Newssies

A 27-year-old bank employee was found murdered near Bahadurgarh in Jhajjar district, with her throat slit. The police apprehended her husband, a chartered accountant from Hisar, as the main suspect within 18 hours of the incident. As per a report in TOI, the victim, Mahak, was employed with HDFC Bank in Gurgaon and had been married to Anshul Dhawan, a resident of Hisar’s Sector 14, since September 25, 2025. Their marriage was arranged and lasted approximately five months.

On February 14, Valentine’s Day, the couple visited Hisar and stayed with family. The following evening, around 7 pm on February 15, they departed from Mahak’s parental home in Hansi, heading towards Gurugram. Approximately four hours later, Anshul contacted the police, alleging that unknown assailants had stopped their vehicle near Pahsaur village in the Badli area of Jhajjar district, killed his wife, and escaped.

Authorities discovered Mahak’s body lying outside the car on a dirt path about 100 meters from the Jhajjar-Badli road, with her throat slit. However, Anshul’s account was inconsistent; he was unable to provide details about the supposed attackers and altered his statements multiple times during questioning.

Following thorough interrogation and a reconstruction of the crime scene, Anshul admitted to killing his wife. Police reported that the couple had frequent arguments due to his suspicions regarding Mahak’s character. The conflict intensified during the drive, leading him to strangle her initially and then slit her throat with scissors, reportedly while wearing gloves to avoid leaving evidence. He subsequently attempted to stage the scene to appear as a robbery.

Mahak’s father, Krishna Kathuria, had expressed doubts about his son-in-law from the beginning. Family members also confirmed that Mahak was pregnant at the time of her death. The accused has been taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

INDORE: During the reconstruction of the crime scene, the suspect in the murder of a 24-year-old MBA student appeared indifferent and responded casually when reporters questioned him about the case. On Tuesday, surrounded by media, Piyush Dhamnodiya dismissed inquiries regarding the motive, stating in Hindi that nothing significant had happened and urging them to leave it alone. When asked if he felt remorse, he gave a slight smirk and said he would disclose the reason “when the time comes.” Police officers present described his behavior as unusually calm, noting that his conduct during interrogation and related procedures seemed erratic and detached.

As per a report in TOI, investigators revealed that the accused reportedly apologized in the hours following the incident and expressed a desire to communicate with the victim’s spirit. He also mentioned to the police that he had considered suicide by jumping in front of a train but did not follow through. While being questioned at the Dwarkapuri police station, Dhamnodiya requested a blank sheet of paper and wrote that he had committed a “grave wrong” and wished to die. He repeatedly asked officers to allow him to meet the victim, claiming he loved her.

DCP Krishna Lalchandani stated that the accused had been consuming online content related to occult practices and searching for suicide methods, although he never attempted self-harm. Investigators also found that Dhamnodiya suspected the victim of communicating with other men. The woman’s body was discovered on February 13 in a rented room in Indore, three days after she was reported missing. Dhamnodiya, identified as her boyfriend and classmate, was located in Mumbai and arrested in Andheri on February 14.

During interrogation, police alleged that Dhamnodiya had tied the victim’s hands and legs, gagged her, and strangled her. They further claimed he purchased beer afterward, returned to the room, and consumed alcohol beside the body. Investigators accused him of sexually assaulting the corpse and committing acts of necrophilia before fleeing. Authorities stated that after leaving Indore, the accused traveled by train, changing routes before arriving in Mumbai. He then went to a secluded area near Panvel, where he reportedly lit incense sticks and watched online videos about summoning spirits.

The Dwarkapuri police seized items connected to the crime and conducted a reconstruction of the scene. The accused is scheduled to be presented before a court on Wednesday.

Koppal district court has handed down death sentences to three individuals involved in the gang rape of an Israeli tourist and an Indian woman, as well as the murder of an Odia tourist near Sanapura Lake in Gangavathi taluk on March 6 of the previous year. The location of the crime was approximately 25 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. As per a report in TOI, the incident had generated significant public outrage.

