A judicial inquiry into the Bhagirathpura contaminated-water tragedy in Indore has pointed to serious failures in the city’s drinking-water and sewerage systems, raising questions over why corrective action was not taken despite an early warning in 2019.

The one-member commission headed by retired Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta examined 36 deaths linked to the episode. According to findings reported from the inquiry, 24 of the deaths were directly linked to sewage-contaminated water supplied through Indore Municipal Corporation pipelines, while a conclusive connection could not be established in the remaining 12 cases. 

The findings suggest that the crisis was not an unforeseeable event but developed amid failures in infrastructure maintenance, monitoring and administrative response.

2019 Report Had Already Flagged Contaminated Water

One of the most significant findings concerns a February 8, 2019 report of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board.

The report found that water from 60 tubewells and handpumps in Bhagirathpura did not meet prescribed quality standards. It also warned of potential health risks and recommended that the water be used for drinking only after appropriate chlorination.

The judicial inquiry reportedly found no convincing record showing that effective and timely action was taken by the then senior municipal authorities after the warning. The commission's findings therefore raise a critical question: why was a known water-quality risk not adequately addressed before the later outbreak? 

Pipeline and Sewerage Failures Came Under Scrutiny

The commission also examined the technical relationship between drinking-water and sewerage networks.

Its recommendations stress that drinking-water and sewer lines should follow separate alignments and maintain prescribed horizontal and vertical separation. Where the two networks cross, additional safeguards are required.

The inquiry also highlighted the need to prevent cross-connections, backflow and leakage, while maintaining adequate water pressure and conducting regular quality testing.

These safeguards are particularly important in densely populated urban areas, where a damaged or leaking sewer line near a drinking-water pipeline can create a serious public-health risk.

Tender Delays Also Raised Questions

The inquiry examined delays in the process for work related to Bhagirathpura's water infrastructure.

The report reportedly found that several stages of the tender process experienced delays that could have been avoided. Files remained pending at different administrative levels, while discussions and subsequent processing extended over several months.

The tender committee included Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, Superintending Engineer Shrikant Kante, Additional Commissioner (Finance) Devdhar Darwa and Additional Commissioner Abhay Rajangaonkar. The commission recommended determining where, how much and why the delays occurred. 

The inquiry also examined the role of officials and employees associated with the water-supply and tender branches.

Shivam Verma, Pratibha Pal Get Clean Chit

The commission did not hold former Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shivam Verma responsible based on the records examined during the inquiry.

Former municipal commissioner Pratibha Pal was also reportedly cleared of responsibility. The findings instead focused attention on operational, monitoring and administrative levels where shortcomings were identified. (The Sootr)

This distinction is important because the inquiry's findings concern administrative responsibility based on the material examined by the commission; they should not automatically be treated as judicial findings of criminal guilt against individual officials.

High Court to Consider Public Release of Report

The approximately 600-page inquiry report was submitted to the Madhya Pradesh High Court in August. The court had earlier declined to make the report publicly available while considering arguments over its disclosure. (Amar Ujala)

On September 8, the hearing concerning an intervener's demand for access to the report was adjourned after a brief proceeding because the regular bench was unavailable. The matter is now scheduled before the regular bench on September 21. 

The development keeps the focus on a central issue: how a water-quality warning identified years before the tragedy translated into insufficient preventive action.

Commission Calls for Stronger Water Safety Monitoring

The inquiry has recommended regular testing of drinking-water quality, inspection and maintenance of the pipeline network, and faster responses to complaints involving leakage, low pressure, dirt, unauthorised connections and damaged pipelines.

The broader message from the report is that safe drinking water cannot depend only on emergency action after contamination occurs. Continuous testing, infrastructure maintenance and clear accountability are essential to preventing a repeat of the Bhagirathpura tragedy.

For Indore, the findings also underline the importance of ensuring that warnings from technical and pollution-control agencies lead to documented corrective action rather than remaining confined to official records.

The Indore Metro project has entered a new phase of underground construction with the successful launch of its first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named ‘Narmada’, at the airport-area shaft. The machine will be used to construct the underground metro tunnel between Airport and Bada Ganpati, marking a major step in the city’s underground metro works.

The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) launched the TBM after completing its assembly and lowering process at the shaft. The operation involved specialised heavy-lifting equipment capable of handling more than 1,000 metric tonnes.

410-Tonne TBM Lowered Into Shaft

The TBM ‘Narmada’ weighs approximately 410 metric tonnes. Because of its size and weight, the machine was first assembled at ground level before being lowered into the underground shaft.

