Police thrash live-in partner murder accused in Gujarat; defend action citing reputation damage

A man, Faizal Lakhani, accused of murdering his partner at a bus stand in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, was beaten by police during a crime scene reconstruction to address public outrage and restore faith in law enforcement. Lakhani's history of crime and the brutal nature of the attack had tarnished the police's image, prompting this extreme measure. The backdrop involves an existing state directive against police brutality.

Chandigarh consumer panel directs insurer to pay ₹72k medical claim

The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Care Health Insurance Ltd to pay ₹72,532 for medical expenses and increased compensation for mental anguish to ₹25,000. The ruling, partially upholding an appeal concerning denial of a claim linked to concealed diabetes, emphasized lack of evidence for the insurer's repudiation. Background includes a policy dispute following treatment at Fortis Hospital in 2024.

SAS Nagar: Tribunal awards ₹17.5L to welder who lost hand in 2024

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in SAS Nagar awarded ₹17.49 lakh to 56-year-old welder Joginder Singh, who lost his right hand in a November 2024 motorcycle accident involving a tipper. The tribunal, citing negligent driving, ordered joint compensation from the driver, owner, and insurer, despite disputes over driving credentials and documentation. Background includes Joginder's hospitalization and disability impact.

Mohali: 21-year-old student attacked in Kharar flat, FIR registered

A 21-year-old private university student, Siddharth, was violently assaulted in his rented Kharar flat by a group led by a friend, Anmol Tyagi, on Thursday morning. The attackers used wooden sticks, causing multiple injuries. The assault, stemming from a prior dispute, left Siddharth and his friend Krish injured. Police are investigating the attack and pursuing the suspects.

Chandigarh gets final major rainfall as early monsoon retreat likely

Continuous rain in the city on Saturday brought 15.2 mm, with chances of ongoing showers into Sunday, while a dry spell is expected next week. IMD notes this September may see below-average rainfall, exacerbated by El Nino, despite past heavy rainfall. The monsoon withdrawal usually occurs in late September, affecting temperature and air quality thereafter.

Chandigarh: 16 teachers get State Awards; use tech for innovation, says Kataria

At a Teachers’ Day event in Chandigarh, 16 teachers received state awards, with Deputy Director Bindu Arora honored for lifetime contribution. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphasized teachers as nation-builders and urged responsible tech use in education. Amidst ongoing protests for job security, memorial events were held across various institutions to celebrate educators' vital roles.

IDFC Bank fraud case: Shift Smart City ex-CFO Malik to PGI on medical grounds, rules HC

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the transfer of Nalini Malik, former CFO of Chandigarh Smart City Limited, to PGIMER due to health issues amidst her involvement in a ₹116.84 crore fund misappropriation case. The fraud was uncovered during audits of CSCL’s funds and involved alleged bait-and-switch tactics with fake fixed deposit receipts. The case, initially investigated by Chandigarh police, is now under CBI scrutiny following revelations of broader financial irregularities in Haryana.

SKM to hold crucial meet on Sunday amid dialogue deadlock

Farmers at the Chandigarh-Mohali border plan a crucial meeting on Sunday at 9:30 am after the state government failed to engage following five days of protests. Leaders demand legal guarantees for minimum support prices and a loan waiver. With around 5,000 present, disruptions continue, prompting traffic advisories. The peaceful protest underscores ongoing frustrations with government inaction.

From trash to triumph: UT educator’s upcycled science wonders earn him national award

Ravi Kumar Jaiswal, a 44-year-old science teacher at Government Model High School in Maloya Colony, has been awarded the National Teachers’ Award 2026 for transforming science education. He built innovative projects like a 3D dome theatre and a mobile lab, enabling hands-on experiences. Jaiswal's commitment to accessible science education impacts students nationally and internationally.

