Kanwar Yatra turns tragic: Four pilgrims die in stampede amid uncontrolled influx of devotees

BHOPAL: At least four devotees from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh have died in the past two days during the massive Kanwar Yatra at Kubereshwar Dham in Madhya Pradeshs Sehore district, as authorities struggled to manage the overwhelming influx of pilgrims. The victims include Jaswanti Ben (56) from Rajkot, Gujarat, and Sangita Gupta from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, who reportedly died in a stampede on Tuesday, just hours before the main procession led by religious preacher Pradip Mishra began at midnight. The same day, two more devoteesChatur Singh (50) from Gujarat and Ishwar Singh (65) from Rohtak, Haryana, collapsed and died, likely due to heart complications after being trapped in suffocating crowds amid humid weather. The fatalities occurred as over 2.5 lakh devotees from across India descended upon the religious site, overwhelming infrastructure and leading to a complete breakdown of basic amenities, including drinking water, food, and sanitation. Traffic chaos compounded the crisis, with the Indore-Bhopal Highway gridlocked since Tuesday night, leaving vehicles stranded for hours. Despite official restrictions on heavy vehicles and alternate routes, enforcement was either poorly executed or ignored entirely. Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Govind Rajput acknowledged the lack of preparedness, stating, Such a massive crowd wasnt expected, which has actually led the system to fall short. I urge the administration to take control and ensure that such a tragedy doesnt repeat. Meanwhile, former MP minister and Congress MLA Rajendra Singh questioned accountability, asking, Who will take the responsibility for the deaths which happened at the Kubereshwar Dham in the last two days? Will the authorities or those associated with the religious event, who is to be held responsible for it? The incident has raised serious concerns over crowd management at large religious gatherings, with calls for stricter safety measures to prevent further tragedies.

Close to 3500 of over 60,000 new recruits in UP police drop out of training

LUCKNOW: After going through the rigours of the recruitment during the biggest ever recruitment drive to appoint 60,244 constables in UP Police, over 3568 candidates selected have left the job at the onset. After the selection process for 60,244 posts, comprising 48195 for men and 12049 for women, under -- Recruitment 2023 -- was completed, 3568 candidates did not even join the job. Over 100 candidates joined the department but resigned after participating in the initial sessions of training. The recruitment process commenced in December 2023 with a plan to induct 20 per cent women, leading to 12049 female candidates in the police force. Initially, the examination for the recruitment was held in February 2024, but had to be cancelled due to the paper leak. The process restarted in August 2024, and the exam was conducted. Approximately 50 lakh candidates applied for this exam. However, at the time of examination in August 2024, about 30 per cent of the aspirants did not appear in the exam. The final result of the exam was declared on March 13, 2025. On June 15, in the presence of Amit Shah, appointment letters were distributed to the selected candidates at a grand event in state capital, Lucknow. From June 21, a month-long JTC (joining Training Course) of the selected candidates started and it culminated in their main training beginning at the Recruitment Training Centres (RTC) from July 21. Finally, at the time of joining, instead of 48,195, only 45,055 men joined, and instead of 12,049 women, only 11,621 female candidates joined the training. Out of 60,244, only 56,676 candidates joined. The remaining 3568 candidates distanced themselves from the police job. Former DGP and DG Training Sukhkan Singh feels that when the youngsters are jobless, not joining even after being selected is beyond understanding. There could be several reasons for this. When such candidates do not join, the positions that remain vacant are re-advertised. The recruitment process for those positions is started afresh. According to an officer associated with the training claimed that a few candidates had resigned after joining the training. The number of such candidates is reported to be more than 100. A few of them were selected for the post of Village Development Officer. Meanwhile, there were a few people who could not bear the rigors of the training. A candidate from Deoria district in eastern UP quit simply because he could not wake up at 5 am in the morning. He was appointed in the Ghazipur district. Initially, his father tried to convince him, but when it didn't work, the candidate went to the SP office and submitted his resignation. Similarly, trainee constable Tarun Kumar committed suicide by jumping from a three-storey barrack in Firozabad Police Line on July 23, 2025. In Bulandshahr Police Line on July 26, 2025, trainee constable Bhupendra attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance. He was referred to a higher centre in critical condition. A resident of Hathras, Bhupendra had returned from home just a day before. Meanwhile, over 9,000 constables, comprising 5,914 men and 3,533 women are receiving training across 10 training institutes (ATC, PTC, and PTS). Additionally, 4,302 candidates, comprising 2,800 men and 1,502 women are receiving training across all commissionerates. Meanwhile, in the Agra zone, there are 3,250 men, in Bareilly zone, there are 2,800 men and 1,900 women, in Gorakhpur, there are 3,348 men and 1,005 women, and in Kanpur zone there are 1,986 men and 1,104 women. Similarly, in Lucknow zone, there are 3,380 men and 600 women, in Meerut zone, there are 3,048 men, in Prayagraj 3,051 men, and in Varanasi, 3,355 men and 605 women are undergoing training. Meanwhile, in the PAC battalion, 12,407 men and 1,533 women are undergoing training. This includes training for 284 men and 161 women who are dependents of deceased personnel.