Engineers used a Megalift System and Strand Jack Assembly for the operation. The lifting arrangement has a capacity of more than 1,000 metric tonnes, providing the required support to lower the massive machine safely into position.

The shaft-lowering operation was one of the key technical stages before the TBM can begin underground excavation.

Airport-Bada Ganpati Section to Get Underground Tunnel

Once operational, TBM ‘Narmada’ will undertake tunnel boring work on the Airport-Bada Ganpati underground section of the Indore Metro.

TBMs are designed to excavate and support tunnels underground while limiting disruption at the surface. Their use is particularly important in densely populated urban areas, where conventional excavation could interfere more extensively with traffic, buildings and other surface activities.

The launch therefore marks the transition from preparatory underground work towards the actual tunnel construction phase.

MPMRCL MD Inspects Launch Operation

MPMRCL Managing Director S. Krishna Chaitanya was present at the site during the TBM launch and inspected the operation.

He congratulated the engineering team and metro officials involved in completing the technically demanding process. The successful lowering of the machine required coordination between engineering, lifting and construction teams.

A Multi-Stage Engineering Operation

Launching a large TBM into an underground shaft involves several stages, including machine assembly, lifting, controlled lowering and positioning.

In the case of ‘Narmada’, the machine was assembled on the surface before being moved into the shaft using specialised equipment. The use of the Megalift System and Strand Jack Assembly enabled engineers to manage the weight of the equipment during the lowering operation.

The next stage will involve positioning the TBM and preparing it for tunnel-boring operations.

Underground Metro Work Gains Momentum

The launch of the first TBM represents an important milestone for Indore Metro’s underground corridor. With the machine now lowered into the shaft, construction teams can move towards the next phase of excavation and tunnel development.

The underground section is expected to play an important role in extending the metro network through parts of the city where surface-level construction would be more disruptive.

For the Indore Metro project, the launch of ‘Narmada’ is therefore not only the deployment of a major piece of construction equipment but also the beginning of a new phase in the city’s underground metro infrastructure development.

Indore police have arrested two more people in connection with the seizure of illegal liquor worth around ₹55 lakh from a container in the Kanadia area. The two accused allegedly arranged the transportation of beer from the Gwalior-Chambal region to Alirajpur on commission.

The accused have been identified as Honey alias Harbhajan Tuteja, a resident of Amitesh Nagar, and Monu alias Krishna, a resident of Rather in Morena. They were arrested by Kanadia police on Saturday and produced before a court, which sent them to five-day police custody.

According to police, both accused were allegedly involved in arranging liquor supplies from Gwalior and Shivpuri towards Alirajpur through Indore. During questioning, they reportedly disclosed the names of two liquor contractors allegedly linked to the supply chain. Police are now investigating other people connected with the network.

Liquor Seized After Road Accident

The case came to light on July 22 after a liquor-laden container collided with another vehicle on the bypass in the Kanadia area. Police personnel reached the spot after the accident and found a large quantity of liquor inside the container.

The five people travelling in the container were subsequently arrested. They were identified as Aakash Ahirwar, Rahul Namdev, Vijay Vaishnav, Deepash Sonone and Nitesh Prajapati.

When police asked for the liquor documents, the accused reportedly said that the consignment had been brought from Gwalior and was being transported to Alirajpur.

927 Cases of Beer Recovered

Police said approximately 927 cases of Mount brand beer were recovered from the container. The beer is reportedly manufactured at a factory in the Gwalior region.

According to the investigation, the beer was allegedly being transported to Alirajpur, where it was sold at small liquor outlets and roadside shops under the name “Lalten.”

Police said the product reportedly has demand in rural areas. However, the claims regarding the manner and extent of its sale are part of the ongoing investigation.

Two Contractors Under Scanner

During questioning, the two newly arrested accused allegedly told investigators that they arranged liquor transportation on commission. They also reportedly named two liquor contractors who allegedly procured the stock from the factory and liquor outlets in the Gwalior-Chambal region before arranging its movement towards Alirajpur.

Investigators are now attempting to establish the complete chain, including the source of the liquor, the people involved in its transportation and those allegedly responsible for its distribution.

Police Investigating Wider Network

The arrest of Honey Tuteja and Monu alias Krishna has taken the number of people arrested in connection with the case to seven. The initial five arrests were made after the container was intercepted following the road accident.

Police are questioning the two newly arrested accused during their remand period and are examining the information provided by them. Investigators are also trying to identify other people who may have been involved in the alleged illegal liquor supply network.

The police investigation is expected to focus on the movement of liquor from the Gwalior-Chambal region to Alirajpur and the alleged commission-based distribution system.

