Month: January 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Sabarimala gold theft case has recorded a formal statement from actor Jayaram at his Chennai residence and is likely to list him as a key witness in the case.

The SIT is investigating two cases related to the alleged theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols and the doorframes of the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) at the temple.

The actor was questioned after videos surfaced showing him participating in a puja organized in Chennai in 2019 by Potti.

Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court has expressed strong displeasure with the SIT for delaying the investigation. Because the police failed to file the charge sheet within 90 days, some of the main accused have been released on “default bail.” As per the law, if a charge sheet is not filed within this time, the accused are entitled to bail. This is exactly what happened with the main suspect, Unnikrishnan Potty, and another man named Murari Babu.

Earlier on January 23, Kollam Vigilance Court granted statutory bail to former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) administrative officer Murari Babu in two cases related to the alleged gold loss at the Sabarimala temple. The court granted bail after 90 days had elapsed since his arrest, and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) failed to file charge sheets within the stipulated period.

Murari Babu is the second accused in the case concerning the alleged loss of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol plates, and the sixth accused in the case related to the alleged loss of gold from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doorframes. He is currently lodged at the Special Sub Jail in Thiruvananthapuram and is expected to be released by Friday evening.

He will be the first accused arrested in the Sabarimala gold loss cases to be released from jail. Murari Babu was arrested in October last year on charges of conspiracy, after allegedly forwarding a proposal to electroplate the Dwarapalaka idols and Sreekovil doorframes to the TDB, as suggested by the prime accused, Unnikrishnan Potti. At the time of arrest, Murari Babu was serving as Deputy Devaswom Commissioner in Haripad and was later suspended from service following the incident.

Meanwhile, Unnikrishnan Potti had secured statutory bail in the Dwarapalaka idol case, though he remains in custody in connection with the Sreekovil doorframe case. The SIT has so far arraigned 16 accused in the Dwarapalaka idol case and 13 in the Sreekovil doorframe case. Meanwhile, the court extended the remand of another accused, Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, by 14 days, with his bail plea scheduled for January 28. (ANI)

The father of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim on Friday said that the family wants to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to raise concerns over the investigation and the trial process, alleging that justice has not been delivered so far.

Speaking to reporters in Barrackpore’s Panihati area, the victim’s father said they have already spoken to BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharjee, who assured them of facilitating a meeting with the Union Home Minister.

“We have talked to BJP state president Shamik Bhattacharjee. He assured us that we would meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. We invited Mr Bhattacharjee on 9th February for my daughter’s birthday. He said he may come if he is in Kolkata. He is very busy now for election purposes,” he said.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the trial, the father alleged procedural lapses and a lack of transparency in the court proceedings.

“We must be optimistic. We have fallen far behind because only one person has been found guilty, and a trial has been held. Our lawyer has not given permission to move the court. Seema Pahuja, the CBI investigating officer, also stated that at the time we were not permitted into the courtroom. The hearing was conducted in a closed-door room. The witness’s testimony was also contradictory. If we are allowed to enter the courtroom, then we could have rectified or raised the issues. So we don’t accept this trial. We think there was were no trial at all,” he said.

He further said that if given the opportunity to meet Amit Shah, the family would raise serious concerns about the CBI’s functioning.

“If you get a chance to meet Amit Shah, we would like to tell him that CBI is not working properly. We will nab the culprit. If they assist us, our fighting will be easier. That’s it, nothing else. We also want to raise the issue of corruption in the state. In every sector, there is corruption, and my daughter’s death is the consequence of this,” he added.

Meanwhile, in another development, the mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape victim alleged that several political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), had approached the family with offers to contest the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, which they rejected.

Speaking to reporters, the victim’s mother said, “They offered us Rs 4 crore, but what we have lost, I think even God himself can never fill that irreparable loss.”

She further alleged, “Both of us have been offered by the political parties. TMC had offered from the very beginning: to join politics and to offer money. But unfortunately, we did not agree with this proposal. When my daughter was killed, she received lots of pain and called her mother. But I did not do anything for her. I have not received any advantages. I only want justice.”

Accusing the state government of responsibility, she said, “I think due to the corruption by this TMC government, I have lost my daughter.”

On August 9, 2024, the second-year postgraduate medical student was raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College. (ANI)

At least fourteen students were hospitalised after consuming the mid-day meal at a primary school in Khammam district of Telangana, police said on Friday.

The students fell sick after consuming dal and rice at Bodya Thanda Primary School in Konijerla Mandal. They were shifted to Kammam Government Hospital for food poisoning treatment.

