Month: October 2025

Days after protests over the ‘I Love Mohammad’ row turned violent, heavy police deployment continues in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly to maintain law and order.

Bareilly police conducted a flag march in the area on Thursday as a precautionary measure ahead of Dussehra celebrations in the city.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Bareilly, AK Sahni, told ANI that the situation in the city was “completely normal,” with police engaged in foot patrolling to maintain peace. He added that 10 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed in view of the celebrations.

“The situation is completely normal. Police are conducting a route march and foot patrolling. We are talking to all stakeholders. In view of the festivals, 10 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), a Paramilitary force, along with the CRPF and district forces, are deployed here. We appeal to the public to celebrate festivals in a peaceful manner,” DIG Sahni said.

The senior police official further added that the miscreants responsible for the violence are being identified.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh police have arrested Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) National General Secretary Nafees Khan and his son Farman Khan in connection with the September 26 protests in Bareilly, taking the total arrests in the case to 81.

According to the police, Farman used to handle the Facebook page of IMC.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bareilly Anurag Arya informed that Nafees and his son revealed that “everyone was involved in the conspiracy”.

“Dr Nafees and his son have been arrested, and it has been revealed by them that everyone was involved in this conspiracy and that they deliberately created confusion by calling the appeal fake so that a crowd could gather. A total of 81 people have been arrested,” SSP Arya told ANI.

A group of people had gathered outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and IMC chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s house, holding “I Love Mohammad” placards.

The protestors pelted stones at the police during the protest after the Friday prayers.

In response to the unrest, the Bareilly administration suspended mobile internet and broadband services for 48 hours, from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4. (ANI)

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, on Friday approached the Supreme Court seeking her husband’s release.

Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and was shifted to Jodhpur Central Jail in Rajasthan for allegedly inciting violent protests in Ladakh.

He was also booked under the NSA after violence in Leh, in which four people were killed and 80 others were injured.

In a post on social media X, Wangchuk’s wife wrote that she had no information about his health or the grounds of his detention.

I have sought relief from the SUPREME COURT OF INDIA through a HABEAS CORPUS petition against @Wangchuk66’s detention.
It is one week today. Still I have no information about Sonam Wangchuk’s health, the condition he is in nor the grounds of detention. pic.twitter.com/P4EPzO630A

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) October 3, 2025

“I have sought relief from the SUPREME COURT OF INDIA through a HABEAS CORPUS petition against @Wangchuk66’s detention. It is one week today. Still I have no information about Sonam Wangchuk’s health, the condition he is in nor the grounds of detention,” the post read.

Earlier, Gitanjali J Angmo slammed the Centre and alleged police torture against the people of Ladakh after the September 24 violence in the Union Territory.Comparing the current situation in Ladakh to that during British India, she said that the Union Home Ministry is “misusing” the Ladakh Police.

“Is India really free? In 1857, 24,000 Britishers used 135,000 Indian sepoys to oppress 300 million Indians under orders from the Queen. Today, a dozen administrators are misusing 2400 Ladakhi police to oppress and torture 3 lakh Ladakhis under the orders of the MHA,” Gitanjali wrote on X.

Angmo’s criticism of the MHA and the police comes amid curfew in Leh and police firing as a response to the violence on September 24. Following Sonam Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA), Gitanjali Angmo has refuted the allegations against Wangchuk being in touch with a Pakistani Intelligence Operative, and accused the Ladakh police of working with an “agenda”.

“Whatever the DGP is saying, he has an agenda. They don’t want to implement the 6th Schedule under any circumstances and want to make someone a scapegoat,” she alleged.

Gitanjali has also sent a representation for the immediate release of Shri Sonam Wangchuk to the President of India, Prime Minister of India, Home Minister, Law Minister of India, the LG of Ladakh and the DC Leh.

The violence on September 24 claimed the lives of four people amid police retaliation, after the protestors set a political party’s office on fire. The protests were a result of people demanding statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, which turned into clashes with the police officials in Leh (ANI)

Former Pakistan cricketer Sana Mir faced heavy trolling and criticism on social media for using the term ‘Azad Kashmir’ to describe a players city of origin during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Colombo.

