Top News: SC Flags Dowry as Gifts; Luthra Brothers Brought from Thailand; SC Slams DMK Over Navodaya Schools Opposition

Supreme Court Cracks Down on Dowry: Restores Conviction, Issues Wide-Ranging Directives to Curb Harassment and Deaths

The Supreme Court, in a stern judgment, highlighted the continuing prevalence of dowry despite legal bans, calling it a systemic bias against women. While hearing a UP dowry death case, the Court restored the conviction of Ajmal Beg, whose wife faced repeated demands for cash, a TV, and a motorcycle. His mother, Jamila Beg, was spared jail due to age. The Bench emphasized that dowry, disguised as gifts, persists across religions, fuels harassment, domestic violence, and deaths, and violates constitutional equality. The Court directed stronger enforcement, sensitization of police and judiciary, awareness campaigns, and review of long-pending cases to combat this entrenched social evil.

Cache of Weapons Seized from Srinagar Cemetery: AK-47 Bullets, Chinese Grenade, and 20 Objectionable Posters Recovered

In a major success during an anti-terror operation in the Kashmir Valley, security forces recovered a cache of weapons from a local cemetery in Natipora, Srinagar. Acting on specific intelligence late Tuesday night, the team conducted a search in the area.

During the operation, the forces discovered weapons hidden in a grave. The recovered items included a Chinese hand grenade, approximately 100 grams of gunpowder, 10 live bullets for an AK-47 rifle, and 20 objectionable posters linked to banned terrorist organizations. All items have been seized, and further investigations are ongoing to thwart terrorist plans.

Tripura: Russell Mia Arrested for Raping 9-Year-Old Neighbor Girl in Kamalasagar’s Miyapara

A 21-year-old man, Russel Mia, son of Rizik Mia and resident of Miyapara, faces arrest for the rape of a nine-year-old girl in Kamalasagar Miyapara on Monday. Police report that Russel, who is married, lured his young neighbor into his home with false affection and promises before assaulting her sexually.

The girl stayed quiet at first but later told her distressed parents. They filed a complaint at Madhupur station around 4 PM Sunday. A team under Second Officer Chittaranjan Reang quickly raided his home and took him into custody.

Russel faces charges under the POCSO Act and is set for sub-divisional court today. His mother insists he is innocent and falsely accused. Officials plan a medical exam for the victim and ongoing probe to verify claims.

Goa Fire Tragedy: Luthra Brothers Brought from Thailand to Delhi, Arrested by Goa Police at Airport

The main accused in the devastating fire incident that occurred at a Goa nightclub on December 6, the Luthra brothers—Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra—have been extradited from Thailand and brought to Delhi, where they were arrested by the Goa Police at the airport. Both brothers had fled abroad within hours of the incident, following which an Interpol notice was issued against them.

The police will now question the accused under several serious charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The investigation will focus on the cause of the fire and the alleged negligence of safety norms. Earlier, the club’s third partner, Ajay Gupta, had already been taken into custody in connection with the case.

Impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma Under Scanner as Supreme Court Flags Procedural Irregularities

The Supreme Court on Monday raised serious questions over the impeachment process initiated against Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, flagging procedural violations under the Judges (Inquiry) Act. A Bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice A.G. Masih issued notices to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Secretariats of both Houses of Parliament. Justice Varma has challenged the unilateral decision of Speaker Om Birla to constitute a three-member inquiry committee without waiting for the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s admission of a parallel motion. The Court observed that statutory safeguards must be strictly followed in judicial removals and questioned how parliamentary legal experts overlooked this lapse. The matter will be heard in January.

Delhi Government Cracks Down on Illegal Drug Trade, Drug Control Department Raids 27 Locations

The Delhi government has taken strict action against the illegal and counterfeit drug trade by adopting a zero-tolerance policy. A major raid was conducted at Bhagirath Palace, where teams from the Drug Control Department carried out detailed inspections at 27 wholesale medicine dealers’ premises. During the operation, more than 10 firms were found violating provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

As part of the action, a total of 204 samples, including syrups, tablets, and surgical items, were sent to laboratories for quality testing. Earlier, the Delhi Police had also conducted a joint late-night raid in the Teliwara area of Sadar Bazaar, where a large quantity of fake and adulterated medicines, along with anti-fungal creams, was recovered from a drug trader. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh have made it clear that any compromise with public health will not be tolerated, and the drive will continue across Delhi.

