VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Commonwealth Games 2026 Day 6 Live Updates: India look to build on Monday’s six-medal haul in Glasgow ‘Not a batter who can bowl off-spin… ‘: The Harbhajan Singh hand behind Saransh Jain’s India breakthrough Rajasthan Safai Karamchari recruitment 2026: Notification out for over 24,000 posts; applications begin August 15 ‘Jana Nayagan’ box office collections day 6 (Live): Thalapathy Vijay’s film earns Rs 98 lakh; India Net reaches Rs 135.88 Cr Happy Guru Purnima 2026: Wishes, Messages, Quotes, Images, Facebook & Whatsapp status Powerful 7.1 magnitude quake jolts Japan’s Kyushu, tsunami warning issued Meet Baba Lena: At 83, this Siberian grandmother finally chased her lifelong dream, travelling to around 20 countries after waiting a lifetime for the right moment | World News Senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan (PTI file photo) NEW DELHI: BJP MP Sambit Patra on Tuesday dismissed reports claiming that the Centre had proposed a new ministerial portfolio for Dharmendra Pradhan after his resignation as Union education minister during talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).The Puri MP and BJP leader said the reports had “no basis” and were published solely to “sensationalise the issue.”Patra’s clarification came after multiple media reports claimed that the Centre had discussed the possibility of assigning a new role to senior BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan during negotiations with the CJP delegation.Addressing reporters, Patra said, “This morning, when I read the newspapers, I saw that a well-known and respected English-language newspaper had published a headline regarding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The report claimed that during negotiations between Union ministers Jp Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh and representatives of the CJP, the central government proposed changing the education minister’s portfolio and assigning him another ministry, with a new education minister set to take charge today. The newspaper further reported that the CJP objected to this proposal and, as a result, the respected minister had to resign.”Patra, however, rejected the claim and said no such proposal had ever been discussed.”Today, as the official spokesperson of the party, after reviewing the entire matter, I want to make it absolutely clear that this report published in a respected English newspaper is completely baseless. It is entirely fictional and unfounded. This news has no basis. It has no authenticity and has been published solely to sensationalise the issue,” he said.After more than a month of protests at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and demonstrations across the country over the NEET paper leak, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union education minister. Hours later, the CJP delegation called off its protest following multiple rounds of talks with Union ministers Jagat Prakash Nadda and Jitendra Singh.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026Bombay HC Allows Gadkari To Sue Meta, Google, X Corp Over Defamatory AI Deepfake Content123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes7 tall plants for the ultimate green vibe for your balconyReturning to work after a gap? 7 simple hacks that can power your career comeback123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingDelhi WeatherStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder CaseWeather Tomorrow South Korea’s KOSPI crashes around 11%: Circuit breaker triggered, market sees worst session in 5 months She chose motherhood over a Rs 5 LPA corporate job after engineering, the business she built now earns Rs 50 lakh annually Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘Avengers’ salary revealed: Doctor Doom to take home $100 million for two superhero films Sabarinathan Iyyappan: This 15-year-old chess prodigy from Tamil Nadu wanted to quit because it was too expensive; his father, who earned just rupees 600 a day, told him: “Play as long as I’m alive” These common dreams are believed to predict luck, success, or challenges; According to swapna shastra Housing ministry reorganised: DDA, PMAY-U and RERA brought under new structure | A San Francisco resident kept hearing strange noises behind the wall, days later a racoon broke into the bedroom with her newborn babies Police record says RAF fired plastic pellets during July 20 NEET protest NEW DELHI: Rapid Action Force personnel fired two rounds of non-lethal plastic pellets, along with tear smoke grenades and several other crowd-control munitions, during CJP’s July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march over the NEET-UG paper leak, news agency PTI reported citing official records.The disclosure comes days after Delhi Police described allegations that pellets had been used against “peaceful protestors” as “completely false and misleading”. Watch ‘They Are Beating Everyone…’ Inside CJP Protest: Police Action, Clashes & Tear Gas In DelhiAccording to officials, the details of the RAF action were entered in the general diary of Parliament Street police station on July 22, based on information provided by a deputy commandant of the force.The RAF unit was deployed in Zone 1 of the Jantar Mantar area alongside a Delhi Police officer of deputy commissioner of police rank.The police station record states that, acting on the DCP’s directions, RAF personnel fired 55 non-electrical shells, 15 electrical shells, five tear smoke grenades, two rounds from anti-riot guns and two rounds of plastic pellets while controlling the crowd on July 20.According to PTI, officials maintained that the plastic pellets used by the force were non-lethal and different from metal pellets that can penetrate the body. Each round contained four plastic