A man who stabbed a British tourist to death in a regional Australian town has been found not criminally responsible due to mental illness. Royce Mallett, a 30-year-old father of two from County Durham, was attacked in the car park of a motel in Albury, New South Wales on July 8, 2024.Court proceedings heard that Mallett had just got into his car outside the Hume Inn when David Summers-Smith approached and, without saying a word, reached through the window and stabbed him once in the chest with a steak knife.Despite the efforts of bystanders and paramedics, Mallet died shortly after the attack.

Court found ‘act is proven but not criminally responsible’

During the trial, Summers-Smith pleaded not guilty on the grounds of mental infirmity. Justice Dina Yehia ruled that although she had committed the act, she could not be held criminally responsible because of her condition.In its decision, the court acknowledged that Summers-Smith, who suffers from schizophrenia, was experiencing a severe psychotic episode at the time and was unable to understand that her actions were wrong. The verdict was recorded as “conviction but not criminally responsible”.He has now been ordered to be held in a mental health facility indefinitely, with his situation subject to periodic review by the Mental Health Review Tribunal.

History of schizophrenia and substance use

The court heard the 29-year-old had a long history of schizophrenia, whose symptoms were not responding effectively to treatment. He was under a community treatment order at the time of the incident.Psychiatrists testified that he was experiencing delusions and paranoia and was not aware of his illness. In the lead up to the attack, he was also self-medicating with crystal methamphetamine (“ice”) and cannabis, which may have worsened his mental condition.

Family grief and unanswered questions

Victim impact statements highlighted the devastating impact Mallet had on the family. His partner, Caitlin O’Keeffe, said she was now faced with raising their two children alone, adding that the loss would “impact every moment of the future they were supposed to be a part of.”Mallet’s father described losing not only a son but also his “best friend”, saying he now struggled to find joy or inspiration in daily life.The family also questioned how Summers-Smith was allowed to live in the community given her treatment-resistant schizophrenia.Summers-Smith will remain in secure psychiatric care, with officers monitoring him for any signs of improvement. The tribunal has the power to modify his custody order depending on the progress of his mental health.Justice Yehia said that a single act of violence was “devastating and tragic” that would have lasting consequences for all involved.

New Delhi: Leader of the opposition in Delhi and AAP MLA Atishi on Tuesday strongly criticized the Rajya Sabha Secretariat’s notification accepting the merger of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs with the BJP, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional”.“He said the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority of the legislature party for a merger between political parties, and there is no provision under anti-defection laws to allow two-thirds of MPs or MLAs to merge with another party.“The notification of merger by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat yesterday is illegal and unconstitutional. The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has passed clear orders and it is clearly written in the Constitution, and AAP MP Sanjay Singh had also informed the Rajya Sabha Secretariat about this – that as per the Constitution, when there is a merger of the parent political party, 2/3rd of the legislature party is also required for that merger. But under anti-defection laws, there is no such provision in this country that 2/3rd MPs or MLAs can merge with another party,” Atishi said.Atishi warned PM Modi that the more atrocities you commit, the worse your fate will be.“But what does it matter to the BJP? The BJP wants to destroy the Constitution and democracy of this country by any means… I would like to tell the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that history says that the more atrocities you commit, the worse your fate will be. It is clear that the end time of BJP and Modi ji’s politics is near. Therefore, their atrocities have increased. But in the history of this world, whenever atrocities have increased, someone or the other has come to end those atrocities.”The comments came after the Rajya Sabha Chairman approved the merger of AAP’s seven Rajya Sabha MPs with the BJP, increasing the BJP’s strength in the Upper House to 113. The MPs who switched sides include Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak, Ashok Mittal, Harbhajan Singh, Rajinder Gupta, Vikramjit Singh Sahni and Swati Maliwal.With this development, AAP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has been reduced to three members.Responding to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments on the issue, Atishi also highlighted the party’s performance under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and said it reflected the public’s demand for an alternative political force.“BJP wrote the obituary for AAP 15 times in the last 15 years. Every 6 months, BJP announces that Arvind Kejriwal’s politics is over. But under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, AAP is the fastest growing party in the country. In just 10 years, the party formed the government thrice in Delhi, contested elections in Punjab for the first time and became the principal opposition and won a huge majority when the elections were fought the second time, our MLAs won in Gujarat and Goa, here Even we have an MLA in Jammu and Kashmir,” Atishi said.He said, “This clearly shows that the people of this country are looking for an alternative, for a different politics. AAP is becoming that alternative. Now, when the trial court, CBI court order has exposed the BJP’s conspiracy, they are restless. The country has seen how a conspiracy was hatched against Arvind Kejriwal, how false allegations were leveled…the entire conspiracy is in front of the country, so, once again the ED, CBI are being misused by the BJP.”

