Delhi Police have detained seven Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly overstaying in India beyond the period permitted under their visas. The action was carried out under Operation Vista, a visa verification drive conducted by the Anti-Auto Theft Squad (AATS) of the Central District.

Police said the seven individuals were identified during checks at hotels and guest houses in Central and South Delhi. According to officials, all seven had entered India on double-entry visas that permitted a maximum stay of 15 days per visit.

First Detention in Nabi Karim

The investigation began after police received information that some Bangladeshi nationals were allegedly staying in Delhi beyond their authorised period.

Police first detained 26-year-old MD Nazrul Islam Foisal from the Nabi Karim area.

According to officials, his passport was issued on February 8, 2026, while immigration records showed that his authorised stay in India was valid until August 7, 2026.

During questioning, police said Foisal provided information about other Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly staying in Delhi beyond the permitted period.

Six More Held

Acting on the information, police conducted searches at locations in Sarita Vihar and detained six additional Bangladeshi nationals.

Officials said their passports, visas and immigration records were subsequently examined to establish their legal status in India.

Police said the verification found that all seven had entered the country on double-entry visas carrying a maximum permitted stay of 15 days for each visit.

No Criminal Record Found

Delhi Police said no previous criminal involvement was found against any of the seven individuals during the verification process.

The police action was focused on alleged violations of visa conditions rather than any separate criminal case, officials said.

The operation was conducted by the AATS of Central District under the supervision of Inspector Sandeep Dabas.

FRRO Starts Deportation Proceedings

Following the verification, the seven nationals were produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

The FRRO issued restriction orders against them and initiated proceedings for their deportation from India.

The individuals were subsequently shifted to the Detention Centre at Sewa Dham, Shahzada Bagh, Sarai Rohilla, where they will remain pending completion of the deportation process.

Police said the action was taken under the applicable legal provisions governing visa violations and the stay of foreign nationals in India.

Seven Nationals Identified

The seven Bangladeshi nationals detained during the operation were identified as:

• MD Nazrul Islam Foisal, 26

• Mohammad Amjad Hossen, 26

• Moinul Hossain, 24

• Alamin, 25

• MD Kawasae Ali, 25

• Amran Hossain, 29

• Afranul Haque Bhuyan Sami, 23

Visa Verification Drive Continues

Operation Vista is part of Delhi Police's efforts to verify the immigration status of foreign nationals staying in the capital.

The latest action highlights the scrutiny being applied to visa validity and authorised periods of stay, particularly during checks at hotels, guest houses and other accommodation facilities.

The seven individuals will remain at the detention facility until the relevant authorities complete the required formalities for their deportation.

Calls Grow for Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to Resign After Relative Held in Lahore Gangrape Investigation

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is facing mounting political pressure after a relative was arrested in connection with the alleged abduction and gangrape of two foreign women in Lahore, prompting demands for his resignation from Senator Faisal Vawda.

The controversy has intensified as opposition voices and independent lawmakers questioned the government's handling of the high-profile investigation, alleging attempts to shield influential individuals linked to the case.

The alleged crime took place on June 29 and involved two foreign nationals—one from the Netherlands and the other from Venezuela—who were reportedly abducted and sexually assaulted in Lahore, according to Pakistani police.

Investigators have so far arrested four suspects, while one accused remains absconding. A Lahore court has remanded the arrested men to five days of police custody to facilitate further investigation.

Police have identified Muhammad Raza Dar as the prime suspect in the case. Multiple Pakistani media reports have described him as a grandson or close relative of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, though the minister has not publicly commented on the allegations.

According to investigators, Raza Dar first met the two women in Singapore last year during a cryptocurrency-related business venture. Police allege that he later arranged business visas for them to travel to Pakistan, where the alleged offences subsequently took place.

The case has sparked widespread political debate after Senator Faisal Vawda called for Ishaq Dar to step down, arguing that the allegations had damaged Pakistan's international reputation.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Vawda questioned how Ishaq Dar could continue representing Pakistan abroad while a close relative faced serious criminal allegations.

"He was arrested only after the intervention of the relevant foreign embassy. After such serious allegations, how can Ishaq Dar continue to represent Pakistan before the world as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister?" Vawda said.

The senator further argued that resigning would help protect Pakistan's international image while allowing the investigation to proceed without political controversy.

Vawda also accused both the federal government and the Punjab provincial administration of attempting to influence the direction of the investigation.

He alleged that authorities were trying to shift the focus of the case towards allegations of extortion instead of rape and claimed there were efforts to facilitate the early departure of the two foreign women from Pakistan before the investigation was completed.

The senator additionally criticised the silence of senior government leaders, noting that neither the federal government nor prominent members of the ruling coalition had publicly condemned the alleged crime.

Vawda currently serves as an independent senator despite being elected with the support of coalition partners, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which leads the federal government.

The allegations have attracted significant public attention due to the involvement of foreign nationals and the reported links between one of the accused and a senior cabinet minister. The case has also raised concerns over political influence, accountability and the treatment of high-profile criminal investigations in Pakistan.

Authorities have not announced any charges against Ishaq Dar, and there is no indication that he is personally under investigation. The allegations currently relate to his relative, who remains in police custody as investigators continue gathering evidence.

The Lahore police investigation remains ongoing, with officials expected to question the arrested suspects further while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining absconding accused.

