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When Bajrangdas Bapa arrived in Bagdana in the early 1940s, there was no temple complex, no trust, and no committee waiting to receive him. There was only a wandering Ramanandi sadhu who had already renounced caste, power, and possession. Eight decades later, Bagdana Dham stands among Gujarat&rsquo;s most influential pilgrimage centres. With that influence has come conflict.
The question now confronting devotees and observers alike is uncomfortable but necessary. Does today&rsquo;s Bagdana reflect Bapa&rsquo;s bhakti, or does it contradict it?
<h2 data-start="773" data-end="834">Did Bajrangdas Bapa believe in identity or in its erasure?</h2>
Bajrangdas Bapa did not preach identity. He dissolved it.
As a Ramanandi sadhu, caste was not something he merely overlooked. It was something he ritually and socially renounced. His life was defined by anonymity, austerity, and equal access. People came to him not because he represented a community, but because he refused to.
In a society deeply structured by caste and hierarchy, that refusal was itself a radical act.
<h2 data-start="1267" data-end="1316">What was Bagdana before it became influential?</h2>
The Bagdana Bapa lived in was not a centre of power. It was a forested patch of land where a small hut and a Hanuman murti gradually became a gathering point for faith. There were no claims of ownership, no assertions of entitlement, no competing narratives. Devotion gathered quietly, without spectacle.
That simplicity was not accidental. It was intentional.
<h2 data-start="1686" data-end="1732">When did devotion turn into administration?</h2>
The turning point came after Bapa&rsquo;s demise in 1977.
As devotion grew, donations multiplied. Infrastructure expanded. With scale came administration, and with administration came authority. Trusts were formed, committees constituted, and representation began to matter. What had once been a saint centric space became an institution with economic value, social reach, and political relevance. It is here that caste entered the picture.
<h2 data-start="2176" data-end="2228">Is the Ahir&ndash;Koli conflict about faith or control?</h2>
Recent tensions between Ahir and Koli communities around Bagdana are often framed as matters of hurt sentiment or historical entitlement. But history offers little support for such claims. There is no credible evidence that Bapa belonged to or privileged any caste. Early records do not establish exclusive ownership or foundational rights for any single community.
What is unfolding today is not a theological disagreement. It is a struggle for control. Control over what Bagdana represents. Control over who speaks for Bapa. Control over crowds, symbolism, and influence.
<h2 data-start="2816" data-end="2860">When did bhakti start looking like power?</h2>
In regions where religious institutions carry social capital, proximity to a saint&rsquo;s legacy often translates into legitimacy. Association becomes authority. Over time, bhakti risks turning into a badge rather than a belief.
What is being contested at Bagdana is not Bapa&rsquo;s teachings. It is the power that comes from invoking his name.
<h2 data-start="3204" data-end="3258">How far has the institution drifted from the saint?</h2>
The irony is difficult to ignore. A saint who walked into Bagdana with nothing now stands at the centre of disputes over everything. A guru who rejected caste identity is posthumously claimed by caste narratives. A man who avoided hierarchy now lends his name to competing assertions of dominance.
This drift is not unique to Bagdana. Across India, saint led movements often fracture after the saint is gone. Charisma hardens into institution. Devotion becomes administration. Faith turns into negotiation.
Recognising this pattern, however, does not absolve responsibility. Especially not when the founder&rsquo;s ideals are so clearly at odds with present practice.
<h2 data-start="3930" data-end="3967">What choice does Bagdana face now?</h2>
If Bajrangdas Bapa&rsquo;s life offers any lesson, it is this. Bhakti was never meant to be ownership. His silence on caste was not neutrality. It was rejection. His refusal to institutionalise power was not oversight. It was intention.
Bagdana today stands at a crossroads. It can either protect the sanctity of Bapa&rsquo;s ideals or continue to use his name to legitimise struggles he never stood for. Both paths cannot coexist.
The saint is no longer here to speak. But his life still does. The only question that remains is whether those claiming to follow him are willing to listen.

Bagdana: Faith After the Saint Lost Its Way?