In UP Horror, Wife Poisons Husband Twice, Lover Involved In Murder Plot

In a shocking incident in Firozabad's Ulau village, a young man named Sunil succumbed to poisoning, allegedly administered by his wife and her lover.

Meat Found on Kanwar Yatra Route in Firozabad, Situation Under Control: Police

According to police, the meat pieces were allegedly thrown from the flyover above the yatra route

Meat pieces found on kanwar yatra route in Firozabad, situation under control: Police

FIROZABAD: Panic briefly gripped parts of Firozabad on Sunday evening after pieces of meat were allegedly found on the kanwar yatra route near the Kotla crossing here, officials said. According to police, the meat pieces were allegedly thrown from the flyover above the yatra route. However, swift action by the local police and administration helped prevent any untoward incident, they said. Some miscreants threw meat remains from the Kotla crossing flyover onto the road below. Understanding the sensitivity of the matter, the police team on the spot immediately got the area cleaned, said Sanjul Pandey, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Uttar police station. He added that to maintain calm, police personnel showered flowers on the passing kanwariyas. No kanwariya was harmed or disturbed by the incident.The situation remains completely peaceful, and the Yatra continues smoothly, he said. Security has been tightened in the area, and an investigation is underway to identify those behind the incident, police added.

Election Commission Holding Regular Dialogue With Parties: CEC On Criticism From Opposition

Firozabad (UP), Jul 5: With opposition parties accusing the Election Commission of ignoring their concerns, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday asserted that the poll panel maintains a regular dialogue with political parties and 5,000 such meetings have been held in the past four months, beginning from the assembly level. Replying to queries from reporters in Firozabad, where he came to attend a private programme, Kumar said that after voters, political parties are the next important stakeholders for the [] The post Election Commission Holding Regular Dialogue With Parties: CEC On Criticism From Opposition appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Faridabad womans murder probe reveals father-in-law raped her before killing

