Ayen News

Author: news.ayen.in

  • Fake Seer Arrested for Cheating Senior Citizen of Gold in Delhi’s Pitampura

    NEW DELHI (Friday, March 6, 2026) — Delhi Police have arrested a man who allegedly posed as a spiritual seer to dupe a 65-year-old woman of her gold jewelry in the Pitampura area. The accused, identified as Mithun, was apprehended following a technical investigation, and a portion of the stolen ornaments has been recovered.

    The Incident: A Fraudulent “Blessing”

    The crime took place on the morning of March 3, 2026, when the victim, Raj Rani, was walking back to her home after completing household work in the neighborhood.

    • The Approach: Mithun intercepted the woman, claiming to be a “seer” with divine powers. He managed to gain her trust by speaking about her personal troubles and family health issues.
    • The Pretext: He convinced the victim that her gold ornaments were carrying “negative energy” and were the root cause of her problems. He suggested a ritual to “purify” the jewelry.
    • The Theft: During the ritual, he asked the woman to wrap her gold bangles and a chain in a piece of cloth. Through sleight of hand, he replaced the ornaments with stones and handed the bundle back to her, instructing her not to open it for several hours to ensure the “blessing” worked.

    Investigation and Arrest

    When Raj Rani eventually opened the bundle and found it empty, she realized she had been cheated and approached the Maurya Enclave police station.

    • CCTV Analysis: Police scanned footage from over 30 cameras in the Pitampura and Rohini areas to track the suspect’s movement.
    • The Recovery: Mithun was traced to a hideout in Outer Delhi. Upon his arrest, police recovered one gold bangle belonging to the victim. He reportedly confessed to selling the other items to a local jeweler to fund his personal expenses.
    • Criminal Background: Investigation revealed that Mithun had been involved in similar “faith-healing” scams across North and West Delhi in the past.

    Safety Advisory for Senior Citizens

    Delhi Police have issued a fresh advisory following a string of “fake seer” (Sadhubesh) incidents in residential colonies:

    1. Avoid Roadside Rituals: Never remove jewelry or hand over cash to strangers offering “spiritual solutions” or “miracle cures” on the street.
    2. Verify Identities: Be wary of individuals who claim to know your family history; such information is often gathered through social engineering or local eavesdropping.
    3. Report “Sleight of Hand”: If someone asks you to wrap valuables in a cloth or paper for a “blessing,” it is almost certainly a scam.
    4. Immediate Reporting: Report any such suspicious activity to the police helpline 112.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Man poses as seer, cheats elderly woman of gold jewellery in Delhi’s Pitampura; arrested” (March 6, 2026)
    • The Times of India: “Fake ‘sadhu’ nabbed for duping Pitampura woman of gold worth ₹2 lakh” (March 6, 2026)
    • Delhi Police Official Handle (X/Twitter): “Maurya Enclave PS arrests fraudster Mithun for cheating senior citizen” (March 6, 2026)
    • Hindustan Times: “Spiritual scam in Delhi: Fake seer caught after cheating 65-year-old” (March 6, 2026)

  • Muzaffarnagar: 26-Year-Old Woman Dies by Suicide Over Alleged Dowry Harassment

    MUZAFFARNAGAR, UP (Friday, March 6, 2026) — A 26-year-old woman, Rubi Kashyap, allegedly ended her life by hanging at her residence in Muzaffarnagar due to continuous harassment for dowry by her in-laws. The police have registered a case against her husband and three other family members following a formal complaint by the victim’s brother.

    Background of the Case

    The tragedy unfolded just two years after Rubi’s marriage to Gaurav Kashyap, which took place on February 14, 2023.

    • The Allegations: According to the complaint filed by Rubi’s brother, Sumit Kumar, the victim was being persistently pressured and mentally tortured for additional dowry since the wedding.
    • The Incident: Distressed by the ongoing harassment, Rubi was found hanging at her home on Thursday evening.
    • Police Action: Based on the brother’s statement, the Muzaffarnagar police have booked four individuals under the “dowry death” provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

    Accused Named in the FIR

    The following individuals have been booked by the local police:

    1. Gaurav Kashyap (Husband)
    2. Ramesh (Father-in-law)
    3. Bindo Devi (Mother-in-law)
    4. Kavita (Sister-in-law)

    Legal Context: Dowry Death Laws in 2026

    Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the IPC, “Dowry Death” remains a serious non-bailable offense.