After receiving the backlash, Sana responded on her official X handle, pointing out how “unfortunate” it is that “things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure.” She also attached a screenshot of the ESPNCricinfo profile of Natalia and added that, “There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments.”

“It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion and people in sports are being subjected to unnecessary pressure. It is sad that this requires an explanation at public level. My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced of coming from a certain region in Pakistan and her incredible journey. It is part of the story telling we do as commentators as where the players come from. I did that today for two other players coming from other regions, too. Please don’t politicise it. As a commentator on the World Feed, we are meant to focus on the sport, teams, and players, highlighting inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or any intention to hurt sentiments. I am also attaching the screen shot of where I research most of my players from, whether from Pakistan or any other country. I realise that they have changed it by now, but this is what I was referring to,” posted Sana on X.

The incident happened when Natalia Pervaiz had come to bat. Mir was heard during the commentary saying, “…Captaining a very young side. Yes, they have won the qualifiers, but a lot of these players are new. Natalia who comes from Kashmir, Azad Kashmir, plays in Lahore a lot of cricket. She has to come to Lahore to play most of her cricket there.”

The region has been denoted by India as Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The video of her mentioning the same went viral on social media, drawing plenty of criticism from fans. Some of the fans urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to remove her from the panel of commentators, which is part of the ongoing Women’s World Cup. Though the tournament is being hosted by India, Pakistan is playing all its matches in Colombo as per the hybrid model.

An X user named AT10 said, “Sana Mir is doing commentary for the ICC World Cup… If someone is afraid of losing his/her respect he/she thinks 10 times before saying anything but she is from a country where there is no such thing as respect.. Remove her @ICC from the panel.”

Another X user named Ajay Jangid said, “What the hell is ‘Azaad Kashmir’ @ICC @BCCI? Using this on a global stage is outrageous. @JayShah @MithunManhas, take immediate, strict action–Ban Sana Mir . There is NO ‘Azaad Kashmir.’ Such anti-India propaganda has no place in cricket! #PakvsBan #CWC25.”

Another X user, Sushi Rani, also posted, “@cricketworldcup @BCCI @AmitShah please do the needful for Sana Mir. Fire her now.”

Coming to the match, some tidy bowling from Bangladesh, particularly Shorna Akter (3/5 in 3.3 overs), reduced Pakistan to 129 in 38.3 overs, with Rameen Shamim (23) and skipper Fatima Sana (22) being the only ones crossing the 20-run mark.

Rubya Haider (54 in 77 balls, with eight fours) was the star of the run-chase for Bangladesh as she helped her nation start the campaign with a seven wicket win with 113 balls left.

India will notably take on Pakistan in a high-octane clash at Colombo on Sunday. (ANI)

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that in India, one can say ‘I love Modi’ but not ‘I love Mohammad’, responding to the controversy over the circulation of “I Love Mohammad” posters and signs. His remarks come amid continuing tensions in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, following a protest over the posters that turned violent last week.

Speaking at a public meeting in Hyderabad on Thursday, Owaisi questioned the direction in which the nation is heading. “In this country, one can say ‘I love Modi’ but not ‘I love Mohammad’. Where are you taking this nation? If someone says ‘I love Modi’, the media also becomes happy,” he said.

He further asserted, “If someone says ‘I love Mohammad’, then that is objected to. If I am a Muslim, it is because of Muhammad. There is nothing above and beyond that for the 17 crore Indians who participated in the country’s independence.”

Owaisi’s remarks come against the backdrop of a tense situation prevailing in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly, where protests over “I Love Mohammad” posters on September 26 turned violent.

“We condemn violence… There are videos in which police are lathi-charging and shopkeepers are showering flowers on them. We must keep in mind that the police are only accountable to those in power and no one else. They will beat you tomorrow when the power shifts… No one was named Mohammad other than the Prophet Mohammad. If you install his posters, you have to respect them…,” the AIMIM chief said.

