KUANTAN: A 44-year-old trader in Kuantan has come under intense public scrutiny after a split-second act, captured on video, showed him throwing a box containing a mother cat and her kittens in a manner widely condemned as cruel and inhumane.

The incident triggered widespread outrage after a Facebook post and accompanying screenshots went viral, alleging that the trader's actions had caused the deaths of six kittens. The disturbing footage drew sharp criticism from social media users, many of whom accused the man of animal cruelty and demanded accountability.

However, the trader, identified as Ho Kian Loon, has firmly denied the allegations and insisted that none of the animals were harmed. He stated that he is currently caring for the mother cat and all of her kittens at his home.

Speaking to the New Straits Times, Ho expressed deep remorse and publicly apologised for his behaviour, admitting that he acted impulsively and emotionally during the incident.

"I realised that I had done something unacceptable. I acted out of emotion during the incident," he said.

"I did not kill any of the kittens as claimed in the viral postings."

"I take responsibility for my actions. In fact, I never neglected the cats and immediately brought them back to my house and fed them after realising I had made a mistake."

Ho explained that he first discovered the mother cat and her kittens inside a large flower pot in front of his shop at approximately noon on May 15. He placed the animals in a box and left it on the walkway outside the premises.

When he returned to the shop at around 6.30 pm, he found that someone had moved the box and placed it directly in front of his business premises. According to Ho, he attempted to push the box away, but his actions caused the mother cat to fall out.

"Later, upon realising my mistake, I gathered the kittens, placed them back into the box and kept them inside my shop," he said.

The controversy escalated on May 17 when a friend informed Ho that a one-minute dashcam recording of the incident had gone viral online. The video was accompanied by claims that his actions had resulted in the deaths of the kittens, igniting a wave of condemnation across social media platforms.

Ho said the accusations have caused significant distress and raised concerns about the safety of his family.

"The posting sparked widespread condemnation on social media, and I am concerned about my family's safety. I lodged a police report on May 17 because the posting did not reflect the truth," he said.

The incident has ignited a broader debate about animal welfare and the powerful impact of viral content. While Ho has accepted responsibility for his conduct and apologised for his actions, he maintains that the allegations regarding the deaths of the kittens are false. The case underscores how a brief moment captured on camera can trigger severe public backlash and lasting consequences.

A young Buddhist monk has drawn widespread attention online after a video showing him fluently explaining temple rituals in English to foreign tourists went viral, highlighting a rare intersection of traditional religious practice and modern language skills in Taiwan.

In the widely circulated footage, 25-year-old Buddhist monk Chen Pin-wen (陳品彣) is seen speaking confidently into a microphone at a temple, guiding foreign visitors through a religious ceremony. He explains, “If you want to participate in the Seven Star Peace Bridge ceremony, you can pray for a smooth future,” while describing the ritual in clear, fluent English.

Following the unexpected online response, Chen revealed that the video he posted on Threads had surpassed 80,000 views, prompting him to record another English-language video expressing gratitude for the attention and support he received.

Chen is a vocational high school graduate whose interest in preserving traditional culture led him to work at a temple. His long-standing enthusiasm for basketball, particularly the NBA, played a key role in motivating him to study English, a skill that later became central to his responsibilities.

Working at the temple has enabled Chen to actively use his language abilities when foreign tourists visit. He regularly explains rituals and other aspects of temple culture to international visitors, bridging a communication gap that often exists in religious spaces.

Chen noted that English-speaking temple workers are uncommon in southern Taiwan, as many in the profession do not consider foreign language skills necessary. However, he emphasized that when guided by someone who can translate and explain, foreign visitors gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s religious traditions rather than merely observing temple architecture and rituals.

The viral moment has drawn attention to the growing importance of language skills in cultural and religious tourism, showcasing how individual initiative can enhance international visitors’ experience and understanding of local traditions.

A video featuring actor Govinda has drawn widespread attention on social media after his security guard was seen engaging in a heated confrontation with paparazzi at a recent public event. The incident occurred as photographers gathered to capture the actor’s arrival at the venue, leading to an unexpected escalation on the spot.

According to visuals shared by Varinder Chawla, Govinda’s security personnel were involved in a tense exchange with the paparazzi. During the altercation, one photographer questioned the guard’s conduct, asking why physical contact was being made and how such behavior was being justified. As the situation intensified, Govinda stepped in to de-escalate the matter, referring to the security guard as a friend and personally apologising to the photographer. He urged those present to remain calm and avoid further confrontation.