    • Section 80 of BNS: This section (formerly Section 304B of the IPC) applies when a woman dies of burns, bodily injury, or occurs “otherwise than under normal circumstances” within seven years of her marriage, provided it is shown that she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relatives in connection with dowry demands.
    • Presumption of Guilt: In such cases, the law presumes the husband or relatives caused the death unless they can prove otherwise. The minimum punishment is seven years, which can extend to life imprisonment.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “UP: Woman hangs self over dowry pressure in Muzaffarnagar” (March 6, 2026)
    • The Times of India: “26-year-old woman ends life in Muzaffarnagar; husband, in-laws booked for dowry death” (March 6, 2026)
    • Amar Ujala: “मुजफ्फरनगर: दहेज उत्पीड़न से तंग आकर विवाहिता ने दी जान, पति समेत चार पर केस दर्ज” (March 6, 2026)
    • Jagran: “दहेज की बलि चढ़ी एक और बेटी, मुजफ्फरनगर में विवाहिता ने लगाया फंदा” (March 6, 2026)

  • Rajasthan: Woman Found Dead Near Sikar Railway Underpass; Husband Suspected

    JAIPUR (Friday, March 6, 2026) — A woman was found murdered near a railway underpass in Rajasthan’s Sikar district on Friday. Initial investigations and a preliminary probe by the local police suggest that the victim was allegedly killed by her husband.

    Incident Details and Identification

    The body was discovered by locals near the Goriya railway underpass, who immediately alerted the authorities.

    • The Victim: Identified as Mamta, a resident of the neighbouring Jhunjhunu district.
    • The Suspect: Police have identified her husband, Ajay, as the prime suspect in the case.
    • The Act: Preliminary findings suggest that Ajay allegedly murdered Mamta and subsequently dumped her body at the secluded location near the underpass to evade detection.

    Forensic and Police Action

    Following the discovery, senior police officials and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team arrived at the scene to initiate a formal investigation.

    • Evidence Collection: The FSL team has conducted a thorough examination of the spot, collecting biological and physical evidence to reconstruct the events leading to the death.
    • Manhunt: Sikar police have launched a massive hunt to apprehend Ajay, who has been absconding since the body was found. Multiple teams have been dispatched to Jhunjhunu and surrounding areas to track his whereabouts.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Woman found dead near railway underpass in Rajasthan” (March 6, 2026)
    • Devdiscourse: “Tragedy on the Tracks: Unraveling the Mystery of Mamta’s Murder” (March 6, 2026)
    • Rediff News: “Rajasthan Woman Murdered: Husband Suspected in Sikar Case” (March 6, 2026)

  • Mumbai Police Arrest Gujarat Man in ₹2.25 Crore “Digital Arrest” Fraud

    MUMBAI (Friday, March 6, 2026) — The North Regional Cyber Division of the Mumbai Police has arrested a man from Gujarat for his alleged role in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam. The victim, a 77-year-old resident of Goregaon, was coerced into transferring ₹2.25 crore after being falsely accused of money laundering and involvement in terrorism.

    The Modus Operandi: A Fake Terrorism Probe

    The fraud, which began in November 2025 and continued through early December, involved a high-pressure psychological tactic known as “digital arrest.”

    • The Initial Contact: The scammers contacted the septuagenarian pretending to be senior Mumbai Police officials. They claimed his Aadhaar card had been used to open a bank account in Jammu and Kashmir that was being used by terrorists to receive funds.
    • The Allegation: The fraudsters alleged that the victim had received a ₹70 lakh commission for facilitating these transactions.
    • The “Digital Arrest”: To lend credibility, the criminals sent forged documents via WhatsApp, including a fake arrest warrant and a seizure order bearing the forged signature of the then NIA Chief, Sadanand Date. They warned him of 10 years of imprisonment unless he “cooperated” with a secret investigation.
    • The Transfer: Under the guise of “verifying” his legal funds, the victim was instructed to transfer his savings to various bank accounts provided by the scammers. Fearing immediate arrest, he transferred ₹2.25 crore in multiple transactions between November 18 and December 3, 2025.

