https://www.ptcnews.tv/news-in-punjabi/ed-arrests-former-punjab-dig-harcharan-bhullar-in-money-laundering-case-4430323

ਕੁਸੁਮ ਦੀ ਇਸ ਬਹਾਦਰੀ ਦੀ ਵੀਡੀਓ ਸੋਸ਼ਲ ਮੀਡੀਆ ’ਤੇ ਵਾਇਰਲ ਹੋ ਗਈ ਸੀ, ਜਿਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਸਾਲ 2023 ਵਿੱਚ ‘ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਬਹਾਦਰੀ ਪੁਰਸਕਾਰ’ ਨਾਲ ਨਵਾਜਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਤਤਕਾਲੀ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਕੈਪਟਨ ਅਮਰਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਨੇ ਵੀ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਲਾਘਾ ਕਰਦਿਆਂ 1 ਲੱਖ ਰੁਪਏ ਦੀ ਵਿੱਤੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਉਸ ਵੇਲੇ ਦੇ ਪੁਲੀਸ ਕਮਿਸ਼ਨਰ ਗੁਰਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਭੁੱਲਰ ਨੇ 50,000 ਰੁਪਏ ਅਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਨਵਾਂ ਫੋਨ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਸੀ। ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹਾ ਪ੍ਰਸ਼ਾਸਨ ਨੇ ਪੀ.ਏ.ਪੀ. ਫਲਾਈਓਵਰ ਹੇਠ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਗ੍ਰਾਫਿਟੀ ਬਣਵਾਈ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ‘ਬੇਟੀ ਬਚਾਓ, ਬੇਟੀ ਪੜ੍ਹਾਓ’ ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਦੀ ਬ੍ਰਾਂਡ ਅੰਬੈਸਡਰ ਵੀ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ।

ਇਸ ਮਾਮਲੇ 'ਚ ਹੁਣ ਜਲੰਧਰ ਦੀ ਵਾਧੂ ਸੈਸ਼ਨ ਜੱਜ ਪਰਮਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਰਾਏ ਦੀ ਅਦਾਲਤ ਨੇ ਮੋਬਾਈਲ ਖੋਹਣ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਸਕੂਲੀ ਲੜਕੀ ਅਤੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਦੀ ਬਹਾਦਰ ਧੀ ਕੁਸੁਮ ਕੁਮਾਰੀ (ਉਮਰ ਉਸ ਸਮੇਂ 15 ਸਾਲ) ’ਤੇ ਜਾਨਲੇਵਾ ਹਮਲਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਦੋਸ਼ ਹੇਠ ਦੋ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ 10-10 ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਕੈਦ ਦੀ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਸੁਣਾਈ ਹੈ।

ਅਦਾਲਤ ਨੇ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਦੋਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਅਵਿਨਾਸ਼ ਕੁਮਾਰ ਉਰਫ਼ ਆਸ਼ੂ ਅਤੇ ਵਿਨੋਦ ਕੁਮਾਰ ਉਰਫ਼ ਝਿੱਕਾ ਨੂੰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਦੰਡ ਸੰਹਿਤਾ (IPC) ਦੀ ਧਾਰਾ 307 (ਇਰਾਦਾ-ਏ-ਕਤਲ) ਅਤੇ 379-ਬੀ (ਝਪਟਮਾਰੀ) ਤਹਿਤ ਦੋਸ਼ੀ ਠਹਿਰਾਇਆ ਹੈ। ਇਸ ਤੋਂ ਇਲਾਵਾ ਵਿਨੋਦ ਨੂੰ ਚੋਰੀ ਦਾ ਸਾਮਾਨ ਰੱਖਣ ਦੇ ਦੋਸ਼ ਹੇਠ ਧਾਰਾ 411 ਤਹਿਤ ਵੀ ਦੋਸ਼ੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਗਿਆ। ਅਦਾਲਤ ਨੇ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਦੋਸ਼ੀਆਂ ’ਤੇ ਧਾਰਾ 307 ਤਹਿਤ 50,000-50,000 ਰੁਪਏ ਅਤੇ ਧਾਰਾ 379-ਬੀ ਤਹਿਤ 20,000-20,000 ਰੁਪਏ ਦਾ ਜੁਰਮਾਨਾ ਲਾਇਆ ਹੈ। ਵਿਨੋਦ ਨੂੰ ਧਾਰਾ 411 ਤਹਿਤ ਵੱਖਰੇ ਤੌਰ ’ਤੇ ਦੋ ਸਾਲ ਦੀ ਕੈਦ ਅਤੇ 5,000 ਰੁਪਏ ਜੁਰਮਾਨੇ ਦੀ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਵੀ ਸੁਣਾਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ।

ਅਦਾਲਤ ਨੇ ਪੀੜਤ ਕੁਸੁਮ ਅਤੇ ਮੌਕੇ ’ਤੇ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਦੋ ਗੁਆਂਢੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਬਿਆਨਾਂ ਸੀ.ਸੀ.ਟੀ.ਵੀ. ਫੋਟੋਆਂ, ਬਰਾਮਦ ਕੀਤੇ ਹਥਿਆਰ, ਮੋਟਰਸਾਈਕਲ ਅਤੇ ਫੋਰੈਂਸਿਕ ਲੈਬ ਦੀ ਰਿਪੋਰਟ ਦੇ ਆਧਾਰ ’ਤੇ ਦੋਵਾਂ ਦੋਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਜ਼ਾ ਸੁਣਾਈ।

After spotting the bodies, local residents gathered at the scene and informed the police. DSP Harinder Singh of the Goindwal Sahib subdivision reached the spot along with a police team and began an investigation.

