Authorities said the speedboat was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four Vietnamese crew members when it overturned on Saturday afternoon, less than 500 metres from the shore, shortly after leaving Hon May Rut Ngoai Island near Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island.

The Indian Embassy in Hanoi said on Sunday that 16 survivors had been discharged from hospital and were on their way back to India. However, one survivor remains in critical condition at a hospital in Vietnam.

The embassy added that the bodies of the 15 victims were being taken to Ho Chi Minh City before being flown to India after completing the required formalities.

All those who died were part of a company trip organised by Lava International. The group, which included employees, distributors and retail partners, had split into three boats while travelling between islands near Phu Quoc.

Ashish Kumar, a 48-year-old distributor from Guntur who witnessed the incident from the shore, told the Associated Press that one boat had already left while the other two were still docked when the vessel suddenly capsized less than half a kilometre from land.

Ha Van Loc, the captain of a nearby boat, told VN Express that he saw around a dozen people clinging to the overturned vessel while others without life jackets struggled in the rough sea. He and his crew managed to rescue four survivors after throwing life buoys into the water.

The incident took place in Dengwei village near Hengzhou city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where heavy rainfall caused reservoirs to overflow and embankments to collapse.

Hundreds of snakes, including venomous cobras, are on the loose in flooded streets of Hengzhou in China's Guangxi region. Videos going viral online show reptiles swimming through murky floodwater with heads raised above the surface, while locals wade through waist deep water… pic.twitter.com/Keo36DKTpJ

— G K Gourav (@GouravGKRepots) July 10, 2026

Local authorities said around 800 to 900 snakes escaped from the flooded farm, prompting an emergency response and public safety warnings. Videos shared by Chinese state media showed snakes being swept away by floodwaters, including one cobra raising its head above the fast-moving current.

Typhoon Maysak brought torrential rain to southern China, causing widespread flooding across Guangxi. As floodwaters entered Dengwei village, they damaged the snake farm and released hundreds of reptiles into surrounding residential areas and farmland.

Officials confirmed the incident on July 7 and advised residents to stay indoors, avoid floodwaters and immediately report any snake sightings.

???????? *CHINA | Entre 800 y 900 serpientes, incluidas cobras venenosas, escaparon de una granja tras las inundaciones que afectaron la ciudad de Hengzhou, en la región autónoma de Guangxi.* #Breaking #Noticias #Venezuela #Tendencia #Viral #Tecnología * pic.twitter.com/pwq5TmwmNv

— Última Hora Venezuela (@ultimahovzla) July 10, 2026

Rescue teams, along with local villagers, used fishing nets and other equipment to capture the escaped snakes. Authorities said most of the reptiles were non-venomous species, including water snakes and king ratsnakes. However, several venomous cobras also escaped, prompting officials to issue safety advisories on preventing snake bites.

According to local reports, at least one resident was bitten by a snake and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Experts believe many of the escaped snakes either drowned or scattered as the floodwaters receded, reducing the long-term threat to nearby communities.

Ciaran McEvoy, Public Affairs Officer at the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, said the legal process to bring Bishnoi to the United States will be pursued, although it is expected to take time.

According to the indictment, Bishnoi ordered the assassination of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18, 2023.

McEvoy also said that members of the Bishnoi gang have not yet appeared before a US court because they are not currently under its jurisdiction. "Once they are transferred here, they will be," he said.

“Bishnoi himself remains incarcerated in India. We intend to seek his extradition to the United States. (Extradition is a lengthy legal process and often takes years to complete)," McEvoy said in an email.

Bishnoi, who has been imprisoned in India since 2015 and is currently lodged in a jail in Gujarat, was among the key accused named in a federal indictment unsealed in Los Angeles earlier this week.

Apart from Bishnoi and his close aide Satinderjeet Singh, the indictment names Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, who is currently lodged in a jail in Assam, and Canada-based Ravinder Singh Dhanda as alleged gang leaders.

