Evening news wrap: Cops tell SC 'intellectual terrorists more dangerous,' in Delhi riot case; fresh clashes erupt in Nepal, curfew imposed and much more

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police warned the Supreme Court about the rising threat of “intellectuals turning into terrorists,” during a bail plea hearing of activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel. Authorities cited inflammatory speeches and claimed the 2020 Delhi riots were timed with Donald Trump’s visit to incite nationwide unrest. In a separate development, the National Investigation Agency has taken four individuals, including doctors from Pulwama and Saharanpur, into 10-day custody in connection with the Red Fort blast that killed 15 people, with the probe now extending to Saudi Arabia, the Maldives, and Turkey.

Whereas, Nepal’s Bara district witnessed a second day of clashes between Gen Z protesters and police, leading to a curfew after allegations of attacks by CPN-UML cadres. The protesters demanded arrests and vowed to keep the district shut, while Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki called for calm ahead of the 2026 elections. In sports, India faced a setback ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati as captain Shubman Gill was ruled out due to lack of match fitness. Meanwhile, in Bihar elections, increased female turnout bolstered the NDA’s performance, although AIMIM won three of the five constituencies with the highest women’s participation, and the voter list revision produced mixed results for several seats.

Here are your top stories of the evening:

Cops tell SC 'Intellectual terrorists more dangerous,' against bail plea of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam

Delhi Police told the Supreme Court that “intellectuals turning into terrorists” present a heightened threat, arguing that activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, among others, are exploiting delays in the trial process. The police cited what they called “inflammatory speeches” and claimed the 2020 Delhi riots were planned to coincide with Donald Trump’s visit in an effort to trigger widespread unrest and push for “regime change.”

Read full story

Delhi blast probe: NIA gets 10-day custody of four accused, including ‘Madam Surgeon’ Shaheen Shahid

Four people - including doctors from Pulwama and Saharanpur - have been placed in 10-day NIA custody in connection with the Red Fort blast. Investigators suspect they were closely involved in planning and carrying out the explosion that left 15 dead. The investigation has now widened to include leads linked to Saudi Arabia, the Maldives and Turkey.

Read full story

Fresh Gen Z protests erupt in Nepal, curfew reimposed

Gen Z protesters and police faced off for a second straight day in Nepal’s Bara district, prompting authorities to impose a curfew. The unrest intensified after youths were allegedly attacked by CPN-UML cadres, and the Gen Z groups have demanded immediate arrests while pledging to keep the district shut. Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called for calm as the country moves toward the 2026 elections.

Read full story

India’s playing XI puzzle:Gill ruled out ahead of second Test

India suffered a major blow ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, with captain Shubman Gill sidelined due to insufficient match fitness. Although he travelled with the team and had shown progress, the BCCI medical staff recommended that he not be rushed back, leaving India to reassess their Playing XI options for the must-win encounter.

Read full story

4 of 5 Bihar seats with max & min SIR deletions won by NDA

Although increased female turnout greatly contributed to the NDA’s win in Bihar, AIMIM emerged with three of the five seats that saw the highest participation from women. The influence of the special voter list revision produced varied effects, as the NDA captured a proportionate number of seats impacted by both deletions and additions.

Read full story
Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search