The deceased have been identified as Gurjinder Singh alias Billa (26), son of Kulwant Singh from Khara village, and Palwinder Singh alias Pindi (23), son of Narinder Singh from Pakhopur village. Both men were reportedly unmarried.

Bodies dumped at another location

The incident took place late Tuesday night in Pakhopur village, under the Chohla Sahib police station area of Tarn Taran. The two men were allegedly shot dead and their bodies were later dumped at another location in Chohla Sahib.

The motive behind the killings and the identity of the attackers are not yet known. The police are investigating the case from different angles.

Police investigating motive

DSP Harinder Singh said a detailed investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the killings and identify any possible personal rivalry or other reason behind the attack.

He said anyone found responsible would be arrested and appropriate legal action would be taken.

Police are also recording statements from the victims’ family members and collecting other evidence related to the incident. Further action will be taken based on the investigation and the statements recorded.

The deceased has been identified as Ashwani Kumar, the Aam Aadmi Party sarpanch of Toot village. He was travelling in an Innova towards the Toot grain market with his driver, son and accountant. When the vehicle reached near the village, unidentified men riding a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire.

Ashwani Kumar sustained multiple bullet injuries and was taken to a private hospital in Patti, where doctors declared him dead. His associate, Chamkaur Singh, was also seriously injured and is undergoing treatment. The attackers fled the scene on their motorcycle.

Wife claims ₹50 lakh extortion demand

The victim's wife, Parveen Kumari, claimed that her family had been receiving threats for some time and that ₹50 lakh was being demanded from her husband as extortion.

She said the family had received several threats and was warned that they would be killed if the money was not paid. According to her, the threats were allegedly being issued by a gang.

Parveen said she had asked her husband about the threats, but he did not share details with her. She claimed that Ashwani Kumar was aware of the people who were threatening him.

Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the attackers. After examining CCTV footage, police released images of the suspected motorcycle-borne assailants and shared contact numbers for officials, appealing to the public to provide any information that could help identify them.

The shooting has created tension in the area.

Former sarpanch killed days earlier

The incident comes just days after former sarpanch Navtej Singh of Manewal village was shot dead in Ludhiana on Saturday.

Navtej Singh was returning home when two motorcycle-borne attackers allegedly stopped his Innova and opened at least 10 rounds of fire. The shooting was captured on the SUV's dashboard camera.

On the same day, Punjabi influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants in Amritsar. Sandhu was a member of the LGBTQ community. A social media account allegedly linked to a gang member later claimed responsibility for the killing.

The police have registered a case of fraud and forgery against six persons, including the woman, Manvinder Kaur.

What the AAP leader says

Mandofal is AAP's joint secretary, a Zila Parishad member and chairman of the Market Committee in Sirhind. He says the woman and her family told him before the wedding that she was a PCS officer and was unmarried. He also claims they gave a lower age for her. Based on this, the two were married in February 2026.

Also Read | CBI raids homes of CM Mann's OSD Rajbir Ghuman in Sangrur and his brother in Mohali; team also at CM office

According to Mandofal, the truth came out only after the wedding. When he looked into her background, he found that she had been married before and was divorced. He says she also has a son who is about 18 years old. He alleges that this was hidden from him on purpose.

He has also claimed that documents were tampered with to make her look younger.

Jewellery allegedly taken

Mandofal alleges that a few days after the wedding, the woman left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables. He then went to the police with a complaint. Besides Manvinder Kaur, the FIR names her brother, Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, Narinder Singh Goldy, a cousin, Rupinder Kaur, her sister-in-law and Surinder Singh Rana, former village sarpanch.

All accused are from Sursingh village, which falls under the Bhikhiwind police station area in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding was attended by several well-known AAP figures. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond were among those who reportedly came. Photos and videos from the celebrations, including leaders dancing bhangra, had also gone viral.

The police are looking into the allegations. The named accused are yet to be traced.


Also Read | Punjab govt faces High Court heat over DA dues; Chief Secretary gets criminal contempt notice

In the video, Rasik Dulari appears to be walking unsteadily. He is also seen adjusting his dhoti while moving through the corridor. His movements have raised questions about whether he had suffered an injury before reaching the staircase.

He walks for around 19 steps before turning towards the other side of the corridor to take the stairs.

Also Read | Vrindavan disciple death mystery: Grinder found in room, deleted chats under police scanner

Four CCTV videos have surfaced

Rasik Dulari Sharan died on September 25 after allegedly jumping from the fourth floor of Guru Kripa Kunj building in Vrindavan. His last rites were performed on the banks of the Yamuna the following day.

Four CCTV clips connected to the incident have surfaced over the past nine days. The police have said they are examining where the footage came from and who circulated it.

According to the police, the clips have been circulating through WhatsApp groups. More than 30 persons associated with the Keli Kunj ashram have reportedly been questioned as part of the investigation.

