New Delhi, June 9: The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim protection from arrest to two journalists from Madhya Pradesh who were allegedly assaulted and abused at the instance of Bhind’s Superintendent of Police over their reporting on “illegal sand mining” in the Chambal river.

However, a Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan told the petitioners, Shashikant Jatav and Amarkant Singh Chouhan, to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court for further relief within two weeks.

In the meantime, the petitioner journalists will not be arrested, ordered the Justice Mishra-led Bench, clarifying that it would be open for the Madhya Pradesh High Court to consider the petitioners’ prayer for extension of interim protection.

On June 4, a bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Satish Chandra Sharma of the top court issued notice on the writ petition filed by the two journalists but declined to pass any interim order protecting them from any coercive action.

The Justice Karol-led Bench remarked that before passing any interim order, the facts should be brought by the Madhya Pradesh government as well. “Suppose you commit a crime like murder, can we grant you no coercive action order? We don’t know what crime has been registered against you,” remarked the apex court, asking the petitioners’ counsel to add Bhind’s SP as a party to the petition.

The duo claimed that they were forced to flee their hometown due to the intensity of these threats after they exposed “illegal” sand mining in the Chambal River, allegedly carried out with the support of local police.

In their writ petition filed before the Supreme Court, the petitioners named IPS officer Asit Yadav and his subordinates as key perpetrators of the abuse, claiming that the targeting is retaliatory, stemming from their investigative work.

They alleged custodial assault, caste-based abuse, kidnapping, and continued harassment by the Bhind police.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken suo motu cognisance of the brutal manhandling of two journalists, allegedly facing grave threats to their lives and liberty from the Bhind police.

The apex human rights body issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. Taking note of a press release issued by the Press Club of India, the NHRC said that the contents of the press release, if true, raise a serious violation of the human rights of the victim journalists.

New Delhi, June 6: Ahead of Bakra Eid celebrations on Saturday, the Uttar Pradesh Police are on high alert, taking proactive steps to maintain communal harmony and ensure peaceful festivities across the state. Security arrangements have been tightened in districts like Meerut, Aligarh, Etawah, and Ghazipur with the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) teams.

In Meerut, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vipin Tada said: “Meerut police are on alert for Bakra Eid. A control room has been set up for real-time monitoring. Both the SSP and the District Magistrate will oversee the operations. Central Peace Committee have been held with members of all communities. PAC, civil police, and LIU teams have been deployed for security arrangements. Social media activity is being closely monitored, and strict action will be taken against those spreading misinformation. Prayers in public places, sacrifice of banned animals, and open-air sacrifices are prohibited.”

In Aligarh, similar measures are being enforced.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mayank Pathak said: “We are making stringent security arrangements for Bakra Eid. Additional forces, including two companies of RAF and PAC, are being deployed. Personnel from various police stations and Circle Officers (COs) will also be present on the ground. Surveillance is being conducted to monitor criminal or mischievous activities. Drone cameras will be used to monitor key areas. Intelligence and LIU are providing moment-to-moment updates. Those posting inflammatory or objectionable content on social media will face strict action.”

In Etawah, the police have finalised their strategy for smooth celebrations.

SSP Brijesh Kumar Srivastava said: “We have convened a Central Peace Committee meeting involving key stakeholders from both communities. The district has been divided into zones and sectors, with responsibilities assigned to police personnel and magistrates. All officials will remain on patrol to ensure the festival is celebrated peacefully.”

In Ghazipur, Superintendent of Police Iraj Raja said: “During the Central Peace Committee meeting, clear instructions were given: sacrifices must not be carried out in open spaces, and prayers should not be offered in public areas. The sacrifice of banned animals is strictly prohibited. Anyone violating these guidelines will face action as per government directives. Security arrangements have been completed across both urban and rural areas. Magistrates and police officers will be deployed from the morning prayers until late at night to ensure the safety of the celebrations.”

Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, Bakrid, Eid Qurban, or Qurban Bayarami, is one of the most significant festivals in Islam. Observed in the month of Zul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

Patna, June 6: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Dashrath Nagar village in Gaya district on Friday as part of his outreach efforts in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections.

During his visit, he met the family of the late Dashrath Manjhi, popularly known as the “Mountain Man” for single-handedly carving a path through a hill in Gehlor village to connect it with Wajirganj block in the district.

Rahul Gandhi was received warmly by Bhagirath Manjhi, son of Dashrath Manjhi, who welcomed him with traditional hospitality.

The Congress leader sat with the family, shared coconut water, and listened to their concerns, including their financial hardships.

According to sources, Bhagirath Manjhi also expressed his interest in contesting the upcoming Bihar Assembly election from the Bodh Gaya constituency, though no official announcement was made.

Following his meeting in Dashrath Nagar, Gandhi proceeded to Gehlor village, where he garlanded the statue of Dashrath Manjhi as a mark of respect.

He was accompanied by Bhagirath Manjhi and later departed for Rajgir to attend a scheduled programme.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi landed at Gaya Airport, where he was welcomed by Congress leaders and supporters.

This marks Rahul Gandhi’s sixth visit to Bihar in 2025, so far, signalling a renewed push to strengthen the Congress’ presence at the grassroots level in the run-up to the Assembly elections.

Rahul Gandhi’s recent engagements in the state reflect the Congress party’s strategy to reconnect with local icons, marginalised communities, and symbolic figures, in an attempt to regain political ground in the state

Following his visit to Gaya, Rahul is scheduled to travel to Rajgir in Nalanda district to attend a Samvidhan Sammelan and return to Gaya to attend a ‘Mahila Samvad’ (Women’s Dialogue) programme and visit Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, as part of his outreach to marginalised communities and women across the state.