FARIDABAD: The investigation into the case of a woman who was buried after her murder in Haryana's Faridabad has revealed that the victim was allegedly raped by her father-in-law before her murder, said police. The mother-in-law of the victim was also allegedly involved in the murder, and she has been arrested, police said, adding that police are now searching for the victim's husband Arun, who is still at large. The main accused, father-in-law Bhoop Singh, was taken on three days of police remand again by the crime unit. During interrogation, he allegedly revealed that the murder was pre-planned, an official said. The murder of 24-year-old Tannu was planned on April 15, and her husband and mother-in-law were also allegedly involved in the plan, a senior investigating officer said. During interrogation, Bhoop Singh allegedly revealed that as per the plan, the victim's mother-in-law was sent to attend her niece's wedding in Etah, Uttar Pradesh on April 15. On the night of April 21, Arun allegedly mixed sleeping pills in the food of his wife Tannu and sister Kajal, according to the police. Both of them fell into a deep sleep in their separate rooms on the ground and the first floor. A senior police officer said it was decided that the father-in-law alone would kill Tannu, and Arun went to the room on the ground floor. Bhoop Singh entered Tannu's room late night and was preparing to strangle her with a dupatta. But before killing his unconscious daughter-in-law, he allegedly raped her, the officer said, adding that he did not tell his son and wife about the rape. After some time, he called Arun upstairs to the room and both of them allegedly took the body and threw it in a pit that had already been dug in the street. They put bricks and soil on top of it. The people in the neighbourhood were told that the pit was meant for sewerage, added the officer. The pit was dug before Naib Tehsildar Jaswant Singh, and Tannu's body was exhumed. An FIR was registered against four of the in-laws' family -Bhoop Singh, his wife Sonia, son Arun Singh, and daughter Kajal - at Palla police station. Tannu was killed and buried in front of her house allegedly by her in-laws, who managed to keep the body hidden for almost two months by reporting her missing. The victim, a native of Shikohabad in the Firozabad district of Uttar Pradesh, had married Arun Singh of Roshan Nagar area here two years ago.

Faridabad murder case: Father-in-law held after confessing to killing and burying woman outside home

FARIDABAD: Police here have arrested a 54-year-old man who confessed to killing his daughter-in-law and burying her body in front of his house two months ago, an officer said on Saturday. Bhoop Singh, a resident of Roshan Nagar, confessed to strangling his daughter-in-law Tannu Kumar and throwing her body in a pit he dug for the purpose in front of his house, the officer said. The motive behind the murder is yet to be revealed, even though the accused said he killed the woman because she caused a rift in the household. According to Bhoop Singh's testimony, as cited by police, the murder happened on the night of April 21, when the woman's husband, Arun Kumar, was away at work, and Bhoop Singh's wife at a wedding in Uttar Pradesh, leaving only Bhoop Singh, his daughter Kajal, and Tannu in the house. His daughter had gone to sleep in her room on the ground floor after having dinner and Tannu had also gone to sleep on the first floor. In the night, the accused went to Tannu's room and strangled her with her dupatta. He then dumped the body in a pit in front of the house and covered it with soil. In the morning, he called a mason and got the pit cemented, a spokesperson of Faridabad police said. Bhoop Singh was produced in a city court today and was taken into police custody for two days. We are verifying the roles of other family members. The motive appears to be dowry-related, but further probe is underway, Sarai Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajesh Kumar said. Tannu Kumar, a native of Shikohabad in Firozabad district in Uttar Pradesh, had married Arun Singh of Roshan Nagar area here two years ago. Her body was exhumed Friday morning before Naib Tehsildar Jaswant Singh. Her father, Hakim, alleged that police refused to listen to his complaint even after he raised suspicion about the freshly covered pit, which he witnessed when he visited his brother-in-law's house. Hakim alleged that his daughter was harassed by her in-laws over dowry, to the extent, she had to stay at her paternal home for a year after marriage. She returned to Faridabad after the intervention of a panchayat, but the matter was far from being resolved. Earlier, her in-laws reported Tannu as missing and also told police she was mentally challenged. Hakim said that after he was informed about her daughter going missing, he visited Bhoop Singh's house with his other daughter, Preeti, and knew something was amiss when he saw the freshly turned soil outside the home. Police had earlier booked Bhoop Singh, originally from UP's Mainpuri, his wife Sonia, son Arun Singh, and daughter Kajal. Tannu's body was handed over to her kin after a post-mortem at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital on Friday.

