A builder who was arrested in connection with the killing of three men following a deadly knife fight on the streets of east London will not face any murder or manslaughter charges as the incident was deemed to be an act self-defence.
Gurjeet Singh, 29, had been arrested by the Metropolitan Police in connection with the killing of Narinder Singh Lubhaya, 29, Harinder Kumar, 30, and Malkit Singh Dhillon a.k.a. Baljinder Singh, 37, back in January.
The three murdered men, originally from Punjab, were found to have set upon Gurjeet Singh at Seven Kings in Redbridge, London and were killed in the ensuing street fight.
“Gurjeet Singh was arrested on January 20 on suspicion of murder. He was charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and was remanded in custody to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
“He appeared for trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, August 19 charged with being in possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. Following trial, the jury found him not guilty,” the statement said.
According to a source quoted by The Times, CCTV footage of the incident showed Singh fighting off the men as they attacked him.
The newspaper quoted the source as saying that Singh “went all Bruce Lee” as he defended himself.
The court was also told that the men attacked Singh over an "outstanding debt" related to a business deal gone wrong. The night before the attack, there was a community event to celebrate the birth of a baby where there was a disagreement between the men.
On the night of the attack, the men lay in wait for Singh with weapons as he left the local gurdwara. Three of the four male assailants were later found in pools of blood.
Singh suffered a number of wounds fending off the four armed assailants, including a 5-cm cut to the left side of the head, a cut to the forehead and to the back of his head and what the court was told was “a crush injury” to the top of his head thought to have been sustained from a hammer. He also sustained a wound to his hand.
One of the four, Sandeep Singh, a 29-year-old unskilled labourer from Romford in east London, was arrested and jailed for four years in August for wounding with intent.
He was found to have overstayed his visa and will be deported back to India after his sentence. His brother, Harpreet, 27, the appointed getaway driver on the night, was also found to be in the UK illegally and will be sent back to India after a 12-month jail sentence for the same offence.
The horrific attack had sent shockwaves around the community and led London Mayor Sadiq Khan to demand more government funding to tackle knife crime in the city during a visit to the scene of the stabbings in January.
"The horrific triple stabbing in Seven Kings in Redbridge last night is a tragic reminder of the evil scourge of knife crime that continues to plague our entire country,” he said at the time.
A STAMPEDE broke out in Bengaluru on Wednesday during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory, resulting in multiple deaths, according to a senior government official.
Indian media reported that as many as 11 people may have been crushed to death outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said the exact number of fatalities had not yet been confirmed.
"The tragedy and death have brought deep pain and shock," Shivakumar said in a statement. "My condolences to the deceased. My condolences to their family."
An AFP photographer reported large crowds, with police attempting to control them using sticks.
Shivakumar said "hundreds of thousands of people" had gathered on the streets. "I have spoken to the police commissioner and everyone, I will also go to the hospital later – I do not want to disturb the doctors who are taking care of the patients," he said.
"The exact number cannot be told now. We appeal to the people to remain calm."
Broadcasters aired footage of police rushing children away from the crowd, some of whom appeared to have fainted. One young man was seen in an ambulance struggling to breathe.
NDTV reported that at least 11 people had died, while The Times of India said seven had been killed.
"This is not a controllable crowd," Shivakumar told reporters. "The police were finding it very difficult."
"I apologise to the people of Karnataka and Bengaluru. We wanted to take a procession, but the crowd was very uncontrollable... the crowd was so much," he said.
Despite the incident, the celebrations went ahead. A video shared by the team’s social media account showed cheering crowds as a bus carrying the players, including Virat Kohli, moved through the streets.
"This welcome is what pure love looks like," the team posted on X.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told NDTV that those inside the stadium were unaware of the stampede during the celebrations. "At the time of the celebrations inside the stadium officials there did not know what had happened... I would like to send my heartfelt condolences," he said.