pieces and was not expected to cause significant harm, they said.The use of pellets, however, has emerged as a source of controversy after protesters alleged that several participants suffered serious injuries during the march. The opposition has targeted the government over the police action and demanded a statement from Union home minister Amit Shah in Parliament.The protest was organised by the Cockroach Janta Party, which had been demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as education minister over the alleged leak of the NEET-UG question paper. Pradhan resigned on Saturday, following which the month-long agitation was called off.Multiple personnel from Delhi Police, the RAF and the Central Reserve Police Force were also injured during the protests. Several RAF personnel deployed in the Connaught Place area suffered injuries.The CRPF, under which the RAF operates, has now initiated a post-event assessment of the crowd-control operation. The review will examine the sequence of events, the circumstances in which different munitions were fired and whether the use of plastic pellets complied with established protocols.CRPF director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh said the force would arrive at an official view only after completing the assessment.”Now, since agitation has been called off, and assembled people have dispersed, we would make a professional post-event assessment, like we do after every major assignment, and then let you know the view of the Force Hq (headquarters),” Singh said.Conducting such an assessment after a major deployment forms part of the CRPF’s standard operating procedure. Officials said the review would evaluate the RAF’s response as well as the wider operation undertaken to contain the march towards Parliament.A detailed report will be submitted to the force headquarters after the review is completed.Delhi Police and central forces had used tear gas, baton charges and other crowd-control measures after clashes broke out during the march. While several protesters alleged they suffered grievous pellet injuries, the police maintained that force was used to restore order after personnel were attacked.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFamilies Of 4 Injured Policemen Move SC Seeking Action Against CJP Protest ViolenceKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026Bombay HC Allows Gadkari To Sue Meta, Google, X Corp Over Defamatory AI Deepfake Content123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes7 tall plants for the ultimate green vibe for your balconyReturning to work after a gap? 7 simple hacks that can power your career comeback123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingDelhi WeatherStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder CaseWeather Tomorrow GATE 2027: IIT Madras revises Biotechnology syllabus, expands two-paper options for aspirants Brad Pitt spotted at a bar in Carmel Highlands following Vivienne Jolie-Pitt’s name change request Ashadha Purnima 2026: Date, timings, puja rituals and significance German scientists discovered naturally occurring microbes that removed 95% of dissolved uranium from contaminated water After World War II, a few snakes reached Guam; they now number up to 30,000 per square mile, and scientists found 19,000 hidden genetic changes More than 4,000 Kenyan students came together to plant mangroves in a bid to set a Guinness World Record Ahead of Guru Pornima 2026, Lets meet ‘Jana Nayagan’ star Thalapathy Vijay’s best teacher and mentor characters on screen Recycle Empty Tin Cans: 5 smart ways to use empty tin cans at home instead of throwing them away After nearly 40 years on bail, 82-year-old murder convict ordered back to jail by Allahabad HC | A couple gave up on a failing 3,500-acre Sussex farm. Nearly 25 years later, it became Britain’s most famous rewilding success | World News Gold price prediction today: Will gold prices stay range-bound? Check July 28, 2026 outlook Himachal reports rise in government school admissions as 24,000 students leave private institutions Sean Astin reveals ‘had to sell my house’ after low pay from ‘The Lord of the Rings’: ‘It was not a lot of money’ The Giant African Snail has returned to the U.S. neighborhoods and officials are asking residents to watch for these signs | A400M vs C-130J vs C-390: India’s hunt for a new military transport aircraft enters next stage A 400-year-old Native American pot lay buried beneath a Spanish mission in Florida until archaeologists found it completely intact | World News ‘Umrao Jaan’ has never left me’: Rekha shares the character lives in her memories and silences ahead of its IFFM 2026 screening This fat policeman arrived in Budapest years ago; today, travellers rub his shiny belly for luck, money and safe journeys Baby name numerology: 4 Letters believed to attract wealth and success ‘Not getting into back-and-forth’: Mamdani shrugs off Netanyahu’s ‘hate’ charge as Israeli PM heads to White House Two Ohio YouTubers behind Creek Kings Outdoors sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to 40 deer poaching charges, fined more than $37,000 and banned from hunting for five years | World News Swati Maliwal slams ‘super CM’ Kejriwal for maintaining ‘complete silence’ on Punjab paper leak issue NEW DELHI: Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal on Tuesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to address examination irregularities in Punjab, claiming that the state had witnessed six major paper leaks over the past five years.Speaking to reporters, Maliwal alleged that several instances of cheating had also come to light, including during a pharmacy examination held on July 19.”There have been six major paper leaks in Punjab over the past five years, and several instances of cheating in examinations have come