Three brothers from Damoh have been acquitted by the High Court after spending nearly 17 years facing a murder conviction and life imprisonment in a 2009 case.

The case relates to the death of Pyarelal in the Madiyado area of Damoh district. The trial court had convicted Tulsiram, Mohanlal and Harprasad and sentenced them to life imprisonment in 2012.

During the appeal, the High Court found significant shortcomings in the police investigation and contradictions in the prosecution evidence. The court subsequently set aside the conviction and acquitted the accused.

For the family, however, the legal battle came at a heavy financial cost. They said they had to sell around six acres of agricultural land and their house to meet legal expenses. They also claimed that their children's education was disrupted because of the family's deteriorating financial condition.

Dispute Preceded Pyarelal's Death

According to Tulsiram Rajpal, a dispute broke out between Pyarelal and his son Ghanshyam on the night of August 25, 2009.

The family claims that during the argument, Ghanshyam attacked his father with a knife. Pyarelal later died while undergoing treatment.

Tulsiram alleged that after the incident, members of Pyarelal's family accused him and his two brothers of the murder. The brothers maintained that they were at home when the incident took place.

Despite their claim, police arrested the three brothers as accused in the case.

Family Alleges Custodial Assault

Tulsiram said he was around 16 years old when the incident occurred. He alleged that police treated him as an adult and assaulted him during questioning.

According to the family, the three brothers were kept at the police station for several days before being produced before the court and sent to jail.

On June 29, 2012, the Damoh trial court convicted the three brothers of murder and sentenced them to life imprisonment.

The family then approached the High Court challenging the conviction.

Legal Battle Continued for Years

The brothers' family members, including Babulal, Haricharan and Nandlal, who were working in Delhi at the time of the incident, returned to Damoh after learning about the case and began pursuing the legal proceedings.

Advocate Ajay Kumar Jain represented the accused during the appeal.

Harprasad was granted bail by the High Court in 2014. However, his legal battle did not end there. The family said he later died after being struck by lightning while working in the fields.

Tulsiram was also subsequently granted bail as the proceedings continued.

High Court Finds Evidence Insufficient

During the appeal, the High Court examined the investigation and evidence presented by the prosecution.

According to the family's lawyer, the proceedings revealed shortcomings in the police investigation and contradictions in the evidence. The prosecution was unable to establish the charges to the required legal standard.

The High Court therefore set aside the life sentences and acquitted the accused.

The family has now sought action against the police personnel involved in the original investigation, alleging serious lapses in the handling of the case.

Family Says Land and House Were Sold

Tulsiram said the prolonged legal proceedings severely affected the family's financial condition.

According to him, a significant portion of their six-acre agricultural holding had to be sold to finance the case. The family also sold its house in the village.

He said the family had previously depended on farming but now has to combine agricultural work with wage labour in Delhi to make ends meet.

The family's financial difficulties also affected the education of the children, according to relatives.

Mother Says Family Kept Faith

Tulsiram's mother, Lakshmibai, said she had maintained that her sons were not responsible for Pyarelal's death.

She recalled that Tulsiram and Mohan were inside the house while Harprasad was sitting in the courtyard when the incident occurred, according to her account.

Lakshmibai said the family continued to have faith in the legal system despite the case continuing for years.

Lawyer Points to Investigation Lapses

Advocate Ajay Kumar Jain said the three brothers had been accused of murdering their neighbour Pyarelal.

He said the appeal focused on weaknesses in the investigation and inconsistencies in the prosecution evidence. After examining these issues, the High Court concluded that the conviction could not be sustained.

The acquittal brings an end to a legal battle that lasted nearly 17 years, although the family says the financial and personal consequences of the case will remain long after the court proceedings have ended.

Police in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur have arrested three men from Nagpur in connection with an alleged occult ritual carried out at a cremation ground, where photographs of Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Ramesh Sinhaand two other people were reportedly placed.

According to police, the ritual was not intended to harm the Chief Justice. Investigators believe the accused allegedly used the ritual as a means to frighten a family involved in a knife-attack case and pressure them into paying money and withdrawing the case.

One accused had already been caught by local residents at the cremation ground while the alleged ritual was taking place. Police said he was the person who had allegedly arranged and performed the occult activity.

₹1 Lakh Demand Over Bail

According to the investigation, Om Bole, 23, a resident of Dayalband, is the brother of Priyanshu Bole, who is currently in jail in connection with a knife-attack case.

