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Madras HC allows police to arrest ‘Savukku’ Shankar if required, declines bail extension

Chennai, March 25, 2026
The Madras High Court has granted liberty to the Greater Chennai City Police (GCCP) to arrest YouTuber ‘Savukku’ Shankar alias A. Shankar, if his custody is required in connection with an extortion case, while refusing to extend the interim bail earlier granted to him on medical grounds.

A Division Bench comprising Justices P. Velmurugan and M. Jothiraman declined to prolong the three-month interim bail that had been granted on December 27, 2025, by a vacation Bench following petitions filed by Shankar’s mother.

The interim relief, which was set to expire on March 25, 2026, was originally issued considering his health condition.

Observing that the circumstances no longer justified continuation of bail, the Bench stated that the investigating agency was free to proceed in accordance with the law.

The court noted: “If the custody of the detenu is considered necessary for investigation, the authorities are at liberty to take appropriate steps,” effectively paving the way for possible re-arrest.

The court’s observations came while dismissing a Habeas Corpus Petition (HCP) and disposing of a related writ petition.

The HCP, filed in December 2025, had alleged that Shankar was kept in solitary confinement at Puzhal Central Prison, while the writ petition sought specialised medical treatment, citing his cardiac and diabetic conditions.

Following the interim bail order, a Medical Board at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, evaluated Shankar’s health.

The Board reported that although he suffers from chronic ailments such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease, his condition is stable and does not currently require specialised or emergency cardiac intervention.

The report further stated that his health could be effectively managed through regular medication and lifestyle modifications.

Based on this medical opinion, the court concluded that continued interim bail on health grounds was unwarranted.

Addressing the allegation of solitary confinement, the Bench found no substantive evidence to support the claim.

The Bench observed that no documents or material had been produced to prove that Shankar was subjected to punitive isolation in violation of prison rules.

The court also remarked that the petitions appeared to have been filed primarily to delay the investigation process.

Consequently, it directed prison and police authorities to ensure the necessary medical care, while allowing the investigation to proceed without further hindrance.(Agency)

India and US discuss regional security, advancing bilateral defence cooperation

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met visiting US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby on the sidelines of the India–US Defence Policy Group meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, discussing strengthening defence cooperation and strategic partnership.

“Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge A. Colby on the sidelines of the India–US Defence Policy Group meeting today. They exchanged views on advancing bilateral defence cooperation, regional security, and further strengthening the strategic partnership,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X.

Earlier in the day, Colby held a meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar as both discussed current geopolitical scenario.

“Pleased to meet US Under Secretary of War Elbridge Colby this afternoon. Exchanged views on the current geopolitical scenario,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.

The top Pentagon official is in India to engage with senior officials in New Delhi and help advance the critical India-US relationship.

On Tuesday, Colby said the US views India with deep respect and New Delhi’s decisions will profoundly shape the future of the Indo-Pacific.

“The United States views India with deep respect — as a republic of continental scale, as a nation with a proud strategic tradition, and as a country whose decisions will profoundly shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and the international landscape more broadly.

Our two countries of course differ in history, geography, and perspective in important ways. Yet we share something fundamental: a conviction that the future of Asia should be determined by sovereign nations able to chart their own course,” Colby said during a special session at the Ananta Centre.

He mentioned that the US sees India not merely as a key partner, but as an essential one in ensuring a long-term favorable balance of power in Asia.

“India’s importance stems not only from its size and economic potential, but also from its geography and strategic position. Your country sits astride the Indian Ocean, which is the connective tissue of the Indo-Pacific. India possesses a long tradition of strategic autonomy and a growing capacity to shape events well beyond its borders.

It is the largest republic in the world; its success thus carries profound symbolic and political weight. And it has formidable, self-reliant, and capable military forces, willing and able to shoulder significant security responsibilities,” said Colby.

Citing that India’s role is indispensable, the US Under Secretary mentioned that Washington’s approach to the strategic partnership with India is interests-based and realistic, shaped by geopolitics and incentives as opposed to gauzy aspirations or detached idealism.

“We clearly recognise that India has its own interests, its own strategic culture, and its own priorities, and that India is not shy about advancing them,” said Colby, adding that India and US perspectives seems deeply aligned.

“Minister of External Affairs Dr. Jaishankar has termed India’s approach ‘Bharat First’ and its strategic approach ‘the India Way’. Like America First and flexible realism, Bharat First and the India Way emphasise the centrality of a realistic approach to foreign policy, an unabashed willingness to put one’s own national priorities first, and a results-oriented mindset about international politics,” the US Under Secretary of War for Policy said.