उत्तर प्रदेश के कौशाम्बी जिले में पत्रकार उत्पीड़न का मामला अब तूल पकड़ता जा रहा है। इलेक्ट्रॉनिक मीडिया क्लब के बैनर तले जिले के पत्रकार एकजुट हुए और जिलाधिकारी के माध्यम से मुख्यमंत्री योगी आदित्यनाथ को संबोधित ज्ञापन सौंपा। इस ज्ञापन में दोषी पुलिसकर्मियों के खिलाफ सख्त कार्रवाई की मांग की गई है. पत्रकारों ने साफ चेतावनी दी है कि अगर उन्हें जल्द न्याय नहीं मिला तो वे आंदोलन करने को मजबूर होंगे. इस घटना ने जिले की कानून व्यवस्था और पुलिस की कार्यशैली पर सवाल खड़े कर दिये हैं.

पुलिसकर्मियों पर लगे गंभीर आरोप
ज्ञापन के मुताबिक, सराय अकिल थाना क्षेत्र के कनैली चौकी से जुड़े इस मामले में थाना प्रभारी वीर प्रताप सिंह और चौकी प्रभारी जितेंद्र कुमार पर गंभीर आरोप लगाए गए हैं. बताया गया कि स्थानीय पत्रकार संजय सिंह के साथ अभद्र भाषा का प्रयोग किया गया और उनके साथ दुर्व्यवहार किया गया. इतना ही नहीं उन्हें अपमानित भी किया गया और धमकियां भी दी गईं. आरोप यह भी है कि अवैध खनन से जुड़ी खबर छापने से नाराज पुलिस ने पत्रकार को हिरासत में लिया और मानसिक व शारीरिक रूप से प्रताड़ित किया.

लोकतंत्र पर हमला बताया
पत्रकारों ने इस घटना को लोकतंत्र के चौथे स्तंभ पर सीधा हमला बताया है. उनका कहना है कि अगर पत्रकार सुरक्षित नहीं हैं तो आम जनता की आवाज कौन उठाएगा. उन्होंने यह भी कहा कि ऐसी घटनाएं मानवाधिकार का उल्लंघन हैं और पुलिस विभाग की छवि खराब करती हैं.

कड़ी कार्रवाई और सुरक्षा की मांग
पत्रकार संगठनों ने मांग की है कि आरोपी पुलिस अधिकारियों को तुरंत निलंबित किया जाए और उनके खिलाफ सख्त कानूनी कार्रवाई की जाए. साथ ही पीड़ित पत्रकार को सुरक्षा मुहैया कराने और निष्पक्ष जांच कराने की भी मांग की गई है. ज्ञापन में प्रशासन को चेतावनी दी गई कि यदि मामले में कोई देरी या लीपापोती की गई तो बड़ा आंदोलन किया जाएगा।

बड़ी संख्या में पत्रकार मौजूद थे
इस दौरान कई पत्रकार और संगठन के पदाधिकारी मौजूद रहे. इनमें प्रेस क्लब अध्यक्ष ब्रजेश गौतम, इलेक्ट्रॉनिक मीडिया क्लब अध्यक्ष अली मुक्तेदा, महासचिव इंतजार रिजवी, संस्थापक धारा सिंह समेत राम किशन, मोहम्मद शामिल हैं। नौसेब, पंकज केसरवानी, धर्मेंद्र सोनकर, सतेंद्र खरे, शिव शंकर मोदनवाल, अंकित मिश्रा, अयमान अहमद व शनिराज वर्मा शामिल रहे। सभी ने एकजुट होकर न्याय की मांग की.

Suyash Sharma (PTI photo)