The first CCTV footage surfaced on September 27. It reportedly shows Rasik Dulari falling from a height of around 40 feet and landing on the road. The footage shows people nearby reacting to the incident. Two cyclists were passing through the area at the time.

The footage was subsequently circulated widely on social media and messaging groups.

Another clip, which surfaced on October 4, runs for around 33 seconds. It reportedly shows Rasik Dulari climbing the staircase towards the roof. Blood stains can reportedly be seen on his dhoti in the footage. His movements also appear slow, with some difficulty while climbing the stairs.

The latest video, which surfaced a day later, shows him leaving his room before heading towards the staircase.

Rasik Dulari had been staying at the four-storey Guru Kripa Kunj building in the Varah Ghat area of Vrindavan for around three months.

The police said he was taken to Sarvodaya Hospital in a critical condition after the incident, where he later died.

Some witnesses had reportedly claimed that he was bleeding from his private parts after the fall. The police also reportedly found a grinder in the room with blood stains on it.

An earlier account raised the possibility that he may have sustained an injury from the grinder before his death. However, the circumstances surrounding the injury remain part of the investigation.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on September 26 by a panel of two doctors, with the procedure videographed.

According to the preliminary findings cited in the report, injuries were found on his head, legs and waist. Cuts were also reportedly found on his private parts. The exact sequence of events leading to these injuries is being examined by investigators.

Rasik Dulari Sharan was originally from Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. He came to Vrindavan around two years ago and later took initiation from Premanand Maharaj. His earlier name was Deepak Lodhi, which he changed to Rasik Dulari Sharan after taking initiation.

He was trained in electrical work and was reportedly assigned electrical-related duties at the ashram.

Rasik Dulari's mother, Laung Bai, travelled to Vrindavan after learning about her son's death.

She said she had last spoken to him around two years ago. According to her, she had earlier visited Vrindavan to meet her son but was not allowed to see him.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING⚠️

This article contains sensitive content related to suicide and self-harm and may be distressing or triggering for some viewers.Viewer discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately.

???? Tele-MANAS Mental Health Helpline: Dial 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 from anywhere in India. Available 24×7 across India.

The threat was received through a message sent to the police control room. The message named schools located in different parts of the city, raising concerns among authorities and parents.

The schools mentioned in the threat are Air Force School in Sector 31, St Soldier International School in Sector 28, DAV Model School in Sector 15, St Stephen’s School in Sector 45 and Ajit School in Sectors 41 and 45. n Ankur School located on the Punjabi University campus was also reportedly mentioned in a separate threat message.

Soon after receiving the information, police teams reached the schools and stepped up security. The campuses and nearby areas are being thoroughly checked as a precautionary measure.

Bomb disposal teams and other security agencies have also been alerted. Security personnel are carrying out searches to ensure there is no threat to students, teachers or staff.

At present, authorities have not confirmed the recovery of any suspicious object from the schools.

The police are also investigating the source of the message and examining its technical details to identify the sender. Officials are trying to determine whether the threat is genuine or was sent with the intention of creating panic.

Further details are expected once the security checks and investigation are completed.

Also Read | Assistant sub-inspector, in civil dress, shot at by 3 armed men in Punjab's Ajnala

According to the police, Neetu was on his way to his land when the assailants intercepted him and opened fire. He sustained multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot. The attackers fled the spot after firing. 

The firing caused panic in the area, after which police teams reached the spot and began investigating. Police said around four empty bullet shells were recovered from the scene.

ACP (West) Jatinderpal Singh said an FIR had been registered against eight people, including two named accused and six unidentified suspects. Police are checking CCTV footage to identify the remaining accused and determine exactly what happened.

Ladhowal SHO Sukhwinder Singh said the case was registered based on a complaint from the victim’s family. During the initial investigation, police found that Neetu and his partner were involved in a land dispute in Mannewal village.

Land dispute with relatives

According to family sources, Navtej Singh had been involved in a long-running land dispute with some of his relatives. The family suspects that the rivalry may have led to his murder being carried out by hired attackers. Navtej Singh is survived by his wife, a son who is a lawyer, and a married daughter who lives in Amritsar. Police are examining the CCTV footage as part of the investigation.

Police are investigating the land dispute as a possible motive for the murder, along with other possible reasons. Further investigation is underway.

The incident took place around 6 pm, when the attackers reportedly fired four rounds at Mad Sandhu in a public area before fleeing the spot. He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a private hospital. However, he reportedly died on the way.

Goldy Dhillon claims responsibility for Mad Sandhu murder

Goldy Dhillon has allegedly claimed responsibility for the murder of influencer Mad Sandhu in a social media post. In the post, Dhillon reportedly stated that he and Jagga Tarn Taran were taking responsibility for the killing. He also issued threats against those allegedly promoting the accused through social media and warned schools against inviting them as chief guests. The post further contained threatening remarks about individuals outside Punjab and those who had not responded to calls regarding security. Police are expected to verify the authenticity of the post and investigate the claims.

PTC News does not independently verity the authenticity of the post

A video purportedly linked to the incident has also surfaced on social media. It shows Sandhu lying injured on the road, with his companions trying to lift him. Empty bullet shells can also be seen scattered near the spot.

The police reached the area soon after receiving information about the shooting. DCP Prabhjot Singh said the police had recovered two empty shells from the scene and formed a team to investigate the case.

