National News
‘Govt conspiracy’: Akhilesh Yadav slams BJP over Sambhal violence

Lucknow, Jan 7: Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the UP’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the Sambhal violence is a government conspiracy.
Addressing journalists here, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of inciting violence in Sambhal, where innocent people were allegedly tortured. “When the SP delegation attempted to visit Sambhal, it was stopped by the authorities. What was the government trying to hide?” he questioned, adding that the incident was a deliberate attempt to disrupt communal harmony.
He further criticised the BJP for its lack of concern for human life, stating: “Life holds no value for them. This is a heartless party, devoid of sympathy. Justice and public grievances have no place in this government.”
Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey, also presented a report on the Sambhal violence, alleging that tensions were deliberately escalated over a mosque survey. He accused the BJP of orchestrating the incident, stating that the survey team included BJP members and that police used disproportionate force. “Instead of using tear gas, they opened fire, attempting to disrupt the communal harmony of the state,” he said.
Pandey questioned the need for the survey, pointing to the Places of Worship Act which prohibits such actions. “This entire incident was part of a government conspiracy,” he claimed.
The violence in Sambhal had erupted on November 24 when a team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) visited the Shahi Jama Masjid to examine the Mughal-era Mosque.
The SP chief also targeted the BJP on issues of corruption and injustice, particularly against the PDA (Backward, Dalit, and Minority communities). “Even BJP members are accusing each other of corruption. There is internal conflict within their politics in Delhi and Lucknow,” he claimed.
Commenting on electoral malpractice, he alleged that the administration played a role in manipulating elections. Referring to the by-elections for nine Assembly seats, he said, “People were not allowed to vote freely, with police officers stationed at places to stop people from going to polling booths. Media should visit Milkipur to witness firsthand how elections are conducted under this government.”
Alluding to the presence of saints and sages at Kumbh, Akhilesh Yadav indirectly criticised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. “I pray to the saints to take a companion with them when they leave. Many individuals are involved in activities they should not be, which impacts both their work and others,” he remarked.
He also raised about the alleged negligence of the government on an MLA’s claim about cow slaughter. “The BJP MLA says 50,000 cows are being slaughtered. If true, what is the Sanatani Chief Minister doing? If the MLA is wrong, why hasn’t the government addressed this?”
He also accused the government of allowing the demolition of an ASI-protected building in Agra. “The building was demolished by someone close to officials, seeking to expand their business,” Akhilesh Yadav alleged, criticizing the administration for its inaction.
Crime
Mumbai Airport Customs Seizes Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹12 Crore; Passenger Arrested

Mumbai: The Mumbai Airport Customs officers have arrested a passenger for allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed valued at around Rs 12 crore, sourced from Bangkok.
According to the agency sources, on the basis of specific intelligence, the Customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), intercepted one passenger arriving from Bangkok on Wednesday.
During the examination of the baggage, the Customs officers recovered 11.92 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana), with an illicit market value of approximately Rs 12 crores.
The narcotic substances were concealed inside the checked-in trolley bag carried by the passenger, who was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
In his statement, the passenger told Customs officers that he was aware that smuggling of hydroponic weed and other illegal drugs into India attracts stringent punishment. However, he was getting some inducement in lieu of smuggling the contraband to India.
“The preliminary investigation carried out so far in accordance with the law and the statement given by the accused disclose involvement of other persons who are yet to be traced. The investigation in this case is at the preliminary stage and efforts are on to trace other suspects involved in the case,” said a Customs officer.
On Tuesday, Mumbai Airport Customs officers had arrested two persons – Thane resident Mohammad Irfan Khan (27) and Malwani resident Sara Bi (36) for allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed collectively valued at Rs 7.86 crore.
In the intervening night of October 19-20, on the basis of specific intelligence, the Customs officers at CSMIA intercepted one passenger arriving from Bangkok and seized hydroponic weed worth Rs 10.50 crore.
Business
Colgate-Palmolive India’s Q2 profit falls 17 pc, revenue slips over 6 pc

Mumbai, Oct 23: Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited on Thursday reported a 17 per cent drop in its net profit for the second quarter of the current financial year (Q2 FY26).
The company’s profit stood at Rs 327.50 crore for the quarter ended September 2025, compared to Rs 395.05 crore in the same period last financial year (Q2 FY25), according to its stock exchange filing.
Revenue also fell 6.15 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 1,519.50 crore, down from Rs 1,619.11 crore in the previous fiscal.
Operating income or EBITDA declined 6 per cent to Rs 465.43 crore, while the EBITDA margin was almost unchanged at 30.6 per cent, compared to 30.7 per cent last financial year.
Prabha Narasimhan, Managing Director and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive India, said the quarter’s performance reflected a temporary impact from disruptions among distributors and retailers due to the GST rate revision.
She added that the company has worked with its partners to ensure consumers benefit from the lower prices that took effect after the tax change.
“Despite the short-term challenges, we remain focused on our long-term strategic goals and will continue to invest in our brands,” Narasimhan said.
Alongside the results, the company announced a first interim dividend of Rs 24 per share for the financial year 2025–26, amounting to a total payout of Rs 652.8 crore.
The record date for the dividend has been set as November 3, and the payment will be made on or before November 19, according to the company’s exchange filing.
Colgate-Palmolive (India)’s quarterly results were released after market hours. On Thursday, its shares closed 1.16 per cent higher at Rs 2,286.90 on the NSE.
However, the stock has fallen 31.35 per cent over the past year and 14.69 per cent so far in 2025.
Crime
BSF apprehends minor with 11 gold biscuits along India-Bangladesh border

Kolkata, Oct 23: The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended a minor boy with 11 gold biscuits along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.
The incident has brought to light how smugglers are now using minors as couriers to evade arrest.
“Troops of the 143 Bn BSF, South Bengal Frontier, deployed at the Bithari Border Outpost, had received intelligence inputs of an attempt to smuggle gold in their area of jurisdiction. During checks, they came across an Indian minor carrying a briefcase. During a search, a black packet with the 11 gold biscuits were found in his possession,” a senior BSF official said.
According to an official, the weight of the seized gold is 1,286.17 grams. It is valued at around Rs 1.64 crore.
During questioning, the boy said that he is a resident of Daharkanda village in the Swarupnagar police station area of North 24-Parganas. He also said that he had been sent by his mother to deliver the packet to a designated point.
The boy has been handed over to concerned authorities, along with the gold, for further legal processing. A search has been launched for the boy’s mother and others involved in the racket.
“This recovery once again underscores the alertness, professionalism, and commitment of BSF troops in curbing cross-border smuggling along the India–Bangladesh border, despite attempts by criminal networks to exploit minors for such illegal activities,” the official said.
While stating that the BSF personnel are fully capable of preventing all kinds of illegal activities along the border, he urged the border population to report any information regarding gold smuggling or other crimes to ensure peace in the area.
“They can call the Seema Sathi Helpline Number 14419 or send a WhatsApp text or voice message to 9903472227. Those providing credible information would be suitably rewarded and their identities kept confidential,” he said.
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