McEvoy said the trial involving Dhanda gang members is scheduled to begin on August 31 in a Los Angeles court, while proceedings related to Bhagwanpuria gang members are listed for September 1. However, he indicated that these dates are likely to change.

Referring to the Afghanistan crisis, Modi said the government had ensured that the sacred saroops of the Guru Granth Sahib were brought back to India with full respect. He also spoke about the decision to observe December 26 every year as Veer Bal Diwas to honour the sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh. According to the Prime Minister, the observance has helped children across the country learn about the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri.

“Our great Sikh Gurus gave the message of service, courage, equality and compassion to humanity. Gurdwaras across the world have become centres of selfless service where no one goes hungry and those in distress find support,” he said.

Modi also spoke about the journey of the sacred Jore Sahib associated with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He said Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had informed him that his family had preserved the relics for nearly 300 years after bringing them safely to Delhi during Partition.

The Prime Minister said that after consultations with Sikh scholars and religious experts, the government decided to place the sacred relics at Takht Sri Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, where devotees can now pay their respects. He also invited members of the Indian diaspora to visit the shrine during their trips to India, adding that he considered it a privilege to witness the installation ceremony.

Over the past 12 years, the Modi government has repeatedly highlighted initiatives related to the Sikh community as the BJP seeks to expand its support among Sikh voters, particularly in Punjab. The party has been working to strengthen its presence in the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections by increasing its outreach and inducting local leaders.

Toronto Police initially warned the public about an active shooter and asked people to stay away from the area. Later, officers confirmed that the scene had been secured, but said the suspect or suspects were still at large.

Valerie Rodriguez said she was sitting next to a restaurant on Saturday night when she saw people screaming and running.

“A bunch of people told us to lay down onto the floor,” she said. “We got scared because we didn’t know exactly what was happening.”

A heavy police presence remained around the festival, an annual event celebrating Latin American culture with live music, dance, food and performances that attracts thousands of visitors.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed grief over the incident, calling it "senseless violence." In a post on social media, he said he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and offered his condolences to the victims, their families and everyone affected.

Toronto is considered one of the safest major cities in North America, and deadly public shootings involving multiple victims are uncommon.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the attack on the commercial vessel left one civilian crew member missing. It added that the ship caught fire, suffered heavy damage to its engine room, and could no longer continue its journey.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said Iran had been given another chance to follow previous agreements after earlier attacks on commercial ships but had failed to do so. The US said the latest strikes were aimed at weakening Iran's ability to target civilian ships and sailors passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said the operation was ordered by US President Donald Trump. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also reacted on X, saying, "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."

Meanwhile, Iranian media reported several explosions in different parts of the country. Press TV said blasts were heard in Bushehr and Asaluyeh, while state television also reported explosions near Chabahar. Mehr News Agency reported explosions on Qeshm Island, and state broadcaster IRIB said blasts were heard in Bandar Abbas and Sirik. The IRNA news agency also reported more than 10 explosions in the southern port city of Jask.

The strikes came just hours after Iran announced that it considered the Strait of Hormuz closed again. Iranian authorities said a vessel travelling through what they called an "unauthorised route" had been fired upon with a warning shot. According to IRIB, the IRGC Navy said it would not allow ships to pass through the strategic waterway until what it described as US interference in the region comes to an end.

The accident occurred around 400 metre from Hon May Rut Ngoai while the vessel was returning from May Rut Islet to An Thoi Port, a route popular with visitors exploring the island's tourist attractions.

According to local reports, the speedboat ran into rough sea conditions before capsizing. The sudden accident left several passengers trapped inside the overturned vessel, making rescue efforts difficult during the initial stages.

Local boat operators who witnessed the incident rushed to help even before emergency teams reached the site. However, high waves slowed the operation, forcing rescuers to work carefully to reach those trapped inside the boat.

Vietnamese border guards later joined the rescue mission, deploying additional boats along with personnel to assist in the search and recovery operation.

#WATCH | A tourist boat carrying several Indian nationals capsized near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.

