investigation 3 - The Latremie Post

Karur stampede case: SC orders CBI probe, forms committee

**Karur Stampede Case: Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe, Constitutes Oversight Committee**

*By Snehil Singh | October 13, 2025, 11:34 AM*

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The Supreme Court has directed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the tragic stampede that occurred in Karur, Tamil Nadu, on September 27, 2025. The incident unfolded during a political rally organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and resulted in the deaths of at least 41 people, as reported by Bar and Bench.

The TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, had challenged a Madras High Court order which called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. Vijay also demanded an independent investigation, addressing the adverse remarks made by the High Court regarding the case.

### Supreme Court Constitutes Committee to Oversee CBI Probe

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and NV Anjaria, has set up a three-member committee to monitor and supervise the ongoing CBI investigation. The committee will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi. Alongside him, two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers—likely from Tamil Nadu but not locals—will serve on the panel.

In a bid for transparency, the Supreme Court has instructed the CBI to submit monthly progress reports of its investigation directly to this committee.

### Conflicting High Court Orders Raise Concerns

The Supreme Court’s intervention comes amid conflicting orders from different benches of the Madras High Court. While the principal bench ordered an SIT investigation into the case, the Madurai Bench had earlier refused to allow a CBI probe. This discrepancy had raised concerns at the apex court level.

### Background: Madras High Court’s SIT Order and Legal Developments

On October 3, Justice N Senthilkumar of the Madras High Court directed a Special Investigation Team probe, expressing dissatisfaction with the state’s investigation into the stampede. The judge highlighted that no criminal case had been filed in connection with two separate hit-and-run incidents involving Vijay’s campaign vehicle.

Subsequently, a case was reportedly registered against the driver of Vijay’s campaign vehicle for these incidents. In response, TVK approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent investigation beyond what the state authorities had provided.

### SOP for Rallies Plea Assigned to Division Bench

Alongside the probe order, the Supreme Court has assigned the plea regarding the establishment of a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for roadshows and political rallies to a division bench of the Madras High Court.

Senior advocates Gopal Subramaniam and Aryama Sundaram appeared for TVK, while senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and P Wilson represented the Tamil Nadu government in the matter.

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The developments surrounding the Karur stampede case highlight intensified judicial scrutiny and the demand for a transparent and impartial investigation into the tragedy that shook Tamil Nadu. This ongoing probe and the formulation of SOPs are expected to set precedents for the management of mass political gatherings in the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/sc-orders-cbi-investigation-into-karur-stampede-appoints-2-member-panel/story

Durgapur gang-rape: NCW suggests probing survivor’s friend, political controversy erupts

Durgapur Gang-Rape: NCW Suggests Probing Survivor’s Friend, Political Controversy Erupts

By Snehil Singh | Oct 12, 2025 | 02:05 PM

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has recommended that police interrogate a friend of the 23-year-old Odisha college student who was allegedly gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal. NCW member Archana Majumdar met the survivor at a hospital, where the victim revealed that her friend had persuaded her to leave her private college shortly before the attack on Friday.

Investigation Progress: Friend Also Under Scanner

So far, three suspects have been arrested and one detained in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), Sekh Reajuddin (31), and Sheikh Sofiqul.

The survivor’s father also indicated possible involvement of the friend, stating that the friend fled when the accused cornered his daughter. “The survivor’s friend is also under the scanner. He had insisted that she go out with him. When the survivor was cornered by the accused, he fled the scene,” said NCW member Archana Majumdar.

Allegations: Friend Left Her Alone, Say Police

The survivor’s mother alleged that her daughter was gang-raped around 10:00 PM last Friday. According to police, an initial probe revealed that the survivor went out with her friend around 8:00 to 8:30 PM.

“The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there,” a police officer speaking on the condition of anonymity said. The accused reportedly snatched the woman’s phone and took her to a jungle outside the campus, where they raped her, threatening serious consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

Political Response: Calls for Immediate Arrests

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured the survivor’s family of the state government’s support amid the investigation. Meanwhile, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha and West Bengal have demanded the swift arrest of all those involved in the case.

Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, accused the Mamata Banerjee administration—who is also the state’s police minister—of law and order collapse.

Minister’s Statement: Investigation Following All Protocols

West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Sashi Panja described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and emphasized that politicizing crimes against women is undesirable.

East Asansol Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Gupta confirmed on Sunday that all investigation protocols are being followed. A drone has been deployed to track a fifth accused believed to be involved in the case.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/wb-gang-rape-survivor-s-friend-who-fled-under-scanner-ncw/story

Trump announces an extra 100% tariff on imports from China

**Trump Announces Extra 100% Tariff on Imports from China**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 11, 2025 | 09:50 AM*

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose an additional 100% tariff on imports from China starting next month. This move follows Beijing’s recent tightening of export rules on rare earth materials, which Trump criticized as “very hostile.”