to light. Even on July 19, there was massive cheating in the pharmacy examination. Arvind Kejriwal, who is functioning like a ‘super CM’ in Punjab, has maintained complete silence on the issue. The Punjab Chief Minister continues to make irresponsible statements,” Maliwal said. Maliwal alleged that Arvind Kejriwal had created and financially backed the “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), claiming it was formed by his close associates. She further claimed that the party had run extensive paid social media campaigns to build public pressure for accountability in the education sector.”Arvind Kejriwal created the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ and funded it heavily; it was his own associates who formed this party. They ran massive paid campaigns on social media, attempting to create an atmosphere in the country demanding accountability in education. However, when it comes to his own state of Punjab, he falls completely silent…The Punjab Education Minister must resign immediately,” Maliwal added. On July 19, Punjab Police busted an alleged inter-state cheating racket operating during the pharmacy officer recruitment examination. Seven alleged masterminds were arrested, while 28 candidates were detained in connection with the case. Police recovered 27 battery-operated wireless cheating devices, including pen cameras and real-time dictation tools.The examination, conducted by Baba Farid University of Health Sciences on behalf of the state Health and Family Welfare Department, was held for 454 pharmacy officer posts across 25 centres in Faridkot, Kotkapura and Ferozepur, with nearly 7,000 candidates appearing, as cited by PTI.Police said their investigation found no evidence of a question paper leak or the involvement of any government official.However, opposition parties have alleged paper leaks in several other examinations in Punjab, including the Naib Tehsildar recruitment exam, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Class 12 English examination, the Agriculture Development Officers recruitment exam and the Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSSB) Group B Officers examination.On Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann maintained that there had not been a single competitive examination paper leak during the AAP government’s four-and-a-half years in office. At a protest in Delhi, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring accused Mann of making false claims by denying that paper leaks had occurred during his tenure.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026Bombay HC Allows Gadkari To Sue Meta, Google, X Corp Over Defamatory AI Deepfake ContentWhy PM Modi Handed The Education Ministry To Pralhad Joshi?123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes7 tall plants for the ultimate green vibe for your balconyReturning to work after a gap? 7 simple hacks that can power your career comeback123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listDelhi weatherWeather tomorrowRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingDelhi WeatherStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideIB Officer Murder CaseWeather Tomorrow Jul 28, 2026, 12:15 IST ‘Jana Nayagan’ UPDATE: H. Vinoth confirms SIX DELETED scenes may be added to theatrical version of Thalapathy Vijay’s film Nandan Nilekani-Rohini Nilekani’s love story: How the IIT Bombay alumnus won the quiz but ‘lost his heart’ to his wife World Hepatitis Day: In 1885, a mysterious outbreak after smallpox vaccination led doctors to investigate hepatitis, a medical puzzle that took decades to solve | “Whosoever committed excesses, took law in their hands should be taken to task,” the SC said. NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday noted that a fair and independent probe into all allegations of “police excesses against protesting NEET students” was required. The top court’s observations come as the opposition continues to protest the use of pellet guns against demonstrators marching towards Parliament on July 20.”Whosoever committed excesses, took law in their hands should be taken to task”, the court ovserved as per news agency PTI, adding: “Once there is violation of defined protocol, law must take care of it.” The top court said a prima facie case had been made out for a transparent inquiry by a commission and added that the exercise should help frame a protocol for handling such situations in the future.The central govenrment also supported an independent probe, with solicitor general Tushar Mehta telling the court that, subject to the outcome of the inquiry, the government did not believe the protesting students were involved in the violence. He said the violence appeared to have been carried out by miscreants who had infiltrated the protest. The court observed that there was always a danger of attempts to discredit peaceful demonstrations.”Probe is also required to ascertain attacks on 250 policemen, whether it was by students or some miscreants,” the Supreme Court said. This is a developing copy…Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026Bombay HC Allows Gadkari To Sue Meta, Google, X Corp Over Defamatory AI Deepfake ContentWhy PM Modi Handed The Education Ministry To Pralhad Joshi?123PhotostoriesWhat happens when you line aluminium foil in your cutlery drawerExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes7 tall plants for the ultimate green vibe for your balconyReturning to work after a gap? 7 simple hacks that can power your career comeback123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listIndian rupeeUmar KhalidRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingFortnite Quack Zero Point Release DateStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideHarbhajan singhSharmila Dhankar History made! West Indies pacer achieves