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A teacher serving as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kodinar died by suicide, setting off shockwaves across the region after a disturbing message from a BLO WhatsApp group surfaced on social media. The viral message, alleging intense workload and pressure from senior officials, raised serious questions about election-related stress placed on grassroots staff.
According to the widely-circulated message, BLOs were allegedly instructed to work &ldquo;till midnight&rdquo; and warned that &ldquo;Sir will demand work even at 12 am.&rdquo; The message carried the name of the District Election Officer, further intensifying the panic among BLOs. The viral post claims that all BLOs were told to remain awake and continue tasks late into the night, raising concerns about mental health and workplace policies.&nbsp;
The controversy quickly spilled into the political space. Cabinet Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja was scheduled to attend a cooperative conference and padyatra at Nalanda School in Kodinar on Wednesday. However, the entire programme was abruptly cancelled. Sources indicated the cancellation may be linked to the teacher&rsquo;s suicide case and the sensitive atmosphere in the town. No official announcement has clarified the reason yet.
<div>On the suicide case of BLO in Gir Somnath, Additional CEO of the State Election Commission, Ashok Patel, told Benefit News,&nbsp;"Currently, the department is monitoring the situation. This incident is deeply distressing. We have asked the Collector to submit the detailed report on the incident soon."&nbsp;Collector (Gir Somnath) N V Upadhyay said,"We are deeply concerned by this incident. Speaking personally about his performance in the SIR process, he was exceptional, and we had not received a single complaint against him. I supervise other BLOs whose performance is quite poor, but Arvind consistently met expectations. He had already completed 43% of his assigned work. He never informed the department about facing any work-related pressure before taking such an extreme step. I also spoke with the Mamlatdar, and there was nothing adverse noted against him. Work-related stress can occur, but currently the police are investigating the matter and will provide me with a detailed report soon."</div>
As public anger escalates, questions are being raised over administrative accountability and the pressure placed on teachers acting as BLOs during election preparations. Local groups have demanded a transparent inquiry into the allegations made in the viral message. The district administration is likely to issue a formal statement soon as the incident gains statewide attention.

Teacher’s Suicide Sparks Uproar in Kodinar

BLO suicide triggers controversy; minister’s Kodinar event abruptly cancelled

An incident of vandalism has taken place at the holy shrine of Guru Gaurakshanath, located near the 5,500th step on the Girnar Parikrama path. On Saturday, unidentified miscreants reportedly broke into the temple, damaged idols, shattered glass panels, and looted the donation box.&nbsp;
According to the temple priest, the incident occurred around 4 am when four unknown individuals locked him inside his room before entering the temple premises.&nbsp;
The priest said he was unable to recognise the intruders due to the heavy fog at that hour. When he was able to come out later, he discovered the idols and temple property had been desecrated.
The act has provoked widespread anger among the Nath sect and local devotees. Mahant Shreerath Bapu of the Guru Gorakhnath Ashram in the Bhavnath area condemned the vandalism, calling it &ldquo;a deeply shameful and condemnable act.&rdquo;
He stated that such an incident at a revered site like Girnar has wounded the faith of thousands and demanded that the culprits be arrested without delay.
Mahant Somnath Bapu of the Gaurakshanath Temple also expressed outrage and alleged that similar attacks on Hindu temples had occurred in the past. He voiced suspicion that the same elements could be involved and said the saints had submitted a written complaint at Bhavnath Police Station, demanding strict legal action.
The desecration has drawn strong condemnation from the wider saint community. Mahant Shernath Bapu of Bhavnath described the incident as &ldquo;blasphemous&rdquo; and said it had deeply hurt the religious sentiments of devotees.&nbsp;
&ldquo;An attack on such a sacred site is an attempt to disturb the peace and harmony of this region,&rdquo; he said.
Following reports of the vandalism, Bhavnath Police reached the spot and registered an official complaint. SP Subodh Odedara confirmed the incident and said that multiple teams, including the District Local Crime Branch and Bhavnath Police, were investigating.&nbsp;
&ldquo;CCTV footage from the mountain area is being thoroughly examined, and all possible leads are being pursued to identify the accused,&rdquo; he said.
Police officials have also begun a detailed review of night-time security arrangements on Girnar Hill. They assured that those responsible for the act of desecration will be traced and punished, adding that no attempt to disturb the sanctity of Girnar will be tolerated.

