The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar, a 2009-batch IPS officer from Punjab, for soliciting an ₹8 lakh bribe to settle a criminal case. During raids across Ropar, Mohali, and Chandigarh, the CBI seized approximately ₹5 crore in cash, 1.5 kg of gold and jewellery, two luxury vehicles (Mercedes and Audi), 22 high-end wristwatches, firearms, and 40 litres of imported liquor. Bhullar's associate, Krishna, was also arrested. Further investigations are underway to assess potential money laundering links. (PC: NDTV)

In a major victory against Naxalism, 170 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday, including Rupesh, a top commander and intelligence chief. They joined 27 others who surrendered the day before, while 61 extremists returned to the mainstream in Maharashtra, bringing the total to 258 in two days. Security forces seized AK-47s, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and carbines. The Home Minister said Abujhmad and North Bastar are now free from Naxal violence. Authorities continue urging remaining Maoists to surrender. This year, 1,639 Maoists have laid down arms in Chhattisgarh, marking a historic step in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. (PC: NDTV)

In Uttarakhand’s Johar Valley, villagers are slowly returning to their ancestral Himalayan homes decades after the 1962 India-China conflict forced them to leave. The once-busy trade route with Tibet shut down, and villages like Martoli, Laspa, and Ghanghar were left deserted. Now, a few residents like 77-year-old Kishan Singh come back each summer to farm buckwheat and cumin. New roads and a small guesthouse for trekkers have brought fresh hope to the region. Though most homes remain in ruins, the return of even a few families signals a quiet revival of these forgotten mountain villages. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district have issued a search warrant against celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib and his son, Anos Habib, in a multi-crore cryptocurrency fraud case. The two are accused of cheating over 100 investors by promising high returns through fake Bitcoin and Binance coin schemes under the company name Follicle Global. A police team searched Habib’s Delhi residence in New Friends Colony but did not find him there. His brother told police that Habib no longer lives at the address. Authorities said further investigation is underway to trace the suspects and recover investors’ money. (PC: India Today)

The father of a 23-year-old Durgapur medical student, who alleged rape, apologised to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday. He described her as a “mother-like figure” and asked her to help his daughter get justice. The apology comes two days after he criticised the state, saying it was under “Aurangzeb’s rule.” He said he will take his daughter back to Odisha once she is fit and demanded a CBI investigation into the case. Police have arrested six people, including the victim’s male friend, in connection with the assault, which has sparked major political debates in the state. (PC: HT)

Tension erupted in Baksa, Assam, on Wednesday as fans attacked police vehicles carrying five accused in singer Zubeen Garg’s death case. The accused, including event organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta, Garg’s manager Siddharth Sharma, cousin Sandipan Garg, and two PSOs, were sent to judicial custody. Protesters pelted stones at the convoy, damaged vehicles, and set one police van on fire. Police used tear gas and fired in the air to control the crowd. Security has been tightened around the jail. Garg, who died during a sea outing in Singapore on September 19, has sparked widespread outrage, prompting a Special Investigation Team probe. (PC: India Today)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday warned that anyone trying to disturb peace during Diwali celebrations will be jailed without delay. He said, “If anyone tries to disrupt the joy and enthusiasm of this festival, the bars of the jail will be waiting for them.” The Chief Minister urged people to celebrate peacefully and maintain harmony. He added that in the last eight years, all festivals in the state have been celebrated peacefully. Referring to past clashes, Adityanath said his government will take strict action against those who try to create trouble during the festive season.

Haryana is facing a police crisis after two officers died by suicide. Senior IPS officer Y Puran Kumar allegedly took his life on October 7, citing harassment, caste discrimination, and false corruption cases. His PSO was also targeted. On October 14, ASI Sandeep Lathar, involved in probing Puran Kumar, also died by suicide. He accused the late officer of bribery, sexual harassment, and a Rs 50 crore deal with gangster Rao Inderjit. The BJP government has placed senior officers on leave. Allegations of police-gangster links, caste bias, and corruption have raised serious questions about Haryana Police credibility.

The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21. Fireworks can be burst only between 6-7 am and 8-10 pm. The court said this is a temporary measure to balance festive celebrations and environmental protection. Only certified green crackers with QR codes will be allowed, and smuggled or fake products are banned. Authorities will monitor air and water quality during this period. The court aims to protect clean air while respecting public sentiment and supporting the livelihood of the firecracker industry. (PC: HT)

Over 500 students were stranded for nearly 12 hours in a massive traffic jam on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway in Maharashtra's Palghar district. Twelve buses carrying students from Classes 5-10 and college students from Thane and Mumbai were trapped near Vasai from 5:30 pm Tuesday until early Wednesday morning. Children returning from a school picnic near Virar remained without food or water for hours. The gridlock resulted from heavy vehicle diversion due to Ghodbunder highway repairs in Thane, overloading the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Local social organizations distributed water and biscuits. Parents blamed poor planning and coordination. The last stranded bus reached its destination by 6 am Wednesday.