Amid NEP push, undergraduate students account for 59% of 5,278 internships at Lucknow University

In the academic year 2025-26, 5,278 students completed internships at Lucknow University, with undergraduates comprising 58.9% of participants, reflecting the National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on industry readiness. Notably, Commerce, Applied Economics, and Law led in UG internships. The initiative aims to enhance student employability, according to Vice Chancellor Prof. J P Saini.

‘No water, no treatment’: Jarange-Patil escalates fight for Maratha reservation

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil is on an eighth-day hunger strike, now refusing water or medical help until the government meets his demands for immediate issuance of Kunbi caste certificates. Despite health concerns and previous assurances from the government by September 17, Jarange-Patil remains resolute, escalating tensions within the influential Maratha community. Protests have disrupted major highways.

Navi Mumbai police officer dies by suicide

A 56-year-old assistant police sub-inspector from Navi Mumbai Police died by suicide at an Airoli lodge, having recorded a video alleging misconduct by three officers, including a DCP and an ACP. Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe announced efforts to locate an accompanying eight-page letter detailing these allegations, which will guide future actions and investigations.

70-year-old retired teacher who lost ₹70K to Customs fraud, duped again of ₹14.38L while recovering money

A 70-year-old retired teacher from Mumbai lost ₹14.38 lakh to a cyber fraud after initially being duped of ₹70,000 by a man posing as a Florida doctor. Seeking recovery help, she fell victim to a scam posing as a cybercrime recovery firm. Police have registered an FIR as investigations continue. The initial fraud began in September 2025.

Sacked driver turns on ex-boss, masterminds fake Income Tax raid for ₹1 crore

A former driver, Santosh Khopatkar, orchestrated a fake Income Tax raid against his ex-employer, Rajkumar Kandasamy, by feeding impostors financial information to extort ₹1 crore. The scheme unraveled when Kandasamy refused to pay without formal notification. Police have arrested Khopatkar and six others, revealing a history of similar fraudulent schemes against various victims.

MU to digitise 107-year-old sociology records

The University of Mumbai's sociology department, established in 1919 as India’s first postgraduate sociology center, is launching a pilot project to digitize 3,000 pages of historical records, funded by a £15,000 grant from the British Library. Led by Professor Manisha Rao, the initiative aims to preserve and enhance accessibility to the discipline's legacy and development.

Politicians reach out to Gen Z at Dahi Handi events

Political leaders engaging with Gen Z during Saturday's Janmashtami dahi handi celebrations in Mumbai shifted focus from campaign rhetoric to community spirit. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged safety amidst pyramid-building, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized youth unity and a drug-free Maharashtra. The event featured cultural figures promoting Marathi identity, reflecting changing political landscapes since 2025.

Dahi Handi festivities claim 2 lives in Mumbai

Two fatalities occurred during Janmashtami celebrations in Mumbai, including a seven-year-old boy, Rudra Kadam, fatally injured by a collapsing brick column while attempting to break a dahi handi, and a 34-year-old man, Swapnil Nawar, who died when a human pyramid collapsed. In total, 168 participants were injured, with 29 hospitalized. These incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns amid festive celebrations.

Pune police book two hotels under Immigration Act

Pune police registered cases against the management of two major hotels for failing to timely disclose foreign guest check-ins, violating immigration regulations. Delays included a 39-day lapse at JW Marriott and a 14-day delay at Sheraton Grand. Hotel officials cited miscommunication and claimed compliance had been resolved, attributing issues to passport renewals.

Sanitation workers stage protest outside minister’s office in Faridabad

Hundreds of sanitation workers in Faridabad protested outside local bodies minister Vipul Goel's office, led by union president Balbir Singh, who climbed onto the minister’s escort vehicle. After 31 days on strike for job regularization, they condemned government repression. Similar protests occurred across Haryana, with police setting barricades amid warnings of legal action for noncompliance.

IIT Mandi faces backlash over caste hierarchy poster

A controversial poster depicting caste hierarchy was displayed at IIT-Mandi during a student-organized event, prompting significant backlash on social media. The institute clarified it was not involved in the event and has received no formal complaints regarding the matter. The poster, titled “Bhagavad Gita – The Timeless Wisdom,” sparked outrage for promoting caste divisions, contrary to educational values of equality and dignity.