### Rising Trade Tensions

In a series of social media posts, President Trump condemned China’s tightened export controls on rare earths, accusing the country of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global market “captive.” Rare earth elements are critical in manufacturing products such as cars and smartphones, making China’s restrictions particularly impactful.

Trump also expressed uncertainty about his upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which was initially scheduled to address these trade issues. However, he later clarified that the meeting had not been canceled and that he still planned to attend.

### Economic Impact and Market Reactions

Trump’s announcement and comments triggered a sharp reaction in financial markets. The S&P 500 experienced a significant decline, closing down 2.7%, marking its biggest drop since April.

Many US companies that rely on rare earth materials have voiced strong objections to Beijing’s revised export controls, concerned about supply chain disruptions and increased costs.

### Additional Chinese Actions Against US Companies

In conjunction with export restrictions, China has initiated a monopoly investigation targeting US tech giant Qualcomm, potentially delaying its planned acquisition of another chipmaker. Despite Qualcomm being a US-based company, a substantial portion of its business operates in China.

Moreover, Beijing introduced new port fees on ships connected to the US, including those owned or operated by American firms, further escalating trade frictions.

### Diplomatic Efforts Amid Ongoing Trade Disputes

Since May, the US and China have maintained a fragile trade detente after agreeing to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods. Nonetheless, tensions remain high, with US tariffs on Chinese products still carrying an additional 30% levy compared to earlier this year.

Negotiations have continued, covering issues such as TikTok, agricultural exports, and the trade of rare earth materials. Initially, a high-level meeting between President Trump and President Xi was expected to take place in South Korea this month. However, recent developments make this meeting appear unlikely.

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Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving trade situation between the US and China.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/trump-threatens-to-impose-100-extra-tariffs-on-chinese-imports/story

Texas man arrested for killing Hyderabad student at gas station

**Texas Man Arrested for Killing Hyderabad Student at Gas Station**

*By Snehil Singh | October 7, 2025, 10:30 AM*

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A 23-year-old Texas resident, Richard Florez, has been arrested in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Indian student Chandrashekar Pole at a Fort Worth gas station.

**The Incident**

The tragic event occurred on Friday night while Pole was working his part-time shift at a gas station on Eastchase Parkway. According to reports, Florez allegedly shot Pole before fleeing the scene. Shortly after, Florez reportedly fired at another vehicle about a mile away and then crashed his car into a gate while attempting to enter a residence on Meadowbrook Drive.

**Legal Proceedings**

Florez was apprehended soon after the crash. Authorities discovered a firearm in his vehicle. Fort Worth Police spokesperson Officer Brad Perez confirmed to NBC DFW that Florez is currently hospitalized but has been charged with homicide. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office declared Pole dead at the scene.

**Victim’s Profile**

Chandrashekar Pole, a native of Hyderabad, India, had completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery before moving to the United States two years ago. He recently earned a Master’s degree in Data Analytics from the University of North Texas in Denton and was actively seeking employment.

To support himself financially, Pole took on a part-time job at the gas station where the shooting took place.

**Repatriation Efforts**

The Indian Consulate in Houston is collaborating with Pole’s family to facilitate the repatriation of his remains. However, due to a local government shutdown, formal police statements and further details have been delayed.

This incident adds to a growing list of violent attacks involving Indian students in the United States.

**Community Reaction**

Pole’s death has deeply affected the local Indian-American community, sparking fear and mourning. In response, community members have launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with repatriation costs and support for Pole’s family.

This is not an isolated incident; on September 10, another Indian-origin individual, Chandra Nagamallaiah from Karnataka, was fatally attacked at his workplace in East Dallas, Texas, during a dispute with a co-worker.

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Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by these tragic events. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/texas-man-arrested-for-killing-hyderabad-student-at-gas-station/story

Karur stampede: Madras HC forms SIT, denies pre-arrest bail to TVK leaders

The court has rejected the anticipatory bail petitions of two senior Tamil Vikatan Katchi (TVK) leaders and criticised both the party and the police over the recent mishap. Additionally, a plea by a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident was dismissed. The bench directed her to approach the Madurai court instead, according to PTI reports.

Chief Minister MK Stalin and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) launched political attacks, blaming the BJP and TVK respectively. Stalin accused the BJP of attempting to exploit the tragedy for political gains. Meanwhile, the DMK slammed actor Vijay for his arrogance, hunger for money, publicity mania, and desire for power. The party stated that Vijay’s challenge to the state government to arrest him was merely an attempt to divert attention from the deaths of 41 people.

