He was lured into a room near where he played cricket, a man then shut the door and window, and raped him. That's what a 14-year-old Mumbai boy told his mother from his hospital bed last July.
The boy died soon after, killed by the rat poison he consumed after the assault, according to his parents and police.
Inspector Balwant Deshmukh, the investigating officer, said police have all but given up hope of finding out who raped the boy. "We will revive the case if we get new clues, but as of now it's in cold storage," he said.
Prime minister Narendra Modi's government last month introduced the death penalty for rape of girls below 12 and increased the minimum punishment for those whose victims were under 16, after the rapes of an eight-year-old girl and a young woman in two states ruled by his party led to public protests.
But the emergency order, known as an ordinance, did not mention boys, although a government survey has showed that male minors were more likely to be victims than female minors.
The ordinance lapses in six months and the government has to introduce legislation to convert it into law. At that time, the government plans to broaden the statute to make it gender-neutral, said a senior government official who declined to be named.
"Whatever applies to girls will apply to boys," the official said.
The government's chief spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.
In the meantime, the minimum punishment for raping a boy is 10 years in jail, compared with 20 years for assaults on girls under 16.
"Why this discrimination?" asked the father of the boy who was raped, sitting in his tiny first floor home in a teeming settlement near Mumbai's international airport, largely populated by migrant worker families from India's poor northern states.
Between sobs, the mother recounted her horror at her son's condition in the hospital during his dying days.
"Please get us justice," she said as the interview came to an end.
The boy's medical reports, said their son had been "sodomised". Rape victims and their families cannot be identified under Indian law.
HOSTILITY, RIDICULE
Insia Dariwala, who runs a foundation that raises awareness about child sexual abuse, said police generally lack the sensitivity to deal with cases of assaults on boys.
"I have interacted with adult male survivors and social workers who have cited police hostility, ridicule and even lack of trust when it comes to believing that a boy was sexually abused," she said. "The most common perception dished out to male survivors is that they may have enjoyed it."
The Mumbai police investigating the boy's rape, however, said officers are regularly trained on how to handle sexual abuse of children of both genders. The federal government is also running workshops for police that cover all children, said Stuti Kacker, head of the government's National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, which advises on child-related policies.
Some activists working for the safety of children say outrage over the gruesome gang rape and subsequent death of a young woman in New Delhi in 2012 succeeded in raising awareness about sexual violence against women in India, but far less attention is paid when the victims are male.
A 2007 survey by the ministry of women and child development, which sampled 12,447 children in families, schools, at work and living on the street, found that more than half had faced sexual abuse, and 53 percent of victims were boys. For the capital Delhi, the figure was 60 percent.
The government has not done any similar survey after that, although some activists and police say many cases of sexual abuse of boys go unreported because of the stigma attached to homosexuality.
The ministry of women and child development told parliament in March that only 467 male child abuse cases were lodged with police out of more than 36,321 such reported incidents in 2016.
The government, nevertheless, last month ordered a study to be undertaken focusing on sexual assaults on boys.
"Boys who are sexually abused as children spend a lifetime of silence because of the stigma and shame attached to male survivors speaking out," Maneka Gandhi, the minister for women and child development, said in a statement.
"It is a serious problem and needs to be addressed."
'BOYS NOT SEEN AS VICTIMS'
In India's patriarchal society, girls typically have a more restricted upbringing than boys and spend less time outdoors, making it easier for predators to target boys, according to social workers and others who counsel victims of sexual abuse.
A 22-year-old man in the western city of Pune, who said he was repeatedly raped by a man for two years starting when he was five, reported his ordeal to his parents only a year ago fearing he would be judged.
"I kept going back to the park where I would get raped by this man," said the young man, who was counselled by the child abuse awareness foundation's Dariwala and agreed to be interviewed. "I was scared of him but did not want to stay at home and come across as lazy in front of my parents. I did not want to anger my mom."
The details given by the man could not be verified.
Some researchers say parents often shy away from reporting abuse of boys, in the hope that victims would eventually overcome the psychological trauma.
The Pune man said his parents asked him to "move on and not let this incident define you". He declined to immediately share their contact details, saying it was a delicate matter for them.
An article published last year in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry highlighted those attitudes.
An unidentified father who was resistant to psychological care for his nine-year-old son after he had been raped, was quoted by the journal as saying: "He neither lost a hymen nor will get pregnant. He should behave like a man, not a sissy."
Vyjayanthi K.S. Subramaniyan, a senior psychiatrist in a Bengaluru hospital who co-authored the report, said she was in touch with at least eight adult men who were sexually assaulted as boys but never reported their ordeal to police.
