The Congress on Thursday described Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s address to the Israeli Parliament as an “unabashed defence of his host” Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and one that “diminished India’s moral standing”, news agency PTI reported. Hitting out at Modi, the Opposition party also recalled India’s first PM Jawaharlal Nehru’s July 1947 reply to Albert Einstein’s letter to him on the subject of the creation of Israel. Addressing the Knesset on Wednesday, Modi described the Gaza Peace Initiative as a path towards “just and durable peace” in the region. He also delivered a message of solidarity with Israel, asserting that “terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere”. “I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 (2023)... India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism,” Modi said. Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh denounced the speech and dwelt at length on Nehru’s words. “In his address to the Knesset yesterday, which was an unabashed defence of his host, Prime Minister Modi drew attention to the fact that India recognised the new state of Israel on the day he was born,” he said in a post on X. Ramesh then cited Einstein’s letter to Nehru dated June 13, 1947, on the subject of the creation of Israel Ramesh said Nehru had replied to Einstein a month later and also recalled that the two met at Einstein’s home in Princeton on November 5, 1949. He further noted that in November 1952, Einstein was offered the Presidency of Israel, which he declined. Shortly before his death in April 1955, the two leaders had also exchanged letters on nuclear explosions and weapons, Ramesh pointed out. Referring to Nehru’s July 11, 1947 reply, Ramesh said India’s first Prime Minister had expressed sympathy for both Jews and Arabs, observing that the issue had become deeply emotional and charged on both sides. Nehru had argued that unless leaders on either side were large-hearted enough to arrive at a solution that was just and broadly acceptable to all concerned, there could be no effective resolution. He had written that although he had studied the Palestine question in some detail, he did not claim full knowledge or authority to pronounce a final solution. While acknowledging the remarkable work done by the Jews in Palestine and the progress achieved there, Nehru had wondered why they had failed to secure the goodwill of the Arabs. He questioned the wisdom of compelling the Arabs to accept certain demands against their will. PM Modi Israel visit: Ramesh invokes Nehru’s Palestine view, shares Israeli activist’s sharp critique According to Ramesh, Nehru had cautioned that the prevailing approach would only prolong the conflict rather than resolve it, adding that responsibility for the situation did not rest with one side alone, as all parties had erred. The chief difficulty had been the continuation of British rule in Palestine, Nehru said. In another post, Ramesh cited criticism of the PM’s address by Eitay Mack, a well-known Israeli lawyer and human rights activist. “He (Mack) has exposed the sham of the Prime Minister’s much heralded (in the godi media) address to the Knesset yesterday that diminished India’s moral standing,” Ramesh said. The Congress leader shared a post carrying Mack’s remarks in an article in which he was critical of Modi’s address. (With PTI inputs)
26 February,2026 08:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a bid to ensure that open prisons function as meaningful and effective institutions of reformation and rehabilitation, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed all states and Union territories to develop a time-bound protocol for filling up existing vacancies in Open Correctional Institutions (OCI) and open barracks. Semi-open or open prisons allow convicts to work outside the premises during the day to earn a livelihood and return in the evening. The concept was introduced to assimilate convicts with society and reduce psychological pressure as they faced difficulties in leading normal lives outside. Issuing a slew of directions, the top court said prisons are institutions of correction, where dignity, self-respect and social reintegration are not aspirational ideals but constitutional necessities.A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta directed the states and Union territories (UTs) to submit the protocol to their respective monitoring committees within a period of three months. It said all states and UTs shall ensure that OCIs do not function merely as labour camps or spaces of custodial convenience. "Ensure that the identified vacancies are filled within a further period of two months thereafter, subject to eligibility and security considerations. The compliance report shall be placed before the Monitoring Committee within one month thereafter," the bench said. The court also took note of under-representation of women prisoners from OCIs and directed all states and UTs to develop protocol for restructuring existing OCIs to allocate adequate capacity for female prisoners. The directions came on a PIL regarding overcrowding in prisons and the functioning of OCIs. Recognising the absence of uniformity in