Faridabad: In-laws kill, bury womans body in front of house over dowry

Faridabad: A woman was allegedly killed and buried in front of her house by her in-laws, who managed to keep the secret, and the body, hidden for almost two months by reporting her missing. The woman, Tannu Kumar, a native of Shikohabad in Firozabad district in Uttar Pradesh, had married Arun Singh of Roshan Nagar Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

UP woman killed, buried by in-laws outside home; body found two months after she was reported missing

FARIDABAD: A woman was allegedly killed and buried in front of her house by her in-laws, who managed to keep the secret, and the body, hidden for almost two months by reporting her missing. The woman, Tannu Kumar, a native of Shikohabad in Firozabad district in Uttar Pradesh, had married Arun Singh of Roshan Nagar area here two years ago. Her father, Hakim, alleged that police refused to listen to his complaint even after he raised suspicion about the freshly covered pit, which he witnessed when he visited his brother-in-law's house. Police have booked at Palla Police Station four of the in-laws' family Bhoop Singh, originally from UP's Mainpuri, his wife Sonia, son Arun Singh, and daughter Kajal. An informed source said Bhoop Singh and Arun Singh have been taken into police custody and are being interrogated. According to police, on April 23, Arun Singh and his father called for an earthmover and used it to have a 10-foot deep pit dug in the street in front of their house. The next day, they asked a mason to fill the hole. Two days later, they approached police to report Tannu missing, and even branded her as mentally challenged. Hakim alleged that his daughter was harassed by her in-laws over dowry, to the extent, she had to stay at her paternal home for a year after marriage. She returned to Faridabad after the intervention of a panchayat, but the matter was far from being resolved. He said that after he was informed about her daughter going missing, he visited Bhoop Singh's house with his other daughter, Preeti, and knew they were lying when he saw the pit outside the home. He alleged that he made several rounds of the local police station but in vain, as they refused to investigate the matter. They took it up only a week ago. The pit was dug Friday morning before Naib Tehsildar Jaswant Singh, and Tannu's body was exhumed. A Faridabad Police spokesperson said raids are being made to nab the other family members. Police handed over Tannu's body to her kin after a post-mortem at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital.

UP Boy Dies After Being Hit By Ball While Playing Cricket

A 12-year-old boy died after being hit in the chest by a cricket ball during a match in Tundla town of Firozabad district.

First Covid death reported in Chandigarh; Haryana records 12 active cases, Punjab three

CHANDIGARH: A 40-year-old man who had tested positive for Covid died early this morning at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh. The man, originally from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, had been referred to GMCH from Ludhiana after testing positive for Covid. He was admitted to the Covid unit of the hospital, where he was kept in isolation. This marks the first confirmed Covid-related death in Chandigarh. Sources said the hospital authorities have not yet confirmed whether the infection was caused by the latest JN.1 variant. Confirming the death, Medical Superintendent of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, GP Thami said the patient had been admitted to the hospital two days ago with severe respiratory problems. He tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and died today. We tested him on the second day as he came with respiratory issues and was put on a ventilator and was immediately placed in isolation within the Covid ward. He had no reported comorbidities, raising further concerns about the virulence of the current strain, said Thami. Covid cases rise, situation under control, says Karnataka Minister Health authorities are now expected to intensify monitoring and response measures to prevent further spread. Two ventilators had been set up in anticipation of any emergency care needs. As of May 27, Haryana has reported a total of 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Among these, Gurugram accounts for 6 active cases, with 2 new infections reported recently . Faridabad has also reported cases, contributing to the states overall tally . Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has assured the public that there is no need to panic, emphasizing that the government has made all necessary arrangements to handle the situation. The health department is closely monitoring the developments and urges residents to adhere to safety protocols . Meanwhile, Punjab currently has three active cases. One patient is from Amritsar, while two others, although counted in Punjab's active tally, originally belong to Haryana. One of them, a 51-year-old woman from Yamunanagar in Haryana, tested positive at a private hospital in Mohali last week. The other is a 25-year-old man who tested positive in Ferozepur. He had been working in a private firm in Gurugram and had arrived in Ferozepur a few days ago to stay with his parents due to illness. He later tested positive for Covid. All those who came in contact with him are being traced as a precautionary measure. The health department has since isolated him at home. Another patient, originally from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, had been referred to GMCH in Chandigarh from Ludhiana and died today. There were three active Covid cases in the state in January this year, all of whom have since recovered. Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha reviews Covid-19 status, monsoon disease preparedness in Telangana