Saints condemn vandalism at Girnar temple, police reviewing CCTV to catch culprits

Outrage After Sacred Girnar Temple Vandalised

On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the central government&rsquo;s dedication to protecting and preserving the nation&rsquo;s rich biodiversity.
Taking to X, PM Modi shared a message emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation. &ldquo;Today, on World Wildlife Day, let&rsquo;s reiterate our commitment to protect and preserve the incredible biodiversity of our planet. Every species plays a vital role&mdash;let&rsquo;s safeguard their future for generations to come!&rdquo;
&ldquo;We also take pride in India&rsquo;s contributions towards preserving and protecting wildlife,&rdquo; he added.
As part of his commitment to wildlife conservation, the Prime Minister is visiting Sasan Gir, Gujarat, a region renowned for being the last abode of the Asiatic lion.
His visit aligns with this year&rsquo;s theme, &lsquo;Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,&rsquo; which underscores the need for sustainable funding and community participation in conservation initiatives.
During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate a newly established veterinary hospital in Sasan Gir, aimed at enhancing healthcare facilities for the Asiatic lion population.
Following this, he will return to Singh Sadan, where he will preside over a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), deliberating on key wildlife conservation strategies. He will also engage with women forest staff in the region, promoting inclusivity and encouraging greater female participation in conservation efforts.
Gujarat has been at the forefront of lion conservation, with dedicated measures to safeguard and expand the habitat of the Asiatic lion.
Currently, these majestic big cats inhabit nearly 30,000 sq. km, spanning 53 talukas in nine districts of the state. To bolster conservation efforts, the Gujarat government has established a National Referral Centre for Wildlife over a 20.24ha area in Junagadh.
The state has also introduced cutting-edge facilities, including a high-tech wildlife monitoring centre and a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in Sasan Gir, ensuring advanced care for endangered species.
Recognizing the importance of law enforcement in conservation, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised the coordinated efforts of the Gujarat Police and the Forest Department in safeguarding the state&rsquo;s wildlife.
In 2024, the state government strengthened its conservation framework by recruiting 237 beat guards, including 162 men and 75 women, to improve surveillance and protection within the Gir Protected Area. These efforts align with a broader strategy to not only protect Asiatic lions but also support the conservation of other endangered species in the region.
Gujarat&rsquo;s commitment to wildlife preservation is further reflected in the success of the &lsquo;Gir Samvad Setu&rsquo; initiative, which has facilitated over 300 community engagement programs to address local concerns and promote conservation awareness.
Additionally, nine breeding centres have been established to preserve herbivorous species essential for maintaining the balance of the Gir ecosystem.
&mdash;IANS

On World Wildlife Day, PM Modi stresses conservation, visits Gir, and unveils key initiatives