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department is investigating a suspected interstate wildlife trafficking network after 30 protected turtles were seized from two men in Indore. Preliminary questioning has indicated possible links with Maharashtra and other states, prompting officials to expand the investigation beyond the seized animals to identify their suppliers, buyers and other people involved in the alleged trafficking chain.

The State Tiger Strike Force arrested Keshav Sharma, a resident of Musakhedi, and Rohan Gaur in connection with the alleged smuggling. After being produced before a court, the two were remanded to the Forest Department's custody until August 24. Investigators are now trying to establish where the turtles were sourced, how they were transported to Indore and who was supposed to receive them. Officials are also examining whether the two accused had been involved in the trade for a longer period or had only recently become part of the network.

Suspected Supply Chain

According to the preliminary investigation, the two accused allegedly had separate roles in the operation. Keshav was responsible for contacting prospective customers and negotiating turtle deals, while Rohan allegedly handled deliveries to buyers. Investigators are now examining the contacts stored on their mobile phones, call records and other digital evidence to identify people operating behind them. Officials suspect that the wider network could include people involved in catching turtles, transporting them between locations, arranging supplies and delivering them to customers.

The investigation has widened after officials found indications of connections with Maharashtra and potentially other states. The Forest Department is seeking to establish whether the seized turtles were sourced locally or brought into Madhya Pradesh from another region. The agency is also looking into the alleged demand for these species beyond Indore, including claims that they are sought in international markets. Any interstate or international links will need to be established through further investigation.

Three Protected Species Seized

The operation led to the recovery of 30 turtles belonging to three species. Officials seized 14 Indian Star Tortoises, 10 Indian Roofed Turtles and six Spotted Pond Turtles, along with three mobile phones. According to the Forest Department, the recovered wildlife is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The seizure has raised concerns because protected turtle and tortoise species are targeted in illegal wildlife trade for various reasons, making the identification of the entire supply chain important for investigators. The Forest Department is expected to use the evidence recovered from the accused and their digital devices to trace the source of the animals and identify potential buyers. The remand period until August 24 will allow investigators to question the accused further and examine the suspected Maharashtra connection.

If the links identified during questioning are corroborated, the investigation could lead to more arrests and reveal a wider interstate network involved in the alleged trafficking of protected turtles.

The search for 31-year-old Indore resident Adwait Upadhyay, who went missing while trekking in the Shivagange hills near Nelamangala in Bengaluru, entered its seventh day on Thursday, with rescue teams yet to locate him.

Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire department teams continued searching different sections of the approximately 4,500-foot-high Shivagange hills. Drones are also being used to scan difficult and inaccessible stretches of the terrain.

At the same time, Bengaluru Police have expanded the investigation beyond the search operation. Adwait's mobile phone and drone were found near Shantala Drop, prompting investigators to examine his mobile location history, call detail records (CDR), SIM connections, digital activity and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Mobile, SIM Connections Under Scanner

Adwait's mobile phone was recovered near Shantala Drop. Investigators are examining its location data, call records and other digital activity.

Police are also checking whether another SIM card had been issued in Adwait's name. Investigators are looking into the possibility of any additional number or SIM connection that could have been used by him or could provide information about his contacts before he went missing.

The objective is to establish a detailed timeline of his movements and communications.

Police Examine August 6-7 Calls

The call records from August 6 and 7 are being treated as important parts of the investigation. Police are checking whom Adwait contacted during these two days, apart from his fiancée.

Investigators are also examining his interactions with female friends and other acquaintances. Officials are trying to determine who was in contact with him before his disappearance and whether any conversation provides clues about his movements, state of mind or reason for visiting the hills.

Police have not identified anyone as a suspect and have not confirmed any dispute. These contacts are being examined as part of the investigation.

Drone Purchase Becomes Key Lead

Adwait's drone was also recovered near Shantala Drop. Police are now investigating when and where the device was purchased and whether anyone accompanied him at the time.

Investigators are seeking information from the drone manufacturer, local dealers and others involved in its sale. They are checking the purchase date, payment details and other transaction records.

The police are also examining the drone's technical data to determine when it was last flown and whether photographs or videos stored on the device could provide clues about Adwait's movements.

Difficult Terrain Complicates Search

The Shivagange hills are characterised by rocky terrain, steep sections and narrow trails. Rain has also made several stretches slippery and difficult to access.

Multiple SDRF, police and fire department teams are searching different parts of the hill. Drones are being deployed to survey areas where rescue personnel cannot easily reach.