never-seen-before Test feat against Pakistan | Cricket News UPTET result 2026 likely to be released soon at upessc.up.gov.in: Check complete details here ‘The Lord of the Rings’ star Sean Astin reveals he had to sell his house after being paid just USD 250,000 for USD 2.9 billion blockbuster trilogy 7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice Netanyahu, Zelenskyy in Washington for Graham’s funeral as Trump hosts high-stakes war talks A special court convicted Tahir Hussain and four others for the brutal murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma (R). NEW DELHI: Delhi Police on Monday pressed for the death penalty for former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others convicted in the 2020 murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma, arguing before a Delhi court that the killing was so brutal it fell within the “rarest of the rare” category.Special public prosecutor Madhukar Pandey told the court that Sharma was subjected to a planned and relentless assault before his body was dumped in a drain instead of being taken for medical treatment.Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Pandey said the prosecution’s demand for capital punishment was based on the nature of the crime and the manner in which it was carried out.”Our argument is based on the brutal way the victim was killed. There were 51 injuries on his body, seven of which were fatal. The most shocking aspect is that a heavy sharp-edged weapon was used for one of the injuries. I argued that the entire act was meticulously planned. Here was an unarmed man surrounded by a mob. He was attacked and subjected to a continuous assault. Absolutely no mercy was shown to him. Instead of taking him to a hospital, they simply dumped his body into a drain. I requested the court to treat this as a rarest of the rare case and impose the death sentence,” Pandey was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.The prosecutor further argued that Hussain’s position as a public representative increased, rather than reduced, his responsibility.”I countered that his role as a public servant and councillor actually heightened his responsibility compared to that of an ordinary citizen,” he said.Referring to the evidence presented during the trial, Pandey claimed witness testimonies showed Sharma’s clothes had been stripped off before his body was disposed of.”The evidence and witness testimonies reveal that the victim was wearing nothing but his underwear. All his other clothes had been torn off. A cloth was tied around his neck to drag him to the other side of the drain, from where Ankit Sharma was thrown down. Those pleading for leniency before the court ought to have shown some mercy themselves,” he added.The sentencing hearing is currently underway before the Karkardooma Court. On July 23, Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh directed Hussain and the four other convicts to file affidavits detailing their socio-economic status before arguments on the sentence.Advocate Rajiv Mohan, appearing for Hussain, had sought time to advance arguments on sentencing. The court subsequently deferred the hearing to July 27.Earlier this month, the court convicted Hussain and the co-accused under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including murder, kidnapping, rioting, promoting enmity between groups and unlawful assembly.Ankit Sharma was killed during the North East Delhi riots in February 2020. His body was later recovered from a drain. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKhajuraho Airport Tops AAI Customer Satisfaction Survey Despite Having No Flights in July-AugustBihar Withdraws F.I.Rs Against NEET Protesters, Orders Release Of All Arrested In July 25 CasesPetrol Bomb Hurled At BJP Office In Sangrur, BJP Questions Punjab Law And OrderSonam Wangchuk’s Wife Slams BJP And Congress, Says Both Use ‘Identical Tactics’ Against CriticsBig Setback For Vijay Govt, Madras High Court Cancels Jobs Order For Karur Victims’ FamiliesKangana Ranaut Slams Gen Z-led CJP Protests, Calls Viral Protest Reels “Puke Inducing” OnlineDelhi Fast Track Court Directs Prosecutor Appointment, Adjourns NEET Accused Bail Pleas Till Aug 3Delhi-Haridwar Highway Traffic Alert: Major Restrictions Announced Ahead of Kanwar Yatra 2026Bombay HC Allows Gadkari To Sue Meta, Google, X Corp Over Defamatory AI Deepfake ContentWhy PM Modi Handed The Education Ministry To Pralhad Joshi?123PhotostoriesExclusive – Laughter Chefs 3 winner Jannat Zubair on bond with Aly Goni, missing the show and journey; ‘Saying goodbye is definitely the hardest part’7 Natural ways to protect your car from rats and mice6 food ingredients used in the US but banned in many parts of the worldIs your banana ripening too fast? Know why its happening and 5 simple ways to slow it down5 Must-try monsoon maintenance tips for a grand wooden entrance doorThe longevity revolution: Why people are investing in skin health earlier than ever beforeWhy Indians reach for curd after spicy food while Koreans choose completely different side dishes7 tall plants for the ultimate green vibe for your balconyReturning to work after a gap? 7 simple hacks that can power your career comebackGallstones are no longer just a ‘women over 40’ problem: Doctors reveal why healthy young adults are increasingly developing them123Hot PicksH.C. VermaBTEUP Even Semester resultMHT CET final merit listIndian rupeeUmar KhalidRupaidiha border crossingOdisha schoolTN supplementary resultsCBSE 12 supplementary examTop TrendingFortnite Quack Zero Point Release DateStalker 2 Release DateChhattisgarh MurderE20 FuelCJP Parliament MarchNEET ProtestersBengaluru Woman HarassmentBengaluru Metro SuicideHarbhajan singhSharmila Dhankar MHT CET final merit list 2026 released at fe2026.mahacet.org for BE BTech admissions; download here