Judicial commission visits Sambhal to inspect riot-hit areas, record witnesses' statements
SAMBHAL: A judicial commission formed by the Uttar Pradesh government visited Sambhal on Tuesday to inspect areas affected by riots during a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque on November 24 last year and record the statements of witnesses. According to commission member and former Uttar Pradesh director general of police (DGP) Arvind Kumar Jain, several people came to meet the panel members and 51 applications were received. The commission, formed on December 1 last year, revisited certain locations, including the Shahi Jama Masjid area, where the violence occurred. The delegation was accompanied by District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya, Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi and Moradabad Police Range DIG Muniraj G. The team, led by the commission members, conducted an extensive inspection that lasted more than an hour. Subsequently, they recorded public statements at the PWD guesthouse on Chandausi Road till 4 pm. Besides Jain, the commission comprises retired high court judge Devendra Arora and former Uttar Pradesh principal secretary Amit Mohan Prasad. The panel was formed to investigate the November 24 incidents and ensure accountability. Talking to reporters, Jain said, We have set up this camp to ensure that those who wish to share their concerns and provide information do not have to travel to Lucknow. This is for their convenience. We will be here for four-five hours to hear them out. The inquiry aims to uncover what led to the riots and gather relevant evidence from those affected. Four people were killed while several others, including security personnel, were injured in the November 24 violence, even as the incident snowballed into a major political controversy.
Doctor in speeding Mercedes SUV kills man painting dividers in UP's Meerut
An ENT specialist in Moradabad, driving a Mercedes SUV at high speed, lost control and fatally hit a labourer employed by the NHAI on the Lucknow-Delhi highway. The police have registered an FIR and seized the vehicle. The doctor was not under the influence of alcohol, and charges include rash driving and causing death by negligence.
UP Dalit teenaged girl abducted, raped in Moradabad
Moradabad (UP): A 16-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly abducted and raped in a car by a man here, police said on Sunday. The accused, nabbed through an identity card placed on the cars dashboard, also recorded the act on his phone, they said. The man, Rashid, abducted the girl in his car from outside her 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 .
Dalit teen identifies rapist from ID card
A 16-year-old Dalit girl was abducted and raped in a moving car in Moradabad, UP, before identifying her assailant, Rashid, 30, via his ID card left on the cars dashboard. The police arrested Rashid, a taxi driver, and are investigating further. The incident was reported by the girl's family, leading to Rashids capture.
Girlfriends husband clings to bonnet as lover drives for miles in UP
A shocking incident unfolded in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad when a man, Mahir, drove his car for several kilometers with his girlfriends husband, Sameer, clinging to the bonnet. The dramatic sequence occurred on the Agra State Highway in the Katghar Kotwali area and was captured on video, sparking widespread attention online. According to reports, Sameer spotted his wife with Mahir in a car and attempted to stop them using his motorbike. Instead of halting, Mahir accelerated, causing Sameer to fall onto the car's bonnet. Rather than stopping, Mahir continued driving at high speed, forcing Sameer to hold on to avoid falling. Eyewitnesses said the car sped along the highway for several kilometers while other vehicles pursued it. Eventually, Mahir was forced to stop as people intervened and blocked the car. A heated argument ensued between Sameer and Mahir, drawing a crowd at the scene. The incident quickly went viral after a video of the high-speed chase and the argument was shared on social media. Many viewers expressed shock at the brazen act, while others raised concerns about road safety and personal disputes spilling onto public highways. Following the altercation, Sameer filed a complaint with the police. Acting promptly, authorities arrested Mahir and seized his vehicle. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the confrontation and the apparent extramarital affair. The safety of all road users is our priority, and such reckless behavior cannot be tolerated, a police official said. They added that appropriate legal action would be taken against Mahir for endangering lives. The incident has sparked conversations about the impact of personal disputes in public spaces and the risks involved in such dangerous actions. While Sameer was uninjured, the reckless chase could have resulted in a severe accident, endangering not just the individuals involved but also other road users.
Court rejects Azam Khans appeal in 2008 blockade case
Moradabad: An MP-MLA court here has upheld the sentence and fine imposed on Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan in a 2008 case of blocking a road outside a police station, a lawyer said on Friday. Special Public Prosecutor Mohan Lal Vishnoi said the court rejected Khans appeal on Thursday against the two-year imprisonment and Rs 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 .
Mahakumbh 2025: UP handicrafts set for trade worth Rs 35 crore at ODOP exhibition
LUCKNOW: Mahakumbh-2025, a massive congregation of pilgrims along the banks of Sangam, is providing a platform for the artisans of Uttar Pradesh. Devotees, besides seeking spiritual fulfilment, are thronging the exhibition of 'One District, One Product' (ODOP), set up over 6,000 square metre area showcasing an array of exquisite handicrafts of the state. Be it the exquisite carpets of Bhadohi and Mirzapur, or intricate zari-zardozi, Katan silk quintessential to Banaras reflecting the ethos of the most ancient city of world, Firozabad's glass work, Moradabads brass work or fine wooden art pieces of Saharanpurall narrating the richness of handicraft industry of the state. Sharad Tandon, Joint Commissioner of Industries in Prayagraj Division, underscores the remarkable growth in trade from Mahakumbh held in 2019. In 2019, the turnover of handicraft industry was Rs 4.30 crore, but this time we are expecting a turnover of up to Rs 35 crore, an approximately eight times jump in the revenue from ODOP. This remarkable increase will offer new opportunities to the artisans while empowering small entrepreneurs, says Tandon. Adding another dimension to the event, Flipkart has set up a stall where local entrepreneurs are being offered a free sales opportunity. Artisans and handicraft sellers can now sell their products through Flipkart platform without any charge. It has been drawing shoppers in hoards. The exhibition is showcasing various crafts and Geographical Indication (GI) products. According to Dr Rajnikant, a GI expert, 75 GI products from the state are on display at ODOP exhibition in mela area. Among the 75 GI products, 34 are from the Kashi region, which has played an important role in securing the GI tag, offering recognition and protection to these unique crafts. Dr Rajnikant also mentioned efforts to bring other iconic products like Banaras Thandai, Lal Peda, and Banarasi Tabla to the global stage. The GI products up for grabs include Varanasi red chilies, Banarasi sarees, Pratapgarh amla and delicacies made of it, brass utensils from Mirzapur, and Gorakhpur terracotta. Additionally, carpets from Kushinagar and glass toys and utensils from Firozabad are top selling items at the exhibition. Visitors from across India and abroad are grabbing the opportunity to purchase products from local artisans, highlighting the growing popularity of this handcrafted treasure.
Kidnapped telecom company employee rescued after police encounter in UP's Moradabad
Abhinav Bhardwaj was kidnapped for ransom in Hathras district on January 1 and a case was registered at Hathras Gate police station, said Additional Director General of Police (STF and Law & Order) Amitabh Yash
Temple in Moradabad reopens after 44 years
The development comes in light of multiple abandoned or locked temples in various parts of Uttar Pradesh being reopened for prayers.
UP man lynched by vigilantes on suspicion of 'cow slaughter'
A 37-year-old man from Moradabad, UP, was beaten to death by cow vigilantes after allegedly being caught slaughtering a cow. The police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons for the murder. The victim's family claims he was falsely accused and wrongfully killed, while right-wing groups assert he was caught with the cow's remains.
Moradabad man fatally assaulted over allegations of cow slaughter, FIR filed
The Moradabad police have registered cases against unidentified persons after a man, Shahid Din, who was caught and beaten up mercilessly on allegations of cow slaughter died in Meerut on Tuesday, December 31, while undergoing treatment. Speaking to Siasat.com, the station house officer (SHO)of Majhola police station said that based on a complaint lodged 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 .
Motorcyclist Killed After Being Dragged Under SUV in UP
Sambhal: A motorcyclist died after he was hit by an SUV and dragged under it for some distance here, police said on Monday. An FIR has been registered against the SUV driver. The police action came after a purported video of the incident surfaced on social media on Monday. In the video, the SUV is seen dragging the motorcycle under it, causing sparks on the road. A BJP sticker reading 'gram pradhan' is pasted on the rear windshield of the speeding SUV. The victim was identified as Sukhveer (50), a resident of Shahjad Kheda village, police said. According to a complaint lodged by a relative of the victim, Sukhveer was returning home from Hayatnagar on Sunday evening when a Bolero hit him on Moradabad road and the SUV driver dragged him under his vehicle for some distance. Sukhveer was rushed to the Sambhal hospital, from where he was referred to Moradabad. He died during treatment on Monday, the complaint stated. Station House Officer (SHO), Sambhal, Anuj Kumar Tomar said a case of culpable homicide has been registered against the SUV driver and the vehicle has been seized. The matter is being investigated.
Video: Biker dies after being dragged 2 km by Bolero in UPs Sambhal
A biker succumbed to his injuries on Monday, December 30 after his two-wheeler was hit by a vehicle and dragged for almost two kilometres in Uttar Pradeshs Sambhal district. The victim has been identified as Sukhbir from Shahzadkhera village in Moradabads Mainather police station area. He was returning home from Basla village on December 29 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 .
