Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 34 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered their first home defeat of the season after going down to Delhi Capitals on April 18. Despite that setback, they have been one of the standout sides this season, sitting comfortably in the top half of the table with 8 points from six matches. With this being their final home game in Bengaluru before shifting base to Raipur, RCB will be eager to bounce back and sign off strongly in front of their home crowd.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, come into this clash after a crushing 99-run defeat against Mumbai Indians. That loss halted their three-match winning streak, leaving them with 6 points from six games. GT will be keen to regroup quickly, but taking on RCB at one of the toughest batting venues in the league presents a significant challenge.

With both teams looking to recover from recent setbacks, this contest could play a crucial role in shaping the mid-table standings as the tournament approaches its business end.

Weather watch in Bengaluru

Conditions in Bengaluru are expected to be warm but pleasant during the evening clash, with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 30°C.

There is minimal chance of rain, ensuring a full match. However, dew is expected to play a key role in the second innings, potentially favouring the chasing side.

IPL 2026 RCB vs GT: Match Details

What time will the RCB vs GT IPL 2026 match start?
The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST.

What time will the toss take place?
The toss is scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.

Where is the RCB vs GT match being played?
The match will be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Where can you watch the RCB vs GT IPL 2026 match live on TV?
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India.

Where can you livestream the RCB vs GT match?
Fans can stream the match live on the JioHotstar app and website.

RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Head-to-Head Record

Matches: 6
RCB wins: 3
GT wins: 3

The rivalry has been evenly poised so far, with both teams sharing three wins each.

RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Predicted Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam (Impact Player: Suyash Sharma)

Gujarat Titans (GT):
Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore

RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Pitch & Conditions

The Bengaluru surface is traditionally a batting paradise, with short boundaries and a quick outfield aiding stroke play. While recent first-innings scores have hovered in the 150–175 range, the venue is still known for producing high-scoring contests.

Pacers may get some assistance with the new ball early on, but conditions quickly ease out for batters. Spinners often find it difficult to contain runs due to the lack of turn and small boundaries.

Dew in the second innings is expected to make gripping the ball challenging, giving a clear advantage to the chasing side.

Team News & Key Updates

Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
RCB are likely to stick with their core lineup despite the recent loss. Their batting, led by experienced campaigners, has been their biggest strength this season.

Gujarat Titans:
GT will look to bounce back after a heavy defeat. Their bowling unit, which has been effective so far, will need to quickly regroup to counter RCB’s strong batting lineup.

Players to Watch

Virat Kohli (RCB): In solid form with 247 runs this season.
Shubman Gill (GT): Leading from the front with 265 runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB): Key with the ball, picking up 10 wickets.
Prasidh Krishna (GT): Among the leading wicket-takers with 12 scalps.

RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Squads

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Satvik Deswal

Gujarat Titans (GT):
Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Kumar Kushagra, Glenn Phillips, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Jason Holder, Tom Banton, Luke Wood, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Anuj Rawat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Gurnoor Brar, M Shahrukh Khan

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday conducted raids at the Delhi office of Anant Raj Limited in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation. According to sources, the raids began early in the morning and are still underway.

The action is part of a probe being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), though specific details of the case have not been made public yet. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.

🚨 ED conducted a raid at the Delhi-based office of Anant Raj Limited in connection with a money laundering case. #ED #EnforcementDirectorate #MoneyLaundering #AnantRajLimited #BreakingNews #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/eSM2xpn3VQ

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) April 24, 2026

About Anant Raj Limited

Founded in 1969, Anant Raj Limited is a real estate development company with a presence across residential, commercial and IT infrastructure segments.

Over the years, the company has executed multiple projects across India, covering a wide range of developments in housing, commercial spaces and technology infrastructure. It has delivered several large-scale projects across different facets of the real estate sector.

In addition to its core real estate operations, Anant Raj Limited has expanded into data centre infrastructure. The company states that it has developed over 21 million square feet of built-up area and holds a significant land bank for future projects.

Sealing a commanding win with a huge margin, the man of the hour, Sanju Samson, led from the front with a masterful century for Chennai Super Kings against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

Samson smashed a scintillating 101 off 54 deliveries, laced with 10 fours and six sixes, powering CSK to a formidable 207/6. In response, MI struggled throughout the chase and were eventually bowled out for just 104 in 19 overs.

Reflecting on his innings, Samson credited the intensity of the MI-CSK rivalry for bringing out the best in him.

“It’s a very big occasion in IPL, everyone looks up to the CSK-MI game, and I have been a part of this for the first time. I could see the build-up and feel the intensity, that’s when my best comes out,” Samson said in a video shared by the IPL.

“I like challenges, I like when it’s tough, so I really enjoyed the game today. The wicket was not a typical Wankhede track, the ball was swinging around, and Jasprit Bumrah was bowling well with the new ball. It was a very competitive game, and I’m happy I could contribute to the win,” he added.

Opting to bat first, CSK delivered a clinical performance. Alongside Samson’s unbeaten ton, Dewald Brevis (21) and Kartik Sharma (18) made useful contributions.

MI, in reply, never found momentum and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Akeal Hosein starred with the ball, picking up four wickets, while Noor Ahmad chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Samson also highlighted the importance of collective effort in such high-pressure encounters.

“I think with the amount of youngsters in the team, I would definitely like to give credit to all the players who have contributed. It’s not about the 100 or the 4 wickets—I think all the small contributions from the batsmen and bowlers really count in this big game. Very happy for the victory, and we would like to keep the momentum going,” he said.

The 31-year-old further revealed his approach while nearing the milestone and his conversation with Hosein before the final over.

“When you get closer to your 100, you definitely want to score it, but I try to keep the team first. I got to a very good start, but wickets kept falling, so I wanted to build partnerships and stay till the end.

