Migrant students reshape Kozhikodes government school classrooms

KOZHIKODE: Walk into the Byraikulam Government Lower Primary School in the heart of Kozhikode city, and you might hear more Hindi than Malayalam in its corridors. What was once a small neighbourhood school for local children has over the years transformed into a vibrant classroom filled with the voices of migrant students from across northern India. Ive been teaching here for around 10 years. When I joined, there were around 10 students, a mix of Malayali and migrant children. Now, nearly all our students are children of migrant workers, Geo Jaison, a teacher at the school, told TNIE. The rising number of migrant labourers in Kerala from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal has brought a parallel rise in students enrolling in local government schools. Whether its a restaurant, a construction site, or a barber shop, workers from the northern states are everywhere. And now, so are their children, Jaison said. This year, for the first time in years, three Malayali students joined the school. They mingle well. The Malayali children pick up bits of Hindi, while the others learn Malayalam, said Byraikulam school headmistress Deepthi K P. The teachers have adapted too, often blending Malayalam and Hindi while teaching and communicating with parents. At PTA meetings, we mostly speak in Hindi because many parents dont understand Malayalam, Deepthi said. Families who send their children to local schools are typically those who have settled down with their families. Some parents run small businesses and are doing okay, while others are street vendors from very poor backgrounds, said Sumi S, headmistress of the Achuthan Girls LP School, Chalapuram, where around 30 students are children of migrant workers. Despite the challenges, many of these children quickly become fluent in Malayalam. Some are even acting as translators for their parents during school calls. They can read, write, and speak like native speakers by the time they complete primary school, Sumi noted. To support them, the government introduced the Meethi Malayalam programme, in which teachers of schools with a high migrant student population are trained to make Malayalam learning easier, helping the students to integrate more smoothly into the local environment. While many children continue their studies beyond lower primary, some families leave abruptly. Sometimes, a student stops coming to school. When we finally get in touch, were told theyve gone back home, Deepthi said. Yet, for those who stay, Kerala is becoming a second home. Theres work here and there are good schools for my children. Thats why I like it here, said Raju, a labourer from Mathura now living in Chalapuram. As more migrant families put down roots in Kerala, schools like Byraikulam GLPS and Achuthan Girls LPS are quietly becoming places of connection and change, bridging the gap between cultures. It is not always easy, and some families leave as suddenly as they arrive. But for those who stay, Kerala offers not just work but a chance at belonging, and for their children, a future written in both Hindi and Malayalam.

Mathura man held for supplying drone to Naxals

CPI (Maoist) NR bureau terror revival case: NIA nabs one more accused from Delhi

NEW DELHI: The anti-terror federal probe agency NIA has arrested another key accused, identified as Vishal Singh, in connection with its probe into the CPI (Maoist) Northern Region Bureau (NRB) terror revival conspiracy, officials said on Sunday. Following the arrest, the agency conducted a search at his residence in West Delhi and seized devices including hard drives, pen drives, mobile phones, and other incriminating material, they said. Singh, originally from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, has been found to be a member of the CPI (Maoist), the officials said, alleging that he had delivered a drone to leaders of the banned outfit in the Chhakarbanda/Panchrukhiya forest area of Bihar to further its violent anti-national activities. He had imparted technical training to other cadres of the CPI (Maoist) and had also attended meetings with its central committee members in the deep forest areas of Bihar in 2019, a senior NIA official said. In August 2024, the NIA had arrested another accused, Ajay Singhal alias Aman, who was the in-charge of the State Organising Committee (SOC) for Haryana and Punjab of the CPI (Maoist). The case pertains to the banned Naxal outfits conspiracy to re-energise its depleting influence in the Northern Regional Bureau (NRB) area, which comprises Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. The conspiracy involves recruitment of cadres and strengthening of the organisation in the region through underground operatives working in urban areas, along with some Over Ground Workers (OGWs) operating under the guise of activists, the official said. Several front organisations and student wings have allegedly been used to prepare the ground for promoting the conspiracy aimed at waging war against the Government of India, the officials said, claiming that such Naxal operatives were receiving funds from the outfits Eastern Regional Bureau (ERB), particularly from Jharkhand.

Anti-terror agency nabs one more in Maoist revival conspiracy case

The agency also seized digital devices, including hard drives, pen drives, and mobile phones, as well as other incriminating material during a search in the West Delhi house of the accused person identified as Vishal Singh, originally from Uttar Pradeshs Mathura.

Two sanitation workers die after inhaling poisonous gas in Uttar Pradesh

MATHURA: Two sanitation workers died after inhaling poisonous gas while cleaning a sewer tank of a guest house in Vrindavan city, police said on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday evening and the contractor has been detained, police outpost in-charge Kulveer Singh said. Two workers fell unconscious after inhaling the gas and were rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Family members of the deceased created ruckus in the hospital and were pacified after officials assured them of proper compensation. Singh said the deceased have been identified as Narendra (38) and Chhotelal (40). Eyewitnesses have told police that both the labourers descended into the sewer tank without any safety equipment.

CBI Arrests Man From UP For Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Children

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested a man in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district in connection with a case involving the sexual assault of children and the possession and dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Mathura to get seven grand entrance gates and musical fountain

Mathura building collapse: Locals hold protest; authorities promise financial aid, alternative accommodation

Following a building collapse in Mathura's Masani area that tragically killed three people, including two children, local residents protested on Monday. City Magistrate Rakesh Kumar assured that the affected families will receive financial aid and alternative housing. Authorities have evacuated five buildings and are conducting an investigation into the incident.

Three, including two minors, killed as building collapses in congested area in UP's Mathura

MATHURA: Three people, including two minor sisters, were killed when a multi-storey building collapsed on Sunday in the congested Kachchi Sadak area here, officials said. One person was pulled out from the debris, they said. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said the building was located on a mound. Rescue operations are underway to ascertain that no one else is buried under the rubble. He said Totaram (38) and two sisters - Yashoda (6) and Kavya (3) - were killed in the incident. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said one person was earlier rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The person is currently under observation and is stable. Rescue operations are underway. Teams from the fire services, municipal corporation, civil defence and police are currently on the site. Additionally, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been called in to assist with the rescue efforts, said the SSP. Authorities anticipate that five to six nearby houses may also have sustained partial damage due to the collapse.

Three killed as building collapses in congested Kachchi Sadak area in Mathura

Mathura: Three people, including two minor sisters, were killed when a multi-storey building collapsed Sunday in the congested Kachchi Sadak area in Mathura, officials said. One person was pulled out from the debris, they said. District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh said the building was located on a mound. Rescue operations are underway to ascertain that []

3 Feared Trapped as Building Collapses in Mathuras Kachchi Sadak

NDRF, SDRF teams join rescue operations; one person rescued, nearby houses also damaged

Kerala monsoon intensifies; red alert for five districts today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a brief lull, the monsoon has intensified across Kerala, with damage reported from various parts of the state on Saturday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for five districts Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Sunday. The weather department has warned of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and flooding. The northern districts bore the brunt of the intense rainfall on Saturday. Quarrying, excavation, mining, well construction, and sand extraction activities have been temporarily suspended in Kozhikode district. Meanwhile, entry to all water bodies, including waterfalls, riverbanks, and beaches, has been completely banned. A two-storey building collapsed in Mankavu, but fortunately, no casualties were reported. Following the red alert in Wayanad, the district collector has declared a holiday on Sunday for madrasas, tuition centres, and special classes. However, residential schools and colleges remain open. In Kannur, heavy rain caused severe leakage in the childrens ward of Thalassery General Hospital, forcing the closure of its intensive care unit (ICU). Critically ill children were shifted to hospitals in Kannur and Pariyaram. The leak, which began in the childrens ward, has spread to other critical areas, including the dialysis unit and the mortuary. The ICU, which accommodates five children, was the worst affected. The IMD has also issued red alerts for Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad on Monday, and for Malappuram and Kozhikode on Tuesday. An orange alert is in place for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad on Sunday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at several places in the state until 16 June. A wind warning has also been issued, with strong surface winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km/h expected over Kerala and Lakshadweep until 16 June. Thiruvananthapuram has experienced continuous heavy rain since Friday night, recording 13 mm on Saturday. Although only a yellow alert was initially in place, early heavy downpours prompted the IMD to advise the public to remain vigilant. Hilly regions experienced intense rainfall, and coastal erosion has been reported in several areas. In Perumathura, strong winds blew the metal sheet roofing off a house, which landed on a busy road. Fortunately, there were no injuries. An orange alert remains in effect for Sunday, with rising water levels reported in the Pallickal and Vamanapuram rivers. Residents near the Vamanapuram riverbanks have been advised to stay alert. The IMD has also warned of high waves and sea surges along the Kerala coast on Sunday, with an orange alert issued from Kappil to Pozhiyoor. Fishermen and coastal residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution.

From Heritage To High-Tech: CM Yogi Pushes For Development Of Mathura And Kanpur As Model Cities

Lemon prices crash, worried Nellore farmers and traders seek government intervention

NELLORE: Lemon prices have declined sharply over the past week, leaving farmers and traders in distress. Lemon is now being sold at just Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg, marking a steep fall in prices. During the peak season, as many as 20 truckloads of lemons used to be exported daily to northern states, bringing bustling activity to the local markets. However, the once-thriving trade is now facing a dramatic slump. In Nellore district alone, lemon crop is cultivated in over 17,000 hectares. Podalakur lemon market yard, known for its high quality produce, supplies lemon to both national and international markets. Gudur lemon market also plays a key role in large scale exports. Traders are now expressing concern over the sudden market collapse. With exports coming to a halt, they are still compelled to purchase the incoming produce from farmers, despite the lack of demand. Even though there are no buyers in the export market, we have to continue procuring lemon from farmers, said a local trader, reflecting the growing anxiety in the lemon business community. The unexpected downturn is affecting not only the income of lemon growers but also the sustainability of the supply chain. Stakeholders are urging authorities to intervene and explore avenues to revive the export market or provide relief measures to stabilise prices. Traditionally, lemon is exported in large volumes from Andhra Pradesh, especially from major markets like Podalakur, Gudur, Eluru and Tenali, along with dozens of small yards. However, lemon cultivation has expanded significantly in other States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Bihar this year, resulting in higher yield and overproduction. Combined with a bumper harvest from local orchards in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, a massive supply of lemon is now flooding the markets. According to sources, wholesale buyers from cities such as Delhi, Mathura, Roorkee, Varanasi, Gokalpur, Chennai, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram have issued advisories not to send any more lemon consignments, citing excess stock. Some are even rejecting the lemon consignments already sent to them, leaving local traders in a bind. As a result, prices have plummeted, but traders are unable to refuse lemon produce brought in by farmers. This has led to lemon being stockpiled across market yards, with no immediate buyers in sight. We are in a terrible situation. Truckloads of lemons are arriving at the market. We cant turn farmers away during such a difficult time, but there is little hope for price recovery. The crisis is real. Only if exports pick up again can we survive this phase, said BK Reddy, a trader at Podalakur lemon market yard. With no signs of relief from the ongoing supply, and stagnating demand, both farmers and traders are now urging the government to intervene with support mechanism or facilitate export channels to stabilise the market.