The court classified the offense as falling under the “rarest of rare” category and determined that the prosecution had established the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Judge Sadananda Nagappa Nayaka of the first additional district and sessions court imposed capital punishment on the three convicted men: Mallesh alias Handimalla, 22; Sai alias Chaitanya Sai, 21; and Sharanappa alias Sharanabasavaraj, 30, all residents of Sai Nagar, Gangavathi.

The verdict followed the court’s February 6 ruling that found the accused guilty and deferred sentencing. The Indian woman, aged 29 and a homestay owner, was subjected to brutal assault, strangulation, and gang rape. The 27-year-old Israeli tourist was also gang raped. Bibash Nayak, 26, a tour guide from Odisha accompanying the group, along with two other male tourists, was killed during the attack. The perpetrators stole two mobile phones and Rs 9,500 in cash from the victims before fleeing.

Police reports indicate that the victims—two women and three men who had met at a homestay near Hampi—were stargazing near the Tungabhadra Left Bank Canal when the suspects, reportedly intoxicated, assaulted them. Superintendent of Police Ram L Arasiddi stated that two of the accused were apprehended within 24 hours of the crime. Authorities collected testimony from 101 witnesses and secured 84 items for DNA analysis, describing the case as challenging and sensitive.

Firoz Kumar Pradhan, a cousin of the deceased Bibash Nayak, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, noting that the verdict was delivered in under a year. He also thanked the Karnataka government and police for their prompt investigation and filing of the chargesheet. Bibash Nayak, aged 29, was known for his passion for travel.

New Delhi: A 36-year-old businessman from Delhi died following an alleged assault by two food delivery riders in Connaught Place earlier this month. The police have taken the two suspects into custody. As per a report in TOI, Shivam Gupta, who lived with his parents in Laxmi Nagar and managed a construction business alongside his brother-in-law, was involved in the incident on January 3. The event took place near the Rajiv Chowk metro station in the E-block parking area during the early morning hours when Gupta, returning from a party with a friend, accidentally brushed against the handle of a passing motorcycle. This led to a confrontation during which the accused reportedly struck him with their helmets before fleeing the scene, leaving Gupta injured on the pavement. Gupta was critically wounded and underwent several medical treatments at different hospitals. Although he initially showed signs of improvement, he passed away on January 19. According to his father, Anil Kant Gupta, who operates garment shops, CCTV footage reviewed by the police showed three men involved, a detail also mentioned in the FIR. However, authorities stated that only two individuals were directly involved in the assault and have been arrested, while the third person allegedly handed over the helmet used in the attack. The grieving father emphasized his desire for justice, stating that no innocent person should be punished and no guilty party should go free. He described his son as someone who sought to resolve conflicts peacefully and noted that Shivam was on a phone call and merely tried to block a bike approaching him when the attack occurred. With his daughter married and living elsewhere, the couple is now left alone following Shivam’s death.

New Delhi: Over the last five years, the incidence of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers in India has shown a consistent rise, accompanied by an increase in mortality rates, according to recent government statistics presented in Parliament. As per a report in TOI, data from the National Cancer Registry Programme indicates that breast cancer cases grew from approximately 213,000 in 2021 to nearly 240,000 in 2025. Cervical cancer cases rose from about 77,000 to over 79,000, while ovarian cancer cases increased from around 45,000 to close to 49,500 during the same timeframe.

The number of deaths due to these cancers has also escalated. Breast cancer fatalities went up from roughly 91,700 in 2021 to more than 103,000 in 2025. Deaths from cervical cancer increased from about 41,500 to nearly 42,800, and ovarian cancer deaths rose from approximately 27,600 to over 30,000 within five years.

States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka reported the highest absolute numbers of breast and cervical cancer cases. Meanwhile, northeastern states including Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur exhibited disproportionately high cervical cancer rates relative to their population sizes.

The Union health ministry shared this information in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, noting that the rise in cases reflects both a growing disease burden and enhanced detection due to expanded screening efforts. Oncologists highlighted the need for urgent attention to these trends. Dr. Pragya Shukla, head of clinical oncology at Delhi State Cancer Institute, emphasized the importance of accelerating screening programs, HPV vaccination, timely referrals, and affordable treatment, pointing out that gaps in awareness and early intervention continue to contribute to preventable deaths.