governance, eligibility norms, rehabilitation facilities and management of OCIs, the apex court constituted a high-powered committee for reform and governance of Open Correctional Institutions with former Supreme Court judge Justice S Ravindra Bhat as executive chairperson. The objective of the committee is formulation of common minimum standards for the governance, administration and management of OCIs, including eligibility criteria, living conditions, etc, the bench said. The court said the directions were being issued to ensure that equality, non-discrimination and the right to live with dignity, as guaranteed under articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution, is meaningfully realised in the administration of prisons across the country. The enduring strength of a constitutional democracy lies not in the severity of punishments, but in its commitment to restore dignity, hope and opportunity even to those who have transgressed the law, the court said. "Prisoners do not cease to be bearers of constitutional rights upon incarceration, and the state's obligation to treat them with humanity, fairness and compassion stands heightened where liberty is lawfully curtailed," the bench said. The top court directed that all states and UTs to take proactive and time-bound steps to expand open correctional infrastructure by establishing new OCIs, and creating open and semi-open barracks within existing closed prisons. "Each state and Union territory through its Prisons and Correctional Services Department shall undertake a comprehensive assessment of its prison infrastructure within a period of three months," the bench said. For effective compliance and monitoring, the top court directed all the high courts to register a suo motu writ petition for monitoring the compliance with the present judgment within their respective jurisdictions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
26 February,2026 08:01 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIUnion Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale on Thursday said he did not believe there was a conspiracy behind the Baramati plane crash that claimed the life of then Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, but insisted that the Central Bureau of Investigation should probe the incident, news agency PTI reported. “We demand that the inquiry into the plane crash should take place through the Central Bureau of Investigation. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has written to the Centre for the same, and I am also going to follow it up,” the Republican Party of India leader told PTI during a visit to Latur in Maharashtra. “At the same time, I don’t think there was any conspiracy behind this incident. Ajit Pawar was so strong that no one would try such a thing, and moreover he had no enmity (with anyone),” Athawale said. He also criticised the delay in action against VSR Ventures, which operated the ill-fated Learjet-45 plane that crashed at Baramati in Pune district on January 28 with Pawar and four others on board. “If an aircraft malfunctions, then the company should be banned. (But) I disagree with those who are saying that it was a planned crash,” the Union Minister said. Athawale further stated that he will be re-elected to the Rajya Sabha with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) support in the upcoming election for seven vacant Upper House seats from Maharashtra. “Four seats will be contested by the BJP, and one of the four seats will be mine. If the opposition parties lack consensus, we can also contest and win the seventh seat,” he said. On the panel system for municipal elections, Athawale stated that it was difficult for his party’s candidates to succeed under this system, and that he would request Chief Minister Fadnavis to scrap panel elections. Ajit Pawar plane crash: CID probe to check for sabotage or negligence The Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) said on Thursday that the focus of its probe into the Baramati plane crash is to determine whether the incident was caused by sabotage or criminal negligence. Addressing a press conference, Sunil Ramanand, additional director general (CID), said the investigation is being conducted in a detailed and professional manner. “The purpose of the CID probe is to determine whether there was any foul play in the plane crash. It will also examine whether there was any criminal negligence. Thirdly, the probe will ascertain whether any criminal act, including illegal omission, led to the crash,” Ramanand said. He added that once the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) concludes its report, its findings will be incorporated into the CID investigation. “We have collected several pieces of evidence,” the official said. Ramanand further stated that if any criminal angle, including negligence or sabotage, is established, the CID will register a case under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. (With PTI inputs)
