Bengaluru police identified a suspect in the gruesome murder of 29-year-old Mahalakshmi, whose body was found in 30 pieces in a refrigerator on September 21. Karnataka's Home Minister, G Parmeshwar, confirmed that the suspect is believed to be in West Bengal, and efforts are underway to arrest him. Mahalakshmi, who lived separately from her husband in Bengaluru, was discovered after her family raised concerns. Authorities have assured the public of safety measures, including CCTV installations, under the Nirbhaya program.

Amid allegations of animal fat being used in Tirupati laddoos, a cleansing ritual was conducted at the Tirumala temple to rectify alleged desecrations during the previous YSR Congress regime. On Monday, temple officials stated that eight priests, guided by three Agama Shastra advisors, performed the Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana ritual in accordance with Shastras. The two-hour ceremony involved setting up three homa gundas, conducting the Vastu Homam, and purifying vessels, machines, and the ceremonial space. The Panchagavya Prokshana, a sacred sprinkling using cow products, was also performed to sanctify the temple, seeking divine atonement from Lord Venkateswara Swamy for the alleged sacrilege.

The Supreme Court of India has overturned a Madras High Court order, ruling that downloading, storing, and watching child pornography is punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The apex court bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala, stated that intention to share or gain from such material constitutes a crime under Section 15(3) of the POCSO Act. This verdict corrects the High Court's "egregious error" and reaffirms India's commitment to combating child sexual exploitation. 

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged sexual and physical assault of an Army officer and his fiancée at Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar. The couple had gone to file a complaint on September 14 after being harassed by miscreants. The inquiry, led by Justice Chittaranjan Das, has been tasked with submitting a report within 60 days. This action was announced by the Chief Minister's Office through a post on X, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.

The Andhra Pradesh government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe irregularities in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) operations after reports of sub-standard ghee and adulteration in Tirupati laddu prasadam. Announcing the SIT, led by an IG-rank officer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu vowed strict action. The TTD also created a sensory panel to evaluate food quality based on aroma, taste, and texture. Additionally, purification rituals will be conducted to restore temple sanctity. Naidu accused the previous government of poor procurement standards, leading to the current controversy.

Two suspended doctors, Dr Avik Dey and Dr Birupak Biswas, have been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case. The doctors, reportedly linked to former principal Sandip Ghosh, are under scrutiny following the discovery of incriminating audio clips. Dr Dey allegedly threatened junior doctors, while Dr Biswas was present on-site during the incident without authority. Both doctors were previously suspended by the West Bengal health department.

Heavy rainfall in Agra has caused significant damage to the Taj Mahal, India's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cracks have appeared on walls and floors, while semi-precious stones inlaid using pietra dura technique have been dislodged. Arabic inscriptions on doors surrounding the main dome have worn away. Stones from the floor in front of the royal mosque have chipped off. Water seepage from the main dome and garden inundation have also been reported. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has initiated an investigation. The damage highlights concerns over the monument's conservation.

A goods train traveling from Kanpur to Prayagraj was halted near Prempur station in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday morning after the loco-pilot spotted a gas cylinder on the railway tracks. The emergency brakes were applied at 5:50 am to prevent an accident. Railway police and security teams inspected the scene and found the cylinder to be empty. The cylinder was removed from the tracks, and authorities have initiated an investigation into how it ended up there. The incident, confirmed by the North Central Railway’s CPRO, is under probe to determine any potential foul play or safety concerns.

A 38-year-old software engineer, Karthikeyan, died by suicide in Chennai due to alleged work pressure and depression. Police reported that Karthikeyan electrocuted himself at his home on Thursday. His wife, Jayarani, discovered his body upon returning from a temple visit. Karthikeyan, originally from Theni district, had been working in Chennai for 15 years and was undergoing treatment for depression for two months. He had complained of work-related stress. The incident occurred while Karthikeyan was alone at home, with his wife and children away. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has partnered with Karnataka Milk Federation as its new ghee supplier to ensure the highest quality of laddus at Sri Venkateswara Temple. This decision follows recent allegations of adulteration. In preparation for the upcoming Brahmotsavam festival (October 4-12), TTD will produce 8-9 lakh laddus daily. To maintain quality, TTD has implemented stringent controls. The change in ghee supplier replaces the previous arrangement, addressing concerns over animal fat contamination. Devotees can expect uncompromising quality in the sacred offering.