Objectionable photos found in phone of Mathura youth arrested over 'provocative' online post

Police said the youth allegedly lured the women into relationships by pretending to be a Hindu, filmed them in compromising situations and circulated online

Mohan Bhagwat To Attend Workers Development Camp In Mathura

Mathura (UP), Jun 12: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will participate in a special training camp for workers during his three-day visit to Mathura beginning Thursday. Bhagwat will take part in the ongoing 20-day Karyakarta Vikas Varg Pratham Camp at the Deen Dayal Gau Vigyan Anusandhan Evam Prashikshan Kendra in Parkham, Farah, according to a release issued by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The camp is focused on skill development of pravasi (migrant) RSS workers. During his stay, the RSS chief [] The post Mohan Bhagwat To Attend Workers Development Camp In Mathura appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Railway Ministry Permanently Closes Rs 402 Crore Mathura-Vrindavan Railway Line

It further said the decision has been taken with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways and asked the zone to initiate necessary action.

Ashram to Badarpur: Why this 8 km Delhi stretch takes 45 mins instead of 15; Key reasons behind Mathura Road chaos

The 8km stretch from Ashram to Badarpur on Delhi's Mathura Road often takes up to 45 minutes to cross due to flawed road design, multiple intersections, merging traffic from Noida and Faridabad, and unregulated vehicle movement. Despite past efforts to ease congestion, chaos persists, prompting calls for NHAI intervention to develop a signal-free corridor.

Ashram to Badarpur: Why an 8km stretch takes 45 minutes when it should take 15; NHAI eyes signal-free stretch to ease traffic

The 8-km Ashram-Badarpur stretch on Delhis Mathura Road sees daily gridlock, carrying over 4-5 lakh vehicles during peak hours. Poor road design, multiple intersections, illegal parking, and wrong-side driving worsen congestion. NHAI may convert the corridor into a signal-free stretch. Experts suggest flyovers, merging lanes, and proper traffic planning as essential long-term solutions to ease the chaos.

Meat pieces found in Mathura, locals suspect cow slaughter

In a separate incident in the Mant area of the district, the recovery of a burnt cow carcass on the Yamuna Expressway service road on Saturday also led to protests by Hindu activists.

Seven arrested for allegedly slaughtering bull calf on Bakrid in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: Seven men from the minority community were arrested on Sunday for allegedly sacrificing a bull calf on Bakrid near a hillock in Ambadochar village under Chainpur police station area in Madhya Pradesh's Khargone. Multiple packets containing 32 kgs of meat have been seized along with the sharp-edged weapons used to slaughter the calf. While confirming the incident, sub divisional officer police (SDOP-Bhikhangaon) Rakesh Arya said that the seven arrested accused have been booked under Sections of the Arms Act, BNS and MP Cow Slaughter Prohibition Act. The samples of the seized meat have been sent for laboratory testing, Arya said. All seven accused were produced in court and sent into judicial custody. As per the FIR, the accused had bought the calf two months back for sacrificing it on Bakrid, and as planned, it was sacrificed. Angered by the incident, activists of Hindu outfits have called for a bandh in Chainpur (Jhirniya) town of Khargone district on Monday. 'More mutton sold on Holi' Meanwhile, the MP Mahila Congresss working president Noori Khan has claimed that the sale of mutton shoots up from 4000 quintal to 20,000 quintal in the state on Hindu festival Holi. While listing temples where goats are sacrificed, she questioned why only Muslims are targeted on slaughter of animals and consumption of meat. She also demanded that installation of CCTV cameras on meat shops and presentation of valid ID proofs by customers for buying meat be made compulsory in MP. Protests erupts after beef pieces found near eidah in Mathura; 11 arrested

Protests erupts after beef pieces found near eidah in Mathura; 11 arrested

MATHURA : Pieces of meat suspected to be beef were found in an empty plot near an eidgah on Barsana Road in Mathura district, sparking protests by members of some right-wing outfits, police said on Sunday. The meat pieces were found in Govardhan area on Saturday night, they said, adding 11 accused have been arrested. In a separate incident in the Mant area of the district, the recovery of a burnt cow carcass on the Yamuna Expressway service road on Saturday also led to protests by Hindu activists. An FIR was registered in the Barsana Road incident under various sections of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act against 24 named individuals and 50 unidentified persons, police said. Locals alleged that it was cow meat, samples of which have been sent to a forensic laboratory for examination, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said. Kumar said that after receiving information about the meat pieces near the eidgah late Saturday evening, members of the Gorakshak Dal and some Hindu organizations gathered at the site and started protests. We reached the spot and pacified the crowd. An FIR has been registered against 24 named individuals and 50 unknown persons. Strict action will be taken against the culprits, the SSP said. On the basis of CCTV footage, police have arrested 11 accused in this case. All the accused have been sent to jail, police said. The arrested accused were identified as Saqir, Sohil, Intezaar, Ansar, Pintu, Asin, Sunny, Usman, Firoz, Farukh and Shekhar, all residents of Jain Gali, Govardhan. Two knives, two axes, horns and animal skin kept in a sack were recovered from their possession, police said. The accused allegedly carried out slaughter of an animal belonging to cow family in an empty plot on Saturday evening, after which people found an animal's head and pieces of meat lying there, police said. In the Mant area, the finding of a burnt cow carcass enraged Hindu activists. Mant Circle Officer Gunjan Singh said that some Hindu activists protested over the incident and demanded an FIR. According to police, locals informed them that the cow's body had been lying there for two-three days before someone set it on fire on Saturday. Local BJP leader Ashok Saraswat has filed a complaint on behalf of the Radharani Gauseva Trust in connection with this incident, police said. Mant police station SHO Jasbir Singh said that the remains of the cow's carcass were cremated. Efforts are underway to identify individuals who were present near the incident site, Singh said.

Judge's mangalsutra snatched from Mathura temple, 10 women thieves arrested

Police recovered several stolen purses belonging to both men and women, containing cash, Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, debit cards, driving licenses, and other important documents, along with a total of 18,652 in cash

Judge`s mangalsutra snatched from Mathura temple, 10 women held

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar said on June 1, Prema Sahu, an Additional District and Sessions Judge posted in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, was visiting Thakur Shri Radharaman Temple in Vrindavan with family members when her gold mangalsutra was snatched,

Judge's Mangalsutra Snatched From UP Temple, 10 Women Thieves Arrested

A gang of women thieves who targeted female devotees at temples in Mathura was busted in a police crackdown after a judge's mangalsutra was snatched, officials said on Sunday.

Nr Commander reviews operational preparedness

Jammu, Jun 6: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited the headquarters of Strike One, also known as 1 Corps, in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura and was briefed on the operational preparedness of the formation, the Army said on Friday. He also visited a transit camp of the Northern Command in Jammu, Udhampur [] The post Nr Commander reviews operational preparedness appeared first on Northlines .

'Suffered For 3 Hours': Medical Aid Delayed, Differently Abled Cricketer Dies On Gwalior Train

Shortly after the train departed, Vikram Singh started complaining of intense pain. His condition deteriorated rapidly as the train approached Mathura.

Army's northern commander visits Strike One corps; reviews operational preparedness

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, reviewed the operational readiness of Strike One Corps in Mathura. He commended the formation's dedication and innovative approach. Sharma also visited a Northern Command transit camp, praising their commitment to providing seamless facilities, and the Udhampur Air Force Station, acknowledging their high morale and dedication.

Yogi cabinet approves 20% quota for Agniveers in UP police, highest in any state

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced 20% reservation for Agniveers in the direct recruitment process for various positions in government jobs including police constable, mounted police, fireman, and PAC constable. The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet, presided over by UP CM Yogi Adityanath here. The Agniveers, after completing their stint in the Indian Army, will also get a relaxation of three years in age while applying for these jobs. However, only those who are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh will be eligible for this benefit. Briefing media persons after the cabinet meeting, UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said that other states like Haryana and Odisha, and forces like CISF and BSF, had the provision of 10% reservation for Agniveers, making UPs offer the highest so far. The first batch of Agniveers is expected to be available for recruitment by 2026. Highlighting the state's efforts to provide meaningful post-service opportunities to Agniveers completing their four-year term under the Agnipath scheme, Khanna explained that the reservation would be applicable across all categories, including general, SC, ST, and OBC. This is a significant decision. The reservation will be applicable across categories general, SC, ST, and OBC. If an Agniveer belongs to the SC, the reservation will apply within SC category; if OBC, then within OBC category, he elaborated. Recruitment under this new reservation policy will cover four categories: constable police, constable PAC, mounted police, and fireman. The first batch of recruits through this reservation system is expected to be inducted by 2026. Khanna said this initiative seeks to ensure that Agniveers continued to contribute significantly to the state's security infrastructure even after their military service. The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the central government in 2022, aimed at short-term induction of personnel into the Army, Navy and Air Force, seeks to reduce the age profile within these services. Uttar Pradesh's new policy is in alignment with this central scheme, further facilitating the continued contribution of Agniveers. This reservation move would provide Agniveers concrete opportunities to integrate into civilian roles within the state's security apparatus. Khanna added that it not only recognised their service but would ensure that they continue contributing to the nations security infrastructure after their military stint. The policy is expected to set a precedent and possibly influence other states to reassess their approaches towards reserving positions for former Agniveers, said the UP Finance Minister. The other major decisions taken at the cabinet meeting included Uttar Pradesh Bed & Breakfast (B&B) and Homestay Policy 2025 to boost religious and heritage tourism. Under this policy, residences with 1 to 6 rooms could be licensed for homestays. Moreover, a district-level committee headed by the district magistrate will handle the licensing process. Visitors can stay up to seven days at a time, with a longer stay requiring notification. Licence fees would range from Rs 500 to Rs 3500. The scheme will be implemented in major religious and tourist cities like Ayodhya, Mathura-Vrindavan and Varanasi. Annapurna Bhawans for ration distribution To improve the Public Distribution System (PDS), the cabinet approved the construction of Annapurna Bhawans across all districts. These 484 sq. ft. buildings will be vehicle-accessible and allow ration dealers to sell additional food items. So far, 3,524 buildings have been built in rural areas and another 2,000 are under construction. The target is to construct 75 buildings in each district annually. A budget of Rs 266 crore has been allocated. Khanna said the funds would come from MGNREGA, MP/MLA funds, and development schemes like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal Funds.

