Justice Surya Kant appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India

NEW DELHI, Oct 30: Justice Surya Kant on Thursday appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. He will assume charge on November 24 and will remain CJI for nearly 16 months, till February 9, 2027.

The notification of the appointment of justice Surya Kant was issued by the Department of Justice in the Union Law Ministry.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Surya Kant, Judge of the Supreme Court as the Chief Justice of India with effect from November 24, 2025,” union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal wrote on X.

“I convey my heartiest congratulations and best wishes to him,” he added.

Justice Surya Kant succeeds Justice Bhushan R Gavai, who demits office on November 23

According to a communique by the press information bureau, born on February 10, 1962 in the village Petwar, District Hisar, Haryana, Justice Surya Kant earned his Law degree from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak in 1984. He then began his practice the same year at the District Courts, Hisar.

In 1985, he shifted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, specialising in Constitutional, Service, and Civil matters. On July 7, 2000, he earned the distinction of being appointed the youngest Advocate General of Haryana and was also designated as a Senior Advocate. He served as the Advocate General until his elevation as a permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on January 9, 2004.

As a Judge, he served on the Governing Body of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) from 2007 to 2011 and later earned a First Class First in his Master’s degree in Law in 2011. He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court on October 5, 2018 and thereafter was elevated to the Supreme Court of India on May 24, 2019. Since May 14, 2025, he has been the Executive Chairman of NALSA and also serves on several committees of the Indian Law Institute.

Gujarat, TN, UP, Bengal, 8 Other States/UTs To Undergo Voter List Revision

NEW DELHI, Oct 27: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced to carry out Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list in 12 states and union territories.

While addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said, “The first part was the Bihar SIR, which was conducted successfully. There were zero appeals in Bihar."

The ECI announced that the second phase of the massive voters’ list exercise will begin in 12 states and union territories. These are: Andaman and Nicobar Island, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

According to the Election Commission, the printing and training phase will take place from October 28 to November 3, followed by the house-to-house enumeration from November 4 to December 4. The draft electoral rolls will be published on December 9, marking the beginning of the claims and objections period, which will run until January 8, 2026.

The notice phase for hearings and verification will be held from December 9, 2025, to January 31, 2026, culminating in the publication of the final electoral rolls on February 7, 2026.

Kumar further informed that the pre-enumeration phase will begin from 12 am on Tuesday, meaning the states and UTs that will undergo the SIR will have their voter list frozen as of midnight today. The EROs will print unique enumeration forms for every registered voter in these states and UTs.

He said that enumeration forms will mostly be pre-filled, including name, booth, constituency and old photo.

“We urge voters to paste new coloured recent photo in the enumeration form," the CEC said.

The poll body outlined the key processes of SIR, stating that the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every house thrice to conduct the exercise.

The CEC said that after BLOs start distributing forms to existing electors, all those whose names are on enumeration forms will try to match whether their names were on the 2003 voter list. If yes, they need not submit any additional documents. If their names are not there, but the names of their parents were on the list, then too they need not submit any additional documents.

If parents’ names are also not there, any of the following documents can be submitted.

Any Identity card/Pension Payment Order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any Central Govt./State Govt./PSU, any Identity Card/Certificate/Document issued in India by Government/local authorities/Banks/Post Office/LIC/PSUs prior to 01.07.1987, birth certificate issued by the competent authority, passport, matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/universities, permanent residence certificate issued by competent State authority, Forest Right Certificate, OBC/SC/ST or any caste certificate issued by the Competent authority, National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists), Family Register, prepared by State/Local authorities, and any land/house allotment certificate by Government.

He further said that the last SIR was conducted 21 years ago in between 2001-2004. He said frequent migration, double voter id cards, non-removal of dead voters, and wrongful inclusion of foreigners have taken place in all these years.

“Hence, ECI decided to conduct step-wise SIR across the country," the CEC said. He said that since 1951, SIR has been conducted in the country eight times.

Australian women cricketers molested in Indore

INDORE, Oct 25: Two cricketers from the Australian women's national team were inappropriately touched by a man on a motorcycle in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Thursday morning. The women were in the city to play in the Women's Cricket World Cup. The incident has led to political outrage with the opposition cornering the ruling BJP government over women's safety in the state, saying the incident has "dragged India's name through the mud".