"Boys don't fit into the image of a victim. In a patriarchal society they are expected to take it in their stride," she said. "They think that as he grows up, he is going to become invulnerable, without any need to work on his psyche. That's ridiculous."
The officer in charge of the police station where the rape and suicide of the boy in Mumbai was registered said that current data under-estimates the scale of the problem as boys' parents are reluctant to come forward.
"We don't discriminate on the basis of gender, but people come to us only in extreme cases," Senior Inspector Anil Pophale said. "This incident would not have been reported if the boy had not committed suicide."
The father of the dead boy agrees that he would never have gone to police had his son not decided to kill himself and says he now realises his mistake.
"It needs to change," he said, referring to the reluctance of parents to report abuse of male children. "This (tragedy) should not happen to anyone else."
CARLOS ALCARAZ will begin his attempt to win a third straight Wimbledon title against Italian Fabio Fognini, while women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka opens her campaign against Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine.
The draw, held on Friday at the All England Club, featured several notable first-round matchups.
Sinner, Djokovic face Italian, French opponents
Top men’s seed Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in the French Open final, has been drawn to face fellow Italian Luca Nardi. Sixth seed Novak Djokovic, who is aiming to match Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon singles titles, will begin against Alexandre Muller of France, ranked 40th in the world.
In the women’s draw, defending champion Barbora Krejcikova, seeded 17th and recently withdrawn from the Eastbourne tournament due to a thigh strain, will face Alexandra Eala of the Philippines.
Second seed Coco Gauff starts her campaign against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska. Third seed Jessica Pegula, a potential semi-final opponent for Gauff, plays Italian qualifier Elisabetta Cocciaretto. Fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, last year’s runner-up, will meet Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova. Sabalenka is seeded to face Paolini in the semi-finals.
Big home presence for Britain
Britain has 23 players in the singles draws, its largest representation since 1984. Fourth seed Jack Draper leads the men’s challenge after a rapid rise in form. Draper begins against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, ranked 38th. If he progresses, he could face 2017 runner-up Marin Cilic in the second round, and Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in the third round – a player he lost to at the French Open.
Draper’s projected path to the title may include matches against Djokovic in the quarter-finals, Sinner in the semi-finals, and Alcaraz in the final.
Raducanu faces Xu in British clash
Emma Raducanu, Britain’s top-ranked woman, will take on fellow Briton Mingge (Mimi) Xu in the first round. Xu is one of three British teenage wildcards in the women’s draw. If Raducanu wins, she may face 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova or 32nd seed McCartney Kessler next.
Branstine, Sabalenka’s first-round opponent, advanced through qualifying by defeating former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu. In the third round, Sabalenka could face either Raducanu or Vondrousova.
Key early matchups and returns
A possible second-round highlight could be Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, seeded five, taking on Japan’s Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner.
Alcaraz, who won Queen’s Club in preparation for Wimbledon, opens against Fognini. The 38-year-old Italian was once ranked as high as ninth but has not replicated that form in recent years. If Alcaraz advances, he could face British qualifier Oliver Tarvet in the next round. Tarvet, ranked 719, will meet Swiss qualifier Leandro Riedi in the first round.
Alcaraz could face third seed Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. Zverev begins his campaign against France’s Arthur Rinderknech.
Centre Court schedule
As the defending men’s champion, Alcaraz will play the opening Centre Court match on Monday. That day will feature matches from the bottom half of the men’s draw and the top half of the women’s draw. Krejcikova will begin Centre Court action on Tuesday.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Sir Sajid Javid (Photo by Tom Nicholson-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
A cross-party group has been formed to tackle the deep divisions that sparked last summer's riots across England. The new commission will be led by former Tory minister Sir Sajid Javid and ex-Labour MP Jon Cruddas.
The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion has backing from both prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It brings together 19 experts from different political parties and walks of life.
It was set up following the violent unrest that broke out in 27 towns and cities after three young girls were killed in Southport last July. False claims about the attacker's identity spread rapidly on social media, helping to fuel the disorder.
Sir Sajid warned that Britain has become a "tinderbox of division" due to years of neglect. He said governments have only acted when tensions boil over, rather than dealing with the root problems. "We are more disconnected as a country than at any point in our modern history," he told reporters. "There is a pandemic of loneliness that has spread across the country."
According to Javid, who served as communities secretary, home secretary and chancellor in the cabinets of David Cameron, Theresa May and Boris Johnson, social cohesion had been treated as a “second tier” issue by successive governments.
