Pioneer in short
Bomb hoax in Mumbai, Nagpur courts
A wave of hoax bomb threats targeting the Bombay High Court, multiple local courts, and financial institutions in Mumbai and Nagpur on Thursday caused widespread panic and disrupted court proceedings. Multiple emails warning of “RDX blasts at 2 pm” were sent from a single fake account, with the IP address reportedly traced to Israel, though verification is ongoing. Authorities evacuated court staff and legal professionals while the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) conducted extensive sweeps at the High Court, sessions courts, and magistrate courts in Mazgaon, Esplanade, Bandra, Andheri, and at two prominent banks. No explosives were found, and proceedings resumed around 3 PM. A non-cognisable offence under Section 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered at Azad Maidan police station for circulation of false information. Officials said the probe is ongoing to identify the sender. In Nagpur, a similar email prompted searches at the District and Sessions Court, but no explosives were found. Bar associations confirmed heightened security measures and thorough inspections, ensuring no further threat.
26 Indians dead in Russia, RS told
The Government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that 26 Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces have reportedly died, while seven remain missing, according to Russian authorities. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said 202 Indians are believed to have been recruited into the Russian military, with 119 already discharged. Efforts are ongoing for the early release of 50 more individuals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has facilitated the repatriation of 10 deceased Indians and arranged local cremations for two others. DNA samples from families of 18 deceased or missing individuals have been shared with Russian authorities to confirm identities. The Indian Mission in Russia continues to assist with travel documentation, air tickets, and repatriation of mortal remains. Singh emphasized that the Government remains in continuous dialogue with Russia to ensure the safety, well-being, and early discharge of all Indian nationals. The matter has been raised at multiple levels, including discussions between leaders, ministers, and officials of both countries.
Hardik Patel acquitted of sedition
A Surat court on Thursday allowed the Gujarat Government’s plea to withdraw a sedition case linked to the 2015 Patidar reservation agitation against BJP MLA Hardik Patel and three aides—Alpesh Kathiria, Vipul Desai, and Chirag Desai. The case, filed at Amroli police station, accused Patel, then convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS), of making remarks allegedly inciting youths to attack police instead of committing suicide. Charges included sedition (IPC 124-A), abetment, and causing disappearance of evidence, carrying a minimum three-year to life imprisonment. In 2019, Patel had joined Congress and became its working president in 2020, before switching to the BJP in 2022 and winning the Viramgam assembly seat. The withdrawal follows a State Government notification to drop nearly 90 per cent of cases related to the Patidar agitation.