YouTuber held for pressuring cop for interview on Sambhal violence
The Uttar Pradesh police arrested a YouTuber named Mashkoor Raza Dada for allegedly pressuring Sambhal circle officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary for an interview over the violence which rocked the city on November 24, resulting in the deaths of five Muslim men. Dada, a resident of Moradabad, reportedly argued with police officer Chaudhary when the latter Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
UP man posts fake news about Amit Shah's 'demise' to gain followers, held
Ghaziabad Police arrested Rohit from Moradabad for spreading fake news about Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'demise' on social media. The arrest followed an FIR lodged by BJP office-bearer Anil Sharma. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and further investigations are underway. Rohit admitted to posting the false news to gain followers.
Female Cops From Anti-Romeo Squad Harassed On Duty In UP's Moradabad
The Anti-Romeo Squad, which was created to specifically address incidents of public harassment, continues to face challenges.
Uproar as BJP worker threatens Muslim shopkeepers in U.P.s Moradabad for selling meat in Hindu area
Opposition parties claim this is an attempt to bring in a Minus Muslim society
Double whammy for Delhi: Temperature drops, AQI in 'very poor' category
Delhi's air quality plummeted to 'very poor' as a cold wave gripped the city, with temperatures dropping to 5C. Several areas recorded 'severe' AQI levels. Homeless people sought refuge in shelters providing meals, medicine, and ambulances. Meanwhile, Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh experienced a cold wave with dense fog and temperatures reaching 8C.
A Muslim man in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh divorces his wife using the banned triple talaq practice just because she said that the riots and attack on police in Sambhal was wrong
Minority couple sells new house after protests from housing society in Moradabad
Amidst strong Islamophobic protests from their neighbhours, a doctor couple belonging to the minority community were forced to resell their newly brought house in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad district. The events unfolded on December 3, when the Hindu residents of TDI City, a residential society in Northern Moradabad, started protesting the recent sale of a house 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 .
The localsfurther claim that when this colony was founded, it was decided that members of other communitieswould not be allowed to buy houseshere. The colony residents have promised to gather donations and repay the registry money to Ikra Chaudhary.
UP: Protests in Moradabad over sale of house to minority couple
Protest erupted in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad on Tuesday, December 3, after a house in the TDI City, a residential society mainly occupied by Hindus, was sold to Muslim couple Dr Yusuf Malik and Dr Iqra Chaudhry. The outrage sparked in the locality after a Hindu doctor, Dr Ashok Bajaj, reportedly conducted the sale. The residents Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
UP: Protests over sale of house to Muslim doctor
Protests broke out in the TDI society in Moradabad, India, after a resident sold his house to a Muslim doctor. Residents, citing the society's primarily Hindu demographic, protested the sale, fearing a change in the community's character. The society chairman and several residents joined the protest, expressing concerns over potential disruptions to the social fabric. The district magistrate has been trying to mediate a solution.
Protest Erupts in UP Over Sale of House to Muslim Man
Moradabad: Protests broke out in the posh TDI society here allegedly over a house being sold to a Muslim doctor by a resident. Slogans were raised by the members of the housing society after they came to know that one Dr Ashok Bajaj had sold his house to Dr Ikra Chaudhary. Residents mounted a demonstration at the colony gate holding banners 'Dr Ashok Bajaj Apna Makan Wapas lo' (take your house back). Both, the buyer and the seller, were not available for comments. This is a Hindu society, where over 400 Hindu families live. We don't want anyone from the other communities to reside here, a protester said, adding that the house is near a temple. TDI City Society chairman Amit Verma also joined the protesters. One of the residents feared the ownership may change the nature of the colony. We fear that there will be a disturbance in the demographic structure of the society and unwanted changes might occur if other communities start to settle there and Hindus start to leave, the person said. District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh said the society members have filed a complaint, raising objection over selling of the house. We are talking to concerned parties and trying for a unanimous, amicable solution to it, he said.
UP: Protest in Moradabad over sale of house to man from minority community
Moradabad: Protests broke out in the posh TDI society here allegedly over a house being sold to a Muslim doctor by a resident. Slogans were raised by the members of the housing society after they came to know that one Dr Ashok Bajaj had sold his house to Dr Ikra Chaudhary. Residents mounted a demonstration 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 .
Uttar Pradesh: House sale to Muslim sparks protest in posh Moradabad society
Residents of a Hindu-majority housing society in Moradabad protested the sale of a house to a Muslim doctor, fearing demographic changes. They demanded the cancellation of the registration, claiming the seller hadn't informed them and the sale disrupted the society's 'social harmony.' District authorities are working to resolve the issue peacefully.
Two Moradabad jailers suspended for letting SP delegation visit Sambhal violence accused
The prison officials allegedly violated the jail manual; 30 people arrested after violence; SP MP booked for incendiary speeches; SP delegation promises partys help for those who were booked falsely
The SP delegation, which included former Parliament member ST Hasan,Nawab Jaan Khan, and Chaudhary Samarpal Singh, visited the Moradabad jail to meet Sambhal violence accused
BJP gears up for campaigning efforts in Ayodhya's Milkipur ahead of by-poll
LUCKNOW: After sweeping seven out of nine seats in the recently held by-poll, BJP has intensified its efforts to wrest the high-stake Milkipur seat in Ayodhya where the bypoll is scheduled soon. The party has deputed two more key organisational functionaries UP minister JPS Rathore and MLC Dharmendra Singh who led the party win in Kundarki (Moradabad) and Katehari (Ambedkarnagar) assembly bypolls, respectively where the lotus bloomed after three decades. Both Rathore and Dharmendra Singh are mandated to work alongside state ministers Surya Pratap Shahi, Mayankeshwar Singh, Girish Jatav, and Satish Sharma. Rathore, a known strategist in the party, is an MLC and UP cooperative minister in Yogi cabinet. He joined the state government after the BJP returned to office in 2022. He was tasked with ramping up BJP poll preparation in the Kundarki seat which has over 50 per cent of Muslim voters. Kundarki also faced a bypoll following the election of SP MLA Zia-Ur-Rehman Barq to Lok Sabha from Sambhal. BJPs victory in Kundarki consolidated Rathores position in the party. On the other, Dharmendra Singh being entrusted with Milkipur bypoll is equally significant. Singh has been a key organisational leader in the Gorakhpur region, the turf of Yogi Adityanath. Just over a year ago, Singh was anointed partys state vice-president while being nominated for the legislative council. Singh, an OBC, was deployed in Katehari, which has a sizable population of OBC and Dalits. As per the political experts, the BJP wants to capitalise on its victory in the bypolls. Milkipur, the reserved seat had fallen vacant following the election of SP nine-time MLA Awadhesh Prasad who had emerged as the master killer by defeating BJPs sitting MP Lallu Singh in Faizabad (Ayodhya) seat in recent Lok Sabha elections. However, the EC had postponed the bypoll since an election petition concerning Milkipur in Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court. The HC dismissed the pending petition last week, thereby clearing the decks for bypoll in Milkipur. Milkipur may well turn out to be another battle of prestige between the BJP and the SP since the BSP has opted out and Congress has decided to back SP. A per the party sources, ground-level preparation have already intensified in Ayodhya while revamping its organisational structure at the booth and mandal level. The Milkipur assembly seat has 414 booths and five divisions, which are scheduled to have a new set of functionaries. Analysts said that the BJP is expected to play on its tried and tested Hindutva pitch with a focus on Yogis Batenge toh katenge call to counter SPs caste narrative of Pichhda, Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (PDA).
Stones hurled at Kashi Vishwanath Express in UP
Bareilly (UP): Unidentified persons pelted stones at the Kashi Vishwanath Express at Dhaneta Halt, near Fatehganj West here and damaged the window of a coach, an official said on Monday. No injuries were reported in the incident, he said. According to Ajit Pratap Singh, the station in-charge of Bareilly Railway Police Force, the incident took place on Saturday, when the train was going from Delhi to Varanasi.When the train reached Dhaneta Halt, some people started throwing stones at it, causing a window of coach B-1 to crack, Singh said. An FIR has been filed in Rampur in connection with the incident. The RPF has launched a search operation in villages along the railway line, from Bareilly Junction to Chandausi, Moradabad and Shahjahanpur to identify and apprehend the stone pelters, Singh said.