Separately, attention has also turned to major casting changes in the upcoming film “Bhagam Bhag 2.” Reports earlier this year indicated that Govinda has been replaced by Manoj Bajpayee in the sequel to the popular comedy franchise. The development has generated mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing disappointment over Govinda’s absence while others welcomed the new casting direction.

Actor Paresh Rawal, who plays a significant role in the film, confirmed in an interview with Bollywood Hungama that Manoj Bajpayee has officially replaced Govinda. He also noted that the pairing of Akshay Kumar and Manoj Bajpayee would bring a distinctive and fresh dynamic to the project. Rawal described the combination as unique and promising for audiences.

Govinda has largely remained absent from the big screen since his 2019 release “Rangeela Raja.” While fans had anticipated a possible return to mainstream cinema, the sequel is now moving forward with a revised creative approach. Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, the film aims to retain the energetic tone of the original work associated with Priyadarshan while introducing a new narrative structure.

In a separate development, Govinda has addressed ongoing speculation regarding alleged tensions within his family, including rumours surrounding his marriage to Sunita Ahuja. Although Sunita has previously denied any divorce-related claims, she recently stated in an interview that she would not forgive Govinda if allegations of an extramarital affair were confirmed.

Responding to the controversy in a conversation with ANI, Govinda broke his silence, stating that he chose to speak out because remaining quiet could make him appear weak. He further alleged that a larger conspiracy was being directed against him and claimed that his family members, including his wife, were being influenced without their awareness.

The combination of a public confrontation involving his security team, major professional casting changes, and renewed attention to his personal life has collectively placed Govinda back in the spotlight, drawing significant public and media scrutiny.

A viral image circulating on social media has triggered widespread speculation about the possible return of the controversial comedy show “India’s Got Latent,” with actors Alia Bhatt and Sharvari allegedly appearing as featured guests for its anticipated second season. The show, hosted by stand-up comedian Samay Raina, had previously been discontinued following major controversy last year.

The photograph, reportedly taken at The Habitat in Mumbai, appears to show Alia Bhatt and Sharvari seated alongside Balraj Ghai, owner of The Habitat and a close associate of Samay Raina, as well as comedian Aashish Solanki. In the image, the two actors are seen at a judge-like setup, with Alia Bhatt holding a microphone while seemingly addressing someone off-camera.

The table in the image bears the branding “India’s Got Latent,” accompanied by a logo depicting a hand gesture resembling a peace sign. Additional visual elements in the setup, including a handcuff symbol, have fueled speculation referencing the legal scrutiny and controversy surrounding the show and its creators during the previous year, which involved multiple First Information Reports and the eventual removal of all episodes from circulation.

Despite the growing online discussion, no official announcement has been made by Samay Raina regarding the release date of season two or confirmation of guest appearances. The comedian had previously indicated in his stand-up special “Still Alive” that the show would return, though without providing any timeline.

The viral image has drawn mixed reactions online. While some users expressed excitement over the apparent involvement of Alia Bhatt and Sharvari—who are set to appear together in the upcoming action thriller “Alpha”—others criticized the potential association with the show due to its earlier controversy.

The actors are scheduled to feature in “Alpha,” a female-led espionage thriller directed by Shiv Rawail. The film is part of a major cinematic universe and also stars Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in significant roles. It is slated for theatrical release on July 10.

As speculation continues to circulate, the authenticity of the viral image and the confirmed guest list for the show’s return remain unverified, leaving audiences awaiting official clarification from the creators.

A viral claim circulating on social media alleging that the Government of India is planning to issue gold bonds to temples in exchange for temple gold reserves has been categorically dismissed as false by the Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking unit. The agency clarified in an official post on X that the government has “not taken any such decision” and urged citizens to refrain from spreading misinformation while relying only on verified official sources.

The misleading claim has been circulating on multiple social media handles at a time when India is facing economic pressures linked to rising gold imports and external geopolitical disruptions. According to the circulating narrative, the alleged policy was being linked to efforts to reduce the country’s gold import bill amid foreign exchange reserve strain following disruptions arising from the Iran–United States conflict. However, the Press Information Bureau has firmly rejected any such government move.

In parallel, India has recently increased import duties on precious metals to 15 per cent from 6 per cent. The revised structure includes a 10 per cent customs duty and a 6 per cent cess. This adjustment was introduced shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the public to avoid purchasing gold for a period of one year, reflecting broader efforts to manage external account pressures.

India remains heavily dependent on gold imports, meeting nearly 90 per cent of its domestic requirement through foreign supplies. The country imports approximately 700 to 800 tonnes of gold annually, creating sustained pressure on its foreign exchange reserves.