Special attention is being given to the Shantala Drop area because Adwait's mobile phone and drone were recovered there. His bag and sweater had also reportedly been found near the same broader area earlier.

Digital Searches Raise Questions

Investigators have found indications that Adwait may have visited Shivagange on August 4, despite his fiancée's complaint stating that he left for trekking on the morning of August 7.

Police are therefore examining his activities between August 4 and August 7 to establish why he may have visited the area earlier.

His laptop search history reportedly contained searches related to the height of Shivagange hills, routes leading to Shantala Drop and different trekking paths.

Police also found searches using an AI tool concerning how long a person could survive after falling from a height and what could happen to the body following such a fall.

Investigators are considering whether this could indicate a possible self-harm angle. However, police have stressed that search history alone cannot establish what happened and that it must be assessed alongside CDRs, CCTV footage, mobile data and other circumstantial evidence.

Last Contact With Fiancée

According to the missing-person complaint, Adwait called his fiancée at around 7:30 am on August 7 and told her that he was going trekking in the Shivagange hills.

He subsequently stopped responding to calls.

His fiancée filed a missing-person complaint at the Kadugodi police station in Bengaluru's Whitefield subdivision at around 8 pm on August 7. The case was later referred to Nelamangala Police as the search area was identified around Shivagange.

Family Awaits Breakthrough

Adwait is the only son of his family. His father, Professor Pramod Upadhyay, died of a heart attack in 2016. His mother later received a compassionate appointment in the accounts department and subsequently took voluntary retirement. She currently lives alone in Indore.

Adwait had been living in Bengaluru for several years and was working as an engineer at a finance company. He had previously worked as a software professional.

His family remains deeply concerned as the search continues. Relatives have reportedly avoided speaking to the media while waiting for updates from the rescue teams and investigators.

Adwait's fiancée also declined to comment when contacted by Dainik Bhaskar, asking that questions about the case be directed to Bengaluru Police.

Vijayvargiya Speaks to Family

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has also spoken to Adwait's family and assured them that he would contact Bengaluru Police and help coordinate efforts to locate him.

Indore Crime Branch is also in touch with Bengaluru Police. Information relating to Adwait's family and contacts in Indore is being shared as part of the investigation.

For now, the search and investigation are proceeding on two fronts — rescue teams are scanning the difficult terrain of the Shivagange hills using personnel and drones, while police are examining mobile data, SIM connections, CDRs, digital searches and the history of Adwait's drone purchase.

No definitive conclusion has yet been reached about what happened to Adwait.

The sale and production of analogue paneer has emerged as a significant food-safety concern in Indore after the Madhya Pradesh authorities moved against its sale. Food department inspections have revealed a network of manufacturing and supply units operating in and around the city.

Unlike conventional paneer made primarily from milk, analogue paneer can contain ingredients such as vegetable fat, starch and milk solids. The product was allegedly being supplied to hotels, roadside eateries and small food outlets as ordinary paneer.

The price difference has been one of the major reasons behind its use. While milk-based paneer in Indore is selling for around ₹400 per kg, analogue paneer has been available at approximately ₹280 per kg.

Large Units in Four Areas

Food department officials have identified manufacturing activity in areas including Palda, Betma, Mhow and Khudail, along with surrounding locations.

Suppliers linked to these units are believed to have distributed the product to different parts of Indore. Officials are also examining whether analogue paneer was being transported into the city from neighbouring districts.

The department is now checking locations suspected of being involved in production and storage while tracing the supply chain from manufacturers to retailers and food establishments.

Hotels and Food Stalls Among Buyers

The low cost of analogue paneer has reportedly made it attractive to hotels, dhabas and smaller restaurants.

Its use has also been reported at momos, Chinese-food and other small food stalls, where paneer-based dishes are commonly prepared.

Customers ordering dishes such as paneer curry, chilli paneer, momos or other preparations may not always know whether traditional milk-based paneer or an analogue product has been used.

This has raised concerns about transparency in the food supply chain, particularly when a substitute product is presented or used as conventional paneer.

How Analogue Paneer Differs

Nutrition expert Nidhi Agrawal said analogue paneer differs from traditional paneer made from milk.

Depending on the formulation, manufacturers may use vegetable fat, starch, milk solids and other ingredients, either alongside dairy ingredients or as substitutes for some components used in conventional paneer.

The composition of a particular product can vary, making proper labelling and regulatory compliance important for consumers and food businesses.

1,816 Kg Seized in Indore

The Food Department's recent action has provided an indication of the scale of the trade.

On Wednesday, officials inspected Umapati Industries in Palda, where low-fat paneer was reportedly being manufactured and packed.

