SC seeks status report on Ahmedabad air crash inquiry within 3 weeks

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted three weeks’ time to the Centre to place on record the status of the probe into the Ahmedabad air crash that claimed 260 lives.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing pleas, including one filed by the father of late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal — the Pilot-in-Command of Air India flight AI-171 that crashed June on 12, 2025 — seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the tragedy.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), submitted that the inquiry by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was in its final stages.

“We are at the fag end of the enquiry, and the report will soon be prepared,” the Centre’s second-highest law officer told the apex court, adding that certain aircraft components had been sent to foreign jurisdictions for specialised testing.

Since victims of multiple nationalities were involved, SG Mehta said that international protocols were being followed in the inquiry. T

Taking note of the submission, the CJI-led Bench granted three weeks to the Centre to complete the exercise and directed that the report be filed in a sealed cover along with an affidavit detailing the procedural protocol followed so far.

“What is the procedural protocol followed? Tell us in three weeks,” the top court said, also asking for a progress report to be placed on record on the next date of hearing.

Appearing for NGO Safety Matters Foundation, advocate Prashant Bhushan submitted that pilot associations had flagged concerns regarding the safety of Boeing 787 aircraft and had sought that such planes be grounded pending a thorough examination.

“The entire pilots’ association is saying there is a problem in the Boeing 787 aircraft which needs to be grounded,” he contended, adding that neither the government nor the AAIB had responded to the representations raising these issues.

Appearing for Captain Sabharwal’s father, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan reiterated the plea for a court-monitored investigation, alleging that in previous instances involving aircraft crashes abroad, initial findings had attributed blame to pilots, only for subsequent inquiries to reveal technical defects.

He referred to past Boeing 737 crashes where, according to him, pilots were initially faulted before US regulators found defects in the aircraft, contending that crucial documents in those cases were not immediately made public.

Observing that the tragedy was “very unfortunate”, the bench cautioned against making sweeping remarks against any particular aircraft model or airline without conclusive findings.

“Let us be very careful while making remarks against any particular brand of aircraft. Dreamliners were once considered the best,” the apex court remarked.

Referring to recent media reports about an alleged fuel switch issue in another Dreamliner flight, the bench said that initial claims were later clarified by official sources. “Last week, it was said that a Dreamliner from London to Delhi had some problem with the fuel switch. Later, it was said from the official account that it was perfectly fine. But this incident, of course, was very unfortunate. Let us be very conservative while making comments on a particular airline,” it said.(Agency)

Several criminals arrested as police conduct raid at Bhopal’s Irani Dera

Bhopal, Feb 11, 2026
In a major crackdown, the Bhopal Police conducted a massive raid on the Irani Dera in Aman Colony, located in the jurisdiction of Nishatpura police station, during midnight on Tuesday and arrested several persons, who are facing criminal charges in different cases.

Over 400 police personnel conducted the raid around 2 a.m., and the entire operation was kept highly confidential to ensure that none of the accused were alerted.

Panic gripped the area after police cordoned off the area from all sides in the dead of night.

During the operation, police searched every house and interrogated suspects and arrested over 40 persons, including women, for questioning.

According to police, some of the arrested persons are facing serious criminal cases in Madhya Pradesh and some other states.

Sources told IANS that the police have also arrested a wanted criminal, Shahadat, on whom a reward of Rs 138,000 was announced. The police had been searching for him for a long time.

“A raid was conducted at Irani Dera, in Bhopal’s Aman Colony, during midnight, and several accused persons were arrested. They are being interrogated. The operation was led by DCP Mayur Khandelwal with the assistance of 2 ADCP, 9 ACP, 20 TI,” Bhopal Police said in a statement on Wednesday.

The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of the newly appointed Bhopal Police Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar, who has replaced Harinarayanchari Mishra. The statement also mentioned that Bhopal CP Sanjay Kumar will share further details during a press conference later in the day on Wednesday.

The significant development came one month after Bhopal Police arrested Abid Ali alias Raju alias ‘Rahman Dakait’, the alleged mastermind of a multi-state crime syndicate operating from Bhopal’s infamous Irani Dera.

According to police, Raju Irani was operating a network of gangs active in at least 14 states, committing crimes ranging from robbery and fraud to extortion, impersonation, arson, and attempted murder.

