Delhi University Student Harassment: Victim Recounts Horror, Slams Police Delay

An Enforcement Directorate team faced violent protests while conducting searches at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority office in Mohali. A vehicle utilised by the central probe agency was attacked and damaged outside the GMADA office, resulting in deflated tyres and broken window panes. The incident took place during an agitation by Aam Aadmi Party workers against ongoing searches linked to allegations of money laundering, due waivers, and change-of-land-use violations. Protesters reportedly breached police barricades and entered the premises before local police led by Senior Superintendent of Police Varun Sharma dispersed the gathering. An unnamed protester accused the central government and the probe agency of running a political vendetta ahead of upcoming elections, alleging that external miscreants carried out the vandalism. Meanwhile, a habeas corpus petition was filed in the High Court claiming illegal detention of civic body officials during the searches.

A probe into the fatal Greater Noida bus fire that claimed nine lives has uncovered widespread regulatory lapses across multiple states. Registered with the Transport Department in Madhubani, Bihar, the bus was owned by a resident of Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, and operated along the route between Kashmiri Gate in Delhi and Mahoba. Additionally, the vehicle obtained its fitness certificate from Rajasthan and its pollution clearance from Haryana. The vehicle was operating despite lacking mandatory safety provisions, including proper emergency exits, space for passengers, and compliance with partition regulations. Investigations further revealed flammable luggage transported in the boot and more than sixteen unpaid traffic fines totalling over 1.5 lakh rupees accumulated over eighteen months. Neither transport authorities nor traffic police intervened to seize the vehicle despite repeated violations. The tragedy raises critical concerns over systemic negligence, cross-state corruption, and the lack of oversight by enforcement agencies.

A ground investigation across sleeper buses operating between Delhi, Bihar, Indore, and Jaipur reveals critical violations of passenger safety norms. In buses travelling from Delhi to Bihar, designated emergency exits were found completely sealed with nuts and bolts, making escape during emergencies nearly impossible. Crucial safety equipment like glass-shattering hammers was absent, and fire extinguishers were either inadequate or improperly maintained. A similar situation was exposed in sleeper buses arriving in Jaipur from Indore, where emergency doors were blocked by sleeper berths or welded shut, and fire cylinders were stowed away inside luggage compartments instead of being mounted. The report highlights severe negligence by operators and enforcement lapses by transport authorities.

An India Today investigation brings to light crucial developments in the POCSO case involving Gem Granite Chairman R. Veeramani in Tamil Nadu. The network accessed key videos and evidence showing multiple minor victims targeted in an alleged abuse nexus operating across decades. Following court intervention by a POCSO Special Court judge after police previously sought closure, four individuals—including Veeramani, his associates Mahendra Simhan, Shanti, and Ganesan—were arrested. Fresh revelations indicate that complaints were filed as early as 2024, raising questions over alleged police inaction and political shielding. Summons have now been issued to top police officials who handled the initial probe to ascertain whether intentional attempts were made to bury the matter. The Tamil Nadu administration has asserted zero tolerance, stating that high-profile individuals and officers aiding the accused will face strict legal scrutiny.