SC-appointed panel inspects illegal constructions, plotting in Lucknow

A Supreme Court-appointed advisory team conducted a ground survey in Lucknow to investigate illegal constructions, particularly in Aliganj, where a fire killed 15 people. The Lucknow Development Authority's actions are under scrutiny after it identified 51 violations but acted on only 27. The team's findings may lead to increased judicial oversight of land-use regulations in the city.

Jai Ram Thakur accuses Himachal government of fiscal mismanagement, cites CAG report

Leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticized the Congress government, led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, for mismanaging the state’s economy, pushing it into a fiscal crisis. According to the CAG report, the state’s finances have deteriorated, with significant drops in cash reserves and increased short-term borrowing. Thakur accused the government of misallocating development funds and neglecting crucial projects.

Kangana flags underutilisation of ₹11 crore MPLAD funds

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticized officials for not utilizing released Local Area Development funds during a DISHA committee meeting, revealing that nearly ₹11 crore remained unspent after two years. Only ₹50-60 lakh was used in Mandi. She urged action against non-compliant agencies and condemned the Congress government for hindering development efforts, blaming them for the state's decline.

Three years, ₹8.5 crore later, Butler Palace revamp still pending

The renovation of Lucknow's Butler Palace by the LDA remains incomplete nearly three years later, with over ₹8.5 crore spent and public facilities like the island café locked. Despite previous assurances of completion by 2026, substantial work is still pending. Originally initiated as a dream project, the ongoing delays reflect shifting proposals and poor coordination, leaving the heritage site neglected.

Students, job aspirants to hold protest march over alleged MPSC paper leak

Students and job aspirants in Pune are set to protest on September 7 against alleged irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exams, demanding the removal of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar amidst a police investigation into a question paper leak. NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar will join the march, highlighting the need for accountability. Concerns have been raised about Bhimanwar’s past controversies impacting public trust.

3 die after bike falls into gorge in Kangra

Three youths from Jhunenna village in Kangra district were killed late Friday night when their motorcycle fell into a gorge near Bhaled power house while returning from an event. Identified as Ashok Kumar, Prince, and Pawan Kumar, the accident prompted Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania to visit the families and arrange post-mortems.

Himachal governor confers state awards on 32 teachers

Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta presented state teachers’ awards to 32 educators and a national award winner at Lok Bhavan, emphasizing teachers' critical role in shaping the future. In the digital age, he asserted, the human elements of teaching—guidance and values—remain irreplaceable. Education Minister Rohit Thakur noted significant achievements, including a 100% literacy rate and over 9,000 new appointments.

Ram temple trust’s hunt for deputy CEO begins, panel of candidates prepared

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to appoint a deputy CEO, following the appointment of Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra as the first CEO, to improve operational efficiency. The deputy CEO will manage daily operations, allowing trust office bearers to focus on policy and strategic decision-making as Ayodhya aims to become a global cultural capital. This shift aims to create a structured administrative framework for the expanding operations of the Ram Temple.

Jammu crime branch files chargesheet in ₹1.38-cr treasury fraud case

The Jammu crime branch has filed a supplementary chargesheet in a ₹1.38 crore government treasury fraud case, detailing the alleged misappropriation of funds from sub-treasury Dharmari and fraudulent activities involving forged bills under pension schemes. Three primary accused, along with seven additional involved parties, face multiple charges under the IPC. The investigation continues to explore further diversions of funds.

Six-year-old boy drowns after falling into pit in Lucknow village

A six-year-old boy drowned in a water-filled pit in Deeh village, Lucknow, after falling while relieving himself, raising concerns over safety of open pits. His friend alerted family members who attempted rescue, albeit unsuccessfully. The boy was declared dead at a hospital. Local authorities are addressing safety issues, though municipal jurisdiction is limited.