The pressure on reserves has been further intensified by elevated crude oil prices following disruptions linked to the Iran–United States conflict. India imports around 85 to 90 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making energy imports a significant component of foreign exchange outflows.

Amid these macroeconomic challenges, attention has also been drawn to the vast accumulation of gold within religious institutions. Reports estimate that temples across India collectively hold between 2,500 and 4,000 tonnes of gold, largely contributed through devotional offerings by citizens over time.

The Press Information Bureau’s clarification reinforces the government’s stance against misinformation at a time of heightened economic sensitivity. It also underscores the importance of verifying claims through official channels, particularly when they relate to national financial policy and large-scale institutional assets.

A set of alleged photographs circulating widely on social media has triggered intense speculation and public debate after appearing to show Joey Essex and Zara McDermott sharing an intimate kiss. The images, which remain unverified, have led to widespread online discussion regarding the personal life of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and his reported relationship with McDermott.

The photographs reportedly originated from an anonymous source and are said to be linked to an event connected with an upcoming project involving McDermott and Essex, who are co-stars on “Cooking With The Stars.” Despite the circulation of the images across multiple social media platforms, their authenticity has not been confirmed.

As the images gained traction online, users began questioning whether McDermott had been unfaithful to her long-term partner, Louis Tomlinson. At the time of reporting, no official statements have been issued by Zara McDermott, Louis Tomlinson, or Joey Essex addressing the allegations or the origin of the images.

Public reaction on social media was swift and divided, with numerous users expressing shock and disbelief. Some comments highlighted surprise at the alleged pairing, while others questioned the credibility of the circulating images and the narrative being built around them. The controversy quickly escalated into broader discussions about celebrity relationships and online misinformation.

The situation has also drawn renewed attention to Louis Tomlinson’s recent personal and professional challenges. Earlier reports indicated tensions involving his former One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik, including an alleged physical altercation during the filming of a three-part road trip series in which the two were expected to discuss personal experiences and life challenges while traveling together.

As speculation continues to spread online, the absence of official clarification from those involved has left the situation unresolved, fueling further debate across digital platforms.

The incident highlights the rapid amplification of unverified content in the digital age, where viral media can quickly shape public perception and ignite widespread controversy before any factual confirmation is provided.

A purported video featuring Pradeep Dixit, a Bharatiya Janata Party municipal chairman from Sikandrabad in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, has gone viral on social media, triggering a political controversy over an alleged violent statement targeting Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Saayoni Ghosh.

In the circulated footage, Dixit is allegedly heard announcing a reward of one crore rupees for anyone who beheads the Trinamool Congress leader. However, the civic body chief has firmly denied making any such remark, asserting that the video was digitally altered using artificial intelligence technology with the intent to damage his public image.

The incident gained momentum following reports that Hindu organizations organized a protest in Sikandrabad on Sunday in response to allegations that Saayoni Ghosh had shared an objectionable social media post referencing Lord Shiva and the Shiva Linga. The organizations claimed that the post hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community, drawing a large number of participants to the demonstration.

Following the viral spread of the video, Pradeep Dixit rejected all allegations associated with the statement. He clarified that the footage originated from a procession held on Sunday but insisted that it had been subsequently tampered with before being circulated online.

Dixit maintained that miscreants had used artificial intelligence tools to manipulate the original recording and distort his remarks. “I have not made any such statement,” he said, rejecting the authenticity of the viral content. No official confirmation has yet been issued regarding the authenticity of the video.

The controversy has also revived attention on an earlier dispute involving Saayoni Ghosh and a social media post linked to her X account. In 2015, a derogatory post about Lord Shiva from her account sparked widespread outrage, with accusations that it offended religious sentiments.

The matter resurfaced six years later after she entered active politics. Former West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party chief and former governor Tathagata Roy filed a complaint against Saayoni Ghosh at the Rabindra Sarobar Police Station in Kolkata, stating that the post had deeply hurt his religious sentiments. He further noted his personal devotion to Lord Shiva and referenced his Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage undertaken in 1996.

He urged authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. Saayoni Ghosh later issued a clarification claiming that her social media account had been hacked.

Despite this explanation, the issue continued to surface in political discourse. During the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders repeatedly raised the controversy during campaign activities. The matter again resurfaced during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections when Saayoni Ghosh contested from the Jadavpur constituency.

The incident underscores the growing risks of digitally manipulated media in politically sensitive environments, where viral content can rapidly intensify public outrage and revive past controversies.

A viral video capturing a husband and wife transforming a tense, health-related moment into laughter-filled interaction has gained widespread attention on social media, highlighting how stressful situations can sometimes evolve into the most cherished memories.

