Rescue operations underway after three people were killed following a wall collapse in the Chandwaji area of Jaipur’s Tala Mod, in Jaipur on Monday. The injured have been shifted to the hospital. (ANI Video Grab)
Three people were killed and several others injured after an under-construction wall collapsed during repair work in Jaipur’s Amer area on Thursday. The incident occurred while repair work was underway.
If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.
Pune court hands death sentence to 65-year-old in toddler rape-murder case
Less than two months after the brutal rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Pune district, a Special Fast Track Court has sentenced the 65-year-old accused to death, classifying the case as “rarest of the rare.” Special Judge S R Salunkhe awarded three death sentences in murder, rape, and under a provision of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Story continues below this ad
India Slams Pakistan Over ‘Baseless’ Karachi Attack Claims
India has hit back sharply at Pakistan over its allegations linked to the Karachi attack, dismissing the claims as “baseless” and telling Islamabad to “look inwards” instead, in a pointed exchange that has added a fresh edge to bilateral tensions.
Evicted Kerala Family Goes Missing, Bodies Recovered From River
In a tragic case, an evicted Kerala family of four went missing on the day they were to move into a new home, with their bodies later recovered from a river.
Live Updates
Jun 29, 2026 04:58 PM IST
Congress workers in Karnataka protest against BJP’s mismanagement in Ram temple donation theft
In Bengaluru, Karnataka, workers from Congress sat down in a protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), over the allegations of mismanagement of donation funds in the Ram temple donation theft scam in Ayodhya.
(PTI)
Jun 29, 2026 04:48 PM IST
Foreign Secretary denies report of talks with Pakistan in Track 2 discussions
Vikram Misri, the foreign secretary of India, said that the government was not involved in any meetings taking place between retired diplomats or military officials at the Track 2 discussions of a regional security conference in Colombo last week.
He said that, “They do not in any way, they cannot in any way represent the view of the government of India.” He also denied any official participation from the Government of India in any visits involving Pakistan.
(PTI)
Jun 29, 2026 04:42 PM IST
Pune murder: Accused Siya and Chetan to be presented in Court
The accused, Siya and Chetan, are being taken to court from Vadgaon Maval Police Station in Lonavala by the police after numerous days of questioning.
Siya and Chetan were arrested in connection with the murder of Ketan Agarwal on 18 June 2026 in Lohagadh.
Ketan died after falling into a deep gorge while trekking with his fiancée, Siya Goyal. Ketan’s death was initially treated as an accident but was later reclassified as a murder after the police investigation.
Jun 29, 2026 04:26 PM IST
Bihar governor and MoS External Affairs to represent India at Khamenei’s funeral
Divya A from New Delhi reports that Syed Ata Hasnain, the governor of Bihar, and Pabitra Margerita, Minister of State for External Affairs, will represent India at the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran next month.
Read more on indianexpress.com.
Jun 29, 2026 04:19 PM IST
Ayodhya court remands Ram temple donation theft accused to judicial custody
An Ayodhya court has said that all eight accused in the Ram temple donation theft case will be kept in judicial custody for 14 days.
(PTI)
Jun 29, 2026 04:06 PM IST
3 dead in Jaipur wall collapse incident
Three people were killed and several others injured after an under-construction wall collapsed during repair work near the Amer area of Jaipur.
Mamta, a surviving labourer, recounted the harrowing experience, saying: “We were working in a deep pit, placing blocks and laying cement mortar. The supervisor, Anil, wouldn’t let us sit down or rest even for an hour. Even if we stood up for a moment to drink some water, he would shout at us. We kept working continuously under the scorching sun. The wall already had a visible crack. Then, they poured water over the top section of the wall, after which it completely collapsed. If they hadn’t poured water over it, it wouldn’t have collapsed.”
An eyewitness reported that local police and administration arrived very late to the scene of a tragic wall collapse that claimed several lives. The witness placed direct responsibility for the disaster on the resort owner, the contractor, and the local authorities who dangerously granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for an unsupported trench. With several bodies already recovered, there are grave fears that more workers remain trapped beneath the debris, and the death toll is expected to rise.
Jun 29, 2026 03:18 PM IST
Thiruvananthapuram: Clash between BJP and Congress councillors during council meeting
A scuffle erupted between BJP and Congress councillors during a Thiruvananthapuram council meeting.
The clash occurred after Left Democratic Front (LDF) councillors protested for the removal of BJP councillor Sugathan from Vazhottukonam, citing his KAAPA arrest, according to a report by ANI.