In response to the tragedy, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and Inspector General, North Zone, Asra Garg, PTI reported.

The High Court also held the TVK event organisers, party leadership, and police responsible for lapses that contributed to the stampede, which claimed the lives of several children.

The anticipatory bail pleas of TVK state General Secretary Bussy N Anand and Deputy General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar were dismissed. Both have been named in the first information report (FIR), along with a local party leader who has since been arrested. They face charges under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 125 (endangering life of others), and 223 (disobedience to order) of the Indian Penal Code.

Furthermore, the court rejected the anticipatory bail petition of TVK Namakkal district secretary Sathish Kumar, who was linked to an attack on a private hospital during Vijay’s public meeting in Namakkal.

Chief Minister Stalin also alleged that the BJP and the Union government show no genuine concern over the stampede and are attempting to capitalise on the tragedy ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections. He questioned, “Why was a delegation of NDA MPs sent to Karur urgently, while no teams were dispatched for the Manipur riots, Morbi bridge collapse, or Kumbh Mela stampede?”

The DMK continued its criticism of Vijay through its party organ, Murasoli, stating, “Vijay’s arrogance, responsible for the deaths of 41 persons, and his hunger for money, publicity mania, and desire for power, has not subsided yet.” The publication further claimed that his Rs 20 lakh solatium announcement for victims’ families was prompted by pressure. Adding, “By mounting a challenge to arrest him, he is trying to divert attention from the deaths of 41 persons.”

The government has already disbursed solatium to the victims’ families. Meanwhile, the DMK also criticised TVK leaders for arriving late to designated campaign spots, leaving supporters exhausted.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/sit-to-investigate-karur-stampede-says-hc-denies-anticipatory-bail-to-tvk-leaders-23597089

Three family members killed in Co Louth home named locally

The deceased have been named locally as Louise and Mark O’Connor, who were in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s. It is not yet clear if all the victims were stabbed, if they died from blunt force trauma, or if the cause of death was the same for all three individuals. However, no firearms were used in the incident.

Sources have indicated that it must have been a sustained and determined attack to kill three adults. The suspected killings are believed to have taken place at or after breakfast time, although what preceded the violence is still under investigation.

Gardaí have emphasized that it is very early in their inquiry, noting that officers first arrived at the scene just before 10 a.m.

The incident occurred at a remote house—a pretty cottage situated in a well-maintained area—in a secluded townland of Drumgowna, near Tallanstown, on the western side of County Louth. The family is well-known in the local community.

Authorities have stated they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the case. Sources have described the situation as very raw and tragic.

The suspect, a male in his 30s, is understood to have a diagnosis of a serious psychiatric illness and was taking prescribed medication. Gardaí are examining whether he had been taking his medication in recent days, and if not, whether this could be a contributing factor.

**Garda Statement**

Gardaí continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding a fatal incident at a residential property in Drumgowna, Tallanstown, Co Louth, which occurred on the morning of Monday, September 29, 2025.

Officers responded to a call shortly before 10 a.m. Upon arrival, three people—a male and a female in their 50s and a male in his 20s—were found deceased at the scene.

A male, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is currently detained at a station in the Garda northwestern region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. This allows for up to 24 hours in custody, excluding any medical consultations or sleep breaks.

The scene is subject to an ongoing forensic examination by the Garda National Technical Bureau. The Offices of the Coroner and the State Pathologist have been notified.

The remains of the deceased have been removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted tomorrow.

The investigation is being managed from an incident room at Ardee Garda Station, and a senior investigating officer has been appointed. Additionally, a family liaison officer has been assigned to support and keep the family informed.

**Appeal for Information**

An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Garda Investigation Team by calling Drogheda Garda Station at 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/three-family-members-killed-in-co-louth-home-named-locally-1812762.html

HDFC Bank barred from onboarding new clients in Dubai

**HDFC Bank Barred from Onboarding New Clients in Dubai**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 27, 2025, 04:34 PM*

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**What’s the story?**

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has barred HDFC Bank’s Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) branch from onboarding new clients and providing financial services. This regulatory action stems from concerns regarding the bank’s client onboarding practices.

HDFC Bank has clarified that these operations are not material to its overall business and is taking steps to comply with the DFSA’s directives.

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**Regulatory Action**

The DFSA’s directive prohibits HDFC Bank’s DIFC branch from offering financial services to new clients. This includes advising on financial products, arranging investment deals, extending credit, and offering custody services. Additionally, the branch is barred from making financial promotions aimed at new clients.

It is important to note that these restrictions do not impact existing customers or those who were previously offered but not yet fully onboarded for financial services.

