A 65-year-old man was arrested after allegedly driving rashly and negligently and causing a fatal road accident in Malad West on Sunday evening.

According to the Malad Police in Mumbai, the incident took place at around 8 pm on August 30 at Mamledar Wadi Junction, Malad West, when Mayank Shah was travelling on an Activa scooter with his wife, Priyanka Shah.

The couple had stopped at a traffic signal while returning home from Malad Subway. Police said the accused, identified as Krishna Chamanakar, 65, was driving an MG Windsor when he allegedly drove rashly and negligently and rammed into the scooter.

Mayank Shah sustained serious injuries, while his wife, Priyanka, suffered critical injuries and later succumbed to them.

Following the initial collision, the car allegedly crashed into three other autorickshaws. Several passengers in the vehicles were injured, with some sustaining serious injuries while others suffered minor injuries.

Case registered against driver

Following a complaint lodged by Mayank's brother, Manthan Devji Shah, 35, the Malad Police registered a case against Chamanakar under Sections 106(1), 281 and 125(A)(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Police said the accused was medically examined before being arrested in connection with the case.

MUMBAI: More than 145 G-SHOCK fans, including collectors, enthusiasts, horologists, media professionals and creators, gathered in Mumbai as Casio Computer Co. Ltd., the Japan-headquartered parent of Casio India, hosted its G-SHOCK Fan Meet – Collector’s Edition.

Held at G-SHOCK’s exclusive store on Linking Road in Santacruz West, the event brought together members of the brand’s growing community to discuss watches, collecting and design. The gathering focused on the stories behind collections, with conversations, collection showcases and interactions centred on G-SHOCK’s design, innovation and long-running appeal.

A key attraction of the evening was a showcase by four G-SHOCK collectors, who presented selections from their personal collections and shared the stories and significance behind individual watches. The displays highlighted how G-SHOCK timepieces have become personal markers for collectors rather than simply accessories.

The event also brought G-SHOCK’s design story directly to its Indian fan base, with Junichi Izumi, creator of the GA-2100 series, meeting attendees and discussing the thinking behind one of the brand’s most recognisable collections.

Izumi spoke about the GA-2100 as an effort to create a fresh expression of G-SHOCK while retaining the strength and character associated with the brand. His interaction with collectors also gave fans an opportunity to discuss the series and its evolution directly with its creator.

Takuto Kimura, Managing Director, Casio India, said the gathering reflected the community that has grown around G-SHOCK, particularly in India, where collectors and enthusiasts have adopted the brand in their own ways.

The evening continued with an after-party at Gigi Bombay in Bandra West, where guests moved from watches to music and more informal conversations.

For Casio India, the G-SHOCK Fan Meet – Collector’s Edition brought collectors, creators and enthusiasts closer to the people behind the brand, placing the community that has developed around G-SHOCK in India at the centre of the event.

Milk prices are set to rise in Tamil Nadu and Mumbai as dairy producers cite higher cattle feed, transportation and maintenance costs.

Tamil Nadu has recorded a cumulative Rs 6 per litre increase in milk procurement prices in less than two weeks, while Mumbai is set for a Rs 9 per litre increase in wholesale milk rates from September 1, according to ANI.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday announced a Rs 3 per litre increase in Aavin's milk procurement price, raising the rate from Rs 41 to Rs 44 per litre. The latest hike will cost the state government an additional Rs 60 crore a month, or Rs 720 crore annually.

The increase comes less than two weeks after the milk procurement price was raised from Rs 38 to Rs 41 per litre.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the Bombay Milk Producers Association has announced a Rs 9 per litre increase in wholesale milk prices from September 1. The wholesale rate will rise from Rs 93 to Rs 102 per litre and remain in effect until February 28, 2027.

Dairy farmers and cattle shed operators in the Mumbai region have attributed the increase to rising costs of green fodder, grain husks and oil cakes, along with higher transportation and livestock maintenance expenses.

