saraswati had earlier filed a complaint against Harish and his family, accusing them of harassment just days after the marriage. Preliminary findings suggest that Saraswati was already in a relationship with Kumar before marrying Harish.
Investigators are examining all aspects of the case, including the earlier complaint, the suicide notes, and statements from family members, to establish accountability.

Man and wedding arranger die by suicide after woman elopes with lover

Double suicide shocks Karnataka’s Davangere

A ground staff member at Bengaluru&rsquo;s Kempegowda International Airport was arrested on Monday for allegedly sexually harassing a South Korean woman during a routine security check, airport police confirmed.
The accused has been identified as Affaann Ahmed, a contract-based ground staffer deployed for security-related duties. According to the KIAL Airport Police, the woman was at the airport to travel back to South Korea when the incident occurred.
Police said that during ticket inspection, Ahmed claimed that the woman&rsquo;s bag was emitting a beeping sound and asked her to undergo a separate check. He allegedly took her to a men&rsquo;s restroom under the pretext of inspection, where he touched her inappropriately.
Despite the woman objecting to the manner in which the check was conducted, the accused reportedly continued with the inspection and later allowed her to leave. The incident came to light after the woman approached airport security officials and lodged a complaint.
Airport security personnel immediately detained the accused and handed him over to the airport police. Investigators said that CCTV footage from the airport premises corroborated the woman&rsquo;s account of events.
A case has been registered against Ahmed under Section 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with sexual harassment. The accused has been arrested, and further investigation is currently underway.
Authorities have reiterated that passenger safety remains a priority and that strict action will be taken against any staff member found violating protocol or the law.

Bengaluru airport ground staff held after alleged sexual harassment during check

Airport Staff Arrested for Harassing Korean Woman

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted searches at 21 locations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the Sabarimala gold loss case, according to officials familiar with the development.
Premises linked to the prime accused, Bengaluru-based businessman Unnikrishnan Potty, and former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar were among those raided. The central agency recently registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act after taking cognisance of findings in the ongoing state-level probe.
The politically sensitive case is also being investigated by a Special Investigation Team formed by the Kerala government under the supervision of the Kerala High Court. In December, the High Court permitted the Enforcement Directorate to carry out an independent investigation, rejecting objections raised by the SIT over sharing case records with the central agency.
So far, the SIT has registered two separate cases related to gold loss from the Sabarimala temple and has arrested 11 individuals. Among those arrested are the chief priest of the Lord Ayyappa temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru, Unnikrishnan Potty, and former TDB president Padmakumar.
ED officials said the probe is focused on tracing the proceeds of crime and examining allegations of official misconduct, administrative failures and a criminal conspiracy to illegally remove and misappropriate gold from the temple premises.
The investigation pertains to the reported loss of gold from gold-cladded copper plates used in the Dwarapalaka idols and the door frames of the Sreekovil, or sanctum sanctorum, of the Sabarimala shrine.
The Sabarimala gold loss case came to light after audits and inspections revealed discrepancies in the quantity of gold used in temple structures during renovation and conservation works at the Lord Ayyappa shrine in Kerala. The gold in question was part of the gold-plated copper sheets used for the Dwarapalaka idols and the Sreekovil door frames.
Concerns were raised that a significant quantity of gold had gone missing over several years, leading to allegations of misappropriation, misuse of authority and collusion between temple officials, contractors and intermediaries. Given Sabarimala&rsquo;s religious significance and the large volume of offerings received annually, the issue quickly gained political and public attention.
Following initial complaints, the Kerala government constituted a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter. The SIT registered multiple cases and made arrests, but differences emerged over the scope of the investigation and the sharing of evidence with central agencies.
In December, the Kerala High Court allowed the Enforcement Directorate to independently investigate the money laundering angle, paving the way for the current multi-state searches. The ED is now examining whether proceeds from the alleged gold misappropriation were laundered through financial channels across states.

Money laundering probe spans three states over Sabarimala gold loss

ED Raids 21 Sites in Sabarimala Gold Case

A 51-year-old government school teacher, who was also serving as a Booth Level Officer (BLO), died by suicide at a government higher primary school in Shikaripur taluk of Karnataka&rsquo;s Shivamogga district, police said on Wednesday. The incident has triggered allegations from the family that excessive work pressure led to his death.
According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday during the school recess. The teacher reportedly asked students to step out of the classroom, stating that he needed time to complete official records. He then shut the classroom door and windows. When other teachers noticed students sitting outside on the veranda, they attempted to open the classroom but were unable to do so.
After forcibly opening a window from the other side, the teachers found the man hanging inside the classroom. Villagers and staff later broke open the door and tried to revive him by administering first aid, but he could not be saved.
School staff informed police that the teacher had arrived early in the village that morning after completing voter verification duties as part of his BLO responsibilities. The exact cause behind the suicide remains unclear.
Education department officials stated that no additional pressure was placed on the teacher from their side and that he had been performing his duties regularly. However, police said preliminary findings suggest that he was under stress related to his work as a Booth Level Officer and had shared his concerns with his wife earlier that day.
A case of unnatural death has been registered at the Shikaripur Rural Police Station under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Further investigation is underway.

