IIT Bombay Dean Removed Over Student Death, Police Book Professor, Campus Protests Erupt

A baby cockroach spotted on a dining table at the five-star JW Marriott hotel in Mumbai has sparked public outrage after Fortis Escorts Heart Institute Chief Dr Ashok Seth shared video evidence on social media. Dr Seth stated that the insect ruined his appetite and urged Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Munde to intervene. The incident follows an intensive statewide food safety enforcement campaign led by the FDA, which has previously penalised high-profile eateries, including suspending the licence of Mumbai's iconic Olympia Coffee House over severe safety violations. During an interview, FDA chief Tukaram Munde highlighted that his department conducted over 12,000 food inspections in 100 days, issuing more than 5,000 improvement notices and suspending approximately 600 licences to build a compliance culture and protect public health. Industry observers note that consumer awareness and rigorous compliance mandates are now extending regulatory scrutiny to Mumbai's luxury and five-star establishments.

A disturbing viral video from Jamui, Bihar, has triggered widespread outrage after a mob confronted and assaulted two youngsters travelling on a motorbike late in the evening. The victims, identified as a minor boy and girl, were subjected to aggressive moral policing, pushed around, and harassed. During the confrontation, members of the mob molested the minor girl on camera while the young man attempted to protect her despite facing assault himself. Following the incident, Bihar Police identified the victims, registered a First Information Report, and launched a manhunt to identify and arrest the suspects involved in the assault.

IIT Bombay has issued an official statement dismissing reports of its director's resignation amid outrage over the death by suicide of a second-year student, Sahil Wakhde. The institute clarified that news of the director stepping down is false and stated that no disciplinary action had been initiated against the student, claiming he was only counselled after allegedly being caught using a phone and ChatGPT during an exam. The clarification comes amid ongoing student protests and allegations from the deceased student's parents claiming harassment and torture. An FIR has been registered against the faculty member involved, and police investigations remain underway.

A major political row has erupted in Telangana after a woman advertising entrepreneur, K Shobha Reddy, alleged that an individual claiming to be a close associate of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy asked her to visit a guest house for an official meeting, which made her uncomfortable. In a recorded message and social media posts, the entrepreneur stated that she had been struggling to secure lawful advertising business opportunities without resorting to corruption or seeking unfair favours. Demanding dignity and equal opportunities, she urged Chief Minister Reddy to grant her an audience. The allegations triggered sharp reactions from opposition parties. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi challenged the Chief Minister to address her grievances, while the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded a transparent inquiry and strict legal action against anyone found exploiting women entrepreneurs.