The Mumbai wholesale price increase is expected to push up retail milk prices and increase the cost of dairy products such as curd, paneer and sweets, particularly ahead of the festive season.

The successive procurement and wholesale price increases in Tamil Nadu and Mumbai are set to increase the cost burden across the dairy sector, with consumers facing the potential impact through higher milk and dairy product prices.

The Joint Democratic Front (JDF) has called a 24-hour general strike across Manipur from midnight tonight, demanding the suspension of all census-related activities in the state until the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is updated, ahead of the Manipur Legislative Assembly session scheduled to begin on September 2.

The announcement came a day after protests were held at 18 locations across the valley, including a major “No NRC, No Census” torch rally in Kakching on Sunday night that turned violent after police stopped protesters from proceeding towards the district headquarters.

A large number of people from Wabagai, Hiyanglam and surrounding areas participated in the torch rally, which began from Wabagai-Hiyanglam Lamkhai Keithel. Protesters raised slogans of “No NRC, No Census” while opposing the conduct of the Census without NRC updation and without the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

When the rally attempted to proceed towards the Kakching District Headquarters, police stopped the protesters at the Keirak Dam area. A confrontation followed, after which police fired several tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd. At least seven people, including four women, were reportedly briefly detained during the incident.

JDF Convenor Jeetendra Ningombam said on Monday morning that the 24-hour general strike was being called to press the organisation’s demands ahead of the Assembly session.

“The general strike will start from today midnight to press our demand ahead of the Assembly session, which is expected to be convened from the day after tomorrow, that is, September 2,” Ningombam said.

He said people expected a concrete decision on the floor of the House to suspend census-related workshops and other official activities until a roadmap for NRC updation is initiated in Manipur.

“People expect a concrete decision on the floor of the House saying Manipur is suspending all census-related activities and a roadmap to start NRC updation,” he said.

Ningombam also referred to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s publicly stated support for NRC updation, saying he should take the lead in pursuing the matter with the BJP-led government at the Centre.

“As the Chief Minister is already in Delhi, and he himself is also in favour of NRC updating, as he publicly declared, he should take the lead, and he should [take it up] with the BJP government at the Centre,” he said.

Ningombam said the JDF held protests at 18 different locations across the valley on Sunday, with further major protests lined up on Monday, including at Ema Keithel and other places.

“Yesterday we held protests at 18 different locations across the valley region of Manipur. Today also we lined up with major protests at Ema Keithel and other places. Our demand and pressure continue,” he said.

Among the locations were Pheija Leitong, Lamangdong, Nepra Manjor Pukhrimapal, Moirang Bazar, Thoubal Ningombam Keithel, Singjamei Chingamakha, Kakching and Wangkhei Angom Leikai, among others.

A Meira rally was also held at Wangkhei Angom Leikai on Sunday night.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh left for Delhi on Sunday, saying before his departure that he would meet top Central leaders to discuss various ongoing issues concerning the state.

In a statement issued before leaving for Delhi, he appealed to all sections of society to refrain from calling bandhs or blockades, saying such actions could lead to unwanted violent incidents and cause hardship to the public. He instead urged people to adopt other forms of democratic agitation.

The Chief Minister said the Manipur Government and the Union Government were committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Manipur.

Khemchand also appreciated the role of leaders of 14 civil society organisations and a delegation of MLAs who recently campaigned in Delhi for implementation of the NRC in the state, saying their campaign had received a positive response in New Delhi.

The Chief Minister also warned that stringent action would be taken against agitators who violate the law or attempt to create a chaotic situation.

The JDF is demanding that the government suspend census-related workshops and other official activities connected with the Census and initiate a roadmap for NRC updation in Manipur.

The organisation expects the government to take a concrete decision on the matter when the Assembly session begins on September 2 and has warned that its agitation will continue if its demands are not addressed.