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**Compliance Efforts**

HDFC Bank emphasized that the operations of its DIFC branch are not material to the group’s overall business and financial position. As of September 23, the branch served a total of 1,489 customers, including joint account holders.

The bank has already initiated necessary measures to comply with the DFSA’s directives and is fully committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

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**Investigation Details**

The DFSA’s concerns center around the DIFC branch’s onboarding process, particularly regarding clients who were not fully onboarded according to the jurisdiction’s strict financial rules for “professional clients.”

This development follows a controversy from two years ago related to the alleged mis-selling of high-risk Credit Suisse Additional Tier-1 (AT1) bonds, which has prompted heightened scrutiny of the branch’s practices.

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*Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/uae-regulator-bars-hdfc-from-new-client-onboarding-in-dubai/story

BMW crash case: Court defers Gaganpreet Kaur’s bail hearing

**BMW Crash Case: Court Defers Gaganpreet Kaur’s Bail Hearing**

*By Snehil Singh | September 20, 2025, 03:07 PM*

A Delhi court has postponed the bail hearing of Gaganpreet Kaur, the prime accused in a fatal BMW accident that resulted in the death of Deputy Secretary Navjot Singh and left his wife, Sandeep, injured. The Patiala House Court deferred the hearing to September 24 after the police requested more time to gather key evidence, including Kaur’s phone and driving license.

### Investigation Update: Bail Hearing Deferred

During the proceedings, investigators informed Judicial Magistrate Ankit Garg that they oppose granting bail at this stage, citing that the probe is still in its early phases. Meanwhile, Gaganpreet Kaur remains in judicial custody until September 27. She faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and rash driving.

### Critical Evidence: Mobile Phone and Driving License

Police revealed that Kaur’s phone contains important messages sent after the crash, which could prove crucial for the investigation. The mobile device is currently with Kaur’s husband, Parikshit Makkad, who is expected to hand it over to the authorities soon.

### Preservation of CCTV Footage

The court has also issued a notice regarding an application seeking the preservation of CCTV footage from the accident site. During a recent hearing, the court observed that there is no provision for sharing such footage directly with the accused in a criminal case.

### Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation

The accident occurred on September 14 around 1:00 PM near Dhaula Kuan. Navjot Singh and his wife were returning from the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara on a motorcycle when they were struck by Kaur’s BMW. Parikshit Makkad was seated in the passenger seat at the time of the crash.

Additionally, the police are investigating possible attempts at evidence tampering following the incident. One point under scrutiny is Kaur’s alleged visit to a hospital nearly 19 kilometers away from the accident site shortly after the crash.

The police have registered the case under various penal provisions, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and rash and negligent driving, as the investigation continues. Further updates will follow as the case progresses.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/delhi-bmw-crash-court-postpones-bail-hearing-to-september-24/story

BMW crash case: Court defers Gaganpreet Kaur’s bail hearing

**BMW Crash Case: Court Defers Gaganpreet Kaur’s Bail Hearing**

*By Snehil Singh | September 20, 2025, 03:07 PM*

A Delhi court has postponed the bail hearing of Gaganpreet Kaur, the prime accused in a fatal BMW accident that resulted in the death of Deputy Secretary Navjot Singh and injured his wife, Sandeep.

The Patiala House Court deferred the hearing to September 24, after the police requested more time to collect crucial evidence, including Kaur’s phone and driving license. Investigators informed Judicial Magistrate Ankit Garg that they oppose granting bail at this stage, as the probe is still in its early stages.

**Evidence Collection Underway**

Kaur’s husband, Parikshit Makkad, currently holds her mobile phone, which police deem vital for the investigation. Authorities revealed that the phone contains important messages sent after the crash, and Makkad is expected to hand it over soon.

Meanwhile, Gaganpreet Kaur remains in judicial custody until September 27. She faces charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and rash driving related to the case.

**Preservation of CCTV Footage**

The court has also issued a notice regarding an application seeking the preservation of CCTV footage from the site of the accident. On Thursday, the court observed that there is no provision for sharing such footage with the accused in a criminal case.

Following the incident, the police registered cases under several penal provisions, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as well as rash and negligent driving.

**Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation**

The accident occurred on September 14 around 1:00 PM near Dhaula Kuan. Navjot Singh and his wife were returning from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara on a motorcycle when they were struck by Kaur’s BMW. Parikshit Makkad was in the passenger seat of the BMW at the time.

Police are also investigating possible attempts to tamper with evidence after the crash. This includes scrutiny of Kaur’s alleged visit to a hospital nearly 19 kilometers away from the accident site, which is under further examination by authorities.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/delhi-bmw-crash-court-postpones-bail-hearing-to-september-24/story