Police allege that Om and his associates approached the victim's family and demanded ₹1 lakh, claiming that the money had been spent on securing Priyanshu's bail.

When the family allegedly refused to pay, the accused threatened them and pressured them to withdraw the case.

Police said the accused allegedly warned the family that an occult ritual would be performed against them if they did not pay the money.

Ritual Conducted at Cremation Ground

Investigators said the accused allegedly planned the ritual specifically to create fear among the complainant and his family.

The group reportedly contacted Rishikesh Kumar, 28, through Instagram for the alleged ritual. Police said Rishikesh was subsequently found at the Deori cremation ground, where he was allegedly performing the activity.

Several items, including a dead fish, lemons, vermilion and other ritual materials, were reportedly recovered from the spot.

Photographs of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, the jailed accused Priyanshu Bole and the complainant were also reportedly found at the location.

Police suspect that the photographs and ritual were used to create psychological pressure on the complainant rather than as part of any actual attempt to harm the Chief Justice.

Three Suspects Arrested in Nagpur

While Rishikesh was caught at the cremation ground by local residents, three other suspects allegedly fled from the spot.

Police later traced and arrested the three from Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The accused have been identified as Om Bole, Tarun Bajaj, 27, a resident of Torwa, and Mohammed Israr, 22, from Safed Khadan. Rishikesh Kumar was also taken into custody in connection with the case.

The police are now investigating the accused's Instagram contacts and whether other people were involved in arranging the alleged ritual.

Case Registered Under Threat and Tonhi Law

A case has been registered at Torwa police station based on the victim's complaint. Police have invoked provisions relating to criminal intimidation and alleged Tonhi harassment.

Bilaspur ASP City Pankaj Patel said police acted on the complaint and arrested the accused. The arrested persons were produced before a court and sent for judicial remand.

Investigation Continues

Police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the photographs and the alleged ritual, including how the accused came into contact with the person who reportedly conducted it.

The investigation will also focus on whether the accused had threatened the victim earlier and whether the alleged occult activity was part of a broader attempt to intimidate the family and influence the knife-attack case.

The incident came to light after local residents reportedly reached the Deori cremation ground on the night of August 7 and found four young men allegedly carrying out the ritual. One was caught at the spot, while the others escaped.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has directed authorities to complete electricity infrastructure upgrades in Bilaspur within a fixed timeline after reviewing measures being undertaken by the state power department and the Municipal Corporation to improve civic services.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal reviewed progress reports submitted by both departments and instructed officials to file a fresh status report by August 25 while ensuring that all proposed works are completed in a time-bound manner.

Three New Substations Planned

To address recurring issues of power outages, tripping and low voltage, the state power distribution company has proposed the construction of three new substations and two additional electricity supply zones in Bilaspur.

The proposed supply zones, Mangla Zone and Koni Zone, have already been forwarded to the power department headquarters in Raipur for approval.

Officials also informed the court that land allocation procedures have begun for a new Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation at Lokhandi village, while separate requests have been submitted to the district administration for land to establish 33/11 kV substations near Jawali Nala (Old Bus Stand area) and Mangla River View.

Damaged Poles Replaced

The electricity department stated that 21 deteriorated cement electricity poles, considered a safety risk, have been removed and replaced with steel poles.

To improve emergency response during the monsoon, a tender was issued on July 23 for the procurement of new sky-lift vehicles, which will assist in repairing high-tension lines and transformers. Until new equipment is available, the department is coordinating with the Municipal Corporation to use vehicles from other government agencies whenever required.

₹10 Crore for Covered Power Lines

The department also informed the High Court that the state government has sanctioned an additional ₹10 crore to convert open overhead electricity lines into covered conductors, a move aimed at reducing power disruptions caused by falling advertisement boards, tree branches and strong winds.

Authorities have also identified illegal hoardings and structures affecting power lines using GPS mapping and shared the details with the Municipal Corporation for removal.

Additional field staff have been deployed to strengthen maintenance and emergency response operations.

Municipal Corporation Reports Monsoon Preparedness

The Bilaspur Municipal Corporation informed the court that a 24-hour Flood Control Cell is functioning at Vikas Bhavan, Nehru Chowk to monitor monsoon-related complaints.

Officials said desilting of drains across all eight municipal zones was completed before the onset of the monsoon.

Complaints received at the control room are being recorded and addressed promptly. Preventive measures, including bleaching powder spraying, fogging operations and regular drain cleaning, are also being carried out in waterlogged areas to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.