The Chief Minister’s appeal against bandhs comes as the JDF moves ahead with its statewide general strike, putting the government’s call for democratic forms of agitation against the JDF’s decision to intensify its protest.

With the 24-hour strike beginning at midnight, following Sunday’s protests at 18 locations and the violent confrontation during the Kakching torch rally, the NRC-Census issue is set to remain a major point of contention ahead of the Assembly session. Further details on the strike’s impact and the government’s response are awaited.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns on Monday said the newly launched Western Sydney University (WSU) campus in India will strengthen education ties between Australia and India and create closer connections between the two countries.

Addressing the launch event in Delhi, Minns said WSU would contribute to India's goal of increasing higher education participation among young people and bring the university's values and principles to India.

"I've been struck by the Indian government's stated target of having 50 per cent of young people enrolled in higher education by 2035. It's an ambitious but important target. And this is something that Western Sydney University can be integral in delivering that goal," Minns said.

Highlighting the university's focus on empowering students through education, Minns said the direct relationship between teachers and students provides something that technology cannot replace.

"There is something wonderful about a teacher or a professor at the front of that classroom seeing something in a student that they perhaps don't see in themselves. Something that you cannot get from an app or a computer or a website. Something that only a direct relationship between the teacher at the front of the classroom and the student can provide," he said.

Minns said the WSU campus in India would uphold the same values and principles followed by the institution in Australia.

"That red Western Sydney University badge, which we see commonly as residents of Sydney, will now be right here in India with the same values and the same principles," he said.

Calling the partnership significant for Australia-India relations, Minns said stronger educational links would help build closer connections between younger generations in both countries.

"The relationship between Australia and India is a strong one, and it is close, but there's more for it to go. There are more opportunities, economic opportunities between the two countries in the future," he said.

"I think the reason it will meet its full potential is that we'll have a generation of young Indian kids and a generation of young Australian kids with closer connections in the future," he added.

The New South Wales Premier also highlighted the economic potential of his state, saying New South Wales has one of Australia's largest economies, with strong sectors in agriculture, finance, technology, mining and education.

"We're proud of our multicultural community, including 200,000 young Australians with Indian heritage, which we're very proud of and have now linked with the fastest-growing economy in the world," Minns said.

Congratulating Western Sydney University, Minns said the institution has played a key role in educating generations of students and producing professionals across different fields.

"Western Sydney University is a wonderful institution in our educational system. An organisation that has educated hundreds of thousands of people and been responsible for filling up our law firms, our senior academic postings, our senior positions in business, our emergency departments with doctors and nurses, and teachers across the board," he said.

He added that the university's focus has always been on providing opportunities irrespective of students' backgrounds.

"It has always been part and parcel of the constitution of this institution, saying to everybody regardless of your background or where you are from, there's an opportunity in this economy. What we will provide you with is the education," Minns said.

The launch of the Western Sydney University campus in India marks an important development in education links between the two countries, with Minns emphasising its potential to expand higher education opportunities and strengthen connections between future generations of Indian and Australian students.

A retired Army serviceman died after his throat was slit by the razor-sharp banned Chinese ‘manjha’ thread while he was returning home on a two-wheeler in Jammu and Kashmir.

The incident took place on Sunday evening when Naib Subedar (Retd) Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Mamka, R S Pura, was returning home after completing his shift as a private security guard at an industrial unit in Bari Brahmana. The thread became entangled around Singh’s neck and slit his throat, leaving him critically injured.

Singh was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and started a crackdown against vendors selling the banned thread.

The Chinese kite string, commonly known as Chinese ‘Manja’ or ‘Gattu Dor’, is made of synthetic nylon and coated with glass powder and metal. The razor-sharp string can cause fatal injuries to two-wheeler riders and pedestrians. The non-biodegradable thread also poses a serious threat to birds and can trigger power outages and electrocution when it comes into contact with high-voltage lines.

The Jammu district has imposed a blanket ban on the manufacture, sale, purchase, storage, transport and use of the thread.