Rajeev Krishna appointed as new acting DGP of Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: Senior IPS officer Rajeev Krishna is appointed as the new acting Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh, replacing Prashant Kumar, the 1990-batch IPS officer, who retired on Saturday. This put an end to the speculation over the extension of UP DGP Prashant Kumar's tenure. A 1991-batch officer of the UP cadre, Krishna recently oversaw the smooth completion of Indias largest-ever police recruitment drive, in which 60,244 constables were inducteda process hailed for its transparency and efficiency amid mounting public scrutiny following a major exam leak controversy earlier this year. Krishna, after taking over from Prashant Kumar, became the fifth officer to hold the position of acting DGP since 2022. The last permanent DGP in the state was Mukul Goel, who was removed two years ago on the grounds of indiscipline. Since then, DS Chauhan, RK Vishwakarma, Vijaya Kumar and Prashant Kumar served as interim chiefs. Prior to his latest assignment, Krishna had been serving as the Director General of Police (Recruitment and Promotion Board) (UPPRPB) and also held the concurrent charge of Director, Vigilance Establishment. Previously, he served as Director General of the Uttar Pradesh Police Academy, where he was responsible for training and mentoring new generations of police officers. Krishna, the founding chief of the UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), has held several challenging field assignments, including postings as SP/SSP in Mathura, Etawah, Agra, Noida, and Lucknow. At the national level, Krishna served as Inspector General of Operations, Border Security Force (BSF), where he oversaw operations along both the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders for four years. Krishna also led the charge against cybercrime, initiating both awareness campaigns and advanced training programmes for police personnel and the public. Belonging to Lucknow, Rajeev Krishna holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. After clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 1991, he was inducted into the Indian Police Service. One of the most impactful chapters of his career was his tenure as SSP Agra in 2004, when he led decisive crackdowns against notorious kidnapping gangs operating in the ravines.

Following SC's approval of Banke Bihari corridor project, Uttar Pradesh Governor gives assent for temple trust

LUCKNOW: After the Supreme Courts nod to the Banke Bihari Corridor project proposed by Uttar Pradesh government in Vrindavan and Mathura, State Governor Anandiben Patel gave her assent to an ordinance to set up the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas Trust here on Tuesday. The Yogi Adityanath cabinet had cleared the proposal for setting up of the trust last week. This Trust will be responsible for ensuring that the religious rituals, practices, festivals, puja at Banke Bihar Temple continue without any interference or changes besides overseeing the appointment of priests, ensuring security of devotees, and supervising work on the proposed corridor. The board will have total 18 members with 11 nominated ones and seven ex-officio members, including two representatives from the temples traditional Goswami community. No non-Hindu will be allowed to be on the Board. Notably, the apex court on May 15 had given its approval to the proposed corridor, which had been facing strong opposition from local people as they feel that the proposed project would compromise the religious antiquity of the place. The apex court, however, had allowed the state government to acquire five-acres of land around the temple by spending money offered by the devotees at the temple. The land shall be purchased in the name of the presiding deity Shree Banke Bihariji. The proposed corridor, more or less like Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, will have all public amenities, including the parking lots. The project aims at ensuring the safety of pilgrims who currently have to wade through extremely narrow lanes, as narrow as 3 ft -14 ft, to reach the temple. These narrow lanes, called Kunj Galiyan, become packed to the brim during the weekends when footfall exceed 5 lakh, leading to a stampede-like situation. The state government came up with the idea of the corridor, keeping in mind the tragedy of 2022, when two persons had suffocated to death due to a stampede. Now, with the corridor in place, the courtyard of the temple premises would be able to accommodate 10,000 people at the same time. The trusts first task will be to oversee temples arrangements, worship, and security arrangements on the Teej festival which falls on July 27 this year. The newly formed trust will include 18 members, comprising seven ex-officio officials, 11 senior nominated members, and a CEO will soon be appointed to supervise the trusts operations and ensure efficient governance. As per the plan, the corridor will connect Banke Bihari Temple with other major religious attractions such as Radha Raman temple and Madan Mohan temple while facilitating smoother routes under the larger Braj Teerth Vikas plan. The plan also has a suspension bridge proposed over the river Yamuna, directly in front of the new corridor. This bridge will link the Yamuna Expressway side of Vrindavan to the temple, enabling pilgrims to park across the river and travel via e-rickshaws or small vehicles to the temple.

Allahabad High Court rejects plea seeking Radha Rani's inclusion as party in Mathura case

The Allahabad High Court dismissed an application to include goddess Radha in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute, deeming Puranic illustrations as hearsay. The applicant claimed joint ownership of the disputed land with Lord Krishna, citing references in Purans and Sanhitas. The court stated that the applicant failed to provide concrete evidence supporting her claim of joint ownership.

HC rejects plea to implead goddess Radha in Mathura case

The Allahabad High Court has rejected an application to implead goddess Radha Rani as a party in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute. The court ruled that puranic illustrations are considered hearsay evidence and the applicant failed to provide concrete evidence supporting the claim of joint ownership.

Allahabad HC rejects plea to implead Radha Rani in Krishna Janmabhoomi title suit

LUCKNOW: In the Krishna Janmabhoomi - Shahi Eidgah title dispute case, the Allahabad High Court has rejected the Hindu sides plea to implead deity Shriji Radha Rani in the case on the grounds that Pauranic illustrations are considered hearsay evidence. The Court said that Shriji Radha Rani was not a necessary or proper party to be impleaded in the case, and if she was included, it would change the basic nature of the title suit. The plea was filed under Order 1 Rule 10 of the Civil Procedure Code by advocate Anil Kumar Singh Bishen, who represented Shriji Radha Rani through her next friend Reena N Singh. The applicant had urged the court to make Shriji Radha Rani a joint plaintiff in Original Suit No. 7 of 2023, which was filed by Shri Bhagwan Shrikrishna Lala Virajman and others against the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the Shahi Idgah Masjid Committee. The suit pertains to 13.37 acres of land in Mathura, which the plaintiffs claim is Lord Krishnas birthplace. They claim that the Shahi Idgah Masjid was illegally built during the Mughal period by demolishing this holy site. The plaintiffs have presented historical records, reports from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and references of Hindu scriptures to support their claim demanding the removal of the structure. In her plea, Shriji Radha Ranis side argued that she was deeply connected with Lord Krishna and was his eternal consort; she also had the rights over the disputed land. They referred to religious texts like the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Narada Pancharatra Samhita, and Skanda Purana to substantiate their argument that she was the soul of Lord Krishna and therefore she should be considered a co-deity with equal ownership. However, the bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra did not accept this religious argument as a legal right. The Court made it clear that religious stories cannot prove legal ownership over land in the court of law. The court said: The Pauranic illustrations are generally considered as hearsay evidence in a legal context. In the case of Pauranic illustrations, these are graphic representations of story and events and the truth of events they depict is usually based on narrative and not on direct observation or testimony. There is no evidence in support of the claim raised by the applicant that the applicant is entitled as a joint holder of said land of 13.37 acres and the property of the applicant is also involved in the suit property claimed by the plaintiff no. 1 as birth birthplace of lord Krishna. The Court also noted that there was no temple of Radha Rani on the disputed land, and there is no legal proof to show that she had any ownership or share in the property. Interestingly, while Plaintiff No. 1, represented by Kaushal Kishor Thakur, did not oppose Shriji Radha Ranis addition to the case, the other plaintiffs were against it. They said that including her would go against the main purpose of the suit, which is only focused on Krishna Janmabhoomi and not about Radha Rani. They also told the Court that Radha Rani is already included in a different ongoing case in the civil court, so she should not be made a party again in this matter. The Court agreed and said that adding Radha Rani to the case would only make the issue more complicated and might delay the proceedings. It stressed that unless there was a clear legal or ownership claim, such applications cannot be allowed. With that, the High Court dismissed the application and posted the matter for next hearing of the main suit for July 4, 2025.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Visit Ram Temple In Ayodhya

AYODHYA, May 25: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, visited Ayodhya with their family on Sunday, praying at both the Ram Temple and the Hanumangarhi Temple. Hanumangarhi Temple Mahant Sanjay Das confirmed that the celebrity couple came to the temple this morning before proceeding for the Ram Temple. The cricketer and actress avoided interaction with the media. The visit is part of the recent spiritual spree of the couple, which has visited Mathura at least twice [] The post Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Visit Ram Temple In Ayodhya appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

After SC nod to Banke Bihari Corridor, religious antiquity of Vrindavan at stake, feel Brajwasis