As caste claims clash at Bagdana, Bajrangdas Bapa’s life raises hard questions for today

The Gujarat government has moved quickly after more than 80 cows died at Shri Ramgar Bapu Gaushala in Rajkot district, triggering concern and outrage over animal safety. Preliminary findings indicate that food poisoning, suspected to be caused by contaminated groundnut oil cake, may have led to the mass deaths.
Minister for Animal Husbandry Jitu Vaghani directed officials to take immediate corrective steps and ensure strict monitoring of the situation. Following his instructions, a senior team from the Animal Husbandry Department was rushed from Gandhinagar to the gaushala to assess the situation on the ground. &ldquo;The situation is being closely monitored, and all possible steps are being taken to safeguard the remaining animals,&rdquo; a department spokesperson said.
At present, 16 veterinary doctors are stationed at the gaushala, including five experts from Junagadh Veterinary College, providing continuous treatment to the surviving cattle. Veterinary teams from Rajkot, Gondal, Junagadh, Jasdan and Kotda Sangani also reached the site to attend to nearly 20 cows that showed symptoms of illness.
Samples of grass, fodder, drinking water and the suspected groundnut cake have been collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis. In addition, post-mortem examinations are being conducted on five deceased cows to establish the precise cause of death.
Senior district officials, including District Collector Dr Om Prakash and District Development Officer Anand Suresh Govind, visited the gaushala to oversee treatment and relief operations, and to ensure that proper medical care was being administered.
The incident occurred on Friday when the cows were fed their routine fodder. Soon after consumption, several animals reportedly began collapsing. By evening, the death toll had risen to around 80, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The Ramgar Bapu Gaushala Trust, which has been operating the shelter for the past 27 years, currently houses approximately 350 cows. Authorities have said that preventive measures are being put in place to protect the remaining herd. &ldquo;Preventive measures are being undertaken to ensure the safety of the remaining herd,&rdquo; an official confirmed.
Officials added that laboratory results from the feed samples and post-mortem reports will be crucial in determining accountability. They have assured strict action against those found responsible once the investigation is complete, noting that the incident underscores the need for rigorous feed management and safety protocols at animal shelters.

80+ Cows Die in Gujarat Gaushala; Probe Underway

Food poisoning from groundnut cake suspected in cow deaths in Rajkot

A shocking case of violence against a woman has surfaced in Rajkot after CCTV footage captured her being brutally assaulted inside an office near Sheetal Park in The Spire-2 building. The video shows a man repeatedly attacking the woman during a dispute related to their joint business venture.
The accused has been identified as Maulik Nadpara, who allegedly beat his business partner inside their office. Both had recently started a packaging products business, and the woman reportedly took a loan of ₹60 lakh to fund the venture. According to preliminary details, tensions escalated when Maulik allegedly failed to take responsibility for business operations. During an argument, he repeatedly assaulted her.
The incident took place in June 2025, but the matter came to light only after the woman filed a formal complaint at Rajkot&rsquo;s University Police Station on December 9. Police have begun investigating the circumstances that led to the assault, along with financial disputes between the two partners.
The emergence of the CCTV footage has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for strict action under relevant sections of the law. Authorities are examining the video to establish the sequence of events and verify the woman's claims regarding financial investments and business disagreements.

CCTV shows woman brutally assaulted by business partner in Rajkot office

Rajkot Assault Video Sparks Outrage

The Gujarat government on Wednesday directed that the chargesheet in the Rajkot child assault case be completed within 10 days, following the brutal attack on a six-year-old girl who was injured with an iron rod after an attempted rape.&nbsp;
Government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani said the administration had taken &ldquo;very serious note&rdquo; of the incident and stressed that the investigation must advance at the fastest possible pace.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi had instructed district officials to ensure the chargesheet is filed within 10 days and that prosecutors seek the harshest punishment permissible under the law,&rdquo; Vaghani told reporters.&nbsp;
Vaghani said the state was &ldquo;deeply pained by this brutal crime&rdquo; and assured that the government &ldquo;stands firmly with the child&rsquo;s family&rdquo;.&nbsp;
He pointed out that the Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had introduced stringent legal provisions, including life imprisonment and the death penalty for rape, and emphasised that these measures were being enforced firmly in the state.&nbsp;
Referring to earlier cases, he noted that officials had previously completed charge sheets within periods ranging from eight to 10 days or within a few months, and that courts had delivered life terms and death sentences in some of those matters.&nbsp;
The assault took place on December 4 in the Atkot area of Jasdan. Police said the child&rsquo;s parents, who had migrated from Dahod and were earning a living as farm labourers, reported that their daughter had been attacked while they worked in the fields.&nbsp;
According to SP Vijay Singh Gurjar, the accused, identified as 30-year-old Ramsingh Tejsingh from Madhya Pradesh, attempted to rape the girl and, when unsuccessful, allegedly inserted a metal rod into her private parts, causing internal injuries and heavy bleeding.&nbsp;
She was taken to a hospital in Rajkot city, where doctors have stabilised her condition.
Officials reviewed CCTV footage from nearby villages, prepared a list of around 100 potential suspects, and eventually shortlisted 10. With assistance from child counsellors, the survivor was shown photographs of the suspects and identified one of them.&nbsp;
Gurjar said Tejsingh confessed during interrogation. Police described him as a married sharecropper with three children who had been working in an adjoining field.