We don't trust committee set up by govt: SP's Shivpal Singh Yadav on panel probing Sambhal violence
HAPUR: Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav urged for an investigation led by a sitting judge as he expressed distrust on the probe initiated by the three-member judicial committee in connection with the violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal . Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Shivpal Singh Yadav said, We don't trust the committee set up by govt. If the probe happened under a sitting judge then it would have been fine. This government is dishonest. They are not letting the people cast votes. With the support of the police, people were stopped from voting. People are totally angry against this govt so they are making violence happen, he added. Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad said the incident was very sad adding that the opposition wanted to raise the matter in Parliament but government wanted to hide their shortcomings. The incident in Sambhal is very sad. This incident has also affected the brotherhood and peace of the state. But the Supreme Court through its decision has prevented a major incident from happening and has helped in restoring the rule of law in the state, he said. The youth of the country are unemployed, inflation is very high. We wanted to raise the Sambhal incident in Parliament as well, but the government wanted to hide its shortcomings and did not allow the Parliament to function, he added. Who actually fired at Muslim men in UP's Sambhal? Earlier, a three-member judicial committee appointed by the UP government inspected the Shahi Masjid area in Sambhal where the violence broke out on November 24. Former UP DGP AK Jain, member of probe committee said, Probe will continue, it will continue for two months. Speaking on three-member judicial probe committee, Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said, Two members from the probe committee visited the place. Their key goal was to inspect the area where the violence took place. They also met people and spoke to a few people who wanted to meet them. We have given answers to the questions they asked us related to that day. They spoke to Masjid committee members as well. Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Clashes between protestors and police over the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid resulted in four deaths. The survey was initiated following a petition claiming the mosque site was originally a Harihar temple. A stone-pelting incident occurred on November 24 during the ASI's examination of the Mughal-era mosque, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to several others, including officials and locals. So far, 27 individuals, including 25 men and two women, have been arrested, and seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence, according to police. On November 29, the Supreme Court asked Uttar Pradesh to ensure harmony and peace in Sambhal and directed the trial court there not to proceed in the suit against the Jama Masjid till the petition filed by the Masjid Committee against the survey order is listed in the High Court. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar directed that the report of the advocate commissioner, who conducted the survey of the mosque, should be kept in a sealed cover and should not be opened in the meantime. The top court was hearing the plea of the Committee of Management of Jama Masjid in Sambhal against the November 19 order of the local court for the survey of the mosque. Sambhal mosque row: ASI files response in court, seeks control, management of Mughal-era structure
Judicial panel members inspect Jama Masjid area in Sambhal to probe violence
SAMBHAL: Amid tight security, members of a judicial commission on Sunday visited the Shahi Jama Masjid here and other areas which witnessed violence over a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque. Panel head retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora and retired IPS officer Arvind Kumar Jain were the two members of the three-member Commission which visited the areas that witnessed violence on November 24. The panel's third member, ex-IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad, was not present during Sunday's visit. The committee members visited the areas and spoke to the residents as well as officials regarding the incident. The panel was accompanied by security personnel as they visited the violence-hit area. The Commission members, however, did not respond to any media queries during the visit in the morning hours. They were accompanied by Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, DIG Muniraj G along with the Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya and Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar. Arora and Jain had reached Moradabad a day ago while Prasad was expected to join them in Sambhal, the divisional commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh had said on Saturday. On Sunday, the Commissioner said that the situation in Sambhal is currently peaceful and the authorities are constantly monitoring the same. The situation in Sambhal is absolutely peaceful, there is no problem there right now, constant monitoring is being done. Vigilance is maintained so as to ensure peace and order, he said. The Uttar Pradesh Police on Thursday held a flag march in the area. We have strengthened the security and forces have been deployed. We are committed to organising all the events safely. There is no sign of violence and the police force is deployed at every crucial point. Namaz will be offered tomorrow, Sambhal ASP Shrishchand said. Violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24 during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, killing four persons and injuring many others. The survey was linked to a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site of the mosque. Who actually fired at Muslim men in UP's Sambhal? So far, 27 individuals, including 25 men and two women, have been arrested, and seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence, according to police. The Commission formed via a notification on November 28 has been directed to complete its probe within two months. Any extension of this timeline will require government approval. The panel has been entrusted with the task of examining whether the clashes were spontaneous or part of a well-planned criminal conspiracy, as well as the preparedness of the police and the administration in handling the situation. The Commission will also analyse the circumstances leading to the violence, and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future. On November 29, the Supreme Court asked Uttar Pradesh to ensure harmony and peace in Sambhal and directed the trial court there not to proceed in the suit against the Jama Masjid till the petition filed by the Masjid Committee against the survey order is listed in the High Court. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar directed that the report of the advocate commissioner, who conducted the survey of the mosque, should be kept in a sealed cover and should not be opened in the meantime. (With inputs from PTI and ANI) Sambhal mosque row: ASI files response in court, seeks control, management of Mughal-era structure
Sambhal mosque row: ASI files response in court, seeks control, management of Mughal-era structure
SAMBHAL: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted its response in a court -- which had allowed a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid here -- seeking control and management of the Mughal-era mosque as it is a protected heritage structure. Representing the ASI, lawyer Vishnu Sharma said the agency had submitted its counterargument in the court on Friday, stating that it faced resistance from the mosque's management committee and locals in conducting surveys of the site. He said the ASI also highlighted an incident from January 19, 2018, when an FIR was filed against the mosque's management committee for installing steel railings on the mosque's steps without proper authorisation. The mosque, notified as an ASI-protected monument in 1920, is under the purview of the agency and as such, public access to the structure should be permitted, provided it adheres to ASI regulations, Sharma said. The ASI argued that control and management of the monument, including any structural modifications, must remain with it. It also raised concerns that unauthorised changes to the mosque's structure by the management committee are unlawful and should be restricted. The court is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days. Violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24 during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid there, killing five people and injuring many others. A three-member judicial commission has been formed to probe the violence and it is likely to visit Sambhal on Sunday. SC halts trial court proceedings in Sambhal mosque dispute, asks authorities to maintain peace, harmony Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said, Two members of the commission formed by the Uttar Pradesh government reached here on Saturday. The third member will join them on Sunday as they head to Sambhal. The survey was linked to a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site of the mosque. The commission formed via a notification on November 28 has been directed to complete its probe within two months. Any extension of this timeline will require government approval. The commission headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora comprises ex-IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and Arvind Kumar Jain, a retired IPS officer. It has been entrusted with the task of examining whether the clashes were spontaneous or part of a well-planned criminal conspiracy, as well as the preparedness of the police and the administration in handling the situation. The commission will also analyse the circumstances leading to the violence and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Who actually fired at Muslim men in UP's Sambhal?
ASI seeks control of Sambhal mosque
Sambhal: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted its response in a court which had allowed a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid here -- seeking control and management of the Mughal-era mosque as it is a protected heritage structure. Representing the ASI, lawyer Vishnu Sharma said the agency submitted its counterargument in the court on Friday, stating that it faced resistance from the mosque's management committee and locals in conducting surveys of the site. He said the ASI also highlighted an incident from January 19, 2018, when an FIR was filed against the mosque's management committee for installing steel railings on the mosque's steps without proper authorisation. The mosque, notified as an ASI-protected monument in 1920, is under the purview of the agency and as such, public access to the structure should be permitted, provided it adheres to ASI regulations, Sharma said. The ASI argued that control and management of the monument, including any structural modifications, must remain with it. It also raised concerns that unauthorised changes to the mosque's structure by the management committee are unlawful and should be restricted. The court is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days. Violence erupted in Sambhal on November 24 during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid there, killing four people and injuring many others. A three-member judicial commission has been formed to probe the violence and it is likely to visit Sambhal on Sunday. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said, Two members of the commission formed by the Uttar Pradesh government reached here on Saturday. The third member will join them on Sunday as they head to Sambhal. The survey was linked to a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the site of the mosque. The commission formed via a notification on November 28 has been directed to complete its probe within two months. Any extension of this timeline will require government approval. The commission headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora comprises ex-IAS officer Amit Mohan Prasad and Arvind Kumar Jain, a retired IPS officer. It has been entrusted with the task of examining whether the clashes were spontaneous or part of a well-planned criminal conspiracy, as well as the preparedness of the police and the administration in handling the situation. The commission will also analyse the circumstances leading to the violence and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Judicial panel members may reach Sambhal today
Two members of a three-member judicial commission formed by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the November 24 violence in Sambhal arrived in Moradabad on Saturday and are expected to visit the violence-hit town on Sunday. The commission, headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Devendra Kumar Arora, has been tasked with determining if the clashes were spontaneous or a planned conspiracy and assessing the police and administration's response. The commission will also analyze the events leading to the violence and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sambhal admin extends ban on entry of outsiders till December 10
LUCKNOW: The Sambhal district administration on Saturday extended the restriction on the entry of outsiders in the western UP district till December 10. Its earlier ban on the entry of outsiders had to expire on Saturday. Meanwhile, three Samajwadi Party MPs, on their way to Sambhal, were stopped in Ghaziabad. A 15-member delegation of the main opposition party in UP was scheduled to visit Sambhal to gather information about the violence that broke out on November 24 over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Leader of Opposition in the UP Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey, who had to lead the SP delegation, told mediapersons outside his Lucknow residence that a senior IAS officer called him and requested him not to visit Sambhal. The Sambhal district magistrate also called and told me that the ban on the entry of outsiders had been extended, said Pandey. The SP took to microblogging site X to post that the state government deployed police at the homes of leaders who were part of the delegation, preventing them from travelling to Sambhal. The BJP government is hiding the truth of the Sambhal violence. The SP delegation should have been given permission to visit, it said. To maintain peace and order, the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been extended to December 31 in the district, said Sambhal DM Rajendra Pensiya. No outsider, any social organisation or public representative can enter the borders of the district without seeking the permission of the competent authority till December 10, he added. SPs Muzaffarnagar MP Harendra Malik, accompanied by his Kairana counterpart Iqra Hasan and Sambhal MP Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, was stopped from entering the town from Ghaziabad. I dont understand why we are being stopped. Are the opposition MPs so irresponsible that they cant be allowed to move within the state, Malik asked. In Moradabad, SP MP Ruchi Veeras residence was surrounded by cops to prevent her from travelling to Sambhal. Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque was carried out following claims that a temple previously stood at the site. Five people were killed in the violence.