Posted his last reel hours before shooting

Mad Sandhu had uploaded what appears to be his final Instagram reel at around 5 pm on Saturday, roughly an hour before the shooting.

The reel carried a Punjabi caption in which he appeared to talk about wanting to get married and referred to dealing with a “badmash” or troublesome person.

Controversy with Nihang group three months ago

Around three months before his death, Mad Sandhu had reportedly been involved in a dispute with Nihang jathedar Manpreet Singh Khalsa.

During the controversy, objections were raised over Sandhu’s social media content, clothing and some of his older videos. The Nihang side had reportedly advised him to stay away from content that, according to them, could negatively influence Punjab’s culture and young people.

Sandhu later defended himself, saying he had made changes in his life and had stopped repeating mistakes from the past. He also alleged that his old videos were being circulated again to unnecessarily reignite the controversy.

Sandhu had also earlier been involved in a social media controversy involving Punjabi singer KS Makhan.

The dispute reportedly began after comments made by the singer during a live show and podcast, where Sandhu's style and lifestyle were discussed. The matter subsequently spilled onto social media, with both sides exchanging statements.

The police are further investigation the matter and trying to establish sequence of events surrounding the killing. 

Also Read | 'Even if i go to jail...': AAP's own Maur MLA Maiserkhana goes public against own govt, alleges conspiracy and sidelining

The deceased has been identified as Tejinder Singh, the only son of Kuldeep Singh of Khokhra village in Gurdaspur district. He was attacked on September 18 and died while on ventilator support on September 29, according to his family.

The police have detained a 16-year-old girl in connection with the case. A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault and death.

Also Read | From Akal Takht to Buta Singh: Times when Raja Warring made headlines over his controversial remarks

According to Tejinder's family, he had been in a relationship with the girl for around three years. The two reportedly came into contact while studying at the same school and grew closer over time.

His mother Narinder said the family had initially opposed the relationship and had advised her son to stay away from the girl. The family claims that around three months before the incident, Tejinder came to know that the girl was also allegedly in contact with other youths. Following this, he decided to end the relationship and began keeping his distance from her.

According to his family, the girl was unhappy with his decision to end the relationship.

Dispute reportedly escalated before fatal assault

Family members said the two had several arguments after Tejinder attempted to distance himself from the girl. They alleged that she followed him to Mukerian, where the two reportedly had a heated argument at a restaurant and later at a hotel.

The family further alleged that during one such confrontation, the girl's mobile phone-related dispute resulted in Tejinder's phone being damaged. Another argument allegedly took place when the two met in Gurdaspur's Chakk Sharif market to return gifts.

Tejinder's sister told mediapersons that she received a message from the girl through a friend's phone on September 16, two days before the attack. According to Tanveer, the message said Tejinder no longer wanted to continue the relationship because his family did not approve of it.

Tanveer said she replied that the girl should also stay away from her brother since he had already moved on.

Family alleges nine youths were involved

According to Tejinder's sister, the girl allegedly called him to meet her at Bhusa village on September 18. The family claims that several youths were present at the location when Tejinder arrived and that they attacked him.

The family alleges that as many as nine young men were involved in the assault. Tejinder reportedly suffered severe head injuries and was subsequently taken for medical treatment.

Villagers later informed the family about his condition, according to relatives.

Girl allegedly told police she paid for assault, not murder

The police detained the minor on September 23 in connection with the case. According to Tejinder's family, the girl told the police during questioning that she had paid the youths to break his hands and legs, but had not instructed them to kill him or strike him on the head.

The family also alleged that after the attack, the girl called Tejinder's uncle and asked about his condition before ending the call after identifying herself.

Family demands arrests of all accused

Tejinder's relatives have demanded the arrest of all those allegedly involved in the attack. They have also said that they will not perform his last rites until the girl and the other accused are arrested and action is taken against them.

Three-member SIT formed

Gurdaspur SP Manoj Thakur said Tejinder's father, Kuldeep Singh, submitted a complaint on September 20, following which an FIR was registered the same day.

The SP said the family had expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation being conducted by Kahnuwan police. Taking the seriousness of the matter into account, a three-member SIT was subsequently constituted on the directions of the SSP.

The minor accused has been taken into police custody for questioning, the SP said. Investigators are examining the evidence and the alleged involvement of the other accused.

The police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

Arshpreet Singh, 28, of Sacramento, and Vikramjeet Singh, 31, of Fontana, were convicted of conspiring to steal goods being transported between states. Arshpreet was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while Vikramjeet was cleared of that charge.

According to US prosecutors, the two men and their associates allegedly bought or misused genuine trucking companies to win legitimate shipping contracts. After securing the contracts, they picked up valuable shipments but did not deliver them to their intended destinations.

The scheme reportedly operated from March 2024 to June 2025. The stolen goods included televisions, laptops, household appliances, vacuum cleaners, LED lights, shoes, tyres and other consumer products. Prosecutors estimate the total loss at at least $2 million.

The thefts took place at several locations across Southern California, including Fontana, Vernon, Santa Fe Springs, Long Beach, Compton, Commerce, Chino and Moreno Valley, as well as Grand Prairie in Texas.

Prosecutors said the defendants bought established trucking companies to carry out the scheme. In March 2024, Arshpreet allegedly agreed to buy Texas-based Z&F Transportation LLC for around $22,000. Later that month, someone working with him reportedly used the company to collect a shipment of televisions in Fontana but never delivered it to Florida.

