POCSO Court Intervenes in Granite Baron Probe, Rejects Initial Police Report

Tensions between Iran and the United States continue to escalate in West Asia amid an ongoing deadlock. Iran issued a stern warning via state news agency IRNA, stating its readiness to launch an effective, continuous, and painful retaliation against US bases and regional allies if targeted by American military action. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, and the US has asserted control over Iranian port access, intercepting over 109 merchant vessels. Following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump indicated potential strikes against Iran. Washington has also advised its citizens against travelling to the region.

A probe into the POCSO case involving Tamil Nadu granite baron R. Veeramani has revealed details surrounding the alleged sexual assault of minor girls. Investigators traced a rented house in Chennai's Teynampet where minors were allegedly exploited. Three individuals—Veeramani, Shanti, and Mahendra Simon—have been arrested in connection with the crime. The case originated in October 2025 after police received pen drive footage showing an assault, but authorities initially attempted to close the matter. A special POCSO court rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation. Following recent developments, Chief Minister Vijay ordered a detailed probe, sparking a political dispute between state leaders regarding previous handling of the investigation.

Tensions have escalated at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay following the tragic death by suicide of a student named Sahil. Campus unrest has intensified into a standoff, with students staging protests demanding justice while faculty members have come out in defence of Professor Doolla. The student was reportedly caught engaging in examination malpractice involving ChatGPT hours before his death. While the family claims he faced harassment and torture inside the campus, an FIR has been registered alleging abetment to suicide and violations under the Atrocities Act. A division has also emerged among the faculty regarding the legitimacy of the Faculty Forum's statement backing the professor. The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the investigation and seized Sahil's mobile phone for technical analysis, as no suicide note has been discovered.

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.