Sambhal mosque report likely to be submitted to local court; SC to hear plea against survey today
SAMBHAL: Security was stepped up across the district ahead of Friday prayers and the likely submission of a report on the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid here by the court-appointed ASI team following claims that a temple once stood at the spot. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear a plea by the Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Committee (SSJMC) today, seeking a stay on a Civil Judge's November 19 order, which directed a survey of the Mosque. SSJMC contends that the order was issued in haste following a suit alleging the mosque was built on a demolished temple site. Tension has been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was carried out following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Divisional Commissioner of Moradabad, Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said security measures have been reinforced at sensitive religious sites in the area and around the court in Chandausi. The lawyer for the Hindu side, Gopal Sharma, said the court hearing on Friday will see the plaintiff's side present their reply, and the court commissioner is expected to submit the findings from the survey conducted on the disputed site. Our further action will be determined after the survey report is reviewed, Sharma said. Shakeel Ahmed Warsi, the lawyer representing the Muslim side, said they are fully prepared to present their case. We have all the necessary evidence, and we will first request a copy of the survey report before strongly presenting our side in court, Warsi stated. Violence erupted on November 24 as protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson. Four people died and scores of others were injured in the violence. The situation remains tense, and local authorities are closely monitoring the developments to maintain peace and order. Sambhal killings: SC's observations on Places of Worship Act helped 'some groups to incite discord': Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind
PIL in Allahabad HC seeking CBI probe into Sambhal violence
LUCKNOW: While life is gradually returning to normal in the western Uttar Pradesh district of Sambhal, which witnessed massive violent protests on Sunday, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Allahabad High Court on Thursday seeking a CBI probe into the causes of the violence on November 24. The PIL also requests that the premier investigating agency, under the courts direction, ascertain the role and involvement of all those who led the protests in Sambhal, which resulted in the deaths of five people and left scores injured, including over 20 police personnel. The PIL, filed by Anand Prakash Tiwari through his lawyers Imran Ullah and Vineet Sankalp, urges the court to order a CBI probe and direct the agency to submit its report within a specific timeframe. Days after Sambhal violence, court agrees to hear petition on Ajmer Dargah; summons committee The petitioner has further requested that the court appoint a committee of officers from the central investigating agency, operating beyond the jurisdiction of the Uttar Pradesh government, to examine the role of the state government and its administrative officers in the incident near Jama Masjid, Chandausi, in Sambhal district. The related report should also be submitted within a court-mandated timeframe. Additionally, the PIL calls for a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by a retired High Court judge, to investigate the role of the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner, Sambhal District Magistrate (DM), and Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) It seeks to include other officers under the ambit of the investigation for their alleged actions in managing the unrest and violence near Jama Masjid on November 24. Akhilesh Yadav claims Sambhal victim's kin threatened by UP Police, seeks SC intervention The PIL raises concerns about possible administrative negligence and the alleged controversial role of local authorities in the protests. It also suggests that guidelines be framed regarding the responsibilities of district authorities during future court-ordered surveys of religious monuments or sites. Notably, the protests in Sambhal turned violent on November 24 after a team led by a court-appointed advocate commissioner conducted a survey of the Mughal-era Jama Masjid, as ordered by a local court. The court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal's Kot Garvi area stemmed from a petition claiming that a Harihar temple once stood at the mosques location, sparking a confrontation. The PIL is yet to be scheduled for hearing. Parliament adjourned till Friday amid Opposition protest over Adani, Sambhal issues
Road crash leaves four doctors, lab technician dead in UP's Lucknow-Agra Expressway
KANNAUJ: A road accident on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway early Wednesday claimed the lives of four doctors and a laboratory technician, all affiliated with the Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences in Saifai, police said. The incident took place when a high-speed SUV lost control and collided with a divider. A truck then struck the vehicle. Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand said the incident occurred around 3 am when the SUV veered off course and crashed into the median divider. The vehicle subsequently crossed into the oncoming lane, where it collided with a truck. As a result, the four doctors and one lab technician died on the spot. One additional person, a PG student, suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Medical College in Tirwa for treatment, the officer said. The deceased have been identified as Dr. Anirudh Verma, 29, from Agra; Dr. Santosh Kumar Maurya, 46, from Bhadohi; Dr. Arun Kumar, 34, from Kannauj; and Dr. Nardev, 35, from Bareilly along with laboratory technician Rakesh Kumar, 38. The group of doctors and the technician were reportedly returning to Saifai after attending a wedding in Lucknow. Circle Officer of Tirwa Dr. Priyanka Bajpai said the injured, Jaiveer Singh, 39, from Moradabad, has been admitted to the Tirwa Medical College. Police have sent the bodies for postmortem.
7 FIRs registered, 27 people arrested in Sambhal violence: Moradabad Divisional Commissioner
Following a clash and stone-pelting incident during an ASI survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal, 27 individuals have been arrested, and seven FIRs have been filed. Authorities are working to restore normalcy and are investigating the involvement of a Samajwadi Party MP and an MLA's son in inciting the violence. A complaint has been lodged against approximately 800 people.
Sambhal violence: Death toll rises to five, internet services remain suspended
SAMBHAL: The death toll from the violent protests that erupted in Sambhal on Sunday rose to five, even as normalcy began returning to the district. Schools reopened, and shops selling daily essentials resumed operations on Tuesday. However, internet services remained suspended for the third consecutive day. The unrest was triggered by a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque, following a petition claiming it was originally a Harihar temple. As per sources, police and district administration officials continued to monitor the situation closely, with personnel deployed at key intersections. Moreover, Rapid Action Force (RAF) teams remained stationed in sensitive areas. District authorities have imposed restrictions on the entry of outsiders and public representatives in Sambhal until November 30. While most parts of the district remained calm, the area around Shahi Jama Masjid appeared deserted. Autopsy reports reveal use of country-made weapons Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Singh disclosed that autopsy reports of the deceased indicated gunshot injuries caused by bullets fired from country-made weapons. The reports revealed that most injuries were from .315 bore bullets fired at close range. This finding has raised questions, as police sources claimed only pellet guns were used to disperse the mob. Whether the deceased were killed by bullets fired by another group of protesters is a matter of investigation, Singh said. Who actually fired at Muslim men in UP's Sambhal? Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Singh stated that FIRs have been registered against 15 identified individuals, while the remaining accused are yet to be identified. The condition of one injured civilian and a police officer remains critical. He also added that the families of the deceased have been informed that they may also lodge FIRs. On the other hand, an FIR filed against Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Sambhal, Zia Ur Rehman Barq , alleges that he made provocative statements and incited people before violence erupted over the court-ordered survey of a mosque. The FIR, registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to unlawful assembly, use of criminal force against public servants, endangering lives, promoting disharmony, and destruction of private property, names Barq, Samajwadi Party MLA Iqbal Mahmoods son Sohail Iqbal, and 700-800 unidentified individuals. Sambhal mosque management says excavation rumour sparked violence held SDM, CO responsible According to the FIR, an armed mob gathered near the mosque around 9 a.m. on Sunday, intending to disrupt the survey being conducted as per a local courts orders. The complaint also alleges that two days before the violence, Barq visited the mosque for namaz and made provocative statements, accusing him of inciting communal disharmony for political gains. On the day of the violence, the FIR claims that Sohail Iqbal and others further provoked the crowd. The mob allegedly chanted slogans such as Zia Ur Rehman is with us, We are with you, we will protect you, and Complete your goals. Despite requests from administrative officials and police to refrain from obstructing the survey, the mob reportedly raised slogans, pelted stones, and vandalised police vehicles and private property. Several shops were set ablaze, and an unidentified individual allegedly fired at Circle Officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary with the intent to kill. Chaudhary sustained a bullet wound in his right leg. District police are reviewing drone footage and CCTV recordings to identify those involved in the violence. Tensions had been simmering in Sambhal since November 19, when the mosque was first surveyed under a court directive following a petition claiming the site was originally a Harihar temple. Use of power to create a rift: Rahul Gandhi slams BJP over Sambhal violence
The trio was travelling to attend a wedding in Faridpur on Sunday. Earlier, they had attended a family function in Budaun on Saturday night and took the Budaun-Faridpur route instead of the usual Moradabad-Bareilly route and relied completely on Google Maps.