Shivakumar said organisers had "shortened the programme".
"This is a very sad incident," Rajeev Shukla, vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, told India Today. "No one imagined that such a huge crowd would turn up."
Deadly crowd incidents have occurred at Indian mass events in the past, including a 2023 religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh where 121 people were killed.
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The arrest also comes amid a fragile pause in the ongoing US-China trade war
A Chinese scientist working at a top US university has been arrested over allegations of smuggling a dangerous crop-destroying fungus into the United States. The pathogen, classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon, poses risks not only to crops but also to human and animal health.
Scientist pair accused of conspiracy
Yunqing Jian, 33, a researcher at the University of Michigan, was arrested and charged with conspiracy, smuggling, visa fraud and making false statements. Her partner, Zunyong Liu, 34, who previously worked at a university in China, is also accused in the case. US authorities allege that the pair conspired to bring Fusarium graminearum—a fungus responsible for billions in global agricultural losses—into the country.
The fungus causes a plant disease known as "head blight", particularly in wheat, rice and barley. It not only devastates harvests but can also lead to vomiting, liver damage and reproductive problems in both humans and livestock if ingested.
Fungus labelled as an ‘agroterrorism weapon’
According to the FBI, Fusarium graminearum is recognised in scientific circles as a potential agroterrorism threat due to its severe economic impact and its ability to contaminate food supplies. The US attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Michigan confirmed that the University of Michigan does not hold federal permits to handle this pathogen.
'Fusarium graminearum' is recognised in scientific circles as a potential agroterrorism threat Telegraph
“It is responsible for billions of dollars in economic losses worldwide each year,” the statement added.
Smuggling attempt at Detroit airport
Authorities claim that Liu attempted to smuggle samples of the fungus through Detroit airport in July 2024. During an inspection, red-coloured plant material was discovered in his backpack. He was immediately returned to China, which does not have an extradition treaty with the US, making it unlikely that he will face charges unless he voluntarily returns.
Despite this, investigators say Jian was already working with the fungus at the University of Michigan before Liu’s interception. FBI director Kash Patel alleged via a post on X that Jian had previously received Chinese government funding for similar research in China.
Evidence of Communist Party loyalty
A search of Jian’s mobile phone revealed a document pledging her allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The declaration stated: “I adhere to the four basic principles, support the leadership of the Communist Party of China, resolutely implement the party’s educational guidelines and policies, love education, care for students, unite colleagues, love the motherland, and care about national affairs.”
The "four principles" referenced in the document include upholding socialism, the leadership of the CCP, Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought (Maoism), and the people’s democratic dictatorship.
US Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr described the case as “of the gravest national security concerns,” citing fears that the CCP is using academics to infiltrate sensitive American institutions.
Suspicious research and communications
Investigators found messages between Jian and Liu indicating that they were both working on Fusarium graminearum in 2024. Liu's phone also contained an academic article titled "Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions", which raised further suspicions.
Liu's phone also contained an academic article titled "Plant-Pathogen Warfare under Changing Climate Conditions"Telegraph
In court, Jian appeared handcuffed and visibly distressed. Her bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Journalists were barred from attending the session, but reports say she appeared shocked as the charges were read aloud.
University and White House respond
The University of Michigan issued a statement saying it had no involvement in the research and denied receiving any funding from the Chinese government related to the accused individuals.
“We strongly condemn any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university’s critical public mission,” the university said.
The case has surfaced at a sensitive time in US-China relations, with President Donald Trump expected to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week. Trade tensions remain high, particularly over agricultural tariffs, and US officials have expressed concern over China’s purchase of around 380,000 acres of American farmland, some near military installations.
Geopolitical backdrop
The arrest also comes amid a fragile pause in the ongoing US-China trade war. After Trump’s “liberation day” announcement on 2 April, tariffs on Chinese imports peaked at 145 per cent. China retaliated by placing levies on roughly £16 billion worth of US goods, particularly agricultural products, causing American grain prices to plummet.