Addressing concerns over law and order, Owaisi questioned the government’s role, “I want to ask the government why they are making so many laws, and what is happening? 3000 Muslims in Assam were made homeless, claiming that the construction was on government land…”

He urged people to remain patient and act within legal frameworks, stating, “We must not be bothered by the situation. We have to deal with patience. We must do everything within the law. Don’t take the law into your own hands. When you act within the law, you will realise that the law is just a spiderweb and nothing else,” he said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh police have arrested Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) National General Secretary Nafees Khan and his son Farman Khan in connection with the September 26 protests in Bareilly, taking the total arrests in the case to 81.

According to the police, Farman used to handle the Facebook page of IMC.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bareilly Anurag Arya informed that Nafees and his son revealed that “everyone was involved in the conspiracy”.

In response to the unrest, the Bareilly administration suspended mobile internet and broadband services for 48 hours, from 3 pm on October 2 to 3 pm on October 4.

A group of people had gathered outside Ala Hazrat Dargah and Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan’s house, holding “I Love Mohammad” placards.

The protestors pelted stones at the police during the protest after the Friday prayers. (ANI)

Olympic medallist and India’s star lifter Mirabai Chanu claimed the silver medal overall with a 199kg total, in the ongoing World Weightlifting Championships in Førde, Norway, on Friday in the 48kg division.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea weightlifter Ri Song-gum dominated the 48kg division, winning three gold medals, sweeping the 48kg division on the opening day of competition, as per Olympics.com.

En route to her second-straight overall world title, Ri snatched 91kg before a successful 122kg clean and jerk, a new world record. Her overall total of 213kg is also a world record.

Thailand’s Thanyathon Sukcharoen claimed the bronze medal with a total of 198kg. The competition will continue in Førde, Norway, with the women’s 53kg division and men’s 60kg weight class events scheduled for the next day at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships.

Chanu, who returned to action after Paris 2024 by winning the 48kg gold at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in August, carried India’s hopes in Norway.

The 31-year-old ace Indian weightlifter won a gold medal in the 48kg category at the 2017 edition of the World Weightlifting Championships in Anaheim. She also won silver in the 49kg category at the 2022 edition of the competition in Bogota.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Lovepreet Singh will lead India’s men’s contingent at the World Weightlifting Championships.

Lovepreet Singh also won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships earlier this year, where Ajith Narayana and Ajaya Babu Valluri struck gold

World Weightlifting Championships 2025: Indian squad: Women: Mirabai Chanu (48kg), Koyel Bar (53kg), Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam (58kg), Nirupama Devi Seram (63kg), Harjinder Kaur (69kg), Vanshita Verma (86kg), Mehak Sharma (86kg+).

Men: Rishikanta Singh Chanambam (60kg), Muthupandi Raja (65kg), Ajith Narayana (71kg), Ajaya Babu Valluri (79kg), Abhishek Nipane (88kg), Dilbag Singh (94kg), Lovepreet Singh (110kg+). (ANI)

Eleven people lost their lives after a trolley carrying devotees overturned during a Durga idol immersion in Jamli village of Khandwa district in Madhya Pradesh. The bodies of all eleven people have been recovered and are sent for post-mortem, Khandwa Collector Rishav Gupta said.

The official further added that three people were injured during the incident, out of which two are currently out of danger and one is still undergoing treatment due to serious injuries.

Khandwa Collector Rishav Gupta said, “An unfortunate incident occurred today in the Pandhana Assembly constituency, where some young people from Rajgarh Panchayat had come to Jamli village, to immerse idols. A village officer was on duty at the pond in Jamli. He warned them that the water ahead was deep. However, they continued, and the trolley became unbalanced and overturned. There were about 25 young people in the trolley. The villagers of Jamli made a tremendous effort, saving lives… Our SDRF and Home Guard teams also arrived at the scene, and the entire administration was present. The MLA led the charge.”