Using power to create Hindu-Muslim rift not in state or country's interest: Rahul on Sambhal clashes
New Delhi: A day after violence rocked Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the BJP's use of power to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims was neither in the interest of the state nor the country. He also urged the Supreme Court to intervene in the matter as soon as possible. Three people were killed and scores of others, including security and administration personnel, injured on Sunday as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal clashed with police. A fourth injured person died on Monday. In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, The biased and hasty attitude of the state government on the recent dispute in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is extremely unfortunate. I express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the violence and firing. The administration, without listening to all the parties, insensitively took action that vitiated the atmosphere further and led to the deaths of people -- for which the BJP government is directly responsible, he charged. The BJP's use of power to create a rift and discrimination between Hindu-Muslim communities is neither in the interest of the state nor the country. I request the Supreme Court to intervene in the matter as soon as possible and do justice, Gandhi said. The former Congress chief also appealed for peace and mutual harmony. We all have to join together to ensure that India moves forward on the path of unity and constitution, not communalism and hatred, Gandhi asserted. The district administration has already imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30 following Sunday's clashes. Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday. Violence broke out in the district as protesters opposing the survey of the Jama Masjid clashed with security personnel. The protesters torched vehicles and pelted the police with stones while the security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the Jama Masjid was first surveyed on the court's orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple had stood at the site. On Sunday, trouble started early when a large group of people gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team began its work. District officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was planned for Sunday to avoid interference with afternoon prayers. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj told reporters on Monday that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman -- the three men who died in Sunday's violence -- had been buried. All three were aged about 25. He later confirmed the death of a fourth person. Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, Shots were fired by miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence. A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg, he had said. The Congress on Sunday alleged that the Adityanath administration was squarely responsible for killing innocents and only the BJP-RSS was guilty of setting fire to peace and harmony in Sambhal. The opposition party had said the videos of direct firing on the protesters depicted the horrifying result of a well-planned conspiracy by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS.
SAMBHAL: The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30 after three men were killed and scores of others, including security and administration personnel, injured in a violence by protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque. The order has been issued under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), said District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya late on Sunday. No outsiders, other social organisations or public representatives will enter the district border without the permission of the competent officer, said the order, which came into force with immediate effect. Violation of the order will be punishable under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the BNS. Violence broke out in the district on Sunday as protesters opposing the survey of the Jama Masjid clashed with security personnel. The protesters torched vehicles and pelted the police with stones while the security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, Shots were fired by miscreants. The PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence. A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg. Three people, identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman, have been killed, Singh said. Three killed in clashes during violent protest against Sambhal mosque survey in Uttar Pradesh Twenty-one people, including two women, have been detained and a probe has been launched, the official had said, adding that those accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said, The casualty count stands at three. The reason for the deaths of two is clear - bullet wounds from countrymade pistols. The reason for the death of the third person is not clear but it will be after post-mortem. Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday. Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the Jama Masjid was first surveyed on the court's orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple had stood at the site. Police stand guard during a second survey of the Jama Masjid. Trouble started early on Sunday when a large group of people gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team began its work. District officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was planned for Sunday to avoid interference with afternoon prayers. Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is a petitioner in the case, had earlier said the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) ordered the constitution of an advocate commission to survey the mosque. The court has said a report should be filed after conducting a videography and photography survey through the commission, he had said. On Sunday, Jain urged the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the emple. Gopal Sharma, a local lawyer for the Hindu side, had earlier claimed the temple that once stood at the site was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.
Sambhal Violence: Prohibitory Orders Issued Entry Ban Till Nov 30
Sambhal (UP): The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30 after three men were killed and scores of others, including security and administration personnel, injured in a violence by protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.The order has been issued under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), said District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya late on Sunday. No outsiders, other social organisations or public representatives will enter the district border without the permission of the competent officer, said the order, which came into force with immediate effect. Violation of the order will be punishable under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the BNS. Violence broke out in the district on Sunday as protesters opposing the survey of the Jama Masjid clashed with security personnel. The protesters torched vehicles and pelted the police with stones while the security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, Shots were fired by miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence. A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg. Three people, identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman, have been killed, Singh said. Twenty-one people, including two women, have been detained and a probe has been launched, the official had said, adding that those accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said, The casualty count stands at three. The reason for the deaths of two is clear -- bullet wounds from countrymade pistols. The reason for the death of the third person is not clear but it will be after post-mortem. Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday. Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the Jama Masjid was first surveyed on the court's orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple had stood at the site. Trouble started early on Sunday when a large group of people gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team began its work. District officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was planned for Sunday to avoid interference with afternoon prayers. Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is a petitioner in the case, had earlier said the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) ordered the constitution of an advocate commission to survey the mosque. The court has said a report should be filed after conducting a videography and photography survey through the commission, he had said. On Sunday, Jain urged the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the emple. Gopal Sharma, a local lawyer for the Hindu side, had earlier claimed the temple that once stood at the site was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.
'Well-planned conspiracy by UP CM Adityanath, BJP-RSS': Congress on Sambhal violence
NEW DELHI: In the wake of violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, the Congress on Sunday alleged that the Yogi Adityanath administration is squarely responsible for killing innocents and only the BJP-RSS is guilty of 'setting fire' to the peace and harmony there. The opposition party said the videos of direct firing on the protesters in Sambhal depict the horrifying result of a 'well-planned conspiracy' by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS. Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said Adityanath's administration has once again shown a blatant disregard for communal harmony. In this entire matter, the BJP neither wanted the survey to proceed nor to stop it; its sole objective was to destroy harmony, he alleged. 'SAFE' , BJP-RSS pic.twitter.com/oNoX7fA9kv Congress (@INCIndia) November 24, 2024 Three people were killed and scores of others, including around 20 security personnel, were injured as the protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque Sambhal clashed with police on Sunday. No citizen in Uttar Pradesh is 'safe' under CM Adityanath, who gave the reprehensible slogan of 'Batenge toh Katenge'. This is evident by the highly deplorable incidents of Sambhal today, Khera said in a statement. The videos of direct firing on the protesters in Sambhal depict the horrifying result of a well-planned conspiracy by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS, he alleged. Western Uttar Pradesh, which has been a symbol of goodwill and harmony for years, has today witnessed three people killed and many injured under a well-planned conspiracy, the Congress leader said. We say with full responsibility that the Adityanath administration is squarely responsible for killing innocents and only the BJP-RSS is guilty of setting fire to the peace and harmony of Sambhal. Modi-Yogi 'double assault' governments, which consider the minority community as second-class citizens, hurriedly got a petition filed in court, Khera said. It is public knowledge that the court ordered an immediate survey without hearing the other side, he said. No action was taken against the rioters who accompanied the survey team. This makes it clear that after the by-elections in the state, the Yogi government has further intensified the politics of violence and hatred, he added. The Congress leader said that questions are being raised about the role of the police and the administration because many innocent people have lost their lives in this violence and more than two dozen people have been injured. Inciting communal hatred and driving a wedge between two communities - is the DNA of BJP-RSS! Khera said. On one hand, there is an empty slogan of 'Ek Hai Toh Safe Hain' - on the other hand, they divide communities! On one hand, there is lie of 'Sabka Saath- Sabka Vishwas' that has been going on for a decade, on the other hand, the minority community is constantly being targeted in Uttar Pradesh, he added. UP Police uses tear gas on crowd throwing stones during Sambhal mosque survey, 10 detained The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh is destroying communal harmony and brotherhood for political gains, which is highly condemnable and objectionable, Khera said. We appeal to the BJP to prioritize the nation's interests over their political ambitions, he added. We want to ask Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath whether they will follow the statement of their own Mohan Bhagwat ji in June 2022 (even if it is pretentious!) in which he said that 'History is something that we cannot change. Neither today's Hindus nor today's Muslims made it, it happened at that time. Why see Shivling in every mosque?. Now we do not have to do any agitation.? Khera said. Neither Modi ji, nor Chief Minister Adityanath nor Mohan Bhagwat ji have the answer to this! he added. Khera said Rahul Gandhi has been continuously and stridently talked about 'Nafrat Ke Bazaar Mein Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' and in such a situation, an appeal is made to the people of Sambhal to recognise the politics of hatred, maintain mutual unity, amity and harmony, and take steps to protect their rights in a legal manner. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said the protesters torched vehicles and pelted stones at the police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. Shots were fired by the miscreants. The PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the police circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence, he said. Singh said that a constable also suffered a serious head injury, while the deputy collector fractured his leg. Internet services have been suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday on November 25 for all students up to Class 12. Purported images shared on social media showed the protesters pelting stones at cops from atop buildings and in front of the Shahi Jama Masjid. Later, the police personnel were purportedly seen cornering and hitting people as they tried to disperse a large crowd in a narrow alleyway.