The FBI has framed the fungus smuggling case as part of a broader pattern of Chinese interference in US domestic affairs, including attempts to undermine the nation’s food security.
“This case is a sobering reminder that the CCP is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply,” said Patel.
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Bhim Kohli, 80, died in September 2024 after being punched and kicked by a 14-year-old boy in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, while a 12-year-old girl filmed the attack.
AN ELDERLY man who was racially abused and fatally attacked in Leicestershire had previously reported witnessing a racist assault in the same area, the BBC has found.
Bhim Kohli, 80, died in September 2024 after being punched and kicked by a 14-year-old boy in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, while a 12-year-old girl filmed the attack. The two, now aged 15 and 13, were convicted of manslaughter and are due to be sentenced on Thursday.
Two weeks before the attack, Kohli told police he saw two white boys, aged 12 and 13, racially abuse a man and throw a rock at him near the same park. The victim, who remains anonymous, told the BBC the boys also picked up a wooden fence post and tried to hit him, prompting Mr Kohli, his daughter Susan, and neighbour Linda Haigh to intervene.
Haigh said she warned police at the time but does not believe they took the matter seriously. "I think they should have acted on it. I feel that we've been totally let down," she told the BBC.
Leicestershire Police said “organisational learning” had been identified to improve how anti-social behaviour is logged. Chief Supt Jonathan Starbuck said two reports had been made prior to Kohli’s death, and further incidents were discovered later.
An earlier July incident involving Kohli being racially abused and targeted by children had also been reported.
The two boys involved in the August assault admitted racially aggravated common assault but were later given a deferred youth caution after being referred to the youth justice panel.
The force said it continues to monitor the area with community engagement and patrols.
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More than a million pilgrims have already arrived in Saudi Arabia for hajj
SAUDI ARABIA is ramping up a crackdown on unregistered worshippers at this week’s hajj pilgrimage, a year after hundreds perished in scorching heat.
Regular raids, drone surveillance and a barrage of text alerts are being deployed to root out unauthorised visitors hoping to mingle among the crowds in and around the holy city of Mecca.
The simple message, “No hajj without a permit”, is being blared out in a relentless campaign promoted nationwide at shopping centres, on billboards and across media platforms.
Last year, 1,301 pilgrims, most of them unregistered and lacking access to air-conditioned tents and buses, died as temperatures soared to 51.8°C(125.2°F).
“Since the end of last season, we realised the biggest challenge is preventing unauthorised pilgrims from undermining the success of the hajj season,” said one official helping organise the hajj, requesting anonymity.
The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be completed by all Muslims with the means at least once. Yet official permits are allocated to countries through a quota system and distributed to individuals via a lottery.
Even for those who can obtain them, the steep costs make the irregular route – which costs thousands of dollars less – more attractive.
Saudi officials said 83 percent of those who died last year did not have official hajj permits. Temperatures of up to 44°C (111°F) are forecast next week.
To seek out unregistered pilgrims, Saudi authorities have rolled out a new fleet of drones to monitor entrances into Mecca. Security forces have also raided hundreds of apartments in search of people hiding out in the area.
An Egyptian engineer living in Mecca, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said his building was raided multiple times in recent weeks. “Police officers in uniform came to my home twice and asked to see my and my wife’s residency permits,” he told AFP.
“Almost everywhere, we’re being asked to show residency or work permits in Mecca. The security presence is unprecedented.”
The problem of illicit pilgrims has become acute since Saudi Arabia loosened visa restrictions in line with economic reforms, trying to attract more tourism and business.
Hundreds of thousands of people are believed to have used family and tourist visas, instead of the designated hajj visa, to enter the country each year. Saudi Arabia is now trying to cut off the problem at source, restricting multiple-entry visas for citizens of several countries since January.
Family and tourist visas were also barred to nationals of more than 10 countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Jordan.