“Before the last over, Akeal and I had a chat—I told him I wanted to face all six balls. We were looking to maximise that over, and luckily it came off. It always feels special to score a hundred, and against MI at Wankhede, it’s even more special,” he added.

India’s cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was showered with wishes from across the cricketing world as he celebrated his 53rd birthday on Friday.

As the ‘Master Blaster’ marked another milestone, the cricket fraternity took to social media to extend heartfelt greetings, celebrating not just his records but his enduring influence on the game.

Conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2014, Tendulkar remains one of the most decorated cricketers in history. He amassed 15,921 runs in 200 Tests and 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs. Having featured in ODI World Cups since 1992, he finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of lifting the trophy in 2011 after five unsuccessful attempts.

The only cricketer to score 100 international centuries, Tendulkar registered 51 tons in Tests and 49 in ODIs. He retired from ODIs in 2012 before bidding farewell to all forms of cricket in November 2013, following his 200th Test, marking the end of an era.

On his special day, tributes poured in from across the cricketing ecosystem.

Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), hailed Tendulkar’s lasting impact. He wrote on X:
“Wishing our sport’s icon @sachin_rt a very happy birthday. Your amazing contribution to cricket continues to inspire generations across the world to play and watch our great game, while your empathy and humanity has an ongoing and significant impact on society.”

Wishing our sport’s icon @sachin_rt a very happy birthday.
Your amazing contribution to cricket continues to inspire generations across the world to play and watch our great game while your empathy and humanity has an ongoing and significant impact on society. pic.twitter.com/MNZAOt2wPr

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) April 24, 2026

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared a tribute:
“664 international matches. 34,357 international runs. Only cricketer to score 100 international hundreds. Member of #TeamIndia’s ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2011 winning campaign. Wishing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar a very happy birthday.”

6⃣6⃣4⃣ international matches 🙌
3⃣4⃣,3⃣5⃣7⃣ international runs 🫡
Only cricketer to score 1⃣0⃣0⃣ international hundreds 💯

Member of #TeamIndia‘s ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2011 winning campaign 🏆

Wishing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar @sachin_rt a very happy birthday 🎂🥳 pic.twitter.com/LAs8KbEUPd

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 24, 2026

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, now batting coach of Gujarat Titans, said in a video:
“I have seen God. He used to bat at number four for India. Happy birthday, Sachin.”

Tendulkar’s son Arjun Tendulkar, currently part of the Lucknow Super Giants setup in IPL 2026, shared a light-hearted message:
“Happy Birthday. But I’m not going to eat this because I don’t have sugar very often. I’ll see you soon.”

Among former teammates, Yuvraj Singh wrote:
“Happy Birthday Paaji, sharing the field with you was an honour, but learning from you was even bigger. Your discipline, humility and love set the standard for all of us! Thank you for the memories and the inspiration you continue to be. Lots of love.”

Harbhajan Singh added:
“Happy Birthday paaji. May Waheguru continue to bless you with good health, wealth, happiness & peace. True legend, Master not just on the field but off the field too. Love Always.”

Irfan Pathan wrote:
“When you say GOAT, I hear Sachin Tendulkar. When you say Master Blaster, I hear Sachin Tendulkar. When you say university of Cricket, I hear @sachin_rt. Your forever a student, wishing you a very happy birthday, Paaji.”

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan posted:
“Happy Birthday @sachin_rt paaji. An inspiration to generations, on and off the field. Wishing you great health and happiness always.”

IPL franchises also joined in, with the Mumbai Indians writing:
“The little boy who became every cricket lover’s heartbeat. Happy Birthday, @sachin_rt.”

The Chennai Super Kings added:
“100/100 every time you stepped on the field. Every inning, a story defines the game for decades. Happy Birthday to the God of Cricket.”

Tendulkar celebrated the occasion with his family in Mumbai. Sharing a glimpse from the morning, he posted a picture with his mother, wife Anjali, and pet dog, captioning it:
“Perfect start to my day with Aai, Anjali and the trouble maker! What more could a man ask for?”

Even years after his retirement, Tendulkar’s legacy continues to shape the sport, inspiring generations across the globe.

With the high-stakes West Bengal Assembly elections intensifying, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress, alleging that the state has endured “15 years of Mahajungle Raj” marked by violence, corruption, and lawlessness.

Addressing a rally in Kolkata, PM Modi framed the ongoing elections as a turning point, saying a “new revolution” in Bengal would be driven by the power of each vote. He claimed that years of bloodshed and instability under the TMC government were nearing an end, urging voters to bring in change through the ballot.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “Today, Bengal is troubled by 15 years of ‘Mahajungle Raj. In these 15 years, much blood has been shed. But now, a new revolution is beginning in Bengal. You are at the core of this revolution… The path to this… pic.twitter.com/g4KlgYh8Ho

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

‘TMC and its partners opposed women’s reservation?”

The Prime Minister also targeted the TMC over women’s issues, accusing it of opposing women’s reservation in Parliament and failing to ensure safety for women in the state. He said the BJP is focusing on increasing women’s participation in governance and highlighted outreach initiatives promising financial assistance to women.

He added, “Today, in Bengal, our workers are going from house to house to distribute the Matri Shakti Bhorosa Card. Every sister is receiving an assurance of Rs 3,000 every month, that is Rs 36,000 per year…” He adds, “…Under the TMC government, daughters are not safe, but under a BJP government, not a single rapist or criminal will be safe. Everyone will be held accountable.”

