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Curfew Remains in Effect as Police Maintain Vigil Curfew continues in 10 police station limits in Nagpur following the violent clashes that erupted on March 17. Security personnel remain deployed as authorities assess the situation. 14 More Arrested, Including 10 Juveniles Nagpur police have arrested 14 more individuals in connection with the violence, bringing the total number of arrests to 105. Among those detained on March 21, 10 are juveniles, according to a senior police official. New FIRs Registered in the Aftermath of Riots Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singhal confirmed that three additional FIRs have been registered in connection with the riots. “Fourteen accused were arrested from different parts of the city. Three more FIRs have been registered,” he stated. Riots Erupted Over Religious Tensions The violence broke out on March 17 following rumors that a “chadar” with holy inscriptions was burned during a protest led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The protest was reportedly demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The rumors triggered large-scale stone pelting and arson in several areas of Nagpur. Review Meeting to Decide on Curfew Relaxation A high-level review meeting will determine whether the curfew can be lifted from some parts of the city. Police Commissioner Singhal held a meeting at Police Bhavan in Civil Lines to assess the situation and strategize further action. 33 Police Personnel Injured, Key Accused Booked for Sedition During the clashes, 33 police personnel, including three Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers, sustained injuries. Authorities have booked key accused Fahim Khan under sedition charges as part of the ongoing investigation.

Involvement in Simbhaoli Sugar Mills Fraud Case Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, has been named in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR related to a 2018 bank fraud case involving Simbhaoli Sugar Mills. The case originated from a complaint by the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC), which alleged that the company, along with its directors, orchestrated a fraudulent loan scheme. At the time, Justice Varma was a non-executive director of Simbhaoli Sugar Mills. Fraudulent Loan Scheme and Bank’s Complaint According to the bank’s complaint, between January and March 2012, OBC’s Hapur branch disbursed Rs 148.59 crore to 5,762 farmers under a scheme meant to help them purchase fertilisers and seeds. The funds were to be transferred to an escrow account before being distributed to the farmers. Simbhaoli Sugar Mills had guaranteed repayment and covered any defaults. However, the company allegedly submitted falsified Know Your Customer (KYC) documents and misappropriated the funds. By March 2015, OBC declared the loan a fraud, with losses amounting to Rs 97.85 crore and an outstanding sum of Rs 109.08 crore. Other Accused and ED’s Parallel Probe Another significant figure named in the FIR was Gurpal Singh, the deputy managing director of the company and son-in-law of then Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Based on the CBI’s FIR, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a separate investigation into money laundering allegations. Allahabad High Court Orders Fresh Investigation In December 2023, the Allahabad High Court ordered a fresh CBI probe into seven banks linked to the loan disbursement, stating that the fraud had “shaken the conscience” of the judiciary. The court found that several bank officials may have colluded with Simbhaoli Sugar Mills in approving loans amounting to Rs 900 crore. It was noted that OBC was the only bank that approached the Enforcement Directorate, leading to the seizure of some properties. The court directed the CBI to investigate the involvement of bank officials and members of credit committees who facilitated the fraudulent transactions. CBI’s Renewed Investigation in 2024 Following the Allahabad High Court’s order, the CBI launched a fresh investigation in February 2024. The focus was to determine why banks continued to extend loans to Simbhaoli Sugar Mills between 2009 and 2017 despite its status as a loan defaulter. The new probe named the company, its directors, and unidentified bank officials. However, in March 2024, the Supreme Court stayed the Allahabad High Court’s order. Fire and Cash Discovery at Justice Varma’s Residence On March 14, a fire broke out in the storeroom of Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence in Lutyens Delhi. When the fire brigade arrived at 11:43 pm, they reportedly found a large sum of cash scattered among burnt jute sacks. A staff member claimed the destroyed materials included court-related documents and stationery. Though no FIR was registered since no injuries occurred, videos of the cash were recorded and shared with senior Delhi Police officials. The matter was escalated to the government and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). The total amount recovered was reportedly Rs 15 crore, prompting an immediate inquiry by the CJI. Judicial Response and Transfer of Justice Varma Following the incident, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, decided to transfer Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court. However, the transfer was described as only the “first step” in an ongoing preliminary inquiry. Justice Varma did not hold court the following day and was reportedly “on leave.” Sources suggest that some members of the Collegium are advocating for stricter action against him. If he does not step down voluntarily, the Collegium could initiate an internal inquiry, potentially leading to his removal through impeachment by Parliament.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) worth nearly Rs 7,000 crore, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence sector. ATAGS: A Game-Changer for the Indian Army The ATAGS is the first indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured 155 mm artillery gun system, equipped with cutting-edge technology and superior firepower. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Indian private industry partners, ATAGS boasts an extended firing range of up to 40 km, providing a strategic edge to the Indian Armed Forces. Key features of ATAGS include: Modernisation of Artillery & Strategic Deployment The induction of ATAGS will replace outdated 105 mm and 130 mm artillery guns, modernising the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities. The system is expected to be deployed along India’s western and northern borders, strengthening operational readiness against potential threats. Boost to ‘Make in India’ & Employment Generation As a fully indigenous system, ATAGS will have a robust supply chain for spare parts and lifecycle maintenance, reducing dependency on foreign defence imports. The project is set to generate around 20 lakh man-days of employment across industries, strengthening India’s domestic defence ecosystem. Additionally, ATAGS is expected to enhance India’s position in the global defence export market, paving the way for future indigenous defence exports.

Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna, at the center of a failed honey trap attempt, revealed today that not just he but 48 MLAs have been targeted in similar cases over the past two decades. The shocking disclosure has sparked a political storm, with opposition BJP demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. High-Level Investigation Ordered PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi confirmed that Rajanna was targeted twice, and a high-level probe will be initiated by the state home ministry. Speaking at the legislative assembly, Rajanna stated, “There is talk that a minister from Tumkuru has been a victim of a honey trap. There are only two of us from Tumkuru, one is me and the other is the Home Minister.” Acknowledging the gravity of the issue, Rajanna urged for a thorough investigation, adding that he was ready to file a complaint himself. He further emphasized that members from all parties—Congress, BJP, and JD(S)—have fallen victim to such traps over the years. ‘Honey Traps Have Been Happening for 20 Years’ Jarkiholi stressed that honey-trapping is not a new phenomenon in Karnataka politics and has been occurring for the last two decades. He warned against political parties exploiting such cases for political gains and insisted that the practice must stop. “Every party—Congress, BJP, and JD(S)—has been a victim. This has to end,” he said. He also revealed that he had spoken to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G Parameshwara, demanding an investigation into the recent case. However, he insisted that the victim must come forward and file a complaint for any probe to proceed. BJP Slams Congress, Demands CBI Probe Jarkiholi’s statement has given the BJP fresh ammunition to target the Congress government. Senior BJP leader CT Ravi said, “Satish Jarkiholi is a senior leader. If he has made such a statement, then it must be true.” He demanded a thorough investigation to identify the masterminds behind the honey-trap operations. Former BJP minister V Sunil Kumar, who initially raised the issue in the assembly, accused the Congress of running a “honey-trap factory.” He called for an immediate investigation by the state home department. With the Karnataka government ordering a high-level probe and political parties trading barbs, the honey trap scandal has become a major flashpoint in the state’s political landscape.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating Naxalism, following the killing of 22 Naxalites in two separate encounters in Chhattisgarh. He emphasized that security forces are making significant strides towards a Naxal Mukt Bharat (Naxal-Free India) and reaffirmed that the government will not tolerate insurgency. Major Security Operation in Bijapur and Kanker The large-scale anti-Naxal operation was conducted by a joint team of the Border Security Force (BSF) and the District Reserve Guard (DRG) in two districts of Chhattisgarh—Bijapur and Kanker. According to security officials, 18 Naxalites were eliminated in Bijapur, while four were neutralized in Kanker. The Bijapur encounter took place in the early hours near the border of Bijapur and Dantewada districts. Security forces launched an offensive in the Gangaloor police station area, leading to an intense gunfight. Following the operation, authorities recovered 18 bodies along with firearms and explosives. Unfortunately, a DRG jawan lost his life in the encounter. Meanwhile, in Kanker, four Maoists were eliminated near Koroskodo village in the Chhotebethiya police station area. The operation, carried out along the Kanker-Narayanpur border, is still ongoing, with security forces recovering automatic weapons from the site. Officials have reported intermittent gunfire as personnel continue combing operations in the region. Government’s Firm Stand Against Naxalism Amit Shah emphasized that the Modi government is taking a “ruthless approach” against Naxal insurgents who refuse to surrender despite being given opportunities for reintegration. He further stated that India will be completely free of Naxalism before March 31, 2026. Recent Counter-Insurgency Successes The recent encounter follows a series of counter-insurgency measures in the region. Just last week, 17 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district, and in February, security forces arrested 18 Maoists while recovering explosives in three separate operations. These actions reflect the government’s intensified crackdown on left-wing extremism. Chhattisgarh CM Praises Security Forces Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lauded the security forces for their successful operation. He expressed confidence in the Union Home Minister’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism, stating, “After two separate operations, bodies of 22 Naxalites have been found in Kanker and Bijapur. We appreciate the efforts of our security forces. The Union Home Minister has vowed to end Naxalism by March 31, 2026, and we are confident that his commitment will be fulfilled.” With the government’s aggressive counter-insurgency measures and increasing pressure on Maoist groups, the fight against Naxalism is intensifying, bringing India closer to achieving a Naxal Mukt Bharat.