According to the police, the students are in stable condition now.

Further details awaited. (ANI)

As Bangladesh gears up for the upcoming elections, the US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a security alert warning of potential political violence during the election period and calling for American citizens to remain vigilant.

In a post on X on Friday, it said, “Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections and a national referendum simultaneously on February 12, 2026. During the election period, political violence or extremist attacks may occur, potentially targeting rallies, polling stations, and religious sites. U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations, and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings.”

The post shared a statement by the US Embassy in Dhaka that further advised people to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, be aware of their surroundings, monitor local news, remain vigilant, keep a low profile, carry a charged mobile phone for emergency communications, review their personal security plans and plan for alternative travel routes.

Earlier on Thursday, the Bangladesh Interim Government expressed deep concern over the recent violent incident in Sherpur that resulted in the death of a political activist of the Jamaat-e-Islami party. Any loss of life linked to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable, the Chief Adviser Press Wing said.

With the national election only two weeks away, the government called on all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. Violence, intimidation, and loss of life have no place in a democratic process, it added.

The statement called for all parties, leaders, and campaigners to play their role in maintaining peace, respecting the rule of law, and engaging voters through peaceful and constructive means. The nation’s future depends on calm, discipline, and democratic conduct from all sides.

It said that the Interim Government remains committed to ensuring a peaceful, free, and fair election.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council in a statement placed demands for the election commission to create a level playing field and foster a positive environment so that religious and ethnic minority voters can go to polling centres without obstruction, prohibit use of religion and communalism in election campaigns, ensure religious places are prohibited from being used for election campaigning and that religious hate speech, statements, the spread of false rumors, or any such propaganda should be treated as punishable offenses.

As the elections draw close, the Bangladesh Election Commission said it is duty-bound to protect the voting rights of minorities and ensure a peaceful poll.

Senior Assistant Secretary Matiur Rahman said, “Our intelligence agencies have already gathered information regarding potential vulnerabilities in the region. The Election Commission has implemented preventive measures to ensure that no one can disturb the process or harm the voting of any group, including minorities. All agencies are carrying out their duties as per instructions. I can confidently say that no one will be able to interfere with the casting of votes.”

Rahman said that the Bangladesh EC was taking all steps to ensure a free and fair election. (ANI)

YSRCP leader and former TTD chairman Bhuman Karunakar Reddy accused Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan of deliberately hurting Hindu sentiments by making what he termed as false allegations over Lord Venkateswara’s prasadam to politically target YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Speaking to ANI, Bhuman Karunakar Reddy said that Chadrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan falsely claimed that animal fat was mixed into the Tirumala laddu prasadam instead of ghee, with the sole intention of damaging Jagan Mohan Reddy politically.

“These baseless allegations not only aim to malign our leader but also tarnish the sanctity and prestige of Lord Venkateswara. Over 1.4 billion Hindus across the world have been deeply distressed by these false claims for the past one-and-a-half years,” he said.

Reddy asserted that the accusations were part of a malicious political conspiracy. “To target Jagan Mohan Reddy, they dragged Lord Venkateswara’s sacred prasadam into politics. For devotees like me, this is deeply painful and unacceptable,” he added.

Referring to the report submitted before the court by the Supreme Court-appointed CBI-led SIT, the former TTD chairman said it clearly established that no animal fat was added to the prasadam. “The report categorically states that the issue had nothing to do with political leaders, former board members or the TTD chairman, and that the lapse occurred at the supplier level,” he said.

Despite this, Bhuman Karunakar Reddy alleged that Chandrababu Naidu continued to make misleading claims through newspapers to defame Jagan Mohan Reddy. “Using Lord Venkateswara or even Lord Vishnu as a political pawn reflects a vile mindset,” he said.

He announced that the YSRCP would organise the “Srinivasa Prasadam Ninda Parihara Homa” in Tirupati to seek atonement for the insult caused to the deity and his prasadam, calling for the actions of Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan to be unequivocally condemned.

“We want Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan to reflect on this vile mindset. We have done no wrong; the wrongdoing, the crime, and the malicious intent lie entirely with Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, as confirmed clearly in the report,” he said. (ANI)

US President Trump has recently been briefed on a broader and more aggressive range of possible military actions targeting Iran, reported The New York Times.

The proposals are designed to inflict deeper damage on Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure or to undermine the authority of the country’s supreme leader, reflecting a significant escalation in planning compared with options reviewed earlier this month.