Irani is also charged under the stringent MCOCA in Maharashtra. He often disguises himself as a fake CBI officer, a police official in safari suits, or even as a sadhu to exploit religious faith.(Agency)

Woman, lover arrested for murder of 15-year-old son in Jharkhand

Sahibganj (Jharkhand), Feb 11, 2026
A woman and her lover have been arrested from Ratanpur village in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district for the murder of her 15-year-old son, police said on Wednesday.

The accused have been identified as Meenu Devi and Rohit Sah. Both were taken into custody and later sent to judicial custody after they were produced in a court.

According to police officials, the crime came to light during an investigation into the suspicious death of a teenager, Ayush. Preliminary findings revealed that Meenu Devi was involved in an illicit relationship with Sah, who is her nephew.

Police said that on February 7, when Meenu Devi’s husband, Hemant Sah, had stepped out for some work, Rohit Sah visited the house. During this time, Ayush saw the two in a compromising position and began shouting. Fearing that he would reveal the matter to family members and villagers, the duo overpowered the teenager and strangled him with a rope.

After the murder, the body was dumped near a pond located behind the house in an attempt to make it appear as a case of accidental death or disappearance.

When Hemant Sah returned home, Meenu Devi fabricated a story, claiming that Ayush had stepped out to use the bathroom and had not returned. Alarmed by his disappearance, family members and villagers launched a search operation and later found the boy lying unconscious near the pond.

He was rushed to the Barharwa Community Health Centre and subsequently referred to Sonajori Hospital in Pakur, but the doctors declared him dead on arrival.

While the family was preparing for the funeral, police were alerted about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Officers reached the spot, took custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.

Based on a complaint lodged by the deceased’s father, a case of murder was registered. During the investigation, police pieced together the sequence of events through circumstantial evidence and sustained interrogation of the accused.

The inconsistencies in the woman’s statements raised suspicion, ultimately leading to the revelation of the crime.(Agency)

Trinamool takes separate route from Congress on LS Speaker impeachment issue

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
By proposing an “alternate” path of restraint with a constructive and calibrated approach before rushing to seek the impeachment of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Trinamool Congress has sent a clear signal of dissent to the Congress leadership, despite the latter holding the post of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

The move can also be seen as an attempt to reprimand the Congress, particularly Rahul Gandhi, over what the Trinamool perceives as a lack of adequate response to its earlier initiative to bring an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Neither move may help secure a favourable outcome for the Opposition bloc, given its numerical disadvantage compared to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Parliament. However, it is the rhetoric that counts in shaping a broader political narrative.

“The Trinamool Congress aspires to grab centre stage in Delhi among Opposition parties. It wants recognition as one of the largest groups on the Opposition benches. Party leaders believe the Congress is not granting them that recognition,” opined Sambit Pal, In-Charge Director at the International School of Broadcasting and Journalism at MIT Art, Design and Technology University and author of the book Bengal Conundrum.

“Additionally, party leaders revere Mamata Banerjee as among the country’s three foremost leaders still active in politics, along with Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi, and she cannot be seen as trailing behind Rahul Gandhi,” he added.

Although the Trinamool has 28 MPs in the Lower House — about 28 per cent of the Congress’ strength of 99 — and is followed by the Samajwadi Party with 37 MPs, it has signalled that it will not automatically follow the line taken by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi.

Senior journalist Gautam Hore, who has spent more than three decades with several prominent Bengali media outlets, also linked the Trinamool’s stand to its differences with Rahul Gandhi. He added that the decision may also be viewed in the context of the upcoming Assembly election in West Bengal.

“At this point, the Trinamool Congress would not like to take a hurried stand on such a sensitive issue as the removal of the Speaker. If you notice, its position is not directly against the Congress’ initiative; rather, it wants to move an impeachment motion itself, but only after giving the Speaker proper intimation and time to rectify what the Opposition considers wrong,” said the veteran journalist.

“It is also the Trinamool’s way of asserting its status as the largest political party in West Bengal ahead of the coming Assembly poll. The party wants to send a message that it is not prepared to play second fiddle, even in Delhi,” he added.

Incidentally, the Congress has attempted to recalibrate ties since the Trinamool withdrew support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre, leading to strains in relations.

When Congress state unit president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a sharp critic of Mamata Banerjee, was replaced with the more conciliatory Subhankar Sarkar, it was widely seen as an attempt to placate the Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo.