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari said, "Indore is known for its hospitality, but this raises serious questions about law and order. The fear of the police has vanished in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister, must answer who was responsible and what went wrong."

Senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said the Madhya Pradesh government "must ensure swift justice and stronger deterrence". "Silence is complicity. We must do better," he said.

The Trinamool Congress' message to the ruling government was even sterner. "Two Australian women cricketers were molested in an ICC-organised world cricket championship in BJP-ruled Indore. Mind, this happens during the double-engine government rule. It has lowered our heads before the entire world," said TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh, seeking a "fair probe".

TMC spokesperson Sudip Raha said, "Absolutely horrifying. Australian women cricketers molested in Indore! This is the reality of 'Beti Bachao' under BJP rule." "Before raising fingers upon Bengal, BJP's zamindars must introspect, for it's under their rule that India's daughters and guests are unsafe. They have dragged our nation's name through the mud before the entire world," Raha said.

The BJP has been slamming the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal for "failing" to ensure the safety of women, citing the rape-murder of a woman medic at RG Kar Hospital in August 2024 and the rape of another woman medical student in Durgapur earlier this month.

The cricketers were allegedly molested while walking from their hotel to a nearby cafe. The accused, identified as Aqeel, reportedly followed the players on a bike before inappropriately touching one of them and fleeing the scene. The man was arrested on Friday evening.

'Was Raped By Cop 4 Times': Maharashtra Woman Doctor's Suicide Note On Hand

SATARA, Oct 24: A woman doctor, who was reportedly raped four times in five months by a police sub-inspector (SI), died by suicide at a district hospital in Maharashtra's Satara on Thursday night.

In a note written on her left palm, the victim accused SI Gopal Badne of physical and mental abuse, and said his constant harassment forced her to take her own life. Badne has now been suspended. In the note, she also accused police officer Prashant Bankar of mental harassment.

"Police inspector Gopal Badne is the reason I died. He raped me four times. He subjected me to rape, mental and physical abuse for more than five months," the note said.

The doctor, who was working as a medical officer at Phaltan sub-district hospital, had raised similar allegations in a letter addressed to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the Sub-Divisional Office, Phaltan, on June 19.

In her letter to the DSP months before her suicide, the woman doctor accused two police officers of Phaltan Rural Police Department of harassment and sought legal action against them.

She named Badne, Sub-Divisional Police Inspector Patil and Assistant Police Inspector Ladputre in the letter. She said she was "under extreme stress, hence, requested that the serious matter be investigated and appropriate action be taken against the guilty officers".

Sources said Badne was suspended on the orders of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The suicide that took place on Thursday night triggered a political row in the state on Friday.

State Congress leader Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar hit out at the ruling Mahayuti government over the suicide note.

"When the protector becomes the predator! The duty of the police is to protect, but if they themselves are exploiting a female doctor, how will justice be served? Why was no action taken when this girl had previously lodged a complaint? The Mahayuti government repeatedly shields the police, which is leading to an increase in police atrocities," he said in a post on X.

"Merely ordering an inquiry in this case is not enough. These police officers should be sacked from their jobs, otherwise, they could exert pressure on the investigation. Why was her earlier complaint not taken seriously? Those who ignored it and those who shielded these police officers should face action. Until action is taken against the police, police atrocities will not be curbed," he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is a part of the ruling Mahayuti, assured of a thorough probe into the doctor's suicide.

"The incident is unfortunate, I have spoken to Satara Superintendent of Police. The process to register a First Information Report is underway. One of the accused is outside Satara and a team has been formed to arrest him.. soon the accused will be arrested," BJP Member of Legislative Council and State Women President Chitra Wagh said.

"It has also come to our notice that the doctor had raised a complaint but no action was taken. Everything will be investigated in the case... I want to appeal to all women that there is no need to take such an extreme step... Our government is ready to help. The 112 helpline should be used to register such complaints and action will be taken," she added.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which is also a part of the ruling alliance along with the Shiv Sena, also called for strict action against the accused.

"It is an unfortunate incident. Teams have been sent to arrest the accused. Strictest action should be taken as there is zero tolerance policy towards atrocities against women," NCP leader Anand Paranjape said.

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women also took note of the incident and said it has directed the police to probe the alleged inaction into the doctor's complaint.

"The body of the deceased doctor has been sent to the hospital for autopsy. The commission has instructed the Superintendent of Police, Satara, to urgently search for the absconding accused and conduct a thorough investigation of the entire case," it said in a series of post on X.

