CBI takes over probe into NEET aspirant’s death in Patna

Patna, Feb 12, 2026
The investigation into the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant in Patna took a significant turn on Thursday, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally taking over the probe.

The agency has registered the matter as a special case (Case No. 7S/26), marking the official transfer of the investigation from the Bihar Police to the central agency.

With the CBI stepping in, the probe is expected to gather further momentum.

According to sources, senior CBI officials from its Bihar unit have left for the agency’s headquarters in Delhi carrying crucial documents and evidence related to the case.

The CBI is expected to examine all unresolved angles and piece together links that earlier investigations had failed to conclusively establish.

There had been sustained public and political pressure in Bihar demanding a CBI inquiry to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the sensitive case.

Responding to public outrage and repeated demands from the victim’s family, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier formally recommended a CBI probe to the Government of India.

The Centre subsequently approved the request, paving the way for the handover of the case.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary was the first to publicly confirm the state government’s recommendation for a CBI investigation through a social media post, assuring that no effort would be spared to ensure justice.

Following the student’s death, tension had gripped Patna, with serious questions being raised over the local police investigation.

Many had alleged murder or a well-planned conspiracy. With the CBI now in charge, expectations have risen that the truth behind the NEET aspirant’s death and the role of those involved will be brought to light.

The NEET aspirant was found unconscious under suspicious circumstances at a hostel in Patna on January 6 and succumbed to injuries on January 11, triggering widespread outrage and political uproar across Bihar.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and post-mortem reports have stated that sexual assault cannot be ruled out.

The FSL report confirmed the presence of male semen on the undergarments of the deceased, further intensifying demands for a thorough and impartial investigation.(Agency)

‘Unconstitutional, unacceptable’: AIMPLB to move court against Vande Mataram mandate

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly objected to the Centre’s recent notification mandating the recitation of all verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ at official functions and in schools prior to the National Anthem ‘Jana Gana Mana’, terming the move unconstitutional and violative of religious freedom.

In a press statement, AIMPLB General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi said the decision runs contrary to constitutional principles, secular values and Supreme Court judgments, and directly conflicts with the religious beliefs of Muslims. He described the notification as “completely unacceptable” to the community.

Referring to historical deliberations, Mujaddidi said that following Rabindranath Tagore’s advice and discussions in the Constituent Assembly, it had been agreed that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be used in official contexts.

He argued that a secular government cannot impose the beliefs or teachings of one religion on followers of another. The song, he said, was written in the context of Bengal and includes references to the worship of Durga and other deities, which Muslims cannot endorse on theological grounds.

“Regardless of the political considerations behind implementing this decision, Muslims cannot accept anything that conflicts with their faith,” he said, reiterating that Islam permits worship of only one God, Allah, without any partners.

The AIMPLB also claimed that courts have previously observed that certain verses of the song are inconsistent with secular principles and have restricted their recitation in specific contexts.

Demanding immediate withdrawal of the notification, the Board said it would approach the courts if the Centre does not reconsider its decision.

The Union Home Ministry, in its order dated January 28, stated that the official version comprising all six stanzas of ‘Vande Mataram’ shall be sung at official functions. When both the national song and the national anthem are performed together, ‘Vande Mataram’ will precede ‘Jana Gana Mana’.

The order specifies that the national song will be rendered on occasions such as the arrival and departure of the President and Governors at government functions, before and after the President’s address to the nation broadcast on All India Radio and television, and during the unfurling of the national flag.

It further states that ‘Vande Mataram’ will be played at civilian award ceremonies, including the Padma awards, and at events attended by the President during arrival and departure. It will also be played in public places such as cinema halls, although standing will not be mandatory in such instances.(Agency)

‘Giving another chance’: Bombay HC tells Vijay Mallya to return to India, face court process

Mumbai, Feb 12, 2026
UK-based businessman and alleged financial defaulter Vijay Mallya, on Thursday, got one last chance from the Bombay High Court to return to the country and submit to its jurisdiction if he wants Indian authorities to drop his “fugitive economic offender” tag.

A bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar pulled up the fugitive businessman for seeking relief from an Indian court while remaining abroad.

“If you do not return, we cannot hear your petition. You are evading the court process,” the bench said.

The court was hearing Mallya’s petition challenging the constitutional validity of the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act (FEOA) and the proceedings declaring him a fugitive economic offender.

“You can’t ask for equitable relief while deliberately avoiding court proceedings,” the bench said.

The court refused to hear Mallya’s plea unless he indicated his intention to come back to the country and gave him one last chance to clarify his stand on the issue.

“Nevertheless, in fairness, we are not dismissing the matter and are giving you (Vijay Mallya) another chance,” the bench said.

The businessman fled the country and stayed abroad after being accused of financial irregularities related to loans running into thousands of crores.

Fixing the next court hearing on February 18, the court asked Mallya to file an affidavit clearly saying when he plans to come to India.

According to the Finance Ministry, Vijay Mallya of Kingfisher Airlines is among the 15 persons declared as Fugitive Economic Offenders as on October 31, 2025, for causing a loss of more than Rs 57,000 crore to various Indian banks.

Mallya caused a loss, in principal amount, of Rs 6,848 crore and a loss in interest of Rs 11,960 crore to the State Bank of India.

Till October 31, 2025, the bank recovered Rs 10,814 crore from Mallya, according to the Finance Ministry.

Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) told the court that Mallya had filed an affidavit disputing banks’ claims and was attempting to convert the money laundering matter into recovery proceedings.

The central probe agency submitted that Mallya challenged the FEOA only after being declared a fugitive and when extradition proceedings against him in London were at an advanced stage.(Agency)

Bihar: Now, Independent MP Pappu Yadav’s bail plea to be heard tomorrow

Patna, Feb 12, 2026
The legal troubles of Purnea independent MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav continued as his bail plea could not be heard on Thursday.

He will now be produced before the Patna Civil Court again on Friday, according to court sources.

Pappu Yadav appeared in court on Thursday afternoon, but proceedings could not take place.

Notably, Patna Civil Court received a bomb threat on Thursday morning.

His legal team has alleged that he is being deliberately kept in jail by repeatedly delaying hearings.

According to available information, the MP is required to seek bail in two separate cases.

While he has already been granted bail in a 31-year-old case registered at Gardanibagh police station, proceedings are pending in connection with two cases registered at Kotwali Police Station.

Until bail is granted in these cases, Pappu Yadav’s judicial custody will continue.

His lawyers are expected to move fresh bail applications on Friday, which will be crucial in determining his immediate legal status.

Court proceedings were disrupted on Wednesday following the recovery of a half-burnt body of a lawyer at his residence in Patna, which reportedly prevented the court from functioning normally.

Earlier, multiple bomb threat emails sent to the Patna Civil Court had also led to adjournments.

Reacting sharply, Pappu Yadav’s counsel Shiv Nandan Bharti made serious allegations, claiming a “well-planned conspiracy to delay hearings”.

He alleged that repeated bomb threats and law-and-order disruptions are being used to intentionally obstruct judicial proceedings.

“This is the handiwork of miscreants. Similar emails threatening to blow up the court were sent earlier, and now it is being repeated because Pappu Yadav is an important person and a Member of Parliament. I want to point out that the Bihar Police has a Cyber Crime Cell and an Economic Offences Unit. If they are unable to trace the IP addresses of those sending these emails, then what is the relevance of such departments?” said Shivnandan Bharti, counsel for Pappu Yadav.

The lawyer also raised concerns over the MP’s deteriorating health, stating that continued delays are adversely affecting him.

He asserted that if hearings are conducted regularly and without external interference, Pappu Yadav could receive legal relief.