“Communal life in Britain is under threat like never before and intervention is urgently needed," he told the Telegraph. "There have been long-term, chronic issues undermining connections within our communities for several decades now, such as the degradation of local infrastructure from the local pub to churches, the weakening of family units, growing inequality, declining trust in institutions and persistent neglect from policy-makers."
He pointed to several factors making the situation worse, including high levels of immigration that haven't been properly managed, rising cost of living pressures, social media spreading extremist views, declining trust in public institutions, and the breakdown of local community spaces like pubs and churches.
Cruddas, who represented Dagenham for over 20 years, said the commission would listen directly to people across Britain rather than impose solutions from Westminster.
Over the next 12 months, the panel will examine what's driving people apart and develop practical recommendations for government. The group includes former West Midlands mayor Sir Andy Street, ex-Green Party leader Caroline Lucas, and counter-extremism expert Dame Sara Khan.
The commission is being supported by the Together Coalition, which was founded by Brendan Cox after his wife, MP Jo Cox, was murdered by a far-right extremist in 2016.
Sir Sajid remains optimistic about Britain's future, saying the country has "phenomenal attributes" to overcome its challenges. The commission aims to create "a vision for communities that all British citizens can buy into."
Keep ReadingShow less
Kalki 2898 AD showcased Prabhas in a genre-blending sci-fi mythological role
It’s been a year since Kalki 2898 AD hit theatres, and whether you loved it, questioned it, or are still figuring out what you watched, one thing’s clear: it cemented Prabhas’ place at the top. A unique experiment packed with mythology, sci-fi, and big-screen ambition, Kalki didn’t just push boundaries—it made sure everyone was paying attention.
Here’s how Kalki quietly reinforced what audiences across India (and beyond) already suspected: Prabhas isn’t going anywhere.
From Andhra to Ahmedabad — he still pulls crowds across the board
There are many stars who rule regions, but very few cut across states and languages the way Prabhas does. Whether it’s a traditional action flick or an experimental epic, people show up.
Prabhas in a still from Kalki 2898 AD which completed one yeargetty images
£94 million+ (₹1000 crore) globally — and not for the first time
With Kalki joining the £94 million+ (₹1000 crore) club, Prabhas added yet another big-budget success to his list. He’s one of the few actors in India whose films regularly cross that mark, without it feeling like a fluke or a one-off.
Kalki 2898 AD became one of the top three biggest openers in Indian cinemagetty images
A top three opener in Indian cinema — again
Kalki had one of the biggest opening days in Indian box office history. No gimmicks. Just the kind of theatre rush most films today struggle to pull off. Say what you want about the film, but its opening confirmed Prabhas’ continued draw for the big-screen crowd.
Kalki 2898 AD brought together sci-fi and mythology in a first-of-its-kind Indian filmgetty images
Fans flew in from Japan — yes, really
It’s not just India. International fans have long backed Prabhas, and Kalki saw that play out in real time, with Japanese fans travelling to Hyderabad just to catch it in cinemas. Not a premiere or event, just a regular screening. That kind of quiet loyalty is rare.
Prabhas plays the futuristic warrior Bhairava in Kalki 2898 AD getty images
He’s still choosing the harder road
A dystopian mytho-sci-fi mash-up isn’t exactly a guaranteed hit. Most stars would’ve played it safe, but Kalki was a risk, and Prabhas took it head-on. It’s part of what keeps his filmography interesting. He’s not here to repeat formulas, and that makes every new release worth watching, even if you don’t love every film.
Prabhas in action during a high-intensity sequence from Kalki 2898 ADgetty images
The calm at the centre of the chaos
One year later, Kalki 2898 AD may still be divisive as a film, but as a career move, it only strengthened what Prabhas has built over the years: a fanbase that shows up, a screen presence that works across regions, and a habit of picking stories that don’t play it safe.
Keep ReadingShow less
Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. (Photo: West Yorkshire Police)
A MAN who stabbed his estranged wife to death in Bradford in front of their baby has been convicted of murder.
Habibur Masum, 26, attacked 27-year-old Kulsuma Akter in broad daylight on April 6, 2024, stabbing her more than 25 times while she pushed their seven-month-old son in a pram. The baby was not harmed.
Bradford Crown Court heard that Akter had been living in a refuge since January after Masum threatened her with a knife at their home in Oldham. Masum tracked her using her phone location and confronted her after she left the refuge to meet a friend, believing he was in Spain.
Masum was seen on CCTV trying to steer the pram away and, when she refused to go with him, stabbed her multiple times before walking away and boarding a bus. He was arrested three days later in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Kulsuma Aktergetty images
Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, had admitted manslaughter and possession of a knife but denied murder. He was found guilty of murder, stalking, making threats to kill, and assault by beating.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the attack was “planned and premeditated”. West Yorkshire Police described it as a “brutal” daylight attack. Det Ch Insp Stacey Atkinson said Ms Akter “should have been safe”.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct found no breach of standards by officers involved prior to her death. Masum is due to be sentenced on 22 July.