Umar Karim, an expert on Saudi affairs at the University of Birmingham, said officials previously focused on “deterring people but not stopping them” from coming before hajj.
“Saudi authorities have seen that once these people are inside the kingdom, stopping them from physically entering Mecca is a difficult task even if a huge number of security officials are deployed,” he added.
For the past month, entry into Mecca has been restricted to individuals with work and residency permits. Many people in Mecca have been forced to send their wives and children, who lack the proper visas, out of the city.
Pilgrims coming for umrah – similar rites that can be performed year-round – have also been required to leave.
Meanwhile, fines for an illicit hajj have doubled to 20,000 Saudi riyals (£3,945.4), with violators facing a 10-year ban from the country.
Those found to be harbouring and helping unauthorised pilgrims can be fined up to 100,000 riyals (£19,727.4).
“All of this is aimed at ensuring that Mecca is reserved exclusively for authorised pilgrims during the Hajj season,” the official added.
Residents of Mecca told AFP that the crowds there have noticeably thinned compared to previous years. However, officials said that more than a million pilgrims had already arrived in Saudi Arabia for the hajj.
Last year’s hajj deaths were a high-profile example of the havoc wrought by heat in 2024, which the Copernicus Climate Change Service said was the hottest year ever recorded.
While the pilgrimage, which follows a lunar calendar, will eventually shift to the cooler winter season, relief will be temporary.
A 2019 study published by the journal Geophysical Research Letters said because of climate change and the timing of the hajj, heat stress for pilgrims will exceed the “extreme danger threshold” from 2047 to 2052, and 2079 to 2086.
BRITAIN announced on Monday (2) it would build 12 new attack submarines as it launched a major defence review to move the country to “war-fighting readiness” in the face of “Russian aggression” and the changing nature of conflict.
The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, warned that “the threat we now face is more serious, more immediate and more unpredictable than at any time since the Cold War,” as he launched the review in Glasgow, Scotland.
“We face war in Europe, new nuclear risks, daily cyber attacks, growing Russian aggression in our waters, menacing our skies,” he added.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which assesses threats facing the UK and makes recommendations, said that Britain was entering “a new era of threat”.
As a result, Starmer said his government aimed to deliver three “fundamental changes”.
“First, we are moving to war-fighting readiness as the central purpose of our armed forces,” he said.
“Every part of society, every citizen of this country, has a role to play, because we have to recognise that things have changed in the world of today. The front line, if you like, is here.”
Second, the prime minister insisted that UK defence policy would “always be NATO first”; and finally that the UK “will innovate and accelerate innovation at a wartime pace so we can meet the threats of today and of tomorrow”.
Addressing parliament later on Monday, defence secretary John Healey said the world had entered a “new era”.
Healey pledged to make the UK army “10 times more lethal” by combining future drone technology and artificial intelligence with the “heavy metal of tanks and artillery”.
“Our adversaries are working more in alliance with one another, while technology is changing the way war is fought – we are in a new era of threat,” he said.
Starmer said the SDR would serve as “a blueprint for strength and security for decades to come”, taking into account the increasing use of drones and artificial intelligence on the battlefield.
His government pledged in February to lift defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027 in the “largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War”.
And despite budget constraints, it aims for spending to rise to three per cent in the next parliamentary term, due in 2029, officials said.
Based on the recommendations of the review, which was led by former NATO secretary-general George Robertson, the government said it would boost stockpiles and weapons production capacity, which could be scaled up if needed.
This includes £1.5 billion for building “at least six munitions and energetics factories”, procuring 7,000 domestically built long-range weapons, and spending £6bn on munitions over the current parliamentary term.
The defence ministry also said it would invest £15bn in its nuclear warhead programme, and last week pledged £1bn for the creation of a “cyber command” to help on the battlefield.
While launching the new review, Robertson said it would tackle threats from Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, calling them a “deadly quartet”.