Jun 29, 2026 03:05 PM IST
Delhi Cabinet approves new Electric Vehicle Policy; ₹15,000 crore in investments
On 29th June, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Cabinet approved the new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, said to be effective from July 1, aiming to attract ₹15,000 crore in investments over four years to boost electric mobility and create jobs.
(PTI)
Jun 29, 2026 02:49 PM IST
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde thanks the court for Pune rape case verdict
Eknath Shinde commented on the court’s verdict on the rape and murder of a three-year-old. A Special Fast Track Court sentenced the 65-year-old accused to death.
“This is a landmark decision. No one will have the courage to commit such an incident again,” said Shinde.
#watch| Mumbai: On the case of rape and murder of a minor girl in Nasrapur, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, “The court has sentenced the accused to death, so I thank the court…. I had already said that it has no right to live, it should only be hanged, and therefore…pic.twitter.com/HCoBU2pkAH
— ANI (@ANI)June 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026 02:32 PM IST
Suvendu Adhikari issues final warning to MLA Humayun Kabir over provocative communal speeches
Atri Mitra from Kolkata reports that West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari issued a stern warning to MLA Humayun Kabir inside the state Legislative Assembly, condemning his provocative speeches and declaring that hooliganism will no longer be tolerated under his administration. Adhikari, who presented evidence of FIRs filed against Kabir under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for incidents in Kashipur and Shaktipur, characterised the MLA’s behaviour as an attempt to consolidate votes for the upcoming by-elections and forcefully control panchayats. Emphasising that the rule of law will prevail over any individual, the Chief Minister warned Kabir to be cautious, citing the downfall of other past “strongmen” who defied the law, and vowed to personally visit Murshidabad to demonstrate the enforcement of constitutional authority. In response, Kabir claimed he was misunderstood, asserting that his criticism was directed at the previous government and the TMC party rather than the Chief Minister himself.
Jun 29, 2026 02:32 PM IST
Retaining wall collapses in Jaipur; Several labourers feared trapped
An under-construction retaining wall collapsed near the Amer area on the outskirts of Jaipur, prompting a rapid emergency response after several labourers were said to be trapped under the debris, said PTI.
Jun 29, 2026 02:00 PM IST
Devotees at Shri Jagannath Dham, Puri
(PTI image)
Jun 29, 2026 01:57 PM IST
Jagannath Snana Yatra begins in Puri
Snana Yatra begins in Puri, Odisha
(PTI Image)
Jun 29, 2026 01:56 PM IST
Supreme Court declines urgent hearing of Ram Temple row pleas
Ananthakrishnan from Delhi reports that the Supreme Court has refused to grant an urgent hearing to petitions alleging embezzlement of donations for the Ayodhya Sree Ram temple, with the bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu noting that the matter will be listed for hearing after the court reopens at full strength on July 13. While petitioners expressed concerns regarding the potential tampering or corruption of electronic evidence, such as CCTV and DVR footage, the bench maintained its standard procedure, stating that the situation did not warrant immediate intervention. The petitions had called for a time-bound, independent investigation, citing media reports that suggest serious instances of misappropriation of public funds and a breach of trust by the institution involved.
Jun 29, 2026 01:42 PM IST
Bus overturns in Telangana, over 30 passengers injured
A state-run Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) bus overturned on National Highway 44, near the Wanaparthy district.
Over 30 passengers are reported to be injured, according to a post on X, by news agency PTI.
Jun 29, 2026 01:39 PM IST
Akal Takht gives Punjab MLAs one month to amend anti-sacrilege law
Kamaldeep Singh Brar from Amritsar reports that the Akal Takht issued a one-month ultimatum to Punjab MLAs to amend the Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, following concerns that the legislation overstepped its bounds by attempting to define Sikh religious vocabulary and custodial roles. During the meeting, lawmakers admitted to approving the bill without adequate time for review, while Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj emphasised that religious governance, terminology, and the management of sacred saroops must remain the exclusive purview of the Akal Takht and the panth. Consequently, the MLAs unanimously agreed to the Jathedar’s twelve demands, which include removing clauses regarding a central registry of saroops and ensuring the select committee’s report is tabled in the House before any further legislative action is taken.
Jun 29, 2026 01:33 PM IST
Over 250 DMK members detained by police for protesting in Tamil Nadu
Members of the political party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), held a protest in Tamil Nadu for the dismissal of Tamil Nadu minister Sarathkumar, over his alleged use of narcotic substances in public.
An old video of Sarathkunar has resurfaced, which shows him handling white powder during an IPL match in Chennai 2 years ago.
(PTI)
Jun 29, 2026 01:32 PM IST
CBSE relieves current class X students from the new three-language policy
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE )’s new guidelines exempt current Class X students from the new three-language policy, according to news agency PTI.