The Congress’ decision to snap ties with the Left Front — earlier stitched together as a possible third front against the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress and principal Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party — ahead of the 2026 state poll was also interpreted as a sign of recalibration.

However, the Trinamool has largely kept its distance from such overtures, choosing instead to plough a solitary furrow — successfully, at least for now.(Agency)

India leading initiator in addressing key challenges facing Global South: SA envoy

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
Highlighting that India is not only a leading voice but a leading initiator in addressing key challenges of the Global South, South Africa’s High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal on Wednesday lauded the role played by India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in consistently voicing concerns of the developing nations on global platforms.

“Since the attainment of its independence, even prior to that, India has been fully immersed in the Global South and providing leadership. We saw that more recently during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023. It was through India’s initiative, and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that the African Union was brought on board as the full member of the G20,” Sooklal told IANS in an interview.

“The entire African continent, including South Africa, was very appreciative that India put this firmly on the agenda and now we have the African Union, rightfully so as a full member and participating on behalf of the continent fully on the G20 matters. Of course, India also during its presidency, initiated the Voice of the Global South Summit, twice chaired by PM Modi which again brought sharp focus on the key issues confronting the Global South and seeking solutions as a collective. India is not only a leading voice but a leading initiator in addressing key challenges of the Global South,” he added.

Lauding PM Modi’s leadership, the South African Ambassador stated that the Indian PM is widely respected globally and his presence at international forums, such as the G20, adds a significant weight.

“Under his leadership, India’s GDP has more than doubled over the past decade and India has risen to become the world’s fourth-largest economy. Millions have been lifted out of poverty. He has played a strong role in BRICS, the G20, and Global South initiatives. India’s leadership in global forums continues to shape the emerging multipolar world. Prime Minister Modi is seen as a decisive and influential global leader, particularly among countries of the Global South,” said Sooklal.

The seasoned diplomat also hoped that the forthcoming elections in neighbouring Bangladesh will see return of a democratically-elected government in the South Asian nation.

“It is important to see a return to democratic governance. Democracy is a fundamental ingredient of our societies and governments. Any country where you have had unconstitutional changes of government, as was the case in Bangladesh… we welcome that now the interim government has set elections and hope that they will be peaceful, inclusive, and credible. A stable Bangladesh is also beneficial not only for its people but also for the region and the international community,” the South African High Commissioner mentioned.(Agency)

Punjab BJP chief Jakhar invites farmers for talks on India-US trade pact

Chandigarh, Feb 11, 2026
Bharatiya Janata Party’s Punjab unit President Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday invited farmer organisations for dialogue, stating that “if they see any shortcomings in the India-US trade agreement, they should choose the path of discussion rather than agitation”.

He reiterated that the agreement would not have any adverse impact on farmers, especially those in Punjab, and will instead benefit industry and trade while creating new employment opportunities for the youth.

Speaking to the media after a meeting in Mohali with BJP district executive members and mandal presidents to provide detailed information about the trade agreement, the BJP state President again emphasised that crops grown in the state such as wheat, paddy, maize, and sugarcane have been kept outside the scope of the agreement and will not affect farmers in any way.

Jakhar said today every farmer acknowledged that agriculture is not a highly profitable occupation.

“While it sustains families, it does not generate enough income to fulfill their children’s aspirations. Every family wants their children to find employment beyond farming. However, this will only be possible if new industries are established and trade expands.”

He said this deal is a step in that direction, as it will provide access for India’s industry and trade to the $30 trillion US economy.

“As industry and trade grow, new employment opportunities will be created for the youth.”

The BJP President appealed to farmer groups to clearly state what impact they believe the deal will have on Punjab’s farmers. He invited them for discussions, assuring that if any farmer organisation feels the agreement will affect Punjab’s farmers, they should come forward for talks, and all their concerns will be addressed. He added that “protests are undertaken only after the path of dialogue has been closed”.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is firmly committed to protecting farmers’ interests, and the same resolve has ensured that Punjab farmers’ interests are safeguarded in this agreement.

The BJP President also urged farmer groups to press for the implementation of an agricultural policy in the state, which farmers had protested for a year ago but has still not been implemented.

He said the law-and-order situation in the state has “deteriorated significantly” and that drug abuse is destroying the next generation.

“If protests are to be held, they should focus on these real issues rather than on a non-existent issue, as there is nothing anti-Punjab in the deal,” he said.