During the inspection, the department seized 1,816 kg of analogue paneer and mawa from the facility.

Officials also ordered the manufacturing unit to be closed with immediate effect.

Supply Chain Under Investigation

Following the seizure, the Food Department is investigating the entire supply chain, including manufacturing units, storage facilities, suppliers and food outlets.

Officials are also examining establishments where the product may have been used in food preparation.

The investigation is expected to focus on how the product was being manufactured, whether it was properly labelled, where it was being distributed and whether businesses were selling or serving it as conventional paneer.

The action comes after authorities imposed restrictions on the sale of analogue paneer in Madhya Pradesh. Further inspections are likely as officials attempt to identify additional units and suppliers involved in the trade.

For consumers, the issue highlights the importance of knowing the composition and source of paneer being served, particularly in restaurants and small food outlets where the product is purchased through commercial supply chains.

 Sonam Raghuvanshi, the prime accused in the murder of Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, surrendered before a court in Shillong on Wednesday and was subsequently sent to judicial custody, complying with the Supreme Court's direction that had cancelled her bail earlier this month.

Sonam appeared before the Shillong court before the expiry of the three-week deadline granted by the apex court. The Supreme Court had, on July 23, directed her to surrender before the trial court after setting aside the bail granted by the Meghalaya High Court.

Supreme Court Cancelled Bail

A bench of the Supreme Court had observed that the High Court erred in granting bail solely on alleged procedural lapses relating to the communication of arrest grounds.

The court clarified that there is a legal distinction between not informing an accused of the grounds of arrest at all and providing incomplete or inadequate information. It held that a technical deficiency alone could not justify granting bail in a serious criminal case.

The bench had further directed that the murder trial be completed within six months. It also stated that Sonam would be free to seek fresh bail if the trial is not concluded within the stipulated period.

Court Concerned About Trial

While cancelling the bail, the Supreme Court noted that Sonam had acknowledged before the magistrate that she had received the grounds of arrest and related documents.

The bench also observed that the merits of her earlier bail applications had already been examined and rejected. Since the trial had commenced, allowing the accused to remain out on bail at this stage could potentially affect the judicial process.

The case was argued on behalf of the Meghalaya government by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Family Welcomes Surrender

Following Sonam's surrender, Raja Raghuvanshi's brother Vipin Raghuvanshi welcomed the development and thanked the Meghalaya government for its efforts in the investigation.

He expressed hope that the legal proceedings would now move forward and justice would be delivered in the case.

Background of the Case

The Raja Raghuvanshi murder case drew nationwide attention after the Indore-based businessman was allegedly murdered during a trip to Meghalaya. Sonam Raghuvanshi was identified as the principal accused during the investigation and has remained at the centre of the high-profile case.

The Supreme Court's latest order has ensured that the accused returns to judicial custody while the trial proceeds under court supervision.

With Sonam now lodged in jail, the focus shifts to the ongoing trial, which the apex court has directed to be completed within six months to ensure an expeditious conclusion.

The Madhya Pradesh government will establish fast-track courts in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur to expedite the hearing of cases related to education and employment. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced the decision on Friday while addressing a public gathering in Panna.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to introducing fast-track courts for quicker resolution of education- and employment-related disputes, particularly cases involving examination irregularities and paper leaks. The state government said similar courts will now be established in Madhya Pradesh's four major cities to ensure timely justice for students and job aspirants.

Focus on Faster Resolution of Education-Related Cases

According to the Chief Minister, the proposed courts are aimed at reducing delays in cases affecting students and employment seekers. Matters related to competitive examinations, recruitment disputes, and alleged paper leaks are expected to receive priority under the new system.

Until now, such cases have generally been heard in regular courts, often taking years to reach a conclusion due to the existing judicial workload. The proposed fast-track courts are intended to speed up legal proceedings and improve confidence in the examination and recruitment process.

Paper Leak Cases to Receive Dedicated Attention

Paper leak incidents have emerged as a major concern across the country in recent years, impacting recruitment examinations and competitive entrance tests. The proposed fast-track courts are expected to provide a dedicated judicial mechanism for such cases, enabling quicker trials and judgments.

Fast disposal of these cases is also expected to strengthen accountability and help reduce uncertainty among candidates awaiting recruitment or admission.

Fast-Track Courts Have Proven Effective

Fast-track courts were first introduced in India in 2000 following the recommendations of the 11th Finance Commission, which proposed financial assistance for establishing 1,734 fast-track courts across the country to reduce the backlog of pending cases.