“A total of 11 people were missing here, all of whose bodies have been recovered and transported to Pandhana for post-mortem. Three people were also referred to Khandwa, two of whom are currently out of danger and one is seriously injured and is undergoing treatment…,” he added.

Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and said that Madhya Pradesh will give a financial aid of Rs 4 lakhs each to the next of kin of the deceased and will ensure proper treatment to the injured.

Posting on X, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said, “The accidents that occurred during the Durga immersion ceremony in Jamli village of Khandwa and the Ingoria police station area near Ujjain are extremely tragic. I express my condolences to the bereaved families. Instructions have been given to provide Rs 4 lakh each as compensation to the next of kin of the deceased, and to provide proper treatment to the injured at the nearest hospital. I pray to Goddess Durga for the speedy recovery of all the injured and for strength to the bereaved families”

Prime Minister’s office also took cognisance of the matter and announced Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

The PMO India posted, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in an accident at Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM” (ANI)

Actor Alia Bhatt spoke about her bonding with late actor Rishi Kapoor on the second episode of ‘Two Much With Kajol & Twinkle’ on Amazon Prime.

Alia arrived on the show alongside former co-star and friend Varun Dhawan, and they got candid about their relationship with each other, children and marriage.

In one of the conversations, Alia opened up about her relationship with her father-in-law, Rishi Kapoor.

She shared, “Actually, I spent a lot of time with him when we were filming ‘Kapoor and Sons’. At that time, I wasn’t dating Ranbir or anyone else. But we used to hang out every evening. He had the most wonderful stories to tell. He used to love hanging out. After the shoot, he was like, “Just sit and you know, chill and have dinner together. That ambience was just too good. Like I really, really miss him.”

Alia also shared the connection between her daughter, Raha, and Rishi Kapoor.

She said, “I really think, especially his dynamic with Raha. Whenver people look at me, they were just like Raha is a mini Rishi Kapoor and Alia Bhatt and she really has like there is some energy of his that i feel she depicts from time to time.”

Alia also discusses her connection with the Kapoor family. She said, “I feel when you are so internally into it, like when the relationships are so personal, you don’t really look at it from a professional perspective. You know, like which legacy you are going into. I think that only comes when you know.”

“We celebrated 100 years of Raj Kapoor. I think at that moment. I was like, “Oh my god,” you know, Raj Kapoor is Raha’s great-grandfather. That link, I actually realised only then. When you are very involved in it, it’s very personal,” she added.

Alia and Ranbir married in April 2022 after several years of dating. Their daughter, Raha, was born in November 2022.

On Christmas 2023, Ranbir and Alia surprised their fans by making their first public appearance with Raha.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Alia is busy filming her upcoming movie, Alpha. Directed by Shiv Rawail, ‘Alpha’ is set to be a notable addition to Yash Raj Films’ acclaimed spy universe and is scheduled for release on December 25. (ANI)

The Reliance Foundation Founder-Chairperson, Nita Ambani, celebrated Navratri at Radiance Dandiya with the renowned singer Falguni Pathak at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai.

From offering prayers to joining in the joy of garba, it was truly a night of festivity and devotion at the Jio World Convention Centre.

Nita Ambani addressed the crowd and said, “..When I was a young girl, I used to dance all nine nights of Navratri. It brings back so many beautiful, youthful memories. I have known Falguni (Pathak) for 25 years….”

Navratri, which means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known collectively as Navdurga.

The Hindu festival of Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a yearly celebration that honours the Hindu goddess Durga and commemorates her victory over Mahishasur. Hindu mythology holds that the goddess comes to her earthly abode at this time to bless her devotees.

In 2025, Durga Puja begins on September 28 (Shashthi) and concludes on October 2 (Vijayadashami).Hindus observe four Navratris throughout the year, but only two- Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri — are widely celebrated, as they coincide with the changing of the seasons. In India, Navratri is celebrated in various forms and traditions.

Shardiya Navratri is a vibrant and sacred Hindu festival that spans nine nights, celebrating the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival is marked by fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, symbolising various aspects of strength, compassion, and wisdom.