In another case, associates allegedly bought Skyways Trucking LLC in May 2024 and used it to book shipments through freight brokers, including Uber Freight. The shipments reportedly included laptops, televisions, solar panels and other goods.

Sentencing has been scheduled for January 20, 2027. Arshpreet could face up to 20 years in federal prison, while Vikramjeet could receive a maximum sentence of five years.

The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and several local law enforcement agencies.

According to the family, Sanamdeep had allegedly been threatened and intimidated by village sarpanch Deep Singh Bawa and his aides. The family has been demanding strict action against those they hold responsible for his death.

Five days after Sanamdeep’s death, his family has not yet performed the last rites. His body has been kept at the mortuary of Sangrur Civil Hospital.

The police have already registered a case against the current sarpanch, Deep Singh Bawa. However, the family is now demanding that provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be added to the case.

Also Read | Amritsar schoolgirl ends life; family protests, alleges mental harassment by teacher

The protest at Barnala Chowk drew a heavy police deployment. DSP Satnam Singh reached the spot and interacted with the protesters. The situation reportedly became tense during discussions between the police officer and the demonstrators.

Family members, villagers and representatives of various organisations participated in the protest, calling for a fair investigation and justice for Sanamdeep.

Villagers back sarpanch, reject allegations

Meanwhile, a separate gathering was held at the panchayat house at village Akoi, where a section of villagers opposed the case registered against Sarpanch Deep Singh Bawa.

The villagers claimed that the case against the sarpanch was unjustified. They alleged that Sanamdeep had taken the extreme step following a dispute with his own family and claimed that an old personal rivalry was being used to implicate the sarpanch.

The two sides have therefore presented conflicting accounts of the circumstances surrounding Sanamdeep’s death.

The police investigation is expected to determine the circumstances leading to the death and the role, if any, of those named in the case.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING⚠️

This article contains sensitive content related to suicide and self-harm and may be distressing or triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately.

Tele-MANAS Mental Health Helpline: Dial 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 from anywhere in India. Available 24×7 across India.

Following the incident, the victim's family members and relatives staged a protest on the road, demanding justice and strict action against the teacher whom they have accused of harassing the teenager.

According to the family, she was a student at Mall Mandi Memorial School. They alleged that she had been removed from school for around 10 to 15 days following a dispute involving some students.

The family further claimed that when the victim returned to school after nearly a month, a teacher allegedly used insulting language against her and again asked her to leave the school. Relatives also alleged that the teacher made disparaging remarks about her studies and her aspirations for the future.

According to her family, their daughter wanted to become a police officer. They alleged that her ambition was also mocked.

The family believes that the alleged incidents had a serious impact on her mental well-being and that she subsequently took the extreme step.

After her death, family members and relatives gathered on the road and staged a protest, seeking an impartial investigation, registration of a case and the arrest of the teacher named in their allegations. They have also demanded strict legal action and termination of the teacher’s employment.

Police officials, including ACP Ravinder Singh, are looking into the matter. The school management and the teacher concerned could not be contacted for the comments. The circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death will become clearer as the police investigation progresses.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING⚠️

This article contains sensitive content related to suicide and self-harm and may be distressing or triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, please seek help immediately.

Tele-MANAS Mental Health Helpline: Dial 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 from anywhere in India. Available 24×7 across India.

District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra announced the verdict after a trial that lasted nearly 13 months and involved 126 hearings. The prosecution examined more than 22 witnesses and placed forensic and scientific evidence before the court.

The court will now hear arguments on the punishment to be awarded to the two convicts. The prosecution has asked for strict punishment, including the death penalty.

According to the prosecution’s case, Saurabh Rajput was allegedly drugged and killed by Muskan with the help of Sahil Shukla in March 2025. His body was then cut into pieces and the remains were placed inside a blue plastic drum. The drum was reportedly sealed with cement.

The police recovered the remains during the investigation. Muskan and Shukla had allegedly left for Himachal Pradesh after the murder and were later arrested after returning to Meerut.

The prosecution case was based mainly on circumstantial and forensic evidence, as there was no eyewitness to the killing. Police and forensic officials gave evidence about the recovery of the remains and other material linked to the case.

Post-mortem findings recorded injuries caused by sharp-edged weapons. Investigators also presented evidence concerning the alleged purchase of a knife, razor, plastic drum, cement and sand.

The defence questioned the prosecution's case, highlighting the absence of an eyewitness. The defence lawyers also challenged the circumstances presented by the prosecution and claimed that the accused had been linked to the case over a property dispute.

Final arguments in the case were completed on September 17. The court then fixed September 30 for the verdict.

Security was increased around the Meerut court complex ahead of the judgment.

The case had also seen an incident of violence earlier. In March 2025, Shukla was allegedly attacked by a group of lawyers when he was brought to court. The police intervened and removed him from the area under tight security.

The court will now decide the sentence after hearing arguments from both sides.

Also Read | Rs 657 crore bank scam: CBI probe uncovers Ribhav Rishi’s luxury life, dancer girlfriend & high-profile parties

According to the CBI, Rishi met the woman at an event in Chandigarh in March or April 2025, where she was performing. The two met again at a farmhouse party in Jaipur on May 8, 2025.