Meanwhile, social media posts supporting the MP have intensified, questioning the timing of repeated threats.

One widely circulated post reads, “Coincidence or conspiracy? Since MP Pappu Yadav was sent to Beur Jail and his hearings were scheduled, the Patna Civil Court has received bomb threats three times in four days.”

All eyes are now on Friday’s court proceedings, which could decide the next course of action in the case.(Agency)

30 Kashmiris among 33 nursing students suspended at Mewar varsity after protest

Jaipur, Feb 12, 2026
The Mewar University in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district has suspended 33 final-year BSc. Nursing students, including 30 from Kashmir, triggering protests on the campus, police officials said on Thursday.

The students allege that their nursing course is not recognised by the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) and the Indian Nursing Council (INC), putting their degrees and future careers at risk.

The suspended students have been on strike since Wednesday, demanding immediate clarification on accreditation or transfer to a recognised institution.

They accuse the university management of “playing with their future” by enrolling them in a course without valid recognition.

According to the police, protests began on Wednesday and continued on Thursday.

He said that the students are protesting peacefully and police personnel are deployed to maintain law and order.

No formal complaint has been lodged by either side so far.

Six General Nursing and Midwifery students from the Mewar University were also suspended amid the agitation.

Gangrar police Station House Officer (SHO), Shyama Ram, confirmed to IANS that all India students, including Kashmiri students, are protesting at the site.

“Protest is peaceful and hence no case has been registered so far. The students are protesting over unrecognised degree since Wednesday,” the SHO added.

A final-year BSc Nursing student, Abrar, said the protesting students belong to the 2022 academic batch and their exams are scheduled for March this year.

He claimed the degree course is still not recognised, which could render their degrees invalid and prevent them from registering with hospitals or applying for jobs.

The students also alleged that in 2024, the university had given a written assurance in court that if recognition was not granted by December 4, 2024, they would be transferred to another recognised university on the same scholarship.

However, they claim no action has been taken even in 2026.

With the final semester underway, students say they cannot afford further delays.

They accused the management of repeatedly seeking more time without providing clear information on accreditation.

The suspensions, they claim, are an attempt to silence their protest.

More than 50 students are reportedly affected by the accreditation issue.

Without approval from RNC and INC, graduates may not be eligible for professional registration, severely impacting their career prospects.

Attempts to contact the university management were unsuccessful.

The controversy has once again raised questions over academic accreditation and student safeguards at private universities in Rajasthan, students said.(Agency)

Bangladesh elections: MEA says will wait for outcome to see what sort of mandate comes out

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
As people of Bangladesh voted in the country’s 13th parliamentary election, India on Thursday stressed that it would wait for the results before making any assessment of the political landscape.

Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The elections are going on in Bangladesh. We should wait for the outcome of the elections to see what sort of mandate has come out, and thereafter, we will look at issues that are there. On the election per se, you know what our position has been. We stand for free, fair, inclusive and credible elections in Bangladesh.”

Jaiswal stated that India chose not to depute any election observers to Bangladesh, despite receiving an invitation.

“We did receive an invitation to send observers, but we have not sent our observers to Bangladesh to monitor the elections,” he said while replying to another question.

Meanwhile, violence erupted at several polling booths across Bangladesh on Thursday, leading to the death of a political leader as the voting was underway across the nation, local media reported.

Incidents started unfolding after polling began early Thursday morning, reflecting the deteriorating law and order situation and volatile security landscape in Bangladesh.

Amid the escalating violence, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader, Mohibuzzaman Kochi, died at the Alia Madrasa polling station in Khulna district.

Citing eyewitnesses and police, Bangladesh’s leading Bengali daily Jugantor reported that tension arose between BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami supporters on Thursday morning near the polling centre.

Former Khulna Sadar Thana BNP organising secretary Yusuf Harun Majnu said, “There was tension at the centre since morning. The principal of Alia Madrasa was campaigning for Jamaat. When he stopped him, he pushed Mohibuzzaman Kochi. As a result, he hit a tree and got hit on the head. This is what caused his death.”

