National

CRPF Jawan Severe Injuries in Naxal Attack in Chhattisgarh During Local Body Elections

Published

2 years ago

February 12, 2025

In a troubling resurgence of violence during heightened security for local body elections, Naxal insurgents targeted Southern Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district on Tuesday, injuring a CRPF soldier in a deliberate IED explosion. The attack, which took place in the Aranpur police station jurisdiction, has reignited fears about Naxal activities compromising democratic processes in the Bastar region.Head Constable M N Shukla of the CRPF’s 231st Battalion suffered severe leg injuries after triggering a pressure-activated improvised explosive device (IED) while participating in an area domination operation near Kamalpost. The CRPF team was concluding a search operation prompted by intelligence reports of Naxal presence in the vicinity.

“The jawan’s legs were critically injured, leaving only bones. He was airlifted to Raipur for emergency medical treatment,” stated ASP R K Burman, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident. Security forces have escalated combing operations in the affected area, but no suspects have been apprehended so far.

The explosion coincided with urban body elections across Chhattisgarh, highlighting the ongoing dangers within Naxal strongholds. Aranpur, where Tuesday’s attack occurred, gained notoriety from a devastating IED blast in 2023 that claimed the lives of 10 District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and a civilian driver. That incident, executed by a “small action team” of Naxalites, left a significant crater in the road and body parts scattered 70 meters away, serving as a stark reminder of the region’s instability.

This year alone, the Bastar region has experienced multiple IED attacks. On January 6, six DRG jawans and a driver were killed in Bijapur. On January 17, two BSF personnel were injured in Narayanpur, followed by two security personnel wounded in another incident in Bijapur on February 4.

This attack underscores the fragile equilibrium between security measures and the conduct of democratic elections in conflict-affected areas. While Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism by 2026, the realities on the ground indicate a prolonged and challenging struggle. Nevertheless, the morale among security forces remains high, especially following successful operations in Gariyaband district and the neutralization of 31 Naxal insurgents in Bijapur’s Indravati National Forest on February 9.

National

West Bengal Man Detained in Bengaluru over Alleged Terror Links

Published

8 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Bengaluru police have detained a 25-year-old man from West Bengal over his alleged links with a terror group.

The accused has been identified as Asafool Mallik. He is a native of Naopara village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district.

Police detained Mallik in the Jigani area after receiving information about his alleged suspicious online activities.

According to the police, Mallik had allegedly established contact with a person identified as Imran Haider through Facebook. Haider, who is from Afghanistan, is suspected to have links with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Police said Mallik allegedly wanted to travel to Afghanistan and join the group. He also allegedly discussed retaliatory attacks against the Pakistan Army and possible attacks in India.

Mallik had reportedly applied for a visa to travel to Afghanistan. However, he later dropped the plan due to financial difficulties and family responsibilities, police said.

Mallik was living near APC Circle in Jigani. He had been working as a security guard at Tata Advanced Limited in the Jigani Industrial Area since December 2025.

Police said they received information about his activities while conducting patrols in the Bommasandra Industrial Area.

During questioning, Mallik allegedly said he was angry over what he believed were attacks on Muslims in Pakistan. He also reportedly expressed anger over Pakistan’s position on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Police further said Mallik was allegedly being encouraged to retaliate if Muslims faced difficulties in India.

Police later examined Mallik’s mobile phone. They allegedly found chats, voice calls and audio conversations between Mallik and Haider.

The police are now examining the chats, recordings and other material recovered from the phone.

The investigation is underway to determine the extent of Mallik’s alleged links with the terror network.

National

Google Marks India’s Independence Day With Vibrant Doodle

Published

15 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mangaluru: India is celebrating its Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Google has joined the celebrations with a special Doodle on its homepage.

The colourful Doodle reflects India’s rich culture and heritage. It features patterns inspired by traditional Indian textiles.

The artwork replaces the usual Google logo with bright colours and traditional motifs. It gives the familiar logo a distinct Indian look.

The Doodle also highlights India’s cultural diversity. Its detailed designs are inspired by India’s traditional art and textile heritage.

India became independent from British rule on August 15, 1947. The day is celebrated across the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, parades and other patriotic events.

Kite flying and cultural activities are also part of the Independence Day celebrations in many parts of the country.

India gained independence on August 15, 1947, after nearly two centuries of British rule.

The freedom struggle involved the sacrifices of millions of Indians. Several prominent leaders and freedom fighters played important roles in the movement.

Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh are among the prominent figures associated with India’s freedom struggle.

As the nation celebrates Independence Day, Google’s special Doodle adds a colourful digital tribute to India’s history, culture and national spirit.

National

India Celebrates Independence Day with Focus on Viksit Bharat

Published

16 hours ago

August 15, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi.

The ceremony highlighted 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The event also focused on the power of the youth, or Yuva Shakti.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the vision of building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. He called on the youth to play a key role In achieving this goal.

For the first time in the history of the Red Fort celebrations, Vande Mataram was officially rendered during the ceremony.

Prime Minister Modi appeared in a traditional tie-and-dye red turban. He paired it with a white kurta and a chocolate-brown jacket.

The celebrations followed the traditional state protocol. The national flag was hoisted at the Red Fort. A 21-gun salute was also given.

A ceremonial Guard of Honour was presented to the Prime Minister. He later addressed the nation from the Red Fort.

The 2026 Independence Day celebrations combined India’s historic legacy with a strong message for the future. The focus remained on youth power and the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.