A high-profile criminal case in Pakistan has triggered a major political controversy after police arrested a close relative of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in connection with the alleged abduction and gang rape of two foreign women in Lahore. The case has intensified scrutiny of the government, with opposition leaders demanding Ishaq Dar’s resignation while the investigation continues.

According to Pakistani police, four suspects have been taken into custody, while another accused remains absconding. The prime suspect, identified as Muhammad Raza Dar, has been described by police sources as Ishaq Dar’s grandson. A Lahore court has remanded the arrested suspects to police custody for further investigation.

The alleged victims are foreign nationals from the Netherlands and Venezuela. Investigators said the women had reportedly travelled to Pakistan after being invited by the prime suspect, whom they had allegedly met during a cryptocurrency-related business venture in Singapore. Authorities are also examining whether the case has links to financial disputes connected to cryptocurrency investments.

Police documents indicate that shortly after arriving in Lahore on June 29, the women were allegedly abducted, confined at a private location and sexually assaulted. Investigators further allege that ransom money was demanded from the victims before they were rescued following information received from family members and diplomatic channels. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have said all aspects of the case are being examined.

The case has quickly moved beyond a criminal investigation into a political flashpoint. Pakistani Senator Faisal Vawda has publicly called for Ishaq Dar to step down from his posts as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, arguing that the seriousness of the allegations involving a close family member has damaged Pakistan’s international reputation. He also accused authorities of attempting to shield influential individuals, allegations that have not been officially substantiated.

Vawda further questioned why senior political leaders had remained largely silent on the issue and urged a transparent investigation. His remarks have intensified debate across Pakistan's political landscape, particularly because the accused is allegedly related to one of the country's most senior government leaders.

Pakistani investigators have not announced any conclusions regarding the allegations, and no court has determined the guilt of the accused. Under Pakistan's legal system, all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The case has also reignited concerns over the safety of foreign nationals visiting Pakistan and the handling of high-profile criminal investigations involving politically connected individuals. Human rights advocates and legal observers are closely watching the investigation, which is expected to face intense public and media scrutiny in the coming days.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the two foreign women may have already left Pakistan after recording their statements before investigators. Officials have not released additional details regarding their current location or future participation in legal proceedings.

With the investigation continuing and political pressure mounting, the Lahore case has become one of Pakistan's most closely watched developments, raising questions about accountability, judicial transparency and the government's response to allegations involving members of politically influential families.

A fast-spreading blaze that began in a restaurant beneath a six-storey hotel in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar left 21 people dead and dozens injured on Wednesday morning, officials and witnesses said. Authorities have registered an FIR under culpable homicide and are probing whether the building had the required fire NOC.

Fire starts in restaurant
According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), the first call came in at 8:50–8:51 am reporting a fire at the Lemon Green restaurant on Press Enclave Road. Flames rapidly raced up from the ground-floor eatery into the Flourish Stay B&B above, smoke-locking several floors and trapping guests, many of whom were attendants of patients at nearby hospitals.

Early rescue timeline
DFS said initial teams reached within minutes and ramped up the response to 10–12 fire tenders as the situation worsened. Rescue crews evacuated at least 40–47 people, officials said; three people were pulled from the basement and several others were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition. Delhi Divisional Officer Ravinder Singh later confirmed the rescue operation had ended and the fire was fully extinguished.

Victims and nationalities
Delhi Police told news agencies that 21 people died; multiple officials said 17 of the deceased were foreign nationals, including citizens from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. Local BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay said many guests were in the hotel while accompanying patients at Max Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.

Ownership and legal action
Delhi Police identified the owner as Lokesh Bajaj and said three partners run the establishment; they are examining links to other properties owned by the group. The police registered an FIR under culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the penal code. Delhi Minister Ashish Sood told reporters the building owner would be arrested if negligence is established.

NOC and safety questions
Several officials familiar with the matter told reporters that the building may have lacked a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department. Forensic teams and fire investigators arrived at the site early in the afternoon to collect evidence and reconstruct how the blaze spread. The SDM and municipal officials said they would take strict action against any code violations.

Ground response and local help
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as residents broke windows, threw out mattresses and caught people who jumped from upper floors. “We rushed with blankets and mattresses… a woman jumped carrying a child,” said Sher Khan, a local shopkeeper. Ten police personnel were also injured while participating in rescue operations and are being treated in hospital, police said.

Political reactions and relief
The blaze drew swift condolences from political leaders across the spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, President Droupadi Murmu and several national leaders expressed grief and urged swift relief and medical care for victims.

Hospital capacity and treatment
Max Healthcare confirmed it was treating several critical patients transferred from the site; hospital spokespeople said most injured were being stabilised and that counselors were on site for relatives. AIIMS and other emergency departments in the area were put on alert given the proximity of the incident to major medical centres.

What investigators will look at
Officials said the probe will focus on the origin of the fire in the restaurant, the speed of its spread to upper floors, evacuation routes, fire safety equipment availability and whether exits were accessible. If the NOC or other safety clearances are found missing or falsified, charges could be broadened.

Outlook and public impact
The killings have raised immediate questions about safety standards in budget hotels and guest houses near Delhi hospitals — places that often house long-stay attendants and foreign patients. Local residents and patient families called for tighter inspections of such premises.

Authorities said a detailed status update and formal list of victims would be released after post-mortems and family notifications are complete. Meanwhile, police and municipal teams continued compiling the building’s records and ownership papers as the criminal investigation proceeds.