LUCKNOW: The Rs 600 crore Banke Bihari Corridor in Vrindavan for which the Uttar Pradesh government got the go-ahead from Supreme Court of India recently, is still facing opposition. Locals fear that the project will compromise heritage and religious antiquity of Vrindavan. The Supreme Court has allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to use temple funds for land acquisition to build the corridor, a project envisaged with an aim to ease crowd pressure around the temple. While the state government claims it will help pilgrims' movement and improve their safety saving them from stampede like situations, locals fear the project will damage Vrindavan's spiritual and cultural heritage. Over 300 buildings may have to be demolished to carve out the corridor, say the locals. The Supreme Court allowed the state government to use Rs 500 crore from the temples funds to acquire land. The acquired land will be in the name of the deity or temple trust. The apex court also allowed the authorities to acquire up to five acres of land around the temple for the project. The division bench of the apex court, comprising Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, said in the order that the land acquired for the corridor would be registered in the name of the temple deity, that is, Banke Bihari, or the managing trust. The court, in the order, made it clear that the approval for the corridor project was being given, keeping the stampede of 2022 in mind. It may be recalled that two devotees had died due to suffocation and several others were left injured after being caught in the crowd, which had swollen much beyond the capacity of the temple premises during Janmashtami celebrations on the night of August 19, 2022. At the same time, the Supreme Court, while delivering its order, appreciated the good work done by UP Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and laid stress on a coordinated effort by the trust, state government and the local residents of Vrindavan. Banke bihari temple crowd The court also observed that both Mathura and Vrindavan were ancient pilgrimage towns which needed wider roads, adequate parking slots, guest houses and improved public amenities. Meanwhile, after the SC nod, the officials have started a survey of nearly 300 houses and 100 shops around the temple. After property valuation, notices will be issued, and the affected families will be compensated. The demolition process is expected to begin within the next five months. As per the sources, the project design includes three new access routes, parking space as expansive as over 37,000 square metres, and an area of 800 square metres would be reserved for shops selling Puja items. However, diverse voices have been emanating from Vrindavan over the project. While some look at it as a necessity, others believe that the corridor would threaten Vrindavans heritage and originality. Priest Rajkumar Gautam says the corridor would be a reality despite opposition. He feels it would benefit crores of pilgrims who throng Banke Bihari ji without affecting Kunj lanes much, as many have already built platforms or planted trees. Market outside Banke-Bihari temple in Vrindavan Similarly, a local trader, Govind Khandelwal, is also of the view that the main objective of the corridor should be to widen the pathways approaching the temple while preserving the Kunj lanes. Vrindavans religious essence should remain intact. We cannot lose it to the corridor in the name of crowd management, says Khandelwal. Neeraj Gautam, head of Banke Bihari Market Association, feels that the corridor project will cut locals off from the temple. The project could harm businesses and Brajs culture will vanish, he fears. The traders are preparing to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. Temple priest Mohan Goswami agrees to the fact that temple funds will be used in land purchase, but and not for infrastructure development like having parks and roads. Thakurjis money should not be used for development, he says. Sevayat Gyanendra Goswami also expresses concern over the potential loss of ancient Kunj lanes. Opponents warn that the corridor could damage Vrindavans soul. With 5,500 temples in the town and Thakurji believed to reside in every home, any destruction affects its deep spiritual fabric. Selfie spots will not preserve sanctity, and crowd management should be done without disturbing heritage, says Sevayat Gyanendra Goswami. Those who may lose their dwellings to the project are sceptical about their future. If were removed, well be forced to sing bhajans by the Yamuna, says Rajmohan Sharma, a local resident. The saints and seers also back the project, but with the rider of demanding adequate compensation for those who will give up their shops and houses to the corridor. At the same time, they feel that such a corridor is the need of the hour to manage the ever-swelling crowd. Vrindavans narrow lanes the Kunj galiyan -- are of great religious value. Some are 500 years old, with historical roots dating back over 5,000 years to the era of Lord Krishna. Devotees believe these lanes are where Krishna played and performed Raas Leela, a practice which the deity still follows. The dilemma is that there are around 120-150 narrow lanes in Vrindavan. They get jam-packed on the days of heavy footfall, which is now a regular feature of Vrindavan as lakhs of devotees throng the land of Lord Krishna during weekends. Near the Banke Bihari temple, there are 22 kunj lanes, the width of which ranges between 3 ft and to maximum of 14 ft. Each Kunj lane around Banke Bihari temple has a name Daan, Maan, Prem, Holi , Seva, Bhoot Govind, Yugal, Chhippi, Raja, Gopi and others. While over 200 buildings in the vicinity have already been surveyed, the residents have protested with some having written letters in blood to CM Yogi. The community remains concerned about the unique identity of Vrindavan.

UP: Dalit wedding disrupted by Jat community, armed men hurl casteist slogans

A marriage function in a Dalit family in Mathura was disturbed late Tuesday night, May 20, when some members of the Jat community allegedly objected to the DJ music played during the baarat procession. According to the complaint, a group led by Krishna, Manish Kumar, and Ankur, along with around 20-25 unidentified people, stopped the 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 .

Security spruced up along Indo-Nepal border amid suspicions of Pakistani, Bangladeshi infiltration

LUCKNOW: Amid rising tensions along the border following Operation Sindoor, Pakistani and Bangladesh infiltrators may plan entry into India via Nepal, official sources said on Thursday. As per the sources, around 35 infiltrators are suspected to attempt illegal entry, prompting authorities to sound high alert on Indo-Nepal border, particularly near Rupaidih area in Bahraich district. Following intelligence inputs, security has been tightened along the Indo-Nepal border in Bahraich, Gonda and Balrampur districts. In response, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has declared high alert, deploying over 1,700 personnel for intensive combing operations in the forests bordering Nepal. Additionally, the SSB has deployed 9,000 personnel across key districts including Pilibhit, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj. As a result, double patrolling is being conducted in those areas. Thorough checking campaigns are underway at all crossing points, with enhanced screening of every individual entering from Nepal. According to Commandant Ganga Singh Udavat of the 42nd Battalion guarding Indo-Nepal border areas, the situation between India and Pakistan remains tense. Sources in intelligence agencies believe that Pakistan may retaliate by pushing in terror modules into India through the porous border it shares with Nepal. Our troops are alert and prepared 24/7 to counter any such threat, he said. Balrampur ASP Yogesh Kumar said that joint teams of police and SSB were keeping a close watch on the border areas 24X7. He said that village security committees were also activated. Moreover, the security agencies are using CCTV surveillance, drones, metal detectors, and specialized dog squads to monitor human movement in those areas. As per the intelligence sources, the infiltrators may launch targeted attacks in state capital Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura.

Yogi government to revamp religious, heritage sites with Rs 4,560 crore investment

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government has chalked out an ambitious plan to revamp and strengthen roads connecting sites of historical, mythological, and spiritual significance with an investment of Rs 4,560 crore. The initiative aims not only at ensuring safer and more convenient travel for pilgrims but to firmly establish Uttar Pradesh as a leading destination on the global religious tourism map, the state government spokesman, here on Tuesday. The UP CM has issued clear instructions that the beautification, restoration, and enhancement of religious and heritage sites remain among the top priorities of the state government. The state government spokesman said that the project would focus mainly on improving connectivity and enhancing the beauty of sacred routes linking major pilgrimage destinations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Naimisharanya, and Mirzapur. Priority was being accorded to widening, strengthening, and constructing those key routes during the financial year 2025-26, he added. According to the Public Works Departments plan, 272 projects will be completed under this initiative, with a total budget allocation of Rs 4,560 crore. The Public Works Department and the Religious Works Department would work in tandem to ensure comprehensive development and seamless execution of the project. According to the plan prepared by the Public Works Department, the strengthening of roads connecting significant religious sites across the state is approved by the Principal Secretary, Religious Works Department. Priority is being given to developing, reconstructing, and strengthening those roads that have the highest footfall. Once this plan is implemented, devotees and travellers will benefit from better transportation facilities. This will reduce their travel time and make their journeys easier, safer, and more organised, said a senior PWD official. For the 272 planned projects, the main focus is on roads that see an average annual traffic of around 5 lakh devotees. The projects include widening roads, repairing surfaces, building sidewalks, strengthening carriageways, lane marking, beautification, expansion, improving traffic management, and promoting road safety standards. Special attention is being given to routes where land acquisition can be minimised to ensure smoother progress.

22 kids among 90 from Bangladesh held in Mathura

In Mathura, authorities detained 90 Bangladeshi nationals, including children, for allegedly residing illegally in India, seizing documents and mobile phones. They were found working at brickyards, having crossed borders years ago. Simultaneously, Uttarakhand police arrested a US citizen and a Bangladeshi woman for lacking valid residency documents, highlighting ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration.

IPL-Style Cricket League Organised for Inmates at Mathura Jail

Divided into eight teams, 130 inmates, including convicts and undertrials, participated in the tournament.

UP man forced to chant Jai Shri Ram, faces religious harassment

Mathura: A Muslim man was allegedly forced to chant Jai Shri Ram and subjected to religious harassment by a group of Hindutva men in Mathura, police said on Wednesday, May 14. The accused also recorded a video of the incident and circulated it online. A case has been registered based on a complaint filed by 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 .

Red alert announced in Uttar Pradesh, mock drills conducted across state

LUCKNOW: A red alert was issued in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, with the administration conducting mock drills across the state to prepare for any eventuality. The move follows air strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor, in which Indian defence forces targeted and destroyed terrorist camps and infrastructure at nine locations inside Pakistan. UP DGP Prashant Kumar, while announcing red alert, asked the state police authorities to work in tandem with Army and the India Air Force to ensure security of significant installation in the state. Claiming that state police were in alert mode and ready to provide security to citizens, the DGP said that the security of important religious and other establishments was spruced up in the state. While security was enhanced with the deployment of over 600 police personnel in and around Kashi Vishwanath Corridor in Varanasi, the police authorities increased patrolling and vigilance at Shree Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura and around the upcoming Ram temple in Ayodhya. The Babri litigant Iqbal Ansari prayed for Indian Army saying that with the grace of Allah, the Indian forces would answer the evil designs of Pakistan and name it as Hindustan. For the demonic forces like Pakistan, Lord Ram is needed. Pakistan has been responded in such a language that it will never forget, said Ansari. Additionally, security was heightened at key locations including Varanasi Airport, Kanpur Central Railway Station, and the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, with intensive vehicle checks underway. This marks the first red alert issued in the state in decades. It was during 1971 war that the state was kept on red alert. After that, it is the first such occasion when a red alert has been declared, says former UP DGP Sulkhan Singh. As per UP police authorities, red alert is warning system which indicates at emergency situation. People are asked to be alert and follow administrations instructions during a terror threat or war like situation. It is mandatory to follow the Red Alert as it is meant for the security of citizens, says a senior police official. Meanwhile, reacting to the Operation Sindoor, UP CM Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Armed Forces , SP chief Akhilesh Yadav took to X to post in Sanskrit: Parakramo Vijyate (courage wins). On the other, former CM and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati called Operation Sindoor, a commendable act of pride. However, post-Operation Sindoor, celebrations were reported from different districts across UP. While fireworks were seen in Sambal and Chandausi, people played Holi with colours and distributed sweets in Gonda. In Varanasi, locals , traders and businessmen posed with lemon and chillies to keep the countrys army safe from evil eye and burst firecrackers. At the same time, the mock drill was conducted in various districts, including Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Ghaziabad and Moradabad, of the state on Wednesday. Residents of Varanasi were trained on how to protect themselves during an attack, with sirens sounding to simulate real-time emergency alerts. Civilians were also trained in dousing the fire. Scenes of a stampede were recreated during a mock drill, and people were told how to save themselves in such a situation. They were also imparted training in giving Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in case of an emergency. In Chitrakoot, scenes of air strikes were recreated and the people were told how to cope with it. In Ghaziabad and Moradabad, people were told to lie down on the ground covering their ears, soon after hearing the sirens. While the Union government had identified 19 districts of UP for mock drill but the state administration decided to conduct it across all the districts.

Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill

LUCKNOW: A day before the scheduled mock drill mandated by the Union government, civil defence volunteers conducted a rehearsal at the Lucknow police lines on Tuesday to strengthen emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, UP DGP Prashant Kumar, on Tuesday, said that comprehensive civil defence mock drills would be conducted across all districts on Wednesday in compliance of the instructions received from the Government of India. The exercise, which involved around 200 civil defence volunteers, was aimed at training volunteers in managing large-scale emergencies and responding effectively to potential missile or air attacks. According to Chief Warden, Civil Defence Lucknow, Amarnath Mishra, the participants demonstrated coordinated responses to sirens, evacuation procedures, and protective measures designed to minimise panic and chaos during emergencies. The drill focused on practical techniques to protect civilians during missile strikes and air attacks, along with educating the public on how to safeguard themselves in such situations, Mishra added. The development comes a day after the Union Home Ministry's directives to states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence preparedness. The Union Home Ministry asked the states to operationalise air raid warning sirens and train civilians to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The states have also been directed to update and rehearse evacuation plans, crash blackout measures, and early camouflaging of vital plants and installations. Interacting with media persons, the UP DGP Prashant Kumar said that the Centre had identified 19 districts-- one placed in Category 1, two in Category 2 and the remaining 16 in Category 3-- for the exercise. Bulandshahr in western UP has been kept in Category 1; Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bakshi Ka Talab, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Bareilly, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Saharanpur, Sarsawan, and Chandauli are there in Category 2; Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar, both western UP districts, have been kept in Category 3. However, keeping the preparedness in mind and also considering the local sensitivities, the state government has decided to conduct the mock drill across all the state districts, said the DGP. He explained that the exercise would involve coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the police administration, fire services, and disaster response agencies, to cope with disasters and other critical situations. The mock drill is imperative to ensure better coordination and readiness among all response agencies, said Prashant Kumar. Meanwhile, DG Civil Defence, Abhay Prasad also confirmed the instructions received from the Centre, explaining preparations were already underway to equip civilians with the knowledge and readiness needed in case of any future conflict. He said the mock drill would be conducted between 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday. At present, the state Civil Defence department has offices in 15 districts but covers 26 districts through its network. As part of the initiative, an assessment of emergency medical infrastructure, response time, and coordination between various agencies would be assessed in the event of mass casualties and large-scale evacuations. The drill would also foster greater public awareness and resilience in times of national crisis, said a senior state government official.

16 men rescued from bonded labour in MP's Guna district; nine arrested, search underway for three

BHOPAL: At least 16 men from multiple states, who were held captive and forced to work as bonded labourers by powerful individuals, have been rescued by authorities in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district. The men were freed from various locations including private homes, agricultural fields, roadside dhabas, cowsheds, and brick kilns, where they had been kept in inhuman conditions. According to officials, they were subjected to severe abuse, including electric shocks, whenever they attempted to escape or resisted working without pay. The rescued individuals, aged between 20 and 65, hail from several states including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Many of the victims are reportedly mentally disturbed due to prolonged torture, inadequate food, and physical abuse. Some have been admitted to the Guna district hospital for treatment. Once their condition stabilizes, they will be moved to the Apna Ghar shelter home in neighbouring Shivpuri district. Efforts are underway to trace their families, and the men will be reunited with them based on information gathered during the rescue operation. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about elderly men being held as bonded labourers, joint teams of the Guna district administration, labour department, and police launched a rescue operation on Saturday and freed 16 individuals from captivity in several villages of Chachoura region, including Binaganj, Jaisinghpura, and Chak Patodi. The men had been held in inhuman conditions by powerful local families and forced to work without pay in agricultural fields, cowsheds, and roadside eateries. Many of them were found in tattered clothing and visibly malnourished. The rescued men Among the rescued was 60-year-old Rama from Gujarat, a former schoolteacher who once taught English and Mathematics to Class X students in Ahmedabad. Around two decades ago, he began a religious pilgrimage on foot from Shirdi to Mathura. While passing through Binaganj in Guna district, he was reportedly abducted by a local family and forced into bonded labour on farms and cattle sheds for 19 years. Another victim, 32-year-old Virendra Yadav from Unchahar in Uttar Pradeshs Rae Bareli district, had previously worked at NTPC plants and even ran his own sweet shop. While travelling through Madhya Pradesh some years ago, he was allegedly abducted by a man named Bhura and held captive in Binaganj. He was forced to work without wages, tending to cattle in a cowshed owned by a powerful family. Also rescued was 65-year-old Vimal Kumar from Fatehpur district in UP. He was travelling from Kanpur to Indore by car when his vehicle broke down. A man identified as Bittu offered him help but instead handed him over to another family. Vimal was then held captive and forced into bonded labour. When he attempted to escape, he was brutally assaulted and subjected to electric shocks. Authorities have initiated legal action against those responsible. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to provide medical treatment, counselling, and eventual rehabilitation of the rescued men. The middle-aged and elderly men, who had been forced into bonded labour by powerful individuals in several villages for years, have been freed, said Guna District Police Superintendent Ankit Soni. Cases have been registered against 12 individuals under various sections of the BNS, including Sections 127(4), 127(6), 143(2), 146, 115(2), 351(2), and 3(5). Nine of the accused have already been arrested, and a search is underway for the remaining three. In light of reports suggesting that more bonded labourers may still be held captive by influential individuals in other villages, the Guna district administration has vowed to continue its crackdown on such exploitative practices.

7 dead in rain-related incidents across north India; roads flooded, trees uprooted in Delhi-NCR

Busy road stretches in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad and Mathura were inundated with water

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.

CBI seeks prosecution of five officers in Uttarakhand's Corbett safari scam

DEHRADUN: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted its investigation report to the Uttarakhand government regarding the alleged illegal felling of over 6,000 trees and unauthorised construction work carried out under the guise of a tiger safari project in the Corbett Tiger Reserve. In a significant development, the central agency has sought permission from the state government to initiate prosecution proceedings against five officers allegedly involved in the irregularities. The CBI had formally registered a case in the high-profile Corbett tiger safari matter in October 2023, taking over the investigation into the extensive environmental damage and rule violations. Before the CBI's involvement, the case was under scrutiny by the state Vigilance Department. It was during the vigilance probe that the then Ranger Brij Bihari Sharma and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kishan Chand were suspended and subsequently arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation. The CBI's latest report marks a crucial step towards potential legal action against more individuals. Following the CBI's probe, the Enforcement Directorate also launched an investigation into the alleged irregularities at Corbett Tiger Reserve in December 2023. While the ED probe remains ongoing, sources confirm the agency has already seized property worth Rs 31.8 crore belonging to former DFO Kishan Chand. According to reliable sources, serious questions have been raised about the role of Harak Singh Rawat, the former Forest Minister under the previous BJP government, with allegations directly implicating him in the scandal. The extensive irregularities in Corbett first came to light in 2021 through a petition filed by a Delhi High Court advocate. Acting on the court's directions, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) conducted an on-site investigation, which reportedly uncovered numerous discrepancies. Further investigations, including one by the Forest Survey of India, revealed the felling of over 6,000 trees. Sources indicate significant irregularities were found in construction works under the guise of a tiger safari in the Pakhru range, covering 106 hectares, as well as projects at Morghati, Kugaddha, Sneh, and the Pakhro rest house. Unauthorised construction also included an elephant wall, Kandi road, and a residence for the Chief Wildlife Warden in the core zone, allegedly undertaken by diverting over Rs 215 crore in funds. Departmental sources previously named several officials in connection with the irregularities, including the late KS Suhag (ex-CWLW), Sushant Patnaik (ex-CCF), Rahul (ex-Director Corbett), ex-DFOs Akhilesh Tiwari and Kishan Chand, and ex-Rangers Mathura Singh, Brij Bihari Sharma, and LR Nag. Reacting to the escalating investigation into the Corbett irregularities, Anu Pant, the petitioner, told TNIE: 'The way advocate Abhijay Negi has pursued the Forest Department's irregularities with strong legal arguments has significantly tightened the noose around the culprits, boosting public confidence in both the investigative agencies and the judiciary.'

SC says HC prima facie correct in impleading govt, ASI in Mathura row

The Supreme Court stated that the Allahabad High Court was initially correct in permitting Hindu litigants to include the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute. The Allahabad HC had allowed amendments to lawsuits, enabling petitioners to include the home ministry and ASI as respondents.

SC Upholds Allahabad HC On Mathura Temple

The Supreme Court on Monday held that the Allahabad High Court was prima facie correct in permitting Hindu litigants to amend their suits in the Mathura Krishna JanmabhoomiShahi Idgah case by adding the Union home ministry and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as respondents.

Mathura row: SC defers hearing on plea of mosque panel against impleading Centre, ASI

The Supreme Court has deferred a hearing concerning the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, specifically regarding a mosque committee's challenge to a high court order. This order allowed Hindu litigants to include the Centre and ASI in the case.

Mathura-Vrindavan: Two Labourers Die as Soil Collapses During Sewer Work

Victims buried under debris near Shyam Kuti; negligence complaint filed

NCW takes up complaints of harassment of women teachers in Mathura

The National Commission for Women expressed strong disapproval over alleged misconduct by a Basic Shiksha Adhikari, terming the actions as misuse of official position and violation of womens rights

CM Yogi Adityanath's vision for strengthening security infrastructure, govt to construct new campuses for Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government is pushing for strengthening the state's security infrastructure for which it is speeding up the construction of modern campuses. This construction work is being done under the new Uttar Pradesh Special Security Force (UPSSF) battalions. For this initiative, residential and non-residential facilities will be constructed for the 3rd Battalion in Prayagraj. Also, a 4th will be made in Mathura in line with CM Yogi Adityanath's broader perspective on security.

Dalit groom allegedly assaulted by 'upper caste' men in Agra: Police

AGRA: A Dalit groom was allegedly assaulted by a group of upper caste men during a wedding procession in Agra's Nagla Talfi area, police said on Thursday. The incident also left several members of the wedding party injured, they said. According to the complaint lodged by Anita, a resident of Nagla Talfi, the incident took place on Wednesday evening when her daughter's wedding procession arrived from Mathura. The wedding was scheduled to take place later at a marriage home located a short distance from the village, it said. Thakur caste Hindu goons attacked a dalit wedding ceremony with sticks and other weapons in UP's Agra dist. Several dalits are seriously injured. Horrifying! Why are not they letting us celebrate our wedding peacefully and happily? Why? @UNHumanRights @ohchr @NCSC_GoI pic.twitter.com/D11YZSK3qJ Suraj Kumar Bauddh (@SurajKrBauddh) April 17, 2025 As the procession moved along the road accompanied by DJ music, a group of men from upper castes allegedly arrived with sticks and batons and attacked the groom and several others, the complaint said. The attackers beat up the groom and several members of the wedding party. Due to the assault, no rituals could be performed at the marriage venue. The entire ceremony had to be shifted and conducted at our home instead, Anita stated in her complaint. Assistant Commissioner of Police P K Rai said, Those injured in the assault are being treated. A case has been registered and further investigation is underway. An FIR has been registered against nine named and 20 unidentified individuals in connection with the attack, he said.

