Crime News

The Bombay high court has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's petition challenging a defamation summons over his 2018 statements regarding the Rafale deal. The BJP member who filed the complaint described Gandhi's remarks as 'grossly defamatory'. The court found no evidence to support Gandhi's claims of corruption in the deal. Gandhi had made the comments during a rally in Gujarat, alleging that the government was hiding the true cost of the Rafale aircraft purchase. The BJP leader said Gandhi's statements were intended to harm the party and its leaders. The court's decision has been met with criticism from opposition parties, who claim it sets a dangerous precedent for free speech. Meanwhile, food safety officials in Maharashtra have suspended licenses for several establishments over hygiene lapses. A Kurla-based kitchen was fined heavily after inspectors found cockroaches and pest infestations in its kitchen. Three ISKCON Juhu food outlets were also suspended after similar violations were detected at their premises. The FDA is continuing to inspect restaurants that supply food to railway passengers. In a separate incident, a cement lorry plunged into a gorge on Guvvalacheruvu Ghat Road, killing the driver and cleaner instantly. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze to prevent further forest fires. Police are currently conducting search and recovery operations in the valley. Local residents have expressed concern over frequent accidents on this hazardous road. Earlier report (2026-09-09 02:58): The Bombay high court has dismissed Rahul Gandhi's petition challenging a defamation summons issued to the Congress leader over his 2018 statements regarding the Rafale deal. The BJP member who filed the complaint, Ram Jethmalani, had accused Gandhi of making false and defamatory statements about the government's handling of the deal. However, the court found no evidence to support Gandhi's claims that he was being targeted by the BJP for his political views. The court ruled that Gandhi's statements were within the realm of fair criticism and did not amount to defamation. This decision is a significant blow to Gandhi's legal battle against the summons, which had been ongoing for several months. Gandhi's team had argued that the summons was an attempt to intimidate him into dropping his opposition to the Rafale deal. The court's ruling also raises questions about the limits of free speech in India and the ability of politicians to criticize the government without fear of legal reprisal. The BJP has welcomed the court's decision, saying it vindicates their claim that Gandhi was attempting to use defamation laws to silence his critics. Meanwhile, Congress has condemned the ruling, calling it a 'shameful day for Indian democracy'.