Despite the ban, the thread continues to be sold illegally.

“Police and administration should take stern action against those selling this lethal string,” demanded grief-stricken relatives of the victim.

Jammu Police have been conducting intensive market raids, seizing hundreds of rolls and registering FIRs against violators under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The death of Lakhwinder Singh has once again highlighted the fatal consequences of the continued illegal sale and use of the banned Chinese kite string.

The controversial anti-conversion bill will not be tabled during the monsoon session of the Goa Assembly, which began on Monday, days after the state Cabinet cleared the proposed legislation, following opposition from lawmakers, including members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP lawmaker Michael Lobo said the government decided against introducing the Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill after lawmakers met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and opposed its introduction. Lobo said the government acted in haste by clearing the bill in the Cabinet.

Following the meeting with Sawant, it was decided that the bill would not be introduced during the session. “We need to study [the bill], and everyone’s views need to be taken into account. We need to know what the bill is all about. What is happening is wrong. Every person’s religious beliefs are important. There should be respect for all religions. Sooner or later there needs to be a discussion on what is good for Goa. Things are moving in the wrong direction,” Lobo said.

Independent legislator Aleixo Lourenço said he would oppose the legislation if it were introduced, although the meeting with Sawant had already agreed that the bill would not be introduced.

Lourenço said there is no data to show a high number of religious conversions in Goa. “Our religious minority organisations are involved in helping the vulnerable sections of society. There is no evidence, nor have we heard that this has resulted in conversions.”

He also emphasised that Goa is a peace-loving state. “This is certainly not expected from the government. No doubt I supported this government, but this [bill] does not have my support,” Lourenço said. He added that the idea of having thought of such a bill for Goa is distasteful.

Christians and Muslims make up over 35% of Goa’s population. Twelve of 28 states in India have anti-conversion laws.

The Goa Cabinet cleared the anti-conversion bill last week. The proposed legislation seeks to outlaw conversion through force, coercion, undue influence, allurement or marriage and proposes imprisonment of up to 14 years. It provides for up to 10 years’ imprisonment for offenders, including religious figures such as priests, karmkandis and maulvis.

The punishment could extend to 14 years’ imprisonment if a person unlawfully converts someone with a disability or mental illness, a woman, a minor, or a member of the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe community.

The bill also states that anyone wishing to convert must file a declaration with the district magistrate stating that the conversion is being undertaken of their own will.

In July last year, Sawant pushed for an anti-conversion law in the Assembly. He cited Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law and so-called love jihad, a term used by right-wing groups to describe an alleged Muslim conspiracy to woo Hindu women. Courts and the Union government do not officially recognise the term.

The Catholic Church and Catholic Association of Goa were among the groups that protested the decision to clear the anti-conversion bill, warning that its passage would pose a grave threat to communal harmony.

The Council of Social Justice and Peace (CSJP), the social arm of the Catholic Church in Goa, said the proposed legislation risks irreparably damaging that precious inheritance by replacing mutual trust with suspicion, and social harmony with surveillance and fear.

The CSJP said Goa must not import divisive legislation merely because similar laws have been enacted in BJP-governed states. Constitutional governance cannot be reduced to political bandwagoning, it said in a statement. It also said that “its own Canon Law explicitly requires that an adult seeking baptism must do so freely and after proper instruction.”

In 2022, a Christian pastor was arrested twice in an alleged unlawful conversion case before a court quashed two cases against him and his wife after Goa Police admitted they had no evidence against them.

Neighbouring Maharashtra became the 12th state to notify an anti-conversion law. The controversial Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act took effect after the state government published the legislation in its official gazette on July 30.

Civil rights groups have opposed anti-conversion laws as a violation of an individual’s right to freedom and personal privacy. Such laws are seen as an attempt to curb interfaith marriages, particularly instances involving a Hindu woman marrying a non-Hindu man, where conversion to the latter’s faith may take place.

Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, who holds the title of the Grand Mufti of India, has sparked a fresh controversy after saying women should remain confined to their homes, comparing them to precious jewellery that must be kept safely inside a box.

The Kerala-based Islamic scholar, also known as Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar, said bringing women into the public sphere could lead to destruction and defended the purdah system as a means of keeping women safe.

“It is precisely recognising that bringing women onto public platforms in this manner causes great destruction that Islam mandated purdah for women,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.

Speaking at an Islamic conference in Kochi, the cleric further said, “The Holy Quran states that women should live confined within their homes and must not make public appearances.”

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad compared women to gold ornaments that need to be kept safely. “If the necklace has to retain its beauty, it has to be kept safely inside a box,” he said.

He drew a comparison with a nearby store selling stone grinders, saying such items could be left outside along the road without concern, even if passers-by walked around or over them.

In contrast, he said, a gold necklace could not be treated in the same manner. If it were left on the roadside, people would touch it as they passed, gradually damaging its appearance and diminishing its value.

His remarks came after a controversial circular issued recently said that “women should not be present on public platforms”. The circular drew criticism, with several women political leaders speaking out against it.

The Kanthapuram faction of the Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama, the state's premier council of Sunni-Shafi Islamic scholars, said last week that religious celebrations and programmes should remain within prescribed boundaries.

Kanthapuram said such views had been taught by knowledgeable religious scholars, particularly leaders of Samastha, for the past 100 years. He said religious scholars who had studied the religion had an obligation to speak on the issue and would continue to do so despite objections.

Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is a top figure among the Sunni sect of Islam in India and the South Asian region. Although the title is not official in the sense of government approval, he is widely known as the ‘Grand Mufti of India’, and is in fact the 10th to hold the title.

Islam and India have other grand muftis too, with prominent mosques serving as their headquarters. The term ‘Mufti’ essentially refers to an Islamic law expert.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a partnership between Raytheon, an RTX business, and Lockheed Martin, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to co-produce the Javelin All Up Round (AUR) in India, marking a significant step towards in-country production of the US-origin anti-tank guided missile system.

The agreement comes days after the Indian Army signed a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) to buy the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States (US) through its foreign military sales process. The US said the move would further deepen bilateral defence cooperation.

“Tata Advanced Systems has been selected by JJV as the prime partner for future in-country co-production efforts following an evaluation of multiple companies based on capability and expertise,” said a joint statement issued in Orlando on Sunday.

Under the industry MoU, TASL and the JJV will explore establishing a final assembly and integration facility for the Javelin AUR, the fully assembled missile, along with component production capabilities in India. The agreement will support future production of the Javelin system while providing unique opportunities for Indian industry and strengthening regional stability for the Indo-Pacific, the firms said.

The LOA was signed nine months after the US State Department approved the possible sale of the weapon system to the Indian Army following New Delhi’s request.

Last week, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said, “The Javelin agreement demonstrates the depth of US support for the Indian Army and creates new opportunities for our defense industries to work together. We see tremendous potential for future cooperation that strengthens the defense industrial bases of both countries.”

The Javelin is used by the US Army, Marine Corps, and several international customers. It is designed for use against a wide array of targets, including armoured vehicles and fortified positions.

“The establishment of in-country co-production will strengthen India’s defence industrial base by bringing final assembly and integration of the Javelin AUR to Indian facilities and suppliers, creating high-tech jobs, advancing local manufacturing expertise and supporting global supply chain resiliency due to increased worldwide demand,” the statement said.

“We are pleased to partner with the JJV on this important next step in our long-standing relationship with Lockheed Martin and Raytheon,” said TASL CEO Sukaran Singh. “This initiative brings critical assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defence industrial ecosystem, while strengthening self-reliance. Local assembly of the Javelin AUR will enhance operational readiness and ensure timely access to proven, combat-ready capability for the Indian armed forces.”

