Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation, opens its embassy in India

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New Delhi, India – Timor-Leste, a Southeast Asian nation, officially inaugurated its embassy in New Delhi, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic relations with India. This milestone follows India’s decision to establish its own embassy in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, underscoring a shared commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.

The embassy’s opening aligns with India’s “Act East” policy, which aims to bolster cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, particularly within the ASEAN framework. The event was attended by key diplomatic representatives, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries.

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Francesco Fernandes, the Charge d’Affaires of the Timor-Leste Embassy in New Delhi, praised India’s leadership on global platforms such as the G20, BRICS, and the Global South. He emphasized that the reciprocal establishment of embassies—Timor-Leste in Delhi and India in Dili—marks a new chapter in their collaboration. Timor-Leste, strategically positioned between Southeast Asia and the Pacific, is seeking to strengthen its regional ties, including its anticipated accession to ASEAN, further enhancing its diplomatic and economic significance to India’s outreach in the region.

This diplomatic development builds on previous high-level interactions. At the ASEAN-India Summit in Jakarta on September 7, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s decision to open an embassy in Dili, a move warmly welcomed by Timor-Leste. The reciprocal establishment of Timor-Leste’s mission in New Delhi was confirmed in anticipation of President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Timor-Leste on August 10, 2024—the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the nation. During her visit, President Murmu reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties, with the embassy opening now materializing as a crucial step in that direction.

The newly inaugurated embassy is expected to facilitate increased economic and strategic cooperation. Fernandes extended an invitation to Indian investors, highlighting opportunities in key sectors such as construction, technology, infrastructure, logistics, and digital connectivity. With Timor-Leste’s strategic location as a potential logistics hub between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the country’s diplomatic mission in India is poised to enhance trade and investment opportunities, complementing India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

The strengthened “Delhi-Dili connect” comes at a time when both nations share a commitment to democratic values and pluralism. High-level meetings between leaders, including Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao’s engagement with PM Modi during the ASEAN Summit in Laos and President Jose Ramos-Horta’s participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2023, have further cemented bilateral ties. Additionally, agreements signed during President Murmu’s visit, such as those related to medical education and visa facilitation for Indian students, signal a broadening of cooperation into educational and digital sectors, including the potential introduction of India’s UPI payment system in Timor-Leste.

The opening of Timor-Leste’s embassy in New Delhi on March 20, 2025, stands as a landmark event, reinforcing the growing friendship between the two nations. It reflects a shared vision for collaboration in economic, strategic, and cultural domains, positioning Timor-Leste as an emerging key partner for India in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.


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Pakistan Army captain and seven terrorists killed in operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan — A Pakistan Army captain and ten terrorists from the banned Khawarij group were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan district on Thursday, the military said. The operation, targeting a militant hideout in the Karri Malang area near the South Waziristan border, underscored Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in its volatile northwest.

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The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, reported that security forces launched the IBO based on intelligence about the presence of Khawarij militants—a term often used by authorities to describe hardcore extremists, including members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter groups. “On 20 March 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan District,” the ISPR statement read. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops, after stealthily surrounding the Khawarij location, effectively engaged them and resultantly all ten Khawarij were sent to hell.”

The operation turned deadly when Captain Hasnain Akhtar, a 24-year-old officer from Jhelum district, led his unit into an intense firefight. “Captain Hasnain Akhtar, who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” the ISPR said. Known for his bravery and daring actions in previous operations, the young captain’s death marked a significant loss for the military. Three other soldiers were injured in the exchange, sources confirmed.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants, who, according to the ISPR, were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities, including attacks on law enforcement agencies and targeted killings of civilians. A sanitization operation was underway late Thursday to eliminate any remaining threats in the area. “The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave young officers further strengthen our resolve,” the ISPR added.

Escalating Violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The operation reflects a broader surge in counterterrorism efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province grappling with rising militancy near the Afghan border. Earlier this month, on March 15, security forces killed nine militants in separate raids in Mohmand and Dera Ismail Khan, though two soldiers also perished. Thursday’s clash in Karri Malang—a rugged, remote area known as a militant stronghold—further highlights the persistent challenge posed by groups like the TTP and its affiliates, which have intensified attacks since ending a ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions in the early hours of Thursday, though no civilian casualties were reported. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) has noted a sharp uptick in violence, with 79 terrorist incidents recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last month alone, claiming 55 civilian and 47 security personnel lives. Analysts link the unrest to alleged militant sanctuaries across the border in Afghanistan—a charge Kabul denies—complicating Pakistan’s security strategy.

