Actor Imran Khan has approached the Bombay High Court to challenge a notice asking him to leave India by October 28. The notice was issued after his detention at a protest in Mumbai on October 10. The protest called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.   Khan’s petition seeks an urgent stay and cancellation of the notice. He argued that authorities failed to explain the alleged violations and ignored his Overseas Citizen of India status. Khan said he has lived in India since he was two years old. The court hearing is expected on Monday.  

At least 17 people were feared dead and several others injured in a stampede at Kolkata’s Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal on Saturday evening. The incident took place around 7 pm amid heavy rain and lightning.   A large crowd reportedly rushed towards the pandal to escape the rain. Several people fell, triggering the stampede. Around 25 injured people were taken to Kolkata Medical College and Hospital.   Senior police officials and rescue teams reached the spot. The West Bengal government launched a toll-free helpline, 18003455678, to provide information about the incident. Police had yet to confirm the death toll.  

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke was released on Saturday after a Delhi court ordered his conditional release. He was detained and arrested on Friday while planning to join a march at Connaught Place against alleged electoral fraud. The court directed him to sign a Rs 50,000 bond and promise to maintain peace.   All India Students' Association president Neha Bora, who was also detained, was released earlier on Saturday. Police said around 150 people were detained to maintain law and order and control traffic. Protests continued despite the detentions, with participants carrying the national flag.  

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized expired and damaged food products worth Rs 48 lakh during raids in Thane and Pune. Police have filed an FIR against 10 people linked to Reliance, Blinkit, Zomato Hyperpure and disposal agencies.   The FDA suspects that food meant for destruction was diverted and sold to consumers. Officials found expired and leaking products at an unlicensed shop in Bhiwandi. They also found problems in disposal records.   The FDA suspended the licences of five establishments and shut down four unlicensed premises following inspections.  

The Calcutta High Court has quashed a criminal case over a dispute between two women over a rescued street dog. The court urged them to “work together for the welfare of poor, voiceless animals”. Both women claimed to have rescued the dog in November 2024 and cared for it. The court noted that the dog was now around two years old and in good health. After reviewing a police report and medical records, the court found no reason to continue the case. It also allowed the complainant to visit the dog once a month, with prior permission from its current custodian.  

Odisha Vigilance officials seized ₹21.88 lakh in suspected unaccounted cash from Prasanjit Das, Superintending Engineer of the Mahanadi Northern Division in Jagatpur, Cuttack. Acting on information about alleged bribe collection from contractors, officials intercepted Das near AG Chowk in Bhubaneswar on Friday night, October 16, and recovered ₹7.28 lakh from his vehicle. Subsequent searches at his rented flat uncovered another ₹14.60 lakh. A search was also conducted at his ancestral residence in Bargarh. Das was detained for questioning, and a case was registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The investigation continues. (PC: ANI)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and fellow leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were released by a Delhi Executive Magistrate on October 11 after preventive detention. The three furnished surety bonds of ₹50,000 each and were directed to maintain peace and good behaviour for one year. Police had detained them ahead of a planned protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. CJP leaders criticised the detention, while police maintained that preventive action was necessary to avert potential disturbances. (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said military access to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet had not been fully restored after restrictions disrupted drone operations and air-defence capabilities. The speed limits reportedly affected terminals moving above 100 mph, hampering Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian drones. Zelenskyy described the development as a “dangerous and unpleasant surprise” amid strained relations with US President Donald Trump. Reports suggested the restriction order originated within the White House, though responsibility remains disputed. During talks in Brussels, Zelenskyy also requested €70 billion in additional European Union funding for Ukraine’s defence in 2027. (PC: Reuters)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was arrested by Delhi Police on October 16, 2026, ahead of a planned ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. CJP alleged that authorities deliberately delayed access to Dipke and information about his whereabouts. Police initiated proceedings under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, with Dipke scheduled to appear before a Special Executive Magistrate. AISA president Neha Bora, also detained before the protest, was released. Demonstrators continue opposing alleged irregularities in voter-list revisions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that internet access is a fundamental right for children, cautioning against blanket bans imposed in the name of online safety. The court stated that children should not have to choose between their freedom and protection from digital risks. The ruling came while examining measures to detect and remove child sexual exploitation and abuse material online. The bench emphasised stronger safeguards, including parental controls, child-friendly settings and stricter action against harmful content. It also called for appropriate regulations and greater awareness to ensure children can access the internet safely.