In the Seelampur case, Zikra, a woman don from Delhi, was remanded to two days of police custody on Saturday after her arrest linked to the brutal murder of a 17-year-old boy named Kunal.

During a court hearing, police expressed the need for Zikra’s detention to aid in identifying additional suspects involved in the crime and to locate the murder weapon, according to reports. Investigators have suggested that Kunal was fatally attacked by Zikra’s cousins, Sahil and Dilshad, both of whom are currently evading capture.

The background of the conflict dates back to November, when Zikra’s cousin, Sahil, was assaulted by two individuals named Lala and Shambhu, who were reportedly friends of Kunal. Although Kunal witnessed the incident, his youth precluded his inclusion in the police report. In a bid for revenge, Zikra and Sahil targeted Kunal, culminating in the tragic altercation that claimed the teenager’s life.

In response to the escalating violence, the Delhi Police have mobilised ten dedicated teams to track down the remaining suspects. Officers are actively analysing CCTV footage to determine escape routes and are conducting raids throughout the sprawling city in search of the accused.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has publicly addressed the incident, assuring the public that justice will be served in the case of Kunal’s death. “I have been in touch with the Police Commissioner regarding this heartbreaking case. Kunal suffered fatal injuries from knifewounds and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital,” Gupta stated during a press briefing.

However, the victim’s mother has voiced her frustration and anxiety, claiming she has not received any updates from law enforcement and alleging that officials may be inadvertently aiding the suspects’ escape.

The incident has raised alarm in the Seelampur community and adds to a growing concern regarding youth violence in the area.

Zikra’s notoriety stems from her criminal past; she is a resident of Seelampur and had recently been released from prison after serving time for violations under the Arms Act. Known for her bold demeanour and always carrying a firearm, Zikra had cultivated a reputation in the underbelly of the city’s criminal scene.

Prior to her arrest, she worked as a bouncer for Zoya, the spouse of imprisoned gangster Hashim Baba. Reports indicate Zikra was attempting to establish her own gang following Zoya’s incarceration in a drug-related case, potentially exacerbating tensions in the area.

As the investigation unfolds, questions linger not only about the nature of the crime but also about the underlying social issues that have led to such violence among youth in the community.

Kerala Police arrested Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko on Saturday for suspected drug consumption, authorities confirmed. According to officials, a medical examination and further legal proceedings are underway.

Chacko faces charges under Sections 27 (consumption of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances) and 29 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to reports.

The arrest follows an incident where Kochi city police issued a notice to Chacko on Friday, summoning him for questioning. The notice was linked to an alleged escape from a hotel during an anti-drug raid. As Chacko was not at his Thrissur residence, the notice was handed to his family.

A senior police officer clarified, “The notice was issued because the incident falls under the Ernakulam North Police Station’s jurisdiction.” Chacko was directed to appear before the Ernakulam North Police Sub-Inspector on Saturday to explain his actions during the raid.

Hotel raid and alleged escape

On Wednesday night, the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) conducted a raid at a hotel near Kaloor around 10:45 pm, targeting a suspect in a drug-related case. Although the suspect was not found, police discovered Chacko’s name in the hotel’s guest register. When officers approached his third-floor room, he allegedly fled the scene.

CCTV footage and a viral video reportedly show Chacko escaping the hotel upon noticing the police. While no drugs were found during the raid, preliminary evidence points to Chacko as the individual who fled. No case has been filed directly related to the hotel incident due to the absence of recovered substances.

Recent Controversy

Chacko recently faced scrutiny after actor Vincy Aloshious accused him of “inappropriate behaviour” on the set of the unreleased film Soothravakyam. Aloshious had initially shared her concerns on Instagram, alleging misconduct by a co-actor under the influence of drugs. She later named Chacko in a formal complaint to the Film Chamber and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA).

However, Aloshious expressed frustration over the media leak of Chacko’s name and indicated her willingness to withdraw the complaint.

In a recent social media post, renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap issued an apology for remarks perceived as offensive toward the Brahmin community. His comments triggered a significant backlash, resulting in threats of violence directed at his family, including his daughter, and colleagues.

The controversy erupted after Kashyap questioned the uproar surrounding his upcoming film, “Phule,” a biopic about the influential social reformer Jyotirao Phule. Engaging with critics in the comments section, he made a particularly inflammatory comment suggesting he would “pee on Brahmin,” which quickly ignited outrage and led to a police complaint against him in Mumbai.

“This is my apology, not for my overall post but specifically for that one line taken out of context, and for the hatred it has stirred,” Kashyap wrote. “No action or speech justifies your daughter, family, friends, and colleagues receiving rape and death threats from those who claim to uphold tradition.” He provided a more emotional continuation in Hindi, reflecting on the impact of the situation on his loved ones.

Kashyap has previously spoken out about how his candid opinions, particularly on social media, have exposed his family to threats, a situation he has been vocal about, especially concerning his daughter, Aliyah Kashyap.

The film “Phule,” directed by Ananth Mahadevan, was initially set to release on April 11 but faced delays due to protests from various Brahmin groups. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has since requested several modifications, including the removal of references to caste.

After these changes, the film is now scheduled for release on April 25. Mahadevan has stated that caste and gender discrimination remain pressing issues that require attention and dialogue.