Name: 'Teesri baar Modi sarkaar': BJP's Bansuri Swaraj confident of win
Uploaded: 2024-06-04T08:21:45.000+05:30
Duration: T00M28S
Channel: Editorji News Desk
Description: Bansuri Swaraj expressed confidence that Narendra Modi-led BJP will once again form the government.

The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler Shabir Ahmed Lone from Ghazipur, uncovering links to an ISI-backed network involved in anti-national activities and recruitment across India.

LeT handler Shabir Ahmed Lone held in Delhi's Ghazipur; sent to 5-day police custody

The Delhi Police Special Cell arrested suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler Shabir Ahmed Lone from Ghazipur, uncovering links to an ISI-backed network involved in anti-national activities and recruitment across India.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) handler, Shabir Ahmed Lone, from the Ghazipur area here, officials said on Monday.
After his arrest, he was produced before a court, which sent him to five days of police custody.
Terming Lone as a "hardcore and highly-trained terrorist," the police said that he reportedly established links with handlers operating on behalf of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
"Lone, also known by aliases Raja and Kashmiri, is a resident of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and was allegedly operating as the handler of a recently busted module involved in pasting anti-national posters across multiple locations in Delhi and Kolkata," a senior police officer said.
According to the officer, a team from the New Delhi Range of the Special Cell arrested Lone on March 29 in connection with the LeT module that had recently been unearthed in the metro poster case on February 22.
"During the arrest, police recovered multiple foreign currencies and other incriminating material from his possession. These included approximately 2,300 units of Bangladeshi Taka, 1,400 units of Nepalese currency, 5,000 units of Pakistani currency, and 3,000 units of Indian currency," they said.
A Nepalese SIM card was also seized, raising suspicions about cross-border communication and operational coordination.
"The module was being run at the behest of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), with Lone acting as a key conduit between handlers based abroad and operatives on the ground in India," the officer said.
Lone had a long history of involvement in terror activities and had been previously arrested in 2007. At that time, an AK-47 rifle and a hand grenade were recovered from his possession.
He was again arrested in 2015 in Srinagar under the jurisdiction of Parimpora Police Station.
The officer also said that even during his earlier arrest, Lone had come to Delhi with the intent to carry out targeted killings.
He is a highly trained operative who has undergone terror training "Daura-e-Aam" (basic terror training) and "Daura-e-Khaas" (advanced terror training) from the Muzaffarabad LeT camp in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Following his release, he allegedly fled to Bangladesh and began rebuilding a fresh terror network targeting India.
During his stay in Bangladesh, Lone reportedly established links with new handlers affiliated with LeT.
These handlers, identified by their code names Abu Huzaifa and Sumama Babar, were operating on behalf of the ISI.
Lone's task was to resume terror activities in India by activating sleeper cells and recruiting fresh operatives.
He used Bangladesh as a base to facilitate infiltration and coordination, the officer added.
Investigations revealed that Lone had set up an operational base in Kolkata, which served as a launching pad for activities across multiple states.
From this base, the module carried out a "test run" by pasting pro-Pakistan and anti-national posters at prominent locations in Delhi and Kolkata, assessing their operational capabilities and response mechanisms.
The operatives also conducted reconnaissance of several sensitive locations across the country, including temples and high-footfall public places.
Videos of these reconnaissance missions were recorded and transmitted to handlers in Pakistan, police said.
The police officer said that Lone had created a structured network involving foreign nationals, particularly from Bangladesh, and was attempting to expand it further by identifying recruits and locations for future operations.
Police said that he is currently being interrogated to identify other associates, financial links, and potential targets.
Possible hawala channels and cross-border funding mechanisms connected to the recovered foreign currencies are also being probed, police said.
"The arrest of Lone marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the metro poster case, which had triggered security concerns," the officer added.
On February 22, the Special Cell busted a pan-India LeT module and arrested eight operatives, including seven Bangladeshi nationals, following coordinated raids in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
Those arrested were allegedly acting under Lone's direction and were involved in pasting pro-terror posters and conducting reconnaissance of sensitive installations.
Investigators had found that Lone was operating as their handler from Bangladesh and had been actively directing their activities.
"The module had been formed with the objective of reviving terror operations in India by exploiting illegal immigration networks and forged identity documents," a police source said.
The operatives were tasked with recruiting people and arranging logistics, including safe houses and weapons, the source said.
The February crackdown had exposed the broader network and laid the groundwork for tracing Lone's movements and eventual arrest.
The timely apprehension of Lone (43) has averted recruitment of vulnerable youths into the ranks of LeT, a Pakistan-sponsored terror outfit banned under UAPA and UNSC resolution.
ACP (Special Cell) Pramod Singh Kushwah said that during the interrogation of the accused arrested on February 22, the name of Shabir Ahmad Lone had emerged.
The ACP said that according to central agencies' inputs, Lone had entered India through the Nepal border and was preparing to recruit like-minded people for LeT on Indian soil.
He was also in contact with Tehrik-Ul-Mujahideen commander Abu Talha and a UAPA-designated terrorist, Asif Dar.
Sharing his profile, the officer said that Lone is the main handler of the recently busted Lashkar-e-Taiba module, operating out of Bangladesh.
He has studied till Class 8 and completed a two-year Islamic Madrasa course from Salafia Arabic College, Batamaloo in J&amp;K.
"In the year 2004-2005, his locality was frequently visited by LeT terrorists, namely Abu Huzaifa, Abu Bakar and Faisal, for food and other logistic support. Abu Huzaifa had recruited him in the LeT cadre during that time.
In the year 2016, he was arrested along with Sajjad Gul in Parimpora, Jammu and Kashmir, with the recovery of five live rounds of AK47. His co-accused Gul, after being released from the case, shifted to Pakistan and is currently operating 'The Resistance Front', a LeT offshoot," said Kushwah.
Lone had been in contact with Huzaifa through encrypted apps and started radicalising and recruiting youths into the LeT cadre.
Huzaifa introduced him to Pakistan-based LeT commander Sumama Babar through an encrypted app.
Babar is responsible for radicalising, motivating and recruiting youth in India, primarily in the Kashmir valley, into terrorist ranks through different social media apps.
"In 2025, Sumama Babar asked Shabir to recruit Bangladeshis and Indian youths from the states/UTs other than Jammu and Kashmir to carry out terrorist operations in India," the ACP said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.