A Hero’s Sacrifice Amid a National Fight

Captain Hasnain Akhtar’s martyrdom has drawn tributes from military and civilian circles alike. Described as a courageous leader, his death underscores the human cost of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism campaign. “Such acts of bravery fortify our commitment to rooting out this scourge,” an ISPR spokesperson said, echoing a sentiment shared across social media posts on X, where users hailed the captain as a national hero.

As security forces press forward with their sanitization efforts, the operation in Dera Ismail Khan stands as both a tactical victory and a somber reminder of the stakes involved. With the Khawarij neutralized, Pakistan continues its relentless pursuit of stability in a region long plagued by insurgency.


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Germany reopens its embassy in Syria after 13 years of closure

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Damascus, Syria — Germany reopened its embassy in Damascus on Thursday, marking its return to the Syrian capital after a 13-year closure triggered by the outbreak of the country’s civil war. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who presided over the reopening, emphasized the need for Europe to have “eyes and ears” on the ground as Syria navigates its ongoing political transition.

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The embassy’s reopening comes during Baerbock’s second visit to Damascus since the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024. She met with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and other officials following the ceremony. Among the European Union’s 27 member states, Germany joins Italy—which reopened its embassy last year before Assad’s ouster—and Spain, which resumed operations after his departure, in restoring a diplomatic presence in Syria.

“With this embassy opening, we are saying very clearly that Germany is back in Damascus,” Baerbock told reporters. “Germany has a paramount interest in a stable Syria.” For now, the embassy will operate with a small team, supported by staff based in neighboring Lebanon, and will not offer consular or visa services.

It is currently led by a chargé d’affaires, with Baerbock noting that the appointment of a full ambassador hinges on future political and security developments. “We want the political process in Syria to move forward and to support it as well as is possible,” she said. “For that, we as Europeans and as the Federal Republic of Germany need our colleagues as eyes and ears on the ground.”

The move signals Germany’s intent to engage directly with Syria’s evolving landscape following years of conflict and isolation. While limited in scope, the embassy’s reopening reflects a cautious step toward rebuilding diplomatic ties as the country transitions under interim leadership.

Germany, one of the leading powers in the EU, has been a major destination for Syrian refugees over the past decade. If all the millions of Syrians who left the country returned at once, “Syria would collapse,” Baerbock said.

She said the return of those who want to go back would “have to be a step-by-step approach, especially starting with the direct neighboring countries.”


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Canada reports that China executed four Canadians earlier this year

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Ottawa, Canada — China executed four Canadian citizens in recent months, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced Wednesday, a rare move that has deepened the rift between the two nations. Such executions of Western nationals by China are uncommon and have sparked outrage in Ottawa.

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Joly revealed that she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally sought clemency for the four individuals, all dual Canadian-Chinese citizens facing drug-related charges. Beijing, which does not recognize dual citizenship, proceeded with the executions despite these appeals. “We strongly condemn the executions,” Joly told reporters in Ottawa. “I asked personally for leniency … They were all dual citizens.” She noted that Canada consistently advocates for clemency in death penalty cases involving its citizens abroad but declined to disclose the identities of the executed individuals at the request of their families.

FILE : The Embassy of Republic’s of the China in Ottawa is shown on Thursday, Jan 17, 2019. Photo : The Canadian Press/ Sean Kilpatrick

A spokesperson for China’s embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, stating, “China always imposes severe penalties on drug-related crimes. The facts of the crimes committed by the Canadian nationals involved in the cases are clear, and the evidence is solid and sufficient.” The spokesperson emphasized that the rights of those executed were “fully guaranteed” and called on Canada to “stop making irresponsible remarks” about Beijing’s judicial sovereignty. China is believed to execute more people annually than the rest of the world combined, though exact figures remain a closely guarded state secret. Traditionally carried out by gunshot, executions in China have increasingly shifted to lethal injection in recent years, though the method used in these cases was not specified.

Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Charlotte MacLeod reiterated the government’s opposition to the death penalty, calling it “irreversible and inconsistent with human dignity.” She confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the families, who have asked the media to respect their privacy. MacLeod also noted that Ottawa continues to advocate for clemency for Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian sentenced to death in 2019 for drug smuggling, who was not among those executed.

The executions come amid heightened tensions between Canada and China, fueled by recent trade disputes and a history of diplomatic friction. Earlier this month, China imposed retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food imports, following Canada’s October decision to levy duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. These tit-for-tat measures echo broader global trade tensions involving the United States, China, and Mexico. “China is sending us a message that we have to take steps if we want to see an improvement in the relationship,” said Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian ambassador to China.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from Canadian officials and observers. Opposition Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong called the executions “unprecedented,” arguing that “executing a number of Canadians in short order is clearly a sign that Beijing has no intention of improving relations with Canada.” Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to ex-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, remarked on social media, “It turns out agricultural tariffs weren’t the worst part of the PRC response to EV tariffs.”

Canada-China relations have been strained since 2018, when Canadian authorities arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of the United States on fraud charges. Shortly after, China detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in what was widely seen as retaliatory “hostage politics.” The two were released in 2021, the same day Meng returned to China after a deal with U.S. authorities. Despite China being Canada’s second-largest trading partner, bilateral ties remain fraught.

Human rights groups have also weighed in. Ketty Nivyabandi, head of Amnesty International Canada, described the executions as “shocking and inhumane,” urging Canada to reassess its approach to Beijing. For now, the executions stand as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Canada in navigating its relationship with an increasingly assertive China.


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Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Sapar Palvanov Discusses Permanent Neutrality at ULB

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Brussels, Belgium – Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, delivered a lecture on permanent neutrality at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), invited by the student group Lale. Moderated by Derya Soysal, the session featured an in-depth discussion on Turkmenistan’s neutral stance, its diplomatic role in global conflicts, and the significance of preventive diplomacy.

Defining Turkmenistan’s Neutrality

Derya Soysal: What does neutrality mean for Turkmenistan?

Sapar Palvanov: Turkmenistan’s neutrality is an active diplomatic strategy, not isolation. Our policy is based on four principles:

  • We do not join military alliances or allow foreign military bases on our soil.
  • We promote peace and dialogue instead of engaging in conflicts.
  • We maintain balanced diplomatic relations with all nations, emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation.
  • We support humanitarian aid and regional development for long-term stability.

By adhering to these principles, Turkmenistan has positioned itself as a trusted international mediator.

Turkmenistan’s Role in Diplomatic Mediation

Turkmenistan has played a key role in mediation efforts, proving that neutrality fosters peace.

Tajik Civil War (1990s): Turkmenistan facilitated dialogue between the Tajik government and opposition forces, hosting negotiations in Ashgabat and supporting UN-led peace efforts.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: While many nations have taken sides, Turkmenistan has maintained diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian ties with both countries while rejecting war as a solution.

  • Turkmenistan opposes war in any form, advocating peaceful dialogue.
  • Humanitarian assistance has been provided to Ukraine, particularly for children affected by the conflict.
  • Economic ties remain with both nations, ensuring cooperation despite tensions.

These actions reinforce Turkmenistan’s commitment to neutrality and its role as a responsible global partner.

Preventive Diplomacy and the UNRCCA

Derya Soysal: Why is preventive diplomacy important?

Sapar Palvanov: Preventive diplomacy is essential for avoiding conflicts before they escalate. Turkmenistan took a significant step in this regard by establishing the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) in Ashgabat in 2007. This center helps resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation rather than war.

Success Stories:

  • Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border Conflict: The UNRCCA intervened to de-escalate tensions, preventing further violence.
  • Regional Security and Water Disputes: The center actively mediates in Central Asia, ensuring that small disputes do not turn into larger conflicts.

The UNRCCA is the only center of its kind, setting a precedent for other regions to adopt similar conflict-prevention models.

Expanding Preventive Diplomacy Worldwide

Derya Soysal: What makes the UNRCCA unique?

Sapar Palvanov: Its success proves that preventive diplomacy is an effective way to maintain stability. Inspired by this, other regions are now considering establishing similar centers.