The woman later told investigators that Rishi met her at the St Regis hotel in Mumbai on July 5, 2025, and told her that he loved her. At the time, Rishi was already married.

Also Read | LPU violence case reaches High Court, student seeks CBI probe into vandalism, arson

She told the CBI that Rishi introduced himself as an event planner associated with SRR Planning Gurus and also claimed to be involved in the rice import-export business and to be working as a branch manager with IDFC First Bank.

The CBI has alleged that SRR Planning Gurus was among the entities used in the alleged diversion of government funds.

What did Rishi allegedly promise the woman?

According to her statement to the CBI, Rishi told her that he would divorce his wife, Divya Arora, and marry her. The woman, who is from Siwan in Bihar, said Rishi also promised to support her and her family. She told investigators that he paid Rs 1 lakh as a token amount for a house in Dwarka, Delhi, on July 18, 2025.

She claimed that the property involved a total cash payment of Rs 3.10 crore, with Rishi paying most of the amount. She said she contributed Rs 49 lakh, while another Rs 90 lakh was to be paid towards the property.

According to her statement, she began living in the house on January 2, 2026.

She also told the CBI that Rishi paid her Rs 10 lakh every month from August 2025 to January 2026, amounting to Rs 56 lakh. She said the payments were linked to her decision to stop dancing as a source of income.

Who is the woman dancer?

The woman is described in the CBI investigation as a professional dancer who performed at private events organised by Rishi.

She told investigators that she performed at only two or three parties organised by him. However, she said Rishi ensured her presence at several other events held at Jade Manor in Zirakpur, where she was not required to perform.

According to her statement, Rishi paid the event organiser Rs 2 lakh for her presence at each such event, with half of that amount being given to her.

She has emerged as a witness in the CBI's investigation and has provided details about the parties, people who attended them, payments and her interactions with Rishi.

What happened at the parties?

The woman told the CBI that parties were organised at locations in Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai, while several Chandigarh area events were held at Jade Manor in Zirakpur.

She alleged that Haryana government officials and other people accused in the case attended some of these gatherings.

According to her statement, five or six dancers were arranged for some events by an organiser identified as Nitin Anand, a UAE resident. She said around Rs 15-20 lakh was spent on each party.

She further alleged that currency notes were arranged by Rishi and thrown by some government officials at dancers during the events. The money collected by the dancers was allegedly divided between the dancers and the organiser.

The CBI has recorded her account regarding the people who allegedly attended these parties and the activities that took place there.

Foreign trips with accused persons

The woman also told investigators about several trips she made with Rishi and other people named in the case.

In August 2025, she travelled with Rishi and others to Macau and later Thailand. Those accompanying them allegedly included former Haryana government official Naresh Kumar Bhuwani, former AU Small Finance Bank regional manager Arun Sharma and former IDFC First Bank relationship manager Abhay Kumar.

On November 21, 2025, she travelled with Rishi to Dubai along with Sharma, Kumar and Bhuwani. She said she and Rishi stayed at the Burj Al Arab.

According to her statement, Rishi later showed her a newly built four-bedroom duplex near the new Dubai airport and told her that he planned to settle in Dubai with her in the future.

The couple reportedly travelled to Dubai again in January 2026, when Rishi allegedly booked a Toyota Land Cruiser.

What is the ₹657-crore bank scam?

The case concerns the alleged illegal transfer of money from government department bank accounts in Haryana and the Chandigarh Administration.

The CBI alleges that government funds were diverted through a network involving officials, bank employees and private entities. Investigators have alleged that companies, including SRR Planning Gurus and Swastik Desh Projects were used in the transactions.

The CBI has alleged that Rishi authorised at least 25 fraudulent debit transactions worth Rs 187.35 crore from multiple government accounts.

According to the agency, Rs 5.40 crore was received by Rishi through SRR Planning Gurus and another Rs 1.50 crore through Swastik Desh Projects in his personal accounts. His wife, Divya Arora, allegedly received Rs 18.32 crore.

The CBI has also seized the woman's Samsung Z Fold smartphone as part of the investigation.

The case also includes allegations against government officials and bank employees. Investigators are continuing to examine financial transactions, communications and other evidence to establish how government money was allegedly moved and who benefited from it.

Speaking after her release, Shalu said she never imagined that her husband's strained relationship with his father could lead to murder. “I had absolutely no idea my husband was planning all this,” she said while speaking to Aaj Tak.

Vineet Minocha was found with his throat slit inside his flat in Kanpur's Indira Nagar area on September 5. Shalu was initially arrested after the police suspected that she had played a role in arranging the killing through two alleged hitmen.

Also Read | Kanpur businessman murder: Man confesses to killing father, told hitmen to blame wife if caught

The investigation later shifted towards her husband. The police arrested Subrat and alleged that he had attempted to make the accused shooters name Shalu as the person behind the murder.

Court finds no credible evidence against Shalu

A court subsequently ordered Shalu's release on a personal bond of Rs 50,000. The court observed that there was no independent and credible evidence at that stage connecting her to the alleged conspiracy.

She has been directed to appear before the court or the investigating officer whenever required.

Shalu said she and Subrat were together at a party on the day of the murder and that she did not notice anything suspicious about his behaviour.

She described her husband as a secretive person and acknowledged that his relationship with his father had been troubled. However, she said she never believed the dispute could result in such a serious crime.

