Top 5 news of the day: Top Maoist leader gunned down; India slams Pak over Balochistan blast claims, and more

NEW DELHI: A major blow was dealt to the Maoist movement as CPI(Maoist) general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju was killed in a key anti-Naxal operation in Chhattisgarh, marking a historic breakthrough in India’s fight against left-wing extremism.

Meanwhile, tensions flared between India and Pakistan after Islamabad blamed New Delhi for a deadly school bus bombing in Balochistan, a claim firmly rejected by India as "baseless" and an attempt to deflect from its internal crises.

In Delhi, the ED’s money laundering case against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi picked up pace, with the court set to hear it daily from July 2.


Here are the top stories for the evening news wrap:

Top Maoist leader Basavaraju among 27 Naxals killed in major anti-naxal operation in ChhattisgarhTop CPI(Maoist) leader Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju, mastermind of the 2010 Dantewada and 2013 Jheeram Ghati massacres, was killed in a major operation by Chhattisgarh’s District Reserve Guard. Union home minister Amit Shah called it a historic milestone in India’s fight against Naxalism, marking the first-ever elimination of a Maoist general secretary. The 68-year-old carried a Rs 1 crore bounty and led the outfit since 2017. The three-day operation in Narayanpur neutralised 27 Maoists and followed the massive Operation Black Forest. Read full story

India rejects Pakistan’s accusations after deadly school bus bombing in BalochistanIndia rejected Pakistan’s claims of Indian involvement in the suicide bombing of a school bus in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, calling the allegations “baseless” and a diversion from Pakistan’s internal issues. The ministry of external affairs expressed condolences but criticised Pakistan for habitually blaming India. The bombing killed five people, including three children, and injured 38 others. No group has claimed responsibility yet, though the region remains volatile due to ongoing insurgency and unrest. Read full story

ED begins arguments in National Herald case involving Sonia and Rahul GandhiRouse Avenue court began hearing the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint in the National Herald case, involving Congress leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The ED accused them of criminal conspiracy and money laundering in a Rs 90.25 crore loan transfer from Congress to Associated Journals Ltd, later assigned to Young Indian for Rs 50 lakh. The agency called Young Indian a “sham entity” used to misappropriate assets worth over Rs 2,000 crore. The court will hold day-to-day hearings on cognisance from July 2. Read full story

CCPA sends notice to Uber over 'advance tip' featureIndia’s top consumer watchdog, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), has sent a notice to Uber over its new “advance tip” feature, where users are prompted to pay tips upfront to get quicker service. Consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi criticised the move as “unethical and exploitative,” saying tips should be voluntary and given post-service. The CCPA termed it an unfair trade practice and has sought Uber’s response, emphasising that transparency and fairness must guide all customer dealings. Read full story

MI vs DC live: Battle for playoff survival in a rain-shadowed WankhedeThe Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals face off tonight at Wankhede in a gripping IPL contest, where the last playoff spot hangs in the balance. MI look to clinch their place with a win, while DC cling to slim hopes amid a tough run of form and the absence of key pacer Mitchell Starc. With an 85% chance of rain and Duckworth-Lewis-Stern rules possibly deciding the outcome, the game promises high drama beyond just cricket. MI hold the advantage, but Delhi’s underdog spirit could surprise. Follow live updates