Officials said the measures now under consideration exceed those examined roughly two weeks ago, when the administration was focused on fulfilling Trump’s public commitment to halt the killing of protesters by Iranian government security forces and affiliated militias. Those officials spoke “on the condition of anonymity to discuss potential military plans,” citing the sensitivity of internal deliberations, reported The New York Times.

The updated menu of options includes scenarios that would place American forces directly on Iranian soil, such as targeted raids against key facilities. The context surrounding these discussions has shifted, officials noted, as the mass protests that swept parts of Iran have been forcefully suppressed, at least for now, by the authorities in Tehran.

Earlier, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivered a stark warning to Iran on Thursday (local time) and underscored President Donald Trump’s forceful military stance during a Cabinet meeting, as the United States continues to surge warships and air assets across the Middle East in a growing show of force amid rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

In outlining the seriousness of the threat posed by Iran, Hegseth cautioned Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting that “they should not pursue nuclear capabilities, and we will be prepared to deliver whatever this president expects of the War Department.”

His comments were part of broader remarks highlighting US military readiness and deterrence in the region. To illustrate American military capability, the defence chief pointed to the recent capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, describing the operation as unparalleled in scale and execution.

“No other military in the world could have executed the most sophisticated, powerful raid — not just in American history — I would say in world history,” Hegseth said.

He added that this feat demonstrated the unique empowerment given to US forces under the current administration: “No other president would have been willing to empower those warriors that way.”Hegseth said such high-profile operations are intended to send a clear message about the US resolve globally.

This followe a post on social media platform Truth Social, where President Trump said a large U.S. naval force, described as a “massive armada” led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, was moving toward Iran. He expressed urgency on Iran returning to the negotiating table and urged Tehran to reach an agreement that would bar nuclear weapons development.

“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal – NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS,” Trump wrote, warning that “time is running out” and that if Iran does not comply, the next attack “will be far worse” than prior strikes.

Trump’s comments invoked past US military action, including a June 2025 campaign when American forces struck multiple Iranian nuclear facilities in coordination with Israel, an operation that Washington said significantly set back Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 78th death anniversary, saying that his emphasis on ‘Swadeshi’ is the “fundamental pillar of self-reliant India.”

“My hundredfold salutations to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his death anniversary. Revered Bapu always laid strong emphasis on Swadeshi, which is also a fundamental pillar of our resolve for a developed and self-reliant India. His personality and deeds will forever continue to inspire the people of the country to walk the path of duty,” PM Modi wrote on X.

In another X post, the Prime Minister hailed Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.

“Revered Bapu always emphasised non-violence for the protection of humanity. There is such power in it that can change the world without weapons. Ahimsa param dharmast-thahimsa parantpah, ahimsa paramam satyam yato dharmah pravartate (Nonviolence is the ultimate duty, nonviolence is the ultimate austerity. Nonviolence is the ultimate truth, and it advances the cause of righteousness),” he wrote.

Senior Minister JP Nadda also paid tribute to the Mahatma, “On the sacred death anniversary of the worshipper of humanity, the embodiment of sacrifice and penance, the pioneer of Swadeshi and self-reliance, the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi Ji, I offer him millions of salutations. Revered Bapu, through his ideal and exemplary personality and deeds, spread the message of lifelong truth, non-violence, peace and goodwill across the world. His great thoughts continue to illuminate the path for the countrymen in building a self-reliant and developed India even today. His life philosophy, dedicated to the service of the nation, will forever inspire us to walk on the path of morality, tolerance and service to the people.”

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a leading figure in India’s freedom movement, succumbed to bullets on January 30, 2026. He was assassinated by Nathuram Godse while he was on his way to daily prayers.

January 30 is marked as Martyr’s Day. On the occasion of his 78th death anniversary, the Centre will hold an all-religious prayer (Sarva-Dharma-Prarthana) and Martyr’s Day Ceremony, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister and Rajghat Samadhi Committee Chairman Manohar Lal, at the Rajghat in the national capital.

Every year, Prime Minister Modi visits Rajghat to pay floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police also issued a traffic advisory in view of an official function scheduled at Mahatma Gandhi Smriti Sthal, Rajghat, on January 30 to mark Martyrs’ Day. The event is expected to be attended by several dignitaries, prompting heightened security arrangements and traffic regulation in parts of central Delhi.