Speaking as a farmer himself, he asserted this with confidence. He further said while the US President is speaking about making America great again, Prime Minister Modi, in the current global circumstances, has successfully pursued the policy of making India great while safeguarding national interests through this agreement, for which he deserves appreciation.

Responding to a question, he condemned the firing incident involving two migrant labourers in Moga town.

He said earlier businesspersons were facing such situations, and now even labourers were being targeted. Urging the state government to wake up, he said such divisive actions must be strictly curbed, as they go against the philosophy taught by the Sikh Gurus.

He emphasised that the role of migrant laborers in Punjab’s industry and agriculture cannot be overlooked.(Agency)

Nitish Katara murder case: Delhi HC affirms denial of furlough to Vikas Yadav

New Delhi, Feb 11, 2026
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday dismissed a plea filed by Nitish Katara murder case convict Vikas Yadav seeking 21 days’ furlough to maintain social ties and spend time with his wife following his recent marriage.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Ravinder Dudeja held that there was no arbitrariness, illegality or violation of constitutional rights in the order passed by the Director General (DG) of Prisons rejecting Yadav’s request for release.

“This Court finds no arbitrariness, illegality or violation of constitutional rights in the order dated October 29 or the corrigendum dated December 1, 2025. The petition is accordingly dismissed,” Justice Dudeja said while pronouncing the verdict.

Yadav, who has been convicted in the 2002 Nitish Katara murder case, is serving a fixed 25-year sentence and has undergone over 23 years of actual incarceration.

In his petition, Yadav challenged the October 29, 2025 decision of the jail authorities denying him furlough. He contended that the rejection was arbitrary and failed to take into account that he had earlier been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court for over four and a half months on account of his mother’s medical treatment, which was later extended on the ground of his marriage.

The plea stated that Yadav has remained in continuous custody for 23 years without being granted furlough and now seeks temporary release to maintain social ties, particularly with his wife.

However, the prison authorities opposed the plea, citing the gravity of the offence, the severity of the sentence imposed and the absence of requisite annual conduct reports.

The jail authorities further stated that there were concerns that the convict might flee the country, disturb public order or cause harm to the victim’s family.

The victim’s family also expressed apprehensions regarding their safety in the event of his release. Rejecting the plea, the Delhi High Court upheld the decision of the prison authorities, observing that no grounds were made out to interfere with the impugned orders.

Vikas Yadav and his cousin Vishal Yadav, among others, were convicted and sentenced to 25 years of actual imprisonment without consideration of remission for kidnapping Katara from a marriage party in February 2002 and then killing him for his alleged affair with their sister Bharti Yadav.

Katara was murdered as the Yadav duo did not approve of his alleged relationship with Bharti because they belonged to different castes, the trial court had observed in its verdict.(Agency)

Mouni Roy calls Mahek from ‘The Wives’ one of her ‘craziest characters’ yet

Mumbai, Feb 11, 2026
Actress Mouni Roy called Mahek from Madhur Bhandarkar’s “The Wives” one of the craziest characters she ever got a chance to play.

Dropping some photos from the shoot diaries on her official Insta handle, Mouni spilled her emotions through the caption.

“Wrapped this beautiful film #thewives and it’s gonna be one of my most favourite ones in my story book of life. (sic),” she shared.

Thanking Bhandarkar for trusting her with the role, she wrote, “Grateful to @imbhandarkar sir for trusting me with Mahek, one of the craziest characters I have ever played.”

Lauding her co-stars Sonali Kulkarni, Regina Cassandra, Rahul Bhatt, Saurabh Sachdeva, Arjan Bajwa, and Freddy Daruvala, the ‘Naagin’ actress added, “Thank you sir, working with you has been on my bucket list. To my wonderful costars. Thank you for being the kindest loveliest most giving costars. Coming soonly in theatres near you. All love. Only love x.”

Reacting to the post, the ‘Fashion’ maker commented, “It was fun working with you, @imouniroy…Sure, the role of Mehek will be an eye opener for the audiences and your fans. #TheWives”.

As the team recently wrapped up the shoot for “The Wives”, Bhandarkar penned a note on social media, saying, “Today marks the wrap-up of my 16th film, #TheWives,#IntheShadowofStardom an original & captivating story set in the glamorous world of star wives that we have delved into.

