Four Indian citizens returned home on Friday after being fraudulently drafted into a private Russian army and forced to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, according to The Times of India.

Among them was Mohammad Sufiyan from Telangana, who had posted a video seven months ago pleading for help. He, along with three others from Karnataka, fell victim to a job scam that ensnared around 60 young Indian men.

Many remain stranded in Russia, awaiting rescue, still serving as soldiers in the conflict. Lured by promises of security or helper jobs, these men accepted offers and were sent to Russia in December 2023, only to face a harsh reality upon arrival.

“We were treated like slaves,” Sufiyan told TOI. “We were woken up at 6 am and made to work 15 hours straight, with no rest or sleep. The conditions were inhumane,” he added. The men endured grueling tasks with barely enough food to survive.

Once drafted, they were forced to dig trenches and handle assault rifles. They were trained to use Kalashnikovs like the AK-12 and AK-74, hand grenades, and other explosives. “Our hands were blistered, our backs ached, and our spirits were broken. If we showed any signs of exhaustion, they fired bullets at us to make us continue,” Sufiyan told TOI.

In addition to the physical hardships, they faced the psychological strain of being cut off from the world. Their phones were confiscated, leaving them uncertain of when they would return or speak to their families again. Syed Ilias Hussaini from Karnataka, who was also rescued, said fear became a constant companion as they never knew how long they would survive.

Amid the constant gunfire, they found solace in the thought of returning home. Yet, both Sufiyan and Hussaini remain haunted by the trauma of witnessing deaths and enduring high-pressure situations. Sufiyan recalls the death of his close friend, Hamil, from Gujarat, who was killed in a drone attack. Hamil had been part of a 24-soldier team that included one Indian and one Nepali soldier, and his death deeply affected Sufiyan.

Hamil’s death prompted them to alert their families, who reached out to India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who ultimately facilitated their rescue.

The central government has decided to rename Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Sri Vijaya Puram. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the change on Friday, calling it a tribute to the victory achieved during India’s freedom struggle.

“Guided by Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji’s vision to remove colonial remnants, we have chosen to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram. While the previous name had colonial roots, the new name symbolizes the triumph of our freedom movement and the unique role played by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” Shah shared on his X account.

He also highlighted the significance of the islands in India’s history, noting that they were once a naval base for the Chola Empire and are now a key location for India’s strategic and developmental ambitions.

Additionally, Shah mentioned that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are historically significant as the site where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first hoisted the national flag and where freedom fighters, including Veer Savarkar, endured imprisonment at the Cellular Jail.

In January 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 large, previously unnamed islands in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago after Param Vir Chakra recipients.

Situated on the eastern coast of South Andaman Island, Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram) serves as a gateway to over 500 untouched islands. It is also the commercial center of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and offers various water-based activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea cruises for tourists.

BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya, referencing news reports, has alleged that the ongoing CBI investigation into the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case is pointing towards a multi-crore organ trafficking racket linked to the West Bengal government. He also raised concerns about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s involvement.

Malviya shared screenshots and links to two news articles on X, posing several questions to Mamata Banerjee and her government regarding the brutal rape and murder of a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College on August 9.

“CBI probe into RG Kar Medical College & Hospital suggests a 200-crore rupee organ trade nexus in Bengal’s medical institutions. Dr. Sandip Ghosh, former Principal of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, whom Mamata Banerjee allegedly tried to shield, is the chief coordinator of this racket,” Malviya posted on X.

He also speculated whether the female doctor was raped and murdered because she had uncovered Dr. Ghosh’s alleged illegal activities. “Did Mamata Banerjee protect Ghosh because she, too, benefited from this, and was it all done under her patronage?” Malviya questioned.

“The West Bengal Health Minister must have known about this. If she didn’t, then she’s incompetent and should be removed immediately,” he added.

Malviya further demanded a CBI probe into the presence of three doctors—Soutrik Roy, Avik De, and Saurav Paul—on the RG Kar Hospital campus the night of the crime, asserting they have strong political connections.

According to a report by The Week, the preliminary CBI investigation has uncovered alleged organ trafficking involving unidentified dead bodies at RG Kar Medical College, a racket that has reportedly been operating for several years. Two individuals close to former principal Dr. Sandip Ghosh have been identified and questioned by the CBI, which has reportedly found substantial evidence of illegal organ trading. HT has not independently verified this information.

Currently, Sandip Ghosh is in CBI custody as the investigation into financial and procedural irregularities during his tenure continues. Ghosh is also accused of embezzling hospital funds, and several properties linked to him have been raided by the CBI and ED.