Security has been intensified across Delhi ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with heavy police deployment, surveillance, and special measures in sensitive areas following tensions linked to the Uttam Nagar killing incident.

Delhi on high alert ahead of Eid; heavy security in Dwarka

Security has been intensified across Delhi ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, with heavy police deployment, surveillance, and special measures in sensitive areas following tensions linked to the Uttam Nagar killing incident.

With Eid-ul-Fitr a day away, security has been stepped up across Southwest Delhi's Dwarka district, as the Uttam Nagar area remains tense after the March 4 killing.
Police said more than 100 pickets have been set up, with personnel deployed on rooftops and at key junctions to maintain a close watch on movement in sensitive pockets.
Security has been tightened around the Uttam Nagar East metro station following directions from the Delhi High Court after apprehensions of unrest during the festival.
"We have made detailed deployment plans and are ready to respond swiftly to any situation," an officer said.
The HC order was passed on a PIL filed by a civil rights group, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, which approached the high court to prevent "imminent communal violence" on Eid in Uttam Nagar.
A civil society group comprising eminent Muslims wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday over "open threats" to the Muslim community in Uttam Nagar, and urged him to pass special instructions to the police to take strict action.
Meanwhile, force has been mounted in Hastsal village, where the killing took place, and nearby areas, with joint deployment of Delhi Police and central armed forces.
On March 4, the day of Holi, Tarun, 26, was killed in a clash between two neighbouring families in Uttam Nagar's JJ Colony.
The altercation, police said, was triggered after a water balloon thrown by a girl from one family accidentally hit a woman from the other.
The incident led to protests by some groups, and two vehicles linked to the accused were set on fire.
The police have so far apprehended 14 people, including two minors, in connection with the case.
The police said security focus has been sharpened around mosques, Eidgahs and other places of congregation where large crowds are expected.
Area domination exercises, including foot patrols and vehicle checks, are being carried out regularly.
Monitoring of social media has also been intensified to track and curb the spread of inflammatory content, the police said, adding that several objectionable posts have already been flagged and acted upon.
"Delhi Police has put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure that Eid is celebrated in a safe, peaceful and harmonious environment across the city," the city force said on X.
The police said that any attempt to disturb public peace and communal harmony will attract legal action.
"Let us celebrate responsibly and contribute to maintaining peace and unity," the statement added.
Areas with mixed populations have been categorised as sensitive and are under constant watch.
Apart from ground deployment, police teams have been positioned at elevated points in select locations to enhance surveillance.
Police presence notwithstanding, unease persists among locals.
Pradeep Shukla, president of the Uttam Nagar RWA, said the visible security presence has brought a sense of control, but anxiety remains.
"There is heavy barricading, and movement has reduced. It feels unusually quiet. People are still worried, but we are hoping things remain peaceful," he said.

14 protesters, including JNUSU office-bearers, were arrested after a clash during a march at JNU over remarks by the vice-chancellor and related issues. Police registered an FIR and detained 51 protesters amid allegations of assault.

14 protesters arrested after clash during JNU march over vice-chancellor remarks

14 protesters, including JNUSU office-bearers, were arrested after a clash during a march at JNU over remarks by the vice-chancellor and related issues. Police registered an FIR and detained 51 protesters amid allegations of assault.