PM Modi Reaffirms Commitment to Wildlife

&nbsp;
Gujarat administration has initiated its largest-ever demolition drive in Gir Somnath district to clear illegal constructions.&nbsp;
The action, which began on September 27 night targets unauthorised structures near the famous Somnath temple and aims to pave the way for the ambitious Somnath Development Project. The operation is still on.
Officials report that approximately 36 bulldozers have been deployed to raze illegal buildings, while 70 tractors and trolleys are working round the clock to remove debris. The operation has been described as the most extensive in Gir Somnath's history, dismantling several unlawful constructions behind the Somnath temple.
Authorities have implemented stringent security protocols to ensure the smooth execution of this mega operation. A force of 1,200 police personnel has been mobilised, overseen by high-ranking officials, including district collectors, IGPs, three SPs, six DySPs, and 50 PI-PSIs.
The demolition drive has not been without obstacles. Reports indicate that 70 individuals were detained from a religious site that was impeding the operation. To overcome these challenges, the authorities have employed an impressive array of heavy machinery, including five Hitachi machines, 30 JCBs, 50 tractors, and 10 dumpers.
In the interest of public safety, the entire demolition area has been cordoned off, with access restricted to authorised personnel only. Traffic management measures have been implemented, including closing routes at Somnath Circle and Bhidiya Circle.
As the operation continues, it remains to be seen how this large-scale demolition will impact Gir Somnath's landscape and the proposed Somnath Development Project.
In January 2024, Gujarat authorities initiated a large-scale anti-encroachment operation. The drive targeted approximately three hectares (7.4 acres) of illegally occupied land behind the revered Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district.
Collector Harji Vadhvaniya reported that the operation aimed to demolish 21 unauthorised houses and 153 illegal huts. These structures had been constructed without permission on land owned by the Shree Somnath Trust, which oversees the operations of the esteemed Somnath temple and the Gujarat government.
The extensive demolition drive, saw the deployment of five mamlatdars (revenue officers), approximately 100 revenue officials, and a substantial police force to maintain peace and order. Following the clearance operation, authorities plan to fence the reclaimed three-hectare area, adhering to directives issued by the state's revenue department.
Somnath temple, located in Prabhas Patan near Veraval town along the Arabian Sea coast, holds immense religious and cultural importance. It is believed to be the foremost among the 12 jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and serves as a primary pilgrimage site and tourist attraction.
--IANS
&nbsp;

demolition drive going on in Somnath Veraval

Demolition will help to free 3 hectares of land from encroachment

70 detained, 36 bulldozers deployed: Gujarat's anti-encroachment drive near Somnath temple

Gir Somnath: It was 7 pm on September 06 when 22-year-old Suresh Jadav, a native of Umrethi village, was on his way to meet his new long-distance girlfriend.&nbsp;
On Talala state highway, when Suresh&rsquo;s two-wheeler vehicle was crossing Imanpir Dargah near Ghusia village, a pickup van rammed into him from behind, injuring him seriously.&nbsp;
The driver behind the wheel did not stop to check on the victim, but took off and fled towards Rajkot.&nbsp; Local villagers and the victim&rsquo;s relatives rushed Suresh to a government hospital in Talala town, where the doctor on duty declared him dead. Police registered a case and began the investigation.&nbsp;
After canvassing the crime scene, the Local Crime Branch team had suspicions about the hit-and-run being an accident. The police were able to track down the owner of the car involved in the &ldquo;accident&rdquo;. He told cops of a criminal plot concocted by a group of minors.
Talking about the case, Gir Somnath Superintendent of Police Manoharsinh Jadeja told media persons, &ldquo;A POCSO case had been registered against the victim in 2019. He knew the prime accused&rsquo;s sister and had been harassing her. Then, the prime accused planned the victim&rsquo;s murder along with his friend and girlfriend. They used the accused&rsquo;s girlfriend as bait, who lured the victim on Instagram. &nbsp;After winning his confidence through chats, they called the victim to meet personally on September 06. And that is when they executed their plan.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The conspirators wanted to ensure everything goes according to their plan, so, they even made a videocall to Suresh to know his exact location. Then they followed him, hit his vehicle from behind and drove away, said officials.
All the three minor accused have been arrested and the police has invoked murder section of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.&nbsp;