Confirming the incident, Khulna Sadar Police Station Sub Inspector Khan Faisal Rafi, in charge of the centre, said, “When tension arose between the two parties, we immediately went to the spot and separated the two parties.”

Emergency Medical Officer at Khulna City Medical College Hospital, Partha Roy, told Jugantor that the BNP leader Kochi was brought dead to the hospital.

In another incident on Thursday morning, a cocktail bomb attack at a polling station in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila during voting left three people injured. The incident occurred at the Reshma International School polling station in Gopalganj district.

Bangladesh’s high-stakes parliamentary elections are unfolding amid escalating political conflict and violence, with several parties raising concerns over the fairness of the polls.(Agency)

Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit Logo Unveiled, Focus on Economic Growth & Development Driven Reforms

Chandigarh, Feb 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

With just 28 days to go for the Progressive Punjab Investor’s Summit (PPIS) 2026, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann unveiled the official logo of the Summit at a high-level meeting held in Chandigarh.

The meeting was attended by Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora, the Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab, senior government officials, and representatives of Invest Punjab. All key departments associated with the Summit preparations, including the Mohali District Administration, were also present during the review meeting.

The Summit, scheduled from 13–15 March 2026 at Plaksha University, IT City, Mohali, is anchored around the theme “Punjab Means Business – Policy to Practice.” The theme reflects the Government of Punjab’s commitment to moving beyond policy announcements towards structured implementation, measurable outcomes, and investor-centric governance.

The newly unveiled logo symbolically captures Punjab’s economic strength, technological advancement, sustainability focus, and growth momentum. The design integrates elements representing industrial expansion, digital governance reforms, green development, and resilience, reinforcing Punjab’s positioning as a progressive, reform-driven, and execution-oriented investment destination.

During the meeting, Industries and Commerce Minister Sanjeev Arora briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of preparations for the Summit, including outreach activities, infrastructure readiness, coordination with partner countries, and departmental preparedness. A comprehensive review of arrangements at the venue and across key logistical touchpoints was undertaken to ensure seamless execution of the three-day event.

He further highlighted that the State has received an encouraging and enthusiastic response from captains of industry and key stakeholders during the national and international roadshows conducted so far. Engagements across major Indian cities and global investment hubs have reinforced investor confidence in Punjab’s reformed governance ecosystem, robust infrastructure, and sectoral growth opportunities.

On the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The Summit will serve as a platform for partnership, co-creation, and execution, ensuring that policies are shaped in consultation with industry and implemented through defined timelines and digital accountability mechanisms.”

He reiterated, “Punjab’s reform-led governance model has already delivered tangible results, with the State having secured investments worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore, generating employment opportunities for over 5 lakh persons across districts, a testament to Punjab’s policy credibility and strong implementation capacity.”

The unveiling of the Summit logo marks a significant milestone in the countdown to the event and signals Punjab’s readiness to welcome domestic and global investors.

RTI Commission issues warrant against PIO-cum-Secretary Gram Panchayat

Chandigarh, February 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Punjab State Information Commission has issued a warrant against PIO-cum-Secretary Gram Panchayat, Bagga Khurd of office of Block Development and Panchayat officer, Block-1, Ludhiana during the hearing of a case.

Giving information in this regard, Commissioner of Punjab State Information Commission Harpreet Singh Sandhu informed that in the appeal case No. 0999 of 2024 filed by Balkar Singh, resident of Sidhwan Bet, District Ludhiana, the Commission has issued a warrant against PIO-cum- Secretary Gram Panchayat, Bagga Khurd Amit Kumar of Block Development and Panchayat officer, Block-1, Ludhiana to appear before the Commission on March 16, 2026.