26 February,2026 08:01 PM IST | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | mid-day online correspondentThe Enforcement Directorate (ED) has placed the prosecution sanction order received from the competent authority against P. Chidambaram, the then Union Finance Minister, for the offence of money laundering in the Aircel Maxis deal, before the Special Court, according to a statement issued by the financial investigative agency on Thursday. The prosecution sanction order, which was obtained on February 10, 2026, "has been placed before the Special Rouse Avenue Court to expedite the trial in the case," the ED statement said. The ED had initiated the investigation under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on October 9, 2011, registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Aircel Maxis case against offences punishable under Section 120-B read with Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and Sections 8, 13(2) and 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. In the case filed immediately, the investigation has revealed that Chidambaram has granted the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval to Aircel Maxis in lieu of the quid pro quo. In the Aircel Maxis deal, the foreign investor (Maxis) applied for approval of the government for FDI of USD 800 million (Rs 3,565.91 crore), for which, the competent authority for approval was Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). "However, as part of larger conspiracy, approval was fraudulently and dishonestly granted by the then Finance Minister Chidambaram on March 20, 2006, who was competent to consider and approve FDI proposals involving total investment of Rs 600 crore or less," the statement noted. Investigation has revealed that illegal gratification of Rs 1.16 crore was received by Karti Chidambaram in his companies M/s Advantage Strategic Consulting Private Limited (ASCPL) and M/s Chess Management Services Private Limited (CMSPL). Investigation has revealed financial transactions between P. Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram. Investigation has also said that funds of ASCPL have also been spent for and on behalf of P. Chidambaram, the statement said. The proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 1.16 crore have been provisionally attached and that has been confirmed by the adjudicating authority with order dated March 12, 2018. Subsequently, a prosecution complaint under Sections 44 and 45 read with Sections 3 and 4 of the PMLA dated June 13, 2018, and the supplementary prosecution complaint dated October 25, 2018, was filed before the Special PMLA Court at New Delhi's Rose Avenue wherein P. Chidambaram was arraigned as accused number six. "The Special Court vide its order dated November 27, 2021, took cognisance of the commission of an offence of money laundering. The Enforcement Directorate has been making all efforts to fast track the trial in the case," the statement said. The Supreme Court pronounced a judgement on November 6, 2024, in the case "Enforcement Directorate vs Bibhu Prasad Acharya, etc." and held that the requirement of the prosecution sanction under Section 197(1) of the CrPC is applicable to a complaint filed under Section 44(1)(b) of the PMLA, 2002, as well. Subsequent to the Apex court's judgment, many accused persons charged under the PMLA, 2002, have challenged the trial proceedings in multiple legal forums, leading to delay in the trial. "To counter such delay and to comply with the Supreme Court order, the ED has swiftly initiated remedial actions by seeking prosecution sanctions in all such prosecution complaints involving public servants," the statement noted. "Therefore, in light of the said order of the Supreme Court, the sanction was obtained from the competent authority on February 10, 2026, along with this court order under Section 197 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Section 218 of Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, dated February 10, 2026) for prosecuting P. Chidambaram in respect of the offence of money laundering," the statement said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 February,2026 07:37 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSIndia hosted the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi from February 16 to 20, focusing on human-centric AI, global cooperation, and ethical frameworks such as the New Delhi Declaration. The summit, focusing on AI development in India and across the globe, brought together global leaders, policymakers, technology experts, innovators and startup founders to deliberate on the future of artificial intelligence and its responsible deployment, reported IANS. Major announcements and commitments in the AI Summit The recently concluded AI Summit saw major investment commitments, with global companies and governments pledging USD 200 billion for AI-related projects and infrastructure in India during the event in New Delhi. Key initiatives unveiled at AI Summit 2026 Expansion of affordable AI computing infrastructure, including massive GPU clusters for startups and researchers. New platforms for secure and privacy-preserving AI development, particularly in sectors like health and public services. PM Modi hails the AI India Summit 2026 While addressing the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme after the conclusion of AI Summit 2026, the Prime Minister, during his programme ‘Mann ki Baat’ said, "This is a strong platform to