Top 5 news of the day: Tahawwur Rana’s interrogation by NIA; Mehul Choksi’s extradition and more

26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana asked for a pen, paper and Quran in NIA’s custody
Tahawwur Rana, the alleged 26/11 Mumbai attacks conspirator, is being interrogated daily by National Investigation Agency (NIA) after his extradition from the US. Held in a high-security cell in Delhi, the 64-year-old has been cooperative, requesting only basic items like a Quran and pen. The NIA is probing his links with Lashkar-e-Taiba and David Headley, suspecting wider terror plots. A Delhi court granted 18 days of custody, citing national security concerns and international dimensions. Rana faces multiple charges under Indian laws, including conspiracy to murder and waging war against India. Read full story.
Belgium authorities say India filed for extradition of fugitive Mehul Choksi
India filed an extradition request for fugitive Mehul Choksi, arrested in Belgium on April 12, 2025, in connection with the Rs 13,000 crore PNB fraud case. Choksi fled to Antigua in 2018 and was traced to Belgium for medical treatment, recently. The CBI and ED are pursuing his return despite a deleted Interpol Red Notice. His lawyer plans to oppose extradition, citing health concerns and alleged political motives. Indian authorities hailed the arrest as a diplomatic success. Choksi and others, including his nephew Nirav Modi, face charges for issuing fraudulent bank guarantees that caused massive financial losses to PNB. Read full story
SC petition seeks SIT probe Into Murshidabad violence against Waqf law
A petition was filed in the Supreme Court calling for a court-monitored SIT probe into the Murshidabad violence during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Violence erupted in Jangipur on April 12, where vehicles were set ablaze, triggering mass panic. The Calcutta high court ordered CAPF deployment after three deaths and over 100 arrests. Police arrested 210 people and urged calm, warning against misinformation. Authorities are helping families return and restore normalcy. A separate case will be filed over the killing of a father and son. Advocate Shashank Shekhar Jha, who filed the plea, also sought protection for lives and property amid ongoing unrest. Read full story
Mamata government’s minister made bizarre claim as many flee homes amid anti-Waqf protests
West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim downplayed concerns amid ongoing protests over new Waqf laws, claiming that people were relocating within the state, not fleeing it. Violence in Murshidabad forced over 400 Hindus to flee, claimed BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, blaming Trinamool’s appeasement politics. The Calcutta high court found state action inadequate. Protests turned violent, with police vans torched. The BSF and CRPF also joined efforts to restore peace. Meanwhile, BJP held a protest in Kolkata over the violence and job losses post the SSC recruitment scam verdict. Hakim said the situation was improving and police were identifying those responsible. Read full story
BJP slams Jharkhand minister over ‘Muslim keeps Quran in heart and Constitution in hand’ remark
Jharkhand minister Hafizul Hassan sparked controversy over his remark that he valued Shariat over the Constitution. He said that Muslims “keep the Quran in their heart and the Constitution in their hand.” The statement, made during Waqf-related protests, drew criticism from the BJP, who called it an insult to Indian democracy and accused the INDIA bloc of favouring religious law over national law. Hassan also accused the Centre of targeting Muslims and warned of unrest if provoked. Meanwhile, the recent Waqf (amendment) Bill, 2025, has led to nationwide protests and legal challenges, with critics alleging it threatens religious and minority rights. Read full story