Bringing this project to life is beyond exciting. Your unwavering support means the world as we completed the principal photography of the film. Endless gratitude to the dedicated actors & technicians who poured their hearts day and night into this project. Thanks to the team of Bhandarkar Entertainment & PJ motion pictures.”

“The Wives” has been jointly backed by Bhandarkar Entertainment and PJ Motion Pictures.(Agency)

Data shows disparity in reserved category certificates between Jammu Division and Kashmir Valley

Jammu, Feb 11, 2026
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday tabled data in the Legislative Assembly showing a disparity in the issuance of reserved category certificates between Jammu Division and the Kashmir Valley.

Official figures presented by the Jammu and Kashmir government in the Assembly revealed a significant regional imbalance in the issuance of reserved category certificates between the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

The data was tabled in response to a cut motion moved by Peoples Conference (PC) president and MLA Sajad Gani Lone.

According to the figures, Jammu division dominates across almost all seven reserved categories, with particularly sharp disparities in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) segments.

In the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, out of a total of 7,49,970 certificates issued across the Union Territory, as many as 6,93,781 were granted in Jammu, accounting for over 92.5 per cent.

In contrast, only 56,189 certificates, or 7.4 per cent, were issued in Kashmir division.

The gap is even wider in the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. Of the 1,41,419 SC certificates issued, an overwhelming 1,39,664 (over 98 per cent) were granted in Jammu, while Kashmir accounted for just 1,755 certificates, representing barely 1.24 per cent.

In the Reserved Backward Area (RBA) category, however, the figures show a near-equal distribution. Out of 1,00,848 certificates issued, 50,982 (50.5 per cent) were granted in Jammu and 49,866 (49.4 per cent) in Kashmir.

Similarly, under the Actual Line of Control (ALC) category, 7,192 certificates were issued in total, with Jammu receiving 6,732 (93.6 per cent) and Kashmir 460 (6.3 per cent).

Notably, all 6,732 International Border (IB) certificates were issued exclusively in Jammu division.

In the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, Jammu again leads with 78,324 certificates (59.8 per cent), while Kashmir accounts for 52,652 certificates (40.2 per cent).

The data highlights variations in the distribution of reserved category certificates, with Valley-centric politicians stating that this has broader implications for representation and access to government benefits across Jammu and Kashmir.(Agency)

Bigamy case: Calcutta HC grants anticipatory bail to actor and BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee

Kolkata, Feb 11, 2026
The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to Bengali actor and BJP MLA Hiran Chatterjee in connection with bigamy case.

His first wife Anindita Chatterjee had filed a case against him at Anandpur police station.

After that, the BJP MLA had filed a plea for anticipatory bail at Calcutta High Court.

Hearing the case, Justice Jay Sengupta’s bench granted him anticipatory bail. However, Hiran will have to appear before the investigating officer once every 15 days.

It is worth mentioning that the hearing date for Hiran’s anticipatory bail case was fixed for February 4. But that date was postponed. In the meantime, Hiran had started campaigning for the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls in West Bengal.

As soon as Hiran’s second wedding’s picture became public recently, his first wife had filed a complaint against the actor at Anandpur police station. A case was filed based on that complaint.

On January 28, his lawyer sought an urgent hearing and drew the attention of Justice Jay Sengupta. He told the court that his client is currently an MLA. Therefore, he requested an urgent hearing for Hiran’s anticipatory bail plea. However, that request was turned down.

Police sources said that a case has been registered against Hiran under Section 494 (If a person remarries while his wife is alive, he shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or with fine or with both) and Section 85 (Husband’s torture of a married woman and domestic violence. He shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and with fine) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Neither Hiran nor his first wife Anindita have made any official comments in this regard.

Notably, ahead of 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls, popular Bengali actor Hiran Chatterjee had joined the BJP. That same year, he won the Assembly election from Kharagpur Sadar Assembly constituency in West Midnapore district.

In January this year, Hiran married model Ritika Giri in a ceremony held in Varanasi. Photographs from the ceremony showed the bride in a red Banarasi saree and Chatterjee in a yellow kurta went viral on social media.

Chatterjee’s first wife, Anindita Chatterjee, publicly questioned the legality of the second marriage, calling it illegal.

Anindita said, “We are neither divorced nor legally separated. She also alleged that the marriage had harmed their family, particularly their daughter. She later filed a case against him.”(Agency)

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