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New Delhi – A public address by the Union home minister in Dibrugarh, Assam, included strong criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The home minister accused Gandhi of disrespecting the culture of Assam and linked this to broader issues of violence and chaos within the state.

Gamosa Controversy at Presidential Event

The core of the criticism centered on an event hosted by the President. According to the home minister, Rahul Gandhi was the only attendee who did not wear a gamosa – a traditional Assamese woven cotton towel – during the event. The home minister stated that all others present, including international guests, did wear the gamosa.

The home minister questioned Gandhi’s motives, asking, “What enmity does Rahul Gandhi have with the northeast?” He further stated that the BJP would not allow what it considers an insult to the region’s culture.

Political Context

This criticism occurred during a public rally in Assam, a state currently preparing for elections. The home minister’s statements could be interpreted as an attempt to rally support for the BJP by highlighting perceived cultural insensitivity from the opposition.

The home minister’s remarks were shared via a post on Twitter by Press Trust of India on January 30, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gamosa?

A gamosa is a traditional Assamese woven cotton towel, typically used by men to wipe perspiration or as a symbol of respect and tradition.

Where did the home minister make these statements?

The home minister made these statements during a public rally in Dibrugarh, Assam.

What was the specific accusation against Rahul Gandhi?

The accusation was that Rahul Gandhi was the only person at the President’s “At Home” event who did not wear an Assam gamosa.

How might this controversy influence the upcoming elections in Assam?

A political dispute has erupted in West Bengal following remarks made by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) responded with a strong condemnation of the BJP after a video circulated appearing to show BJP leader Sanjay Das calling for Banerjee’s beheading.

Details of the Incident

The TMC shared a video on social media platform X, in which Sanjay Das, identified as the vice-president of the BJP’s Mathurapur unit in South 24 Parganas district, is heard saying, “This old witch is ruling West Bengal. She must be beheaded with a kharga (scimitar).” Das made these statements while addressing a ‘Poribortan Sabha,’ also attended by former state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh.

The video also shows BJP leaders, including Das, handing a sword to Ghosh during the rally. The TMC characterized these actions as a “public call for murder against a democratically elected woman chief minister.”

TMC’s Response and Allegations

The TMC alleges that BJP leaders feel emboldened to engage in “outright criminality” following what they describe as the normalization of misogyny by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The TMC specifically referenced Modi’s past remarks directed at Banerjee, stating, “When the Prime Minister of the country himself normalises misogyny by catcalling an elected Chief Minister with ‘Didi, O Didi,’ it’s no surprise that other BJP leaders feel licensed to descend into outright criminality.”

Potential Next Steps

It is possible that law enforcement could investigate the statements made by Sanjay Das, though any action would depend on legal interpretations of incitement and threats. The BJP may issue a statement addressing the controversy, potentially distancing itself from Das’s remarks. Further escalation of rhetoric between the TMC and BJP is also a possibility, potentially leading to increased political tensions in West Bengal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sanjay Das?

Sanjay Das is the vice-president of the BJP’s Mathurapur unit in Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district.

What did the TMC say about Prime Minister Modi?

The TMC stated that Prime Minister Modi has “normalised misogyny by catcalling an elected chief minister” with the phrase “Didi, O Didi.”

Where did this incident take place?

The remarks were made by Sanjay Das while addressing the BJP’s ‘Poribortan Sabha,’ with former state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh also present.

How might inflammatory political rhetoric impact democratic processes?

A 19-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped in Haryana’s Sonipat district after accepting a ride from three men who then drove her to an isolated location, according to police reports from PTI.

Details of the Incident

The alleged incident occurred on January 16th. The woman was waiting for transportation at ITI Chowk in Sonipat when a youth from her village, along with two other men in a car, offered her a ride home.

Police report that the accused then stopped at a liquor outlet, purchased alcohol, and consumed it while in the vehicle. They subsequently drove to a secluded location where the woman was allegedly forced to drink alcohol before being raped.

Bahalgarh station house officer Mahesh Kumar stated that an FIR was registered following the complaint, citing Sections 70(1) (gang rape) and 3(5) (act done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. One of the accused has been arrested, while the remaining two, reportedly aged between 20 and 25, are currently at large.

Recent Similar Cases

This case follows a similar incident reported earlier in January in Haryana. A 25-year-old woman was allegedly raped by two men after accepting a ride on the Gurgaon–Faridabad Road. She was held captive for approximately three hours, assaulted while inside the moving vehicle, and then abandoned, sustaining facial injuries requiring medical attention.

In that earlier case, the woman’s family alleged the vehicle involved was disguised as an ambulance, a claim currently under investigation by police. The accused in that case were detained, and an FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Authorities are continuing their efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining suspects in the Sonipat case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges have been filed in the Sonipat case?

An FIR has been registered under Sections 70(1) (gang rape) and 3(5) (act done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

What is the status of the investigation in the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road case?

The accused in the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road case were detained, and an FIR was registered under gang rape and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The allegation that the vehicle was posing as an ambulance is currently under investigation.

How old are the suspects still at large in the Sonipat case?

The two suspects still at large in the Sonipat case are reportedly aged between 20 and 25.

What steps can communities take to address the safety concerns highlighted by these incidents?

Security operations are underway in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, with forces intensifying a search in Najote village and initiating a new operation in Rajbagh. The expanded efforts follow initial intelligence reports and, in one case, a direct sighting by a local resident.