Fourteen protesters were arrested in connection with a demonstration at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) here on Thursday evening, police said.
Those held included JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) president Aditi Mishra, vice president Gopika Babu, former president Nitish Kumar, and joint secretary Danish Ali, among others, they said.
Police said an FIR has been registered under sections 132/3(5) (assault or criminal force), 221 (obstructing public servant) and 121(1) (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Vasant Kunj North Police Station.
The arrests followed an attempted march by JNUSU members, who had gathered at Sabarmati T-Point on the campus and sought to move towards the education ministry as part of ongoing protests over JNU Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit's recent remarks on a podcast over the implementation of UGC norms, rustication of JNUSU office bearers, and the proposed Rohith Act.
Police personnel, however, stopped the protesters at the heavily barricaded university gates, leading to a scuffle.
A total of 51 protesters, including Mishra and Kumar, were detained on Thursday evening, with Delhi Police claiming that the students resorted to physical assault, injuring several of its personnel, during the confrontation.
In a statement, the students' union called for a complete university strike and reiterated allegations of police excess during the march.
It claimed that 13 students, including three office-bearers, were detained and several students were "brutally attacked and injured", while a portrait of B. R. Ambedkar was damaged during the police action.
Among its demands, the JNUSU has sought the immediate and unconditional release of all, resignation of the vice-chancellor, action against police personnel over the alleged desecration of Ambedkar's portrait, and withdrawal of proctorial actions and FIRs against student activists.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) had earlier condemned the police action.

Multiple institutions including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, Red Fort and two schools received bomb threat emails claiming blasts at specific times.

Bomb threats to Delhi Secretariat, Assembly, Red Fort and two schools declared hoax

Multiple institutions including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, Red Fort and two schools received bomb threat emails claiming blasts at specific times.

Multiple institutions, including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, Red Fort and two schools in the national capital, received bomb threats via email on Monday, which were later declared hoax, officials said.
An official of the Delhi Fire Services confirmed that Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan and Air Force Bal Bharti School on Lodhi Road received bomb threats.
The threat emails were also received on the official ID of the Delhi Assembly and its Speaker at 8 am, reportedly from the Khalistan National Army, sources said.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta asked the Delhi Police for immediate appropriate action on the bomb threat received on his personal email id.
"The Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly has desired that immediate necessary appropriate action be taken in the matter and an investigation be carried out to trace the source of these emails keeping in view the serious warnings about the bomb blast threats to Delhi Legislative Assembly Secretariat and Speaker in person," the Speaker office in a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner said.
The threatening emails mention &ldquo;Delhi banega Khalistan&rdquo; (Delhi will become Khalistan) and read that there will be blasts in Delhi Army School, Red Fort and Metros in the next three days.
The emails claimed a blast at the Delhi Army school at 1.11 pm, Vidhan Sabha at 3.11 pm and Red Fort at 9.11 am today, they said.
After receiving the threatening emails, the administrations of both schools informed authorities in the morning, a senior police officer said.
As a precautionary measure, the premises were evacuated, and thorough search operations were carried out, the officer said.
"After nothing suspicious was found, it was declared a hoax," the officer added.
An Aam Aadmi Party leader and former MLA, Dilip K Pandey, in a post on X said, "Today, I received a bomb threat on my personal email ID, and since the matter was related to public safety, I have immediately forwarded the email to Delhi Police."
Upon receiving the information, teams from the Delhi Police, the bomb disposal squad, dog squad and Delhi Fire Services rushed to the spots and cordoned off the areas around the schools and other locations.
"We are verifying the source of the emails and further investigation is underway," the officer added.
The cyber cell has been roped in to trace the origin of the emails and identify the sender. Search operations are continuing.

Delhi witnessed a cloudy start with the minimum temperature at 15.8°C, while the IMD issued a yellow alert for possible light rain and thunderstorms. Air quality remained in the ‘poor’ category with an AQI of 227.

Delhi records overcast morning, IMD issues yellow alert for rain

Delhi witnessed a cloudy start with the minimum temperature at 15.8&deg;C, while the IMD issued a yellow alert for possible light rain and thunderstorms. Air quality remained in the &lsquo;poor&rsquo; category with an AQI of 227.

Light rain was witnessed at different parts of Delhi on Wednesday with the minimum temperature settling at 15.8 degrees Celsius, 4.8 degrees above the season's average.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast a generally cloudy sky, with the possibility of a brief spell of very light rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning at isolated places.
A yellow alert has been issued for the city, which is an early warning signal that severe weather conditions are to be expected and may affect day-to-day activities.
Safdarjung, the city's principal observatory, logged a minimum of 15.8 degrees Celsius, 4.8 notches above the season's average, the IMD added.
The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 27 degrees Celsius.
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'poor' category with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 227 at 9 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The CPCB classifies an AQI between 0 and 50 as 'good', 51 to 100 as 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 as 'moderate', 201 to 300 as 'poor', 301 to 400 as 'very poor', and 401 to 500 as 'severe'.

Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line will span 89 km with 65 stations, including 40 underground and 21 interchange points, enhancing connectivity and easing congestion across the city.

Magenta Line to become Delhi Metro's longest corridor stretching 89 km

Delhi Metro&rsquo;s Magenta Line will span 89 km with 65 stations, including 40 underground and 21 interchange points, enhancing connectivity and easing congestion across the city.