    The Arrest of Kishan Bhaveshbhai Makwana

    Following a complaint by the victim, the North Regional Cyber Division conducted a technical analysis of the money trail.

    • Account Provider: The investigation led to Kishan Bhaveshbhai Makwana, a resident of Gujarat. Police state that Makwana was responsible for opening “mule” bank accounts used to park and layer the stolen funds before they were siphoned off.
    • Apprehension: Makwana was apprehended earlier this week in Gujarat and brought to Mumbai.
    • Ongoing Probe: Authorities are currently interrogating Makwana to identify the kingpins of the racket, who are suspected of operating from multiple states and potentially utilizing international crypto-exchanges to launder the proceeds.

    How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Scams

    Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly clarified that “Digital Arrest” is not a legal procedure.

    1. No Remote Arrests: Police, CBI, or NIA never arrest citizens over Skype or WhatsApp video calls.
    2. Verify the Source: If you receive a call claiming to be from a law enforcement agency, hang up and call the official landline of the local police station to verify.
    3. No Financial Verification: No government agency will ask you to transfer money to a “safe account” or a “government account” for verification.
    4. Report Immediately: If you are targeted, immediately call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or report it on www.cybercrime.gov.in.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Senior citizen duped of Rs 2.25 crore by cyber fraudsters; One held from Gujarat” (March 6, 2026)
    • Pudhari News: “Mumbai Cyber Fraud: 77-year-old elderly cheated of 2.25 crores” (March 5, 2026)
    • The Economic Times: “Mumbai Police dismantle ‘Digital Arrest’ module; Gujarat man arrested” (March 6, 2026)
    • Mumbai Mirror: “Goregaon senior citizen loses ₹2.25 cr to fake NIA probe; mule account holder nabbed” (March 6, 2026)

  • Experts Urge OTC Status for 4mg Nicotine Gums to Combat Smoking

    NEW DELHI (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) — Leading public health experts and clinicians have called upon Indian policymakers to reconsider the prescription-only status of 4mg nicotine gums, advocating for their re-classification as Over-The-Counter (OTC) products. The appeal, made amid a broader national debate on nicotine regulation, argues that easier access to these evidence-based cessation aids is critical for India to meet its tobacco control goals.

    The Regulatory Hurdle: Schedule K and Prescription Barriers

    Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) gums in India are currently governed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Historically, both 2mg and 4mg strengths were more accessible, but recent regulatory shifts have tightened control over the higher dose.

    • Current Status: Under Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, only nicotine gums up to 2mg are exempted from the requirement of a sale license and can be sold OTC.
    • The 4mg Shift: Until roughly 18 months ago (late 2024), 4mg gums were widely available OTC. However, following discussions by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and recommendations from the ICMR, higher doses were moved to a prescription-only category due to concerns over potential misuse.
    • Expert Counter-Argument: Clinicians like Dr. Meenakshi N (Apollo Hospital, Noida) emphasize that nicotine gums are “therapeutic tools,” not “initiation products.” They argue that the 4mg dose is essential for heavy smokers (those smoking 20+ cigarettes a day) who face severe withdrawal symptoms that the 2mg dose cannot suppress.

    Global Standards and WHO Endorsement

    Public health advocates highlight that India’s current restrictions are out of sync with international best practices.

    • WHO Essential Medicines: Nicotine gums have been on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List for over three decades and were added to India’s NLEM in 2022.
    • International Comparison: More than 100 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, allow both 2mg and 4mg gums to be sold OTC without reporting significant youth initiation or misuse.
    • Efficacy: Research from the Cochrane Library indicates that NRT can increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking by 50% to 70% compared to unaided attempts.
    Feature2mg Nicotine Gum4mg Nicotine Gum
    Current India StatusOTC (Schedule K Exempt)Prescription Required
    Recommended ForLight to moderate smokersHeavy/Highly dependent smokers
    Global AccessOTC in 100+ countriesOTC in 100+ countries
    Misuse RiskLow (DTAB confirmed)Low (No global evidence of abuse)

    Impact on Health Equity

    Experts warn that the prescription barrier creates “health inequalities,” particularly for rural and low-income populations.

    • Access Gap: In many rural areas, visiting a doctor specifically for a cessation prescription is a logistical and financial burden, leading many to simply continue smoking combustible tobacco.
    • Constitutional Rights: Some legal and health experts argue that restricting access to life-saving cessation tools contradicts Article 21 (Right to Health) and the objectives of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).

