National

Supreme Court Shields Two MP Journalists Reporting on Sand Mafia from Arrest

Published

1 year ago

June 9, 2025

On Monday, the Supreme Court provided arrest protection to two journalists from Madhya Pradesh, Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan. They have accused Bhind police, including Superintendent Asit Yadav, of custodial violence, caste-based insults, and threats to their safety after they reported on illegal sand mining connected to local police.

A vacation bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan allowed the journalists two weeks to seek legal relief from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, while prohibiting any coercive actions against them during this time.

“We are not entertaining the plea. However, given the serious allegations, we permit the petitioners to approach the relevant High Court within two weeks. Until they do, no arrests shall be made,” the Court stated.

This decision followed a previous ruling on June 4, where the bench denied interim protection, citing the need for clarity regarding the specific allegations against the journalists related to a police summons on May 1, 2025.

“If a serious crime like murder is involved, can we provide no coercive protection? We need to understand the nature of the allegations,” the Court remarked.

The justices also questioned why the petitioners had not approached either the Madhya Pradesh High Court or the functioning Delhi High Court during the summer recess. They emphasized the need for the journalists to demonstrate explicit fears based on the record.

The journalists explained that they felt unsafe approaching courts in Madhya Pradesh due to ongoing threats and intimidation from local police.

In their Article 32 petition, they described being summoned under the pretense of a meeting with SP Asit Yadav and finding other journalists being assaulted by police upon arrival in the officer’s chamber.

Specifically, Jatav, a member of the Scheduled Caste ‘Jatav’ community, claimed he was attacked with slippers and subjected to casteist slurs under SP Yadav’s orders. The alleged abuse followed their investigative work on illegal sand mining in the Chambal River area, which they contend is supported by police inaction.

The Court had already issued a notice to the State of Madhya Pradesh on June 4 and rescheduled the matter for June 9.

By allowing the journalists to seek assistance from the High Court, while acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, the Supreme Court has highlighted pressing concerns regarding press freedom and the safety of journalists, especially in regions where their work challenges powerful interests.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.