Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day, honouring their sacrifice in the struggle against British colonial rule.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Today, our nation remembers the supreme sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. Their fearless pursuit of freedom and justice continues to inspire us all.” He also reflected on their youth, adding, “All three of them were under 25 when they embraced martyrdom.”

The legacy of March 23, 1931

On this day in 1931, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged by the British authorities in Lahore Central Jail for their involvement in the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders. This act was in retaliation for the death of freedom leader Lala Lajpat Rai, who succumbed to injuries inflicted during a peaceful protest.

The execution of these three young men — all under the age of 25 — shook the nation and intensified the freedom movement. Their story of sacrifice and commitment to justice remains a symbol of undying patriotism and revolutionary spirit.

This day is not just about remembering the past; it is also a call to uphold the ideals of freedom, unity, justice, and progress that these martyrs stood for. As India moves forward, the revolutionary thoughts of these heroes continue to serve as guiding principles.

Their legacy continues to resonate with generations of Indians, symbolising unwavering dedication to the cause of justice and liberty.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced that the cost of public property damaged during the recent violence in Nagpur will be recovered from the rioters. He warned that if the perpetrators fail to pay, their assets will be seized, and bulldozers will be used wherever necessary.

“Whatever damage has occurred will be recovered from the rioters. If they do not pay, their property will be sold to cover the costs. Wherever required, bulldozers will also be used,” Fadnavis stated.

The violence erupted in central Nagpur on March 17 following rumours that a “chadar” (cloth) with holy inscriptions was burnt during protests organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The protests were demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The clashes resulted in injuries to several police personnel, including three deputy commissioners of police (DCPs), and extensive damage to vehicles and homes. A 40-year-old man succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment on Saturday.

Fadnavis revealed that 104 individuals have been arrested so far based on CCTV footage, with more arrests expected. “Police action will be taken against those involved in the riots or aiding the rioters. Those spreading rumors on social media will also be made co-accused. So far, 68 social media posts have been identified and deleted,” he said.

The Chief Minister also addressed reports of female constables being molested during the violence, clarifying that such claims were untrue. “Stones were hurled at female police constables, but reports of molestation are false,” Fadnavis stated, according to PTI.

While acknowledging that intelligence gathering could have been better, Fadnavis denied that the incident was an “intelligence failure.” He also dismissed any political angle or foreign involvement in the violence, stating, “No foreign hand or Bangladeshi link has surfaced. There is no political angle to the violence.”

Cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal has found himself at the center of a social media storm after being spotted wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “be your own sugar daddy” during his divorce hearing with estranged wife Dhanashree Verma.

The phrase, often associated with financial independence laced in internet slang, was seen by many as an ill-timed and provocative choice, particularly given the sensitive context of the legal proceedings.

The final hearing in the couple’s divorce case brought an end to months of public speculation and trolling, especially directed at Dhanashree Verma over alleged alimony demands. While earlier rumours claimed she sought Rs 60 crore in settlement, Chahal was eventually ordered to pay Rs 4.75 crore in alimony.

Online reaction to the T-shirt

Social media users were quick to notice Chahal’s outfit choice, with many calling it immature and a public dig at his former partner. The phrase “be your own sugar daddy” is often used online to promote financial self-reliance but can also carry sarcastic or cheeky undertones, especially when worn during a public legal matter.

Critics argued that Chahal’s attire at a divorce hearing seemed inappropriate and insensitive, especially as Dhanashree has been repeatedly subjected to online trolling over the financial aspects of their separation. While Chahal did not comment on the T-shirt or the reaction to it, the moment has gone viral, triggering debates about personal conduct in public legal proceedings and the responsibility of public figures during sensitive personal events.

The controversy also comes at a time when celebrity divorces and their legal details often play out in the public eye, blurring the line between privacy and public perception.