"The commission has instructed the police to investigate why the victimised woman did not receive help despite previously complaining about the harassment she faced and to take strict action against those responsible," it added.

20 Dead As Hyderabad-Bengaluru Bus Catches Fire, Door Jammed After Crash

KURNOOL, Oct 24: Twenty people have died after a luxury bus caught fire and turned into ashes after it hit a two-wheeler in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool in the early hours of Friday. The bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru had 43 people on board. The bus accident occurred near Ullindakonda in Kurnool district.

The bus began its journey from Hyderabad around midnight, and when it reached near Kurnool on National Highway 44 (NH-44), at around 3:30 am, it met with an accident with a two-wheeler. The two-wheeler got stuck under the belly of the bus, causing a spark, the police suspect.

Kurnool Collector, Dr A Siri, said bus door jammed as wires snapped.

Initial reports suggest that the fire engulfed the bus within minutes.

Rs 5 Crore Cash, Mercedes, Audi: Stunning Seizure From IPS Officer's House

NEW DELHI, Oct 16: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer posted as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Ropar Range in Punjab, in a corruption case that began with an alleged demand for Rs 8 lakh but has since revealed evidence of massive unexplained wealth, including Rs 5 crore in cash, luxury vehicles, jewellery, and high-end watches.

DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer, was arrested along with a private individual identified as Krishna, who allegedly acted as his middleman. The CBI said the officer was caught demanding and receiving bribes through this intermediary to "settle" a criminal case filed against a local businessman, and had been soliciting recurring monthly payments.

The case was registered by the CBI on Thursday, following a written complaint submitted five days earlier by a scrap dealer called Akash Batta in Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib. The complainant alleged that DIG Bhullar had been threatening to implicate him in a fabricated case related to his business operations unless he paid Rs 8 lakh as an initial bribe, followed by monthly "settlement" payments.

According to the CBI's First Information Report (FIR), Bhullar demanded that the payments be routed through his associate Krishna, who allegedly repeatedly pressurised him. In one intercepted conversation, Krishna allegedly said, "The August payment was not paid, the September payment was not paid."

Following a preliminary verification, the CBI laid a trap in Chandigarh's Sector 21. During the operation, Krishna was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 8 lakh from the complainant on behalf of the DIG. Officials said that immediately after the handover, a controlled call was arranged between the complainant and the DIG, in which the officer acknowledged receipt of the payment and instructed both men to visit his office.

Acting on this evidence, the CBI team traced DIG Bhullar to his office in Mohali and formally arrested both accused.

Following the arrests, the CBI conducted extensive searches at multiple premises linked to Bhullar in Ropar, Mohali, and Chandigarh.

Among the many items recovered were:

Approximately Rs 5 crore in cash (counting still ongoing)

1.5 kg of gold and jewellery

Documents relating to immovable properties across Punjab

Keys of two luxury vehicles -- a Mercedes and an Audi

22 high-end wristwatches

Locker keys and 40 litres of imported liquor

Firearms and ammunition, including a double-barrel shotgun, a pistol, a revolver, and an airgun

From the residence of the alleged middleman Krishna, the CBI recovered an additional Rs 21 lakh in cash.

Officials said both Bhullar and Krishna will be produced before a court on Friday. Further searches and investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the assets and possible money laundering links.

A 2009-batch IPS officer, Bhullar has held several key postings, including DIG of the Patiala Range, Joint Director of the Vigilance Bureau, and Senior Superintendent of Police in Mohali, Sangrur, Khanna, Hoshiarpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Gurdaspur.

In 2021, Bhullar led a Special Investigation Team (SIT) that probed a high-profile drug trafficking case against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia. He also served prominently in the Punjab government's anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh', launched to dismantle narcotics networks across the state.

Officials said Bhullar assumed charge as DIG, Ropar Range, in November 2024, overseeing the districts of Mohali, Rupnagar, and Fatehgarh Sahib. He is also the son of former Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) MS Bhullar.

Bihar SIR: SC asks EC to submit data on 3.66 lakh excluded voters from final electoral roll by Oct 9

NEW DELHI, Oct 9: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Election Commission of India to provide details of 3.66 lakh voters excluded from Bihar’s final electoral roll following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, along with the names of the 21 lakh voters included.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the poll panel will submit whatever information it gets on excluded voters by Thursday (October 9), when it will conduct further hearing on the pleas challenging the SIR exercise.