High Court Seeks Progress Report

While noting the measures taken by both departments, the Division Bench directed officials to ensure that all proposed infrastructure projects move forward without unnecessary delay.

The court has asked the authorities to submit a comprehensive status report before the next hearing on August 25, detailing the progress of all ongoing works.

 The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a notice to the state government on a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the policy governing the appointment of priests in government-controlled temples. The petitioner has alleged that the existing policy effectively restricts appointments to members of the Brahmin community, thereby denying opportunities to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Hearing the matter on Thursday, a Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal directed the state government to file its response within four weeks.

2019 Appointment Policy Under Judicial Review

The PIL has been filed by M.C. Ahirwar, Secretary of AJAKS, Bhopal, challenging the policy issued by the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department on February 4, 2019 for the appointment of priests in temples managed by the state government.

The petitioner has questioned both the policy and appointments made under its provisions, seeking judicial review of the framework governing such recruitments.

Allegation of Caste-Based Exclusion

According to the petition, the present policy allegedly gives preference only to candidates from the Brahmin community, preventing qualified applicants from SC, ST and OBC communities from being considered for priest appointments.

The petitioner contends that such exclusion amounts to discrimination based on caste and violates the constitutional guarantee of equality.

The plea argues that appointments in government-controlled temples should not be restricted to a particular caste if eligible candidates from other communities possess the required qualifications.

Court Issues Notice to State

After hearing preliminary submissions, the High Court issued notices to the State Government and other concerned authorities, directing them to submit their replies within four weeks.

The petition, filed on May 13, 2025, was argued on behalf of the petitioner by Senior Advocate Rameshwar Singh Thakur and Advocate Abhilasha Lodhi.

Government to Clarify Existing Policy

The High Court has sought clarification from the state government regarding the current eligibility criteria and the basis on which priests are appointed in government-controlled temples.

The government's reply is expected to explain whether the existing policy limits appointments to any particular community or whether appointments are made according to prescribed religious qualifications and administrative guidelines.

Important Constitutional Question Before Court

The case is likely to examine a significant constitutional issue concerning appointments in state-managed religious institutions.

The forthcoming proceedings may determine whether priest appointments in government-controlled temples can legally be linked to caste-based eligibility or whether they should be based solely on religious qualifications and other prescribed criteria, consistent with constitutional principles.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the state government files its response.

 The long-standing Bhojshala dispute in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district has once again come into focus after the Supreme Court directed the state government to provide an open space outside the Bhojshala complex for Muslims to offer Friday prayers between 1 pm and 3 pm. The directive comes amid an existing Madhya Pradesh High Court order that recognises Bhojshala as a temple and grants the Hindu community the right to perform worship throughout the year.

The latest development has raised several administrative and security questions regarding the implementation of the Supreme Court's directions, particularly because the Bhojshala complex currently has only one main entrance for visitors.

Single Entry Point Presents Administrative Challenge

Officials are now examining how the court's directions can be implemented while ensuring smooth movement of devotees and maintaining law and order. The Bhojshala complex presently has a single main entry gate, where permanent police security and visitor screening are already in place.

Authorities are yet to announce an official operational plan. The district administration has stated that it is studying the Supreme Court's order before finalising arrangements.

Key issues under consideration include identifying a suitable open space for Friday prayers, managing separate movement of worshippers, ensuring uninterrupted temple access for devotees and strengthening security around the single-entry complex.

Past Experience During Basant Panchami

The Bhojshala premises have witnessed similar logistical challenges in previous years when Basant Panchami coincided with Friday prayers.

During such occasions, the administration introduced temporary arrangements to facilitate religious activities while maintaining public order. On major festival days, an alternative exit gate on the left side of the complex has been used to regulate the movement of large crowds.

In earlier instances, including 2006 and 2013, authorities reportedly created temporary access routes for Muslim worshippers through the rear side of the premises while Hindu devotees continued their scheduled worship.

2026 Arrangement Triggered Objections

On January 23, 2026, when Basant Panchami and Friday coincided, Hindu worship reportedly continued throughout the day, while a separate arrangement was made for Friday prayers in an open area behind the Bhojshala complex.

However, members of the Muslim community objected to the location, stating that the site formed part of a cemetery and was therefore not considered appropriate for offering namaz according to their religious beliefs.

