Suchana Seth, the Bengaluru-based AI startup CEO arrested in January 2024 for the murder of her four-year-old son, has landed in fresh legal trouble while serving as an undertrial at Colvale Central Jail in Goa.

On April 7, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., Seth allegedly assaulted a female constable inside the prison’s Ladies Block, escalating her ongoing legal battles.

According to prison officials, the incident occurred when Seth forcibly took the inward register of the Ladies Prisoner Block without authorization. Constable Savita Navu Varak, who was performing her routine duties, intervened to stop Seth, prompting a heated confrontation.

Reports state that Seth verbally abused the constable with offensive language before physically attacking her. The altercation has shocked authorities and highlighted tensions within the facility.

Jail officials have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Seth under Sections 121(1) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which address obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties and assault, respectively. A detailed report on the incident has been submitted, and further investigations are underway to determine the full circumstances and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Seth’s latest controversy adds to her notoriety following her arrest on January 9, 2024, for the gruesome murder of her young son. The case, which captured national attention, revealed that she allegedly killed the child in a service apartment in Goa and attempted to flee to Bengaluru with his body hidden in a suitcase.

Authorities later uncovered that Seth, aged 39, committed the act to prevent her estranged husband from meeting their son. She reportedly spent nearly 19 hours with the boy’s body in the same room before fleeing, an act that horrified the nation and led to widespread condemnation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday firmly stated that the state would not implement the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, assuring minority communities of her unwavering support.

Speaking at a programme organized by the Jain community in Kolkata, Banerjee emphasized her commitment to safeguarding the rights and properties of minorities, urging unity amid rising tensions.

“I know you are hurt by the passage of the Waqf Act. But have faith—nothing will happen in Bengal that allows divide-and-rule tactics to succeed. Spread the message that we must all stay united,” she said, addressing concerns raised by the minority community.

Trinamool Congress supremo Banerjee also cautioned against falling prey to provocations aimed at sparking political movements, reassuring the audience, “When Didi is here, she will protect you and your property. Let us trust each other.”

Her remarks come in the wake of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha on April 3 and the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of April 4 after intense debates in both houses of Parliament.

The bill received presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday, but Banerjee made it clear that West Bengal would resist its implementation, citing the state’s diverse population, which includes 33 percent minorities. “What will I do with them if such laws create division?” she asked, referencing the delicate balance in border areas near Bangladesh.

Banerjee drew on history to underline her stance, noting, “Bengal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India were once together. Partition came later. Those living here now—it’s our duty to protect them.” She stressed that unity could empower people to “conquer the world,” urging restraint against those who might incite unrest.

The Chief Minister’s comments also addressed recent violence in Murshidabad district on Tuesday, where around 100 protesters clashed with police near Umarpur crossing along National Highway 12, opposing the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

The demonstration turned violent, with protesters allegedly throwing stones, vandalizing police vehicles, and torching two police cars, injuring several officers. West Bengal police responded with tear gas and lathi charges, apprehending at least 22 individuals.

“Traffic on the National Highway has returned to normal, and strict action will be taken against those who resorted to violence,” the police stated.

Banerjee condemned the timing of the legislation, saying, “This (Waqf Bill) should not have been passed now.” She reiterated her inclusive approach, highlighting her visits to places of worship across religions, including Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jain and Buddhist temples, gurudwaras, churches, and Guru Ravidas temples.

“In Rajasthan, I visited both Ajmer Sharif and the Brahma Temple in Pushkar,” she added, underscoring her commitment to interfaith harmony. “Even if you shoot me dead, you cannot separate me from this unity. Every religion, caste, and creed prays for humanity, and we love them all.”

In a significant step to modernize its naval strike power, India has cleared a government-to-government deal worth over ₹63,000 crore to procure 26 Rafale M fighter jets from France. These marine variants of the Rafale are set to become a cornerstone of the Indian Navy’s air capabilities.

The deal, once finalized, will mark the first major upgrade of fighter aircraft for the Indian naval forces. It was initially considered in July 2023 after India’s Defence Ministry opened talks with its French counterpart. The formal signing is expected later this month during the visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

Key features and deployment

The contract includes not just the 26 fighter jets — 22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters — but also a comprehensive support package. This will cover fleet maintenance, logistics, training for Indian personnel, and localized production of components under offset obligations.

The Rafale M is equipped for aircraft carrier operations, featuring advanced landing gears by Safran Group, folding wings, a reinforced undercarriage, and tailhook landing capabilities. These jets are to be deployed primarily on the indigenously-built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, strengthening India’s maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean amid growing strategic concerns over Chinese naval activity.

Timeline and strategic significance

Deliveries are expected to begin five years after the final agreement is inked, pushing full induction of the fleet closer to 2031. These jets will operate alongside the existing MiG-29K fleet, which will continue service aboard INS Vikramaditya.

In a statement last December, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi had indicated a strategic shift in India’s maritime defense approach to counter regional threats. The Rafale M acquisition aligns with this evolving doctrine.

Additionally, the Indian Navy plans to induct twin-engine, deck-based fifth-generation fighters developed by DRDO, which will be naval variants of the AMCA currently being designed for the Air Force.

The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale ‘C’ variant jets from two bases in the north and is expected to benefit from improved aerial refueling capabilities enabled by the Navy’s new jets under the ‘buddy-buddy’ system.