Spanning around 89 kilometres, the Magenta Line of the Delhi Metro is set to become the longest corridor in the network, with the highest number of interchange and underground stations, strengthening connectivity across the national capital.
According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), following the sanction of Phase V (A), the extension of the Magenta Line from Ramakrishna Ashram Marg to Indraprastha via Central Vista will be taken up. The Indraprastha&ndash;Inderlok corridor under Phase IV will also be implemented as an extension of the Magenta Line, it said.
With these additions, the total length of the Magenta Line, from Botanical Garden to Inderlok, will be around 89 kilometres, making it the longest corridor in the Delhi Metro network. Once fully operational, the entire stretch will function as a driverless corridor, the corporation said.
The DMRC said the Magenta Line will have 21 interchange stations after completion. At present, the operational section has four interchange stations&mdash;Kalkaji Mandir, Botanical Garden, Janakpuri West and Hauz Khas. An additional 17 interchange stations will come up under Phase IV and Phase V (A).
These include Kalindi Kunj, Chirag Delhi, Terminal 1 IGI Airport, Peeragarhi, Pitampura (Madhuban Chowk), Haiderpur Badli Mor, Majlis Park, Azadpur, Pulbangash, Nabi Karim, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, Shivaji Stadium, Central Secretariat, Indraprastha, Delhi Gate, New Delhi and Inderlok, it added. Of these, Central Secretariat, Azadpur, New Delhi and Inderlok will serve as triple interchange stations, DMRC said.
According to the corporation, the corridor will have a total of 65 stations, of which 40 will be underground. The DMRC said the extensive interchange network is expected to reduce travel time, ease congestion on key corridors and provide seamless connectivity across the city.
The Magenta Line also features notable engineering landmarks. Haiderpur Badli Mor will be the highest-elevated metro station in the network, with a rail level height of about 28.36 metres. Hauz Khas, already operational, is the deepest underground station in the system at approximately 29 metres, the DMRC added.

More than a dozen schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails referencing Khalistan and Afzal Guru, prompting evacuations, security checks, and cyber investigation; eight threats later declared hoaxes.

'Delhi will become Khalistan': Bomb threats sent to at least 15 schools in capital

More than a dozen schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails referencing Khalistan and Afzal Guru, prompting evacuations, security checks, and cyber investigation; eight threats later declared hoaxes.

More than a dozen schools across the national capital received bomb threat emails on Monday, prompting heavy security deployment and precautionary evacuations. Of these, eight threats were later declared hoaxes, officials said.
The threatening email carried disturbing and provocative content, claiming, "Delhi will become Khalistan. Punjab is Khalistan. In memory of Afzal Guru." The email also alleged that a blast would take place inside Parliament on February 13 at 1.11 pm, prompting heightened security alerts and coordination among multiple agencies.
According to the Delhi Fire Services (DFS), emergency calls were received from multiple educational institutions across different parts of the city during the morning hours, following which fire tenders and bomb disposal squads were rushed to the locations.
"A total of 15 schools have reported receiving bomb threats so far. Fire service teams immediately reached the premises and thorough checks are underway," a DFS official said, adding that out of the total, eight have been declared a hoax.
The schools that received the threats include Loreto Convent School in Delhi Cantonment, Cambridge School in Srinivaspuri and New Friends Colony, The Indian School in Sadiq Nagar, DTEA School in INA and Lodhi Road, Venkateshwar Global School in Rohini, CM SHRI School in Rohini and Shalimar Bagh, Aadharshila Vidyapeeth in Pitampura, Modern Public School in Shalimar Bagh, Jaspal Kaur Public School, Shalimar Bagh, Manav Sthali School in New Rajendra Nagar, Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas in Dwarka, and Bal Bharati School in Rohini, an official of the Delhi Fire Services said.
As a precautionary measure, the school premises were evacuated, and students and staff were moved to safe locations. Bomb detection and disposal squads, along with dog units, are conducting search operations at the affected schools.
Senior police officers said cyber teams have been pressed into service to trace the origin of the email, while security arrangements across sensitive locations in the capital have been reviewed.
No suspicious object has been recovered so far from any of the school premises, officials said, adding that searches were continuing and further details were awaited.

Three Delhi Jal Board engineers have been suspended after a motorcyclist died after falling into a construction pit in Janakpuri, with the government ordering a probe.

Three Delhi Jal Board engineers suspended over biker's death in west Delhi construction pit

Three Delhi Jal Board engineers have been suspended after a motorcyclist died after falling into a construction pit in Janakpuri, with the government ordering a probe.

Three Delhi Jal Board (DJB) engineers have been suspended after a motorcyclist allegedly fell into a construction pit dug by the water agency, cabinet minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma said on Friday.&nbsp;
Verma further said that strict action will be taken against the company involved in executing the project. He added that DJB will give compensation to the family of the victim.&nbsp;
The water minister who inspected the construction site after the incident was reported on Friday ordered the suspension of the DJB officers.&nbsp;
"We are suspending three officers-executive engineer, assistant engineer and junior engineer, it was the duty of the three officers to monitor the progress of the work ongoing here," Singh told reporters.&nbsp;
Work at the site has been ongoing for the last three months but the pit was dug on Thursday, he said.&nbsp;
The motorcyclist, Kamal, died on Friday morning after allegedly falling into a pit in west Delhi's Janakpuri area. The Delhi government has ordered a probe into the matter.&nbsp;

Delhi Police said reports of a rise in missing girls are being spread through paid promotions and warned of strict action against misinformation.