Harpreet Singh Sandhu said that Amit Kumar remained absent despite the instructions of the Commission in the 3 hearings held so far in this case.

He said that now in this case, the Commission has issued an order under Section 18 (3) (a) of the RTA Act 2005 to the Commissioner of Police, Ludhiana to serve a copy of these warrants on against Amit Kumar PIO-cum- Secretary Gram Panchayat, Bagga Khurd and issue instructions to appear before the Commission on the next date of the case on March 16, 2026.

SAD to start ‘Punjab Bachao – Sukhbir Badal Liyao’ campaign from Feb 17 – List of 28 Rallies released

Chandigarh, February 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today announced it would start a mass contact programme titled Punjab Bachao – S Sukhbir Singh Badal Liyao from February 17 from Qadian to launch the party’s election campaign for the 2027 Vidhan Sabha elections.

A decision to this effect was taken by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal after consultation with the senior party leadership. Speaking on the issue, the party president said “we will take up all the burning issues of Punjab and offer our vision for the State. I’m confident Punjabis will rally around the SAD which alone is capable of fulfilling their aspirations”

Disclosing details of the programme, senior leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said this would include holding 40 rallies across the State and would culminate on Baisakhi on April 13. He said 28 rallies would be held till March 31, whose schedule had also been finalized. “The remaining 12 rallies will be held in April”, he added.

Giving further details, Dr Daljit Cheeema said the SAD has always practiced ethical politics. “We have always stood by what we have promised in the past. This time also we will offer our vision for the State which will cover every section of society besides focusing on maintaining peace and communal harmony”.

The SAD leader said the party would spell out its stand on vital issues and display its commitment to ensure they were resolved. “These include transferring Punjab’s capital Chandigarh to the State and an end to the discrimination done to Punjab as far as its river waters are concerned”.

He said the party was also concerned about the erosion of the federal structure in the country and was committed to defending it strongly. “The erosion of federalism has harmed Punjab financially also as it involves devolution of central funds and the freedom of the States to spend them as per their priorities”.

Dr Cheema said the crisis in agriculture and the grave issues faced by farmers including indebtedness and suicides as well as the suffering caused to them by not getting compensation for losses suffered by the 2025 floods would be taken up in the rallies.

He said the issue of making MSP a legal guarantee, reduction of fertilizer subsidies and the need to protect farmer interests in the trade deal with the United States would be taken up during the mass contact programme.

“The need for specialized programmes to ensure the welfare of the scheduled caste community, increasing employment opportunities for the youth and exposing the corruption, failure to maintain law and order and shelter being provided to the drug mafia by the Aam Aadmi Party government would also be taken up forcefully”, he added.

The SAD leader said the party would also focus on discussing Panthic issues threadbare, particularly attempts being made to weaken Sikh religious institutions. “We will expose those who party to this conspiracy besides appealing to the entire Panth to support the SAD which has always stood as a bulwark for Sikh pride and prestige”, he added.

Women Cyclists from 8 North Indian States to Showcase Talent in Asmita Track Cycling League at Amritsar

Amritsar, February 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Women cyclists from eight North Indian states will showcase their talent in the Asmita Women’s Track Cycling League. The competition will be held on February 19 and 20 at GNDU, Amritsar.

Providing this information, Neeraj Tanwar, North Zone In-charge and Assistant Secretary of the Cycling Federation of India, said that the event is being organized with the support of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Cycling Federation of India.

He informed that women cyclists from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh will participate in the competition. All preparations for the successful conduct of the event have been completed, and it will be organized in a new and attractive format.

Exciting competitions will be held among sub-junior and junior category women cyclists. Outstanding performers will be honored with medals and cash prizes.

Neeraj Tanwar further stated that a total cash prize of ₹3,45,000 will be awarded to the winners. This league is an important initiative to promote women’s cycling and to encourage young talent.

For more information, interested persons may contact the cycling coach at GNDU, Amritsar, Rajesh Kaushik.

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