Video Source: Voice of Vietnam (VOV) https://t.co/lF8oA6zwci pic.twitter.com/Ko9GUUuUKY

— ANI (@ANI) July 11, 2026

Within hours, authorities accounted for all 32 passengers who had been on board. Officials confirmed that 15 tourists died in the accident, while the remaining passengers were rescued.

The speedboat operator said the vessel was being piloted by an experienced captain who had been operating tourist services on the route for several years.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact 

Also Read | US news: Indian-origin Google executive shot dead in Georgia, husband arrested for murder

Phu Quoc Island is one of Vietnam's most visited tourist destinations, known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters and island-hopping tours that attract thousands of domestic and international visitors each year. The route between May Rut Islet and An Thoi Port is especially popular among tourists seeking day cruises, snorkelling and diving experiences.

Also Read |  Major tragedy in Vietnam: 15 Indian tourists dead as boat capsizes near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island

The shooting took place on Tuesday night at the family's residence in Cobb County. According to investigators, officers responding to the emergency found the couple's son, Jason Wrzesien, outside the house with gunshot injuries. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released any update on his condition.

When officers entered the home, they discovered Sheetal Wrzesien, 57, with multiple gunshot wounds. She was declared dead at the scene.

Police arrested Kirk Wrzesien, 56, at the residence. He has been charged with murder, two counts of aggravated assault and two counts related to possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He is currently being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

Investigators believe the shooting followed a domestic dispute, though they have not disclosed what led to the confrontation. The investigation remains ongoing.

Who was Sheetal Wrzesien?

Sheetal Wrzesien was a senior engineering leader at Google with more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry. Over the course of her career, she worked on large-scale digital and mobile technology projects and held leadership roles focused on product and engineering innovation.

Before joining Google, she played a key role in digital transformation initiatives at Home Depot, contributing to the company's e-commerce and mobile technology operations.

Raised in England, India and Ghana, Sheetal later moved to the United States, where she earned a degree in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She was also widely recognised as a mentor who actively encouraged and supported women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The victim, Rohit Sharma, was a resident of Chichoura village in the Konch area of Gaya.

According to his family, Rohit had travelled to Nepal with four friends. The group first visited the famous Tal Barahi Temple in Pokhara and later went to Phewa Lake for a swim.

During the swim, Rohit entered deeper water and began drowning. His friends tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful.

After receiving information, a rescue team from Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF) reached the spot, pulled Rohit out of the lake and rushed him to a hospital. However, doctors declared him dead.

Local authorities have started the required legal procedures following the incident.

Rohit's wedding was scheduled for November or December this year, and preparations were about to begin. His death has left his family and the entire Chichoura village in shock.

Rohit's father, Sanjay Sharma, had passed away earlier. He is survived by his two brothers. His elder brother, Guddu Sharma, is a farmer and is the family's main breadwinner.

The incident has also raised fresh concerns about tourist safety at Phewa Lake, a popular destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The exact number of passengers on board and the cause of the accident have not yet been officially confirmed. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate and assist those involved as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

???? BREAKING: TOURIST SPEEDBOAT SINKS OFF PHU QUOC

A speedboat carrying 32 Indian tourists sank near Hon May Rut Ngoai, Phu Quoc, at around 10:30 a.m. on July 11.

???? 18 people had been rescued by early afternoon.
⚠️ Authorities say fatalities are feared, but the official death… pic.twitter.com/rTkrbZ6GQp

— NGO-SUGAR (@ngosugartp) July 11, 2026

The Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant touch with Vietnamese officials.

In a statement shared on social media, the embassy said it was gathering information about the accident while search and rescue operations remained in progress. It also announced the establishment of emergency control rooms at the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City and the Embassy in Hanoi to assist affected families and respond to queries.

According to local reports, several tourist boats operating nearby rushed to the scene immediately after the vessel overturned, joining the rescue mission alongside emergency responders.

A boat operator was quoted as saying by local media that his team reached the accident site within minutes. However, he said the operation was challenging because several passengers were trapped inside the overturned vessel, and only a few people were rescued in a conscious condition.