New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday produced a brilliant performance in IPL 2026 to defeat Delhi Capitals in a one-sided encounter that will be remembered for its record as well as its dominance. At the center of it all was young spinner Suyyash Sharma, who etched his name in the league’s history books with rare control and accuracy.Suyyash bowled 20 dot balls in his four overs, equaling the all-time IPL record for most dot balls in an innings, previously achieved by Deepak Chahar while playing for Chennai Super Kings against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2019. On Monday, Suyyash conceded only seven runs and took one wicket in Delhi, one of the most economical four overs ever bowled by a spinner in IPL history.The fall of Delhi Capitals was dramatic. Despite being at 8 for 6 inside four overs, they never recovered, eventually being bowled out for 75, one of the lowest totals of the season. Contributions from Abhishek Porel (30) and David Miller (19) delayed the inevitable as RCB’s bowling unit went on the rampage.However, the damage had already started. Bhuvneshwar Kumar And Josh Hazlewood Demolishing the top order with brutal efficiency, taking seven wickets. His powerplay burst ensured that DC recorded the lowest-ever IPL powerplay score of 13/6, setting the tone for the debacle.Chasing a modest target of 76 runs, Royal Challengers Bangalore made light work of the target. Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethel completed the chase in just 6.3 overs to seal a nine-wicket win with 81 balls remaining, one of the fastest successful chases in IPL history.While the win underlined RCB’s title credentials, it was Suyyash Sharma’s magic that stood out. In a format dominated by big hitting, his ability to contain runs and apply sustained pressure proved decisive, confirming the enduring value of disciplined spin bowling in T20 cricket.

Kritika Kamra takes a completely different avatar in its latest series, Matka King. Playing a Parsi woman from 1960s South Mumbai, she says the role required a subtle and thoughtful approach. The actress, who recently tied the knot with Gaurav Kapoor, said, “I am not a Mumbai girl. I really had to understand the culture and tradition (of the Parsi community). I wanted the character to have a bit of decency and restraint in the way she conducts herself, in her voice.”Kritika credits her decision to take up the show to its producer, Nagraj Manjule. “When I found out that Nagraj Manjule was making a series, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to be a part of it.” She further adds that Manjule’s previous work, Fandry, had a deep impact on her. “I’d been a fan of his work even before Sairat; I had seen his film Fandry in Maami. I discovered him when I was educating myself about cinema. At the time, the film really spoke to me; it had a lasting impact on me. Years later, when Sairat came out, it was a gut-wrenching shock, and I knew it was the same director.“His decision to move away from television at the peak of his career remains a matter of curiosity for many. Describing her mindset, she says, “I’m an unsettler. I’m not in a hurry. I don’t think this is going to be my peak, so I should make the most of it and then retire. I don’t have any fear or insecurity of missing out on getting a part.”The actress adds, “From a very young age, I knew that acting is what I want to do for the rest of my life. It’s a marathon – if you try to climb too fast, the higher the risk of falling. You have to wake up every day and commit to it again and again, especially if you really care about the art. That’s why I stepped away from television. It’s been a decade since I left – it gave me freedom and identity, but now what I’m doing is It is close, it just took time to make it. Some of my shows made me popular really quickly. Being famous, making good money and having security is nice, but it wasn’t motivating me. Creatively, it was no longer attractive. I work more for recognition than fame.”Author: Renuka.Vyavahare@timesofindia.com

NPCC data shows 25 per cent rise in suicides linked to domestic abuse across the UK / Image: AI-generated image

A new analysis from the National Police Chiefs’ Council has revealed a sharp rise in suicides linked to domestic abuse, highlighting what officers describe as a hidden and growing crisis. The findings come from the Domestic Homicide Project, which tracks deaths following abuse, including cases not traditionally classified as homicides.According to BBC News, such cases have increased by 25%, with police identifying more victims who died by suicide after experiencing domestic abuse. Women have a major share in these deaths.Police say the increase is partly due to better awareness and changes in the way cases are recorded, but stress it also reflects serious gaps in identifying and protecting vulnerable victims.

How are abuse-related suicides tracked?

The Domestic Homicide Project has expanded the scope of domestic abuse-related deaths to also include suspected suicides following abuse, painting a clearer picture of the risks victims face.The National Police Chiefs Council says this method has helped uncover cases that were previously missed. Many victims had contact with the police or support services before their death, but the connection to the abuse was not always recognized at the time.Officials believe improving the way these deaths are classified is essential to understanding the true scale of the issue and preventing similar tragedies.

The Reason

Experts highlight coercive control, emotional abuse and isolation as the major factors behind these suicides. Victims often face prolonged psychological pressure, which can lead to depression, anxiety and a feeling of being trapped.Police leaders have acknowledged that warning signs are often present but not acted upon quickly enough. In many cases, victims had already reached out for help, raising concerns about missed opportunities for intervention.Authorities stress that non-physical abuse should be taken as seriously as physical violence, because of the long-term mental health effects it has.

What will happen next?