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “…we want to increase women’s participation in every scheme… But a few days ago, how did the TMC and its partners in the parliament oppose women’s reservation? The country wants women’s participation in… pic.twitter.com/dZ0pFd7ogu

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

‘TMC has destroyed Bengal’s identity’

Escalating his attack, PM Modi alleged that the TMC government had “destroyed the identity of Bengal” by enabling infiltration and land encroachment, which he said has hurt local livelihoods and forced youth to migrate for jobs. He argued that only a decisive BJP victory could address these challenges.

He said, “In Bengal, infiltrators are being brought in and settled. Here, they are occupying the lands of Bengal and are taking away the livelihoods of the local people. On one hand, there is the corruption of the TMC; on the other, there is the oppression of the infiltrators. The youth of Bengal are forced to leave their homes in search of a livelihood. The solution to this problem will come when the TMC is completely defeated, and the BJP comes to power with all its might…”

Referring to areas like Jadavpur and South 24 Parganas, PM Modi accused the ruling party of backing syndicates controlling construction materials and fostering illegal mining. He also claimed that central welfare schemes for Dalits and deprived communities were being obstructed by the state government.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “In Jadavpur and South 24 Parganas, there are large numbers of brothers and sisters from our Dalit and deprived classes… The Central government runs many schemes for them, but the TMC government sitting here is… pic.twitter.com/b2gbWfKy58

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

He said, “In Jadhavpur, the syndicate has made development its prisoner. Who has control over the supply of sand, bricks, and cement here? Is this hidden from anyone? In recent years, cases of illegal mining have increased manifold. Those who call themselves the well-wishers of Jadavpur are, in fact, occupying land illegally… Could all of this be possible without the support of the cruel government? If someone tries to build a house on their own land, they are forced to pay protection money to the syndicate. We must change this situation.”

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “In Jadhavpur, the syndicate has made development its prisoner. Who has control over the supply of sand, bricks, and cement here? Is this hidden from anyone? In recent years, cases of illegal mining have increased… pic.twitter.com/HqS8srYwtO

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

In a stunning political rupture, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Friday announced that seven of AAP’s ten Rajya Sabha members were merging with the Bharatiya Janata Party, with a signed letter of merger already submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman earlier in the day. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Constitution Club of India in Delhi alongside AAP MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal.

The merger, which clears the two-thirds constitutional threshold required to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, marks the most significant organisational collapse AAP has faced since its founding, and comes after weeks of escalating internal war that Chadha had been signalling, with characteristic flair, in plain sight.

Following the announcement, he also posted on X, “Today, exercising the provisions of the Constitution of India, more than two-thirds of the AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha have merged with the BJP. Seven MPs have signed the document, which was submitted to the Hon’ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. I, along with two other MPs, personally handed over the signed documents.”

Today, exercising the provisions of the Constitution of India, more than two-thirds of the AAP MPs in the Rajya Sabha have merged with the BJP.

Seven MPs have signed the document, which was submitted to the Hon’ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

I, along with two other MPs,…

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) April 24, 2026

How a book called ‘The 48 Laws of Power’ signalled what was coming

The writing had been on the wall, or rather, on Instagram. On April 6, Chadha posted photographs of himself reading The 48 Laws of Power by American author Robert Greene, noting that “somebody gifted me a book this week” and that “the timing is hard to ignore.”

Greene’s first law advises making superiors feel comfortably superior – masking your brilliance until the moment you choose not to. “Some books arrive exactly when they are meant to,” Chadha wrote. Three weeks later, he had jumped ship entirely.

The demotion that lit the fuse

The trigger was blunt. On April 2, AAP replaced Chadha as Deputy Leader of the party in the Rajya Sabha, appointing Ashok Mittal in his place, a move widely seen as a punitive organisational shift. The party had also indicated that Chadha would not be allotted speaking time in the Upper House from the party’s quota, accusing him of engaging in “soft PR” and avoiding direct criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP on key Opposition issues.

Chadha pushed back hard. On April 3, he said he had been “silenced, not defeated.” On April 10, he posted a video of his parliamentary interventions, covering everything from data expiry and paternity leave to Punjab’s cancer train and MSP for farmers, writing: “With respect, to those questioning my parliamentary performance, I’ll let my work do the talking.” On April 8, he had reposted a supporter’s suggestion that he launch a “Gen Z party,” responding with a single word: “Interesting thought.”

‘Suffocation’: Chadha’s break, in his own words

On Friday, the subtext became text. “The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not work in the interest of the nation but for its personal benefits,” Chadha said at the press conference. “For the past few years, I could feel that I am the right man in the wrong party. So, today, we announce that I am distancing myself from the AAP and getting close to public.”

#WATCH | Delhi: Addressing a press conference with Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, AAP MP Raghav Chadha says, “The AAP, which I nurtured with my blood and sweat, and gave 15 years of my youth to, has deviated from its principles, values and core morals. Now this party does not… pic.twitter.com/fo301O1mkj

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

The seven MPs joining the BJP include Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikram Sahney and Swati Maliwal, besides Chadha, Pathak and Mittal, the three present at the press conference. The detail that lands hardest: Ashok Mittal, the very man AAP appointed to replace Chadha as Deputy Leader, has walked out alongside him.

Swati Maliwal’s assault case deepened rift with AAP

A bitter rift surfaced within the Aam Aadmi Party after Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal accused a close aide of party chief Arvind Kejriwal of assaulting her last year, triggering a political and legal storm that exposed internal fault lines.

The controversy centred on Bibhav Kumar, a senior aide to Kejriwal, the main accused in the case. The incident allegedly took place on May 13 at Kejriwal’s residence in New Delhi, where Maliwal accused Kumar of physically assaulting her during the visit.

The episode widened cracks between Maliwal and sections of the AAP leadership, with the MP’s public stance seen as a direct challenge to the inner circle of Kejriwal.

