Row In Karnataka Assembly Over Vande Mataram; Congress Cuts Stanzas As BJP Sings Full Song

A special POCSO court rejected an initial police closure report in a case involving influential granite baron Veeramani, directing a fresh investigation into the matter. The initial five-month police inquiry was closed citing a lack of evidence, failure to recover original footage, and the inability to identify the victim. Following the court's intervention, a renewed 40-day probe resulted in the arrest of the prominent businessman and two others. Questions have been raised regarding lapses in the preliminary investigation, with authorities confirming an inquiry into the actions of the earlier investigating police team.

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.