Delhi Police dismisses reports of surge in missing girls, says hype driven by paid promotions

Delhi Police said reports of a rise in missing girls are being spread through paid promotions and warned of strict action against misinformation.

The Delhi Police on Friday dismissed speculations about a surge in missing girls in the national capital, stating that such claims are being amplified through paid promotions on social media platforms.&nbsp;
The police warned that strict action would be taken against those spreading misinformation for monetary gains.
In a post on X, Delhi Police said, &ldquo;After following a few leads, we discovered that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion. Creating panic for monetary gains won't be tolerated, and we'll take strict action against such individuals.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
After following a few leads, we discovered that the hype around the surge in missing girls in Delhi is being pushed through paid promotion. Creating panic for monetary gains won't be tolerated, and we'll take strict action against such individuals.
&mdash; Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiPolice/status/2019631225884012897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Earlier, the police had assured the public that there was no reason for fear or panic, particularly regarding children, amid reports circulating about missing persons in the city.
Addressing the issue on Thursday, Delhi Police PRO Sanjay Tyagi said that there had been no increase in missing-person cases compared to previous years. He noted that January 2026 recorded fewer such cases than the same period last year.
&ldquo;There is no need to fear or panic regarding the missing persons in Delhi, especially children. Compared to the past, there has been no increase in reporting missing persons in Delhi. In January 2026, compared to the same period last year, there has been a drop in reporting missing persons. It is also worth mentioning that Delhi Police follows the policy of fair and transparent reporting of crime,&rdquo; Tyagi said in a video released by Delhi Police.
He added that missing persons can be reported not only at local police stations but also through online platforms or by calling ERSS 112. Under standard operating procedures (SOPs), the police prioritise tracing missing children and respond promptly. Dedicated missing person squads in each district, along with the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Crime Branch, are tasked with ensuring effective action.
Tyagi also emphasised that no organised gangs have been found to be involved in cases of missing children or kidnappings.
On Thursday, Delhi Police released official data showing a decline in missing-person cases in January 2026 compared to the previous year. According to the data, the number of missing persons in Delhi has remained largely stable over the past decade, ranging between 23,000 and 24,000 cases annually since 2016, despite the city&rsquo;s growing population.
In January 2026, a total of 1,777 missing cases were recorded, compared with an average of around 2,000 cases per month in the national capital.
The data further showed that since 2016, Delhi Police has traced and reunited 1,80,805 missing persons with their families, reflecting a recovery rate of about 77 per cent.

Delhi woke up to dense fog on Monday with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 188, settling in the 'moderate' category. Air quality likely to remain 'poor' over the next few days.

Delhi Sees Dense Fog, Moderate AQI

Delhi woke up to dense fog on Monday with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 188, settling in the 'moderate' category. Air quality likely to remain 'poor' over the next few days.

Delhi woke up to dense fog and slightly improved air quality on Monday morning, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling in the 'moderate' category.&nbsp;
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), visibility dropped to 100 metres at both Palam and Safdarjung in the early hours.
The average AQI settled at 188. The air quality was 'moderate' at 21 stations while it was 'poor' at 16 stations. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Sameer app, AQI data for three stations was not immediately available. Lodhi Road recorded an AQI of 116, the lowest amongst all the stations.
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'. Delhi's air quality is likely to settle in the 'poor' category for the next two days.
The outlook for the subsequent six days also states that the air quality is likely to be in the 'poor' band, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS).
The IMD said Safdarjung recorded a minimum temperature of 10.4 degrees Celsius, slightly above normal, while Palam saw a marginally higher minimum of 10.7 degrees Celsius. Other parts of the city, including Lodhi Road and Ridge, reported minimum temperatures between 11 and 11.4 degrees Celsius.
The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to range between 17 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius, respectively.

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Bansuri Swaraj expressed confidence that Narendra Modi-led BJP will once again form the government.

'Teesri baar Modi sarkaar': BJP's Bansuri Swaraj confident of win  

Bansuri Swaraj expressed confidence that Narendra Modi-led BJP will once again form the government.

BJP's pick from New Delhi Bansuri Swaraj expressed confidence that Narendra Modi-led BJP will once again form the government.
"I am completely confident that today the people of India will choose the public welfare policies of BJP, will choose the development policies of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi...I know Teesri Baar Phir Modi Sarkar."&nbsp;
Follow<a href="https://www.editorji.com/liveblog/lok-sabha/lok-sabha-election-results-2024-live-3rd-term-for-pm-modi-or-will-india-throw-surprise-1717463860662"> Live Updates on Lok Sabha Election Results 2024, will Modi return for third term?</a>

Investigators probing the deadly Malviya Nagar hotel fire allege owner Lavkesh Bajaj admitted to illegally expanding the property, citing a belief that “everything works in Delhi.”