To combat this increase, the government is reinforcing cancer care initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Currently, there are 770 district NCD clinics, 364 district day-care cancer centres, and over 6,400 NCD clinics at community health centres operating nationwide. Additionally, 297 more district day-care cancer centres have been approved for 2025–26.

Efforts to expand population-based screening for individuals aged 30 years and above are underway to facilitate early detection of breast and cervical cancers. The ministry also stated that 19 State Cancer Institutes, 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres, and cancer treatment facilities across 22 new AIIMS institutions are part of this expansion.

MUMBAI: The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has asked Air India to provide details regarding maintenance performed on a Boeing 787 aircraft in London prior to its departure for Bengaluru, following reports of a fuel control switch malfunction. As per a report in TOI, the request came after media coverage of the issue where the left engine fuel control switch did not stay securely in the “RUN” position during a London-Bengaluru flight.

On February 1, the crew of Air India flight AI-132 noticed on two occasions that the left engine fuel control switch failed to latch properly when light vertical pressure was applied. Eventually, the switch latched correctly, allowing the flight to continue to Bengaluru, where the aircraft was subsequently grounded for further examination. The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated on Tuesday that inspections of both the left and right switches at Bengaluru found them to be functioning satisfactorily.

Air India announced on Wednesday that it had conducted precautionary re-inspections of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) on all its Boeing 787 aircraft and reported no issues. The airline noted that these inspections were carried out as a precaution following the pilot’s observation. It also acknowledged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) independent inspections and clearance of the FCS. Air India confirmed it will comply with regulatory guidance to distribute original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommended operating procedures for the Fuel Control Switch to all flight crew members.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is used by Air India on multiple long-haul international routes, including flights to the UK.

In response to the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s statement regarding the satisfactory condition of the component, the Safety Matters Foundation, a non-governmental organization, filed a complaint with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Wednesday. The Foundation expressed concern that publicly declaring the Fuel Control Switch issue resolved while the AAIB investigation is ongoing could amount to an “institutional bypass,” potentially compromising evidence, influencing the investigative process, and diminishing public confidence.

The complaint emphasized that such premature clearance by a regulatory body during an active safety investigation risks contamination of evidence, as components and records related to the AI132 incident might be handled without the strict chain-of-custody required in major accident probes. It also warned that framing a possible causal factor as resolved could affect witness recollections, expert evaluations, and the focus of the AI171 inquiry. The Foundation stated that these actions undermine trust in the AAIB’s independence and the integrity of its conclusions, which are essential for learning and maintaining aviation safety.

Capt. Amit Singh, Founder-Director of Safety Matters Foundation, highlighted that the AAIB’s role is to determine causes based on evidence rather than accept predetermined conclusions. He stressed that when another agency publicly closes an issue relevant to an ongoing investigation, it risks compromising the entire fact-finding process.

The Foundation urged the AAIB to immediately take custody of all evidence related to the AI132 event under a sealed chain-of-custody, issue a preservation order to prevent interference with evidence, and publicly affirm the independence of its investigation. Additionally, the Foundation requested the AAIB to initiate an inquiry into whether DGCA communications have negatively affected the AI171 investigation.

At least 22 residents in Indore’s Mhow area, Madhya Pradesh, fell ill after consuming contaminated drinking water, with nine hospitalized and others receiving home treatment. Authorities expect the number of affected individuals to exceed 25 as new cases emerge from nearby localities. The district administration responded swiftly late Thursday night, with District Collector Shivam Verma visiting hospitals and deploying health teams to manage the situation. Since Friday morning, health officials have been providing medical aid and monitoring the affected neighborhoods closely. On Saturday, the administration launched a survey to identify new cases and assess symptom severity for appropriate care. Earlier this month, a severe outbreak linked to bacterial contamination in drinking water caused multiple illnesses and at least 15 confirmed deaths, with local residents claiming the toll reached around 25. The Madhya Pradesh High Court is overseeing the issue after the government formed a committee to investigate the contamination, assign responsibility, and recommend preventive measures. Petitioners have criticized the committee as ineffective and protective of senior officials. Government tests revealed E. coli bacteria in 51 tube wells in Bhagirathpura, confirming bacterial contamination as the outbreak’s cause. The local administration has compensated families of 21 affected individuals with Rs 2 lakh each.