Students in Classes VII-IX are not required to appear for the third-language board exam in Class X. Those with two foreign languages can opt for a third native Indian language (Bhartiya Bhasha).
Jun 29, 2026 01:12 PM IST
Indian Coast Guard ship Atulya responds to flooding distress call in Tamil Nadu
Atulya, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship, delivered immediate assistance in response to a distress call received from the vessel, MV SITTHAA, at Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu, on 26 and 27 June.
According to a post by the Indian Coast Guard on X, the ICG specialist boarding team coordinated with the salvage experts and ensured that the flooding does not cause further damage. The vessel will now proceed to Tuticorin Port for further repairs.
Jun 29, 2026 01:07 PM IST
Ayodhya lawyers announce to boycott legal aid to Ram temple donation theft accused
Bhupendra Pandey from Lucknow reports that the Ayodhya Bar Association has unanimously decided to boycott providing legal representation to any of the eight individuals arrested in the Ram temple donation embezzlement case, citing the religious offence caused by the crime. The association, led by President Kalika Prasad Mishra, has warned local advocates that anyone who defies this resolution and represents the accused will face a fine of Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, the association plans to assist the prosecution in strengthening the charges against the suspects, while some members have proposed agitating for the departure of Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust officials Champat Rai and Anil Mishra from Ayodhya.
Jun 29, 2026 12:56 PM IST
Rajashthan and Haryana sign 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board Agreement
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to implement the 1994 Upper Yamuna River Board Agreement.
This agreement oversees the management of the Yamuna river water among the 5 five basin states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.
(PTI)
Jun 29, 2026 12:32 PM IST
Fire erupts at edible oil godown in Patna’s Didarganj area
A fire broke out at an edible oil godown in Patna’s Didarganj area on Monday (Jun 29). Firefighters are at the scene as efforts to douse the blaze continue. More details are awaited.
Jun 29, 2026 12:31 PM IST
Within 60 days of brutal rape, murder of toddler in Pune, 65-year-old sentenced to death
Sushant Kulkarni from Pune reports that less than two months after the brutal rape and murder of a three-year-old girl in Pune district, a Special Fast Track Court has sentenced the 65-year-old accused to death, classifying the case as “rarest of the rare.” The verdict, delivered on June 29, includes three death sentences for charges of murder, rape, and violations under the POCSO Act. The conviction followed a rapid trial where the prosecution successfully reconstructed the crime using a 39-minute window of CCTV footage, DNA profiling, and other forensic evidence, proving that the act was cold, calculated, and premeditated. In its judgment, the court emphasized the inhuman nature of the crime, which had sparked significant public outrage, and affirmed that the evidence established the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Jun 29, 2026 12:17 PM IST
Iran, Oman Discuss future management of Strait of Hormuz at first joint meeting
Iran and Oman held the first meeting of their joint committee on the Strait of Hormuz in Muscat on Monday (Jun 29). Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that his talks with Oman’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Al-Hinai included discussions on future management of the Strait and sovereign rights of the coastal states.
Jun 29, 2026 12:03 PM IST
AIADMK leader and Karur MLA M.R. Vijayabaskar resigns from Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
AIADMK leader and Karur MLA M.R. Vijayabaskar resigned from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly after personally submitting his resignation letter to Speaker JCD Prabhakar, who accepted it. “Under Rule 21 of the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Assembly, M.R. Vijayabaskar, Member of the Legislative Assembly representing the Karur Assembly Constituency, has personally submitted his handwritten letter of resignation from his office to me,” Prabhakar said.
Jun 29, 2026 11:56 AM IST
Sleeping family narrowly escapes as AC blast sparks fire in Noida high-rise
Drishti Jain from Delhi reports that a fire caused by an air conditioner blast broke out in a 21st-floor flat at Aranya Apartments in Noida’s Sector 119 on Monday morning. Emergency services, including six fire tenders, responded to the 8:50 am call, and firefighters successfully contained the blaze within 30 minutes. Fortunately, the resident family escaped without injury, and the fire was prevented from spreading to other parts of the building.