ગીર સોમનાથઃ શુક્રવાર, છઠ્ઠી સપ્ટેમ્બર, સાંજના સાત કલાકે, ઉમરેઠી ગામનો સુરેશ જાદવ તેના એક્ટિવા પર તલાલા જવા નીકળ્યો હતો. તે એકદમ રોમેન્ટિક મૂડમાં હતો, કારણ કે તેના ઇન્સ્ટાગ્રામ પર નવી નવી બનેલી બહેપણી રૂબરૂ મળવા બોલાવ્યો હતો.
તેનું એક્ટિવા ઘુસિયા ગામની ઇમાન પીર દરગાહ નજીક પહોંચ્યું ને અચાનક એક બોલેરો પીકઅપ વાન એક્ટિવાને જોરદાર ટક્કર મારી, સુરેશ હવામાં ફંગોળાઈ ને જમીન પર પટકાઈ છે. લોહીથી લથબથ સુરેશને સ્થાનીક ગ્રામજનો તલાલા હોસ્પિટલ લઇ જાય છે, જ્યાં ડોક્ટર તેને મૃત જાહેર કરે છે.
બીજી બાજુ બોલેરો પીકઅપ વાન ચાલક પૂર પાટ ઝડપે વાહન રાજકોટની દિશામાં હંકારી જાય છે.
તલાલા પોલીસે, પ્રાથમિક માહિતીના આધારે અકસ્માતે મોતનો ગુન્હો નોંધી તપાસ હાથ ધરી છે. ઘટના સ્થળની તપાસ અને થોડા કિલોમીટરના અંતરે બિનવારસી રીતે તરછોડાયેલી પીકઅપ વાન તપાસનીસ અધિકારીઓ શંકા ઉપજાવે છે કે આ સામાન્ય અકસ્માત નથી, પરંતુ કંઈક જુદુ છે, અને તપાસ આગળ વધારે છે. બોલેરો પીકઅપ વાન ના માલિકને શોધી તેનું નિવેદન નોંધતા, ખૂન પરથી પડદો ઉઠે છે.
ગીર-સોમનાથના સુપ્રિટેન્ડેન્ટ ઓફ પોલીસ મનોહરસિંહ જાડેજા પત્રકારોને માહિતી આપી બધાને ચોંકાવી દીધા. જાડેજાએ કહ્યું કે &nbsp;મૃતક સુરેશ પર ભૂતકાળમાં પોક્સોના કાયદા નીચે ફરિયાદ થઇ છે, સુરેશ અને સગીર આરોપી બન્ને એક જ ગામના છે, સુરેશ મુખ્ય આરોપીની બહેનને પરેશાન કરતો હતો, તેના કારણે બંનેના પરિવાર વચ્ચે કજીયા પણ થયાં છે. આ વાતનું વેર રાખી મુખ્ય આરોપી સુરેશ નું ખૂન કરવાની વ્યૂહરચના ઘડી, જેમાં મુખ્ય આરોપીના સગીર મિત્ર અને તેની બહેનપણીએ સાથ આપ્યો હતો.
આ ખૂનની વ્યુરચના વિશે વાત કરતાં, પોલીસ અધિકારીએ કહ્યું કે મુખ્ય આરોપીની બહેનપણીએ સુરેશનો પ્રથમ ઇન્સ્ટાગ્રામ પર સંપર્ક કરી મિત્રતા કેળવી, ત્યારબાદ, સુરેશ અને છોકરી વચ્ચે વોટ્સએપ ચેટ શરૂ થાય છે. રક્ષાબંધનના દિવસે આરોપીઓએ સુરેશના ખૂનનો પ્લાન ઘડી કાઢ્યો, તે મુજબ, છોકરી સુરેશના શુક્રવારે સાંજે મળવા માટે તલાલા બોલાવે છે.
સુરેશ તેના એક્ટિવા પર મળવા નિકળે, તે ક્યાં પહોચ્યો તેનું સાચું લોકેશન જાણવા, આરોપી છોકરી પાસે વિડિયો કોલ કરાવે છે. જ્યારે સુરેશ ઘુસિયા ગામ નજીક પહોંચે તેને બોલેરો કચડી નાખવા માટે પાછળથી ટક્કર મારવામાં આવે છે.
પોલીસ ત્રણેય આરોપીઓની ધરપકડ કરી, અક્સમાતે મુત્યુના ગુનામાં ભારતીય ન્યાય સંહિતાના ખૂનની કલમ ઉમેરવામાં આવી છે.