While announcing Elbridge Colby’s visit to India, US Department of War stated, “Under Secretary Colby’s visit will focus on advancing the goals established by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi in their February 2025 joint statement and on implementing the Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership.”(Agency)

Latvia, Estonia report drone incursions from Russian airspace

Riga, March 25, 2026
Estonia and Latvia on Wednesday reported that drones entered their airspace from Russia. Latvia’s National Armed Forces (NBS) stated that its air force detected an unmanned aircraft entering Latvian airspace from Russia. According to the statement, wreckage of the drone was found at the spot, however, no casualty was reported during the incident.

“Drone enters Latvian airspace and crashes. The Air Force has identified a foreign unmanned aircraft entering Latvian airspace from Russia. Early warning systems detected a sound similar to an explosion in the Kraslava region. The National Armed Forces, the State Police and the State Border Guard units are at the scene.

Wreckage of the drone has been found at the scene. No further threat to the safety of civilians and Latvian airspace has been identified. No civilians were injured and no damage was caused to civilian infrastructure. The circumstances of the incident are being investigated. The Kraslava municipality has been informed about the incident,” Latvia’s NBS posted on X.

Meanwhile, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said that the initial information suggests that a Ukrainian drone may have entered Latvian territory and an investigation is being conducted into the incident.

“I am in close communication with the Minister of Defense, the National Armed Forces, and the responsible services, as well as the leaders of Estonia and Lithuania. An investigation into the incident is underway, but initial information suggests that a Ukrainian drone may have entered and crashed in Latvia’s territory. There are no casualties,” Siliņa wrote on X.

“The Kraslava municipality was promptly informed. Tomorrow, I am heading to the JEF member states’ meeting to jointly decide with our allies how we can strengthen our security and support our friends in Ukraine,” she added.

Estonia’s internal security ISS said that one drone “struck the chimney of the Auvere power plant” in Estonia while another fell on Latvian territory, Euro News reported. The Auvere power plant is located near Estonia’s Narva town on the Russian border.

ISS Director ISS Director General Margo Palloson said, “These are the effects of Russia’s large-scale war of aggression,” voicing concern about “the occurrence of such incidents in the future,” Euro News reported.

In a post on X, Estonia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna stated, “Tonight a drone struck the chimney of the Auvere power plant in Estonia. There are no substantial damages or injuries, and no impact on Estonia’s electricity system. The drone was not directed at Estonia. This is a concrete consequence of Russia’s full-scale war of aggression.”

“Drone incidents have occurred across Europe — including in Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Lithuania, and most recently in Latvia last night. We are strengthening our capabilities to respond to such incidents. The pressure on the aggressor must continue,” he added.

In September last year, the Russian Embassy in Denmark termed Moscow’s involvement in the drone incident which resulted in disruptions at Danish airports as “absurd speculation”, emphasising that the allegations will be used as a pretext for further escalating tension in the interests of forces seeking to prolong the conflict in Ukraine.

“It is evident that the incidents involving reported disruptions at Danish airports are a staged provocation. Undoubtedly, they will be used as a pretext for further escalating tension in the interests of forces seeking by all means to prolong the Ukrainian conflict and extend it to other countries,” read a statement issued by Russia’s Embassy in Denmark in reply to media questions.

“The Russian side firmly rejects the absurd speculations of involvement in the incidents,” it added.

Russia’s statement came after Denmark contacted the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU) after shutting Aalborg airport and placing three others airports on alert following the unauthorised drones carrying out what the authorities termed as “coordinated attacks”. Earlier also, drone incursions were reported in Denmark that officials suspect may involve Russian interference.(Agency)

ED attaches Rs 21.65 crore assets in fake vehicle loan fraud

New Delhi/Aizawl, March 25, 2026
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said it has provisionally attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs 21.65 crore belonging to several car dealers and individuals in connection with a fake vehicle loan fraud involving Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL).

The action was carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA), the central probe agency said on Wednesday.

The ED, Aizawl Sub-Zonal Office, provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth approximately Rs 21.65 crore belonging to various car dealers and other individuals under the PMLA in connection with a fake vehicle loan fraud perpetrated at the Aizawl Branch of MMFSL.

The ED initiated its investigation based on two FIRs registered by the Mizoram Police on complaints filed by officials of MMFSL, an official statement said.

It said that the predicate offences include criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and fabrication of documents under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Investigation revealed that Jakir Habibur Hussain, then Area Business Manager of MMFSL, Aizawl Branch, in active connivance with four car dealers of Aizawl and other co-accused, orchestrated a large-scale fraud by sanctioning and processing fake vehicle loans from 2019 to 2024.