The bench expressed concern over confusion regarding whether the voters added to the final electoral list were previously deleted from the draft or entirely new entries. To this, ECI told the court that most names added under the Bihar SIR are of new voters, with only a few old voters.

The top court said everyone has the draft electoral roll and the final list has also been published on September 30, so the required data can be furnished through a comparative analysis.

Justice Bagchi told senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the poll panel, that court orders have resulted in more transparency and access to the electoral process.

The bench said that since it appears from the number of electors in the final list that there is an appreciation of numbers from the draft rolls, therefore, to avoid any confusion, the identity of add-ons should be disclosed.

"You'd agree with us that the degree of transparency and access has improved in the electoral process. It appears from the data that there was a 65 lakh deletion in the draft list which you published, and we said whoever is dead or moved is alright, but if you are deleting someone, please follow Rule 21 and the SOP," the bench observed.

"We also said that whoever is deleted, please put up their data in your electoral offices. Now the final list appears to be an appreciation of numbers and there is confusion in the general democratic process -- what is the identity of the add-ons, are they of deleted names or new names," Justice Bagchi said.

Dwivedi replied that most additions of names are of new voters and there were a few old voters, whose names were added after the draft roll was published. "No complaint or appeal filed till now by any excluded voters," Dwivedi said.

On September 30, the EC, while publishing the final electoral list of the poll-bound Bihar, said that the total number of electors has come down by nearly 47 lakh to 7.42 crore in the final electoral roll from 7.89 crore before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list carried out by the Election Commission.

The final figure has, however, increased by 17.87 lakh from 7.24 crore electors named in the draft list issued on August 1, which had removed 65 lakh voters from the original list on various accounts, including deaths, migration and duplication of voters.

Bihar’s Magadh division saw the highest number of new voters added, while the Muslim-dominated Seemanchal region reported the highest number of deletions in the final voter list.

On October 6, announcing the poll schedule, the EC said elections will be held in 121 seats of the 243-member Assembly on November 6, while the remaining 122 constituencies will go to polls on November 11.

The counting of votes will be held on November 14.

Man Throws Shoe At Indian Chief Justice In Supreme Court

NEW DELHI, Oct 6: An elderly man threw a shoe at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai in the Supreme Court this morning. The shoe did not reach the bench, and the man was immediately taken into custody. Unfazed by the shocking development in the courtroom, Chief Justice Gavai said, "I am the last person to be affected by such things," and continued the hearing.

According to eyewitnesses, the Chief Justice had just started hearing the first matter of the day when the elderly man raised slogans saying, "India won't tolerate Sanatan's insult," and hurled a shoe towards the bench. Security personnel in the courtroom moved swiftly and took the shoe-thrower into custody. The shoe hurled at the Chief Justice did not reach the target.

The shoe-thrower, it is learnt, had a proximity card that is provided to lawyers and clerks in the top court. The proximity card has the name Kishore Rakesh. His intention behind targeting the Chief Justice is not known, and security agencies are questioning him to find out more. The Chief Justice, it is learnt, has asked the registry not to take any action against the man.

A lawyer present in court at the time of the incident said that the Chief Justice was calm throughout. "I am the last person to be affected by such things. Please continue (the hearing).

Senior jurist Indira Jaising said the incident must be thoroughly investigated. "The lawyer must be named, and legal action taken against him. This appears to be a blatant casteist attack on the Supreme Court of India. It deserves to be condemned by all judges of the Supreme Court by a united press statement that ideological attacks will not be tolerated by the court. Befitting the court's dignity, the CJI Gavai went about judicial work with no visible disturbance," she said in a post on X.

This comes after the Chief Justice of India drew sharp criticism on social media over his remark on Lord Vishnu. Refusing to entertain a public interest litigation seeking judicial intervention for the reconstruction of a 7-foot beheaded idol of Lord Vishnu in Khajuraho, the Chief Justice reportedly said, "Go and ask the deity himself to do something."

The remark sparked criticism, with many calling the Chief Justice disrespectful towards the faith of Lord Vishnu's devotees. The Chief Justice later said, "Someone told me the other day that the comments I made have been portrayed on social media in a certain manner. I respect all religions."

