Arjun Rampal seeks time to appear before NCB for questioning

Over 400 Indian-origin students, academics, and university alumni across Europe have signed a statement titled 'Spare India from Anarchy'. The signatories condemned efforts to undermine public confidence in constitutional institutions and the use of anarchic street protests to delegitimise democratic processes. The statement warned against subverting constitutional democracy under the pretext of defending it. Furthermore, the signatories reaffirmed that Indian democracy has repeatedly proven its resilience, emphasising that constitutional bodies continue to flourish with adequate checks and balances.

A news bulletin examines the firing incident targeting Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai, analysing the operational methods and motives of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Investigators suspect the brazen shooting is aimed at intimidating the film industry to run extortion rackets, similar to organised crime syndicates in the 1980s and 1990s. The gang reportedly uses threats linked to actor Salman Khan as a front while seeking illicit funds from celebrities. Concerns were raised over how jailed gang leaders manage to operate networks across India and internationally despite incarceration. Maharashtra authorities, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, warned of stringent action, stating that gangsters threatening citizens or celebrities will not be spared. Three shooters who fled towards Rajasthan were intercepted and arrested at Kota railway station in a joint police operation.

A criminal network continues to run extensive operations across multiple states despite its alleged leader remaining confined in high-security prisons since 2016. Originating from student politics and campus rivalries in Chandigarh, the syndicate expanded into a decentralised enterprise involving extortion, intimidation, and cross-border coordination. Recruits, often young individuals, receive weapons and specific targets through overseas handlers and intermediaries without direct contact with the leadership. Encrypted messaging applications and smuggled communication devices have facilitated cross-border planning and high-profile attacks against public figures, actors, and politicians. The syndicate drew significant national attention following threats linked to a 1998 wildlife poaching case, followed by gunfire outside an actor's residence and the fatal shooting of a former state minister in Mumbai. Despite repeated incidents, procedural safeguards, high-security protocols, and statutory requirements mandate special permissions from designated courts and the central home ministry before investigating agencies can secure custody or conduct interrogations inside prison facilities.

The Delhi Police has sought a five-day extension of judicial custody for Cockroach Janata Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka following the completion of their initial five-day remand. Authorities cited the breach of an executed peace bond, alleged illegal entry into Jantar Mantar after it was denotified as a protest site, and law-and-order concerns ahead of the festive season. The Special Executive Magistrate court is currently hearing the matter regarding whether an extension of custody is warranted for the bailable offence under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.