The District Judge Court of Sambhal has issued a notice to Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, seeking his response or appearance on April 4, in connection with a complaint filed over his controversial remark that opposition parties were not merely fighting the BJP or RSS, but the “Indian state” itself.

Statement triggers legal action

The legal proceedings stem from a statement made by Rahul Gandhi on January 15, during the inauguration of the Congress party’s new headquarters ‘Indira Bhawan’. In his address, Gandhi said, “Our ideology, like the RSS ideology, is thousands of years old, and it has been fighting the RSS ideology for thousands of years. Do not think that we are fighting a fair fight. There is no fairness in this. If you believe that we are fighting a political organisation called the BJP or RSS, you have not understood what is going on. The BJP and the RSS have captured every single institution of our country. We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian State itself.”

He also commented on the status of Indian institutions and media, suggesting that both were no longer functioning freely or fairly.

Revision petition leads to court summons

Advocate Sachin Goyal, representing complainant Simran Gupta, explained that a case was initially filed in the special MP/MLA court seeking registration of an FIR against Gandhi. However, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) dismissed the plea citing lack of jurisdiction.

Following this, a revision petition was filed, after which the Sambhal District Judge accepted the complaint and issued a notice to Rahul Gandhi. The court has asked him to either appear in person or file a formal response on or before April 4.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a landmark initiative on Thursday, revealing that Indian Air Force fighter jets will soon be able to land on national highways in the state. The plan, which will be implemented later this year, includes upgrading the highway between Dibrugarh and Jorhat to meet international standards for aircraft operations.

CM Sarma shared the update during a media briefing after a Cabinet meeting held in Dibrugarh. “We are upgrading the national highway between Dibrugarh and Jorhat to meet international standards. Soon, Indian Air Force fighter jets will be able to land on this highway. Assam will witness several significant developments this year,” he said.

Without naming political rivals directly, Sarma also responded to critics, stating that while some may oppose discussions on development, the government remains committed to visible progress through major infrastructure projects like underwater tunnels and high-grade highways.

Assam permits 24×7 business operations in key cities

Alongside infrastructure growth, the Assam government has introduced sweeping changes to business operation hours across the state. Shops in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar—designated as municipal corporations—can now remain open round-the-clock.

Previously, a weekly shop closure was mandated, but that restriction has now been lifted. In other urban areas, businesses are now allowed to operate until 2 a.m., and in rural areas, shops can stay open until 11 p.m.

Measures to protect workers and create jobs

The new policies also focus on workers’ rights. CM Sarma clarified that no employee can be made to work more than nine hours a day or exceed 48 hours a week. For shops operating 24 hours, owners must hire at least three employees to ensure proper shift rotations.

“This initiative will not only encourage business expansion but also boost employment in small-scale enterprises,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the move will particularly benefit local economies during festival seasons like Bihu and Puja.

In a shocking murder case that has gripped Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, police have uncovered disturbing details in the killing of Saurabh Rajput, a former Merchant Navy officer, allegedly by his wife Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla. The investigation has ruled out any link to black magic, instead highlighting a premeditated murder driven by betrayal, addiction, and financial tensions.

Affair, divorce talks and prior attempt

Muskaan and Saurabh, who had a love marriage in 2016, reportedly saw their relationship deteriorate within a few years. According to Ayush Vikram Singh, Superintendent of Police, Meerut City, Saurabh discovered his wife’s affair with Sahil back in 2021. Their landlord had informed him after witnessing the two in a compromising situation.

Muskaan admitted that her extramarital affair with Sahil began in 2019. Although Saurabh had filed for divorce in 2021, his family persuaded him to reconcile. Despite this, tensions persisted. Muskaan alleged that Sahil was an alcoholic and in financial distress, often relying on her family for support.

The police revealed that an earlier attempt to kill Saurabh had failed on February 25, just a day after he returned from London, where he worked at a bakery since 2023. The accused eventually executed their plan on March 3.

Murder and cover-up

Saurabh’s dismembered body was found in a drum sealed with cement on March 4. Muskaan and Sahil had fled to Himachal Pradesh following the crime, only to be apprehended upon their return. During questioning, they confessed to the murder, and the weapon used in the crime was recovered.

The drum containing the remains had initially raised suspicions of black magic due to the gruesome nature of the crime. However, SP Ayush Vikram Singh clarified that the investigation found no evidence of occult practices, emphasizing it was a well-planned act.

Financial angle under scrutiny

Muskaan claimed that Saurabh had around Rs 6 lakh in his bank account and transferred Rs 1 lakh to her and Rs 1.5 lakh to his mother shortly before his death. These transactions are being verified by investigators, along with allegations from Saurabh’s family that his in-laws used his funds to purchase property and expensive gadgets.

The police are also examining Saurabh’s past overseas employment records and educational background as part of the ongoing probe.

Discovery and daughter’s chilling words

The murder came to light when the landlord, attempting to vacate the rented house, noticed a foul smell emanating from a heavy drum. Muskaan had told them it was filled with junk and left for her parents’ house. After her mother confronted her, she confessed and was reported to the police.

In a haunting twist, Saurabh’s six-year-old daughter had been telling neighbours, “Papa is in the drum,” indicating she may have witnessed or been aware of the crime.

Two police teams have been formed to collect additional evidence, including details from the couple’s time in Himachal Pradesh. Phones have been sent for forensic examination, and investigators are working to file a strong chargesheet to ensure stringent punishment.