IIT Bombay Student Death: Crime Branch Probe, Family Claims Torture

Two people, including an eight-year-old child and a woman, died and six others sustained serious injuries following an electrocution incident at a Ganpati pandal in Mumbai's Kala Chowki, Reay Road area. The electric shock occurred at a temporary stall during the gathering. Following the incident, the power supply was partially disconnected and the site cordoned off as authorities inspected the wiring and safety setup. An investigation is currently underway to ascertain the cause of the electrical failure.

In a major breakthrough in the Amritsar ASI Harjit Singh murder case, prime accused Deepak Singh was killed in an encounter with the Punjab Police. According to the police, the accused opened fire at a checkpoint, discharging four rounds, prompting the police to fire six rounds in self-defence. A pistol, two magazines, live cartridges, an Activa scooter, and a mobile phone were recovered from the spot. Police stated that the accused had links to a Pakistan-based operative and the Shehzad Bhatti gang, lured with money and narcotics to target police personnel. A manhunt has been launched to arrest the second identified suspect who remains at large.

The Bharatiya Janata Party mounted an attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following a mimicry act at the 'Chhatro Ki Goonj' event in Indore. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party of displaying insensitivity and moral bankruptcy by allegedly mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an elderly woman referenced during a rally remark. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi termed the act shameful and disgusting, alleging that student interactions were being weaponised. During a broadcast discussion, BJP spokesperson C.R. Kesavan condemned Rahul Gandhi for sharing the stage with individuals who insulted women and an elderly person, stating that such actions reflect an uncouth culture and regressive politics. The anchor also questioned the BJP regarding past political posts by party handles targeting opposition leaders, sparking a debate on political satire, accountability, and the treatment of women in political discourse.

Delhi University Students' Union election results, alongside Punjab University polls, marked a major victory for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad as the National Students' Union of India failed to secure seats. The student union outcomes reflect the broader mood of Indian youth aligned with the vision of a developed India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Criticism was levelled against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, describing his outreach and understanding of youth and national issues as superficial following the Congress student wing's poll defeat.