On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal, emphasizing that bail is the rule and jail the exception. However, restrictions on him entering the chief minister’s office and signing files will remain in place.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan delivered two judgments after reserving their verdict. Justice Bhuyan emphasized that courts must ensure the prosecution and trial process do not become a form of punishment. He questioned the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) arrest of Kejriwal, suggesting it was aimed at hindering his bail in a related Enforcement Directorate (ED) case. Bhuyan further stated that “non-cooperation does not equate to self-incrimination,” criticizing the CBI’s actions. He also remarked that the CBI must shed the perception of being a “caged parrot” and uphold its integrity.

While Justice Bhuyan expressed concerns over the restrictions on Kejriwal’s access to the chief minister’s office and file signing, he eventually agreed to uphold them, as previously set by another bench in the ED case.

Kejriwal had challenged the August 5 decision of the Delhi High Court, which upheld his CBI arrest and dismissed his bail plea due to his bypassing the trial court.

Earlier hearings had seen the bench emphasize the importance of ensuring the criminal justice system’s evolution while maintaining the authority of lower courts. The CBI had warned that a decision in Kejriwal’s favor could set a dangerous precedent. The bench reassured that its ruling would preserve the integrity of judicial institutions. The court has repeatedly reaffirmed that bail should be the norm, even in cases involving stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In a landmark ruling on Monday, the court stated that a person already in custody for one offense could still seek anticipatory bail for another offense, underscoring the importance of safeguarding personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court further highlighted the need for a fair and speedy trial, as enshrined in Article 21, cautioning against turning the legal process into a punishment in itself.

Kejriwal’s legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, argued that the CBI violated procedural safeguards under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) by arresting him. Despite receiving bail from the ED, Kejriwal has been in custody since June 26, following his CBI arrest. Singhvi asserted that the CBI’s arrest, based on non-cooperation, was unjustified, given that for two years, the agency had not deemed it necessary.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Manish Sisodia case, Singhvi argued it would be unfair to send Kejriwal back to the trial court for bail, comparing it to a “snake and ladder” game.

In defense, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju maintained that the CBI followed proper legal procedures. He criticized Kejriwal for bypassing the trial court and directly approaching the high court, accusing him of seeking “special treatment” and behaving as if he were an “extraordinary person.”

In his closing argument, Singhvi questioned how non-cooperation could justify an arrest, stressing that Kejriwal was not a “hardened criminal” and his arrest was both unwarranted and unnecessary.

On Thursday, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari called for an increase in the production of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) to meet the growing demands of the IAF.

His remarks come amid concerns over the slow pace of the LCA Mk-1A program and the potential risks posed by delays in the induction of new fighter jets to the air force’s combat readiness. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer, has been urged to expedite the ₹48,000-crore contract for 83 aircraft.

“The challenge is aligning production capacity with our needs,” Chaudhari said during a press briefing at the conclusion of Tarang Shakti 2024, India’s largest multilateral air combat exercise, held at the Jodhpur airbase.

He suggested the creation of multiple production lines to increase output. “The industry must address this challenge and propose a solution, possibly through public-private partnerships, joint ventures, or other models, with HAL leading the way,” he added, emphasizing the need for additional production lines to not only meet domestic requirements but also support exports.

To meet the IAF’s rising demand, HAL has already established a new production line for LCA Mk-1As in Nashik. The state-owned firm claims it can produce 16 jets annually at its Bengaluru facility, with the Nashik line boosting production to 24 jets per year. The delivery of the 83 jets is scheduled for completion by 2028-29.

Additionally, the defense ministry is likely to award HAL a contract for 97 more LCA Mk-1As, valued at ₹67,000 crore, by the end of the year, further enhancing the IAF’s capabilities.

The LCA is set to become a cornerstone of the IAF’s combat power in the coming decade, with the air force expected to operate around 350 LCAs (Mk-1, Mk-1A, and the future Mk-2). A third of these have already been ordered, with some inducted, and the rest are integral to the IAF’s modernization plans.

Chaudhari praised the performance of the LCA Mk-1, the first variant, during the Tarang Shakti exercise, where it successfully carried out various missions alongside larger and more advanced global fighter jets. The first phase of the exercise was held in August at the Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu, with the final leg beginning in Jodhpur on August 30. Air forces from seven countries, including the US, Australia, the UAE, and Greece, participated.

IAF has so far inducted 36 of the 40 LCA Mk-1s ordered, with these being the initial operational clearance (IOC) and final operational clearance (FOC) configurations. The LCA Mk-1A, an upgraded version, is currently on order.

Despite concerns about HAL’s ability to meet the delivery timeline for the 83 LCA Mk-1As, there is some optimism. One of the key challenges has been delays in the supply of F404 engines from US firm GE Aerospace. However, officials have said that GE Aerospace has committed to delivering two engines per month starting in November 2024.

HAL is also looking to expand exports of the LCA and helicopters, proposing the creation of a new vertical, led by a CEO-ranked officer, who will report directly to the company’s chairman.