Administration tightens scrutiny after a minor girl was brutalised with iron rod in Rajkot

Guj Girl Assault: State Targets 10-Day Chargesheet

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of reports alleging that a 17-year-old boy was tortured while in police custody at the Gandhigram Police Station in Rajkot on September 1. The Commission has directed Vikas Sahay, Director General of Police, Gujarat, to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
The alleged custodial abuse surfaced on October 6 when a video went viral on social media, showing a man pulling the teenager&rsquo;s hair as uniformed personnel looked on and laughed. In a statement, the NHRC noted that if the media reports were accurate, the incident represented a serious violation of human rights.
The minor had reportedly been detained in connection with a stabbing case that took place a day earlier. He was taken into custody with a few associates and produced before a juvenile court, which remanded him to a correctional facility. He was granted bail nearly two weeks later.
According to police, the man seen in the video has been identified as a sanitation worker at the police station, while the constable accused of filming the video has also been booked. Both face charges under sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 198 (wilful disobedience causing injury), and 54 (abetment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as section 75 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 for cruelty against a child.
This is the second reported case of custodial abuse involving a minor in Gujarat within a month. In August, four constables in Botad district were booked for allegedly torturing another teenager.
Activist Mujahid Nafees, who previously raised the Botad case with NHRC, said such incidents are not isolated. &ldquo;There are several such cases in Gujarat, but suo motu interventions remain limited,&rdquo; he said, urging the Commission to appoint a dedicated officer in the state to ensure faster action.

NHRC seeks report on Rajkot minor torture case

Viral video of alleged custodial abuse prompts NHRC to demand a report from Gujarat DGP

A large-scale land encroachment case has come to light in Rajkot, where over 200 homes were built on government land estimated to be worth Rs 30 crore. The residential colony, named Shivam Park Society, was developed nearly a decade ago in Mahika village on Bhavnagar Road.
Authorities revealed that the colony was constructed without legal ownership of the land, which belongs to the government. The issue remained unnoticed for years until the Taluka Mamlatdar&rsquo;s office identified the encroachment nine months ago and began formal action by issuing an initial notice under Section 61 of the Land Revenue Code.
Eviction notices have since been served to the society&rsquo;s residents, warning that failure to vacate may result in demolition. The total area under dispute measures about 2.5 acres. The development was reportedly initiated by an individual named Mukesh Patel, who is now deceased. Homebuyers allege they paid between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 8 lakh per house, believing the purchases were legitimate.
A resident, speaking about the eviction notice, said, &ldquo;We have received a notice to vacate, but where will we go? We bought this house by selling our jewellery, and our loans haven&rsquo;t even been repaid. I purchased a ready-built house for Rs 7.87 lakh three to four years ago from Bhupat Tak. At the time, the survey number was 200, but the notice mentions survey number 283.&rdquo;
Another resident shared, &ldquo;When we bought the house, we were told it was government land but that nothing would happen.&rdquo; A woman raising two children on her own stated, &ldquo;I have two children and bought this house by taking a loan which is still unpaid. Why didn&rsquo;t the government take action earlier if it was their land?&rdquo;
In response to the notices, homeowners have produced several documents, including stamp duty receipts and records from the gram panchayat. They stated that Mukesh Patel had assured them he held legal ownership of the land.&nbsp;
Electricity bills and a certificate marking the site as a proposed society named Shiv Residency were also submitted during the administrative proceedings.
Officials conducted two hearings to review the matter. If the documentation provided by the residents is declared invalid, final orders will be issued. The residents will then have 60 days to appeal to the Sub-Divisional Officer.&nbsp;
Under Section 202, the authorities are also preparing to serve demolition notices. Should residents fail to vacate voluntarily, the government will move forward with demolition of the unauthorised structures.
&nbsp;

Residents of a decade-old Rajkot society face eviction after homes found built on government land.