'Delhi mein sab chalta hai': Hotel owner's greed behind illegal expansion; drove past blaze site

Investigators probing the deadly Malviya Nagar hotel fire allege owner Lavkesh Bajaj admitted to illegally expanding the property, citing a belief that &ldquo;everything works in Delhi.&rdquo;

The owner of the Malviya Nagar hotel gutted by a fire that killed 21 people allegedly told investigators that "Delhi me sab chalta hai" (everything works in Delhi) when questioned about major violations at the property, police sources said on Thursday.
According to investigators, Lavkesh Bajaj showed little remorse after the blaze at Flourish Stay B&amp;B in south Delhi's Hauz Rani area on Wednesday. Officials alleged that he even drove past the burning building during rescue operations without stopping, despite the commotion.
The fire claimed 21 lives, including 12 foreign nationals, and injured several others, making it one of the deadliest fires in the capital in recent years.
Police said Bajaj has been non-cooperative during interrogation since his arrest. Investigators claim questioning has uncovered a pattern of regulatory violations, illegal expansion and disregard for safety norms.
According to police sources, Bajaj told investigators that once the hotel business became highly profitable, he felt encouraged to expand the property illegally from two-and-a-half storeys to five floors because he believed "everything works in Delhi."
Officials said the establishment was permitted to operate only six rooms under the Delhi government's bed-and-breakfast policy. However, it allegedly expanded to around 25-26 rooms, including some in the basement.
Investigators also found that the premises had permission to run only a tea shop and did not possess a licence to operate a restaurant. Despite this, the property allegedly generated additional income through a ground-floor restaurant.
Police said rooms were rented out for between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000 per day.
According to investigators, Bajaj allegedly obtained licences in the name of Jai Mishra, who handled the hotel's accounts and day-to-day operations. Five police teams have been formed to trace Mishra, who remains absconding.
Sources further said the building had previously received a temporary accommodation licence during the 2010 Commonwealth Games under a different owner when Delhi faced a shortage of hotel rooms.
During questioning, Bajaj reportedly told investigators that he owns at least four hotels in the area and rarely visits them. He claimed that after purchasing the property in 2022, he handed over its daily management to Mishra.
Police also alleged that when the fire broke out, Bajaj happened to be near the building and noticed the activity around it. However, instead of stopping, he allegedly left the area and continued moving across different parts of Delhi before being traced and arrested later the same day.
Joint Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar said investigators have secured four days of police custody for Bajaj.
"We will ask him about the staff members who were present there as all of them are absconding," Kumar said.
He added that the sections invoked in the FIR were appropriate considering the circumstances of the incident and that multiple violations had been identified.
"The premises had permission for only six rooms, but there were 25 rooms. No gas connection was taken in the name of the premises, but four cylinders were present," he said.
The investigation has now expanded beyond determining the immediate cause of the fire. Authorities are examining allegations of illegal construction, fire safety violations, licensing irregularities, ownership records and other factors that may have contributed to the high death toll.

A Delhi court has granted four days of police custody to hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj in connection with the Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21 people. Investigators say custodial interrogation is needed to uncover safety lapses.

Malviya Nagar blaze: Delhi court permits police to quiz hotel owner in custody for four days

A Delhi court has granted four days of police custody to hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj in connection with the Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21 people. Investigators say custodial interrogation is needed to uncover safety lapses.

A Delhi court on Thursday granted four days of police custody to Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the Flourish Stay B&amp;B in Malviya Nagar, in connection with the devastating fire that killed 21 people and injured several others.
Judicial Magistrate Bhanu Pratap Singh observed that Bajaj's arrest was "lawful and justified" and allowed Delhi Police to interrogate him in custody as part of the ongoing investigation into the blaze that broke out on Wednesday.
The fire at the hotel, which was allegedly operating without a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) in a congested lane, claimed the lives of nine Indian nationals and 12 foreign nationals. Relatives of several victims are undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
Rejecting arguments challenging the validity of the arrest, the court said, &ldquo;...Considering the serious allegations against the accused of committing an offence punishable with imprisonment for life, this court is of the view that the arrest of accused Lavkesh Bajaj is lawful and justified.&rdquo;
During the hearing, the prosecution argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to verify the identities and roles of workers, employees and other individuals involved in operating the hotel. Police also informed the court that they needed to trace and apprehend accountant Jay Mishra and hotel manager Rakesh, whose roles have come under scrutiny during the preliminary investigation.
The prosecution further submitted that investigators needed to recover and examine documents related to the ownership and functioning of the hotel, including electricity bills, guest registers, booking records, online reservation details, financial records and bank account information. Police also said Bajaj would need to be confronted with witnesses as well as documentary and electronic evidence collected during the probe.
According to the prosecution, investigators must also verify information disclosed by the accused and identify other persons involved in the construction, management and operation of the premises.
Bajaj&rsquo;s lawyers, Nitin Ahlawat and Preeti Yadav, opposed the request for police custody, arguing that no recovery was required from the accused and that investigators already possessed the necessary information.
However, the magistrate observed that the investigation was still at an early stage and said custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover relevant facts and examine possible violations of mandatory safety regulations.
&ldquo;Considering that the investigation is at an initial stage, this court is of the view that custodial interrogation of the accused is necessary for the discovery of relevant facts leading to the incident and to verify the alleged lapses in compliance with mandatory laws,&rdquo; the order stated.
The court also noted that police custody was required to trace individuals whose involvement had emerged during the investigation and to recover documents, electronic devices and digital evidence linked to the case.
While allowing the police custody plea, the court permitted Bajaj&rsquo;s lawyers to meet him daily between 5 pm and 6 pm at the police station.
Delhi Police have registered a case under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 326(g) (mischief by fire), 324(5) (wrongful damage to property), 125(a) (negligent act endangering human life), 125(b) (grievous hurt by negligence) and 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
In the grounds of arrest, police stated that preliminary findings suggest negligence and a failure to ensure adequate safety measures for occupants of the premises. Investigators said Bajaj&rsquo;s custodial interrogation was necessary for recovering and verifying documents, identifying other responsible individuals and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police also cited concerns that, if released, the accused could potentially tamper with evidence or influence witnesses connected to the case, making his arrest necessary for a fair and effective investigation.