Reports indicated that the sea was rough in the waters off An Thoi at the time of the accident. While there was no rainfall, weather conditions were said to be difficult, even as tourist boats continued to operate in the area.

The incident has once again drawn attention to maritime safety in Vietnam's popular tourist destinations. It comes nearly a year after a deadly boating tragedy in Ha Long Bay, where a tourist vessel capsized during severe weather, resulting in the deaths of several passengers.

Authorities are expected to release further details once rescue operations are completed and the investigation progresses. The Indian Embassy has assured that it will continue to provide all possible assistance to the affected Indian nationals and their families.

Also Read |  New CCTV footage in Jaipur school girl's death case sparks fresh questions; family alleges bullying was ignored

Also Read |   Vietnam speedboat tragedy: High waves hampered rescue as passengers became trapped inside overturned vessel

According to Nepal Police, the operation was carried out on Friday by the Anti-Narcotics Bureau following specific intelligence about suspected drug-related activities in the area.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Iqbal Khan (50) from Amethi's Musafirkhana in Uttar Pradesh, Ram Dayal Sharma (34) from Siddharthnagar district in Uttar Pradesh, and Sarajuddin Musalman (24), a resident of Lumbini Municipality in Nepal's Rupandehi district.

The police said the operation turned tense when one of the Indian suspects allegedly opened fire while officers attempted to apprehend the group. During the exchange, Iqbal Khan sustained a gunshot injury below his left knee.

The injured suspect was shifted to Lumbini Provincial Hospital.

During the raid, officers recovered approximately 300 gram of heroin, a pistol, two rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, and two mobile phones.

Authorities have taken the accused into custody, and further investigation is underway to determine the source and intended destination of the seized narcotics. Police are also examining whether the suspects were part of a larger cross-border drug trafficking network.

The accused, Rajkumar, first attacked his 30-year-old wife, Parvathi Saritha, and two sons -- aged 4 and 1 -- at their residence in Shabad on Friday night.

He then travelled to the house of a 17-year-old girl, who had filed a complaint under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against him on May 16. He took her in a car to a deserted location and then allegedly murdered her.

Following the attacks, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and other family members and informed them that he had killed both the families. He also allegedly intended upon committing suicide before fleeing. 

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused committed the murders at two separate locations during the night. After the killings, he called his father and disclosed the crime," Future City Commissioner of Police Tarun Joshi said.

The body of all the victims have been shifted for post-mortem examination, while further investigation is underway. 

Four days a week, Riddhi reaches school before 7 am to conduct drill practice before beginning her regular classes. Along with her studies, she manages battalion operations, training and the welfare of cadets.

The NJROTC is a US Navy-backed leadership programme in American high schools that focuses on building discipline, teamwork and leadership skills. Riddhi said she joined the programme to improve her leadership abilities and contribute to her school, which later inspired her to pursue a career as a Naval Officer.

Over the years, she held several leadership positions, including Academic Commander, STEM Commander, Platoon Leader and Inspection Commander. As Academic Commander, she helped her school's team qualify for the second round of the Leadership and Academic Bowl for two consecutive years and secure first place in a national academic competition. As STEM Commander, she led cadets in building the unit's first SeaPerch underwater robot.

Riddhi has also mentored more than 200 cadets during her time in the programme.

She says her leadership style has been influenced by the teachings of BAPS Swaminarayan spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj and her involvement in the organisation's youth programmes.

Looking back on her journey, Riddhi said she has learned that true leadership is about making a positive difference in the lives of others, staying consistent during challenges and growing by stepping outside one's comfort zone. She also described her Sail Training experience in Newport, Rhode Island, as one of the most valuable parts of her journey.

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said Iran has wanted to kill him for years but clarified that there is no new intelligence suggesting an assassination attempt is about to happen. His comments came after reports claimed Israel had shared intelligence about an alleged Iranian plot against him. Trump dismissed those reports, saying there was no new threat.

"I've been on their list for a long time. That's what we're dealing with," Trump told the New York Post.

He added: "The only thing is, I've left instructions, if anything happens, to just literally bomb them at levels that they've never seen before."