    “Nicotine itself is not risk-free, but the harm profile of medicinal nicotine is dramatically lower than smoking. The real danger lies in denying dependent smokers access to effective tools, especially in low-resource settings.” — Dr. Rajesh Madan, Senior Consultant Cardiologist, Max Hospital.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Public health experts urge evidence-based regulation of nicotine gums” (March 4, 2026)
    • ETHealthworld: “Experts urge OTC availability for nicotine gum 4mg” (March 5, 2026)
    • World Health Organization (WHO): “Tobacco Cessation Guidelines 2024”
    • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: “Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2426 – NRT Availability” (February 13, 2026)
    • Devdiscourse: “Breaking Barriers: Expanding Access to Nicotine Gums for Cessation” (March 4, 2026)

  • Thiruvananthapuram Court Sentences Tutor to 18 Years for Decades-Old Abuse

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) — A Fast Track Special Court in Kerala has sentenced a 57-year-old man to a cumulative 18 years of rigorous imprisonment for the repeated sexual assault of a minor student. The case is notable for the 11-year delay in reporting, with the crime only coming to light in 2024 after the victim recognized the perpetrator while pursuing her medical studies.

    A Decade of Silence Broken

    The abuse occurred in 2013, when the accused was tutoring the victim, who was then a minor. Fearing social stigma and the influence of the tutor, the victim remained silent for over a decade.

    • The Trigger for Reporting: In 2024, the victim—now an MBBS student—encountered a man who bore a striking resemblance to her abuser. This encounter triggered a post-traumatic response, leading her to finally disclose the ordeal to her family and file a formal police complaint.
    • The Investigation: Despite the significant time gap, the Medical College Police successfully gathered corroborative evidence and witness testimonies that established a pattern of behavior by the accused.

    The Verdict

    Judge Anju Meera Birla of the Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court delivered the sentence on Tuesday. The 57-year-old convict was found guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

    Charge TypeSentence Duration
    POCSO Act (Aggravated Assault)10 Years
    IPC Section 376 (Rape)7 Years
    IPC Section 506 (Criminal Intimidation)1 Year
    Total Cumulative Sentence18 Years

    The court also imposed a fine of ₹55,000 on the convict. If he fails to pay, he will face an additional one and a half years of imprisonment. The judge directed that the fine amount, if collected, be handed over to the survivor as compensation.

    Judicial Observations

    Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) R.S. Vijay Mohan noted that the court took a stern view of the breach of trust involved in a teacher-student relationship. The judgment emphasized that the psychological impact of such crimes does not diminish with time, and the delay in reporting does not invalidate the survivor’s testimony if it is found to be credible.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Kerala court sentences tutor to total 18 yrs imprisonment for sexual assault of student” (March 4, 2026)
    • Onmanorama: “11 years after abuse, MBBS student gets justice; tutor sentenced to 18 years in Kerala” (March 4, 2026)
    • The Hindu: “POCSO Court in Thiruvananthapuram sentences man to 18 years for assaulting minor” (March 5, 2026)
    • Mathrubhumi: “തിരുവനന്തപുരത്ത് ട്യൂഷൻ അധ്യാപകന് 18 വർഷം തടവ്; 11 വർഷത്തിന് ശേഷം വെളിപ്പെടുത്തി പെൺകുട്ടി” (March 4, 2026)

  • CESTAT Sets Aside ₹56.8 Lakh Service Tax Demand Against Rajinikanth

    CHENNAI (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) — The Chennai Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has ruled in favor of actor Rajinikanth, quashing a decade-old service tax demand of approximately ₹56.84 lakh. The tribunal clarified that renting a building for use as a hotel is specifically excluded from the definition of “taxable services” under the Finance Act, 1994.

    The Legal Dispute: Raghavendra Mandapam

    The case centered on the actor’s multi-storey building, Raghavendra Mandapam, located in Kodambakkam, Chennai.

    • The Lease: The property was leased to Vasantha Bhavan Hotels India Pvt. Ltd. for the purpose of running a hotel.
    • The Revenue’s Claim: Tax authorities argued that because the building included a restaurant, banquet hall, conference room, and health club, it was being used for “commercial purposes” and thus attracted service tax under the category of Renting of Immovable Property Service.
    • The Period: The demand spanned from June 2007 to June 2012.