In her own words, the London-based artist shares 10 defining moments that turned glitter into grit, pain into power and creativity into connection.
Shreena Patel has built a vibrant, shimmering world with her signature metallic-sparkle acrylics, one canvas at a time. A graduate of the prestigious University of the Arts London, the London-based abstract artist has earned acclaim both in the UK and internationally, creating bespoke pieces for celebrities, private collectors and public institutions.
But behind the glittering finishes and spiritual symbolism lies a deeper story – one of passion, purpose and personal resilience.
From a childhood curiosity about the minds behind masterpieces to becoming a multi-award-winning artist herself, Shreena’s journey is marked by colour, courage and community. Whether speaking on stage at Diwali on the Square, raising funds through her work, or spotlighting invisible illnesses like ulcerative colitis, her art has always been more than decorative. It is deeply personal and powerfully connective.
Now, for the first time, Shreena shares 10 of her most memorable artistic milestones. Each moment reveals not only her growth as a creator but also her unwavering belief in art as a force for joy, healing and change.
Shreena Patel
Artwork displayed at Hyde Park Corner station
Seeing my Ganesh artwork displayed at Hyde Park Corner station during South Asian Heritage Month was a pinch-me moment. To have commuters and tourists pause in a busy London station to take in my art, rooted in identity, culture and colour, made me feel truly seen. It was public, powerful and proof that South Asian stories belong in mainstream spaces.
Being featured in British Vogue was an unexpected yet unforgettable milestone. Just a few years after Art By Shree was born, seeing my work and story in one of the world’s most iconic fashion publications validated my creativity in a whole new light. It bridged the gap between contemporary style and ancient symbolism and reminded me that tradition and trend can coexist beautifully.
Shreena Patel's work
Painting for celebrities I have had the honour of creating bespoke paintings for celebrities, including Bollywood actors, music artists and famous cricketers, who connected with the spirituality and vibrancy of my work. Each commission has been personal and meaningful, not just because of who they are, but because of the shared energy and intention behind the art. It is surreal knowing my pieces live in the homes of people I once only watched on screen.
Shreena Patel's work
Winning awards and artistic recognition
Winning awards and being recognised as an artist, particularly in Parliament and at the Eastern Eye ACTAs, gave me the confidence to own my creative journey. These acknowledgements are not just about trophies. They are reminders that the risks I took, the pain I turned into paint and the stories I chose to tell matter. Every accolade reflects years of growth, grit and heart.
Raising money for charities and temples
Art with purpose has always been my North Star. Whether raising money for temples close to my heart or supporting charities doing life-changing work, I have been blessed to use my creativity to give back. Each canvas sold for a cause reminds me that art can be a force for good – a way to serve, uplift and unite communities.
Being invited by Neasden Mandir’s head swami for Diwali and PSM10 Being personally invited by Yogvivekdas Swami at Neasden Mandir to take part in the Diwali and 100 Years of Pramukh Swami Maharaj celebrations was an emotional high. To be recognised in such a sacred and historic space was beyond humbling. It felt like a spiritual homecoming, where my art and my faith met in perfect harmony during a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Speaking on the centre stage at Diwali on the Square, in front of the Mayor of London, was a surreal and proud moment. I spoke about art, culture and the power of community spirit. To then gift my large Ganesh canvas to the winner of the rangoli competition was the perfect way to honour creativity and celebrate our shared cultural pride in a truly public way.
Shreena Patel's work
Collaborating with Nitin Ganatra OBE
Collaborating with the incredible Nitin Ganatra OBE for a charity auction was a joyful and meaningful experience. Aligning our talents for a cause greater than ourselves reminded me why I started painting in the first place. It is always special when creative worlds come together, especially when it helps raise funds and awareness for those in need.
Uplifting the next generation
Helping the next generation find their creative voice means everything to me. Whether through workshops, mentoring or simply showing them that success can look different, I aim to be the representation I did not see growing up. Especially for young South Asians, I want to say: your stories, your art and your dreams are valid – and so needed.
Shreena Patel's work
Raising ulcerative colitis awareness through art
Living with ulcerative colitis has not been easy, but it has shaped my art and mission. Through creativity, I have turned pain into power and raised awareness about invisible illnesses in ways words never could. Painting became therapy, advocacy and storytelling. If my journey inspires even one person with UC to keep going, then every brushstroke has been worth it.