Two-day curfew orders trigger panic buying in Ahmedabad

On this Special Report, the focus is on the controversy surrounding music composer A. R. Rahman following his remarks in a recent BBC interview. Rahman clarified his stance, stating, 'India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music.' The Oscar-winning composer addressed backlash regarding his comments on the film 'Chhava' and perceived industry prejudices. His daughters, Khatija and Rahima Rahman, have come out in his defence, describing the online vitriol as 'character assassination' rather than legitimate free speech. Additionally, the DMK has officially backed the composer, alleging that he is being targeted by right-wing trolls due to his minority status. The programme explores the intersection of artistic expression, political fallout, and the support pouring in for the global icon amidst the ongoing debate over his statements.

On this Special Report, India Today reporter Shivani Sharma provides a ground update on the devastating fire at the Gul Plaza market in Karachi. The blaze, which started on Saturday night, raged for over 33 hours before being doused by rescue teams. Shivani Sharma notes that '14 dead bodies have been recovered' and approximately 70 people remain missing as the building has been completely gutted. The fire has destroyed around 1,000 shops in the heart of Karachi, leaving the structure in a state of collapse. Families of victims, including those searching for children Haider Ali and Khizar Ali, expressed their anguish as rescuers now resort to hammering down walls and cutting windows to search for survivors or remains amidst the ruins. The report highlights the alleged shortcomings in the authorities' response, noting that the fire extinguishing reaction was 'quite pathetic' as the inferno continued for 36 hours, leaving nothing left inside the three-storey building.

On this news bulletin, the focus is on a fresh political controversy in Kerala involving Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian. Speaking in Alappuzha, Cherian questioned the election results in Muslim-majority regions, stating, 'Look who won the Kasargod in Malappuram.' He further asked if Kerala should follow other states where only the majority community of a specific area wins elections. Cherian accused Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan and the Congress party of fanning communal sentiments and encouraging minority communalism to consolidate votes. In response, V.D. Satheesan described the minister's remarks as an insult to the Constitution and the oath of office. The ruling CPM has reportedly used these developments to target the Congress over its alleged support from organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami. The exchange highlights the intensifying political climate in Kerala as the state prepares for upcoming assembly elections, with both fronts accusing each other of compromising secular values for electoral gains.

In a tragic incident from Kerala’s Kozhikode, a 42-year-old man named Deepak allegedly died by suicide after being shamed on social media. The controversy began when a woman uploaded a video on Instagram claiming Deepak molested her on a crowded bus, showing his 'elbow brushed against woman' as evidence. Following the viral spread of the clip, Deepak was found dead at his residence. His family maintains his innocence, stating the contact was accidental due to the crowd and that he was 'extremely hurt by all the accusations' before taking the extreme step. The woman has since deleted the video amid massive cyberbullying against her. Kerala Police have registered a case and are investigating the authenticity of the molestation claims and the circumstances leading to the suicide. The report highlights the dangerous trend of social media trials acting as judge, jury, and executioner, often with irreversible consequences for the reputation and lives of those involved.