    The Tribunal’s Ruling

    A division bench comprising Technical Member M. Ajit Kumar and Judicial Member Ajayan T.V. rejected the Revenue Department’s attempt to “bifurcate” the property’s usage.

    • Integral Facilities: The bench observed that amenities like restaurants and conference halls are integral and incidental to a hotel’s operation. Their presence does not transform the building into a separate commercial entity for tax purposes.
    • Statutory Exclusion: The tribunal held that the premises fall squarely under the specific exclusion provided in Section 65(105)(zzzz) of the Finance Act, which exempts buildings used for accommodation, such as hotels and guest houses.
    • Consequential Relief: The court set aside the interest and penalties and ordered a refund of pre-deposits made by the actor during the appeal process.

    “The presence of facilities like a restaurant or banquet hall does not result in a bifurcation of the property’s use. These are intended to cater to the needs of hotel guests and enhance the hotel’s viability.” — CESTAT Chennai Bench

    Key Legal Precedents Cited

    The tribunal relied on established logic from the Supreme Court and previous coordinate benches:

    1. Legislative Intent: The primary goal of the law was not to tax immovable property when used for hotel businesses.
    2. Definition of “Hotel”: A hotel is not merely a collection of rooms but a service ecosystem that includes dining and event spaces as part of its core identity.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Building rented out to hotel by actor Rajinikanth excluded from taxable services” (March 4, 2026)
    • Bar and Bench: “CESTAT sets aside ₹56 lakh service tax demand against actor Rajinikanth” (March 5, 2026)
    • LiveLaw: “Actor Rajinikanth gets relief as CESTAT Chennai sets aside ₹56.84 lakh demand” (March 4, 2026)
    • Rediff News: “Relief for actor Rajinikanth in service tax case” (March 4, 2026)
    • Official Order: R. Rajinikanth v. Commissioner of GST & Central Excise, Final Order No. 40317 & 40318/2026 (March 4, 2026)

  • Court Once Again Denies Bail to Purushottam Chavan in ₹24 Crore Fraud Case

    MUMBAI (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) — A Mumbai court has rejected a fresh bail application from Purushottam Chavan, the husband of Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rashmi Karandikar, in a massive cheating case exceeding ₹24 crore. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Abhijit Solapure (Esplanade Court) ruled that there is substantial material on record linking Chavan to the crime, and his release could potentially hinder the investigation by influencing witnesses.

    The Allegations: Government Quota Fraud

    The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police arrested Chavan on May 20, 2025. He is accused of operating a sophisticated racket that defrauded at least 20 victims.

    • The Modus Operandi: Chavan allegedly portrayed himself as a government representative and promised victims premium flats and plots in Mumbai, Thane, and Pune at discounted rates under the “state government quota.”
    • Forged Documents: The prosecution contends that Chavan used his wife’s official residence above the Colaba police station to hold meetings, where he coerced victims into signing “agreements for sale” in the presence of associates posing as government officials.
    • The Amount: Victims were allegedly swindled out of approximately ₹24.78 crore. One Sion-based businessman alone reported a loss of ₹3.37 crore for a flat in Prabhadevi.

    Court’s Reasoning for Denial

    Despite Chavan’s defense team arguing that the filing of the chargesheet made continued custody unnecessary, the court held firm on several grounds:

    FactorCourt’s Observation
    EvidenceThe chargesheet and documents “crystallise the role of the accused” in the conspiracy.
    PMLA PrecedentThe court noted that a recent bail granted to him by the Bombay High Court in a separate ₹263-crore TDS fraud (PMLA case) was based on different factual aspects and was not applicable here.
    Medical GroundsChavan sought bail citing suicidal tendencies and blood pressure issues, but the court found these could be managed within the jail hospital system.
    Witness InfluenceThe court found merit in the prosecution’s fear that Chavan might use his influence to tamper with evidence or intimidate victims.