"No, no. Israel came up with nothing. No, no," Trump said. "I've been No. 1 on Iran's kill list for a long time, and that's just the way life is."

He also joked, saying, "I hope you'll miss me."

Trump's latest comments match remarks he made earlier this week after the NATO summit in Ankara. He said he believes Iran considers him its top target but added that he would not be frightened or change his stance because of the threat.

"I'm their number one target," Trump said. "They had leaders, they're gone. Now they have another set of leaders. They may be gone. And you know what, I may be gone too, because I'm their number one target." Trump also reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and said he did not expect the conflict with Tehran to escalate into a prolonged war, insisting that any future flare-up would be brief.

He was honoured with a Siropao (robe of honour) and garlands as the congregation raised the traditional Sikh slogan, "Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal."

After reaching Gurdwara Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple, the youth of the gurdwara welcomed the Jathedar with Jaikaras and formed a ceremonial guard of honour by holding swords, following Sikh tradition.

During his visit, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj will take part in Gurmat congregations, address the sangat, and interact with members of the Sikh community, especially the youth. He is also expected to promote Sikh teachings and encourage religious awareness among the local community.

The Sikh community has a long history in Hong Kong. Sikhs first settled there around 125 years ago and established Sri Guru Singh Sabha in 1901. Today, Gurdwara Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple serves as one of the oldest and most important Sikh religious centres in the region.

Jathedar Gargaj is accompanied by his media advisor, Jaskaran Singh, during the visit.

Among those present to receive him were head granthi Giani Jaswant Singh, president Nirmal Singh Patiala, vice president Jugraj Singh Dugri, Mahinder Singh Pakki, Daljit Singh Zira, Baljinder Singh, Jujhar Singh, Jaskaran Singh Wander, Baljit Singh, Sukhchain Singh, Gaganpreet Singh, Jeevan Singh, Tejpal Singh, Navjeet Singh and several other members of the Sikh community.

In an interview with Reuters, Hasina said she and several senior leaders of the now-banned Awami League would return to Bangladesh and surrender before the courts. She said she is aware that she could be arrested or even lose her life after returning but believes she must go back.

Sheikh Hasina said she wanted to face the legal process in her own country and expressed hope that the court proceedings would reveal what she described as politically motivated cases against her.

The 78-year-old leader has been living in India since August 2024, when she left Bangladesh after weeks of violent anti-government protests. According to Hasina, she was advised to leave the country for security reasons as the situation had become dangerous.

In November 2025, Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over allegations related to the government's crackdown on the 2024 student protests. Hasina has denied all the charges.

She also confirmed that Bangladesh has repeatedly asked India to extradite her. However, she said she does not intend to wait for any extradition process and plans to return on her own.

Hasina said she has not discussed her return with any foreign government. She added that she is prepared for arrest and is not afraid of imprisonment, pointing out that she has spent time in jail during previous political crises in Bangladesh.

She also said she has continued to stay in touch with Awami League leaders through online meetings as the party works to reorganise despite being banned.

The proposed changes, outlined in the latest regulatory agenda released by the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labor (DOL) and State (DOS), have not yet become law. However, they reveal the administration's plans to tighten visa rules, increase compliance requirements and raise costs for employers hiring foreign workers.

If implemented, the new rules are expected to have a significant impact on Indians, who make up one of the largest groups of H-1B visa holders, employment-based Green Card applicants and international students in the United States.

H-1B visa programme may face tighter rules

One of the biggest proposed changes relates to the H-1B visa programme, which allows US companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialised occupations.

According to the proposal expected in August, the government may narrow the categories of employers that are exempt from the annual H-1B visa cap. Universities and certain research institutions currently enjoy these exemptions, but the eligibility criteria could become stricter.

The administration also plans to increase scrutiny of employers who place H-1B workers at third-party client locations, a business model widely used by Indian IT and consulting firms.

Employers may have to provide stronger evidence that they maintain a genuine employer-employee relationship and that the employee will perform specialised work at the client site. Additional documentation could also become mandatory during the visa application process.