What the merger means constitutionally and politically

“We have decided that we, the 2/3rd members belonging to the AAP in Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP,” Chadha said, invoking the Tenth Schedule provisions that permit a merger if at least two-thirds of a legislative party’s members back it, shielding all seven from disqualification.

#WATCH | Delhi: Addressing a press conference with Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, AAP MP Raghav Chadha says, “We have decided that we, the 2/3rd members belonging to the AAP in Rajya Sabha, exercise the provisions of the Constitution of India and merge ourselves with the BJP.” pic.twitter.com/K3IK4TPXml

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

For AAP, the arithmetic is brutal. The party loses its entire effective Rajya Sabha presence in one morning. For the BJP, it is a bloodless gain of seven upper house MPs. For Arvind Kejriwal, who co-founded AAP with Chadha over a decade ago, it is a personal and political blow.

AAP fires back: ‘Operation Lotus on Punjab government’

AAP was swift to retaliate. Senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh called the merger a BJP-engineered operation, saying the central agencies were being deployed as instruments of political coercion. “Operation Lotus is being executed on the Punjab government. ED, CBI is being used to execute this Operation Lotus,” Singh said, adding: “The people of Punjab will never forget these traitors.”

#WATCH | Delhi | AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, “Operation Lotus is being executed on the Punjab Government…ED, CBI is being used to execute this Operation Lotus…The people of Punjab will never forget these ‘traitors’…” pic.twitter.com/VXKN4hPbmk

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

BJP has once again betrayed Punjabis, says Kejriwal 

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party following a split within the party, alleging that the Centre’s ruling party has once again “betrayed the Punjabis.”

Reacting to the development, Kejriwal took to X to express his disappointment and accused the BJP of undermining the interests of Punjab. “BJP ne fir se Punjabio ke sath kia dhakka,” he wrote.

बीजेपी ने फिर से पंजाबियों के साथ किया धक्का

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 24, 2026

‘Karma served to Arvind Kejriwal’: Tehseen Poonawalla

In a video post, political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla called the news of MP Raghav Chaddha and six other Aam Aadmi Party members of Parliament from the Rajya Sabha, including ex-cricketer Harbhajan Singh and Swati Malewal, joining the BJP a “karma served to Arvind Kejriwal”. He added, “There is hardly anyone whom Arvind Kejriwal hasn’t deceived, and what has happened to him today is karma being served.”

Poonawalla also highlighted what Arvind Kejriwal did when he formed his own political party. He said, “Kejriwal promised he wouldn’t have security. He roamed around with Z plus security. He promised he wouldn’t have government accommodation. He made a sheesh mahal. In fact, he even aligned with the Congress party, the very party that he abused and came into power.”

Welcome to the world of Shillong Teer, where sport and luck sit in the same circle, as the results for April 24, 2026 are on the way.

Every day, the Polo Ground in Shillong turns into a lively stage where tradition meets chance, and thousands wait eagerly for their numbers.

What is Shillong Teer and who runs it?

Shillong Teer is not a normal lottery. It is based on archery, one of the oldest traditions of the Khasi hills.

It takes place daily at Polo Ground, Shillong (Meghalaya). And, it is organised by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association (KHASA)

Archers shoot arrows at a target, and the number of hits helps decide the winning numbers. The system helps promote traditional archery while also offering cash prizes to participants

Other Teer games in Meghalaya

This Teer may be the most famous, but it is not alone. The archery lottery culture spreads across different towns.

Popular Teer games include:

– Shillong Morning Teer

– Juwai Teer

– Jowai Ladrymbai Teer

– Khanapara Teer

– Shillong Night Teer

April 24, 2026: Winning numbers update

Here’s how the numbers rolled out on this busy Teer day:

Juwai Teer Result

First Round Winning Number: 52
Second Round: TBA

Shillong Morning Teer

First Round Winning Number: 76
Second Round Winning Number: 47

Juwai Morning Teer

First Round Winning Number: 27
Second Round Winning Number: 26

Khanapara Teer Result

First Round Winning Number: Result at 4:00 pm
Second Round Winning Number: Result at 4:35 pm

Shillong Teer (Main Game)

First Round Winning Number: Result at 3:58 pm
Second Round Winning Number: Result at 4:55 pm

Shillong Night Teer

First Round Winning Number: Result at 8:15 pm
Second Round Winning Number: Result at 9:00 pm

Some results are already out, while others are still being updated through the day, keeping the excitement alive till late night.

Also Read: Shillong Teer results April 23, 2026: All winning numbers across morning, day, night rounds released

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has flagged yet another instance of misinformation targeting India, warning of a digitally manipulated video being circulated by Pakistani propaganda handles to push a false narrative around a supposed military setback.

In a statement, PIB Fact Check said several social media accounts had shared a video claiming that preparations for “Operation Sindoor” were hit after a SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jet allegedly failed to land on the Purvanchal Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Sultanpur. The claim, it clarified, is entirely fabricated.

According to PIB, the viral clip is an AI-generated deepfake created to mislead viewers and spread disinformation. “Beware! This claim is fake,” PIB said, urging users to verify content before sharing it further.

Several Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a digitally altered video falsely claiming that the preparations for #OperationSindoor suffered a setback in Uttar Pradesh when a SEPECAT Jaguar fighter jet failed to land on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur.… pic.twitter.com/DgrCraJ7Go

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 24, 2026

To counter the false narrative, PIB pointed to the original footage of the incident, which shows a Jaguar fighter jet successfully landing on the Purvanchal Expressway as part of routine take-off and landing drills conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Such exercises are periodically carried out to test the operational readiness of expressways as emergency airstrips.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | Jaguar fighter jet lands on Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur as Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts takeoff and landing practice. pic.twitter.com/esxMisSPvS

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2026

The fact-check comes amid a broader surge in deepfake videos and manipulated content circulating online, particularly during sensitive periods. Authorities have repeatedly cautioned users against falling for unverified claims, especially those linked to defence operations and national security.