The Supreme Court's latest direction to provide an open space outside the Bhojshala complex is now expected to guide future arrangements.

Administration Yet to Finalise Plan

Officials have not disclosed where the designated prayer area will be located or how access will be regulated. Security agencies are expected to prepare a detailed deployment and traffic management plan after reviewing the court's directions.

The administration is likely to hold consultations with relevant stakeholders before implementing the arrangement to ensure compliance with judicial orders while maintaining peace and public order.

The Bhojshala dispute has remained one of Madhya Pradesh's most closely watched legal and administrative issues, with proceedings continuing in various courts over the years.

The Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has sharply questioned the state government over a fresh proposal seeking ₹191.24 crore to restore Shivpuri's Sankhya Sagar Lake, observing that responsibility must first be fixed for the alleged failure of an earlier ₹111-crore sewerage project.

Hearing a matter concerning the discharge of untreated sewage into Sankhya Sagar Lake inside Madhav National Park, the court termed the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) "shocking" and directed the state to identify officials responsible before seeking additional public funds.

Court Questions Fresh Funding

During the hearing, the SIT submitted a report recommending a fresh allocation of ₹191.24 crore for measures aimed at preventing sewage from entering the lake and improving wastewater management.

The court, however, questioned the rationale behind the proposal, noting that nearly ₹111 crore had already been spent on laying sewer lines and constructing a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), yet the project had reportedly failed to become operational.

The bench observed that seeking fresh funding without establishing accountability for the earlier expenditure was unjustified.

List of Responsible Officials Sought

The High Court directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Administration Department to appear personally on July 27 with all relevant records in a sealed cover.

The court also sought a detailed list of officials allegedly responsible for the failed project and indicated that the issue of approving any fresh budget would only be considered after accountability had been established.

Recovery from Guilty Officials

During the proceedings, the state's counsel informed the court that if any officials were found responsible during the investigation, the government would initiate action to recover the financial loss incurred in the project from them.

The bench emphasized that public money could not be repeatedly spent on the same project without fixing responsibility for previous failures.

Former Official Asked to Respond Independently

The court also declined to accept an affidavit filed by former official Alka Upadhyay through the government's counsel.

It directed that she must present her defence either personally or through her own legal representative, instead of being represented by the state.

Questions Over Administrative Inaction

Madhav Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Hari Om, who was present during the hearing, informed the court that information regarding former officials was being collected.

The bench responded that the issue was not limited to past officials, but also concerned the continuing environmental damage to the lake. It questioned why no action had yet been initiated against officials currently responsible for monitoring the project.

The court granted the officer 15 days to initiate appropriate action.

Municipal Officer Pulled Up

The court also questioned Shivpuri Municipal Council Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) Yashwant Rathore, who produced photographs showing sewage flowing directly into Sankhya Sagar Lake.

When asked about monitoring reports, the CMO reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. The court observed that responsibility could not simply be shifted to subordinate officials, including the sanitary inspector.

The CMO assured the bench that he would personally supervise future monitoring of the sewage management system.

Next Hearing on July 27

The matter will now be heard on July 27, when the Additional Chief Secretary is expected to submit the complete project records along with the list of officials allegedly responsible for the failed implementation.

The High Court is also expected to consider whether criminal proceedings and financial recovery should be initiated against those found accountable for the alleged wastage of public funds.

 A legal dispute has emerged in the United Kingdom after the proposed sale of a nearly 40-year-old Hindu temple and community complex in Peterborough to a Muslim organisation was challenged in the High Court.

The Bharat Hindu Samaj (BHS), which has operated the temple within the New England Complex for decades, has filed a judicial review against Peterborough City Council, alleging serious irregularities in the auction process that resulted in the property being awarded to the United Kingdom Islamic Mission (UKIM).

The Hindu organisation argues that the council failed to properly consider the temple's long-standing religious, cultural and community significance before approving the sale.

High Court Grants Interim Relief

The dispute reached the High Court earlier this year, where, in February 2026, the court granted an interim injunction preventing the council from completing the sale until the legal challenge is heard.

The judicial review will examine whether Peterborough City Council followed a lawful and transparent decision-making process while evaluating bids for the property.

The Bharat Hindu Samaj has clarified that its legal challenge is directed solely at the council's handling of the auction and is not aimed at the Muslim organisation that submitted the successful bid.

Temple Serves Thousands Of Hindus

According to the Bharat Hindu Samaj, the Peterborough temple functions as the principal religious and cultural centre for nearly 4,000 Hindus living in Peterborough and surrounding areas.