Companies that have earlier violated H-1B programme rules may face closer examination when filing future petitions.

Higher costs for employers hiring foreign workers

Another proposal could increase expenses for companies that depend heavily on H-1B and L-1 employees. At present, certain large employers pay an additional fee while filing initial H-1B petitions or change-of-employer applications. The administration now wants to extend this fee to visa extension applications as well.

The move would mainly affect companies with more than 50 employees in the US if over half of their workforce consists of H-1B or L-1 visa holders.

Green Card sponsorship could become more expensive

The US Department of Labour is also considering revisions to the prevailing wage system used for H-1B visas and PERM labour certification, a key requirement for many employment-based Green Cards.

Under the proposal, the minimum salary employers must offer foreign workers would increase across all wage levels. Entry-level wages, for example, could rise from the current 17th percentile to the 34th percentile.

The department is also planning changes to the PERM process by introducing revised recruitment standards, new rules related to layoffs of American workers and stronger anti-discrimination provisions.

These changes could make it more expensive and complex for employers to sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency.

Student visas may see major changes

International students could also face stricter immigration rules if the proposals move forward. Currently, most foreign students remain in the US under a "duration of status" system, allowing them to stay as long as they continue meeting the requirements of their academic programme.

The administration plans to replace this system with fixed periods of stay. Students whose authorised stay expires would have to apply for an extension if they wish to continue their education.

India remains the largest source of international students in the US, with nearly 3.6 lakh students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year. Any changes to student visa rules are therefore expected to affect a large number of Indian families.

OPT and CPT programmes under review

The administration is also reviewing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, including the two-year STEM OPT extension that allows eligible graduates to work in the US after completing their studies. Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which enables students to gain work experience while studying, is also under review.

Any changes to these programmes could affect future employment opportunities for international students.

H-4 visa holders may face work interruptions

The proposed changes also include revisions to Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), which permit certain foreign nationals to work legally in the United States.

A final rule expected this month would end automatic extensions that currently allow many applicants to continue working while their EAD renewal is being processed.

This could particularly impact H-4 visa holders, many of whom are spouses of H-1B workers from India. Although renewal applications can be submitted up to 180 days before expiry, delays in processing could leave applicants temporarily without valid work authorisation.

Proposals still not final

Immigration experts say the latest regulatory agenda offers a clear indication of the administration's priorities but emphasise that none of the proposed measures has taken effect yet.

Before becoming law, the proposals must go through the formal rulemaking process, which includes publication of draft rules, public consultation and final approval. They may also face legal challenges before implementation.

Even so, the proposed reforms suggest the administration is moving towards a stricter immigration framework that could increase compliance requirements for employers while creating greater uncertainty for foreign professionals and students, particularly those from India.

The US military said the operation was aimed at protecting international shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz after three cargo ships were attacked there on Tuesday. A US official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, said Wednesday's strikes were larger than those carried out a day earlier.

US Central Command forces have started conducting additional strikes against Iran to further degrade their ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.

"The United States is holding Iran accountable for recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping and civilian crews freely navigating a vital international waterway," the statement added.

In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry said warning sirens were sounded in several areas and asked people to stay calm and move to the nearest safe location.

At the same time, Kuwait's Defence Ministry said its air defence systems were responding to rocket and drone attacks.

The accused, Avinash Narne, originally from Telangana and employed as a software development engineer in the United States, is currently being held on a USD 5 million (approximately Rs 48 crore) bail. If convicted under Washington state law, he could face life imprisonment.

Death initially reported as an emergency

The case dates back to October 2025, when Bellevue Police received an emergency call from Narne claiming that his wife, 27-year-old Raajitha Sabbineni, had locked herself inside the bathroom and was not responding.

Officers forced open the bathroom door and found Sabbineni lying on the floor. She was declared dead at the scene. The couple had been married for less than six months at the time of the incident.

However, a post-mortem examination later revealed that Sabbineni had died due to asphyxia caused by strangulation, prompting authorities to classify the case as a homicide.