PIB reiterated that misinformation campaigns not only distort facts but also pose risks to public trust, urging citizens to rely on verified sources for accurate information.

Hours after the Gauhati High Court rejected Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera’s anticipatory bail plea, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday held his fire on the case, citing election protocol. However, another BJP leader, Shehzad Poonawalla, fired a volley of questions at Rahul Gandhi, demanding to know who supplied Khera with what the court has prima facie found to be false documents.

The court’s order, which has made pointed observations about an “innocent lady being dragged into controversy”, has handed the BJP a significant political moment, even as Khera’s whereabouts remain unclear and Congress has stayed conspicuously silent.

Sarma invokes MCC, says Assam Police will handle the rest

Chief Minister Sarma, whose wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma filed the original FIR after Khera’s April 5 press conference in Guwahati, was careful not to overplay his hand.

“I don’t want to comment because the Model Code of Conduct is in place. Whatever the outcome of the case will be, it is entirely up to the Assam Police. I will review the case only after 4th May if I come back to power,” he said.

#WATCH | On the Gauhati High Court rejecting the anticipatory bail plea of Congress leader Pawan Khera, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, “I don’t want to comment because the Model Code of Conduct is in place. Whatever the outcome of the case will be, it is entirely up to the… pic.twitter.com/bxAsW7kPs9

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

Shehzad Poonawalla goes after Rahul Gandhi: ‘Who gave Khera these documents?’

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla was less restrained. Citing the court’s findings from the order copy accessed by journalists, he laid out three key observations the HC had made: that Khera had not proved beyond doubt that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma held passports of three foreign countries or had opened a company in the US; that he had dragged “an innocent lady into controversy for political mileage”; and that custodial interrogation was necessary.

From there, Poonawalla turned the screws on the Congress leadership directly.

“Who gave Khera these documents? Was there a foreign angle? Why did Rahul Gandhi back such things? Should Congress not sack a person who makes such forgeries?” he asked in a post on X, also questioning where Khera was and calling him “bheegi billi.”

Not only has Gauhati HC Denied anticipatory bail to Pawan Khera but it has made scathing findings as per order copy accessed by journalists

1) Pawan Khera has not yet proved beyond doubt that Assam Chief Minister’s wife had passports of three other countries or had opened a… pic.twitter.com/0ByK14JOfo

— Shehzad Jai Hind (Chowkidar as per INC ecosystem) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 24, 2026

What the Gauhati HC actually ruled

Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia, dismissing the bail application, held that the case “cannot be termed as a case of defamation simpliciter” and that there are sufficient materials to indicate a prima facie offence under Section 339 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The court found that the documents Khera relied upon at his Guwahati press conference, where he made allegations about Riniki Bhuyan Sharma holding foreign passports and running an overseas company, appear, based on the investigation so far, to be false.

Crucially, the court noted that after the FIR was lodged, Khera did not come forward to assert that the documents had been falsely attributed to him by the police, an omission the bench said lends weight to the prosecution at this stage. The court also recorded that Khera had been avoiding the investigation, which weighed against granting pre-arrest relief.

Custodial interrogation, it held, is necessary to establish who collected the documents, how they were sourced, and whether any larger conspiracy was involved.

In the middle of a campaign-style rally, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was seen casually opening a can of Coca-Cola. Nothing unusual at first glance, until the video hit social media and the timing, setting, and caption turned it into a talking point.

As India faces an aluminium crunch affecting canned drinks, Sarma’s moment of refreshment quickly got labelled online as “Coke politics”.

A cola break that didn’t look like a shortage at all

The viral video, shared from Sarma’s official X account, shows him at a public gathering in West Bengal, holding and drinking from a Coca-Cola can. Around him, several people are also seen with similar canned beverages.

His post came with a pointed caption: “Coke shortage what? Nah, not for me. At least in Bengal.”

Coke shortage? What?

Nah not for me, atleast in Bengal 😄 pic.twitter.com/Rn6kErMDU9

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 24, 2026

At a time when reports of canned beverage shortages are circulating in parts of India, the visuals suggested a very different scene on the ground, at least where the rally was happening.

The contrast between reported scarcity and visible availability gave the clip its viral push.

Why canned drinks are suddenly harder to find

The bigger story behind the buzz is not just political theatre but a supply chain problem. India has been dealing with a shortage of aluminium, which is a key raw material used to make beverage cans.

This hit especially hard in segment of drinks that depend heavily on cans such as diet sodas and low-sugar variants.

Unlike regular soft drinks that can be packaged in plastic bottles or glass, these products rely more on aluminium packaging. This makes them more vulnerable when supplies tighten.

As a result, shelves in some areas have reportedly seen uneven availability, with canned drinks becoming harder to source compared to bottled ones.

Global supply shocks and rising demand add pressure

The shortage didn’t appear overnight. International factors have played a big role in tightening supply chains.

Disruptions in shipping routes particularly around Strait of Hormuz, key global trade passage, have slowed down movement of raw materials. That delay has had ripple effect on industries dependent on imported aluminium.

At the same time, global aluminium prices have been climbing steadily and recently touched multi-year highs. India has felt the impact too, with rising costs feeding directly into production pressures for packaged beverages.

When health trends meet packaging problems

Another layer to the issue is changing consumer behaviour. Demand for low-sugar and sugar-free drinks has been rising sharply as more people shift towards healthier choices.

