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India news LIVE updates, 5 July 2026: Delhi Police rescue kidnapped 17-year-old, arrest rape accused

India News Today's LIVE Updates, 5 July 2026: Get the latest breaking news on a fire that broke out at a factory near Punjab National Bank in Delhi's Chandan Hola at 2 AM, and a new report showing the gender pay gap widening in India's biggest cities even as women get more regular employment, along with top headlines, politics, business, sports, entertainment and city updates from India and around the world.

delhi police 3Based on her statement, police invoked charges of rape and kidnapping under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the POCSO Act. (File Photo)

Delhi Police rescued a 17-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped in northeast Delhi and arrested a 22-year-old man from Uttam Nagar in connection with the case, PTI reported. The girl had been missing since June 20, with her mother filing a complaint on June 23. Following technical surveillance and local intelligence, police traced and rescued the minor. Based on her statement, police invoked charges of rape and kidnapping under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the POCSO Act. The accused, who has no previous criminal record, is in custody and further investigation is 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.

Uddhav Thackeray says Hindus won’t spare those looting temples

Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the alleged Ram temple donation theft row, saying, “We are fierce, innocent, nation-loving Hindus, but not fools.”

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He alleged that “if anyone loots a temple by misusing Hindutva, then Hindus will not spare them” and added that “it is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power.”

Big cities offer better jobs for women — but gender pay gap only widens

India’s biggest cities offer women more regular employment and better salaries, but a stark gender pay gap persists and widens. Only one in four women in large cities is employed, compared to almost three in four men, a new report has found.

Barmer mosque razings spark legal battle, unite residents across faith

The demolition of mosques in Barmer has triggered a legal battle and an unusual show of cross-community solidarity, with Hindu and Muslim residents standing together in opposition to the razings in what has become one of Rajasthan’s more charged communal flashpoints.

‘Saw missiles for first time’: Indian sailor’s baptism by fire near Hormuz

An Indian sailor known as “Paanch Saab” describes his first encounter with live missiles while at sea near the Strait of Hormuz — a first-person account of the human cost of the West Asia conflict for India’s seafaring community.

Ukraine hits major oil terminal in Russia’s St Petersburg

Ukraine has struck a major oil terminal in Russia’s St Petersburg, in one of the most significant attacks on Russian energy infrastructure in the ongoing war, as the conflict continues to escalate beyond its original frontlines.

Morocco carry through to World Cup quarters; Trump flexes muscle over Netanyahu

Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi scored a brace to carry the side into the World Cup quarterfinals, eliminating Canada in the process. Off the pitch, Trump said Netanyahu “knows who the boss is” as the Israeli PM sought a White House meeting amid growing bilateral tensions over the Iran deal.

Live Updates
Jul 5, 2026 09:46 PM IST
ZEE5 removes Satluj from India, says hopes to restore film soon

Streaming platform ZEE5 has announced that Satluj has been made unavailable in India "until further notice" following what it described as "current developments." In a statement shared on X, the platform thanked viewers for their support and said, "Satluj may have paused. But the conversation it started hasn't. Thank you for the incredible love. We hope to bring it back soon."

In a longer statement carried in a poster, ZEE5 said the response to the film had been "truly overwhelming" and reaffirmed its support for Satluj and its "creative vision." The platform added that it is "committed to exploring every appropriate avenue through due process to bring the film back to our audiences at the earliest opportunity," while reiterating its commitment to "stories told with conviction, artistic integrity and purpose."

Jul 5, 2026 09:35 PM IST
Delhi man kills wife by hitting her with cooking pan, arrested: Police

A 48-year-old man in Southwest Delhi surrendered to police Sunday after allegedly beating his wife to death with a cooking pan. The suspect, reportedly receiving treatment for schizophrenia, claimed he lashed out following a minor argument. Police have registered a murder case and as probe into the details continues, questions emerge regarding the adequacy of support systems for those battling severe mental illness.

Read the full report at The Indian Express here.

Jul 5, 2026 07:42 PM IST
Kaziranga's iconic patrol elephant Joymala dies at 66

Joymala, a 66-year-old patrol elephant that served Kaziranga National Park for over three decades, died on Saturday after a prolonged illness and was laid to rest with a guard of honour by Forest Department personnel. Celebrated for anti-poaching patrols and a famous 2004 encounter with a tigress, Joymala retired after turning 60 and became a "motherly figure" at the camp. At least three of her calves now serve as patrol elephants. Forest officials described patrol elephants as the "voiceless warriors of Kaziranga", crucial to conservation efforts.

Read the full report at The Indian Express here.

Jul 5, 2026 07:27 PM IST
Donald Trump marks US' 250 years with campaign-style speech

After a nearly two-hour weather delay, US President Donald Trump marked the United States' 250th anniversary with a campaign-style speech at the National Mall, celebrating the country's history.

Jul 5, 2026 07:20 PM IST
Ram temple row: Brij Bhushan Singh says will speak after probe ends

Responding to the alleged Ram temple donation embezzlement case, BJP Leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh said he had been raising concerns about the Ram temple for the past five years and claimed he was "the first one who spoke about what happened there."

