MUMBAI: A Mumbai sessions court on Friday acquitted members of the Gurgaon Police and their civilian accomplices for the 2016 fake encounter of Haryana gangster Sandeep Gadoli in a Mumbai hotel. The court did not find evidence that the incident, originally reported by police as a retaliatory shootout in self-defence, was actually a premeditated contract killing orchestrated by a rival gang leader and carried out by rogue officers.The prosecution had argued that the “encounter” was a staged operation. On Feb 7, 2016, a police team led by Sub-Inspector Pradyumn Yadav entered Room 107 of the Airport Metro Hotel in Andheri. While the police claimed Gadoli opened fire first, the police cited forensic evidence and ballistic reports and alleged that Gadoli was unarmed and lying on his bed when he was shot. Investigators found that the police later planted a country-made pistol near the body and fired shots into the hotel walls to simulate a crossfire.The allegedly conspiracy involved a “honey trap” led by Divya Pahuja, who accompanied Gadoli on his trip to Mumbai. Divya allegedly provided constant location updates to her mother, Sonia Pahuja, who acted as a middleman. Phone transcripts revealed the use of medical code words to signal the hit team. Sonia allegedly instructed Divya to say “Main thik hu” (I am fine) to indicate Gadoli was alone, and “Main dawai leke aayi hu” (I have taken the medicine) to signal that he was with her and the team should move in.The motive behind the killing was allegedly rooted in a gang war for supremacy in Gurgaon. Binder Gujjar, a rival criminal, masterminded the hit from jail to eliminate Gadoli, whom he blamed for the death of his driver. Binder’s brother, Manoj Gujjar, served as the primary link between the incarcerated mastermind, the Pahuja family, and the police team. He was allegedly involved with Sonia in a romantic relationship. Call Detail Records (CDR) allegedly confirmed constant communication between the police and the Gujjar family leading up to the shooting.While Divya Pahuja was killed in early 2024 following her release on bail, the court acquitted the remaining accused—including PSI Pradyumn Yadav, several constables, and Sonia Pahuja.

One scene from Aditya Dhar’s ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’ is stealing the spotlight. A young, eager Jaskirat Singh Rangi (Ranveer Singh) suits up sharply for a family photo with his parents and two sisters. It captures him before he evolves into the intense, long-haired Hamza Ali Mazari from the movie’s initial chapter. On-screen sister Hitika Bali opened up about filming alongside Singh.

Hitika Bali as Harleen Rangi in ‘Dhurandhar 2’

In ‘Dhurandhar 2’, Hitika steps into the role of Harleen Rangi, Jaskirat’s sister. The movie kicks off with gut-wrenching scenes showing why Ranveer’s character turns to violence for his family’s protection. “Since everybody is posting ‘Why Jaskirat Became Hamza?’ Phir mera bhi post krna banta hai (I decided I should post too),” wrote Hitika, dropping photos with Ranveer that exploded across social media. She raved about him, saying he was ‘amazing’ as Hamza but her top pick was the brother to Harleen and Jasleen—Jaskirat. “I genuinely can’t get over the little details and mannerisms you brought to the role and in this shot while u were constantly make me laugh with that tie-samosa joke,” she added.

NEW DELHI: With the IPL 2026 opener around the corner, Congress MLA Kashappanavar Vijayananda Shivashankarappa on Thursday kicked up a row, saying legislators were being forced to stand in queues or buy tickets at inflated rates despite being “entitled” to passes. He also alleged large-scale black marketing by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), even as the assembly speaker stepped in, directing the government to ensure VIP tickets for MLAs.“There is an IPL match on the 28th, but KSCA has not provided tickets to MLAs, ministers or their families. We can’t go and stand in queues like the general public. Last time, we were made to stand in line and then sent to a common gallery,” he told ANI, flagging both access and “protocol” concerns.Accusing the association of profiting from demand, the MLA claimed tickets worth Rs 5,000 were being sold for as much as Rs 35,000 in the black market. “They are taking all facilities from the government, including security, but not respecting elected representatives. Tickets are being sold through online channels and middlemen,” he alleged.The controversy gained traction in the assembly, where members across party lines complained of “disrespect” by KSCA. Acting on the concerns, speaker UT Khader directed the state government to ensure that each MLA is provided at least four VIP tickets for matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.The speaker noted that MLAs often face difficulties at entry points, including having to stand in queues and not being recognised by staff, which adds to the sense of indignity. He also asked the government to ensure proper seating arrangements for legislators and their families.Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said he would immediately speak to KSCA officials and update the House, asserting that MLAs have the right to seek such facilities.The row comes just days before IPL 2026 begins on March 28 in Bengaluru, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.