bring forth achievements of the country and its people. One such achievement was recently seen during the AI Impact Summit that was held in Delhi. Leaders, industrialists, innovators and people from the startup sectors arrived in the Bharat Mandapam for this summit." India reinforces its global stand in AI While the AI summit was not just about the investments and bringing AI giants to India, it was also about showcasing India’s hold in AI on a global stage. Expressing his views on the positive impact on India’s AI sector, Jaspreet Bindra, co-founder of AI & Beyond, said, “India’s positioning was reinforced by lived digital success stories. The integration of AI with digital public infrastructure, combined with strong public optimism, showed that AI is no longer being discussed as a future possibility but as a present-day enabler across governance, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship.” Google and OpenAI eye India as an integral spot for AI data centres Amid the recent development in the artificial intelligence sector, where giants like Google and OpenAI are eyeing rapid expansion, they are treating India as a strategic location for next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure, signalling a major shift in the global AI computing landscape. Highlighting India’s role in expanding the AI computing landscape at a global level, the former Regional Director at Microsoft India, Jaspreet Bindra, also emphasised, “India offers a unique environment where AI systems can be built, tested, and refined in real-world conditions across languages, industries, and socioeconomic settings. This makes the country an ideal proving ground for AI solutions that are meant to work globally, not just in controlled or mature markets.”
26 February,2026 05:58 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Maharashtra Crime Investigation Department (CID) has said that its probe into the Ajit Pawar plane crash in Baramati will examine whether the tragedy was caused by sabotage or criminal negligence, reported the PTI. The plane crash had claimed the life of Former Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others. Addressing a press conference, Sunil Ramanand, Additional Director General (CID), said the investigation is being carried out in a thorough and professional manner. “The purpose of the CID probe is to determine whether there was any foul play in the crash. It will also examine whether there was any criminal negligence. Thirdly, the investigation will ascertain whether any criminal act, including illegal omission, led to the incident,” Ramanand said, as per the PTI. He added that once the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) completes its report, the findings will be incorporated into the CID’s inquiry. Evidence collected “We have collected several pieces of evidence,” the official said. Ramanand further stated that if the probe establishes any criminal angle - including negligence or sabotage - the CID will register a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Given the seriousness of the incident, the state government has also written to the Centre seeking a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he said. The plane crash The Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK), operated by VSR Ventures Private Limited, crashed near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district on January 28. Following the incident, an accidental death report was initially registered at Baramati Taluka police station before the case was transferred to the CID for detailed investigation. Maharashtra council chief seeks statement on plane crash Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde on Thursday directed the state government to place before the House a detailed statement on the air crash that claimed the life of Ajit Pawar, as per the PTI. The direction came after NCP (SP) MLC Shashikant Shinde moved an adjournment motion seeking a discussion on the January 28 crash in Baramati, Pune district. Raising the issue in the House, Shashikant Shinde said several individuals, including legislators Amol Mitkari and Rohit Pawar, had expressed suspicion regarding the circumstances surrounding Ajit Pawar’s death. He added that many had demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the news agency reported. (with PTI inputs)
26 February,2026 05:21 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have revised air ticket refund rules to make them more passenger-friendly and have announced that the passengers can now cancel or amend their air tickets within 48 hours of booking without paying additional charges, subject to certain conditions, reported the PTI. Under the amended Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for the refund of airline tickets, airlines must offer a 48-hour ‘look-in option’ from the time of booking. During this period, passengers may cancel or modify their tickets without incurring extra charges, except for any fare difference applicable to the revised flight. However, this facility will not apply to flights departing within seven days of booking for domestic travel and 15 days for international travel, when tickets are booked directly through an airline’s website. No