NIA Submits Supplementary Chargesheet Against 7 Individuals and Kovai Arabic College Society in TN ISIS Recruitment Case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet on December 12, 2025, against seven individuals and the Kovai Arabic Educational Association (KAEA) linked to the 2023 Tamil Nadu ISIS radicalisation case. The accused – Mohammed Hussain, Irshath, Ahmed Ali, Aboo Hanifa, Jawahar Sadiq, Sheik Dawood, and Raja Mohammed – along with KAEA, the managing body of Kovai Arabic College, face charges under the IPC and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Investigations revealed that vulnerable youth were radicalised through online and offline Arabic classes conducted by former Madras Arabic College principal Jameel Basha. The NIA continues its probe into the network promoting extremist ideology under the guise of education.

“Are You Not Part Of Our Republic?”: SC Slams DMK Govt For Opposing Navodaya Schools

The Supreme Court on Monday, 16 December 2025, sharply criticised the Tamil Nadu government for resisting the establishment of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in the State, calling such opposition “against the spirit of federal cooperation.” A Bench led by Justice BV Nagarathna questioned why the State was turning a Central education initiative into a language or political issue, emphasizing that education falls under the Concurrent List and aims to benefit meritorious and rural students. Tamil Nadu’s counsel cited the two-language policy and land/financial obligations as grounds for refusal. The Court directed the State to identify land for JNVs in each district within six weeks and encouraged dialogue with the Union Ministry of Education to ensure implementation without politicising the scheme.

Jaipur Police Seize Fake Notes Worth ₹2.9 Lakh, Links to Uttar Pradesh Revealed

Rajasthan Police carried out a major operation in the capital, Jaipur, arresting two criminals, Govind Chaudhary from Jhalawar and Devansh Phanda from Jaipur. The police recovered fake notes worth ₹2.9 lakh from their possession. During questioning, the accused revealed that these notes were brought from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. They also disclosed that a network dealing in counterfeit currency is active in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Special Police Commissioner Rahul Prakash stated that the criminals intended to circulate these fake notes in Rajasthan. A police team is now heading to investigate the Saharanpur connection of this racket. Notably, just two days ago, nearly ₹82,000 in fake notes were also seized in Jaipur.

Hasnat Abdullah Sparks Outrage by Threatening to Separate India’s Seven Sisters

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizens Party and known for his ties to Hizb-ut-Tahrir, openly threatened to separate India’s northeastern region, the Seven Sisters, during a public rally. Directly challenging New Delhi, he stated that if India supports anti-Bangladesh forces, retaliatory measures would be taken. His remarks have sparked intense controversy. Political analysts note that, being close to the Yunus government, Hasnat’s statements could create fresh tensions in India-Bangladesh relations.

MP: Two Individuals Arrested in Jabalpur for Forcing Christian Conversion Under Pretext of Treatment

In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, two individuals were caught conducting religious conversion activities, persuading people to embrace Christianity by reading the Bible under the guise of offering medical treatment. Hindu organization members, acting on a tip-off, raided the premises and recovered several Bibles and related materials used in the conversion attempts. Following the raid, local police registered a case against the accused and initiated further investigation. Authorities are examining the extent of the illegal religious conversion activities and ensuring appropriate legal action is taken against the perpetrators.

International Pangolin Smuggler Latlen Kunga, Wanted for 10 Years, Arrested in Mizoram; Network Spanned Odisha to China

The Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) has arrested Latlen Kunga, an international pangolin smuggler and the main head of a trafficking racket, who had been wanted for 10 years, from Kolasib, Mizoram. Originally from Myanmar, Kunga had multiple cases registered against him in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Mizoram.

Investigations revealed that Latlen Kunga used to procure pangolin scales from Odisha and Chhattisgarh and transport them via Assam and Mizoram through Myanmar to China. This wildlife crime case, handled by the STSF, is possibly one of the largest in the country, with 197 accused arrested so far from 15 states.

The accused was produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Jabalpur on December 15 and has been remanded in police and forest custody until December 18.