The incident reportedly began during a serious moment of concern related to health, particularly a situation involving high blood pressure. While such circumstances typically lead to anxiety and worry, the couple in the video handled the situation in an unexpectedly light-hearted manner.

Instead of allowing tension to escalate, the husband began gently teasing his wife in an effort to distract her from the stress of the moment. What started as mild and playful banter gradually developed into a warm and humorous exchange between the two. Their natural chemistry and spontaneous interaction reflected an authentic bond that resonated strongly with viewers.

The video shows no artificial behavior or staged reactions. It presents an unfiltered glimpse into everyday married life, where concern, care, and humor often coexist. The interaction demonstrated how small moments of affection and playful communication can ease tension and strengthen emotional connection within a relationship.

As the video circulated widely online, it received an overwhelmingly positive response from users. Many viewers commented that the interaction reminded them of their own relationships. Several users even tagged their partners, describing the scene as a true reflection of married life, characterized by occasional arguments, deep care, and continuous humor.

Social media reactions highlighted how relatable the couple’s dynamic appeared, with many praising the way they handled a potentially stressful situation without panic or conflict.

The viral moment ultimately underscores a broader message about relationships. Couples who manage to maintain humor and emotional balance during challenging situations often build stronger and more resilient bonds. The incident serves as a reminder that perfection in relationships is not defined by the absence of problems, but by the ability to transform stress into shared laughter and understanding.

A disturbing incident inside the Delhi Metro system has sparked widespread outrage after a video surfaced showing an elderly man allegedly urinating inside a lift at Kalka Ji Metro Station in the presence of passengers. The incident, recorded and shared on social media by user Deepiksha Mehta (@curly_myth), has since drawn an official response from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Delhi Police.

According to the video posted by Mehta, she was travelling through Kalka Ji Metro Station when she encountered an elderly man who entered the lift along with her and two other passengers, including two women and one man. The video shows the woman confronting the elderly passenger, asking him why he committed the act inside the lift. The man is heard responding incoherently, stating that she could do what she wanted and later offering an apology, acknowledging his mistake.

In her post, Mehta described the incident as deeply shocking, stating that the elderly man allegedly urinated openly inside the lift in front of multiple passengers. The video quickly went viral, reportedly garnering over 1.1 million views, more than 34,000 likes, and approximately 4,400 comments, triggering intense public backlash.

Following the viral circulation of the video, the Delhi Police issued an official response through its verified Instagram account, stating that the matter was investigated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Metro. As per the report, the incident occurred on May 15, 2026, at approximately 9:40 PM, when an elderly passenger travelling from Jamia Metro Station to Faridabad Metro Station allegedly urinated inside the lift at Kalka Ji Metro Station during a transit change.

Authorities further stated that the individual experienced a medical emergency while commuting. Despite attempting to locate a restroom, he was reportedly unable to control the situation and used a bottle inside the lift. The DMRC confirmed that action was taken against the individual under Section 59 of the DMRC Act for causing nuisance and disruption within metro premises, resulting in the imposition of a fine.

The official clarification was shared in response to the viral video posted by Mehta, addressing public concerns and confirming that an inquiry had been conducted. The incident has since ignited a broader debate on public conduct, accessibility of sanitation facilities, and medical emergencies in public transport systems.

Social media users reacted strongly to the video, widely condemning the act as inappropriate and unacceptable in a public space. Amid the discussion, one user also suggested that adult diapers should be made tax-free to assist individuals facing similar medical conditions.

The incident highlights the growing challenges faced in managing conduct, privacy, and emergency response within high-density urban transit systems such as the Delhi Metro.

Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar: The Revenge has generated significant online attention in Pakistan after its international release on Netflix on May 14. The action thriller rapidly became a subject of widespread discussion across social media platforms, fueled by claims of high viewer traffic and streaming disruptions.

A viral video shared by Pakistani content creator Maviya Umer Farooqui alleged that the sudden surge of viewers logging in at midnight caused brief disruptions on Netflix services in the country. The creator further claimed that the film quickly rose to the number one trending position on Netflix Pakistan shortly after its release, despite reports of a theatrical ban linked to its politically sensitive storyline.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the film serves as a sequel to Dhurandhar (2025). The narrative follows undercover operative Jaskirat Singh Rangi, also known by the alias Hamza Ali Mazari, who infiltrates a terror network operating in the Lyari area of Karachi. The storyline is built around covert operations and cross-border infiltration within a high-risk environment.

The film features an ensemble cast including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Danish Pandor, contributing to its wide cinematic scale and international appeal.

Despite receiving mixed critical reviews, both Dhurandhar and its sequel have emerged as major commercial successes on a global scale. While the sequel is currently available for international streaming on Netflix, its release in India is scheduled to take place on JioHotstar on June 4, 2026.

