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*

**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.

**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.

**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.

**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.

*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

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