But there is a catch. Many of these beverages are primarily sold in cans rather than plastic bottles or glass containers. So as demand for healthier drinks grows, strain on aluminium-based packaging has increased too.

This mismatch between rising demand and limited packaging supply has made shortages more visible in certain markets.

Against this backdrop, Sarma’s Coke-sipping moment in West Bengal landed right in middle of sensitive political and economic atmosphere especially with Assembly polls underway.

Also Read: Bengal polls go high-tech: EC rolls out 24/7 webcasting trial across 8 districts ahead of Phase II voting

Kolkata is getting its cameras ready for one of the most closely watched elections in the country.

Just days before Phase II voting in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Election Commission has quietly switched on a full-scale tech rehearsal. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes dress rehearsal where every camera, cable, control room is being tested before the big polling day drama unfolds.

Across eight districts, officials have begun a trial run of webcasting; basically, live video streaming from polling booths. The goal? No surprises when voters actually line up to cast their votes.

Tech rehearsal in full swing

This isn’t a quick check-and-go situation. The trial is running 24/7 in three shifts, with teams constantly watching, fixing, and testing every tiny detail. From internet speed to camera angles, from video clarity to monitoring systems, everything is under the scanner.

The exercise began five days before polling, giving authorities a small but crucial window to iron out glitches. And they’re not taking chances. Senior officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office are camped in Kolkata, keeping a close eye on how things are unfolding.

Also Read: Mamata goes full throttle: Questions PM Modi’s jhal muri moment, swears to ‘conquer Delhi’ after Bengal

Representatives from Central forces, state police, and Kolkata Police are also present, making it a full house of agencies working together. Meanwhile, officers in the eight districts are handling things on the ground, ensuring the field-level setup matches the control room expectations.

And yes, the big bosses in Delhi are watching too. Sources say senior officials at the Election Commission headquarters are tracking the progress closely.

Why all the cameras matter

So, what’s the big deal about webcasting?

In simple terms, it’s the Election Commission’s way of keeping eyes everywhere without physically being everywhere. These live feeds are usually set up in sensitive polling booths. These are the places where there could be tension or higher chances of disruption.

Through webcasting, officials can monitor voter queues, check if polling is running smoothly, and keep an eye on law and order in real time. It’s like having a virtual presence at multiple booths at once.

More importantly, this system adds a layer of transparency. When everything is being recorded and watched live, it becomes much harder for irregularities to slip through unnoticed.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of staging his much-publicised jhal muri stop in Jhargram, claiming the snack was prepared at home and the shopkeeper was handed just ₹10. She had vowed on Thursday to take the fight to Delhi after the Bengal polls.

The remarks came ahead of the second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections on April 29, with both leaders seeking to hold the upper hand on a moment that has unexpectedly dominated the campaign trail.

Addressing a rally in Bowbazar, Banerjee said the entire stop was pre-arranged. “They had fitted TV cameras and CCTV cameras earlier with the security. They had prepared jhal muri from home for security concerns and gave ₹10 to the shopkeeper. In fact, I don’t carry any notes,” she said.

She also drew a comparison with the Prime Minister’s earlier political branding. “First, they showed a ‘chai-wala’, and now they are showing jhal muri to win the election. They said they will eat jhal muri if they win, but I say I will give you bhelpuri from Delhi,” Banerjee said.

“I eat your dhokla, I eat dosa, I eat litti, I eat thekua, I eat sattu. I eat vermicelli during Eid, and I eat halwa. Don’t teach me religion,” she said.

She also questioned the BJP’s confidence ahead of the May 4 counting date. “Have they fixed the Electronic Voting Machines? Otherwise, how can they be so confident about the election?” Banerjee said.

PM Modi had earlier sought to turn the Jhargram stop into a political asset. Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar, he said the snack had given TMC a “thunderous shock.” “I ate the jhal muri, but the jhal hit TMC,” he said, promising BJP’s victory in Bengal on May 4. He also accused the TMC of sheltering “infiltrators” and promoting “maha jungle raj,” and pledged to accelerate citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act for the Matua and Namashudra communities.

A day earlier, at a rally in Chowringhee, Banerjee had also declared her intent to move against the BJP at the national level. “I will conquer Delhi, rest assured of that, once I have secured victory in Bengal, and I will do so by rallying all the political parties together. I do not covet the seat of power; what I desire is the complete dismantling of the BJP in Delhi,” she said. She also warned that she had “noted down the names” of those she called BJP brokers — “from A to Z, including the location of each of their homes.”

The Chowringhee seat goes to polls in Phase 2 on April 29. Phase 1 on April 23 recorded a voter turnout of 92.88 per cent. Counting is on May 4.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday said that Lalu Yadav’s actions against him during his political career were responsible for his elevation to the chief ministerial post, even as the NDA government headed into a floor test with a comfortable majority in the 243-member state assembly.

The floor test was necessitated after Choudhary took oath following Nitish Kumar’s resignation from the chief ministerial post to move to the Rajya Sabha as an MP. The NDA holds 202 seats in the House against a combined opposition tally of 35. Choudhary comfortably won the trust vote on Friday, reaffirming NDA’s unity and completing the political transition in the state.

Addressing the Vidhan Sabha in remarks carried on Bihar Vidhan Sabha TV, Choudhary drew on three decades of Bihar’s political churn to make his point – but not before Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav landed the first blow. Tejashwi thanked Choudhary for completing the transition from an “elected Chief Minister” to a “selected Chief Minister,” and said he was delighted that “a graduate of Lalu Prasad Yadav’s pathshala” had taken the top post. “A government needs stability for development work. But Bihar is a unique state, where this is the fifth government formed in five years,” Tejashwi said.