Kathua Operations Expand

The cordon-and-search operation in Najote began Tuesday, prompted by intelligence suggesting terrorist presence. An initial exchange of fire occurred between security personnel and those identified as “ultras,” but no further contact has been made. Authorities suspect any individuals present may have used the difficult terrain and darkness to evade the initial cordon.

Later Wednesday, reports surfaced of a possible suspect obtaining food from a shepherd near Najote before disappearing into the forest. This led to the expansion of the cordon to include at least a dozen surrounding villages, with the stated goal of locating and neutralizing any remaining terrorists.

Separate Operation Launched in Rajbagh

Simultaneously, the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG) launched a separate cordon-and-search operation in Rajbagh, specifically targeting the Jakhole Baira area and nearby villages. This action was triggered by a resident reporting the sighting of two suspected terrorists near a cattle shed. As of Wednesday, these suspects had not been located.

These operations occur against a backdrop of past conflict in the region. On March 28, 2025, a gun battle in Safiyan-Jakhole village resulted in the deaths of four policemen and two identified as Pakistani terrorists.

The current situation remains fluid. Security forces may continue to expand the search area in Najote and Rajbagh, depending on further intelligence. It is also possible that additional operations could be launched in response to new information or sightings. The challenging terrain could continue to hinder efforts to locate any remaining suspects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the initial operation in Najote?

The cordon-and-search operation in Najote was launched Tuesday based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.

Where is the second operation taking place?

The second operation is taking place in Rajbagh’s Jakhole Baira and adjoining villages.

What happened in Safiyan-Jakhole village on March 28, 2025?

Four policemen were killed and two Pakistani terrorists were gunned down in a fierce gun battle in Safiyan-Jakhole village on March 28, 2025.

How might these ongoing security measures impact the daily lives of residents in the Kathua district?

India’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dinesh Patnaik, has forcefully challenged allegations linking the Indian government to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). Patnaik demanded evidence to support the claims, which were initially made by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, during a televised interview with CBC News’ “Power & Politics.”

Demanding Evidence

Patnaik repeatedly questioned the basis of the accusations, stating, “Well, where is the evidence? Every time you keep on saying ‘credible information’”. He characterized the allegations as “preposterous and absurd” and asserted that they were unsubstantiated. He emphasized that accusations are “easy” to make but require supporting evidence.

The Indian envoy pointed out that the ongoing legal proceedings in Canada do not implicate the Indian state itself. He questioned why the accusations originated with statements from Trudeau and his team, asking, “You have accused us, but where have we been implicated?”

Context of Strained Relations

Patnaik’s remarks come amid existing tensions between India and Canada. These tensions reportedly stem from Canada’s concerns regarding Khalistani separatist elements and previous allegations of Indian agent involvement in Nijjar’s death. India has consistently rejected these allegations, labeling them “politically motivated.”

Patnaik further stated India remains willing to cooperate if presented with credible proof, reiterating, “We can go into who said what. At the end of the day, it’s about evidence on the ground.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the core of the Indian envoy’s response?

Dinesh Patnaik repeatedly demanded evidence to support allegations linking the Indian government to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, characterizing the claims as unsubstantiated.

What is the status of the legal case in Canada?

The ongoing legal case in Canada is against four individuals, and does not currently implicate the Indian state, according to Patnaik.

What factors contribute to the strained relationship between India and Canada?

The strained ties are reportedly due to concerns over Canada’s perceived leniency towards Khalistani separatist elements and previous allegations of Indian agent involvement in Nijjar’s death.

As the demand for evidence continues, what impact might this have on the future of diplomatic relations between India and Canada?

Singer Zubeen Garg died from drowning off Lazarus Island in Singapore on September 19th, according to statements made in a Singapore court on Wednesday. Police have stated there is no indication of foul play in his death.

Details of the Incident

The court was told Garg was “severely intoxicated” at the time of the incident and had declined a life jacket offered to him before re-entering the water. Witnesses reported seeing him attempt to swim towards the yacht before becoming unresponsive and floating face down.

Garg had a documented history of hypertension and epilepsy, with a recent epileptic episode recorded in 2024. It remains unclear whether he had taken his prescribed medication on the day of the incident.

Investigations revealed that Garg and approximately 20 others onboard the yacht had been consuming alcohol, including gin and whisky. He initially swam with a life jacket, returned to the yacht stating he was tired, and then entered the water again without a life jacket, declining a second one that was offered.

A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death. Injuries found on his body were attributed to CPR and rescue attempts. Toxicology reports indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 333 milligrams per 100 ml of blood. Prescribed medication for his hypertension and epilepsy were detected in his system, but no other drugs were found.

Legal Developments

While Singapore police have ruled out foul play, a separate investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the Assam Police’s CID has led to the naming of several individuals as accused. These include Shyamkanu Mahanta, Zubeen Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg, and personal security officers Nandeswar Bora and Paresh Baishya.

A court in Guwahati remanded the five accused – Shyamkanu Mahanta, Siddharth Sharma, Sandipan Garg, Nandeswar Bora, and Paresh Baishya – to judicial custody. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that authorities are committed to achieving justice for Garg, and that Singapore Police will meet with the Assam Police team on October 21st.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Zubeen Garg’s blood alcohol level?

Garg’s blood alcohol concentration was 333 milligrams per 100 ml of blood, indicating severe intoxication.

Did Zubeen Garg have any pre-existing medical conditions?

The court was told that Garg had a history of hypertension and epilepsy, with his most recent recorded epileptic episode occurring in 2024.

Was a life jacket offered to Zubeen Garg?

Yes, Garg was offered a life jacket before entering the water and again before resuming swimming, but he declined both times.

As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what further information will emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death and the ongoing legal proceedings.