200 Rajkot Homes Face Eviction After 10 Years

A disturbing case of alleged domestic abuse has emerged from Rajkot, where a young man, Pankesh Chhaya, reportedly attempted suicide after facing mental and emotional harassment from his wife and her family. According to police, the 25-year-old consumed poison following prolonged harassment and a hefty financial demand for divorce.
In a formal complaint to the police, Pankesh alleged that his wife, Sonal, refused to engage in marital relations since their wedding and frequently instigated arguments over trivial matters, causing him severe emotional distress. He further claimed that Sonal and her parents&mdash;Radhuben and Raymalbhai&mdash;threatened to falsely implicate him in legal cases unless he agreed to pay ₹25 lakh as a divorce settlement.
Unable to cope with the escalating pressure and harassment, Pankesh took the extreme step of consuming a toxic substance. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and remains under medical care. Authorities have confirmed that an FIR has been registered against the wife and her parents, and an investigation is currently underway.
&nbsp;

Rajkot Man Attempts Suicide Over Marital Harassment, ₹25L Demand

Man alleges wife and in-laws harassed him for money, police file case and begin investigation

The Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) has launched the Saurashtra Pro T20 League, a franchise-based T20 tournament to showcase the finest cricketing talent from the region in a thrilling, high-energy format.
With the tagline "Bigger &amp; Better," the league is set to elevate Saurashtra's cricketing ecosystem, bringing high-octane action and a professional platform for emerging and established players alike.
To be held at the iconic Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, the tournament will feature five franchise-owned men's teams competing in a round-robin format, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
Speaking at the launch, Jaydev Shah, president of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, expressed his excitement at this transformational step: "We're taking a big leap forward. It is time to reimagine the Premier League of the Saurashtra Cricket Association for a new era. With franchises stepping in, the Saurashtra Pro T20 League will offer a bigger platform for our talented cricketers and a richer experience for fans. Saurashtra Pro T20 League is more than just a tournament&mdash;it is a platform to recognise and nurture cricketing talents from Saurashtra."
"We are confident it will inspire this and next generations of cricketers from the region of Saurashtra &amp; Kutch while delivering world-class Cricket to fans. Saurashtra Cricket Association is committed to the Game of Cricket. Saurashtra Pro T20 League will be feather in the cap of SCA and shall ignite passion of this format in remarkable cricketers of the Region. This is cricket in Saurashtra, elevated," he said.
"We're committed towards the cause of Cricket of Saurashtra &amp; Kutch and are always trying to give the best possible to our players and fans. Saurashtra Pro T20 League will also provide an excellent opportunity for corporate houses to get involved and work closely with the Association to take Saurashtra Cricket to greater heights of success," he added.
All matches will be broadcast live on a national sports network and streamed on a popular OTT platform, complemented by expert commentary from celebrated former Indian and international cricketers.
&nbsp;

Franchise-based tournament to showcase regional talent with "Bigger & Better" approach

Saurashtra Cricket Association Launches Pro T20 League

Civilian air operations at Rajkot and Bhuj airports in Gujarat have been temporarily suspended following precision strikes carried out earlier in the day by the Indian Armed Forces on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp; 
Rajkot District Collector Prabhav Joshi confirmed that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) had been issued, announcing a three-day closure of Rajkot International Airport for civilian traffic. The airport, however, will remain operational around the clock for military aircraft.
The disruption comes amid heightened military activity in the region, prompting major airlines to reassess their schedules.
National carrier Air India has cancelled all flights to and from Rajkot, Bhuj, and Jamnagar, as well as several destinations in northern India, including Jammu, Srinagar, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, and Chandigarh, till May 10.
In a statement, the airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers and cited the evolving security situation as the reason behind the move. Other airlines, including IndiGo, have also grounded flights to and from a number of northern airports, including Jodhpur, Bikaner, Dharamshala, Chandigarh, Leh, Amritsar, Jammu, and Srinagar. While official details of the military operations remain limited, the airspace restrictions and flight cancellations underscore the broader regional implications of today&rsquo;s developments.&nbsp;
Authorities have urged travellers to check with airlines before heading to the airport and remain alert for further updates. Meanwhile, civil defence mock drills will be conducted across 18 districts in Gujarat on May 7 under the nationwide initiative &lsquo;Operation Abhyas&rsquo;. These drills, organised with a focus on enhancing emergency response capabilities and public awareness, will be held at multiple locations across the state, including both Ahmedabad district and Ahmedabad city.
In Ahmedabad district, the drills will take place under the guidance of District Collector Shri Sujit Kumar at nine key locations: Dhandhuka Municipality, Viramgam Tank Farm, Pirana Substation Power Grid, Vatva GIDC, Gallops Industrial Park, Ganeshpura (Koth) Temple, Torrent Power Plant in Sabarmati, Tata Plant at Sanand GIDC, and Palladium Mall in Thaltej. The exercises are scheduled from 4.00 pm to 8.15 pm Alongside these, Ahmedabad city will also conduct mock drills at 10 separate locations as part of the broader initiative.
To ensure smooth execution, nodal officers have been appointed at each of the designated sites, and the district administration has coordinated with all relevant departments to establish necessary logistical and safety arrangements. Similar preparedness drills will be carried out across other districts in Gujarat.
&nbsp;&mdash;IANS
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Rajkot Airport closed for 3 days to civilians; remains open for military ops, says Collector.