Digital evidence contradicted husband's account

During questioning, Narne told investigators that he had briefly left the apartment to run errands and returned about 40 minutes later. He claimed that after discovering the bathroom locked and receiving no response from his wife, he contacted emergency services.

Investigators, however, said the digital evidence did not support the possibility of an outsider entering the apartment during that period.

According to charging documents, police examined data from the apartment's smart-lock system and front-door security records. While the records confirmed that Narne had left the apartment for a short time, they also showed that no one else entered the residence while he was away.

Based on this evidence, detectives ruled out the possibility that an unknown intruder was responsible for Sabbineni's death.

Investigation uncovered alleged secret relationship

As the investigation progressed, detectives examined Narne's phone records and personal communications, uncovering what prosecutors have described as a possible motive.

Court documents allege that Narne had been involved in a secret romantic relationship with another woman in India before marrying Sabbineni. Investigators claim the relationship continued after the wedding and that the woman had even attended the couple's marriage ceremony.

Police allege Narne remained in regular contact with the woman following his marriage.

Investigators also found that he made at least four phone calls to her on the day of Sabbineni's death, including around the time he later claimed he was trying to gain access to the locked bathroom.

According to the charging documents, Narne also admitted during questioning that he sent the woman a photograph of Sabbineni's body the day after her death.

#BREAKING:

Telugu guy Avinash Narne accused of murdering his 27-yr-old wife Raajitha Sabbineni, has pleaded not guilty.

He is now in Jail on $5 million bail.

???? Avinash Narne in court ????

Video courtesy: KING5 Seattle pic.twitter.com/uoRpu8WNNZ

— M9 USA???????? (@M9USA_) July 8, 2026

Messages raised questions before death

Investigators also examined messages exchanged between the couple in the weeks leading up to the incident.

According to court documents, Sabbineni had repeatedly complained to her husband that beverages prepared by him had an unusually bitter taste.

On the day of her death, she allegedly messaged Narne saying that a smoothie he had made tasted like "medicine" and "cough syrup". Authorities have included these communications as part of the investigation.

Following Sabbineni's death, Narne remained free for nearly eight months while investigators continued reviewing digital evidence, interviewing witnesses and analysing forensic material.

The investigation culminated in a fresh interview with Narne, after which Bellevue Police arrested him on suspicion of first-degree murder.

On July 1, prosecutors formally filed a charge of first-degree murder, alleging that the killing was intentional and premeditated.

The case is expected to proceed through the Washington state court system, where prosecutors will present the evidence gathered during the lengthy investigation. Narne remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.

Following his remarks, Brent crude rose 6.20% to $78.75 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 4.45% to $74.98 per barrel.

Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, Trump claimed the US had carried out a strong military strike against Iran. He told reporters that the US had "attacked very powerfully" and described Iranian leaders as "very dangerous."

Trump's statement that the agreement with Iran was effectively over raised concerns that diplomatic efforts between the two countries had collapsed. This increased fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Any threat to oil supplies from the region usually pushes crude prices higher.

The sharp rise in oil prices also affected the Indian stock market. Benchmark indices fell sharply on Wednesday due to growing geopolitical tensions, rising crude prices and weak global market sentiment.

By 1:55 pm, the BSE Sensex had dropped 1,112.76 points, or nearly 1.4%, to 77,071.96, while the NSE Nifty fell 350 points, or 1.45%, to 24,045.32.

The security situation in the Gulf worsened after Qatar accused Iran of attacking three commercial ships in the region.

One of the vessels, the Al Rekayyat, a large Qatari LNG tanker, was reportedly hit by a drone, causing a fire in its engine room. All crew members were reported safe and were being evacuated.

In a separate incident, maritime security officials said a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker, believed to be the Wedyan supertanker, was damaged off the coast of Oman. However, the exact cause of the damage has not yet been confirmed.

The incidents have raised fresh concerns about the safety of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Millions of barrels of crude oil and petroleum products pass through this route every day on their way to Asia, Europe and North America.