According to government data, fast-track special courts dealing with rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases have disposed of more than 306,000 cases between 2019 and 2025. Officials have cited a disposal rate of over 96%, although new cases continue to be registered, leaving a significant number still pending.

The Madhya Pradesh government believes a similar model can help ensure quicker justice in education and employment-related disputes.

Medical Education Expansion Announced

During the event, Chief Minister Yadav also highlighted the state's expansion in medical education.

He said Madhya Pradesh had only five medical colleges and around 500 seats in 2002–03. The state now has 34 medical colleges with nearly 5,500 MBBS seats.

The government aims to increase the number of medical colleges to 52 and expand MBBS seats to 10,000 within the next two years. The Chief Minister also announced that the Panna Medical College is expected to be inaugurated next year, with construction progressing under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Tourism and Development Projects in Panna

The Chief Minister inaugurated a glass-floor viewpoint at Brihaspati Kund in Panna, developed at a cost of ₹8 crore. The project is expected to boost tourism in the region.

He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹184.83 crore, including two Sandipani Schools in Gunnor and Pawai with a combined investment of approximately ₹74 crore.

₹210 Crore Released Under Social Security Pension Scheme

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister transferred nearly ₹210 crore through a single-click digital transfer to the bank accounts of more than 3.5 million beneficiaries under the state's Social Security Pension Scheme.

He said the government remains committed to ensuring that welfare benefits reach eligible beneficiaries directly through transparent digital systems.

Ken-Betwa River Link Project Highlighted

Chief Minister Yadav also spoke about the Ken-Betwa River Link Project, describing it as a transformative initiative for the Bundelkhand region.

He said the project, estimated to cost around ₹1 lakh crore, has received approval for 90% central funding. Once completed, it is expected to improve irrigation facilities, strengthen agriculture, and boost economic development across Bundelkhand.

The Chief Minister assured residents that those whose land, homes, or commercial properties are acquired for the project would receive appropriate compensation in accordance with government norms.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the bail matter of Sonam Raghuvanshi, the main accused in the high-profile Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, on Thursday. The hearing is expected to determine whether her bail will continue or whether she will have to surrender and face custody as the legal proceedings continue.

The case has drawn significant public attention since the Meghalaya government challenged the bail granted to Sonam by the Meghalaya High Court earlier this year.

Supreme Court Had Suggested Two Options

During the previous hearing on July 21, a Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale suggested two possible courses of action for Sonam's legal team.

The court observed that the defence could either proceed with arguments on the Meghalaya government's appeal, after which the Supreme Court could pass a final order, or Sonam could surrender before the investigating agency, allowing authorities to question her while the issue of bail remained under consideration.

The Bench had asked Sonam's counsel to choose between these alternatives before the matter came up for further hearing.

Bail Granted by Meghalaya High Court

Sonam Raghuvanshi was granted bail by the Meghalaya High Court on April 26, 2026. However, the Meghalaya government challenged the decision before the Supreme Court, arguing that the High Court's order should be set aside considering the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation.

The Supreme Court is now examining the legality of the bail order as well as the objections raised by the state government.

Court Raised Questions Over Legal Arguments

At the previous hearing, the Supreme Court also questioned the defence's legal submissions regarding Sonam's arrest.

The Bench asked why the issue of not being informed about the grounds of arrest was not raised earlier if it was indeed a procedural violation. In response, Sonam's counsel sought additional time to obtain instructions from the client and submit a detailed reply before the court.

The judges indicated that the timing of the argument would also be relevant while considering the case.

Meghalaya Government Opposes Bail

Appearing for the Meghalaya government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the continuation of Sonam's bail.

He argued that Sonam had voluntarily appeared before the police and surrendered, making it legally untenable to later claim that the grounds of arrest had not been communicated to her.

Mehta also informed the court that any discrepancy in the arrest memo was merely a clerical error and did not invalidate the arrest process.

Arguments on Arrest Procedure

The Solicitor General further submitted that under certain legal circumstances, authorities are not required to separately communicate the grounds of arrest, particularly when an accused voluntarily surrenders or is apprehended under circumstances where the arrest is self-evident.

He argued that procedural technicalities should not become the basis for granting relief in a serious criminal matter when the accused had already submitted before the investigating agency.

Today's Hearing in Focus

The Supreme Court's proceedings on Thursday are expected to clarify whether Sonam Raghuvanshi will continue to remain on bail or whether she will be required to surrender pending further investigation.

The court may also decide the next course of action on the Meghalaya government's appeal challenging the High Court's bail order.

Given the public interest surrounding the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, today's hearing is expected to be closely watched by both legal observers and the parties involved.

