Police in Hyderabad have registered Telangana’s first FIR over allegedly fraudulent Form 7 applications used to seek deletion of voters from electoral rolls. A BJP Booth Level Agent, S Balachander, has been booked after allegedly submitting 30 pre-printed Form 7 forms in Musheerabad. The applications targeted voters who were all Muslims, including a Congress booth-level agent. Officials said field verification found the voters were residents of the area, leading to rejection of the applications. Balachander has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Representation of the People Act. The BJP has denied allegations of attempting voter deletions. (PC: The Indian Express)

Police investigating the death of Premanand Maharaj’s disciple Rasik Dulari are examining restrictions on mobile phones and outside contact at the Mathura ashram. Dulari died on September 25 after falling from the fourth floor. According to police sources, disciples were allegedly required to surrender their personal phones and were given new devices and SIM cards. Investigators are examining how these phones were monitored and who had access to records. Police are also checking whether residents were restricted from contacting family and friends. The probe is examining Dulari’s mental and physical condition, his digital records and his final days. Police have recorded statements from 85 people so far. (PC: NDTV)

Starbucks has launched a limited-edition festive menu inspired by Bengali flavours for Durga Puja, under its "Aamar Pujo, Aamar Starbucks" campaign. The food range includes a Shorshe Chicken Burger, Kosha Mangsho Roll, Bhekti Bhaja Sandwich, Dhakai Chicken Wrap, Aloo Postho Burger and Chingri Turnover. For dessert, the chain is serving Gurer Sandesh Flan and Kalakand Pie. The drinks list adds a Saffron Latte and a Choco Saffron Frappuccino. The unusual mix has become a talking point on social media. Some users praised the idea, while others questioned the price of coffee and said they preferred homegrown cafe brands. (PC: NDTV)

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi climbed police barricades and waved the Tricolour on Tuesday during the INDIA bloc's march from Parliament to the Election Commission of India. More than 300 MPs took part, Rahul said, and leaders including Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O'Brien were briefly detained. After police stopped the march, MPs sat on the road, then entered the Akashvani complex, about 100 metres from the ECI office. The protest comes amid opposition allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision. Rahul said the opposition was trying to "save democracy." (PC: HT)

A delegation of former civil servants and social activists on Monday submitted a chargesheet and impeachment notice against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of "proved misbehaviour" and seeking his removal under Article 324(5) of the Constitution. The group alleged he took decisions in the Election Commission's name without full consideration by the commission. Other charges include unauthorised changes to Form 6, misuse of ECINET, mass disenfranchisement through the Special Intensive Revision, partisan conduct and breach of statutory duty. Signatories include Najeeb Jung, G K Pillai and Yogendra Yadav. The allegations do not by themselves establish any wrongdoing by Kumar. (PC HT)

Delhi ACP Vivek Bhagat’s promotion to additional deputy commissioner of police has been put on hold after he requested that he not take charge until an inquiry into a journalist’s sexual harassment complaint is completed. Bhagat was named in a complaint filed by a female journalist who alleged that he touched her inappropriately and pushed her during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The complaint was submitted at Parliament Street police station, but no FIR has been registered so far. Police have sent the complaint, along with 2 other allegations involving journalists, to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry. (PC: HT)

A lawyer representing protesting nurses in Tamil Nadu alleged on Monday that five leaders were arrested after being invited to the Tamil Nadu Secretariat for talks. Police detained nurses who were on hunger strike in Chennai after they refused to disperse beyond the allotted time. Nurses from across Tamil Nadu had gathered near Rajaratnam Stadium for a protest organised by the Tamil Nadu Intermediate Health Workers’ Association. The nurses are demanding a monthly salary of Rs 45,000, equal pay for equal work, permanent employment, job security and payment of pending incentives. The allegations of arrests and detention came amid the nurses’ protest and their demands for pay, conditions and job security.

Delhi Police officer Vivek Bhagat has been promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, days after a woman journalist accused him of molestation during a Jantar Mantar protest. The protest was held on October 3 over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. Delhi Police said the complaints of sexual harassment by three women journalists have been sent to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry. No FIR has been registered so far. Officials said Bhagat’s promotion is part of a routine, time-bound process. Eleven other DANIPS officers were also promoted. The Crime Branch will record statements and examine evidence.  

The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that the “modified” Form 6 used for new voter registration has not been approved by the court. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the bench would examine the issue after reviewing the relevant records and determine who amended the form. The Election Commission has maintained that Form 6 was not amended, but an additional declaration was added for voters during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The declaration requires new voters to link their details with records of parents or grandparents. The issue has emerged amid allegations that CEC Gyanesh Kumar took decisions without the other Election Commissioners’ involvement. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Police detained 17 people on Monday after they spent the night outside Parliament Street police station demanding an FIR and action against officers accused of sexually assaulting 3 women journalists during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protesters included freelance journalists, YouTubers and one of the alleged victims. They were taken to Delhi Cantt Police Station. Police said Section 163 was in force across New Delhi and gatherings without permission were prohibited. The 3 journalists’ complaints have been transferred to the Crime Branch, which is examining CCTV footage and recording statements as part of the investigation. (PC: The Indian Express)