In Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, a woman who had accused Rajat Sharma, son of a local BJP leader and council president, of rape is in critical condition after consuming sleeping pills and rat poison, police said. She left a six‑page note alleging seven months of threats, mental harassment, intimidation and pressure to withdraw her FIR, including offers of ₹50 lakh to settle. She claimed the accused promised marriage but his family arranged another engagement and sought to derail her complaint. An FIR was filed in April, and authorities say chargesheeting is underway. The woman appealed for justice from senior leaders while hospitalized. (PC: X)

Ahead of New Year celebrations, Delhi Police carried out a large-scale overnight crackdown under Operation Aaghat to curb organised crime and ensure public safety. The operation led to the arrest of 285 people from across the national capital. Police seized illegal firearms, sharp weapons, drugs, cash and other contraband, targeting criminals, repeat offenders and anti-social elements. Multiple teams conducted coordinated raids, checkpoints and surprise inspections based on intelligence inputs. Senior officials said the drive aims to deter crime, prevent violence and maintain law and order during the festive period, assuring citizens of heightened security across Delhi.

The Indian government has been unable to produce a clear, legally accepted definition of the Aravalli hill range despite more than a year of work, creating uncertainty over conservation and mining regulations. Disputes over whether landforms under 100 m should be classed as Aravallis have drawn criticism from environmentalists and opposition leaders, who warn a narrow definition could expose ecologically vital areas to mining and development, undermining groundwater recharge and biodiversity protection. The lack of a uniform definition has even led to legal challenges and growing public protests, reflecting deep concern over the future of this ancient ecological system. (PC: ANI)

A 25-year-old woman has alleged she was sexually harassed by a fellow passenger during a Namma Metro ride near the busy Majestic interchange in Bengaluru. She said the 55-year-old man sat unusually close, repeatedly pressed against her and touched her despite her attempts to move away, making her feel distressed. When her station arrived, she slapped him on the train and again on the platform as he begged and smiled, according to her account. Metro staff intervened and the woman filed a police complaint, leading to a Non-Cognisable Report (NCR) being registered.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that India punished terror planners through Operation Sindoor and neutralized executors through Operation Mahadev, marking the first time both were addressed simultaneously. Speaking at the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025, Shah referenced the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Baisaran Valley, stating it aimed to disrupt communal harmony and derail development in Jammu and Kashmir. Based on precise intelligence, forces neutralized all three terrorists, sending a stern message to Pakistan. Shah said the investigation's findings will put Pakistan "in the dock on international platforms." He warned that terrorism's evolving nature requires agencies to stay ahead, emphasizing the need for uniform Anti-Terrorism Squad structures across states for effective intelligence sharing. (PC: X)

The Ministry of External Affairs responded to a viral video showing Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya partying in London, where Modi sarcastically called themselves "biggest fugitives of India." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India remains "fully committed" to bringing back all fugitives, saying talks are ongoing with several governments despite complex legal layers involved. The video, posted on Modi's Instagram with the caption "Let's break the internet down in India again," sparked outrage on social media, with many viewing it as mockery of Indian authorities. Mallya was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in 2019 for loan defaults and money laundering. Modi fled in 2010 amid IPL financial irregularity investigations. Both currently reside in the United Kingdom.

An accountant carrying ₹85 lakh in cash was robbed in a brazen daylight attack on the Delhi–Lucknow highway near Hapur, Uttar Pradesh. CCTV footage shows two bike-borne criminals overtaking the victim’s scooter, kicking him off the vehicle, and escaping with the cash-filled bag. The victim was returning after collecting money for a Noida-based businessman when the incident occurred. He sustained injuries but survived. Police have registered a case, formed multiple teams to track the accused, released suspect visuals, and announced a ₹50,000 reward for information leading to their arrest.

A 25-year-old woman, identified as Kalpana, was shot inside a club on MG Road in Gurugram in the early hours of December 20 after she allegedly refused a marriage proposal, police said. Her husband from Najafgarh, Delhi filed a complaint stating the assailant, Tushar (25) of Sangam Vihar, had been pressing her for marriage despite her being married. An FIR was registered and police arrested Tushar and his friend Shubham (24) from Baraut (UP). Investigation revealed Tushar befriended her six months ago and shot her after her rejection; further probe continues. (PC: X)

A female manager of a private IT company in Udaipur has accused her CEO, a senior woman executive and the executive’s husband of gang-raping her inside a moving car after a birthday and year-end party on December 20. According to the police, the trio offered her a lift home, allegedly gave her alcohol or intoxicant causing unconsciousness, and then assaulted her during the journey. The victim later reviewed dashcam footage and filed a complaint. Police have detained all three accused and handed the case to the Women’s Crime Branch, with legal action and investigation ongoing. (PC: India Today)

Pre-Christmas celebrations in parts of India saw multiple vandalism and disruption incidents, sparking political uproar. In Raipur, Chhattisgarh, a mob stormed Magneto Mall during a bandh tied to alleged religious conversion disputes and vandalised Christmas decorations, leading to an FIR against several individuals. In Assam’s Nalbari district, four people linked to VHP and Bajrang Dal were arrested for damaging and burning Christmas decorations at a school and nearby shops, shouting slogans against celebrations. Kerala and Madhya Pradesh also reported clashes and confrontations related to festive events, prompting condemnation from opposition leaders.