extra charges for name corrections The regulator said airlines must not levy additional charges for correcting the name of the same passenger if the mistake is reported within 24 hours of booking, provided the ticket was booked directly through the airline’s website, according to the PTI. For tickets purchased through travel agents or online portals, the responsibility for processing refunds will remain with the airline, as agents act as their authorised representatives. The airlines must complete the refund process within 14 working days. Medical emergency provisions The revised norms also address cancellations due to medical emergencies. If a passenger or a family member listed on the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) is hospitalised during the travel period, airlines may offer either a refund or a credit shell, the news agency reported. In other cases, refunds will be processed after the airline’s Aerospace Medicine specialist, or a DGCA-empanelled specialist, certifies the passenger’s fitness to travel. The revised CAR was issued on February 24. Move follows rise in refund complaints The changes come amid increasing complaints from passengers about delays in refunds. The issue gained attention during disruptions involving IndiGo flights in December 2025, following which the civil aviation ministry directed the airline to complete refunds within a fixed timeframe, as per the PTI. According to DGCA data, scheduled airlines received 29,212 passenger complaints in December 2025, of which 7.5 per cent related to refunds. During that month, domestic carriers transported more than 1.43 crore passengers. India is one of the world’s fastest-growing civil aviation markets, with domestic airlines carrying over 16.69 crore passengers in 2025. (with PTI inputs)
26 February,2026 05:18 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Government of Maharashtra to respond to a bail plea filed by the father of the minor accused in the 2024 Pune Porsche crash case, news agency PTI reported. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan issued a notice to the state government after the minor's father challenged an earlier order of the Bombay High Court denying him bail. The matter is scheduled to be heard on March 10. Pune Porsche accident: High-speed crash, 300-word essay, and a nationwide outrage The case relates to an accident that took place on May 19, 2024, in Pune. A 17-year-old boy, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, was driving a Porsche when he fatally hit two IT professionals. The incident triggered widespread public anger, especially after the minor was initially granted bail by the Juvenile Justice Board on what many considered lenient terms. One of the conditions required him to write a 300-word essay on road safety. Following public outrage, Pune police approached the board to review its decision. The board later modified its order and sent the juvenile to an observation home. In June, the Bombay High Court ordered his release from the observation home. On December 16, 2025, the Bombay High Court rejected the bail plea of the minor's father and the other accused persons in the case. The father then moved the Supreme Court challenging that decision. The apex court has now sought the Maharashtra government’s response and will hear the matter next month. Pune Porsche crash: Supreme Court grants bail to three accused Earlier this month, the Supreme Court granted bail to three other accused in the case namely, Amar Santish Gaikwad, an alleged middleman, as well as Aditya Avinash Sood and Ashish Satish Mittal. The court noted that they had been in custody for 18 months. While granting bail, the bench observed that in cases involving juveniles, parents should be held responsible if they fail to control their children. On January 7 and 23, the court had also sought responses from the Maharashtra government on bail pleas filed by some of the accused. Blood sample swapping allegations Sood and Mittal, aged 52 and 37, were arrested on August 19 last year. Their blood samples were allegedly used in place of samples belonging to two minors who were in the car at the time of the accident. In December, 2025, the Bombay High Court rejected the bail pleas of eight accused, including Gaikwad, Sood, and Mittal. Apart from the minor, 10 people were sent to jail in connection with the alleged blood sample-swapping case. These include his parents, doctors Ajay Tawre and Shreehari Halnor, Sassoon hospital staffer Atul Ghatkamble, Sood, Mittal, and Arun Kumar Singh. (With PTI Inputs)