Three killed in clashes during violent protest against Sambhal mosque survey in Uttar Pradesh
SAMBHAL: Three people were killed as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque here clashed with security personnel on Sunday. The protesters tried to torch vehicles and pelted stones at the police who used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. Gunshots were fired by the miscreants and some pellets struck our policemen. We are investigating where the shots were fired from, particularly in the Deepa Sarai area, an officer said. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said. Three people identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman have been killed. Some policemen including the gunner of the superintendent of police have also been injured. The trouble started on Sunday morning when a large group of people gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team began their work in the Shahi Jama Masjid. Tension has been brewing in Sambhal sinhce Tuesday when the Jama Masjid was surveyed on the orders of a local court following a petition that claimed that a Harihar temple stood at the site. Ten people have been detained and a probe has been launched, an official said, adding some people even tried to set afire some motorcycles parked on the roadside. The official said the accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). UP Police uses tear gas on crowd throwing stones during Sambhal mosque survey, 10 detained Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav lashed out at the BJP, saying the ruling party, government and the administration orchestrated the violence 'to divert attention from electoral malpractice'. According to the local administration, a second survey by an Advocate Commissioner as part of a court-ordered examination into the disputed site started around 7 am and a crowd began gathering there. Some miscreants in the crowd threw stones at the police team. The police used minor force and tear gas to bring the situation under control, Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said. He said those who engaged in stone pelting and those who incited them will be identified and action taken against them. We are in the process of registering an FIR in the incident. The accused will also be booked under the NSA, the police officer added. District officials said the survey work was planned in the morning to avoid interference with prayers in the mosque that is usually held in the afternoon. The survey team concluded its work for the day shortly after the stone pelting incident occurred. District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia said, Some miscreants resorted to stone pelting but the situation is peaceful now. Around 10 people have been detained in connection with the stone-pelting incident. They are being interrogated, he added. Uttar Pradesh police chief Prashant Kumar told PTI that the situation was under control in Sambhal. We are monitoring everything. All police and civil administration officials are handling the situation on the spot. They are patrolling those areas. Anti-social elements will be identified very soon and strict action will be taken against them, the director general of police (DGP) said. Videos of youths throwing stones at police, purportedly near the site of the survey in Sambhal have surfaced on the Internet. Additional police units have been deployed near the mosque to ensure law and order and officials are closely monitoring the situation. At a press conference in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav said, A serious incident occurred in Sambhal. A survey team was deliberately sent in the morning to disrupt discussions about the elections.The intention was to create chaos so that no debate on election issues could happen. I don't want to go into the legal or procedural aspects, but the other side was not even heard. This was intentionally done to provoke emotions and avoid discussions on election rigging, he said. What happened in Sambhal was orchestrated by the BJP, the government and the administration to divert attention from electoral malpractices, the former UP chief minister alleged. On Saturday, the Sambhal district administration bound down 34 people on a bond of up to Rs 10 lakh on apprehension of a breach of peace. Subdivisional Magistrate Vandana Mishra told PTI on Saturday that among the people bound down is Mamlukur Rahman Barq, the father of the Samajwadi Party's Sambhal MP Zia ur Rahman Barq. Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is a petitioner in the case, had said the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) ordered the constitution of an Advocate Commission to survey the mosque. The court has said that a report should be filed after conducting a videography and photography survey through the commission, he had said. The Central and Uttar Pradesh governments, the mosque committee and the district magistrate of Sambhal have been made parties in the petition concerning the mosque, Jain said last Tuesday. Vishnu Shankar Jain and his father Hari Shankar Jain have represented the Hindu side in many cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi Mosque-Kashi Vishwanath temple dispute. Gopal Sharma, a local lawyer for the Hindu side, told PTI on Friday that in his petition filed in the court, he mentioned that Baburnama and the Ain-e-Akbari has confirmed that a Harihar temple was at the site where the Jama Masjid now stands. He also claimed that the temple was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529. Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq had objected to the developments. The Jama Masjid of Sambhal is historical and very old. The Supreme Court had given the order in 1991 that whatever religious places are there in whatever condition since 1947, they will remain at their places, he had said. The next date for hearing in this case is January 29.
BJP sweeps UP bypolls, wins seven of nine seats; SP suffers setback in Dalit, Muslim-majority seats
LUCKNOW: After facing a humiliating defeat in recent Lok Sabha polls, the ruling BJP managed to salvage its pride by sweeping the bypoll to nine assembly constituencies winning seven of them on Saturday. The main opposition Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, had to be satisfied with just two seats conceding two from its kitty to the ruling party. The voting for the nine seats had taken place on Wednesday. The BJP alliance not only retained the five seats it had won in the 2022 polls but also won two additional assembly seats - Kundarki in Moradabad and Katehri in Ambedkarnagar - which the SP had won in 2022 assembly polls. While Moradabads Kundarki, the stronghold of senior SP leader late Shafiqur Rehman Barq, is a Muslim-dominated seat, Katehri in Ambedkar Nagar has a substantial chunk of Dalit voters. Kundarki was vacated by sitting SP MLA Ziaur Rehman Barq, the great-grandson of Shafiqur Rehman Barq, as he got elected to Lok Sabha from Sambhal, Katehari was vacated by SP MLA Lalji Verma who won from Ambedkarnagar in Lok Sabah election. While winning Kundarki and Katehari add weight to BJPs Sabka Saath Sabka Vishwas narrative and Yogi Adityanaths Batenge toh Katenge call, re-establishing his electoral prowess, the loss has come as a jolt to the Samajwadi Party and its PDA narrative which failed to impress the voters in its stronghold like Kundarki. Moreover, the BJPs victory in Kundarki, which has Muslim voters in the majority, has given a reflection of the changing political landscape in Uttar Pradesh where the Muslim voters have backed the ruling party in a respectable number this time. The BJP candidate Ramvir Singh has won the Kundarki seat by a huge margin of 1.45 lakh votes defeating Mohammad Rizwan, a two-time MLA, of the SP. BJP candidate Ramvir Singh with supporters flashes victory sign after he secured victory in UP's Kundarki Assembly constituency bypoll. Similarly, in Katehari, the lotus bloomed after three decades. BJPs Dharmraj Nishad won the seat by a margin of around 35,000 votes defeating Shobhawati Verma of SP. The other seats that the BJP bagged included Phulpur (Prayagraj), Khair (Aligarh), Ghaziabad Sadar (Ghaziabad), and Majhawan (Mirzapur). BJP ally Rastriya Lok Dal (RLD) of Jayant Chaudhury, retained its prowess in Meerapur thus consolidating its position in BJP-led NDA. In Meerapur, the RLD's Mithlesh Pal (the BP candidate contesting of RLD symbol) won by over 30,000 votes from the SP's Sumbul Rana. The seat was won by the RLD, by Chandan Chauhan, in the last election. However, Kundarki and Katehari losses have put a question mark on the notion, which gained weight after Lok Sabah polls, that the Samajwadi Party has emerged as the next best choice of Dalit voters who had drifted away first from the BSP gravitating towards the BJP in 2014. In 2024, they seemed to have deserted BJP also voting in favour of SP. At the same time, having put up an impressive show in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls by winning 37 of the 80 seats, the Samajwadi Party managed to retain its first family stronghold of Karhal in Mainpuri and Sisamau in Kanpur which has a substantial Muslim vote base. BJP workers celebrate the party's victory in the Maharashtra Assembly polls and six of UP bypolls, in Varanasi. In Karhal, SP chief Akhilesh Yadavs nephew Tej Pratap Yadav defeated his kin and BJP candidate Anujesh Yadav by a margin of approximately 15, 000 votes. The seat was vacated by Akhilesh after getting elected to Lok Sabha from Kannauj. The Ghaziabad seat has remained with the BJP as its candidate Sanjeev Sharma retained it for the party by defeating SP's Singh Raj Jatav by over 63,000 votes. The BJP also retained Khair where Surender Diler defeated his SP rival Charu Kain by nearly 40,000 votes. In Phulpur, BJPs Deepak Patel defeated SPs Mohd Siddique by around 12,000 votes. The BJP registered a win in Majhawan where Shuchismita Maurya drubbed Dr Jyoti Bind of the SP by a slender margin of 5,000 votes. This seat was won by the NISHAD Party, another BJP ally, in 2022. After the results, UP CM Yogi Adityanath posted a triumphant message on microblogging site X. Victory of BJP-NDA in UP Assembly bypolls is a testament to people's unwavering faith in the successful leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This victory is the result of the security, good governance, and public welfare policies of the double-engine government and hard work of dedicated workers. I express my gratitude to the respected voters of UP, he said in his post in Hindi. - @narendramodi - - - Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 23, 2024 Significantly, the Chief Minister finished his post with the contentious 'katenge to batenge' war cry that has been fiercely criticised by the opposition for being communal.
BJP has disgraced democracy, doesn't follow any rules of EC: Samajwadi Party leader on UP by-polls
The BJP and Samajwadi Party traded accusations of electoral misconduct during the Uttar Pradesh by-polls. The SP alleged voter intimidation and police interference, prompting an Election Commission investigation and disciplinary action against some officers. The BJP, in turn, claimed instances of fake voting and demanded a probe. Despite the allegations, Moradabad SSP Satpal Antil assured a fair election process.