Fake customer profiles were created using fabricated government documents, including Voter IDs, Aadhaar cards, and income certificates.

Loan amounts were disbursed to the car dealers’ accounts against delivery orders raised on the MMFSL portal; however, no vehicles were actually sold or delivered, the statement said.

To conceal and launder the proceeds of crime, the accused created two fictitious entities, “Mahindra Finance Limited” and “Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services”, and opened fraudulent bank accounts in their names with Mizoram Rural Bank.

Car dealers transferred substantial portions of the fraud proceeds to these fake accounts. Funds were further withdrawn in cash and recycled to pay EMIs on the fictitious loans, creating an appearance of genuine loan servicing.

In the first Provisional Attachment Order on March 7, 2025, the ED had provisionally attached movable properties valued at approximately Rs 9.89 crore, including two vehicles (Kia Seltos and Hyundai Alcazar).

The attachment was confirmed by the Adjudicating Authority (PMLA), New Delhi, under an order dated August 19, 2025.

The present Provisional Attachment Order covers 12 immovable properties worth approximately Rs 19.68 crore and six bank accounts/fixed deposits worth approximately Rs 1.96 crore, totalling approximately Rs 21.65 crore.

The attached immovable properties are spread across Aizawl, Mizoram, and Tezpur, Nagaon, and Silchar, Assam.

Investigation established a sophisticated pattern of layering through mule bank accounts opened in the names of low-level MMFSL employees, including office boys and sweepers, who, acting on the instructions of Jakir Hussain, received credits from the fake Mahindra accounts and withdrew cash, which was handed over to him.

The money trail further revealed the deliberate undervaluation of registered sale deeds and the acquisition of properties in benami names to conceal Jakir Hussain’s true beneficial ownership.

With this attachment, the cumulative value of properties provisionally attached in this case now exceeds Rs 31 crore.

The investigation is underway.(Agency)

Terror-sponsor Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on India’s internal matters: MEA

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan over comments made in support of a terrorist organisation and its members, stressing that Islamabad has no locus standi to speak on matters related to India and its judicial processes.

New Delhi’s strong reaction came after Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement on the awarding of a life imprisonment sentence to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Pakistan’s statement condoning violence has not surprised India as Islamabad has been sponsoring terrorism for a long time. He urged Pakistan to introspect its systematic human rights violations.

“We categorically reject the statement issued by Pakistan in support of a banned terrorist organization and its members. Pakistan has no locus standi to comment on matters internal to India or its judicial processes.

However, one is not surprised that a country, which has long been sponsoring terrorism, has come up with such a statement condoning violence and killing of innocent people. Instead of peddling lies and frivolous narratives, Pakistan should introspect on the grave and systematic human rights violations it continues to perpetrate,” read a statement issued by the MEA spokesperson.

A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment for offences including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the Government of India, while awarding 30-year jail terms to her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen.

Pronouncing the order on the quantum of sentence, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh of the Karkardooma Courts held that the acts of the convicts struck at the “very existence of India” and were aimed at the secession of Jammu and Kashmir, an integral part of the country.

The court stated that the material on record demonstrated they had “not abhorred violence” and had, in fact, indirectly promoted it by glorifying slain militants and propagating secessionist ideology.

“The acts of the convict brought on record may not apparently be the direct cause of inciting violence, but infusing the minds of people, particularly the youth, with the idea that Kashmir is not part of India and India has occupied the Kashmir illegally and in a hostile manner can evoke sentiments which may lead them to adopt all kinds of methods, including violence,” the court observed.

The case arose out of a 2018 investigation by the National Investigation Agency, which alleged that the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), headed by Andrabi, was using social media, public speeches and other platforms to advocate for Jammu and Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan.

The prosecution placed on record various videos, online posts and other material purportedly showing the accused eulogising militants, inciting unlawful activities such as stone-pelting, and promoting narratives rooted in the two-nation theory.

Andrabi was found guilty under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Sections 18 (conspiracy for terrorist acts) and 20 (membership of a terrorist organisation), along with IPC offences such as criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state.

Fehmeeda and Nasreen were also convicted under multiple provisions of the anti-terror law and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Rejecting any leniency in sentencing, the court, in view of the gravity of the offences, observed that activities aimed at destabilising the nation and promoting secessionist ideology warranted stringent punishment.