To this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said things often get blown out of proportion on social media. "We used to know Newton's Law - every action has an equal reaction, but now every action has a disproportionate social media reaction," he said.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, also present in the courtroom, agreed. "We suffer this every day. Social media is an unruly horse, and there is no way to tame it!"

Bihar Elections On Nov 6, 11; Results on Nov 14

NEW DELHI, Oct 6: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the Bihar assembly elections on Monday. Based on the announcement, Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results and counting of votes will be done on November 14, 2025.

The term of the 243-member state assembly ends on November 22. The political parties had requested the election commission to conduct elections immediately after the Chhath festival to ensure greater voter participation as a large number of people employed outside return home for festivities.

The announcement of poll date follows a press conference by the Election Commission which shared the new details and processes which will be incorporated for the highly anticipated state elections.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, held a series of meetings in Patna over the weekend to assess security arrangements, logistics, and enforcement preparedness with top state officials to ensure free, fair and inducement-free elections.

Ahead of the announcements, parties involved in the Bihar polls called on the Election Commission to ensure the conduct of fair and transparent polls across the state. Furthermore, many states have called for single phase voting for Bihar.

"We urged the EC to hold assembly elections in a single phase. It is possible. The state has no law and order problem, nor is it in the throes of Naxal violence. If elections could be held in a single phase in Maharashtra, why not here?" said JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha.

Meanwhile, the seat-sharing for both INDIA and NDA alliances are expected to be announced later this week. RJD's Tejaswhi Yadav stated that the INDA bloc's formula is in its final stages and will be announced soon.

Here are five points on the Bihar assembly elections:

In the current House, the BJP holds the largest share with 80 MLAs, followed by its ally JD(U) with 45 MLAs.
The NDA is also backed by four MLAs from Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), led by Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi,
While the NDA’s tally stands at 129, comfortably above the 122-member majority mark, the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan has the support of 112 MLAs.
The BJP had won 74 seats in the 2020 elections, improving its numbers later through defections and a bypoll victory.
The RJD emerged as the single largest party in 2020 with 75 seats, while the Congress could win only 19 seats.

Mohan Bhagwat Says PoK Has to Be Taken Back

SATNA, Oct 5: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) a room in a house called India, but one in which strangers have moved in. The room has to be taken back, he said at an event in Madhya Pradesh's Satna, according to a news agency.

"Many Sindhi brothers are sitting here. I am very happy. They did not go to Pakistan; they went to undivided India. Circumstances have sent us here from that home because that home and this home are not different," Bhagwat, who heads the BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said, drawing huge applause from the audience.

"The whole of India is one home, but someone has removed one room of our house where my table, chair, and clothes used to be kept. They have occupied it. Tomorrow, I have to take it back..." he said as the audience clapped in agreement.

The RSS chief's comment comes amid tension in PoK due to locals rising up against Pakistani rule. Thousands of PoK residents rallied around the banner of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) to demand economic relief and political reforms.

Over the last three days, 10 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in PoK after Pakistani forces clashed with protesters. In Dhirkot (Bagh district) alone, four protesters were shot dead, while fatalities were also reported from PoK's Muzaffarabad, Dadyal (Mirpur), and Chamyati near Kohala.

20 Dead In Darjeeling After Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides, Sikkim Cut Off

KOLKATA, Oct 5: Twenty people have died in West Bengal's Darjeeling after heavy rain triggered landslides and cut off road connectivity on key routes. Officials have said the calamity has cut off connectivity to the Himalayan state of Sikkim.

Darjeeling in north Bengal received heavy rain last night, leading to landslides in areas such as Mirik and Sukhia Pokhari. Police and local administration have started a rescue operation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be visiting Darjeeling tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he is "deeply pained" by the loss of lives in Darjeeling. "We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected," he said on X.

Landslides have led to roadblocks on key routes, including the road connecting Bengal and Sikkim and the one linking Darjeeling and Siliguri.
A large number of tourists from Kolkata and other parts of Bengal travel to Darjeeling after the Durga Puja. So many tourists are likely to be caught in the calamity.

To prevent any untoward incident, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has decided to shut tourist spots in Darjeeling, including the Tiger Hill and Rock Garden. The toy train services have also been suspended. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha described the situation as "alarming". "As of now, the death count is 20. It is likely to go up," Guha said.