The findings have prompted calls for stronger coordination between police, health care and social care systems, with officials emphasizing that recognizing suicide as a potential consequence of domestic abuse is essential to improving prevention strategies. National Police Chiefs Council officials say there is an urgent need to identify vulnerable victims earlier, better data sharing between agencies and more consistent recording of abuse-related suicides so that warning signs are not missed. Police believe better awareness and changes in reporting practices have contributed to the increase in recorded cases, but warn that the figures are still likely to underestimate the true scale of the problem. The report ultimately frames domestic abuse not only as a criminal justice issue, but as a serious public health concern with potentially deadly consequences, and calls for more coordinated and sustained action.

नारी शक्ति वंदन संशोधन कानून पास न होने के मुद्दे पर बीजेपी विपक्ष को घेरना चाहती है. इसलिए आज मंगलवार को विधानसभा में विशेष सत्र के बाद बीजेपी ने विपक्ष से लेकर छोटी सरकार (निगम, जिला पंचायत) तक को घेरने की पूरी तैयारी कर ली है.

New Delhi: Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiran Rijiju shared post-session exchange on Tuesday Congress MP Shashi Tharoor To sharpen his attack on the opposition over the defeat of the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill, he claimed that Tharoor also “agreed” with his comment that the Congress could be seen as anti-women.Rijiju said in an interview with ANI, “We took a picture. When the Parliament session ended, Shashi Tharoor in the hall said to me…but no woman will believe that Shashi Tharoor is anti-women. I said, yes, no one will call you anti-women.”“That’s what he meant. Congress may be anti-women, but women will not consider Shashi Tharoor anti-women… He kind of agreed,” she said.The minister also hit out at the opposition parties for opposing the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.“Who would have thought that anyone would vote against women? We don’t have a two-thirds majority… but who would have even dreamed that Congress, TMC, Samajwadi Party would vote against women?” Rijiju said.He said opposition parties would “face the wrath of women” to oppose the bill, arguing that the issue should not be viewed through a political lens. Rijiju rejected the opposition’s argument that the bill wrongly linked women’s reservation to delimitation.“They say delimitation was linked… It is written in the 2023 law that delimitation will happen after the 2026 census and it will be implemented. Then why was it not opposed?” He said.He also dismissed concerns about the impact on southern states and said the government has clarified that the number of seats will increase equally across all states along with 33% reservation for women.On the demand for implementing women’s reservation within the existing number of 543 Lok Sabha seats, Rijiju argued that the current system is outdated.“The seats were decided on the basis of 1971 population… Some seats have 30 lakh or 40 lakh voters. Is this how democracy is supposed to work?” The population-to-seat ratio in India is much higher than many other countries, he said.Opposition parties had opposed the Constitution Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha on April 17. In the division vote, 298 MPs voted in favor, while 230 voted against, leading to its defeat.Subsequently, the government said it would not pursue two other related bills. The proposals aimed to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816 seats with 33% reservation for women along with delimitation based on the 2011 census.

बरेली समाचार: उत्तर प्रदेश के बरेली से धोखाधड़ी का बेहद चौंकाने वाला मामला सामने आया है। यहां दो सगी बहनों ने खुद को आईएएस अफसर बताकर कई लोगों को फंसाया और उनसे लाखों रुपये ठग लिए. ये बहनें बेरोजगार युवाओं को सरकारी नौकरी दिलाने का भरोसा दिलाती थीं। जब काफी समय तक उन्हें नौकरी नहीं मिली तो पीड़ितों को शक हुआ और मामला पुलिस तक पहुंच गया. शिकायत मिलते ही पुलिस ने त्वरित कार्रवाई करते हुए दोनों बहनों समेत एक अन्य आरोपी को गिरफ्तार कर लिया. इस घटना ने लोगों को फिर से सतर्क रहने की जरूरत याद दिला दी है.

फर्जी अधिकारी बनकर करते थे ठगी
पुलिस के मुताबिक, आरोपी बहनों के नाम विप्रा और शिखा हैं. कभी ये दोनों खुद को प्रशिक्षु आईएएस अधिकारी बताते थे तो कभी एडीएम या एसडीएम बनकर लोगों पर रौब जमाते थे। उसके बोलने का तरीका और आत्मविश्वास इतना मजबूत था कि लोग आसानी से उसके जाल में फंस जाते थे. इन बहनों ने खास तौर पर बेरोजगार युवाओं को निशाना बनाया. उसने उससे कहा कि वह उसकी सरकारी नौकरी पक्की करवा देगी। इसके बदले में वह मोटी रकम लेती थी. कई युवाओं ने नौकरी पाने की उम्मीद में अपनी जमापूंजी तक उन्हें दे दी.