23-yr-old Dalit girl found dead for not supporting SP nominee
LUCKNOW/CHANDIGARH/DEHRADUN: A 23-year-old Dalit woman, who had been missing since Tuesday, was found dead on in UPs Karhal assembly seat that went to bypolls on Wednesday, with her family alleging that she was killed as she refused to vote for the Samajwadi Party. A voter turnout ranging from 50 to 70% was recorded in the bypolls to 15 assembly seats spread across UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Kerala amid stray incidents of violence and complaints of irregularities and misuse of government machinery. In Karhal of Mainpuri district, the victim womans father in an FIR alleged that his daughter was abducted by local SP leader Prashant Yadav and poisoned to death with the help of one Mohan Katheria. Mainpuri SP Vinod Kumar said, Both the accused, Mohan Katheria and Prashant Yadav, were arrested while further investigation into the incident was in progress. The incident triggered a slugfest between the BJP and the SP. Nine seats went to bypolls in UP. The Election Commissions update at 5 pm showed the voter turnout in Ghaziabad was 33.30%, Katehari (56.69%), Khair (46.43%), Kundarki (57.32%), Karhal (53.92%), Majhawan (50.41%), Meerapur (57.02%), Phulpur (43.43%) and Sisamau (49.03%). Acting on complaints by SP president Akhilesh Yadav against police officers checking voter and Aadhaar IDs, the EC ordered suspension of five police personnel violating its guidelines. UP Chief Election Officer Navdeep Rinwa said, Five police personnel on poll duty have been suspended taking note of complaints two each in Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar and one in Moradabad. An incident of stone pelting was reported in Kakroli village during voting in Meerapur seat. SSP Abhishek Singh said that the police promptly reached the spot and dispersed the crowd using mild force. In Uttarakhand, a voter turnout of 57.64% was recorded in Kedarnath assembly bypoll. In Punjab, a turnout of 63% was recorded in the bypolls to four assembly seats. The Gidderbaha seat recorded 81% polling, Dera Baba Nanak 63%, Barnala 54% and Chabbewal 53%. A clash took place between AAP and Congress supporters at Dera Pathana village in Dera Baba Nanak seat. Heavy police force was deputed at the site to diffuse the situation.
UP bypolls: 49.71% voter turnout recorded, SP accuses BJP of 'manipulating' voters
LUCKNOW: The by-poll to nine assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh witnessed a moderate 49.71 per cent voters turn out to seal the fate of 90 candidates, including 11 women, on Wednesday. According to the information shared by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Kundarki assembly segment in Moradabad district recorded the highest voter turnout of 57.32 per cent voter turnout, while the Ghaziabad (Sadar) seat witnessed the lowest at 33.03 per cent. Till 5 pm, Meerapur seat in Muzaffarngar, where a BJP candidate was contesting on RLD symbol, registered 57.02 per cent turnout, Katehari in Ambedkar Nagar recorded 56.69 per cent, Karhal in Mainpuri registered 53.92 per cent, Majhawan in Mirzapur registered 50.41 per cent, Sisamau in Kanpur recorded 49.03 per cent and Phulpur in Prayagraj recorded 43.43 per cent turnout. The bypoll, necessitated by the election of sitting MLAs to Lok Sabha in 2024 general election, had to take place in 10 assembly constituencies but the Milkipur Assembly segment in Ayodhya district was put on hold by the Election Commission of India (ECI) as it is caught in litigation, pertaining to 2022 assembly election. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa stated that five policemen, including two each in Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar and one in Moradabad, were suspended for failing to execute their duties properly during polls. During the voting, the Samajwadi Party accused UP police of deterring voters, with visuals showing voters in Meerapur and Kundarki assembly constituencies being refused to cast their vote despite having valid ID cards and slips. Policemen were reportedly seen verifying voting slips and IDs, sparking protests against alleged voting malpractices, following which the Kanpur Police Commissionerate suspended officers who obstructed voters through unwarranted ID checks. Similarly, the SP Moradabad also informed the public through social media that action had been taken against errant officers. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling BJP of misusing administrative machinery to secure a win in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly bypolls hrough manipulation and intimidating the voters. He mentioned that his party has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) regarding irregularities in several constituencies. An incident of stone-pelting occurred in Kakroli village during Meerapur assembly bypoll, following a confrontation between two groups. Senior Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh told the media persons that the police arrived at the scene and used mild force to disperse the crowd.
The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday ordered the suspension of a police personnel for violating guidelines on voter ID checks during the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. This follows serious allegations from both the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding voter suppression and irregularities at polling stations. The Samajwadi Party accused police personnel of preventing voters from casting their ballots, particularly in areas like Muzaffarnagar. SP president Akhilesh Yadav urged the EC and the Supreme Court to intervene, calling for immediate action against those responsible for voter suppression based on video evidence. In his post, Yadav urged, All police officers who are checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs should be immediately suspended on the basis of video evidence. He also emphasized that police have no right to check Aadhaar or identity cards, stating that only polling officers are permitted to do so. - , : - - - - pic.twitter.com/4Qddtlgc19 Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 20, 2024 SP candidate Sumbul Rana, who was campaigning in Muzaffarnagar, accused police personnel of harassing voters and blocking their participation in the election. We are going from village to village, people are being harassed and are not being allowed to vote. Police officers are troubling people, telling them that they cannot vote, Rana claimed. She added that in areas like Nayagaon, Nagla Buzuk, and Sambalheda, voters were repeatedly asked for multiple IDs, even when they presented the required documentation. Rana further alleged that complaints were being raised but were not being addressed by the authorities. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Mithlesh Pal claimed that people from outside Meerapur constituency were being brought in for ogus voting and were being accommodated in madrassas and schools. Pal also alleged that women in burqas were being used for such activities. Body of woman found in sack in UP's Karhal, family claims political motive behind crime Pal defended the police's actions in checking voter IDs, saying it was necessary to prevent bogus voting. All this is happening because of the flexible attitude of police. We have made a complaint but police are unable to do anything at the moment, she added. In contrast, the BJP raised concerns about burqa-clad women voters, claiming that their faces did not match the photos on their identity cards. BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla alleged that the Samajwadi Party, fearing defeat in the bypolls, had enlisted external disruptive elements in the voting areas. According to several media reports, the faces of women wearing burqas are not matching with their identity cards, Shukla said. The BJP appealed to the EC and local administration to ensure strict enforcement of voter ID checks to prevent any fraudulent voting. The SP's media cell also highlighted alleged poll code violations, particularly at the Kundarki seat in Moradabad. The party claimed that its agents were not allowed near the polling stations, which the district administration dismissed as unfounded. Moradabad District Magistrate Anuj Singh confirmed that no irregularities had been found after verifying the complaints, stating that voting was proceeding smoothly with adequate security. In Kanpur, SP candidate Naseem Solanki also raised concerns about biased behavior by the administration, citing complaints from party voters about being treated unfairly. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Kakroli village during voting for the Meerapur assembly bypoll on Wednesday when two groups clashed, hurling stones at each other. The cause of the confrontation was not immediately clear. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhishek Singh confirmed that police intervened promptly, dispersing the crowd using mild force. The situation was brought under control and voting continues peacefully, Singh said. AIMIM candidate Mohammad Arshad alleged that voter turnout in Kakroli was low because police were preventing people from leaving their homes. He accused the police of harassing voters and likened their actions to enemies of the people. Arshad further claimed that AIMIM workers were being detained by the police. According to Election Commission data, 26.18% polling was recorded in Meerapur by 11 am. Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Sumbul Rana also alleged that police were harassing voters under the guise of checking their IDs to stop them from voting. Voting is currently underway for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, including in constituencies like Katehari, Karhal, Ghaziabad, Sisamau, and others. Polling began at 7 am and will continue until 5 pm, with votes to be counted on November 23. The election authorities have urged the public to report any violations or concerns immediately. (With inputs from PTI)
UP bypolls: SP accuses cops of deterring voters, BJP doubts identity of burqa-clad women
Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party on Wednesday accused police personnel of deterring dome people from casting votes in Uttar Pradesh where bypolls are underway, while the BJP alleged that the faces of some burqa-clad women voters are not matching with their IDs. Both the SP and the BJP called for the Election Commission (EC) to intervene. SP president Akhilesh Yadav urged the Supreme Court and the EC to take immediate cognisance of alleged voter suppression based on video evidence, take punitive action and ensure fair elections. The party requested the EC earlier to issue instructions that on polling day, police officers are not allowed to check the ID of voters, only polling officers are permitted to do so. In a post on X, Yadav said, All police officers who are checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs should be immediately suspended on the basis of video evidence. Police have no right to check Aadhaar ID cards or identity cards, Yadav said. He shared a video of party candidate Sumbul Rana from Meerapur in Muzaffarnagar district, accusing police personnel of trying to deter people from voting. We are going from village to village, people are being harassed and are not being allowed to vote. Police officers are troubling people, telling them that they cannot vote. They are asking for one ID, and then asking for another ID. They are checking all IDs, but still, people are not being allowed to cast their votes, she told reporters. Rana claimed that such complaints were coming from Nayagaon, Nagla Buzuk, Sambalheda, and other areas in the constituency. We are raising complaints but officers are not checking it, she alleged. Countering the opposition party's claims, BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla said the Samajwadi Party and Akhilesh Yadav are scared of losing in the ongoing bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. The Samajwadi Party has lost trust in the voters. That is why they have gathered external disruptive elements in the bypoll areas. According to several media reports, the faces of women wearing burqas are not matching with their identity cards, Shukla said. The BJP appeals to the EC and the administration to ensure that voting is not allowed without matching the identity cards and that the EC's instructions are strictly followed, he added. On social media platform X, SP's media cell also highlighted alleged poll code violations at some locations, including the Kundarki seat in Moradabad. It said that the party's agents were not being allowed near the polling stations. Moradabad DM Anuj Singh said there were reports from a party alleging ogus voting in Bikanpur and claims that the administration has not allowed their agents. We got these claims verified, I myself spoke to the polling officer in Bikanpur and found that voting is underway smoothly and no voter is facing any problem. There is adequate security presence also, Singh added. In Kanpur, SP candidate Naseem Solanki alleged her party voters were complaining of foul play by the administration, and alleging iased behaviour by the administration. Voting for bypolls is underway in Katehari, Karhal, Mirapur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Sisamau, Khair, Phulpur and Kundarki assembly seats. Polling began at 7 am and will continue till 5 pm. Votes will be counted on November 23.
