Activist Sonam Wangchuk has blamed the BJP’s reversal on promises and widespread unemployment for fueling the recent unrest in Ladakh. He described the protests—turning violent with arson and clashes—as an “organic outburst” of pent-up youth frustration demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule. At least four people died and over 70 were injured amid confrontations and curfews imposed in Leh. Wangchuk called the turn to violence a sad day, urging that promises now be kept.   

Several female students of a Delhi management institute have accused Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati (aka Parth Sarthy) of sexual harassment. On 4 August, a complaint was filed at Vasant Kunj North Police Station regarding harassment of PGDM students under EWS quotas. During the investigation, statements from 32 students were recorded; 17 alleged abusive language, unsolicited obscene messages, and unwanted physical contact. Police discovered a Volvo with a forged diplomatic plate at the institute’s basement, linked to Saraswati. He remains absconding while police conduct raids and digital forensics. Meanwhile, the religious Peetham he was affiliated with has officially severed ties and condemned his actions. (PC: ANI)  

The Ministry of Home Affairs blamed activist Sonam Wangchuk for the violence in Leh that left five dead on Wednesday. Wangchuk, leading the Ladakh statehood movement since 2019-20, allegedly misled people by referencing Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal. He ended his hunger strike after condemning the violent turn of the protest. The government said talks with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance were progressing, with results like increased tribal reservations, women’s representation in hill councils, recognition of Bhoti and Purgi languages, and recruitment for 1,800 jobs. High-level talks continue. (PC: HT)

Kulgam police have arrested 26-year-old Mohammad Yousuf Kataria for helping terrorists in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. He guided Lashkar-e-Taiba members through local forests and provided shelter. The attack in Baisaran Valley killed 26 people, including 25 tourists. Kataria worked a contract job and also taught local children before joining the terrorists. Investigators are tracing past movements, hideouts, and Overground Worker support used by the attackers. Earlier, two men were arrested for aiding the terrorists. The three main attackers were killed in July during Operation Mahadev. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed they were Pakistan-based terrorists. (PC: India Today)

Violent protests erupted in Leh as Ladakh’s demand for Statehood and Sixth Schedule status turned tense. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk accused the government of “defeating peaceful protests by forcing youth to take up violence.” He said Gen Z protesters, including school girls, college students, and monks, joined in large numbers for the first time. The unrest began during a hunger strike by Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance. Wangchuk said delays in talks with the Centre angered the people. “Youth said peaceful protests are not working,” he noted, warning that matters could slip out of control if ignored. (PC: The Hindu)

Gen Z protesters brought Leh, Ladakh to a standstill as violence erupted during a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body’s youth wing. Four people were killed and 45 injured, including 22 police personnel. Angry youth torched the BJP office, a police van, and several vehicles, while clashing with security forces. Police responded with teargas and firing to control the mob. The protest was held to demand statehood for Ladakh and Sixth Schedule status. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his hunger strike, appealed for calm, urging youth to stop violence. Talks with the Centre are scheduled for October 6. (PC: New Indian Express)

Police on Wednesday arrested a man from Kulgam for helping terrorists involved in the April attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack in Baisaran Valley killed 26 people, including 25 tourists. The accused, Mohammad Yousuf Kataria, 26, worked in a contractual job and also taught children. Investigators said he gave shelter and guided terrorists of the Pakistan-backed group, The Resistance Front (TRF). His role was traced after analysis of weapons recovered during Operation Mahadev. Kataria allegedly helped the Lashkar group move through forest routes months before the attack, making him a key link in the planning. (PC: India Today)

A protest in Leh, Ladakh, demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Wednesday. At least 4 people were killed and over 50 injured, officials said. Police used teargas and batons after some protestors threw stones. Demonstrators also set fire to a BJP office and clashed with security forces. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended a 15-day hunger strike, appealed for peace. Authorities imposed restrictions under Section 163 and cancelled the Ladakh Festival. Leaders urged the Centre to hold talks earlier than October 6 to address the anger and growing unrest in the region. (PC: HT)

Protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Tuesday in Leh. The BJP office was set ablaze and a security vehicle torched as demonstrators clashed with police, who used tear gas and baton charges to control the unrest. The agitation was led by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), coinciding with a hunger strike by activists including Sonam Wangchuk. Following health concerns, Wangchuk ended his fast while urging peace. Talks with the Centre and regional representatives are slated for October 6. 

A luxury Rolls-Royce Ghost was left stranded on a flooded road in Kolkata after record rainfall hit the city. The car, stuck in the middle of the waterlogged stretch with branches placed on its hood, quickly went viral online. Locals mocked the situation, writing “Lord Alto zindabad.” Heavy downpour has caused flooding in many areas, blocking traffic and disrupting daily life. Social media users criticized Kolkata’s poor drainage system and linked the crisis to climate change. The city has recorded its heaviest rain in 37 years, leaving 10 people dead and many public transport services suspended ahead of Durga Puja. (PC: HT)