The film’s rapid rise in global streaming charts, combined with its politically sensitive narrative and widespread audience engagement, has reinforced its position as one of the most discussed action thrillers of the year.

A creative and unconventional leave request by an employee named Talia has gone viral on social media after she submitted her vacation application in the form of a dramatized, Netflix-style trailer rather than a traditional email or formal office communication. The video has reportedly garnered over seven million views online and has triggered widespread reactions for its originality and presentation.

In the video, Talia is seen in a staged interview setup where she is questioned about her unusual behavior and visible nervousness. The interviewer asks, “Do you want to confess why you have been so on edge lately?” to which Talia responds that she needs to ask her supervisors, Frank and Jack, a question.

As the dramatized conversation continues, the interviewer presses further, asking, “Is that why you are being so strange?” Talia replies that she cannot bring herself to ask and has not found the right moment. Building suspense, the interviewer then states, “Talia, the right time is now.”

Talia ultimately reveals the reason behind her hesitation, stating, “I need 10 days of leave of absence to go to Bali and have heaps of fun.” The video ends in a cinematic fashion with the question: “So was it a yes or no?” The outcome of her leave request has not been disclosed.

Following its release, the video quickly gained traction on social media platforms, drawing a wide range of reactions from viewers. Many users praised the creativity behind the presentation, while others highlighted the effort invested in producing the cinematic-style request.

One user commented that the employee deserved both approval and a raise, while another remarked that the workplace appeared to be an enjoyable environment. Additional reactions included humor and anticipation, with users joking about the production quality and suggesting that similar content could become a trend in remote work culture.

The viral response underscores the growing influence of creative digital expression in professional environments, where unconventional communication styles are increasingly capturing public attention and reshaping perceptions of workplace interaction.

Singer and spiritual healer Keneeshaa Francis has withdrawn from social media and stepped away from her association with actor Ravi Mohan following weeks of sustained online trolling and public scrutiny. The development follows a series of escalating controversies that have placed both individuals at the centre of intense public attention.

According to Keneeshaa Francis, the decision to retreat from the public eye came after what she described as an overwhelming atmosphere of criticism and misrepresentation. In a lengthy note posted on Instagram, she stated that she entered the situation “with love” but was now leaving “with silence,” adding that certain environments become dominated by “noise, ego, judgment and manufactured narratives” where “goodness no longer has room to breathe.”

In her statement, she further expressed that she had attempted to protect an individual whose life story, according to her, had already been shaped by public perception. She added that in a society “addicted to spectacle, kindness rarely stands a chance against chaos.” Addressing the wider public, the film industry, commentators, supporters and critics of Ravi Mohan, she declared that there would be no further explanations or defences. She stated that she was releasing him “with peace, with love, and with complete detachment,” and also stepping away from responsibilities she said she had taken on during the period.

Following her announcement, Ravi Mohan responded publicly through an emotional video statement that appeared unrestrained in tone. He stated that his films would not be released “until I get my divorce,” and further declared that he would no longer continue acting, citing emotional distress. He said he was unable to bear the insults directed at him and added that he would remain present until the situation surrounding his personal life and ongoing pressures were resolved. He further challenged those criticising him, stating that he would no longer remain silent and would address ongoing issues related to his work and circumstances.

The controversy traces back to 2024, when Ravi Mohan announced his separation from his wife Aarti Ravi after fifteen years of marriage. The matter progressed into legal proceedings the following year, drawing increased public and media attention.

During this period, Keneeshaa Francis became part of the public discourse surrounding the separation. She had supported Ravi Mohan during this phase; however, tensions escalated after her appearance at the Meenkulathi Bagavathi Temple during the Utsav 2026 event, where Ravi Mohan joined her on stage. Soon after, an alleged comment linked to her regarding Aarti Ravi circulated widely online, triggering widespread backlash.

In response to the controversy, Keneeshaa Francis released two video statements, later deleted, in which she shared deeply personal accounts of her past, including childhood abuse and a traumatic relationship that resulted in a miscarriage. She clarified that her initial meeting with Ravi Mohan occurred in a professional context as a healer, stating that their association later developed into a friendship. She denied allegations of interference in his marriage and asserted that her social media accounts had been compromised.

The situation has now culminated in her withdrawal from public platforms and Ravi Mohan’s emotionally charged response, further intensifying scrutiny around an already highly publicised personal and legal dispute.

The developments underline the growing intersection of personal relationships, public perception, and digital scrutiny, where private matters rapidly escalate into widespread public controversy.