Andhra Pradesh: Shaik Mohammad Asif Raises Chant “I Love Pakistan”, Video Goes Viral

In Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, Shaik Mohammad Asif, also known as Dhanunjay, has triggered public anger after a video surfaced showing him repeatedly stating, “I love Pakistan.” In the clip, Asif maintains his affection for Pakistan even when questioned about living in India. His comments have deeply upset locals, who perceive it as unpatriotic. Following the video going viral, residents from the area lodged a formal complaint with authorities, demanding strict action against him. The incident has sparked a wider debate over loyalty and national sentiment in the community.

MP: Muslim Youths Assault Taxi Driver for Chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ During Stand Dispute in Ashoknagar

In Madhya Pradesh’s Ashoknagar district, a taxi driver assaulted by around 22 Muslim youths following a dispute at a taxi stand. According to the victim’s family, the argument escalated after the driver chanted “Jai Shri Ram,” triggering a violent attack. The driver was reportedly beaten mercilessly for nearly half an hour, sustaining serious injuries. The family approached the police seeking strict action, but delay and inaction by authorities. In protest, hundreds of taxi drivers gathered outside the police station, demanding immediate arrests and justice. Police have said the matter is under investigation.

UP: Conversion Racket Exposed in Mirzapur; 11 Arrested Including Pastor for Luring Hindu Families Under Guise of Prayer Meetings

In Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district, a major illegal religious conversion racket has been exposed. Police arrested 11 people from a church located in Kharhara village. Those arrested include the church pastor, Bholanath Patel, and his wife, Maya Patel.

The action was taken following a complaint by Anand Dubey, who alleged that the accused lured him into conversion by offering incentives related to his children’s education and medical facilities. Acting on the complaint, the police conducted a raid and arrested the pastor along with 10 others—Krishnakant Tiwari, Anganu Prasad, Phoolpatti, Sushila Devi, Hirawati Devi, Renu, Laxmi, Sadhana, and Nisha Devi.

The accused are charged with converting Hindu families to Christianity by offering inducements under the cover of prayer meetings. During the raid, police recovered four Bibles, ten notebooks, three smartphones, and one keypad phone from their possession.

UP ATS Arrests ₹50,000 Bounty Top Maoist Leader from Varanasi After 13 Years on the Run

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a top member of the banned organisation CPI (Maoist), Sitaram also known by several aliases including Vinay Ji, Omprakash and Dhanu. Acting on intelligence inputs that a senior Maoist leader was hiding across different states by frequently changing his identity and appearance, the ATS apprehended him on December 15 from Kashi Railway Station in Varanasi.

Sitaram, a resident of Ballia district, had been absconding for nearly 13 years, and a reward of ₹50,000 had been announced for his arrest. Investigations revealed that he joined Maoist organisations in 1986 and rose to the position of Zonal Secretary in 1990. He was responsible for expanding the organisation’s mass movement and is accused of involvement in several serious crimes, including the 2012 murder of a village head’s wife. Sitaram was also present at the September 21, 2004 meeting that led to the formation of the CPI (Maoist) following the merger of MCC and PWG.

Ujjain Horror: Riyaz Khan Arrested In Brutal Murder of 9-Year-Old Hindu Girl, Attempted Sexual Assault

In a shocking crime, Riyaz Khan, a neighbor in Khachrod near Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, savagely killed a 9-year-old Hindu girl during an attempted sexual assault on Sunday. The victim had visited her grandmother’s home with two sisters and was playing outside when Khan lured her into his house.

Police reports reveal Riyaz Khan first tried to molest the isolated child. Her screams prompted him to shove her unconscious, stuff her into a sack, and bludgeon her repeatedly with a mogri, a wooden paddle used for laundry, causing fatal head, nose, mouth and eye injuries. Believing her dead, he later dragged her out, falsely claiming she fell from a height, around 5:45 PM.

The girl, bleeding profusely with a swollen face, was rushed to Khachrod hospital, then referred to Ratlam, where she succumbed Monday. Khachrod SDOP Akanksha Bichhote confirmed no fall injuries; autopsy showed blunt force trauma. Intense interrogation broke Riyaz Khan, who confessed. He has been arrested as investigations continue.