Premanand Maharaj Misses Padyatra For 2nd Night Due To Illness, Devotees Seen In Tears

Premanand Maharaj missed his late-night 'padyatra' in Mathura-Vrindavan for a second consecutive night, citing health issues, leaving thousands of devotees disappointed.

Muslim Personal Law Board protest meeting against waqf legislation at Darussalaam on April 19: Owaisi

Owaisi demands answers from PM Modi on whether Sambhal, Mathura and other Muslim would continue to be waqf

Brother's Tip-Off Busts Uttar Pradesh Man Who Killed Wife Buried Body In Field

A man in Mathura allegedly killed his wife following an argument in drunken condition and later buried her body in a field.

Drunk man kills wife in Mathura, buries body in field

Investigations revealed that Vijay was involved in an affair with a differently-abled woman, with whom he often chatted on the phone'. Rekha strongly opposed it. The couple had a heated argument over this on the night of the incident, which led to the fatal assault, the officer said.

12 UP cops booked over 'fake' encounter of BTech student

Mathura resident Tarun Gautam has alleged in the court that police threatened his family and framed his son, a B.Tech student, in false cases under the Gangsters Act, and Arms Act.

Retired Colonel Travels From Gurgaon To Mathura To Meet Woman He Met On Matrimonial Site, Her Friends Rob & Assault Him

Retired Army Colonel Rajneesh Soni from Gurgaon was assaulted, blackmailed, and robbed in Mathura after being lured by a woman he met on Jeevansathi.

SC to examine if worship Act applies to Shahi Idgah

SC will examine the different arguments from Hindu and Muslim sides on the applicability of the Places of Worship Act, 1991 to the Mathura Shahi Idgah-Srikrishna Janmasthan dispute. Muslim side claims the suits violate the PoW Act, while Hindus argue it's protected under the ASI Act.

Uttar Pradesh police remain vigil across state in wake of Waqf Amendment Bill

LUCKNOW: Amid the prevailing tension following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament on late Thursday night, security was tightened in all the 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh amid fierce criticism of the Bill from various quarters of Muslim community. However, there was no incident of public protest reported from anywhere in the state. UP police in all the 75 districts held Flag March in the wake of the passage of the Bill with a strict monitoring of potential troublemakers. Moreover, the state police are keeping an eye on the situation through drones as well. Notably, UP DGP Prashant Kumar had cancelled the leave of all the police personnel calling them back to join duty with immediate effect on Wednesday when the Bill was tabled in Lok Sabha. While cautioning the officers to exercise utmost caution in their respective districts, the state police chief has directed the officers in the sensitive areas to remain mobile in the field and intensify the police patrolling in public places. The police chiefs of respective districts, including state capital Luckow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Sambhal, Aligarh, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Agra, Bulandshahr, Rampur, Jalaun, Moradabad and Mathura, remained on high alert and conducted flag march coupled with the monitoring of sensitive areas, shrines and dargahs through drone. Moreover, the vigilance was increased in Muslim dominated localities of the cities across the state. Congress to challenge Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Supreme Court In Lucknow, police surveillance was amplified especially in over a dozen localities across the old city area. Special security measures were taken to protect Vidhan Bhawan, Satkhanda, Roomi Gate and Chowk areas. Rapid Action Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and 10 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) conducted flag march. All the preventive measures have been put in place. Cops are aware of SOPs. People are urged not to have any misconception, said DCP (Central) Lucknow Ashish Srivastava. In the Taj city of Agra, police and PAC units were deployed around the Jama Masjid with barriers erected at various points to control the movement. Flag marches are being conducted since Wednesday morning, especially, in areas with diverse population. Additionally, the authorities are also monitoring social media platforms to prevent any attempt to spread misinformation. Uttar Pradesh: Waqf Board to be reconstituted and new guidelines implemented shortly However, numerous Muslim organisations denounced the Waqf Amendment Bill calling it an infringement of their religious freedom. The AIMPLB and other Muslim organisation have conveyed their concerns over the Bill to the JPC but they were not considered, said Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, a senior executive member of AIMPLB and chairman Islamic Centre of India. Maulana Fazlul Manna, cleric of famous Tilewali Masjid in Lucknow, said the waqf was owned by Allah. No one else can own the Waqf properties. Now the future course of action would be decided by All India Muslim Personal Law Board. Similarly, in Bareilly, while Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza claimed that the Bill would not be accepted by the Muslims at any cost, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, chairman, All India Muslim Jamat came out in support of the Bill saying it would be in the favour of Muslims if passed by the Parliament. In Saharanpur, Maulana Mahmood Madni, chairman, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind dubbed the Bill as anti-constitutional. He said it was brought by Modi government following its majoritarian approach against the democratic values. On the other, in Varanasi, Supreme Court advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain welcomed the bill saying it would curtail several 'unchecked' powers previously held by Waqf Boards. Former chief of UP Minority Commission, Ashfaq Saifi said that he was getting life threats for supporting the Bill. I am being intimidated through social media and Whatsapp calls. My brother-in-law Zahid Saifi, who lives in Gunnaur in Sambhal, was attacked by unidentified persons, said Saifi. At the same time, Sumaiyya Rana, daughter of late poet Munnawar Rana, was house arrested as a preventive measure in Lucknow. Waqf amendment bill 'Brazen assault' on Constitution, says Sonia Gandhi

RSS wont block volunteers in Varanasi, Mathura temple efforts: Sangh's general secretary Hosabale

RSS will allow volunteers to work on the Kashi Vishwanath and Srikrishna Janmabhoomi temples but warns against uncovering temples beneath mosques. Hosabale highlights that focusing on these past issues could detract from urgent social reforms such as eradicating untouchability and managing contemporary societal concerns.

Hosabales remarks on Kashi and Mathura reflect the stirrings within the RSS

Two countervailing forces are at work in the Sangh universe that of drawing a line under the temple movements, and that of including two other disputes in the same pantheon as Ayodhya

Supreme Court to hear plea challenging validity of Places of Worship Act on April 1

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will hear a new petition on Tuesday filed by law student Nitin Upadhyaya, challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This law prevents changing the religious character of places of worship as they were on August 15, 1947. Upadhyaya argues that the government has exceeded its powers by blocking judicial remedies, which are a fundamental part of the Constitution. He has requested the court to allow legal proceedings to determine the original religious identity of places of worship. He is specifically challenging Section 4(2) of the Act, which stops any legal action to alter a place of worships status. Upadhyaya has also approached the Supreme Court against its previous order requiring fresh cases on the matter. The court had earlier allowed some petitioners to file intervention applications in ongoing cases by presenting new legal arguments. As per the Supreme Courts cause list, uploaded on March 31, Upadhyayas case is set to be heard by a two-judge bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar. The law prohibits the conversion of any place of worship and ensures that their religious character remains the same as it was on August 15, 1947. 'Places of Worship Act 1991 essential to safeguard secularism in India': INC seeking direction to be intervenor During a hearing in February, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the rising number of intervention applications. Too many petitions filed. There is a limit to interventions being filed, the Chief Justice-led bench said. Apart from multiple petitions in court, the Indian National Congress (INC) has also approached the Supreme Court to oppose the challenges against the Places of Worship Act and to intervene in these cases. The INC has supported the law, arguing that it is essential for maintaining communal harmony in India. The court is expected to hear the related cases on February 17. The INC stated in its plea that the law does not violate religious freedom and is crucial for upholding secularism in the country. The POW Act is enacted by the Parliament, as it reflects the mandate of the Indian populace. In fact, the POW Act had been envisaged prior to the year 1991 and the same is made a part of the Applicant's then Election Manifesto for the Parliamentary elections. The POW Act is essential to safeguard secularism in India, and the present challenge appears to be a motivated and malicious attempt to undermine established principles of secularism, the INC said in its submission to the court. Some petitions have challenged the constitutional validity of the Act, while others have demanded its strict enforcement. Several political parties, including the CPI (M), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha, MP Thol Thirumavalavan, and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, have also sought to intervene in support of the law. The Supreme Court is handling multiple petitions, including one by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who has asked the court to strike down Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Places of Worship Act. Another petition was filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, who wants the court to modify certain provisions of the law to allow Hindus to claim ownership of the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. The law strictly prohibits changing the religious character of any place of worship and ensures that their status remains the same as it was on August 15, 1947.

Two Police Constables Injured in Stone-Pelting Incident in Mathura

Residents of Kosi Kalan attacked police during a site survey of a recent gambling case; investigation underway

Jaipur expands municipal boundaries for the first time in 30 years, incorporates 80 villages

JAIPUR: For the first time in 30 years, Jaipur's municipal boundaries have been expanded. The Department of Autonomous Governance released a notification on Thursday, officially extending the limits of both Jaipur Greater and Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporations. According to the 2011 census, this expansion brings an additional population of approximately 1.29 lakh into the Greater Municipal Corporation and around 25,000 into the Heritage Municipal Corporation. A total of 80 revenue villages are now part of the city's jurisdiction. The highest number of newly added 46 villages are from the Sanganer subdivision, while 26 belong to the Jaipur subdivision and 8 to Amer. A proposal for formal approval has been sent to the government. Currently, these villages fall within the ring road boundary. With this expansion, an estimated 1.75 lakh residents will now be under the urban municipal framework, increasing the reach and responsibilities of the municipal corporations. Evolution of Jaipur Municipal Corporation Boundaries Jaipur Municipal Corporation was established in 1994 after transitioning from the Jaipur Municipal Council. Despite ward restructuring over the years, the city's boundaries remained unchanged until now. 1994: The municipal corporation was divided into 70 wards. 2004: The first restructuring increased the wards from 70 to 77. 2014: Another reorganization raised the number from 77 to 91, but the city's territorial limits remained the same. 2019: The then Ashok Gehlot-led administration split the Jaipur Municipal Corporation into twoJaipur Greater and Jaipur Heritage. The number of wards in Jaipur Greater rose to 150, while Jaipur Heritage had 100, totaling 250 wards. Despite these administrative changes, the official boundary was not expanded until this latest development. The following revenue villages and Gram Panchayats have been officially incorporated into Jaipurs urban area: Sanganer Subdivision: Sarna Dungar, Bawdi, Mansharampura, Hathoj, Beed Hathoj, Nari Ka Bas, Machwa, Pithawas, Lalchandpura, Pindolai, Sabarampura, Niwaru, Boyatawala, Muhana, Madau, Badh Mohanpura, Jagatshravanpura, Peepla Bharat Singh, Mohanpura, and others. Jaipur Subdivision: Jagannathpura, Mahasinghpura, Ratlya, Manohariyawala, Vidhani, Mathurawala, Ramchandpura, Saligrampura, Shri Kishanpura, Vimalpura, Jaichandpura, Dantali, Chatarpura, Sisyawas, and others. Amer Subdivision: Goner, Bilchakla, Laxmipura, Prahladpura, Shriram Ki Nangal, Ashawala, Badsheopur, Jaisinghpura Bas-Bilwa, Khedi Gokulpura, Bakshawala, Sheosinghpura, and others.