Andrabi, who founded the all-women separatist outfit in 1987, was arrested in April 2018. The organisation had largely become defunct following her arrest, the court noted.(Agency)

MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal Raises Issue of Strengthening Rural Sports Infrastructure in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi/Chandigarh/Sultanpur Lodhi, March 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised a significant issue during Zero Hour regarding the urgent need to strengthen sports infrastructure in rural areas across the country. He stated that despite Punjab contributing nearly 50 Olympians to the nation, it is not receiving a fair share of sports funding.

He informed the House that during the Paris Olympics, out of the total 100 athletes representing India, 45 belonged to Punjab and Haryana. However, these states face clear discrimination when it comes to allocation of sports funds.

Citing last year’s Khelo India budget, he highlighted that Gujarat received ₹426.13 crore and Uttar Pradesh ₹438.27 crore, whereas Punjab was allocated only ₹78.02 crore and Haryana ₹66.59 crore—despite producing the highest number of athletes. He termed this disparity as unjust and against the principles of fairness.

He emphasized the need to establish sports nurseries across the country to strengthen India’s position in international sports. He added that providing quality facilities to athletes is the need of the hour.

Sant Seechewal further pointed out that concessions provided to sportspersons in railway travel were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged the government to restore and provide 100% free railway travel for athletes, stating that they compete not for personal gain but for the nation.

He also demanded that at least five astroturf grounds should be developed in every block across the country. He remarked that due to the lack of proper sports infrastructure, a nation of 1.4 billion people continues to struggle for Olympic gold medals, while smaller countries outperform India.

Speaking to the media, he added that despite Punjab being a land of rivers, water sports are not being adequately promoted. He noted that kayaking, canoeing, and dragon boat competitions are organized at Sultanpur Lodhi, and if international-level coaching and facilities are provided, athletes from Punjab can win Olympic gold medals.

Mahadev case: ED seizes Rs 1700 crore assets, including Burj Khalifa flats

Raipur, March 25, 2026
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Raipur Zonal Office, has delivered a major blow to the illegal online betting syndicate by provisionally attaching properties worth nearly Rs 1,700 crore in the high-profile Mahadev Online Book betting case.

In a Provisional Attachment Order (PAO) issued on March 24, 2026, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the ED has attached 18 luxurious immovable properties in Dubai (UAE) and 2 prime properties in New Delhi.

The Dubai assets, located at premium locations, include high-value villas and apartments in Dubai Hills Estate (Hills View, Fairway Residency and Sidra), multiple high-end apartments in Business Bay, SLS Hotel & Residences, and apartments in the iconic Burj Khalifa.

These properties belong to Sourabh Chandrakar, one of the main promoters of the Mahadev Online Book betting application, and are held in the name of entities controlled by him and his associates, including Vikas Chhaparia, Rohit Gulati, Atul Arora, Nitin Tibrewal and Surendra Bagri.

The ED’s investigation has established that these high-value assets were purchased using proceeds of crime generated by large-scale illegal online betting operations run through the Mahadev Online Book platform and other similar apps, such as Tiger Exchange, Gold365, and Laser247.

The syndicate operated as an international betting network with a franchise-based model of “panels” or “branches” across India, while the main promoters, Sourabh Chandrakar and Ravi Uppal, controlled operations from Dubai.

They allegedly retained 70-75 per cent of the profits, with the rest distributed among panel operators.

The illicit funds were layered through thousands of mule bank accounts and transferred abroad via hawala channels and cryptocurrency before being invested in luxury real estate in the UAE and India.

So far, the ED has conducted searches at over 175 premises across the country, arrested 13 persons, and filed five prosecution complaints arraigning 74 accused before the Special PMLA Court in Raipur.

Applications have also been filed under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act against Sourabh Chandrakar, Ravi Uppal, Anil Agrawal and Shubham Soni.

With this latest attachment, the total value of properties attached or seized in the case has reached approximately Rs 4,336 crore.

The ED has reiterated its commitment to completely dismantle the illegal betting ecosystem and its international financial network.

Further investigation is in progress.(Agency)

ECI hikes daily allowances for electoral officers of all levels

Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu & Dr. Vivek Joshi Sibin C ECI Initiates Sibin C ECI Initiates

Kolkata, March 25, 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued a notification hiking the daily allowances for electoral officers of all levels. The last time polling officer remuneration was increased was in 2016.

As per the ECI’s order, the daily allowance for presiding officers and counting supervisors has been increased from Rs 350 to Rs 500. The same has been increased for polling officers from Rs 250 to Rs 400.

The assistant count has been increased from Rs 350 to Rs 450.

