The violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad over the Waqf Amendment Act intensified, with reports of approximately 500 people fleeing their homes to seek refuge in schools in neighboring Malda district. Refugees alleged houses were burned and water supplies poisoned. The death toll reached three, with over 150 arrests made and paramilitary forces deployed.
Political blame-shifting accelerated throughout the day. BJP claimed Hindus were being targeted, while a TMC minister blamed BSF for the deaths. Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Mahmood Madani questioned if "only Muslims would be blamed" for the violence.
In Karnataka, a man accused of murdering a 5-year-old girl after an attempted rape was killed in a police encounter, generating extensive coverage.
Other developments included Mayawati forgiving her nephew Akash Anand after his public apology, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi sparking controversy by asking students to chant "Jai Shri Ram," and DRDO showcasing a 30KW laser-based anti-drone weapon system.