Bolero pickup van that hit the victim's two-wheeler

ખૂનના આરોપ માં ત્રણ સગીરની ધરપકડ 

બદલો કે સ્વમાન માટે ખૂન, પોલીસ તપાસે રુવાડા ઉભા કરી દેતા ખૂની ખેલને ખુલ્લો પાડ્યો

गिर सोमनाथ: शुक्रवार 6 सितंबर की शाम सात बजे उमरेठी गांव के सुरेश जादव अपनी एक्टिवा पर तलाला के लिए निकले. वह काफी रोमांटिक मूड में थे, क्योंकि उनकी नई-नवेली भाभी ने उन्हें इंस्टाग्राम पर व्यक्तिगत रूप से मिलने के लिए आमंत्रित किया था। उनकी एक्टिवा घुसिया गांव के ईमान पीर दरगाह के पास पहुंची और अचानक एक बोलेरो पिकअप वैन ने एक्टिवा में जोरदार टक्कर मार दी, जिससे सुरेश हवा में उछलकर जमीन पर जा गिरा। खून से लथपथ सुरेश को स्थानीय ग्रामीण तालाला अस्पताल ले गए, जहां डॉक्टर ने उसे मृत घोषित कर दिया। दूसरी ओर, बोलेरो पिकअप वैन चालक पूरी रफ्तार से राजकोट की ओर वाहन चलाता है. तलाला पुलिस ने प्रारंभिक सूचना के आधार पर आकस्मिक मौत का मामला दर्ज किया है और जांच कर रही है। घटनास्थल की जांच करने और कुछ किलोमीटर दूर एक पिकअप वैन लावारिस हालत में पाए जाने से जांच अधिकारियों को संदेह हुआ कि यह कोई सामान्य दुर्घटना नहीं है, बल्कि कुछ अलग है, और जांच जारी है। बोलेरो पिकअप वैन के मालिक को ढूंढती है, उसका बयान दर्ज करती है और हत्या का खुलासा करती है। गिर-सोमनाथ के पुलिस अधीक्षक मनोहर सिंह जाडेजा ने पत्रकारों को जानकारी देकर सभी को चौंका दिया. जड़ेजा ने बताया कि मृतक सुरेश के खिलाफ पूर्व में पॉक्सो एक्ट के तहत शिकायत दर्ज की गई थी, सुरेश और नाबालिग आरोपी दोनों एक ही गांव के हैं, सुरेश मुख्य आरोपी की बहन को परेशान कर रहा था, जिसके कारण अनबन हो गई थी दोनों के परिवारों के बीच. इसका बदला लेने के लिए उसने मुख्य आरोपी सुरेश को मारने की रणनीति बनाई, जिसमें मुख्य आरोपी के नाबालिग दोस्त और उसकी बहन ने उसका साथ दिया. हत्या की उत्पत्ति के बारे में बात करते हुए, पुलिस अधिकारी ने कहा कि मुख्य आरोपी की बहन ने सबसे पहले इंस्टाग्राम पर सुरेश से संपर्क किया और दोस्ती की, जिसके बाद सुरेश और लड़की के बीच व्हाट्सएप चैट शुरू हुई। रक्षाबंधन के दिन आरोपी ने सुरेश को मारने की साजिश रची, इसी के तहत शुक्रवार शाम को लड़की ने तलाला को सुरेश से मिलने के लिए बुलाया. सुरेश अपनी एक्टिवा पर उससे मिलने के लिए निकला, आरोपी लड़की को उसकी सही स्थिति जानने के लिए वीडियो कॉल किया। जैसे ही सुरेश घुसिया गांव के पास पहुंचा, बोलेरो ने उसे पीछे से टक्कर मारकर कुचल दिया। पुलिस ने दुर्घटनावश मृत्यु के अपराध में भारतीय दंड संहिता की हत्या की धारा जोड़ते हुए तीनों आरोपियों को गिरफ्तार कर लिया.

हत्या के आरोप में तीन नाबालिग गिरफ्तार

प्रतिशोध या ऑनर किलिंग, पुलिस जांच में रोंगटे खड़े कर देने वाली हत्या का खुलासा हुआ

Three minors arrested in connection with plot to kill 22-year-old youth

Revenge or honour killing? Guj hit-and-run case reveals chilling details

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

Gir Somnath News