2025: International Year of Peace and Trust

Turkmenistan has championed 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, a UN-recognized initiative promoting diplomacy over conflict. This effort includes:

  • A high-level international conference in Turkmenistan to unite world leaders and discuss conflict resolution.
  • Advocacy for peaceful negotiations and mediation-based diplomacy.
  • Recognition of successful peace agreements, such as the recent Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border resolution.

By leading this initiative, Turkmenistan aims to inspire more nations to prioritize dialogue and cooperation over division and hostility.

The Role of Future Diplomats

Derya Soysal: Why does this matter for young diplomats?

Sapar Palvanov: Today’s global conflicts highlight the need for new diplomatic approaches. Future diplomats must embrace neutrality, preventive diplomacy, and global cooperation.

Key Diplomatic Priorities:

  • Mediators to help resolve disputes peacefully.
  • Neutral spaces for conflict resolution without political pressure.
  • Preventive diplomacy to stop crises before they escalate.

Turkmenistan’s diplomatic model shows that neutrality is not passive—it is a strategic, effective approach to fostering international peace. By participating in diplomatic initiatives like the International Year of Peace and Trust, young professionals can contribute to building a more stable world.

Conclusion: Turkmenistan’s neutrality serves as a practical model for global diplomacy. As 2025 approaches, the world has an opportunity to embrace trust, cooperation, and dialogue. Through active engagement, future diplomats can help shape a more peaceful international landscape.

Sapar Palvanov: I invite you all to be part of this global initiative and explore how diplomacy can create a more interconnected, peaceful world. Thank you!


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International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations Delegates Join UN Women Conference

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New York, USA – Delegates from the International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations participated in the UN Women Conference, reaffirming their commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and cultural diplomacy as tools for social progress.

The conference, held at the United Nations headquarters, brought together global leaders, diplomats, and activists to discuss strategies for advancing women’s rights and ensuring gender inclusivity in policymaking. The delegates from the International Commission emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in fostering global collaboration and creating inclusive societies.

During the event, the delegates engaged in discussions on key issues such as women’s leadership in diplomacy, economic empowerment, education, and the impact of cultural exchange programs on gender equity. They also highlighted successful initiatives led by the Commission to promote women’s participation in international relations and cultural heritage preservation.

Talking to Diplomat Times News, Dr. Srinivas Eluri, General Secretary of the organization, stated that the organization’s four-member delegation actively participated in the UN Women Conference, contributing to discussions on cultural diplomacy and gender equality.

Speaking at the conference, a representative from the Commission stated:
“Cultural diplomacy plays a crucial role in bridging gaps between societies. By integrating cultural understanding into diplomatic efforts, we can create stronger, more inclusive policies that uplift women worldwide.”

The participation of the International Commission of Culture and Diplomatic Relations underscores the growing recognition of diplomacy as a means to promote gender equality on a global scale. As discussions continue, the Commission remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that empower women and strengthen international cooperation.


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Dhaka Court Orders Freezing of 31 Bank Accounts Linked to Ousted PM Hasina and Family Over Corruption Allegations

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Dhaka, Bangladesh – A Dhaka court on Tuesday ordered the freezing of 31 bank accounts associated with ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, and their associates amid corruption allegations, according to media reports.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stated that the frozen bank accounts belong to Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, sister Sheikh Rehana, nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, and several related organizations. These accounts collectively hold a total of Tk 394.6 crore (approximately INR 281.2 crore), according to a report by Prothom Alo.

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Among the organizations affected by the court’s decision are the Bangladesh Awami League and the Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Trust, as reported by The Daily Star newspaper.

This development comes amid an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities allegedly committed during Hasina’s tenure as Prime Minister. The ACC has been actively probing corruption cases involving high-profile political figures in Bangladesh, with authorities pledging to hold those involved accountable.

Political analysts suggest that this move could have significant ramifications for Bangladesh’s political landscape, as Hasina’s party, the Awami League, continues to grapple with legal challenges and allegations of financial misconduct.

Further legal proceedings are expected, and the ACC has indicated that more actions may follow based on the findings of their investigation.


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Ukraine Open to Peace Talks but Firm on Sovereignty, Says Foreign Minister in India

New Delhi, India – Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated on Tuesday during his visit to India that Ukraine is committed to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace in its conflict with Russia. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, a prominent geopolitical forum in New Delhi, Sybiha emphasized that recent discussions held in Jeddah with the United States had opened new opportunities to end the war within this year.