He also questioned the security arrangements at the temple, saying they "should have been like that of the PM house, President house," and alleged that barriers had distanced common devotees from the shrine. Singh said the investigation was underway and added, "When that would complete, I will then speak."

Jul 5, 2026 06:33 PM IST
411 couples marry under UP government's mass marriage scheme

As many as 411 couples, including 50 Muslim couples, tied the knot under the Uttar Pradesh government's Chief Minister Mass Marriage Scheme at Ramlila Ground in Bahraich on Sunday.

Jul 5, 2026 06:32 PM IST
Navi Mumbai: Landslide near Metro pillar in CBD Belapur diverts traffic

Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide near a Metro pillar in CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, on Sunday, sending soil and rocks onto the road and disrupting traffic.

Authorities diverted vehicles heading towards Kharghar as clearance operations got underway. No injuries have been reported so far, while officials continue to remove debris and assess the situation.

Jul 5, 2026 06:25 PM IST
Delhi Police rescue kidnapped 17-year-old, arrest rape accused

Delhi Police rescued a 17-year-old girl who was allegedly kidnapped in northeast Delhi and arrested a 22-year-old man from Uttam Nagar in connection with the case.

The girl had been missing since June 20, with her mother filing a complaint on June 23. Following technical surveillance and local intelligence, police traced and rescued the minor. Based on her statement, police invoked charges of rape and kidnapping under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the POCSO Act. The accused, who has no previous criminal record, is in custody and further investigation is underway.

(With inputs from PTI)

Jul 5, 2026 06:16 PM IST
3 killed after ambulance crashes into Army vehicle in Rajasthan

Three people, including a woman patient and the ambulance driver, were killed and two others injured after a private ambulance collided with an Army vehicle on National Highway-62 near Suratgarh in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar district on Sunday.

According to police and the Army, the ambulance entered the wrong lane while attempting to overtake a truck, leaving little time to avoid the crash. Army personnel provided first aid and helped evacuate the injured, while police shifted the bodies for post-mortem. An investigation into the incident is underway.

(With inputs from PTI)

Jul 5, 2026 05:58 PM IST
Uddhav Thackeray says Hindus won't spare those looting temples

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the BJP over the alleged Ram temple donation theft row, saying, "We are fierce, innocent, nation-loving Hindus, but not fools."

He alleged that "if anyone loots a temple by misusing Hindutva, then Hindus will not spare them" and added that "it is unfortunate that those looting Hindus are in power." Referring to the BJP's slogan that "Ayodhya was a trailer, and Kashi and Mathura are yet to come", Thackeray said he was "worried about the loot there."

Read the full report at The Indian Express here.

Jul 5, 2026 05:50 PM IST
BJP will fight 2027 UP polls with NDA allies, says Nitin Nabin

Speaking in Lucknow after meeting NDA allies, Nitin Nabin said the BJP would contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in alliance with its NDA partners despite being capable of fighting on its own.

Expressing confidence of another victory, Nabin said the National Democratic Alliance would return to power in Uttar Pradesh with a "thumping majority". "The Bharatiya Janata Party is capable of fighting elections. We will ensure that all NDA constituents continue to work together to make Uttar Pradesh an 'Uttam Pradesh'," he said.

Jul 5, 2026 05:42 PM IST
Sanjay Singh targets VHP over Ayodhya Ram temple theft allegations

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Sanjay Singh said Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Alok Kumar had written to the investigating officer in the Ayodhya donation theft case seeking the questioning of him, Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders.

Questioning the VHP's stand, Singh alleged there had been "theft of money, land, ornaments and during the construction of the temple", besides the alleged disappearance of Lord Ram's paduka, a necklace and sacred stones. Citing a former Home Secretary, he also claimed that a copy of the Ramcharitmanas written using one kilogram of gold was missing and said he was "surprised" the VHP appeared unaware of these allegations.

Jul 5, 2026 04:33 PM IST
Yogi credits Syama Prasad Mookerjee for Bengal, Article 370

Addressing a Shakti Kendra Convenor Conference in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Syama Prasad Mookerjee "worked to foil the conspiracy to hand over the whole of Bengal to Pakistan" and claimed that "if today's West Bengal is a part of India and Hindus are safe there, the credit goes to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee."

Referring to the abrogation of Abrogation of Article 370, Adityanath said the move was carried out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, but added that its "source of inspiration is Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee", who had opposed the permit system in Jammu and Kashmir and called for "one nation" with a single Constitution and flag.

(PTI)

Jul 5, 2026 03:17 PM IST
6 fishermen missing off Visakhapatnam coast; search underway

A multi-agency search operation is underway after six fishermen went missing off the Visakhapatnam coast when their fishing boat reportedly developed a mechanical fault in the Bay of Bengal. One fisherman was rescued by the crew of a passing ship, while the remaining six are yet to be traced.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to intensify the search, with the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Police and naval helicopters deployed in the rescue effort. Former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also urged the government to deploy additional vessels and helicopters and provide support to the families of the missing fishermen.