The daily allowance for “Ground-D” assistants involved in the polling process has been increased from Rs 200 to Rs 350.

The allowances of staff in charge of video surveillance, the accounting team, call centres, flying squads, and monitoring cells have also been increased. Earlier, they used to receive Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 daily. Now they will be given Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 daily.

The daily allowance for micro-observers has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000.

Four states, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, are going to the polls next month, with results to be announced on May 4.

West Bengal will have two-phase polling on April 23 and April 29. In the first phase, polling will be held for 152 of the 294 assembly constituencies, and in the second phase, for the remaining 142 constituencies.

West Bengal is the only state where the special intensive revision (SIR) process has not been completed under the model code of conduct, which is already in place.

Currently, judicial adjudication of voters identified under the logical discrepancy category is ongoing.

The first supplementary list has already been published. Those whose names are found excludable in the judicial adjudication process will have the chance to appeal to any of the 19 Appellate Tribunals constituted for the purpose.(Agency)

Spirit of voluntary charity deeply rooted in India’s ethos: Piyush Goyal

New Delhi, March 25, 2026
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that the spirit of voluntary charity is an integral part of Indian society, with people across sections stepping forward to help those in need.

Speaking at the National CSR announcement for FY 2026–27 and scholarship distribution event organised by the Malabar Charitable Trust here, Goyal said that while corporate social responsibility (CSR) frameworks have encouraged participation, going beyond mandated requirements reflects a genuine commitment to society.

He praised the initiative of allocating 5 per cent of net profits towards CSR, calling it a significant step that sets an example for others.

“Such efforts show that organisations can voluntarily contribute more than what is required and play a meaningful role in social development,” the minister said.

Goyal also highlighted India’s growing global economic engagement, noting that the country has signed nine free trade agreements with 38 developed nations in recent years.

“These agreements provide Indian businesses, farmers, MSMEs and artisans access to a large share of global markets at lower or zero duties, boosting export opportunities,” he stated.

He stressed that to fully benefit from these agreements, Indian industries must focus on maintaining high quality standards in goods and services.

“Sectors like MSMEs, agriculture and fisheries stand to gain significantly if they align with global expectations,” Goyal mentioned.

The minister also spoke about inclusive development, saying that every citizen deserves equal opportunity and access to basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, education and digital connectivity.

“The government is working to ensure that all citizens can contribute to the vision of a developed India,” he added.

Emphasising women-led development, Goyal referred to B. R. Ambedkar’s belief that societies progress when women are empowered.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several initiatives have been taken to support education and empowerment of women.(Agency)

PIL filed in High Court against Punjab Police’s Rs 80 FIR download fee

Chandigarh/New Delhi, March 25, 2026
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court challenging the imposition of a service charge for downloading First Information Reports (FIRs) from the Punjab Police’s PP Saanjh Portal.

The plea, filed by advocates Abhishek Malhotra and Vasu Ranjan Shandilya, contended that the Punjab government’s decision to levy a fee of Rs 80 for downloading FIRs is “illegal, ultra vires and violative of Articles 14, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution of India”.

According to the petition, the impugned charge is “in blatant violation of Section 173(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), which mandates that a copy shall be given forthwith, free of cost, to the informant or the victim”.

The plea further relies on the Supreme Court’s judgment in Youth Bar Association of India v. Union of India, which directed that FIRs be uploaded online within 24 hours to ensure free and transparent access.

According to the petitioners, the cause of action arose on March 24, 2026, when they attempted to download an FIR from the PP Saanjh Portal and were “compelled to pay an illegal ‘service charge’ of Rs 80”.

The plea further alleged that the policy “monetises a fundamental and statutory right to access justice” and creates barriers, particularly for economically weaker sections of society.

“The policy frustrates transparency, Digital India mandate, and Article 21 rights, acting as a barrier to justice, especially for the poor,” the petition said.

The petitioners, who are practising advocates and social activists, submitted that they have approached the P&H High Court “purely in public interest to protect the statutory and constitutional rights of lakhs of citizens”.

They also highlighted that despite sending a detailed representation to the authorities on March 24 seeking withdrawal of the fee, “no response has been received”, compelling them to move the High Court.

Seeking multiple reliefs, the PIL has prayed for quashing of the impugned notification imposing the service charge, restoration of free digital access to FIRs and Daily Diary Reports (DDRs), and strict compliance with statutory provisions and Supreme Court directions.

The plea also sought a direction to refund the amount “illegally charged” along with interest, and an interim stay on the operation of the impugned policy, pending final adjudication.(Agency)

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