First Covid death reported in Chandigarh; Haryana records 14 active cases, Punjab three

CHANDIGARH: A 40-year-old man who had tested positive for Covid died early this morning at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, Chandigarh. The man, originally from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, had been referred to GMCH from Ludhiana after testing positive for Covid. He was admitted to the Covid unit of the hospital, where he was kept in isolation. This marks the first confirmed Covid-related death in Chandigarh. Sources said the hospital authorities have not yet confirmed whether the infection was caused by the latest JN.1 variant. Confirming the death, Medical Superintendent of Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, GP Thami said the patient had been admitted to the hospital two days ago with severe respiratory problems. He tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday and died today. We tested him on the second day as he came with respiratory issues and was put on a ventilator and was immediately placed in isolation within the Covid ward. He had no reported comorbidities, raising further concerns about the virulence of the current strain, said Thami. Covid cases rise, situation under control, says Karnataka Minister Health authorities are now expected to intensify monitoring and response measures to prevent further spread. Two ventilators had been set up in anticipation of any emergency care needs. As of May 27, Haryana has reported a total of 12 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Among these, Gurugram accounts for 6 active cases, with 2 new infections reported recently . Faridabad has also reported cases, contributing to the states overall tally . Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has assured the public that there is no need to panic, emphasizing that the government has made all necessary arrangements to handle the situation. The health department is closely monitoring the developments and urges residents to adhere to safety protocols . Meanwhile, Punjab currently has three active cases. One patient is from Amritsar, while two others, although counted in Punjab's active tally, originally belong to Haryana. One of them, a 51-year-old woman from Yamunanagar in Haryana, tested positive at a private hospital in Mohali last week. The other is a 25-year-old man who tested positive in Ferozepur. He had been working in a private firm in Gurugram and had arrived in Ferozepur a few days ago to stay with his parents due to illness. He later tested positive for Covid. All those who came in contact with him are being traced as a precautionary measure. The health department has since isolated him at home. Another patient, originally from Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, had been referred to GMCH in Chandigarh from Ludhiana and died today. There were three active Covid cases in the state in January this year, all of whom have since recovered. Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha reviews Covid-19 status, monsoon disease preparedness in Telangana

No tree-cutting in 5km of Taj Mahal without nod: SC

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reiterated its 2015 directive restricting tree felling within 5-km aerial distance of the Taj Mahal in Agra without its nod. The court was hearing a plea by environmentalist MC Mehta seeking directions to prevent the Taj from hazards. The Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ), an area of 10,400 square-kilometre, spreads across Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras, and Etah districts in UP and Bharatpur in Rajasthan. A bench of justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan said tree felling in areas within TTZ beyond the 5 km distance of the monument will require the prior permission of the central empowered committee and bound by the provisions of UP Tree Preservation Act.

UP Cop Mistakenly Names Judge As Accused In Theft Case, Suspended

In Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad, a judge ordered a cop to issue a non-bailable warrant against a man who was accused of theft. The police officer, instead of listing the accused, 'mistakenly' named the judge in the warrant.

Courtroom Mix-Up: UP Cop Who Referred To Judge As Accused To Face Enquiry

In a bizarre mix-up, a police sub-inspector (SI) wrote a magistrate's name instead of the accused in a theft case while complying with the proclamation order in Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad district.

Comedy of Errors: UP police inspector serves warrant to his own judge in a case of mistaken identity

In a comical mishap in Firozabad, SI Banwarilal mistakenly served a court proclamation to Chief Judicial Magistrate Nagma Khan herself, instead of the intended theft suspect. The officer's blunder, stemming from a misread document, led him to report the judge as unlocatable.