Choudhary’s response was direct. “The power is not anyone’s inheritance,” he said. “The CM’s post is the blessing of 14 crore Biharis. I have the blessing of Nitish Kumar, PM Modi, Nitin Nabin, Chirag Paswan, Upendra Kushwaha, Jitan Ram Manjhi.” He then turned the tables on the Yadav family’s political legacy. “Lalu Yadav put me in jail. If Nitish Kumar hadn’t been there, would Lalu Yadav have been the Chief Minister? Nitish Kumar also made Lalu Yadav the Chief Minister. If Lalu Yadav hadn’t perpetrated atrocities on my political career, I wouldn’t have become the Chief Minister of Bihar.”

#WATCH | Patna, Bihar | Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary says, “… The power is not anyone’s inheritance… Lalu Yadav put me in jail… If Nitish Kumar hadn’t been there, would Lalu Yadav have been the Chief Minister? Nitish Kumar also made Lalu Yadav the Chief Minister… If… pic.twitter.com/NRXa6kHjNS

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2026

Of the 202 NDA MLAs, BJP accounts for 89 and JD(U) for 85. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has 19, the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) five and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha four. Against them, the INDIA bloc has 35 MLAs in total — 25 RJD, six Congress, two CPI(ML), one CPM and one IIP. AIMIM has five MLAs and the Bahujan Samaj Party one.

Choudhary is Bihar’s first BJP chief minister. He comes from a family with deep roots in Bihar politics. His father, Shakuni Choudhary, was a six-time MLA from the Tarapur constituency. His mother, Parvati Devi, won the same seat in 1998 on a Samta Party ticket. He was appointed the party’s Bihar state president in 2023 and served as deputy chief minister from 2024 before taking the top post.

The early signals are unmistakable. Risk appetite is fading as tensions between the United States and Iran intensify, with the Strait of Hormuz returning to the centre of global economic anxieties. Oil, predictably, is the first responder. Brent crude holding above $105 a barrel is not merely a commodity story—it is a warning shot for inflation trajectories worldwide.

For Europe, this could not come at a worse time. With growth already uneven and monetary policy finely balanced, a renewed surge in energy prices threatens to complicate the path ahead. Futures suggest a weak start, but the deeper concern lies in what follows: the growing likelihood that central banks may have to stay restrictive longer than markets had priced in.

Asia, meanwhile, reflects a divided reality. Japan continues to ride a wave of technology-driven optimism, with the Nikkei scaling remarkable heights. But elsewhere, caution prevails. Chinese markets remain subdued, and broader regional sentiment suggests investors are unwilling to take aggressive positions in the face of geopolitical ambiguity.

Wall Street, too, is beginning to show cracks. After weeks of record-setting momentum, U.S. indices have pulled back, indicating that valuations are now being tested against a more uncertain macro backdrop. Even strong earnings are no longer enough. Tesla’s decline, despite outperforming expectations, underscores a shift in investor focus—from present performance to future costs and risks.

Also Read: IRGC seizes two cargo vessels crossing Hormuz Strait without ‘necessary permits’; one was headed to Gujarat

The currency market offers perhaps the clearest verdict. The U.S. dollar is strengthening, as capital gravitates toward safety, while equities struggle to maintain direction.

In essence, markets are caught in a familiar but uncomfortable bind. The long-term narrative of AI-driven growth remains intact, but it is being overshadowed—at least for now—by immediate geopolitical risks and their inflationary consequences.

And in the hierarchy of market drivers, the immediate almost always wins.

Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday failed to secure relief from the Gauhati High Court, which rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a case linked to alleged remarks against Riniki Bhuyan Sarma, wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The order comes after the Supreme Court of India had earlier declined to extend protection from arrest, pushing Khera to seek relief from courts in Assam. With Friday’s ruling, the Congress leader now faces a tightening legal situation as the case moves forward.

Court rejects plea after hearing both sides

The matter was heard by a single-judge Bench of Justice Parthivjyoti Saikia, which had reserved its verdict on Tuesday after detailed arguments from both sides.

Appearing for Khera, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, along with advocate Kamal Narayan Choudhury, argued that the case was politically motivated and amounted to vendetta. It was also submitted that the allegations lacked merit and were intended to silence a political opponent.

Opposing the plea, Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia told the court that the case involved serious offences, including forgery and cheating. He said the investigation had revealed prima facie material suggesting deliberate wrongdoing, and argued that custodial interrogation was necessary.

Supreme Court had earlier refused relief

Khera moved the Gauhati High Court after the Supreme Court declined to extend his transit anticipatory bail.

A Bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Atul S Chandurkar, in its April 17 order, said Khera was “at liberty to apply immediately before the Court concerned” in Assam and clarified that any such plea “shall not be adversely influenced” by its earlier order.

The apex court had also said the competent court should decide the anticipatory bail application on its own merits and based on the material placed before it.

Earlier, on April 15, the Supreme Court had stayed the Telangana High Court’s order granting Khera interim protection, observing that the plea appeared to rely on “fabricated documents” to invoke jurisdiction. The interim protection from arrest was subsequently vacated.

FIR and allegations against Khera

The case stems from an FIR registered by Assam Police under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of defamation, forgery and criminal conspiracy.

Khera had alleged that Riniki Sarma possessed multiple foreign passports, undisclosed luxury properties in Dubai, and shell companies in the United States.

The Sarma family has denied these claims, calling the documents “AI-generated fabrications” circulated by Pakistani social media groups.

BJP sharpens attack after court order

Reacting to the development, Assam Minister and BJP leader Pijush Hazarika welcomed the court’s decision and launched a sharp attack on the Congress leader.

“Grateful that Hon’ble Gauhati HC has denied bail to criminal Pawan Khera. Remember, he forged land deeds and faked passports just to manipulate an election outcome and also compromise India’s relations with other sovereign nations,” Hazarika said.