“After the meeting in Jeddah, we gained fresh momentum and additional opportunities to bring this war to an end this year. And we are ready for this. We are not the obstacle to achieving peace. Let’s see what Russia’s response is to a ceasefire,” Sybiha said.

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His remarks come shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy formally appointed a delegation to explore possible peace negotiations. The delegation, led by the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, also includes Sybiha.

A crucial element of Sybiha’s address at the Raisina Dialogue was Ukraine’s unwavering stance on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“There will be no compromises at the cost of Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty. No third country has the right to block our will or our right to participate in any union, in any alliances; this is our principal position. We will never recognize any territories occupied by Russia,” Sybiha asserted.

US Leadership and Diplomacy

Sybiha also expressed optimism about the role of the United States in brokering peace, echoing sentiments previously shared by President Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

“We truly believe that under the leadership of President Trump, we could achieve a long-lasting, just peace,” he said.

Zelenskyy had earlier indicated that if Russia rejects a U.S.-led ceasefire proposal, he expects Trump’s stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin to be “clear, tough, and direct.”

US-Ukraine Cooperation on Mineral Resources

Apart from diplomatic discussions, Sybiha also highlighted Ukraine’s readiness to cooperate with the U.S. in the area of mineral resources.

“We are prepared to sign an agreement regarding Ukrainian mineral resources with the United States. Several rounds of negotiations have already taken place, and the framework agreement is ready for signature. In Jeddah, we proposed that the American side move forward with signing this agreement,” he explained.

Current Military Situation

Despite Russian advances on the battlefield, Sybiha insisted that Ukraine remains strategically in control of the situation.

“Russia has not managed to achieve any strategic goals in Ukraine. Yes, they have made some advances due to various factors, but strategically, the situation remains under control. However, now is the time for diplomacy,” he stated.

As Ukraine continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, the world watches closely to see whether Russia will engage in meaningful peace talks or maintain its military aggression. Meanwhile, Ukraine remains steadfast in its principles, ensuring that any peace agreement does not come at the cost of its sovereignty.


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Brutal Murder of Class 12 Student in Pune, Two Friends, Including Minor, Arrested

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Pune, India – In a shocking development, a 19-year-old youth was arrested and a minor boy detained on Tuesday for allegedly murdering their friend, a Class 12 student, in a gruesome crime that has rattled the community in Ahilyanagar district. The victim’s dismembered body parts were discovered dumped in two wells in Danewadi village, Shrigonda tehsil, near the Pune-Ahilyanagar border, police confirmed.

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The victim, identified as Mauli Satish Gavhane, a 19-year-old resident of Danewadi, went missing on March 6 after leaving home to attend his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination at an allotted center at CT Bora College in Shirur, Pune district. When he failed to return home and his family could not contact him, his parents lodged a missing person’s complaint with the Shirur police station under Pune rural jurisdiction on March 9.

The investigation took a grim turn when, on March 12, a sack containing severed human body parts—including a head, two hands, and one leg—was recovered from a well owned by Vitthal Dattu Mandge in Danewadi. Based on identification marks and an earring, the family confirmed the remains belonged to Mauli.

A subsequent search led to the recovery of another sack containing additional body parts on March 15 from a second well near the banks of the Ghodnadi River.

Police and local staff retrieving the victim’s body from the well. (Photo: News18 Marathi)

Police identified and apprehended two suspects: Sagar Dadabhu Gavhane, a 19-year-old from the same village, and a minor boy aged 17 years and nine months, both of whom were reportedly close friends of the victim. According to a senior officer from Ahilyanagar police, preliminary investigations suggest the motive stemmed from a personal dispute. “Prima facie, the accused suspected that Mauli had defamed them by spreading rumors about their closeness, possibly hinting at a same-sex relationship,” the official stated. However, the police are still verifying whether this was indeed the case or if other factors contributed to the crime.

The accused allegedly lured Mauli under a pretext—possibly using the guise of a game like Ludo, as suggested by some reports—and killed him by strangulating him before dismembering his body. “The accused confessed to using a sharp sword to murder the victim, though we suspect other tools were used to sever the body into pieces,” the officer added. The body parts were then stuffed into two sacks and dumped into separate wells to conceal the crime.

