Political activity intensified in Maharashtra as voting continued for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis casting his vote along with his family. Urging citizens to participate in the democratic process, Fadnavis reiterated that development remains the government’s core commitment and appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers. Leaders across parties echoed similar appeals, calling the civic polls a festival of democracy where local issues take centre stage. Meanwhile, security developments grabbed attention in the national capital. Delhi Police arrested two dangerous sharpshooters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after an overnight encounter in the Alipur area. The accused were involved in two separate firing incidents—first at a gym in Paschim Vihar and later in West Vinod Nagar. Acting on intelligence inputs, police laid a trap near Yamuna Pushta and Hiranki. When signalled to stop, the suspects opened fire, injuring a police personnel’s bulletproof jacket. In retaliatory firing, one accused was shot in the leg before both were overpowered. Weapons, live cartridges, and a scooter were recovered. In other incidents, Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki witnessed alleged toll booth misconduct caught on video, while a deadly road accident near Bhopal claimed five lives as pilgrims were heading for a holy dip. Authorities across states remain on alert amid multiple unfolding developments.