Flights Suspended in Gujarat After Op Sindoor

Four individuals, including a two-year-old child, have been detained by Rajkot Rural Police in Lodhika for allegedly living illegally in India for over two decades.&nbsp;
The group, consisting of three generations of the same family, includes 50-year-old Rizwana, her 29-year-old son Zeeshan, and his son, who was born to an Indian mother in 2022. All are now under police custody pending further instructions from senior authorities.
Rizwana and Zeeshan, both holding Pakistani passports, are accused of overstaying their visas by 26 years. The child, born on September 10, 2022, has been detained due to his father's Pakistani nationality, despite his mother's Indian citizenship.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Jayvirsinh Rana and Head Constable Anil Gujarati from the Local Crime Branch (LCB) received intelligence while patrolling, indicating that Rizwana, the wife of Indian national Munaf Ibrahim Tataria, had remained in India unlawfully.&nbsp;
Acting on the tip-off, police launched an operation in Lodhika taluka and located the family. None of the members were able to present valid Indian documentation such as an Aadhaar card or voter ID during the inquiry.
Police Inspector I M Sarvaiya, who led the investigation, stated that Rizwana was born in 1975 in Lyari, a town in Karachi, Pakistan. In 1992, she married Munaf Ibrahim Tataria, who was then in Pakistan on a work permit.&nbsp;
Their son Zeeshan was born during Tataria&rsquo;s stay in Pakistan. While Munaf returned to India in 1994, Rizwana and Zeeshan arrived in India on July 30, 1999 on valid visas but failed to return to Pakistan thereafter.
Based on this timeline, Rizwana has lived in India for over half her life, and Zeeshan was brought into the country before the age of five. Police reported that despite being a Pakistani national, Zeeshan allegedly married an Indian woman in 2021. Their son was born the following year.
Inspector Sarvaiya told a national daily, &ldquo;I am awaiting further orders from top officials regarding their deportation.&rdquo; At the time of reporting, Rajkot Rural Superintendent of Police Himkar Singh had not issued a comment on the matter.
This operation forms part of a broader crackdown initiated by the Gujarat government targeting illegal infiltration. Under the directive of Rajkot Range Inspector General Ashokkumar Yadav and District Police Chief Himkar Singh, rural teams from the Special Operations Group (SOG) and LCB have been actively investigating suspected illegal residents across the district.
Initial findings reveal the family had entered India legally but remained without valid documentation for over two decades. Police say a full investigation is underway, and senior officials are currently questioning the detained individuals.&nbsp;
Further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
If deportation is enforced, it would result in the separation of Rizwana from her husband Munaf, and Zeeshan from his Indian wife. The couple&rsquo;s two-year-old son could be separated from his mother at the international border.
(With inputs from agencies)
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&nbsp;

Rajkot police detain three generations of a Pakistani family, including a toddler, for illegal stay in India

Pakistani Nationals Held in Rajkot for Visa Overstay

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

US-Iran Talks Advance Amid Rising Tensions

Delhi University has imposed a month-long ban on public meetings, demonstrations, rallies and protests across its campus, citing concerns over traffic disruption, safety risks and potential disturbance to public order.
The order, issued on February 17 by the university&rsquo;s proctor&rsquo;s office, prohibits gatherings of five or more persons, slogan-shouting, speeches and the carrying of materials such as torches or similar items that could pose safety hazards. The directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force for one month unless withdrawn earlier.
University authorities stated that the decision followed inputs suggesting that unrestricted gatherings could escalate and adversely impact law and order within the campus. The order also referenced prior directions issued by the assistant commissioner of police in the Civil Lines area restricting public meetings and activities that may affect public tranquillity or traffic flow.
The move comes after recent tensions on campus. Last week, the Delhi Police registered two FIRs following a clash between student groups during protests over the University Grants Commission&rsquo;s proposed anti-caste discrimination rules. The rules have currently been put on hold by the Supreme Court of India amid differing views among student groups.
In another incident on February 12, historian S. Irfan Habib had water thrown at him while addressing a programme on social justice.
Reacting to the order, Mithuraj Dhusiya, associate professor at Hansraj College and member of DU&rsquo;s executive council, described the decision as a sweeping restriction.

Order follows clashes and safety concerns at Delhi University

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