Shalu denies link to alleged hitman

Shalu also rejected allegations linking her to Vishal Gautam, a former employee who the police identified as one of the alleged shooters.

She said she had spoken to Vishal on the day of the party only because she had asked him to bring flowers for a rangoli.

The police had earlier claimed that Vishal told investigators that Shalu had asked him to kill Vineet and had provided a key to the house. Investigators have now alleged that Subrat arranged for Vishal to get a duplicate key made in Kanpur's Gumti No. 5 area.

The police further allege that Subrat had been planning his father's murder for several months following disputes over money and his father's relationships with other women.

Police continue to verify evidence

The police investigation is now focusing on statements made by the people involved and matching them with other evidence.

Investigators are examining call records, CCTV footage and the movements of the suspects on the day Vineet was killed.

Shalu said she has not spoken to Subrat, including when the police brought the couple face-to-face during questioning. Asked whether she could forgive him or continue their relationship, she said she needed time to process what had happened.

For now, she said her main priority was her six-year-old child and keeping the child away from the case.

“I just want to go to him and be with him,” she said.

Deepak Lodhi, who came to be known as Rashik Dulari Sharan after taking initiation from Sant Premanand Maharaj around two years ago, died after falling from the fourth floor terrace of the Guru Kripa Kunj ashram on Friday morning.

The police are now examining what happened in the minutes before his fall. A grinder found inside his room, an injury to his private part and possible deleted material from his mobile phone are among the issues being investigated.

CCTV shows his final movements

The incident took place at around 10.30 am on Friday. According to CCTV footage examined by the police, Rashik Sharan came out of his room at around 10.25 am. His clothes appeared to have blood stains. He stayed outside the room for some time before moving from the third floor to the terrace on the fourth floor.

The footage reportedly shows him sitting on the terrace. He was later seen lying on the ground for around 10 seconds before getting up. At about 10.36 am, he jumped from the terrace.

He suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him dead. A video showing the fall was later circulated on social media on Sunday.

Based on the CCTV footage, the police have so far treated the incident as suicide. However, investigators are looking closely at the events that took place before the fall.

Grinder found inside his room

The police have also recovered a grinder from the room where Sharan was staying. Investigators have also found details relating to an injury to his private part. The police have not yet established how or why the injury occurred before his death.

Vrindavan Circle Officer Sandeep Kumar Singh said the reason for the injury would become clear only after the investigation is completed.

The police have taken possession of the CCTV cameras as part of the investigation. Sharan's blood sample has also been sent for forensic examination.

Mobile phone sent for forensic examination

The investigation is also looking at Sharan's digital activity before his death. His mobile phone has been sent to a forensic laboratory for data recovery. The police are checking whether photographs, videos, chats or other information were deleted from the device before his death.

Investigators are also trying to determine whether any deleted material can be recovered and whether it could provide information about his final hours.

The police have questioned people staying at the ashram as well as others who were with or around Sharan. So far, officials have said they have not found a clear reason for the suspected suicide.

According to the police officer, the post-mortem examination attributed the death to excessive bleeding.

Meanwhile, the case has also led to calls from saints in Vrindavan for a detailed investigation.

A meeting of saints was held in the city, where participants demanded that the circumstances surrounding Sharan's death be thoroughly examined.

Also Read | Lohagad death case: Witness claims he saw Chetan Chaudhary push Ketan Agarwal off cliff

In the first incident, 17 people were killed on Saturday night when armed men reportedly opened fire at a bar in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg. Police said the attackers were carrying AK-47 rifles and pistols.

In a separate incident, 10 people were killed when gunmen opened fire at a store in Lwandle, near Cape Town, at around 1 am on Sunday.

The two attacks happened just days after another mass shooting at a house party near Durban, where 11 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed.

Police said no arrests had been made in the latest two shootings. Preliminary information suggests that several gunmen may have been involved in both incidents, and authorities were searching for the suspects.

The shootings come as South Africa continues to face widespread gun violence involving both legal and illegal firearms. Police and authorities often link such violence to gang conflicts and disputes between informal businesses.

South Africa, with a population of around 62 million, records about 60 murders every day, placing it among the countries with the highest murder rates in the world.

The deceased has been identified as Navpreet Singh Navi. He was shot outside his home and was immediately rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. 

Also Read: ED alleges Rs 10,000 crore GMADA land irregularity; Satyendra Jain, Manish Sisodia named in probe

The cause behind the fatal shooting has not been ascertained yet, however preliminary investigation suggests involvement of drug peddlers after he objected to the sale of drugs in the village.

After learning about the incident, SAD constituency in-charge Kanchanpreet Kaur Randhawa reached the village and met the bereaved family. She alleged that several Akali leaders had been targeted for a long time and blamed the Aam Aadmi Party government for failing to maintain law and order. She also alleged that the police administration was not taking such incidents seriously.

SP (Investigation) Riputpan Singh said that a high-level investigation has been launched under the supervision of DSP Sukhbir Singh. He said efforts were underway to identify and arrest the accused at the earliest.

The latest case has emerged from Mandar Hill in Banka district, a well-known tourist destination.  The police have registered a case after receiving the video through WhatsApp on September 22 and have launched an investigation.

What has added to the concern is the timing. The Mandar Hill footage came to light shortly after separate incidents in Jamui and Samastipur, where videos allegedly showing girls being harassed by groups of men triggered public outrage and police action.