He also raised a series of questions, asking who else may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy.

“Who were his co-conspirators? Was fugitive Khera the mastermind or a mere front for someone’s dirty game? Who financed this nefarious operation and what other documents did they forge? Were there international actors from across the border in this illegal enterprise?” he said.

The minister further claimed that the accused had been engaging through intermediaries and asserted that “he and each of his co conspirators will face the wrath of law,” adding that Assam Police operates under the rule of law.

Earlier, Himanta Biswa Sarma had said Khera should submit himself to the legal process.

“I think Pawan Khera should surrender before the law. He should come to Guwahati and surrender there,” he told ANI.

Veteran actor Annu Kapoor, clearly did not expect his words to explode the way they did. The phrase “dudhiya badan”, said while talking about Tamannaah Bhatia, has now turned into one of those moments where people are asking: was it praise, or just plain tone-deaf?

Let’s break down the mess.

That ‘compliment’ that didn’t land well

The controversy kicked off after a clip from Kapoor’s old chat with Shubhankar Mishra started circulating again. He was talking about Tamannaah’s performance in the song ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ from Stree 2, also starring Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi.

While discussing the song, Kapoor made remarks about Tamannaah’s appearance including the now-infamous “dudhiya badan” comment.

Some people brushed it off as old-school language. Others called it unnecessary and objectifying.

Kapoor’s defence: ‘I was just appreciating her’

Facing the backlash, Kapoor tried to explain himself in an interview with Siddharth Kannan.

He said the comment came up when he was reviewing songs for a show. During a US tour last year, his team suggested ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ as a tough performance track. Curious, he watched the video, and liked what he saw.

Also Read: DDLJ in 2026: Kajol says Simran’s world wouldn’t last a minute in Gen Z reality

According to him, the reaction was simple: “She is dancing very well.”

But here’s the catch. If that was the only takeaway, why did the comment focus on her body instead of her dance? That’s exactly what people are questioning.

‘Hindi vs English’ argument. Really?

Kapoor also blamed the backlash on language. He argued that if he had said “milky body” in English, no one would have cared.

That argument feels… shaky at best.

Because the issue isn’t the language. It’s the gaze. Whether you say it in Hindi or English, reducing a performer to their physical traits, especially in a professional discussion, is what’s rubbing people the wrong way.

Trying to make it about translation misses the bigger point. The criticism isn’t linguistic. It’s about respect.

Apology… but shady

Kapoor did say he’s willing to apologise, but even that came with a dramatic spin.

He said if Tamannaah ever tells him she felt hurt, he would admit it and even “touch her feet” to say sorry. He added that as a 71-year-old man, his gesture would clearly show he had no bad intentions.

Here’s where things get uncomfortable again.

An apology isn’t about grand gestures or age-based authority. It’s about understanding why something felt wrong in the first place. Saying “I didn’t mean it” over and over doesn’t automatically fix the impact.

And invoking age as a shield? That doesn’t really hold up in 2026 where conversations around respect and consent have evolved way beyond that.

The Delhi Police is now planning a detailed psychological assessment of Rahul Meena, the man accused in the rape and murder of a 22-year-old woman, the daughter of an Indian Revenue Service officer, in southeast Delhi. Investigators say they are trying to piece together his mental state and understand what may have driven the crime.

The decision follows troubling observations during interrogation. Officers say Meena appeared unusually composed and did not show any visible remorse while being questioned, raising further questions about his state of mind. The psychological assessment is expected to help investigators determine whether the crime was planned or triggered by sudden rage.

Police to assess mental state and behavioural patterns

According to sources, the evaluation will involve clinical experts examining the accused’s aggression levels, emotional responses and behavioural tendencies. Investigators are also looking at possible traits linked to Antisocial Personality Disorder as part of the profiling process.

Officials believe this exercise could play a key role in establishing intent and strengthening the prosecution’s case.

Crime unfolded inside Kailash Hills residence

The incident took place on Wednesday morning at the family’s residence in the Kailash Hills area. The victim, an IIT Delhi graduate and civil services aspirant, was in her room when Meena allegedly entered the house.

When questioned about his presence, Meena reportedly claimed that the victim’s mother had called him inside. The situation escalated when he demanded cash. On being refused, an argument broke out.

As the victim raised an alarm, Meena allegedly attacked her with a lamp, striking her repeatedly and leaving her with severe injuries. Police said that after she lost consciousness, he allegedly raped her.

Investigators further revealed that he later strangled the victim using a phone charger.

Loot, escape and CCTV trail

After the assault, Meena allegedly dragged the victim to another room where the family’s lockers were kept. He is said to have used her finger to unlock a biometric safe and forced open another locker using a screwdriver.

Police said he looted around Rs 2.5 lakh in cash and jewellery before changing his blood-stained trousers with a pair belonging to the victim’s brother and fleeing towards a railway station.

CCTV footage has helped establish the timeline. Meena was seen entering the colony at 6:30 am, entering the house shortly after, and leaving at around 7:20 am.

Digital clues lead to arrest in Dwarka

Despite attempts to avoid detection, Meena was traced through a digital trail. Investigators said he used a stolen mobile phone and accessed the internet via a hotel Wi-Fi network in Dwarka.

He was also in touch with a relative in Gurugram through Instagram. By analysing Internet Protocol Detail Records and following these leads, police pinpointed his location and arrested him from a hotel.

Custody and ongoing investigation

On Thursday, a court granted police four days of custody of the accused to reconstruct the sequence of events and verify digital and forensic evidence.

Officials said the psychological profiling will complement existing forensic material, including CCTV footage and recovered items, as the investigation continues.