The murder of a postal assistant in Indore has left behind more than a criminal investigation—it has shattered the lives of two young children who witnessed the aftermath of the tragedy. Authorities are continuing their search for the woman's husband, who is the prime suspect in the case, while relatives say the children remain deeply traumatised by the incident.

The victim, Urmila Saini, a Postal Assistant, was found with fatal injuries at her residence in Dak Kunj Colony on July 11. The case has drawn attention not only because of the alleged domestic dispute behind the crime but also due to its devastating impact on the couple's children.

Teen Daughter in Deep Shock

Family members said the couple's daughter, Preksha Saini, a Class 9 student, has been struggling to cope with the horrifying scene she encountered after returning home from school.

Known as a bright student, Preksha had also begun establishing herself as a young content creator on social media. She regularly produced motivational, promotional and spiritual videos and had recently created a video highlighting her mother's work in the Department of Posts. The video had been appreciated by postal employees and local residents for its creativity and presentation.

According to relatives, the teenager had hoped to build a future in digital content creation alongside her studies. Those aspirations have now been overshadowed by the emotional trauma following her mother's death.

Children Found Mother After School

According to family members, on the morning of the incident, the children's father allegedly visited their school and handed Preksha household keys, an ATM card, jewellery, scooter keys and other belongings. He reportedly asked the siblings to go to a relative's house after school, without disclosing the circumstances.

When the children later reached their home, they found the main door open and the television switched on at high volume. Inside, they discovered their mother lying in a pool of blood with serious injuries. Relatives said the children immediately alerted family members after the discovery.

Allegations of Domestic Discord

Preksha has reportedly told relatives that frequent disputes had taken place between her parents over the past several months. She alleged that her father often suspected her mother and regularly checked her mobile phone. According to her account, arguments over these issues had become common at home.

The teenager also claimed that she had previously witnessed altercations between her parents and that she herself had faced abusive behaviour while defending her mother. These claims are now part of the broader investigation and have not yet been independently established in court.

Investigation Continues

Police have registered a murder case and launched a search for the victim's husband, who remains absconding. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the school and surrounding areas to reconstruct his movements after he allegedly met the children earlier that day.

Officials are also analysing other evidence collected from the crime scene as part of the ongoing investigation. Police have not yet announced the suspect's whereabouts.

Children Receive Family Support

Following the incident, both children are staying with relatives. Family members say they continue to relive the traumatic experience and remain emotionally distressed.

Neighbours said they had never publicly noticed signs of serious conflict within the family, adding that the extent of the domestic tensions became apparent only after the incident came to light.

As the police investigation progresses, the case has once again highlighted the lasting emotional impact that incidents of domestic violence and family crime can have on children, whose lives are often permanently altered by such tragedies.

In a major crackdown on exam-related fraud, the Indore Crime Branch has arrested a law student for allegedly creating and selling fake NEET-UG question papers using artificial intelligence. The accused has been identified as Akshay Malviya.

According to police, Malviya was arrested on June 20 following inputs from the Kota Cyber Cell. Officials said he posted fake NEET papers on Instagram, which attracted thousands of likes and messages from desperate students. He allegedly cheated around 30 to 35 students by sharing links and collecting money.

During interrogation, Malviya told investigators that he generated the fake papers with the help of ChatGPT and other AI-based applications. Initially, he posted papers without mentioning NEET, but received poor response. When talks of the re-examination gained momentum, he started branding them as NEET papers to cash in on student anxiety.

Kota Cyber Cell trapped him

The Kota Cyber Cell noticed his posts and contacted him posing as a buyer. They transferred money to build trust and gathered his location details before alerting Indore police. The Crime Branch team raided his residence and took him into custody.

Police said Instagram had sent him two warning alerts, which he ignored. His account was later blocked. Crime Branch officials, including TI Neeraj Medha, questioned him throughout the day in the presence of his family. His parents were informed about the complaint received from Kota police.

Malviya reportedly admitted that he wanted quick fame on social media and easy money. The entire operation was driven by his desire to go viral and earn fast cash from worried NEET aspirants.

The case has once again highlighted the growing misuse of AI tools in exam scams, especially after the NEET paper leak controversy. Police are examining his phone, bank transactions and digital records to identify all victims and possible accomplices.

Further investigation is underway. Senior officers are likely to take cognisance of the matter soon.

Over 1 lakh candidates appear across Madhya Pradesh; strict security, biometric verification, 1:30 PM entry deadline enforced

The Re-NEET UG 2026 examination was conducted across Madhya Pradesh on Sunday under unprecedented security arrangements. Over one lakh medical aspirants appeared at 283 centres across 30 districts in the state.