    The Broader Legal Battle

    Chavan is currently entangled in multiple high-stakes legal proceedings:

    1. ₹263 Crore TDS Scam: Investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), where he was granted bail by the High Court in December 2025 due to prolonged detention without trial.
    2. ₹7.42 Crore Garment Fraud: A separate EOW case involving fraudulent garment supply contracts.
    3. Asset Attachment: The EOW has already initiated proceedings to attach four luxury flats linked to him, allegedly purchased using the proceeds of these crimes.

    While Chavan remains in judicial custody for the real estate fraud, his wife, IPS officer Rashmi Karandikar, has previously stated to the media that she has filed for divorce and has no involvement in his business dealings.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Court denies bail to IPS officer’s husband in cheating case” (March 4, 2026)
    • The Times of India: “Maharashtra IPS officer’s husband Purushottam Chavan denied bail in multi-crore cheating case” (February 28, 2026)
    • Hindustan Times: “HC grants bail to four in ₹263-cr TDS fraud case” (December 27, 2025)
    • Indian Express: “Real estate fraud case: Bail application of IPS officer’s husband rejected” (October 18, 2025)
    • Free Press Journal: “EOW to attach four flats linked to accused husband of IPS officer” (November 6, 2025)

  • Latur: Woman Arrested After Husband Dies in Domestic Scuffle

    LATUR (Thursday, March 5, 2026) — Police in Maharashtra’s Latur district have arrested a woman following the death of her 49-year-old husband during a domestic altercation. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, was reportedly triggered by the husband’s chronic alcohol dependency and frequent disputes over his drinking habits.

    Details of the Incident

    The deceased, identified as Sikandar Sidram Rathod, reportedly returned to his home in an inebriated state on Tuesday, leading to a heated argument with his wife, Kamalbai.

    • The Scuffle: During the physical altercation, Sikandar reportedly fell to the ground and sustained a significant head injury.
    • Physical Assault: Police officials stated that he was also punched in the chest during the fight, after which he lost consciousness.
    • Medical Outcome: Kamalbai rushed her husband to the Government Hospital in Latur. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

    Legal Action

    Following a preliminary investigation and a post-mortem report, the Latur police took Kamalbai into custody.

    • Charges: The woman has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
    • Status: She remains in police custody as investigators look into whether the death was a result of a deliberate act or an accidental fall during the struggle.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Woman held after husband dies during domestic fight” (March 5, 2026)
    • The Times of India: “Woman held in Maharashtra’s Latur as drunk quarrel turns fatal” (March 5, 2026)
    • Maharashtra Police: Daily Incident Report – Latur District (March 5, 2026)

  • Violent Clash in Ferozepur: Two Dead Following Children’s Dispute

    FEROZEPUR (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) — A minor scuffle between children during Holi celebrations escalated into a deadly gunfight in Ferozepur on Wednesday evening, leaving two men dead. The incident occurred in Karma village, under the jurisdiction of the Lakho Ke Behram (Mamdot) police station.

    The Fatal Escalation

    What began as a trivial argument between children over pigeon flying (Kabutarbazi) quickly spiraled into a violent confrontation between adults from two different families.

    • The Attempted Compromise: After the children’s initial fight, members of both groups convened to reach a compromise. However, the meeting turned into a heated argument, with both sides allegedly resorting to firearms.
    • The Casualties: * Khilara alias Munna (45), a resident of Karma village, was shot during the initial exchange and later succumbed to his injuries at the Civil Hospital in Ferozepur.
      • Judge Singh, a resident of the nearby Tibbi Kalan village, was allegedly killed in retaliation by members of the rival group during the same confrontation.

    Police Response and Investigation

    Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhupinder Singh and other high-ranking officers reached the spot shortly after the incident to prevent further escalation between the two villages.

    • Statements Recorded: Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhwinder Singh confirmed that statements from both sides have been recorded and a case has been registered.
    • Security Measures: Heavy police deployment remains in Karma and Tibbi Kalan villages to maintain law and order and prevent any revenge attacks.

    Sources

    • Press Trust of India (PTI): “Two killed in violent clash between two groups in Punjab’s Ferozepur” (March 4, 2026)
    • Rediff News: “Two Die in Ferozepur Clash Following Children’s Argument” (March 4, 2026)
    • Punjabi Tribune: “Firing in Village Karma over pigeon flying results in two deaths” (March 4, 2026)
    • Sher-E-Punjab Radio: “Two killed in Punjab over dispute for flying pigeons” (March 5, 2026)