Venezuelan President survives drone assassination attempt
Caracas, Aug 5 : Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has survived what he called an "attempt against his life" involving explosive drones, blaming far-right elements and Colombia's outgoing President Juan Manuel Santos for carrying out the foiled assassination bid.
Maduro was evacuated from a stage on Saturday during a speech at an event event to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Bolivarian National Guard here after what authorities concluded was an attempted "terrorist attack against the President", reports CNN.
Two drones loaded with explosives went off near the podium from where the President was speaking, Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez confirmed to the media.
Just few hours after the incident, Maduro appeared on national television saying that as he was mid-speech in the event when a device exploded right in front of him.
"A flying object exploded near me, a big explosion. Seconds later there was a second explosion," he said, adding that he initially thought it was fireworks as part of the parade.
Maduro said the investigation into the incident started immediately and that some of those involved in the attack had been captured and charged, although he did not specify the charges against them.
The President also said that authorities were able to obtain evidence of the attack and said the investigation was in an advanced stage.
It was "an attempt to kill me, they have tried to assassinate me today", he added.
"The preliminary investigation indicates that many of those responsible for the attack, the financiers and planners, live in the US in the state of Florida," Maduro said.
"I hope the (President Donald) Trump administration is willing to fight terrorist groups that commit attacks in peaceful countries in our continent, in this case Venezuela."
Venezuela's attorney general, Tarek William Saab, told CNN he ordered an investigation into the incident.
The Venezuelan government has long blamed Colombia for plotting overthrows and, and far-right elements in Bogota and Miami for attempting to undercut Maduro.
Ivan Duque takes over as the Colombian President next week. The Colombian government however, has denied any involvement, saying there is "no basis" to Maduro's allegations.
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Agra: Karni Sena holds armed rally against Samajwadi Party’s MP, police stand down
Agra: An armed rally by Karni Sena has sparked serious concerns over law enforcement and public safety, in Agra on Friday, openly brandishing swords and sticks while raising provocative slogans against Samajwadi Party MP Dr. Ramji Lal Suman. The rally, held to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput icon Rana Sanga, witnessed the participation of thousands of Karni Sena members, many of whom were seen carrying weapons in the presence of the police.
Despite the large police deployment, including PAC personnel and senior officers such as the Additional Commissioner, no preventive or punitive action was taken by law enforcement authorities as the rally progressed. Visuals that have now gone viral on social media show rally participants waving swords, raising slogans, and even threatening prominent political figures, including former Chief Minister and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.
The rally was reportedly organized to press for action against Dr. Ramji Lal Suman, the SP MP from Agra, who had earlier made a remark citing historical sources that Rana Sanga had invited Mughal ruler Babar to India. Although Suman had publicly apologized for the remark and clarified that it was not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments, the Karni Sena had reacted sharply, terming it an insult to Rajput pride.
On March 26, 2025, soon after Suman's statement, Karni Sena members had reportedly attacked the MP's residence in Agra. Stones were pelted, vehicles were vandalized, windows smashed, and even police personnel were injured during the violence. Despite the severity of the incident, no major crackdown followed. The April 12 rally has now reignited concerns about the administration's handling of the group.
The Karni Sena had publicly declared their intent to organize the rally irrespective of police permission. Their national president, Raj Shekhawat, had even stated that they would march toward Suman’s house if their demands were not met. In anticipation, Agra Police had increased security outside the MP’s residence, ordered an additional 1,200 helmets and 1,000 batons, deployed drones, and set up barricades in sensitive zones.
However, when the rally took place, the arrangements appeared insufficient and ineffective. Crowd control measures were not enforced, and police presence appeared symbolic rather than deterrent. According to reports, the participants ignored police warnings, waving weapons and sticks in full view of law enforcement, and shouting slogans against SP leaders.
In a particularly alarming development, a Karni Sena leader can be seen in a viral video threatening to kill SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. Despite this direct threat, there has been no confirmation from the police on any action taken against the speaker.
The silence of the administration during the rally, as well as in response to the earlier March 26 attack on the MP's house, has raised sharp criticism. Many political observers and citizens have questioned why such actions were tolerated and why the law was not enforced when the potential for violence was already known.
The Samajwadi Party has described these incidents as targeted attacks against the Dalit community and political intimidation. Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that Karni Sena operates with tacit support from the BJP, and that the threats and violence are being allowed under the current regime.
Social media users have also reacted strongly to the visuals of the rally. Several users questioned whether other groups—such as protesting farmers or students—would have been allowed to behave similarly without police action. Some commentators have called the event an open challenge to law and order in Uttar Pradesh, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s recent critical remarks on the deteriorating situation in the state.