The investigation revealed that Mauli had not reached his exam center in Shirur as initially assumed. Despite a family member’s claim that he was spotted near the college gate around the exam time, police found no evidence to support this, indicating the murder may have occurred shortly after he left home on March 6. The accused had reportedly been planning the crime for over a month, pointing to premeditation.

Fact Check

Victim’s Identity and Disappearance: Confirmed. Mauli Satish Gavhane, a 19-year-old Class 12 student from Danewadi, went missing on March 6, 2025, after leaving for his HSC exam. His family filed a missing person’s complaint on March 9, consistent with police records.

Discovery of Body Parts: Verified. Severed body parts were recovered from two wells in Danewadi on March 12 and March 15, identified as Mauli’s by his family based on physical markers.

Arrests: Accurate. Sagar Dadabhu Gavhane, 19, was arrested, and a minor aged 17 years and nine months was detained on March 18, 2025, as confirmed by Ahilyanagar police.

Motive: Partially verified. Police state the accused suspected Mauli defamed them over their “closeness,” with a possible reference to a same-sex relationship rumor. However, this remains under investigation and is not fully substantiated yet.
Method of Murder: Under scrutiny. The accused claimed to have used a sword, but police suspect additional tools were involved in dismembering the body, pending forensic confirmation.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The horrific nature of the crime has sparked outrage among villagers, who staged a roadblock protest near the Seventeen Arches Bridge in Shirur on March 17, demanding swift justice. The police have deployed multiple teams to probe the case further, focusing on technical evidence and witness statements to corroborate the accused’s confessions.

This incident adds to a disturbing trend of violent crimes in the region, leaving residents of Pune and Ahilyanagar districts in shock, especially given the victim’s young age and the brutality involved. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to ensure all aspects of the case are uncovered and justice is served.


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Who Is Korekore (Yuta Kimura)? The Controversial Japanese Streamer Taking X by Storm Worldwide

Tokyo, Japan  — As of March 18, 2025, the hashtag #コレコレ (Korekore) has surged to global prominence on X, captivating users worldwide and sparking intense curiosity about the figure behind the trend. Korekore, whose real name is Yuta Kimura, is a polarizing Japanese YouTuber and live streamer known for his unfiltered exposés and dramatic broadcasts, often aired on platforms like TwitCasting and YouTube. With over 2 million subscribers on his main YouTube channel and a reputation as Japan’s “scandal whisperer,” Korekore’s latest activities have propelled him into the international spotlight, leaving many asking.

Who is this enigmatic internet personality?

Korekore’s rise to fame began with his raw, real-time streams tackling taboo topics—celebrity scandals, viewer confessions, and social controversies—delivered with a brash, no-holds-barred style. His most recent broadcast, rumored to have aired late Monday, March 17, on TwitCasting, reportedly drew hundreds of thousands of viewers and ignited X with reactions ranging from shock to admiration.

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While specifics remain unconfirmed as of 1:53 AM IST, posts on X suggest he may have unveiled a bombshell exposé, possibly involving a high-profile Japanese entertainment figure or a personal milestone update, such as his ongoing weight loss challenge (pledged in 2023 to slim from 112 kg to 95 kg or delete his channel). His March 16 schedule shift from 2 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. JST had already fueled anticipation.

The hashtag #コレコレ reflects a mix of sentiments: fans laud his fearless commentary—“Korekore says what others won’t,” one user posted—while critics decry his penchant for stirring drama, with another calling him “the king of chaos.” His past high-profile moments, like the 2022 Strawberry Prince scandal that hit 519,000 concurrent viewers or his 2024 clash with VTuber circles, underscore his knack for commanding attention. Affiliated with Liver Inc., Korekore’s streams often blend entertainment with provocation, earning him both a loyal following and vocal detractors.

Globally, X users are dissecting his appeal. “He’s like a Japanese gossip detective,” an American poster mused, while a Thai fan speculated about a new celebrity takedown. The trend’s worldwide reach highlights Korekore’s unique ability to transcend cultural barriers, fueled by real-time translations and his larger-than-life persona. As of now, with no official statement from Korekore, the buzz on X—spanning praise, debate, and memes—cements his status as a digital lightning rod. At 31, this “delivery-native” streamer continues to redefine online influence, one viral moment at a time.


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