Supreme Court Denies Bail to Activists in Delhi Riots Case Amid Ongoing Tensions
Supreme Court Ruling on Delhi Riots Activists
The Supreme Court has rejected bail requests from activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are implicated in a purported conspiracy linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. Conversely, the court granted bail to Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman, Shadab Ahmed, and Muhammad Saleem Khan.
The court indicated that Khalid and Imam may submit new bail applications after all protected witnesses have been heard or after a year has passed. The judges noted that there are substantial grounds to suspect that the actions of the two individuals could be classified as terrorist activities under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Khalid and Imam were detained between January and September 2020 due to their alleged involvement in the communal violence that erupted in North East Delhi in February 2020, which resulted in 53 fatalities and numerous injuries, predominantly among the Muslim community.
Authorities have alleged that the unrest was orchestrated as part of a broader scheme to tarnish the reputation of the Narendra Modi administration, claiming it was planned by those who led protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act.
US Senator Discusses Indian Oil Purchases
Senator Lindsey Graham of the United States mentioned that during a private discussion, the Indian ambassador conveyed that India is reducing its imports of Russian oil. The ambassador also requested Graham to urge President Donald Trump to ease tariffs associated with these imports.
These tariffs were implemented as part of Trump's strategy to pressure nations buying discounted oil from Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
While speaking in front of Trump, Graham informed reporters that to resolve the situation in Ukraine, nations purchasing Russian oil must face pressure. He recounted a recent visit to the Indian ambassador's residence, where the ambassador expressed concerns about the tariffs and their impact on oil purchases.
US Stance on Venezuela
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US would not engage in daily governance of Venezuela, apart from enforcing an existing oil blockade on the nation. This statement contrasts with President Trump's earlier assertion that the US would take control of Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, were reportedly taken by US military forces during a recent operation. The US has accused Maduro of various crimes, including narco-terrorism, which the Venezuelan government denies.
In response to the US actions, Caracas has labeled them as military aggression and demanded the immediate release of Maduro and Flores. However, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who has assumed the role of acting president, expressed a willingness to collaborate with the US and hopes to foster respectful relations with Trump.
Bangladesh Bans IPL Broadcast Amid Tensions
Bangladesh's interim government has prohibited the airing of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season following the Kolkata Knight Riders' decision to drop Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from their roster. This move came after directives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The decision occurred against a backdrop of diplomatic strains between India and Bangladesh, particularly after the December killing of a Hindu man in Bangladesh. Rahman's inclusion in the IPL had sparked controversy, leading to criticism directed at the franchise's co-owner, actor Shah Rukh Khan.
Bangladesh officials stated that no explanation was provided for Rahman's exclusion, which has caused significant distress among the Bangladeshi populace.