26 February,2026 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Federal investigation agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached immovable properties valued at Rs 7.17 crore in a case of money laundering arising out of narcotics trafficking offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). As reported by news agency ANI, ED's Panaji Zonal Office attached these properties following an investigation in the case the agency initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Goa, dated March 7, 2021, against Ugochukwu Solomon Ubabuko, Infinity John, alias David, alias Valentine Ejezie, and Prasad Prakash Walke for offences under the NDPS Act. Earlier, the NCB had seized commercial quantities of narcotic substances, including LSD, cocaine, charas, and ganja, from premises located at Assagao, Goa. Furthermore, the subsequent searches at the residential premises of Prasad Walke also resulted in the recovery of LSD. ED, while briefing about the case, said that Prasad Walke was earlier arrested by NCB in 2018 and again by the Anti-Narcotic Cell, Goa Police, in 2023 in connection with separate NDPS cases. The cases involved seizure of MDMA, ecstasy powder and hydroponic weed. As of now, Prasad Walke is in judicial custody, reported ANI. The ED investigation also revealed that proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking were introduced into the banking system through substantial cash deposits in multiple bank accounts. The accounts were allegedly maintained in the names of Prasad Prakash Walke and Sheetal Prasad Walke. ED attaches properties in Goa The attached properties consist of a three-storey residential house in Goa and two two-floored houses in Goa. As reported by ANI, these immovable properties are held in the names of Prasad Prakash Walke and Sheetal Prasad Walke and have been attached as they constitute proceeds of crime derived from scheduled offences of the NDPS Act 1985. The ED said it reiterates its commitment to combating drug trafficking and money laundering by invoking the provisions of the PMLA and related laws. As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the ED further said it remains steadfast in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks by striking at their financial roots. By targeting the laundering of illicit proceeds and attaching properties acquired through drug money, ED is reinforcing the national campaign's objective of building a drug-free India. While highlighting the case, the officials from the investigation agency ED said, "This operation exemplifies ED's continuous efforts to curb the illegal drug trade and to trace, identify, and attach the proceeds of crime generated from such activities, along with sending a strong deterrent message," as cited by ANI. (With inputs from ANI)
26 February,2026 04:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after a video showing namaz being offered inside the electricity department office of the Malegaon Municipal Corporation went viral, prompting police to register a first information report (FIR) against several individuals. Maharashtra | Malegaon Police has registered an FIR against two named and 4 to 5 unnamed persons in the matter of offering Namaaz in the electricity department office. Malegaon police has registered the FIR under sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra… — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2026 Malegaon NAMAJ at Municipal Corporation Office FIR No 32/2026 has been registered under BNS sections of unlwaful assembly, assault to a public servant Sections 132,292,189(2),190 & Maharashtra Police Act Section 37(1),37(3), 135 against Lukman, Salim Ikka & Others pic.twitter.com/EQSioQruH1 — Kirit Somaiya (@KiritSomaiya) February 26, 2026 The incident took place during a protest by residents over alleged unresolved electricity supply issues in one of Malegaon’s wards. The demonstration was led by Lukman Kamal, president of the Malegaon Lok Sangharsh Samiti. As the protest coincided with the Asr prayer during the holy month of Ramadan, some protesters offered namaz in congregation inside the municipal office premises. The video of the prayers circulated widely on social media, sparking debate over the appropriateness of holding religious observances inside a government office. Following the controversy, Malegaon Police registered a first information report (FIR) against two named persons — Lukman and Salim Ikka — and four to five unidentified individuals. The case has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to unlawful assembly and obstruction or assault of a public servant, along with sections of the Maharashtra Police Act concerning illegal assembly and disruption of official duties. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking strict action. He said offering namaz inside a government office was unacceptable and called for an FIR and disciplinary action against those responsible. “Namaz cannot be offered inside government offices. Whoever is responsible should face strict action. The police should also register an FIR,” he said. Mumbai, Maharashtra: BJP leader Kirit Somaiya says, "An FIR has now been registered by Malegaon Police. However, they went to the Malegaon municipal office under the electricity department and offered Namaz. Earlier, when a government employee tried to intervene... I had also… pic.twitter.com/Nd2w59ePcg — IANS (@ians_india) February 26, 2026 Malegaon namaz row: Mixed political reactions as leaders debate religion in government spaces The episode drew sharp reactions from other political leaders as well. Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane condemned the act and demanded action. BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar termed it illegal and called for strict measures, while Shiv Sena Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sanjay Gaikwad said religion should not be mixed with administration and government offices should not be used as places of worship. However, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) state president Shashikant Shinde cautioned against politicising the issue. “In Maharashtra, there had never been unrest in the name of religion or caste before, but today we are seeing that people are trying to politicise any issue,” he said. Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Namaz offered at Malegaon Municipal Corporation electricity department, NCP (SP) State President Shashikant Shinde says, "In Maharashtra, there had never been unrest in the name of religion or caste before, but today we are seeing that people are trying to… pic.twitter.com/08rHCp66JL — IANS (@ians_india) February 26, 2026
