The investigation into the horrific gangrape and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Baruipur has taken a dramatic turn after the main accused died in a police encounter during crime scene reconstruction. According to police, the accused allegedly snatched a firearm from an officer, opened fire on the investigating team and attempted to escape. Officers then returned fire, leaving the accused critically injured. He was rushed to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The encounter comes days after the brutal crime shocked West Bengal. The young victim's body was recovered from a pond in Baruipur, and the post-mortem examination confirmed sexual assault. Police subsequently registered a case under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act and murder charges. WATCH

A major confrontation has erupted between India and the United States after three Indian seafarers were killed in a US strike on a commercial tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors. The Indian government has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Washington and summoned a senior US diplomat after confirming that multiple Indian-crewed vessels came under attack in waters off Oman. New Delhi has demanded an immediate end to attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian nationals and expressed deep concern over the growing dangers facing civilian mariners in the Gulf. Indian authorities confirmed that deck cadet Aditya Sharma, engine fitter Shivanand Chaurasiya and Chief Engineer Patnala Suresh lost their lives in the attack. Of the 24 Indian crew members onboard, 21 were rescued through coordinated efforts involving Omani authorities and Indian officials. WATCH