Bhopal has 32 examination centres with 13,774 candidates, while Indore has the highest with over 14,000 candidates. Jabalpur has 23 centres with 10,426 candidates, Gwalior has 25 centres with 5,000 candidates. Chhindwara has 4,303, Guna 1,839, Vidisha 1,709, Narmadapuram 1,283 and Ashok Nagar 865 candidates.

The examination is being held from 2 PM to 5:15 PM in pen-and-paper mode. Reporting, biometric verification and frisking began at 11 AM and will continue until 1:30 PM. No entry is permitted after 1:30 PM.

Candidates have been strictly prohibited from carrying mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, smartwatches or any electronic gadgets inside exam centres.

Rewa: Pliers Used to Remove Pant Chains and Buttons

In Rewa district, the examination is being conducted at 13 centres with 5,399 candidates. Entry began at 11:30 AM. Candidates underwent intensive checking through metal detectors and manual frisking.

Security was so strict that several candidates' pant chains and buttons were removed using pliers and screwdrivers before they were allowed entry. Chains, metal buttons, kalawa (sacred threads), jewellery and other metallic items were removed outside the centres. The tight checking created a brief commotion outside some centres. Fifty percent of police personnel deployed were women.

Bhopal: Students Denied Entry Even for Seconds of Delay

At Bhopal's Sarojini Subhash Higher Secondary Utkrisht Vidyalaya, candidates were denied entry for being just 30-40 seconds late. Parents expressed anger, alleging inadequate guidance outside the centre led to delays in finding roll numbers and rooms.

Additional SP stated, "Sending them inside is not in my hands." At PM Shri Central School No. 2, gates were closed exactly at 1:30 PM. Three candidates remained standing outside even after gates closed.

A student who forgot his Aadhaar card at home was denied entry after security personnel refused to accept a digital copy sent via WhatsApp. He rushed back home to get the original.

Indore: Policewoman Helps Student Reach Centre on Time

In Indore, a student named Riya forgot her Aadhaar card at her hostel and was panicking. Sub-inspector Abhiruchi from Palasia police station, posted at Government Utkrisht Vidyalaya Bal Vinay Mandir, helped her. She contacted Riya's parents via WhatsApp and arranged a copy of the Aadhaar card, allowing the student to enter on time.

At SGSITS centre, a student had to remove her earrings before entry. Security personnel conducted thorough metal detector checks.

Morena: Student's Centre Changed from Gwalior to Bhopal

Dharmendra Prajapati, a resident of Morena, had his exam centre originally in Gwalior. However, NTA changed it to Bhopal at the last minute, forcing him to travel from Gwalior to Bhopal. "The change caused some inconvenience, but I managed the arrangements in time," he said.

Morena has 7 examination centres with 180 police personnel deployed.

Chhatarpur: Student Reaches Wrong Centre, 22 km Away

A student arrived at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Chhatarpur, thinking it was his centre. During document verification, he discovered his actual centre was PM Shri Navodaya Vidyalaya in Naugaon, about 22 kilometres away. He immediately rushed on a bike towards the correct centre.

Satna: Water Bottle Wrappers Removed, Students Made to Remove Tops

At Satna's examination centres, tight security checks were enforced. Water bottle wrappers were removed. Female students wearing tops in their ears had to remove them. One candidate's shoes were kept outside, and he was allowed entry barefoot.

Student Voices: 'Not Even One Percent Trust'

Students expressed anxiety and frustration over the paper leak episode. Divyani Parihar, a candidate in Bhopal, said she had prepared for three years and had performed well in the previous exam before the cancellation.

Another student said: "It feels bad to give the exam again. We don't even know if this exam will happen properly or if this paper will also be leaked."

A student in Guna said: "The last one-and-a-half months have been full of stress and uncertainty. Paper leak incidents have affected our hard work and mental state."

Prachi, a candidate, said her preparation is good but she has "not even one percent trust" regarding paper leaks.

Pranavi Upadhyay, a JEE aspirant, called the Indian education system "very dirty" and said paper leaks shatter the dreams of lakhs of students.

Why the Re-Exam?

The original NEET-UG examination was held on May 3, 2026. Following allegations of paper leak, the NTA cancelled it on May 12. The CBI is investigating the matter. Today's examination is the re-conduct.

Authorities have implemented GPS tracking of vehicles carrying question papers, CRPF escorts, CCTV surveillance, Aadhaar-based biometric verification, and additional biometric machines. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are appearing across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.