'I will not apologise in this life': SP MP Ramji Lal Suman over remarks on Rajput king Rana Sanga

LUCKNOW: A day after his residence was stormed by the Karni Sena activists in Agra, Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman, on Thursday, refused to apologise for his remarks on Rajput king Rana Sanga saying one could not deny history. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party workers demonstrated against the attack on SP MPs house while the Karni Sena activists continued their protests against Suman at different places in UP. While talking on camera, Suman, during the ongoing parliament session, claimed that his house in Agra was attacked with the intention to harm his family. The SP MP had recently kicked up a row by saying that Rana Sanga was a raitor who was responsible for bringing Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. Rana Sanga or Sangram Singh I was the ruler of Mewar from 1508 to 1528. I will not apologise in this life, I do not know about the next life, the SP MP said while talking to media persons. Explaining his stand on Rana Sanga, the SP MP said that the truth should be accepted. Babur was invited by Rana Sanga to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. He had the misconception that Babur was a robber, and that he would go back, and Rana Sanga would rule, but Babur declared himself the ruler of Hindustan and refused to leave, said Suman. Karni Sena chief Suraj Pal Singh Amu said the remarks insulted a hero who defeated the Mughals and demanded that Suman and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav tender an apology. Scores of activists from Karni Sena vandalised the SP MPs house located near Hariparvat Chauraha in Agra on Wednesday. Multiple cars parked outside the house were damaged, chairs were broken, and glass windows were shattered. Videos showed a handful of police personnel confronting the mob as it went on a rampage in the posh neighbourhood. A policeman got injured. I met the Rajya Sabah Chairman, informed him about the situation. I told him threats were being made since March 22 through social media, and yesterday they came to my house with a bulldozer, he said. There was a life-threatening attack, they broke all the glasses, destroying the cars in the colony... their intention was to destroy my family, he said. Agra police lodged an FIR against an unknown mob on Thursday. The incident took place on the day Chief Minister Adityanath was in the city for a public event. The SP MP, on March 21, had said in Rajya Sabha that Indian Muslims did not consider Babur their ideal. They follow Muhammad Saheb and the Sufi tradition. However, I want to ask, who brought Babur here? It was Rana Sanga who invited Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodhi. So, if thats the case, then Hindus must be descendants of the traitor Sanga. We criticize Babur, but why do we not criticize Rana Sanga?, the MP had asked the upper house. In reaction to his tirade against Rana Sanga, the SP MP has been facing backlash from right-wing Hindu groups such as the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Karni Sena following his controversial statement referring to Rana Sanga as a traitor. On the other hand, Agra Additional Superintendent of Police, Sanjeev Tyagi said that two FIRs were lodged in connection with the attack on SP MPs house. A total of 33 persons had been taken into custody and strict action would be taken against all the troublemakers. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party workers, on Thursday, protested against the attack on Ramji Lal Sumans house in Agra. While partys national general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav called the attack on SP MPs house a pre-planned conspiracy hatched with the support of district administration, SP MLA Shavpal Yadav attributed the attack on SP MPs house to alleged BJP hooligans. Ramji Lal Sumans house was attacked as he hailed from the Dalit community, said Yadav. On the other hand, the activists of Karni Sena also demonstrated against Suman at various places across UP. While getting a case registered against Suman in MP/MLA court of Varanasi, the Karni Sena activists burnt an effigy of the SP MP in Mathura on Thursday.

Cutting large number of trees worse than killing human beings, says Supreme Court

NEW DELHI : Cutting a large number of trees is worse than killing human beings, the Supreme Court has said, while fining a man Rs 1 lakh for each illegally cut tree. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan made the observation while rejecting the plea of a man who had chopped down 454 trees in the protected Taj Trapezium Zone. There should be no mercy in environmental case. Felling a large number of trees is worse than killing a human, the bench said. The top court said it will take at least 100 years minimum to again regenerate or recreate the green cover created by 454 trees which were blatantly cut without permission. The apex court accepted the report of the central empowered committee (CEC), which recommended a fine of Rs 1 lakh per tree for cutting 454 trees in Dalmia Farms in Mathura-Vrindavan by one Shiv Shankar Agarwal. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Agarwal, submitted that he has admitted the mistake but the court refused to reduce the fine amount . The court said Agarwal should be allowed to do plantations at a nearby site and said the contempt plea filed against him will be disposed only after compliance. The top court also recalled its 2019 order which had removed the requirement of obtaining prior permission to cut trees on non-forest and private lands within the Taj Trapezium Zone.

Man Killed By Daughter's In-laws Over Insurance Papers In UP's Mathura, Accused Arrested

Chandrapal had gone to his daughters in-laws house in Chhata on Thursday, about a month after her husband, Lokesh, died by suicide

Uttar Pradesh Shocker! Frustrated with constant pain, man performs surgery on his stomach after watching YouTube tutorials, applies 11 stitches, ends up in hospital (VIDEO)

A young man in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura took drastic measures to alleviate his abdominal pain by performing surgery on himself after watching YouTube tutorials. Unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he had to be hospitalized.

SHOCKING! Man performs surgery on himself watching YouTube video, says why he did it

Mathura man attempts self-surgery after failed medical consultations, following YouTube tutorials, and ends up hospitalized with severe complications.

UP man tries self-surgery at home with YouTube tutorial, lands in hospital after making 7-inch deep stomach incision

A 32-year-old man in Mathura performed self-surgery after researching online, leading to critical complications and hospitalization. He made a 7-inch incision and attempted to stitch it, but severe bleeding ensued. He was transferred to a larger facility in Agra for advanced treatment.

Fishermen block Anchuthengu-Perumathura coastal road demanding desilting of Muthalapozhy harbour mouth

The Kerala government and Adani Port are locked in a dispute over who should desilt the Muthalapozhy harbour mouth

Security beefed up at Aurangzeb's grave amid calls for its removal by Hindu groups

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: As calls for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave intensify, the police administration has stepped up security, making it mandatory for visitors to furnish their identity cards before entering the site in Maharashtra's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, an official said on Monday. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests at various government offices during the day and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave in Khuldabad. Aurangzeb is remembered in Maharashtra for his battles with the Marathas, who resisted his expansionist ambitions. Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj's son, Sambhaji, was captured, tortured, and executed on his orders. The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rural police department has implemented multiple security posts from the entry point to Khuldabad town to the grave site. Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane stirs controversy with threat to remove Aurangzeb's tomb An official said a State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) company of 50 policemen, 30 personnel from local police and 20 Home Guards have been deployed at various points and the grave site. Tourists visiting the grave now have to write their names in a visitors register kept with a team of Home Guards and have to furnish identity documents, he said. Parvez Kabeer Ahmed, the caretaker of the grave, said, The situation here is peaceful, and people should not believe in rumours. Footfall of visitors has gone down after the demands to demolish the grave have come up. The footfall is usually low during Ramzan. Nearly 100 people visit daily, but the number has gone down since the issue was raised. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged protests at government offices in different parts of Maharashtra and submitted memorandums for the removal of Aurangzeb's grave. In the memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the VHP stated that Aurangzeb had killed two sons of Sikh guru Guru Gobind Singh because they refused to convert, tortured and killed Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and demolished temples in Kashi, Mathura, Somnath. Any memorial of Aurangzeb is a symbol of pain and slavery, so the grave should be demolished completely, it said. In case of government inaction, the VHP warned that it would march to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district and demolish the grave. The right-wing organisation held similar agitations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nagpur and suburban areas of Mumbai.

Violence mars Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh, over dozen injured

Lucknow: Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh were marred by incidents of violence, resulting in injuries to over a dozen people and highlighting existing social tensions. Clashes erupted over forced application of colours, caste-based disputes, and drunken altercations, leading to arrests and heightened security measures. In Mathura district, a confrontation between upper-caste men and 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 .

Holi violence in Uttar Pradesh: Clashes over caste, music, and altercations leave several injured

LUCKNOW: Holi celebrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh were marred by incidents of violence, resulting in injuries to over a dozen people and highlighting existing social tensions. Clashes erupted over forced application of colours, caste-based disputes, and drunken altercations, leading to arrests and heightened security measures. In Mathura district, a confrontation between upper-caste men and Dalit residents in Bati village in Jait area of the district resulted in injuries to 8 to 10 people. Station House Officer (SHO) of Jait Police station, Ashwini Kumar said, Two men from an upper-caste community attempted to forcibly apply 'gulal' on people from Dalit community, leading to tensions and minor skirmishes. Eight people were injured and nine individuals have been arrested. Further investigation is underway. Internet suspended in Bengal's Birbhum till March 17 after Holi clash, BJP likens state to Bangladesh In Farrukhabad district, six people, including a woman, were injured after miscreants allegedly opened fire on Dalit people heading to perform Holi rituals. Additional Superintendent of Police Dr Sanjay Kumar told PTI on Saturday, citing the report filed, that Jitendra and Pappu came to Anil Kumar's house in Bibipur village in Kamalganj area on Friday and started abusing him. Later in the evening when Anil's family members were going to perform Holi rituals, Shivam Katiyar, Som Katiyar, Jitendra and Pappu open fired, the officer said. He said the injured have been admitted to a hospital and the accused have been arrested. A case has been lodged under relevant sections. In Kaushambi district, two sons of a local Nagar Panchayat chairman allegedly assaulted a sub-inspector and tore his uniform in an inebriated state. Circle Officer (CO) of the area, Awdhesh Kumar said, The incident occurred following an altercation between sub-inspector Anand Swarup Prajapati, Satyendra Kushwaha and Abhishek Kushwaha. The two accused have been arrested and investigation in the matter is underway, the CO said. In Sant Kabir Nagar district, several huts were burned to ashes in Kari village following a dispute over music played during Holi celebrations. Additional Superintendent of Police said, A clash erupted after a group demanded a change in the music, leading to a fire that consumed multiple huts. Four people were injured, and police have registered a case against the accused, though no arrests have been made so far, he said.