As per a report in India Today.

NEW DELHI: An FIR registered by police in Uttar Pradesh on December 9, 2025, has brought attention to a legal area that remains unclear under the 2019 Triple Talaq law. The case involves allegations that extend beyond the instant triple talaq itself, focusing on the treatment of women following the pronouncement of talaq.

As per a report in TOI, the FIR filed in Said Nagli, Amroha, details that a woman, divorced by instant triple talaq, was coerced by her husband, his brother, and religious figures to undergo the practice of halala multiple times to facilitate remarriage with her former husband. Halala, an exception allowing divorced Muslim couples to remarry, often involves arranged brief marriages or encounters with another man to enable the original couple’s reunion.

The woman’s complaint describes being subjected to sexual assault under the guise of halala, carried out through threats and intimidation. The police have invoked sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, which criminalizes instant triple talaq, along with various provisions related to rape, grievous hurt, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy.

Initially, the FIR named three accused: the husband, his cousin, and a traditional healer. Additional accused have since been included. Amroha police confirmed the arrest of the husband and stated that further action depends on evidence and corroboration. Authorities are searching for other suspects who remain at large.

Recently, based on the woman’s age at marriage, police expanded the FIR to include several provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This development underscores a continuing legal ambiguity, as Muslim personal law does not specify a minimum marriage age but links marriageability to puberty, a matter yet unresolved by the Supreme Court, with varying interpretations across states.

The FIR covers several years of alleged abuse. The woman, identified as Zubaida (name changed), reported being forcibly married at age 15 in 2015 and subjected to instant triple talaq twice, in 2016 and 2021, followed by three coerced halala reconciliations. She described feeling repeatedly handed over and expressed shame that initially prevented her from disclosing the abuse.

Zubaida, a former student of a prominent Aligarh school and from a family with a background in public service, stated that after the first triple talaq, she was told she could only return to her husband after undergoing halala, which involved sexual assault by an intermediary. By February 2025, she was informed she would have to repeat the halala process twice due to the breakdown of the marriage on two occasions. She said she was misled by false promises of remarriage despite years of hardship as a single mother.

With her husband now in custody, Zubaida is managing life for her daughter. Meanwhile, her husband has accused Zubaida and her relatives of harassment and threats, submitting a written complaint on November 26, 2025, alleging attempts to forcibly enter his home and threats involving false criminal charges.

Documents indicate that in 2021, Zubaida’s divorce was finalized by a family court, which granted custody of the daughter to the father.

Halala is not addressed in Indian statutory law. While the 2019 Muslim Women Act criminalizes instant triple talaq, it does not recognize or regulate halala. Activists note that halala cases rarely generate official records, as victims often remain silent due to stigma, financial dependence, and concerns for their children.

Zakia Soman, founder of the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, stated that halala is not mentioned in the Quran and persists through misinterpretation and patriarchal control. She described the practice as largely hidden and unregulated, surviving underground despite the criminalization of triple talaq. Soman cited instances where clerics facilitate halala and women are passed between men to resolve personal or familial disputes, often remaining undisclosed unless victims report to authorities.

Experts highlight structural challenges in prosecuting such cases, including the lack of mandatory registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, which leaves the burden of proof on women. Naish Hasan, an activist from Lucknow who has worked with halala survivors for over twenty years, noted that the practice continues predominantly among economically disadvantaged women. Hasan has documented approximately 40 detailed cases from Lucknow district alone and emphasized the need for justice for all affected women.

Petitions challenging halala, including one filed by Hasan in 2021, remain pending before the Supreme Court.