Voting started at 7 am on Thursday for by-elections to three assembly constituencies in Bankipur in Bihar, Datia in Madhya Pradesh and Manjalpur in Gujarat, with results expected on 3 August. In Bankipur, Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor is contesting for the first time among 26 candidates, facing the BJP nominee Neeraj Kumar Sinha. Approximately 380,000 voters are eligible there. In Datia, 220,000 voters are choosing among 21 candidates, while Manjalpur features a direct contest between two nominees.
Delhi Police Crime Branch personnel arrested two alleged shooters affiliated with the Himanshu Bhau gang following an exchange of fire near Khera Nahar in North Delhi. Officers recovered two pistols from the suspects. Investigations continue.
An Indian Express report revealed that Goa Police issued a 240-point questionnaire to protesters associated with the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms, including queries about slogans such as “Free Umar Khalid.” Civil liberties organisations have expressed concern over the document.
The CRPF director general instructed personnel to operate without hesitation amid ongoing debate regarding pellet gun deployment during the 20 July protest march near Parliament. Separately, the Rapid Action Force leadership noted that the level of force used that day did not match standard protocols.
A CBI chargesheet in the NEET paper leak case stated that question papers were transported out of Maharashtra via two distinct routes. The matter is now listed before a fast-track court.
Parliament proceedings featured the Supreme Court Judges Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha and the MSME Development Amendment Bill plus the Public Examinations Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The opposition raised slogans concerning police action against student demonstrators, leading to adjournment of the Lok Sabha until 2 pm.
India’s first Vande Bharat freight train reached 145 kmph during a trial run. The DMK asserted that only the Cauvery Water Management Authority holds authority over water-sharing decisions. Kerala authorities closed an FCRA-related case against Chief Minister VD Satheesan, citing lack of evidence.