Following the Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21 people, experts have raised concerns over loopholes in Delhi's Bed and Breakfast policy, including the absence of mandatory fire safety measures and relaxed registration norms.

Malviya Nagar tragedy puts spotlight on Delhi govt's B&B policy rules

Following the Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21 people, experts have raised concerns over loopholes in Delhi's Bed and Breakfast policy, including the absence of mandatory fire safety measures and relaxed registration norms.

A day after the fatal fire in Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives, including 12 foreigners, the Delhi government's bed and breakfast B&amp;B policy is under scrutiny.
According to experts, the policy, officially known as 'National Capital Territory of Delhi (Incredible India) Bed and Breakfast Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2007'-- which started during the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in 2010 -- has serious loopholes regarding safety norms.
"When the B&amp;B scheme was started in Delhi during the Commonwealth Games, there was a provision that in the residential building, the owner had to live in the building, which was later removed from the scheme. In this accident, we see that the owner was not living with them," Rajesh Pawar, former Delhi chief fire officer, told PTI videos.
Panwar said in the policy, there was no provision for fire extinguishers or fire safety.
"There was only one point that heat and smoke detectors should be desirable rather than mandatory, making installation entirely at the owner's discretion. I think heat and smoke detectors should be mandatory in the policy."
He said the initial phase of the scheme included a provision to attach an approved building plan from the local authorities.
"But after almost six months, the provision was removed. If this provision had remained, this establishment would never have been able to open in such a congested area. And even at that time, it was limited to six rooms and 18 occupancies for 18 people," he said.
Former fire chief Panwar said, "Delhi Fire Service has very good experience in firefighting; they fulfil their responsibilities very well. In firefighting, I do not consider anyone ahead of DFS. I have worked here and seen my personnel and officers."
The Delhi government said the existing policy is being withdrawn and a new policy is being formulated for which a draft has been put in the public domain.
"When we were commercialising this scheme then, the provision of fire NOC should have been made mandatory," he said.

At least 21 people, including 11 foreign nationals, were killed after a massive fire engulfed an illegally expanded hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar. Police have filed a culpable homicide case as investigators probe safety violations.

21 killed in south Delhi hotel fire; sealed windows, single exit-entry trap scores of people

At least 21 people, including 11 foreign nationals, were killed after a massive fire engulfed an illegally expanded hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar. Police have filed a culpable homicide case as investigators probe safety violations.

A devastating blaze tore through a hotel operating without a fire NOC in a congested bylane in south Delhi&rsquo;s Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, including 11 foreigners whose relatives were being treated in hospitals nearby.
The fire at the Flourish Stay B&amp;B in Hauz Rani in Malviya Nagar started around 8.30 am and quickly spread through the five-floor narrow building that had only one entry-exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door, officials said. Factors which combined to turn the building into a virtual death trap.
As the flames raged, catching everybody unawares and some in their sleep, rescue workers, including many locals, rushed to pull out those trapped inside.
At least 58 people were rescued and rushed to hospitals where 21 were declared brought dead, officials said. The dead include 10 Indians.
The death toll in the fire -- amongst the worst in the city in recent years -- could rise with several of the injured in a critical condition, officials said.
Many of the casualties are from Central Asian and African countries. They were staying in the hotel in to attend to their kin admitted in Max Hospital minutes away.
In a tragedy that was perhaps waiting to happen, the hotel had permission for only six rooms, granted under the Delhi government's bed and breakfast policy, but was operating 25, police officials said. Rooms had also come up in the basement.
The structure housed a restaurant on the ground floor while the basement and the upper floors were being used as the hotel.
Officials said the building was only ground floor plus one till six-seven years ago. The additional floors came up later without informing the authorities. Besides, a complete building plan was not submitted.
The building, they said, was reportedly above 15 metres in height, making fire safety clearance mandatory.
"As far as a fire NOC is concerned, we had not received any reference from either the building authorities or the licensing agency," Deputy Chief Fire Officer A K Malik told PTI.
The design of the building made escape almost impossible, he said.
&ldquo;Buildings of this nature act like a shaft, where heat and smoke generated by a fire can engulf the entire structure within seconds, making evacuation even more challenging," he said.
The hotel was being operated by three partners, who are also believed to own other hotels and guesthouses across Delhi, police sources said.
Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges of culpable homicide among other relevant sections of BNS.
The building owner has been identified as LavKesh, the license was issued in the name of Jai Mishra and the owner of the hotel has been identified as Lokesh Bajaj, the sources added.
No one has been arrested as yet. Alerts have been issued to railway and airport authorities to prevent the suspects from fleeing.
Raids were conducted at multiple locations, including the residences of the building owner and the licence holder registered with the tourism department.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.
Visuals from the area -- with narrow lanes, overhanging wires and cramped buildings haphazardly sharing space -- showed high flames rising in the air and wires twisted out of shape in the heat hanging precariously.
Shattered glass and mangled metal lay scattered around the smoke charred building.
Teams from the Delhi Fire Services, police and disaster response units searched through the smoke-blackened structure for survivors. Victims were seen being pulled out of the basement and rushed to hospitals in ambulances.
The urban village of Hauz Rani is minutes away from swanky malls, upscale hospitals and the Saket court complex as well as the residential localities of Malviya Nagar and Saket.
Officials said the fire started at Lemon Green Restaurant, but police later clarified that it was a hotel building.
According to one eyewitness and a first responder, the basement was locked and he helped the fire team to help open it.
"It took more than 20 minutes to open the basement area," he alleged.
Horrific scenes played out all over.
As thick smoke engulfed the building and flames spread rapidly, several people were seen breaking window panes and calling for help.
"A woman holding a young child jumped from the third floor after local residents spread mattresses on the ground below in an attempt to save those trapped inside," an eyewitness said.
A foreigner couple could be seen trapped on the fourth floor. They broke the window glass, smashed the aluminum mesh and climbed down using a pipe to escape the inferno.
Arman, who owns a blanket and cotton shop opposite the hotel, spread as many quilts and mattresses as he could to cushion the fall of people while others administered CPR to the injured.
&ldquo;At that time, we did not think about anything else. We provided as many quilts as were needed,&rdquo; Armaan told PTI.
At the Max Hospital across the road, stunned relatives crowded the waiting area searching for their loved ones, scanning lists and making frantic phone calls as the injured and the dead were brought in.
"We can't recognise them by looking at pictures. Everyone is severely burnt," said one man sobbing uncontrollably.
Also searching desperately was Namit Goel, who said six of his relatives were among those caught in the fire.
"Four bodies are in Max Saket mortuary and two bodies are in another hospital. We are trying to locate them," he said.
Max Hospital said in a statement that 39 patients were received at the emergency department.
Of these 18 were brought dead, while 15 were admitted to the ICU, including eight who are on ventilator support and critical.
The patients suffered from asphyxiation, minor burn injuries and fractures, it said.
Five patients with minor injuries were treated and discharged after primary medical care, while one patient was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital due to extensive burn injuries, it added.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences received 13 patients -- three of them sustained injuries from fall and 10 were those who got hurt while rescuing those trapped in the burning building.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among those who expressed their condolences.
"The news of the loss of lives in the fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is extremely heartbreaking&hellip;," Murmu said in a post on X in Hindi.
The prime minister announced ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
Describing the loss of lives as tragic, he said on X, "My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones."
Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader Rahul Gandhi, expressed their grief and urged party workers to extend all possible help.
State government authorities should provide adequate and timely compensation, including prompt medical care to the victims, Kharge said.
The worst fire in Delhi remains the 1997 Uphaar Cinema fire in which 59 people died.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR for culpable homicide after a devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel claimed at least 21 lives. The hotel owner is absconding as investigators probe possible safety lapses.

Delhi Police files culpable homicide FIR in Malviya Nagar hotel blaze

Delhi Police have registered an FIR for culpable homicide after a devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel claimed at least 21 lives. The hotel owner is absconding as investigators probe possible safety lapses.

The Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges of culpable homicide in the hotel fire tragedy in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar that killed at least 21 people on Wednesday, officials said.&nbsp;
A massive fire tore through a bed-and-breakfast being operated in a five-storey building in the south Delhi locality early Wednesday.
A police source said that a team was immediately dispatched to the house of the hotel owner who is absconding. "Teams have visited the house of the hotel owner. An FIR has been registered against the owner. Teams are trying to arrest him. Multiple teams are searching for him," said the police source.
Many of the deceased were foreign nationals, mainly from Central Asian and African countries. Several injured were rushed to hospitals. Those rescued include the relatives of the patients who are being treated at a nearby private hospital.
The blaze erupted at the Flourish Stay B&amp;B in Hauz Rani, a congested locality in Malviya Nagar. According to police sources, it was early morning when the chef arrived at the ground floor eatery and switched on the setup before starting his work.
Shortly after, a blast-like sound was heard, and within minutes the entire building was swept in flames, trapping several guests on the upper floors. A police source said the building had 26 rooms, though the exact number is still being verified.
A foreign couple trapped on the fourth floor broke a windowpane and an aluminium grill and tried to climb down using a pipe. Both fell. Overhead wires broke the woman's fall, even though she landed headfirst to the ground. The two were rushed to a hospital in a critical state. It was not yet known whether they survived.
The building has a basement, ground floor and five upper floors, according to fire officers. The restaurant was being operated on the ground floor, while the rest of the building was being used as a hotel.
According to police sources, the hotel had only one entry-exit. The fire NOC is under scanner, they said.

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