The organisation said losing the complex would significantly affect the local Hindu community, forcing devotees to travel approximately 56 kilometres to Cambridge or 64 kilometres to Leicester to attend religious ceremonies, celebrate festivals and participate in community activities.

Temple representatives argue that the facility has served multiple generations and remains an important centre for worship, education and social engagement.

Concerns Over Auction Process

In its petition, Bharat Hindu Samaj has questioned the transparency of the bidding process, alleging that competing bids were not evaluated fairly and that the council's assessment and scoring contained significant flaws.

The organisation also claimed councillors approved the recommendation without adequately scrutinising the evaluation process.

According to the petition, the case is not merely about financial considerations but about protecting a long-established religious institution that has served the local community for almost four decades.

Financial Pressure On Local Councils

The Peterborough dispute comes amid increasing financial challenges faced by local councils across the United Kingdom.

Many local authorities have been selling public assets to address rising expenditure and shrinking government funding.

According to the Key Cities Survey 2025, around 60 percent of UK councils reported that selling public assets had become necessary to bridge budget deficits.

Recent examples include Birmingham City Council's programme to dispose of assets worth approximately ₹2,883 crore to balance its finances, while Nottingham City Council has projected substantial budget shortfalls over the coming years.

Case To Determine Legality Of Sale

The High Court will now determine whether Peterborough City Council complied with legal requirements while conducting the auction and evaluating competing bids.

Until the case is decided, the interim injunction remains in force, preventing the completion of the property transfer.

The outcome is expected to have wider implications for how local authorities across the UK manage the sale of community assets with long-standing religious and cultural significance.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to stay the Madhya Pradesh High Court's judgment in the long-running Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex dispute in Dhar, but issued interim directions to ensure Friday prayers for the Muslim community at a location adjacent to the protected monument.

Hearing petitions filed by the Muslim side challenging the High Court's May 15 verdict, a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan refused to grant interim relief by restoring the earlier worship arrangement. However, the court directed the Madhya Pradesh government to identify an open space adjoining the Bhojshala complex where members of the Muslim community can offer Friday prayers between 1 pm and 3 pm.

The apex court also directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) not to undertake any structural alteration or modification inside the Bhojshala complex without obtaining prior permission from the court.

Notice Issued on Muslim Petitions

The Supreme Court issued notices to all respondents after the Muslim petitioners challenged the High Court's ruling, which had recognised the Bhojshala complex as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and prohibited the offering of namaz inside the premises.

The Bench declined to suspend the operation of the High Court's order at this stage, indicating that the matter would require detailed examination during the final hearing. The case is expected to be listed again in about three weeks.

Muslim Side Challenges Change in Religious Practice

Appearing for the petitioners, senior advocate Huzaifa Ahmadi argued that the High Court's judgment had altered a long-standing religious arrangement under which Muslims were permitted to offer Friday prayers while Hindus conducted worship on designated days.

He contended that the community had effectively lost access to the site following the High Court's order and questioned the conclusions drawn from the ASI survey report.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi also submitted that the High Court's verdict was inconsistent with the provisions and spirit of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. He argued that historical government records reflected the continuation of Friday prayers at the site over several years and that altering the existing practice raised significant legal questions.

Centre Defends Administrative Handling

Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the High Court's judgment had been implemented peacefully and that the state administration had successfully maintained law and order after the decision.

He told the Bench that no major disturbance had been reported following the implementation of the High Court's directions.

ASI Barred From Structural Changes

Accepting a request made during the hearing, the Supreme Court ordered the ASI not to make any structural changes to the protected monument without prior judicial approval. The direction is intended to preserve the existing condition of the disputed site until the legal issues are finally decided.

Background of the Dispute

On May 15, 2026, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, relying on the ASI survey report and historical material placed before it. The court prohibited the offering of namaz within the premises while allowing Hindu worship.

The Muslim parties subsequently approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court had disrupted a long-standing arrangement that had governed religious practices at the site for years.

With notices now issued and interim directions in place, the Supreme Court will examine the ASI findings, historical records, constitutional provisions and statutory issues in detail during the next phase of the proceedings. The outcome is expected to have wider implications for disputes involving religious heritage sites across the country.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider petitions challenging the Madhya Pradesh High Court's verdict that declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar as a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. However, the apex court directed the petitioners to first rectify technical defects in their filings before the matter is formally listed for hearing.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohan heard an urgent mention by the Muslim side seeking an early hearing in the matter.

