The Allahabad High Court has expressed concern over what it described as a growing and routine practice of police authorities failing to provide accused persons with the grounds of their arrest. Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal made the observation while granting bail to Sandeep Baisoya, who has been in judicial custody since January 13 in a murder case. The court noted that Baisoya had alleged that he was neither informed of the reasons for his arrest nor provided with a disclosure memo before being taken to recover an alleged country-made pistol. The judgement referred to a November Supreme Court ruling which clarified that supplying the grounds of arrest is a mandatory constitutional requirement for all offences, including those under the Indian Penal Code and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Supreme Court had emphasised that this safeguard is not a procedural formality but an essential protection of individual liberty. During the proceedings, the Uttar Pradesh government did not dispute the claim that the accused had not been furnished with the grounds of arrest. The state also failed to indicate whether a disclosure memo had been prepared in accordance with Supreme Court directions. Taking note of these omissions, the High Court observed that judicial magistrates have a duty to verify whether arrests comply with Article 22(1) of the Constitution before authorising remand. The court held that the failure to examine compliance with these constitutional safeguards reflected a lack of judicial application of mind and amounted to a violation of Supreme Court directives. Consequently, the judge instructed the judicial magistrate concerned to exercise greater caution in future and directed the Ghaziabad Police Commissioner to issue appropriate instructions to subordinate officers. Bail was granted after considering the procedural lapses, the facts of the case and the release of a co-accused on bail.

At least 21 persons lost their lives in a major fire that broke out in a multi-storey building in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday. According to officials, 47 people were rescued during the emergency response operation. Several of those who died were reported to be foreign nationals from African countries. Fire services responded quickly and managed to bring the blaze under control, although the exact cause of the fire had not been determined at the time of reporting. Preliminary inquiries suggested that the building was not primarily residential. Authorities indicated that many of the occupants were staying there while accompanying relatives or acquaintances receiving treatment at the nearby MAX Hospital. Some individuals were also rescued from the basement area of a restaurant operating within the building. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that teams from the Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Police and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority were mobilised immediately and carried out rescue and evacuation efforts. The Delhi government said it was closely monitoring the situation. Police registered a First Information Report and invoked charges including culpable homicide as part of the investigation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those who died and Rs 50,000 for those injured. In the aftermath of the incident, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood ordered strict action against bed-and-breakfast establishments found violating approved building plans or safety guidelines. He also directed the formation of a high-level committee to inspect lodging establishments across the city and review compliance with safety regulations.

In a concerning incident that took place on Tuesday night in Patna, Bihar, some unidentified men entered the coaching centre of famous educator Khan Sir and assaulted the security guard. The guard was injured and has been admitted to hospital for treatment. Property inside the centre was also damaged during this vandalism. Khan Sir, whose real name is Faisal Khan, reached the spot around 11:30 PM after getting information about the attack. He has alleged that some rival coaching operators may be behind this incident because his centre provides very affordable education to students from poor backgrounds. Khan Sir is well known across India for his simple and engaging teaching style in subjects like general studies and current affairs. His coaching centres like Khan GS Research Centre offer classes at nominal fees, sometimes as low as Rs 200, which has helped lakhs of students prepare for competitive exams. Recently many of his students cleared the Bihar Police recruitment exam, after which a felicitation programme was held. Following this, there were threats that the centre would be targeted. Police are now investigating the matter using CCTV footage and statements from the injured guard, who claims to have identified some attackers. Initial probe suggests involvement of some students. A large group of students gathered outside the centre on Wednesday morning to protest against the attack, leading to increased security in the area. No firing took place as initially rumoured; it was only vandalism. This event has raised questions about competition in the coaching industry and safety of educational institutes in Patna. Khan Sir has a huge following on YouTube and is known for speaking up on student issues like exam reforms and paper leaks. The police are working to identify and arrest the culprits soon. This incident highlights the challenges faced by popular educators who disrupt the traditional expensive coaching model by making quality education accessible to all. (Word count: 312)

K.M. Deeksha, India’s national record holder in the women’s 1500m, has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance, according to sources, and is now likely to miss the upcoming Commonwealth Games. The 27-year-old athlete had set the national record of 4:04.78 in Los Angeles two years ago, establishing herself as one of the country’s leading middle-distance runners. However, her recent form had shown a dip, as she clocked 4:25.74 at the Indian Open Athletics Series held in Jaipur on April 5 this year. She also did not participate in the Federation Cup in Ranchi, which is considered an important qualifying event for selection to the Commonwealth Games squad. This absence had already raised questions regarding her participation in major upcoming competitions. Deeksha’s situation has been further complicated by reported administrative and training-related issues. Her coach, S.K. Prasad, stated that she had left the Madhya Pradesh Athletics Academy (MPAA) in April. According to him, she had sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to represent Uttar Pradesh, possibly in pursuit of better job opportunities. However, the academy management reportedly maintained that if she wished to continue under MPAA, she must continue representing Madhya Pradesh. The positive test now places her future in international athletics in uncertainty, as doping violations typically lead to suspension pending investigation and disciplinary proceedings. If confirmed, this development would not only rule her out of the Commonwealth Games but could also significantly impact her athletic career and national standing. The athletics federation is yet to make an official public statement on the matter.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has urged political leaders across the Union Territory to adopt a united approach in engaging with the Union government on key political and governance concerns. In a series of letters addressed to leaders including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, opposition figures, and representatives from various parties, she called for setting aside political differences in favour of a collective dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Mufti highlighted that recent negotiations involving Ladakh-based groups such as the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance demonstrate that sustained dialogue can lead to meaningful outcomes, and argued that Jammu and Kashmir should draw lessons from this process. She noted that the region continues to experience political uncertainty and public dissatisfaction following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the subsequent bifurcation of the former state into two Union Territories. According to her, the absence of consensus among regional parties has weakened the collective bargaining position of the region and contributed to a sense of stagnation. Mufti urged leaders to prioritise the restoration of statehood and broader democratic rights through coordinated engagement with the Centre. She also wrote to leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress, and other regional parties, encouraging them to initiate discussions aimed at building a common platform. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded by stating that he would consult party colleagues before replying formally. The article also references ongoing developments in Ladakh, where demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, and political representation have led to sustained protests and negotiations with the Union government. These developments, including past unrest and subsequent talks, are cited as examples of why structured dialogue is essential for resolving regional issues in Jammu and Kashmir as well.

David Robert Mitchell, the director known for his gripping storytelling, brings forth a survival thriller titled 'The End of Oak Street', which explores how an ordinary neighbourhood gradually becomes an eerie and perilous place. The movie features a star-studded cast including Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, and Christian Convery, each delivering strong performances that heighten the suspense. The plot revolves around the residents of Oak Street facing unusual and frightening events that challenge their sense of safety and community. Set to release in cinemas this August, the film promises a combination of tension, emotional depth, and visual storytelling that keeps viewers on edge. Through its narrative, the movie not only provides thrills but also subtly reflects on human behaviour when confronted with danger and uncertainty. The cinematography, music, and direction collectively contribute to creating a hauntingly immersive experience that draws the audience into the eerie transformation of the neighbourhood.