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) had hailed the proposed sale last November. “It will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defence partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” the DSCA said in a statement in November 2025.

The MoU between TASL and the JJV now provides a framework to explore final assembly, integration and component production of the Javelin AUR in India, linking the recently signed acquisition agreement with potential future domestic production capabilities.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday took serious offence to a video allegedly showing the Indian national flag being desecrated outside the New York venue where Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed an event.

Sharing the purported video on X, Rijiju said people are free to criticise the RSS, BJP or the government, but warned against disrespecting the Indian national flag.

“We always said, you have freedom to criticise RSS, BJP or Govt. but don't abuse our nation,” Rijiju wrote on X.

“Listen carefully... Do not insult our flag and my country. It will cost you dearly,” the Union minister added.

The unverified video, which is circulating on social media, allegedly shows a man desecrating the Indian flag outside Madison Square Garden in New York while others raised pro-Khalistan slogans.

The man appears to have wrapped part of the national flag around his shoes while continuously flaring and kicking the remaining portion. He was also seen dancing in the video as people around him cheered and took photographs.

The incident came as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering at Madison Square Garden on Saturday during the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ in New York City.

Bhagwat emphasised that unity in diversity is in the DNA of Indians. He said that when one thinks of America, the word “pluralism” often comes to mind.

“Whenever you think of America, one word is often discussed — pluralism. When we say Bharat, another phrase is discussed — unity in diversity. For Bharat, both unity and diversity are in its DNA,” he said.

Speaking about the concept of “oneness”, Bhagwat said that despite differences in the way people live and in their material needs, an “innate oneness” binds everyone together.

He also said that a Hindu who believes India should have no Muslims is not truly a Hindu.

“If you call yourself a Hindu, you must believe that all paths lead to the same destination. Every human being has inherent dignity, there is no fundamental difference between us,” Bhagwat said.

“Those who truly know view everyone equally, whether a learned scholar or a dog. These external differences merely decorate nature. While we must navigate through them in daily life, the underlying reality remains, we are one. The illusions of division exist and may thrive for a time, but eventually they will fade, only for new illusions to take their place,” he added.

Bhagwat’s New York event had sparked controversy amid opposition from some US-based Hindu organisations and following remarks by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Mamdani described it as “incredibly troubling” to see the rise of a movement in India based on what he called an “exclusionary vision”.

The circulation of the unverified flag-desecration video has now drawn a strong response from Rijiju, who reiterated that criticism of the RSS, BJP or government is permissible but warned against insulting the Indian flag and the country.

The CCTV camera near the cell where Chambal dacoit Jagan Gurjar was allegedly murdered by another inmate at a high-security jail in Rajasthan's Ajmer had gone offline on the day of the killing, the police recently informed the Rajasthan High Court. Gurjar, who faced over 100 police cases, was allegedly strangled with a towel by another inmate, Vishnu.

Following the killing, the Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter and raised grave questions about prisoner safety and the condition of CCTV coverage inside prisons.

According to a report submitted by the jail administration, the camera near the cell where the murder took place stopped functioning on June 24 at 9:16 am due to a technical fault.

The report stated that there are 319 cameras across the prison premises. Of these, 61 are nonfunctional, while about 20 others repeatedly go offline because of UPS or power-related issues.

The jail administration further stated that the technical problems had not been resolved despite writing to the Department of Information Technology & Communication ten times between March and June regarding issues involving cameras, UPS units and monitors.

On June 30, the superintendent again informed the department that the cameras remained defective and that no remedial steps had been taken.

During a hearing on August 24, the Rajasthan High Court directed that the CCTV systems be repaired immediately.

Jagan Gurjar, who made national headlines in 2008 when he allegedly threatened to blow up the residence of then Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, was allegedly strangled with a towel by his fellow inmate Vishnu. According to police, the murder took place between 11 am and 3 pm.