CJI Seeks Removal of Technical Defects

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi and advocate Nizam Pasha, appearing for the Muslim petitioners, requested the court to list the matter urgently, citing its significance.

Responding to the request, Chief Justice Surya Kant instructed the petitioners to immediately remove the technical defects in the petitions. He assured the parties that once the deficiencies are rectified, the appeals would be listed before an appropriate Bench for hearing at the earliest.

The petitions challenge the Madhya Pradesh High Court's judgment delivered earlier this year on the long-running Bhojshala dispute.

Hindu Side Files Caveat

The Hindu side has already filed a caveat before the Supreme Court, ensuring that no interim or final order is passed without hearing its arguments.

With both parties now before the apex court, the decades-old religious and legal dispute has entered a new phase of judicial scrutiny.

What the High Court Had Ruled

On May 15, 2026, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court held that the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi).

The court set aside the 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrangement that had permitted Hindus to offer prayers on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays.

It also directed that the management and administration of the monument be vested with the Central Government and the ASI.

Court Relied on Historical and ASI Evidence

The Division Bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi based its verdict on archaeological findings, historical records and the ASI survey.

According to the judgment, the evidence indicated that the structure was originally a Hindu temple and a centre for Sanskrit learning established by King Bhoj in 1034 AD. The court observed that this predates claims regarding the construction of a mosque at the site by several centuries.

The High Court had also criticised the ASI for alleged lapses in protecting and maintaining the heritage monument.

Additional Directions in the Judgment

Apart from declaring the site a temple, the High Court had suggested that the Madhya Pradesh Government consider allotting alternative land within Dhar district for the construction of a mosque, subject to legal procedures and an application by the Waqf Board.

The court had also recommended that the Central Government examine the possibility of bringing back the original Vagdevi idol, currently housed in a museum in London, and consider reinstalling it at the Bhojshala complex.

The legal battle will now continue before the Supreme Court, which is expected to hear the matter after procedural formalities are completed.

A significant development has emerged in the investigation into the death of model and actress Twisha Sharma, with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, submitting an 11-page forensic report to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The report, handed over in a sealed cover, is expected to play a crucial role in determining the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the AIIMS forensic panel has concluded that skin tissue recovered from the alleged ligature material—a gymnastics belt—matches the injury and ligature marks found on Twisha Sharma's body. Investigators believe the findings could help reconstruct the sequence of events leading to her death.

AIIMS Report Submitted to CBI

The forensic report was prepared after the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed a second post-mortem examination following concerns raised by Twisha Sharma's family over the initial autopsy.

CBI officials have confirmed that the report is being examined in detail. Investigators are analysing the medical findings alongside other evidence already collected during the probe.

The AIIMS medical board reportedly documented its observations across 11 pages, which have now been formally submitted to the investigating agency.

Key Findings on Ligature Material

According to sources, forensic experts identified skin tissue on the gymnastics belt believed to have been used as the ligature material. The report states that the recovered tissue corresponds with the ligature marks and other injuries found on Twisha Sharma's body.

Officials also noted that the belt contained a metal ring, which is being examined as part of the forensic assessment. Investigators believe these findings could provide important physical evidence in understanding how the injuries were sustained.

The CBI has not officially commented on the conclusions of the report, stating only that the forensic findings are under examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Case Under CBI Investigation

Twisha Sharma, the daughter-in-law of retired judge Giribala Singh, was found hanging at her in-laws' residence in Bhopal on May 12. The circumstances surrounding her death sparked widespread attention after family members questioned the findings of the initial post-mortem examination.

Alleging procedural lapses and inconsistencies in the first autopsy, the family approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking an independent investigation.

Taking note of the concerns, the High Court directed that a second post-mortem be conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi. Subsequently, the investigation into the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Investigation Continues

Officials said the AIIMS forensic report will be assessed along with witness statements, forensic evidence and other materials collected during the investigation before any conclusions are reached.

The CBI has not announced any fresh action following the submission of the report. Investigators are expected to continue examining all available evidence to establish the exact circumstances of Twisha Sharma's death.

The case remains under active investigation, and authorities have not ruled out any possibility. Further developments are expected after the CBI completes its analysis of the forensic findings and other evidence gathered during the course of the probe.