26 February,2026 04:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCongress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday strongly criticised the police action against his party's youth wing activists over the "shirtless protest", drawing a sharp parallel between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and the authoritarian regime in North Korea. "This is India, not North Korea," Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said in a post in Hindi on X and asserted that peaceful protest is the soul of democracy and not a crime. He said the world's largest democracy is being slowly pushed in a direction where dissent is labelled as treason and asking questions is called a conspiracy. When those in power start seeing themselves as the nation and dissent as the enemy that is when democracy dies, Gandhi said. "In today's India, under the rule of a compromised PM, peaceful protest has been turned into the biggest crime. The world's largest democracy is being slowly pushed in a direction where dissent is labelled as treason and asking questions is called a conspiracy," the former Congress chief said. "Think about it, no matter the issue, if you raise your voice against those in power through constitutional means, then batons, lawsuits, and jail are almost a certainty," he said. Youth tormented by paper leaks raised their voices for their future and were met with blows from batons, he claimed. "The country's proud women wrestlers demanded a fair investigation into serious allegations against a powerful BJP leader. Their cries were defamed, their movement crushed, and they were forcibly removed from the streets. "A peaceful demonstration took place at India Gate in support of a rape victim. The demand for justice was deemed an inconvenience to the system and dispersed," Gandhi said. When the Youth Congress peacefully protested against a US Trade deal harmful to the country, they were branded "anti-national" and arrested, he said. When ordinary people stood up against poisonous air, even concerns for the environment were dismissed as "politics" and suppressed, Gandhi said, adding that when farmers protested for their rights, they too were labelled anti-national. "Tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannons, and batons -- these became the means of dialogue. When tribals stood up for their rights to water, forests, and land, suspicion was cast upon them too as if demanding one's rights is a crime. What kind of democracy is this, where a Compromised PM fears questions? Where crushing dissent is becoming the nature of governance?" he said. Asking questions is not democracy's weakness, it is its strength, he said. "Democracy grows stronger when the government listens to criticism, responds, and remains accountable. Modi ji, this is India, not North Korea. When those in power start seeing themselves as the nation and dissent as the enemy -- that is when democracy dies," Gandhi said. His remarks came after a high-voltage standoff between the police teams of Delhi and Shimla came to an end following a dramatic 24 hours on Thursday morning, after the Delhi Police team was finally cleared to head back to the national capital along with the three Youth Congress activists arrested in connection with the "shirtless protest" at the AI Summit. The "shirtless protest" at Bharat Mandapam on February 20 prompted a significant security response, with police earlier invoking charges including rioting and promoting enmity under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) president, Uday Bhanu Chib, and former national spokesperson, Bhudev Sharma, were arrested in connection with the case on Tuesday. Both were subsequently produced before a Delhi court and remanded to police custody for interrogation. According to the Delhi Police, a total of 11 people have been arrested so far. On Saturday midnight, Delhi Police raided Himachal Sadan in the national capital amid reports that IYC workers who had participated in the protest were provided accommodation there. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
26 February,2026 03:29 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
-1772115726105_d.png "Supreme Court calls prisons ‘Institutions of correction,’ not custodial spaces. File Pic")
-1772094331293_d.png "The Pune Porsche car crash had triggered outrage in the country. File Pic")
-1772099341513_d.png "Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. File Pic")