Read the full report at The Indian Express here.

Jul 5, 2026 01:14 PM IST
Shopian encounter enters day 2 as forces tighten cordon around militants

Security forces intensified search operations in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Sunday after a brief gunfight with suspected militants a day earlier. A joint team of the police, Army and paramilitary forces has tightened the cordon around Chanapora village, where two militants are believed to be hiding in dense orchards. The encounter began on Saturday after intelligence inputs led to a search operation, during which the militants allegedly opened fire, triggering a gunfight. Police sources said the suspects were captured on surveillance cameras. The operation marks the first gunfight in the Kashmir Valley since October last year and comes amid the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra.

Jul 5, 2026 12:22 PM IST
Legendary Pandavani singer Teejan Bai, who took the art form across the world, dies at 69

Renowned Pandavani folk singer Teejan Bai died in Raipur in the early hours of Sunday following prolonged illness. She was 69 years old.

Teejan Bai was the only person from Chhattisgarh to have been awarded the Padma Vibhushan.

Expressing grief over her death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a social media post, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai ji. Through her grand performances, she gave this folk art form of Chhattisgarh a unique identity across the world. Her departure is an irreplaceable loss to the world of art and culture. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with her family and admirers. Om Shanti!”.... Click Here

Jul 5, 2026 11:00 AM IST
Odisha seeks Amit Shah’s help after Centre raises objections to Rs 9,755 crore disaster-proof plan

Sujit Bisoyi from Bhubaneswar reports that the Odisha government has sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah's intervention after the Centre raised reservations over its Rs 9,755-crore proposal to build disaster-resilient power infrastructure in cyclone-prone coastal districts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the project is vital to protecting essential services during extreme weather and urged the Centre to provide funding support, arguing that the initiative is of national importance. Odisha said repeated cyclones have caused nearly Rs 10,000 crore in damage to its power infrastructure over the past two decades.

Jul 5, 2026 09:58 AM IST
Kerala POCSO probe takes new turn after girl's statements don't match

Kerala police are investigating the authenticity of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a 13-year-old schoolgirl after inconsistencies emerged in her statements and the evidence collected so far. Two cases were registered under the POCSO Act at Koodal police station based on the Class 9 student's allegations that she was sexually harassed by several people, including classmates. Six suspects, four of them minors, were detained and questioned but later released after police found contradictions in the girl's statements and her medical examination reportedly showed no evidence of sexual assault or harassmen, according to the news agency PTI. Investigators are now examining digital evidence and have assigned a Deputy Superintendent of Police to conduct a detailed probe before deciding on the future course of the case.

Jul 5, 2026 09:51 AM IST
Two Hansi Gym trainer murder accused killed in encounter

Alok Singh from New Delhi is reporting that two alleged criminals wanted in the high-profile murder of a gym trainer in Haryana's Hansi were killed in an exchange of fire with a joint team of the Delhi Police Special Cell and the Haryana Police Special Task Force (STF) in Bahadurgarh during the early hours of Sunday. Police said the accused, identified as Parvesh and Himanshu, both from Hisar, opened fire after being asked to surrender, prompting the police to retaliate in self-defence. Both sustained gunshot injuries and were declared dead at a nearby hospital. The duo, who carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh each, were allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi-Hariram (Harry) Boxer-Anil Pandit organised crime network and were wanted in the Hansi gym trainer murder case. A Delhi Police constable was injured in the operation and is undergoing treatment. Haryana Police have registered a fresh FIR, while forensic teams are examining the encounter site as part of the statutory investigation.

Jul 5, 2026 09:41 AM IST
Four militants arrested in Manipur over alleged extortion activities

Four militants belonging to two banned insurgent outfits were arrested in separate operations across Manipur's Imphal East and Imphal West districts for their alleged involvement in extortion, police said on Sunday. Three of those arrested are active cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG), while the fourth, identified as Chandam Geetchandra Singh, is an active member of the UNLF(P) and was apprehended from Mantripukhri in Imphal West, as per PTI reports. Although UNLF(P) signed a peace agreement with the Centre in 2023, police said several of its cadres have continued to be arrested in cases related to extortion and the illegal sale of firearms.

Jul 5, 2026 09:30 AM IST
Kerala: Ex-student detained for allegedly trying to steal hostel beds from Kochi college

A former student of Maharajas College in Kochi was detained on Sunday for allegedly attempting to steal eight beds from the college hostel by posing as a repair worker, police said. The accused, a 2024 Botany graduate from Angamaly, reportedly arrived at the hostel early in the morning, dismantled several beds and loaded eight onto a goods vehicle hired through an online service. The alleged theft was foiled after the hostel warden asked for authorisation documents and, upon receiving no satisfactory explanation, alerted the college authorities and police, according to the PTI reports. The vehicle was seized, and the accused was taken into custody for questioning. Police said a preliminary examination of his mobile phone showed he had been in contact with some current students and further investigation is underway.

Jul 5, 2026 09:28 AM IST
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