The development comes at a time when the debate over the film has already reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a separate controversy involving the disappearance of a convicted former police officer in the Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case has further heightened political and public attention.

In a social media post, Bittu uploaded several photographs showing heavily armed men carrying AK-47 rifles and drum magazines. Referring to the images, he said they were not from a modern-day photoshoot but from Punjab’s years of insurgency.

The minister questioned who these individuals were and recalled a period when, according to him, fear had gripped the state and civilians frequently became targets of violence. He said families who lived through that phase still remember the uncertainty and trauma associated with those years.

Bittu also stressed that violence and weapons could never represent Punjab’s future and argued that the state now needs peace, development and social harmony rather than narratives that revive memories of militancy.

His remarks come amid criticism and debate over Sutlej, a film involving Diljit Dosanjh that has sparked reactions from different quarters. While supporters have defended the project, critics have raised concerns over its themes and portrayal of historical events.

The dispute has now reached the courts. A resident of Mohali, Sarwan Singh, has filed a petition seeking the restoration of the film on OTT platforms. The matter is expected to draw legal scrutiny as stakeholders continue to debate issues related to content, historical representation and public sentiment.

At the same time, attention has shifted to another high-profile case linked to Punjab’s past.

Authorities are attempting to trace former DSP Jaspal Singh, who was convicted in the kidnapping and murder case of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Officials confirmed that the Nabha Open Agriculture Jail administration has written to Hoshiarpur Police asking them to locate Singh after concerns emerged regarding his whereabouts.

Police officials in Hoshiarpur have acknowledged receiving communication related to the matter.

Jaspal Singh was serving a life sentence in the Khalra murder case and was released on bail in May 2023 after furnishing a personal bond. His release was linked to legal provisions arising from delays in the consideration of a remission proposal pending before the Governor.

According to prison officials, the Punjab government had forwarded a proposal seeking premature release of Jaspal Singh in September 2022. As no final decision was taken for an extended period, legal provisions and previous court directions were cited while granting him temporary relief.

The case has once again brought focus to the 1995 abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist known for exposing alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy period.

The Khalra case remains one of the most significant human rights cases in Punjab’s history. In 2005, a special CBI court convicted former DSP Jaspal Singh and several other police personnel. Subsequent proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court resulted in modifications to some convictions and sentences, while life imprisonment remained in force for key accused.

The simultaneous emergence of the Sutlej controversy and renewed attention on the Khalra case has revived public discussion around Punjab’s militancy-era history, with political leaders, legal institutions and civil society groups closely watching developments.

Further proceedings in both matters are awaited.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday stayed the bail granted to Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, providing temporary relief to the Meghalaya government, which had challenged the bail order before the apex court.

The matter came up for hearing after the Meghalaya government moved the Supreme Court seeking cancellation of the bail granted to Sonam. The state argued that the relief was granted because of a typographical error in the police documents and sought immediate intervention to prevent her release while the case is under trial.

The case relates to the alleged murder of Indore businessman Raja Raghuvanshi during the couple's honeymoon in Meghalaya in May 2025. Investigators have alleged that Sonam Raghuvanshi was the key conspirator in the murder and that the crime was carried out with the help of hired assailants. The allegations are currently being examined during the trial, and the accused has denied wrongdoing.

Earlier this week, the Meghalaya High Court had upheld a Shillong court's order granting bail to Sonam Raghuvanshi after dismissing the state's appeal. The High Court had observed that the lower court's order did not warrant interference, although a detailed judgment is awaited.

Following the High Court's decision, the Meghalaya government promptly approached the Supreme Court, maintaining that the bail order stemmed from an error in the police records. According to the state, a typographical mistake in mentioning the relevant legal provision played a role in the grant of bail, and the issue required urgent correction.

During Friday's proceedings, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the bail order, meaning Sonam Raghuvanshi will continue to remain in custody until further directions from the court. The stay does not amount to a final decision on the merits of the bail dispute, and the matter will continue to be heard by the apex court.

The Raja Raghuvanshi murder case has attracted nationwide attention since the businessman from Indore was found dead in Meghalaya after the couple went missing during their honeymoon. The investigation led to the arrest of Sonam Raghuvanshi and other accused, with the Meghalaya Police filing a detailed chargesheet in the case.

The Supreme Court's interim order marks the latest legal development in the high-profile case. Further proceedings are expected as the court considers the Meghalaya government's plea seeking cancellation of the bail granted to the main accused.