Jun 29, 2026 11:49 AM IST
Pakistani strikes kill 36 civilians, wound 163, says Afghan govt
Pakistani strikes killed 36 civilians and injured 163 others, according to the Afghan government, marking another escalation in cross-border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Jun 29, 2026 11:40 AM IST
Kolkata ex-mayor Firhad Hakim’s aide Shams Iqbal arrested in Rs 70-lakh extortion case
Sweety Kumari from Kolkata reports that Shams Iqbal, a former Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) councillor and close associate of former mayor Firhad Hakim, has been arrested by the Garden Reach police in connection with a 2023 extortion case. The arrest follows a complaint by a local businessman, Md Shadab, who alleged that Iqbal and his associates systematically extorted Rs 70 lakh from him while threatening him and his family with revolvers. Iqbal faces charges of extortion, criminal intimidation, and joint criminal liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. This arrest arrives alongside separate allegations involving Iqbal and Hakim related to the fatal Taratala warehouse collapse in the Kolkata Port area.
Jun 29, 2026 11:23 AM IST
Karnataka CM Shivakumar warns of ban on pan masala, gutka over drug concerns
Kiran Parashar reports from Bengaluru that Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar warned that the state is prepared to ban all pan masala, gutka, and chewing tobacco products if reports of intoxicating substances being added to these items to induce a drug-like “high” are confirmed. Speaking at the 31st Foundation Day of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) and a ‘Drug-Free India Conclave,’ Shivakumar emphasised that local enforcement alone is insufficient to curb the drug menace and sternly warned health professionals that a drug conviction under the NDPS Act would result in the permanent end of their careers. Furthermore, he confirmed that the university is set to relocate to a new campus in the Bengaluru South district, following the clearance of land that was previously under litigation.
Jun 29, 2026 11:01 AM IST
Heavy overnight showers batter Mumbai suburbs
Nayonika Bose from Mumbai reports that the city’s suburbs experienced intense rainfall late Sunday night, with some areas receiving over 100 mm in just four hours, causing significant waterlogging and traffic disruptions at chronic locations like the Andheri subway and LBS Marg in Mulund. Data from the BMC showed the eastern suburbs were hit hardest, recording up to 160 mm in Mulund, while the island city saw comparatively less rainfall. These torrential showers followed several nowcast warnings from the India Meteorological Department regarding heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with the Santacruz observatory recording 103 mm of rain between Sunday and Monday morning.
Jun 29, 2026 10:42 AM IST
From online critic to suspected mass poisoner: The radical turn of Faiyaz Premjee, who targeted Mumbai’s Muharram procession with toxic capsules
Zeeshan Shaikh from Mumbai reports that Faiyaz Premjee, a 39-year-old businessman from Pune, is currently under investigation by Mumbai Police for allegedly planning a mass poisoning during a Muharram procession by distributing nearly 14,000 capsules laced with zinc phosphide, a toxic rodenticide. Premjee, who traces his background to the Khoja Shia community, transitioned from a self-described reformist seeking a liberal interpretation of Islam to an outspoken ex-Muslim and atheist who built an online presence criticising Shia Islam and Iran. After facing alleged harassment for his views and spending time in Iran, Premji’s involvement in this purported attack marks a dramatic escalation from his previous role as a combative online critic, and authorities are now working to determine his motivations and whether he had any accomplices.
Jun 29, 2026 10:14 AM IST
Fire breaks out in Noida’s Aranya Society, firefighting operations underway
A fire broke out at a residential flat inside the Aranya Society in Sector-119, Noida, falling under the jurisdiction of the Sector-113 police station. Six fire service tenders quickly rushed to the scene to launch firefighting operations and bring the blaze under control. According to initial official reports, no casualties have been reported as of now.
#watch| Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Fire broke out at a a flat at Aranya Society, Sector-119, within the jurisdiction of the Sector-113 police station. Six fire service tenders have arrived at the scene. Firefighting operations are underway. There have been no casualties as of now.pic.twitter.com/sKTFv8zqjm
— ANI (@ANI)June 29, 2026
Jun 29, 2026 09:52 AM IST
Family of four dies by suspected suicide in Kerala
Shaju Philip from Kerala reports that a couple, along with their two young children aged eight and four, died by suspected suicide after being evicted from their rented home. The deceased were identified as Narayanan, 45, a native of Elavanchery in Palakkad, his visually impaired wife Viji, 43, and their two minor children. Their bodies were recovered from the Muvattupuzha River days after they went missing on the very day local police had arranged for them to move into a new house. Kothamangalam Station House Officer K R Prasanth Kumar said that the family had approached the police after they were asked to vacate their rented house near Kothamangalam.
“We were trying to bring them back from their situation. At first, we identified a rehabilitation centre run by an NGO. But it was exclusively for women. Then, the police arranged a place on a daily rent. We promised them we would find a permanent house; until then, they were assured of every support. Policemen at the station mobilised money for their food and clothes,” he said.
Jun 29, 2026 09:31 AM IST
Twenty nine militants killed in ground operation, strikes along Afghan border, claims Pakistan
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd