IIT Bombay Protests, Student Death Probe & Faculty Division

Fresh protests have erupted at IIT Bombay following the death of second-year BTech Dalit student Sahil Wakhure, who was found dead in his hostel room hours after allegedly being caught using a mobile phone and AI during an examination. In response to mounting outrage, IIT Bombay apologised for its initial statement and removed Professor Suryanarayan Dhulla as dean. Mumbai Police have registered a case against the professor for abetment to suicide alongside provisions of the BNS and the SC/ST Act, following a complaint from Sahil's parents alleging torture. Students continue to protest outside campus demanding an independent investigation, resignations, and administrative accountability.

A political showdown erupted in the Karnataka Assembly over the rendition of the national song, Vande Mataram. The controversy began when the state government stopped the official playback of the song after just two stanzas, prompting Bharatiya Janata Party legislators to stand up and sing the remaining stanzas. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticised the Congress government, terming the move an unpatriotic mandate and questioning its objection to singing all six stanzas. He stated that the state government cannot override the national law passed in Parliament requiring all stanzas to be sung, accusing the Congress of compromising on national pride.

The Uttar Pradesh government has informed the Supreme Court that the initial chargesheet in the Ram Mandir donation scam case will be filed within two days before the expiry of the 90-day investigation period to prevent the accused from securing statutory bail. Representing the state government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted a detailed status report from the Special Investigation Team to the Chief Justice of India's residence office. The Supreme Court took note of the sealed status report detailing the analysis of CCTV footage and donation software receipts. The apex court clarified that it will not monitor or take over the investigation, directing the jurisdictional sessions court to proceed with the matter.

The Uttar Pradesh government informed the Supreme Court that the initial charge sheet in the Ram Mandir Chanda Chori case will be filed within two days to prevent the accused from obtaining statutory bail. Appearing for the state, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted a detailed status report from the Special Investigation Team in a sealed cover. The court noted that CCTV footage, material evidence, and software donation receipts are being analyzed, while directing the jurisdictional sessions court to handle the trial proceedings. Meanwhile, a political confrontation erupted in Karnataka over the singing of Vande Mataram. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized the Congress government after only two stanzas were played in the Karnataka Assembly, prompting opposition BJP MLAs to sing the remaining stanzas on the floor of the House.