Family alleges work pressure as police probe death at Shikaripur school

Teacher, BLO Dies by Suicide at Shivamogga School

A 10-year-old girl who suffered critical injuries in a stray dog attack in Karnataka&rsquo;s Bagalkot district has died while undergoing treatment, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The child, identified as Alaina Lokapur, was attacked by a stray dog in Sector No. 15 of Navanagar, Bagalkot, last week. She sustained severe facial injuries, particularly around the mouth and eyes. She was first taken to the Bagalkot District Hospital and later shifted to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi, for advanced medical care.
Despite intensive treatment and sustained medical efforts, doctors were unable to save her due to the extent and severity of the injuries. Officials stated that the child remained unresponsive to treatment as the wounds were critical.
Bagalkot City Municipal Corporation Commissioner R Vasanna said the girl&rsquo;s family would be given a compensation of ₹5 lakh. He expressed deep regret over the incident and stated that stronger measures would be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
According to civic authorities, steps to control the stray dog population have been intensified following Supreme Court interventions. Rehabilitation centres have been set up in parts of the district, and nearly 1,000 stray dogs have been sterilised and relocated as part of ongoing measures.
The incident has raised serious concerns over civic accountability and stray dog management, with local authorities acknowledging lapses despite ongoing eradication and control drives.

Child succumbs to severe injuries days after stray dog attack in Bagalkot

10-Year-Old Girl Dies After Stray Dog Attack

A 23-year-old dental student was found dead in Bengaluru on January 9, in what police are investigating as a case of suicide, after her family accused college staff of subjecting her to repeated humiliation and harassment.
The student, who was in her third year at a private dental college, was found hanging at her residence. She was the only child of her parents. According to her mother, the young woman had taken leave earlier in the week due to eye pain but was allegedly publicly humiliated when she returned to college for missing a seminar.
In a complaint filed with the police, the family alleged that lecturers made derogatory remarks about the student&rsquo;s skin colour, clothing and personal appearance. They also claimed that her ambition of becoming a doctor was mocked and that she was academically sidelined by being denied radiology case work and participation in academic activities.
The complaint further alleged that insensitive language was used when she raised health concerns, creating an environment of emotional distress. Her family believes this treatment pushed her into severe mental trauma.
Following her death, fellow students gathered outside the morgue in protest, demanding accountability and justice.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the student&rsquo;s death. College authorities have said an internal inquiry is also underway as the matter remains under review.

Family alleges humiliation and harassment by college staff before death

Bengaluru Dental Student Suicide Triggers Probe

A tragic fire incident in Bengaluru&rsquo;s Ramamurthy Nagar has now been confirmed as a planned murder, with police arresting an 18-year-old man in connection with the killing of a 34-year-old software professional.
The victim, Sharmila, a native of Mangaluru, had been living in an apartment at Subramanya Layout for around a year and a half. She worked at a private IT firm located close to her home and was alone in the flat on the night of the incident, as her roommate was away in her hometown.
The incident took place late on January 3, when a fire broke out inside one of the rooms of the apartment around 11 pm. Thick smoke quickly spread through the house, prompting neighbours to alert the authorities. Fire and emergency services rushed to the scene, extinguished the flames and sent the body for a post-mortem. At first, the case was believed to be an accidental death caused by an electrical short circuit and smoke inhalation.
However, forensic examination and findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory raised serious doubts about the initial conclusion. Investigators discovered signs that the fire had been deliberately started in an attempt to destroy evidence and mislead authorities.
Police later arrested Karnal Kurai, an 18-year-old from Kerala who lived in the same building and had known the victim for nearly two years. Investigators believe the crime was driven by his growing obsession with Sharmila. Evidence collected so far suggests that the murder was planned in advance and that the fire was used as a cover-up to disguise the killing.
The accused is currently being questioned to reconstruct the sequence of events, confirm the motive and determine whether anyone else was involved. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
&nbsp;

Blaze first seen as accident now linked to a planned killing in Ramamurthy Nagar

Bengaluru Techie Murder Case Uncovered After Fire

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

Bengaluru News