According to the advisory, traffic diversions may be implemented on a need basis at key intersections, including ITO Chowk, Delhi Gate, Guru Nanak Chowk, Shantivan Chowk, Rajghat DTC Depot, and the IP Flyover. (ANI)

The death of 24-year-old Kajal Chaudhary, a Delhi Police SWAT commando, has left her family shattered, with her brother Nikhil recounting the events that led to her death. Kajal, who was allegedly assaulted by her husband, Ankur, at their Mohan Garden residence on January 22, succumbed to her injuries on January 27.

Speaking to the media, Nikhil said he was on a phone call with his sister when the argument escalated that night. “I received a call and could hear my sister screaming. Five minutes later, my brother-in-law called and said, ‘mere hatho ye margayi hai, aa jao isse lene’ (I have killed her, come pick up her body),” he alleged.

According to him, Kajal had been facing domestic violence from the early days of her marriage due to dowry demands. “His parents, brothers and sisters kept saying the dowry should have been more. Initially, things were fine, but later he also started behaving the same way,” Nikhil said.

He added that Kajal suffered severe head injuries and was declared brain-dead. “The doctors told us treatment was not possible,” he said. Kajal, who was four months pregnant at the time of the assault and had earlier given birth to a son in 2024, Their one-and-a-half-year-old child is now staying with Kajal’s family.

Police said Kajal was allegedly hit multiple times, including with a dumbbell, before being taken to a private hospital by Ankur. An attempt to murder case was initially registered at Mohan Garden police station, but sections of murder and dowry were later added following her death and the family’s complaint. Ankur has been arrested and sent to judicial custody at Tihar Jail.

Kajal, recruited into the Delhi Police in 2022, was posted with the SWAT unit of the Special Cell. Her husband, a clerk with the Ministry of Defence, has been suspended. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)

After creating waves at the box office and emerging as one of the biggest blockbusters in recent times, Ranveer Singh-starrer ‘Dhurandhar’ has officially begun its journey on the digital platform.

The film premiered on streaming giant Netflix at midnight on Friday, further extending its global reach.

In addition to its original Hindi version, Dhurandhar is also available for streaming in Tamil and Telugu, enabling audiences across different linguistic regions to experience the film.

Discussing Dhurandhar’s anticipation on Netflix, Monika Shergill, VP of Content, Netflix India, in a press note shared, “Dhurandhar has become a true pop-culture moment, a blockbuster that has captured audience imagination and conversation at scale. We are excited to bring this film to Netflix, making it available to audiences in over 190 countries. Ambitious & bold, Dhurandhar is crafted with exceptional vision by Director Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios and its Netflix journey marks our creative partnership that has grown with many successful films over the years.”

Highlighting the performances, Shergill noted that the film’s ensemble cast makes it one of the most anticipated titles on streaming platforms.

“The stellar performances by Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna and the brilliant ensemble make it one of the most anticipated films on streaming. It’s thrilling when we are able to surprise and delight our members with the best of Indian cinema for fans here and around the world,” she added.

Director Aditya Dhar also expressed his excitement over the film’s digital release.

Reflecting on the theatrical run, he said that the audience response had been deeply humbling.

He shared, “The theatrical response to Dhurandhar was deeply humbling, especially witnessing audiences connect with its story, characters, and scale. With its release on Netflix, the film begins a new chapter. Reaching farther, inviting new viewers to discover its layers and revisit its moments in their own time.”

Adding to this, producer Jyoti Deshpande, President – Jio Studios, shared, “Dhurandhar not only reset the bar and set new box office records worldwide for an Indian film, it equally raised the bar to showcase India’s command over the craft of cinema and brave new style of storytelling that transcends language or geography and drew the audiences into an unforgettable immersive experience.. Dhurandhar epitomises our vision for India to the world with stories rooted in india with a narrative that crosses over. In many ways, we opted for almost an OTT-style binge-watch chapter-style format for the film, which resonated with audiences worldwide. We fully expect to amplify Dhurandhar’s place in popular culture with the film’s Netflix premiere, which will help reach it to even more audiences in India and across the world.”

Producer Lokesh Dhar of B62 Studios echoed similar sentiments, calling the film’s box office run a proud moment for Indian cinema and stating, “From script to screen, Dhurandhar has been driven by vision and scale. Its record-breaking box office run marks a proud moment for Indian cinema, and with its Netflix release, the film is set to reach and resonate with audiences worldwide.”

Dhurandhar has rewritten box office history by surpassing ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ to become the highest-grossing Hindi film of all time. Apart from Ranveer Singh, the film features Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan in pivotal roles.

The film has been planned as a two-part franchise, with the sequel scheduled to release on March 19, 2026. (ANI)