Gurjar had been lodged in the jail since May 16. He was initially housed with his brother, Pappu Gurjar, in Block 4, Ward 3. After a rift with his brother, he requested a transfer and was moved to Ward 2.

There, Gurjar told the warden that he knew several inmates, including Vishnu, who had been in the jail for the last three years.

Following the new arrangement, Vishnu occupied cell 3, Pankaj occupied cell 4, and Jagan occupied cell 5. The three inmates sometimes played Ludo together and were also seen playing the board game on June 27.

During the investigation, Vishnu said Gurjar often taunted him by mocking his alleged petty theft cases and, at times, making remarks about Pankaj's sister. Vishnu was allegedly upset by the taunts.

Vishnu also said that he smeared toothpaste on the nearby CCTV camera before the murder to obscure the footage.

Jagan Gurjar was from Dholpur district and had nearly 100 police cases registered against him at various police stations.

He came into the limelight in 2008 after threatening to blow up Vasundhara Raje's house in Dholpur. He later surrendered in 2009 in front of Congress leader Sachin Pilot.

In June 2019, Gurjar was arrested for allegedly beating up two women and tearing their clothes. Nearly 500 policemen were engaged in the operation to arrest him.

He was arrested again in February 2022 after allegedly threatening to kill then Dholpur MLA Girraj Singh Malinga.

Gurjar was reportedly arrested for the first time in 2001 and was arrested several times subsequently but released on bail.

He had been active in the ravines of Chambal ghati in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, an area infamous for its bandits and dacoits.

According to police, Gurjar had three wives, one of whom was involved with him in his criminal activities.

The alleged murder, combined with the failure of multiple CCTV cameras at the high-security facility, has placed prison surveillance and prisoner safety under judicial scrutiny, with the Rajasthan High Court directing authorities to immediately restore the defective CCTV systems.

India’s economic growth data for the April-June 2026 quarter, or Q1 FY27, will be released today, August 31, with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) scheduled to publish the estimates at 4 pm.

Barclays expects Q1 FY27 GDP growth to remain strong at 7.5%, while Gross Value Added (GVA) growth is projected at 7.7%, despite the overhang of the Middle East conflict. Its estimates are higher than consensus forecasts of 7.3% for GDP growth and 7.4% for GVA growth.

“We expect Q1FY27 to see as solid GDP growth of 7.5% y/y and GVA growth of 7.7% y/y,” Barclays said.

The brokerage noted that high-frequency activity indicators generally recorded stronger year-on-year growth during April-June than in the January-March quarter. Of the 20 indicators tracked by Barclays, only seven recorded slower average growth. Some weakness was seen in petrol, diesel and LPG demand and fertiliser production linked to the Middle East conflict.

Barclays said the impact of the conflict had been “sharp, but short-lived”, affecting specific sectors without denting overall economic activity broadly.

The brokerage expects agriculture and mining growth to weaken, while manufacturing GVA growth is projected to improve. Tertiary-sector activity is expected to remain strong, supported by indicators including passenger traffic, GST collections, bank credit and deposits, and government expenditure.

Barclays also expects GVA growth to exceed GDP growth, with weaker net indirect tax growth potentially pulling headline GDP lower. The revised WPI series will also be important in assessing concerns surrounding the use of different deflators in calculating economic growth.

The Q1 FY27 growth data could have implications for monetary policy. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has forecast Q1 FY27 GDP growth at 7%, compared with Barclays’ 7.5% estimate.

“If growth surprises RBI on the higher side materially, this could become an important consideration in monetary policy setting on October 7,” Barclays said.

According to the brokerage, significant growth outperformance, alongside inflation remaining in line, “may tilt the balance of risk to the hawkish side”. This could potentially shift the RBI’s policy undertone from “neutral” to “restrictive” in October.

With MOSPI set to release the Q1 FY27 estimates at 4 pm today, the data will provide a key test of the strength of India’s economic activity against expectations from Barclays and the RBI.