Devotees engage in fasting, singing devotional songs, and participating in traditional dances, such as Garba and Dandiya, creating a joyful atmosphere. Navratri days hold great significance among Hindus, and these days are celebrated with great grandeur. (ANI)

Garima Saikia Garg, wife of late singer Zubeen Garg, on Thursday expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death, asserting her “full faith in the legal system”.

She appealed for patience with the legal process handling her husband’s case and said that the “investigation would reveal the truth” and those responsible would face justice.

Speaking to ANI, Garima said, “The investigation process is ongoing, and they are handling it in their own way. Therefore, we should not comment on it right now. I do not have much knowledge about it, so the law will take its own course. I have full faith that we will receive justice through our legal system, and the investigation will be conducted properly. We will soon learn what really happened that day and who is guilty of what we want to know. If anyone is responsible, they will be punished very soon.”

She further emphasised that the family is relying on the authorities to ensure a thorough and fair investigation and is confident that the truth will emerge.

Today marks the 13th day since the passing of the singer Zubeen Garg, who lost his life in Singapore following a scuba diving accident. His mortal remains were first flown to Delhi and later transported to Guwahati on September 21 by a commercial flight.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is personally overseeing the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death, considering it a ‘national duty’ to bring justice to the iconic singer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said.

In a press statement, BJP state spokesperson Kalyan Gogoi stated that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is personally overseeing the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s case in accordance with the public’s expectations of justice.

“No one in Assam will be above the law. The guilty must not evade appropriate punishment, and until justice is served, neither the BJP government nor the BJP party will rest”, the party’s statement read.

The party also mentioned that the investigative process will be carried out with complete accuracy, integrity, and fairness, while also urging people to maintain trust in the law and proceed with confidence, while staying at a safe distance from any person or force that could interfere with the investigation.

The spokesperson expressed gratitude to the people of Assam for the faith and confidence they have shown in the Chief Minister.

A day earlier, Shyamkanu Mahanta, organiser of the North East Music Festival in Singapore, and Siddharth Sharma, manager of singer Zubeen Garg, were sent to 14 days’ police custody by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Kamrup on Wednesday in connection with the death of the singer.

Meanwhile, Assamese actress Nishita Goswami and Zubeen Garg’s co-musician Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, on September 27, appeared before the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police in connection with the probe into the death.

The CID, Assam, has registered a case (no 18/2025) under Section 61(2)/105/106(1) of BNS, 2023, in connection with the suspicious death. (ANI)

On the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday praised the Indian armed forces for their role in combating terrorism and highlighted ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a triumph of humanity over terrorism, linking it to the victory of good over evil celebrated during the festival.

President Murmu attended the Vijaya Dashami festivities at the Ramlila organised by the Shri Dharmic Leela Committee today.

Addressing the gathering, President Murmu said, “Humankind thrives with the victory of good. When the demon of terrorism attacks humankind, it becomes essential to hunt it. Operation Sindoor by the Indian forces is a symbol of the victory of humanity over the Ravan of terrorism. For this, we bow before and thank every warrior protecting Bharat Mata.”

The ‘Vijyayadashmi’ or ‘Dussehra’, is celebrated to mark the triumph of good over evil. It is believed that Lord Rama killed Ravan on this day, and with this belief, the culture of burning the effigies of Ravan began. The ‘Vijayadashmi’ also marks the culmination of the nine-day-long Navratri festival.

It is observed on the tenth day of the month of Ashvin, the seventh in the Hindu Luni-Solar Calendar. The festival typically falls in the Gregorian calendar months of September and October. The festival also starts the preparations for Diwali, which is celebrated twenty days after Vijayadashami. Vijayadashmi is celebrated with huge fervour across the country.

Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh performed ‘Shastra Puja’ at Sukna Cantonment in Darjeeling on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dussehra, and celebrated the festival with Army soldiers.

“In light of the present situation, the potential for any action from neighbouring countries cannot be dismissed, and the armed forces must ensure that they are fully prepared,” Rajnath Singh said. (ANI)