Internet Banned, 36-Hour Curfew In Odisha's Cuttack After Clashes

CUTTACK, Oct 5: Odisha's Cuttack, the thousand-year-old city long celebrated for its communal harmony, remained on edge on Sunday after fresh incidents of violence erupted following clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion two days earlier.

The clashes allegedly stem from disagreements over loud music during a procession in the city's Dargah Bazaar area, which have since spiralled into an internet shutdown, a bandh call, and appeals for peace from across the political spectrum. The city administration has imposed a 36-hour curfew across several areas, including the Dargah Bazaar region.

According to police and witnesses, the first outbreak of violence occurred between 1:30 am and 2 am on Saturday, when a Durga idol immersion procession passing through the Dargha Bazaar area towards the banks of the Kathajodi river was halted by a group of locals who objected to high-decibel music being played late at night.

The disagreement quickly escalated. Stones and glass bottles were allegedly thrown from rooftops as members of the procession retaliated. Several people, including Cuttack's Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo, were injured in the chaos.

The police resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the mob and restore order. At least six people have been arrested so far, and authorities are reviewing CCTV, drone, and mobile footage to identify others involved.

Police Commissioner S Dev Datt Singh said, "Those arrested were involved in stone pelting and were identified through CCTV footage. More arrests will follow."

Officials said one person sustained serious injuries and was admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital. The DCP's condition is stated to be stable.

While the city attempted to recover, tensions resurfaced on Sunday evening after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised a motorcycle rally that defied the district administration's restrictions.

The rally, which began from Bidyadharpur on the eastern outskirts, passed through Dargah Bazaar -- the epicentre of the earlier clashes -- and culminated at Sector 11 of the CDA area.

Officials said CCTV cameras along the route were damaged, and several shops in the Gourishankar Park area were vandalised and allegedly set on fire.

The Commissionerate Police used mild force to disperse groups attempting to disturb the peace.

In the wake of the violence and rising tension, the Odisha government suspended internet services across areas under the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and the adjoining 42 Mauza region from 7 pm on Sunday to 7 pm on Monday.

Sonam Wangchuk's wife writes to President, PM

LEH, Oct 1: Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk's wife and co-founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), has written to the President of India, Prime Minister of India, Home Minister, Law Minister of India, and the LG of Ladakh about the “detention” of her husband. In her letter, Gitanjali Angmo alleged that she has had no contact with Sonam Wangchuk since his “detention under the NSA.”

Gitanjali alleged that while being detained, Sonam Wangchuk was not permitted to take his clothes with him and it was unclear whether he has since been provided fresh clothing or basic necessities such as medicines, which he requires daily – particularly after his 15-day fast in September 2025 that left him physically weakened.

She said she was told by Insp. Rigzin Gurmet, SHO of Lich, that he would arrange a call with Sonam, but she never received it.

“Till today, Le. Ist Oct 2025, the officer has not called me or made me speak to my husband. I am completely unaware about my husband's condition. I was also told the officer would explain to me my legal rights. Even that has not been done till today.”

“I am shocked and devastated,” she said.

“While detaining him, Shri Wangchuk was not even allowed to take his clothes, I am not aware whether he has bore given fresh clothes and basic amenities including medicines that he needs san a daily basis, especially after his fast of 15 days in September 2025 that has weakened him physically.”

Gitanjali has also alleged that a “full-scale witch hunt has been unleashed for the past one month in particular, and for the past four years covertly, to kill the spirit of my husband and all the causes he stands for and espouses.”

She further asks, “Is it a crime to speak about climate change, melting glaciers, educational reforms and grassroot innovation? To raise one's voice for upliftment of a backward tribal belt which is ecologically fragile in a peaceful Gandhian manner for the last four years?” Also Read | Sonam Wangchuk's wife shares Modi's photo with Bangladesh leader Yunus: ‘Why is it problem for…’

“It certainly cannot be termed as a threat to national security.”

She said Sonam Wangchuk has been contributing by building shelters for the Indian Army to help officers and jawans stay warm and fight effectively. “To treat the son of the soil of Ladakh so shabbily is not just a SIN but a strategic error for building strong borders with solidarity and peaceful coexistence.”

“Is it a sin to espouse the cause of people and fight against reckless and unchecked development activities in a ecology fragile area of Ladakh. This country has learnt its lessons from its experiences from Uttarakhand, Himachal and the North East of late,” she said.