189 mosques in UP covered with tarpaulin on Holi eve as police tighten security

LUCKNOW: With Holi falling on Friday during the holy month of Ramzan and prominent Muslim clerics of Uttar Pradesh having already revised the timings for Friday prayers, postponing them after 2 pm, 189 mosques in at least four districts of the state were covered with tarpaulin ahead of the festival of colours. While Muslim clerics have adjusted the timing of Friday prayers across 18 districts of the state on Holi day, mosques in Bareilly, Sambhal, Shahjahanpur, and Aligarh in central-western UP were covered with tarpaulin to protect them from the splash of Holi colors. For the sake of maintaining peace, UP DGP Prashant Kumar sent a letter to all the district police chiefs, commissionerates, and heads of police zones and ranges with a 20-point directive to fortify the sensitive zones in their respective districts with adequate deployment of police and paramilitary forces. Besides holding direct interactions with top police officers of the state, the DGP personally met senior officers of sensitive districts and discussed police arrangement for the festival. In the hyper-sensitive Sambhal district, where Shahi Jama Masjid has been caught in a litigation for the past few months over the court-ordered survey, several mosques along with the Jama Masjid were already covered with tarpaulin sheets on Wednesday. As per the senior police officer of the district, additional paramilitary force for round-the-clock monitoring and vigilance were deployed in the town. In Sambhal, the Friday Namaz would be held at 2.30 pm due to Holi celebrations. Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid management committee chief Zafar Ali urged members of both communities to celebrate Holi and offer Friday prayers in a harmonious atmosphere. Regarding the administrations move to cover mosques with tarpaulin, Ali welcomed the decision, stating that it was a positive step. Maximum mosques 109-- were covered with tarpaulin in Bareilly where a Ram Barat was taken out on Holi eve with strict vigilance and deployment of over 5000 police personnel on all the mosques falling in the route of the Barat. In Shahjahanpur, 67 mosques were covered before the traditional Laat Sahab Juloos on Holi. Shahjahanpur is the only district where there is a tradition of playing Joota Maar Holi (playing Holi using shoes/slippers). A person is made to sit on a buffalo cart as laat sahab and is made to take the rounds of the city with people throwing colours, shoes and slippers at him. A senior officer, who is a part of the team monitoring security arrangements at DGP headquarters, said senior officers would escort the traditional procession of Laat Sahab. Around 1000 additional cops were called in from other districts for deployment at sensitive spots. The police contingent carried out a flag march on Holi eve in the district. Similarly, 10 mosques in Sambhal and three in Aligarh were also covered. The drone-equipped vigilance is on across the sensitive districts of the state. Barricades have been erected along the routes of Holi processions with the installation of several CCTV cameras by the respective local administration. As per Shahajhanpur SP Rajesh S, in all 18 Holi processions including the two major Laat Saheb processions, are taken put in the city. To ensure security, the larger procession was divided into three zones and eight sectors, with around 100 magistrates deployed. Moreover, police have taken preventive action against 2,423 people to deter potential troublemakers, he said. Similarly, in other districts including Mathura, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Rampur, Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Gonda, Bahraich and Siddharthnagar, additional paramilitary forces have been deployed to avert any untoward incident. DGP Prashant Kumar said that officers were instructed to ensure that no group was allowed to perform any act or hold untraditional processions.

23 Yamuna sites fail quality test, river can barely sustain life in Delhi: Parliamentary panel report

NEW DELHI: A parliamentary panel has said the Yamuna river's capacity to sustain life have been found to be almost non-existent in the Delhi stretch, noting that 23 out of the 33 monitored sites, including six in the national capital, failed to meet primary water quality standards. The Yamuna flows through a 40 km stretch in Delhi, entering at Palla from Haryana and exiting at Asgarpur into Uttar Pradesh. The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, which reflect the river's capacity to sustain life, were found to be almost non-existent in the Delhi stretch, the parliamentary standing committee on water resources said in its report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday. In its report on the Upper Yamuna River Cleaning Project and river bed management in Delhi, the panel warned that despite the construction and upgrade of sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, pollution levels remain alarmingly high. The Committee called for a coordinated response from all stakeholders to tackle pollution and restore the river's health. It added that out of the 33 monitored sites, only four in Uttarakhand and four in Himachal Pradesh met the primary water quality criteria. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assessed water quality at 33 locations between January 2021 and May 2023, with state pollution control boards. The assessment covered four key parameters of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Fecal Coliform (FC). The analysis showed that all four monitored sites in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh met the required standards, while all six sites in Haryana failed. In Delhi, none of the seven sites complied with the standards in 2021, although the Palla site showed improvement in 2022 and 2023. The panel raised particular concerns over encroachment along the Yamuna floodplains. While Delhi and Haryana provided information on encroachments, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand are yet to furnish complete details. The floodplain zone of the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh remains undemarcated, despite its ecological importance in flood management. The Committee highlighted that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) retrieved approximately 477.79 hectares from encroachments along the floodplains. However, some parts of the floodplains remain occupied due to ongoing litigation. The panel urged the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation to work with the DDA and the state governments to expedite the removal of encroachments and ensure the restoration of the floodplain ecosystem. Legacy sludge in the Yamuna riverbed remains a major concern. A study conducted by the Delhi Irrigation and Flood Control Department in collaboration with CSIR-NEERI found high levels of heavy metals such as chromium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc in sludge samples collected from key sites like the Old Iron Bridge, Geeta Colony, and the upstream of the DND Bridge during the pre-monsoon period. The panel recommended controlled dredging to remove this toxic sludge, warning that it poses a serious health hazard and contributes to the river's deteriorating quality. However, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) raised concerns that large-scale dredging could destabilise the riverbed and cause further environmental degradation. The panel also flagged the failure to maintain environmental flow (E-flow) in the Yamuna. According to the 1994 MoU among Yamuna basin states, Haryana is required to release 10 cumecs of water from the Hathnikund Barrage to maintain ecological balance. However, the Committee noted that this flow is insufficient, as much of it evaporates or percolates before reaching Delhi. The panel urged the Department of Water Resources to resolve these differences and increase the E-flow to sustain the river's ecosystem. The report also criticised the lack of data on unauthorised industries operating in Delhi. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) informed the panel that it only monitors 28 approved industrial areas, 17 of which are connected to 13 Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). The remaining 11 are not classified as water-polluting industrial areas. However, the panel noted that no data is available on unauthorized industrial units that might be discharging untreated effluents into the Yamuna. It recommended that the Delhi government conduct a comprehensive study to identify such units and strengthen pollution control measures. The panel also pointed to the failure to treat domestic sewage. According to the report, nearly 22 major drains discharge untreated sewage directly into the Yamuna. Despite significant investments under the Namami Gange Programme, the sewage treatment gap remains at approximately 1,500 million litres per day (MLD). The panel highlighted the impact of pollution on the Yamuna's ecosystem, noting that the absence of dissolved oxygen has severely affected aquatic life. Incidents of dead fish being washed ashore have been reported in Agra and Mathura. The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conduct a study to assess the ecological damage. Moreover, the panel pointed out that bio-monitoring data from the CPCB shows that the biological water quality of the Yamuna is classified as moderate or poor in most parts of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Pollution from cremation activities along the riverbanks was another key concern. The panel noted that only one electric crematorium at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi is operational, while most cremations are conducted using wood, contributing to river pollution. The Committee recommended financial support for state governments to set up more electric and CNG-based crematoriums and to relocate existing cremation sites away from the immediate periphery of riverbanks to prevent contamination.

8 best places to celebrate holi in Mathura & Vrindavan

Mathura Man Sets Married Lover On Fire At Her Home After She Refuses To Flee With Him

A man in UP's Mathura set his married lover on fire inside her house after she refused to leave with him. The incident took place when the victim was alone at her home watching television.

Disguised as a woman, man sets married lover on fire after she refuses to leave with him in UP

MATHURA: A man disguised as a woman has set his married lover on fire inside her house here after she refused to leave with him, police said. As the woman's neighbours rushed to her house after hearing her screams on Tuesday afternoon, the accused, Umesh (28), tried to escape by jumping from the terrace but sustained severe injuries, police said. Both Rekha (30), who suffered over 70 per cent burns, and Umesh are undergoing treatment at SN Medical College in Agra, they said. Rekha, a resident of Koh village, was alone at home watching TV when the incident occurred. Her children, aged seven and five, were at school and her husband Sanju, a farm labourer, was away at work, Farah police station in-charge Sanjay Kumar Pandey said. Around noon, Umesh, a resident of Hasanpur village in Haryana and the brother of Rekha's elder sister-in-law, reached her house with a bottle of petrol, the police official said. Umesh was wearing a lehenga to disguise himself as a woman and was dropped off near the village by a friend on a motorcycle. He entered Rekha's house from the terrace, walked into her room and pressured her to leave with him. When she refused, he poured petrol on her and set her on fire, Pandey said. Alerted by Rekha's screams, her neighbours rushed to her help while Umesh tried to escape by jumping from the terrace. However, he was seriously injured, the official said. After reaching the spot, police took Rekha and Umesh to the Farah community health centre. Due to their critical condition, they were later referred to SN Medical College in Agra, police said. Umesh was a regular visitor to Rekha's house and their relationship developed over time. On August 31 last year, Rekha left home with him. Her family filed a police complaint and she was brought back from Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh on February 10, Pandey said. After the incident, Rekha distanced herself from Umesh, realising her mistake. When she refused to go with him today, he became enraged and tried to kill her, the official said. Pandey said that no formal complaint has been lodged in the matter yet. Once a complaint is received, legal action will be taken. For now, saving their lives is the priority, he said.

UP: Man sets married lover ablaze after she refuses to elope

Mathura: A man disguised as a woman set his married lover on fire inside her house here on Tuesday afternoon after she refused to leave with him, police said. As the womans neighbours rushed to her house after hearing her screams, the accused, Umesh (28), tried to escape by jumping from the terrace but sustained 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 .

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