While the incidents are separate and the Mandar Hill video appears to have been recorded months earlier, the emergence of multiple such videos in quick succession has put renewed attention on the safety of women and girls at public and tourist locations across Bihar.

Mandar Hill video comes to police notice

According to the Banka police, the video was received on September 22 and appears to have been recorded on June 3.

The footage allegedly shows a young woman being harassed by three youths during a visit to Mandar Hill. The police said the woman had gone there with two friends when the accused allegedly stopped them, abused and threatened them and behaved indecently with her.

The police have identified the accused as Abdullah, Nitish Kumar Rai and Vikas Kumar.

Investigators have also alleged that Abdullah obtained Rs 1,500 through an online transfer from one of the woman's friends before allowing the group to leave.

The police have registered a case at Bounsi police station and said raids are being carried out to locate the accused.

Police also act against circulation of video

The investigation is not limited to those allegedly involved in the incident. The police said action has also been initiated against people who circulated the purported video on social media and allegedly attempted to reveal the identity of the woman.

Authorities have repeatedly warned against sharing videos that identify survivors of sexual or gender-based violence. Apart from potentially causing further harm to the survivor, such circulation can also attract legal action.

Also Read | Bihar shocker: 4 arrested after video shows another teen girl harassed in broad daylight in Samastipur | Watch

Third such case to surface within days

The Mandar Hill case has come to light after two other disturbing incidents in Bihar attracted widespread attention.

In Jamui, a Class 10 girl and her male friend were allegedly stopped by a group of youths while returning from the Mawara Hill area on September 19. Videos later circulated online appeared to show the teenagers being surrounded and the girl being harassed.

बिहार के "जमुई-समस्तीपुर" के बाद अब "बांका के मंदार पर्वत" से शर्मनाक वीडियो सामने आया है। आरोप है कि 6 युवकों ने लड़की के साथ छेड़छाड़ और अश्लील हरकत की, उसके साथ मारपीट भी की। उक्त मामले में एफ आई.आर.दर्ज हुई है। करेंगे गुंडागर्दी, क्या कर लेगी वर्दी? @bihar_police

ऐसे मामलों में आरोपियों पर सख्त कार्रवाई और पीड़िता को न्याय मिलना जरूरी है। @officecmbihar @BiharTakChannel

@ManishKasyapsob

#Banka #MandarParvat #Bihar #WomenSafety #Harassment #FIR #LawAndOrder

— Er Manish Rajak (@ManishCEO2) September 25, 2026

The police registered a case, formed an SIT and began identifying those seen in the footage. Several accused have since been arrested with the investigation continuing against others.

Samastipur case followed

Days later, another purported harassment video emerged from Samastipur. The footage allegedly showed a teenage girl being surrounded and harassed by a group of men in broad daylight. The police took cognisance of the video and arrested four persons in connection with the case.

The Samastipur incident reportedly took place near the Jagat Singhpur Bandh area under Karpurigram police station. According to reports, the girl and a male acquaintance had stopped in the area to take photographs when the group allegedly approached them.

The alleged hitman, Vishal Gautam, who had earlier blamed Shalu, also changed his statement. He reportedly told police that Subrat had asked him to kill Vineet and instructed him to name Shalu if he was caught.

Also Read: Kanpur shocker: Woman plots father-in-law's murder over constant restrictions, CCTV surveillance

Subrat was detained on Wednesday and questioned along with Shalu and Vishal. Police later arrested him for his alleged involvement in the murder and conspiracy. However, police have not given Shalu a clean chit and are continuing to investigate her possible role.

Earlier, investigators suspected that Shalu had arranged the killing of 60-year-old Vineet at his Kanpur residence.

According to Commissioner of Police Raghubir Lal, Vishal told investigators that Subrat had allegedly offered him Rs 6 lakh to kill his father. He also claimed that Subrat had instructed him to blame Shalu if the police caught him.

Investigators are now comparing the statements of Subrat, Shalu and Vishal with call records, CCTV footage, the accused persons' movements and other circumstantial evidence.

Subrat initially continued to accuse Shalu but later changed his statement during questioning. He reportedly told police that he had expected to be arrested soon. However, after learning that Vishal had not named him in his initial statement, he became uncertain about the direction of the investigation.

Subrat allegedly told police that he felt guilty because Shalu had become involved in the case because of him. He then decided to take responsibility for the murder.

During questioning, police reportedly brought Subrat and Shalu face-to-face. Sources said Shalu broke down after seeing her husband, while Subrat remained mostly silent and later turned away from her.

Shalu has maintained that she did not know who killed Vineet and had no role in the crime.

Murder pot and financial dispute under investigation

According to Vishal's latest statement, Subrat had discussed killing Vineet in a way that would make his death appear natural. Vishal also claimed that Subrat called him around six times on the day of the murder.

Police are investigating whether financial and property disputes were behind the alleged conspiracy.

Vishal reportedly told police that Subrat feared his father might transfer property to one of the women with whom Vineet allegedly had relationships.

Investigators are also examining an earlier dispute between Vineet and Subrat. According to sources, Vineet had reprimanded his son in June after allegedly discovering that Subrat had sold items from his office without informing him and kept the money.

However, police said Vineet's registered 2022 will divided his properties among his wife Punita, son Subrat and daughter Shubhani.