UP Dy CM Maurya terms 'batenge toh katenge' slogan a call for unity
LUCKNOW: A day after evading questions on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's 'batenge toh katenge' slogan, his deputy Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday described it as a call for unity and asked why was the opposition having a stomach ache over the slogan. The slogan, frequently used by Adityanath on the campaign trail, has united the opposition in its condemnation ahead of the November 20 bypolls, claiming that it has communal overtones. The clear message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the slogans -- 'If we stay united, we will be safe, if we divide, we will be cut' -- that emerged from their speeches is a symbol of the unity and determination for all workers. There are no differences of opinion in the BJP, nor there was, nor will there will be, Maurya said in a post in Hindi on X. This slogan comes straight from the hearts of party workers like me. The BJP's slogan is 'If we stay united, we will be safe',' he added. Taking potshots at the opposition parties, the deputy chief minister asked why was the Samajwadi Party, Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party having stomach aches due to this unity? If the pain is unbearable, get it treated, take medicines, he added. This is not UP: Ajit Pawar opposes 'batenge toh katenge'; Fadnavis links stance to 'past anti-Hindu ideologies' A day earlier, Maurya had created flutters in the political circles of Uttar Pradesh by refusing to comment on Adityanath's atenge toh katenge slogan, saying questions about it should be directed to the chief minister. On Sunday, sharpened his attacks at the main opposition Samajwadi Party over its PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) pitch. We have to respond to the fake PDA abuses spread by the Samajwadi Party and its chief Akhilesh Yadav in the same way Lord Krishna replied to Shishupal. In 2024, the Cycle (SP's poll symbol) has to be punctured by making the lotus bloom so that the polls deposits of SP candidates are forfeited. The Samajwadi Party has to be turned into a 'samaaptvaadi' party by deepening the wounds of the crushing defeats it faced in 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2022 (elections), he said in a post in Hindi on X. Bypolls to nine assembly seats -- Katehari in Ambedkar Nagar, Karhal in Mainpuri, Meerapur in Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Majhawan in Mirzapur, Sisamau in Kanpur City, Khair in Aligarh, Phulpur in Prayagraj and Kundarki in Moradabad -- will be held on November 20. Eight of these seats fell vacant after their MLAs were elected as Lok Sabha MPs, while the bypoll on the Sisamau seat has been necessitated due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case. The Congress is not contesting the bypolls and is supporting its INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi Party. Kharge counters 'batenge, katenge' slogan, says many Congress leaders died for country's unity
Placement drive conducted at YCET
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 7: For the students from YCET, IMS, MIET, MBSCET, LPU, TMU Moradabad, JUIT Solan and the University of Jammu, a placement drive conducted by Avi Softwares was held at Yogananda College of Engineering & Technology (YCET), here today. Avi Softwares is a product engineering, technology, and consulting services provider that partners with organizations to achieve business and digital transformation. Leveraging its cross-functional knowledge, deep sector expertise, and specializations in fields such as product engineering, digitization, hyper-automation, [] The post Placement drive conducted at YCET appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Mayawati says BJP-SP 'alliance' fighting UP bypolls, slams 'misleading' slogans
LUCKNOW: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday accused the BJP and Samajwadi Party (SP) of being hand in glove in the run-up to the November 13 bypolls to nine Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh in which the BSP is going solo on all seats. Addressing a press conference here, the former UP chief minister also slammed the two parties for their misleading slogans -- BJP's 'Batenge toh Katenge' (divided we fall) and SP's 'Judenge toh Jeetenge' (united we win) -- and said these are designed to divert people's attention from the real issues. Comparing the rule of BSP, SP and now the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati pitched her regime (2007-2012) as the best in terms of law and order. BSP se Judenge toh Aage Badhenge, Surakshit Rahenge (people will progress and remain safe in BSP's company), Mayawati said, as she reiterated her BJP-SP together charge to blunt SP's claim of BSP being BJP's B team. Ever since the bypolls were announced and the BSP decided to go solo on all nine seats, the BJP-BSP alliance has lost its sleep. Except for a couple of bypolls, BSP has not contested byelections here, Mayawati said at the presser. They have so far been contesting elections with a mutual understanding, but now with the BSP contesting the bypolls, the troubles of their 'alliance' have increased. To divert public attention, now the BJP has invoked 'Batenge toh Katenge' slogan while SP says 'Judenge toh Jeetenge' and are busy popularising them, Mayawati added. BJP, Congress, SP obstacles to Bahujan Samaj's pursuit of self-esteem: Mayawati The BSP supremo's remarks came hours after Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya sought to delink the BJP from the 'Batenge toh Katenge' phrase used by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Agra in August this year whose spirit was subsequently endorsed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). We will not let the opposition succeed with its dirty game of calling 'Batenge toh Katenge' BJP's slogan. Our party's slogan is the one coined by our top leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. 'Batenge toh Katenge' was part of a speech, and not a party slogan, Maurya told PTI. Maurya later posted on X: 'Ek hain to Safe hain' (united we are safe) -- this proclamation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the guarantee of a developed India and the well-being of all. 'Ek Bharat-Samath Bharat'. Meanwhile, Mayawati said that people must not fall for such empty slogans as the BSP has proved that its rule in UP has been the best. To hide their weaknesses, the BJP and SP are going to the people with such slogans but the fact is that their alliance is misleading the voters, something which the masses need to be aware of, she said. She also alleged that during SP's rule, the government was run mostly by criminals and mafia, and not by officials. And now it seems the SP is trying to discreetly suggest to such criminals that they would be safe only if they help the SP and its alliance win the bypolls to be in a position to form the government later. We have information on this, she claimed. We are only trying to tell the voters that they will be safe only if they stay away from these two parties. The time has come for the people to reject the parties that promote such vulgar, vicious and narrow-minded slogans. That is why these bypolls are so important, Mayawati added. The bypolls are scheduled for November 13 in Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad). Votes will be counted on November 23. Eight of the seats fell vacant after their MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year, while the byelection in Sishamau was necessitated following the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who has been convicted in a criminal case. In the 2022 Assembly elections, Sishamau, Katehari, Karhal, Milkipur and Kundarki were won by the SP, while the BJP emerged winner in Phulpur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan and Khair. The Meerapur seat was won by the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).
Coaches of goods trains derail in UP's Meerut, Saharanpur; no one hurt
Railway Superintendent, Moradabad, Ashutosh Shukla said the incident occurred while shunting the goods train
2 bogies of goods train derail while shunting in UP's Meerut
Meerut (UP): Two bogies of a goods train derailed in the Kaiserganj area in this Uttar Pradesh district on Friday, officials said. Railway Superintendent, Moradabad, Ashutosh Shukla said the incident occurred while shunting the goods train and no one was injured. He said two wheels of the two bogies of the goods train derailed near the Meerut City station at around 9 am.
BJP releases list of eight candidates for Uttar Pradesh bypoll
LUCKNOW: A day ahead of the last date for filing nomination papers, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday ended speculation by announcing candidates for eight out of the nine seats going to by-polls in Uttar Pradesh. However, the party has left the Meerapur seat in Muzaffarnagar for ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), but managed to field Mithilesh Pal, a party functionary, to contest from the RLD symbol. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP rejected ally Nishad Party's demand for two seats Katehari and Manjhawan. However, in Katehari, the party has fielded a candidate from the Nishad community. The 10th seat, Milkipur in Ayodhya, which was also to go to by-polls, was left out by the Election Commission due to an ongoing legal dispute. The last date for filing nominations is Friday, with polling scheduled for November 13. Notably, of the nine seats, four, Karhal, Kundarki, Katehari, and Sisamau were won by the Samajwadi Party (SP), three , Ghaziabad, Khair, and Phulpur by the BJP, and one each by the Nishad Party and RLD, Manjhawan and Meerapur, respectively in the 2022 Assembly elections. In light of the ruling party's poor performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, where OBC and Dalit voters drifted away from it, the BJP has cautiously expressed confidence in four OBC candidates to galvanise the community. This is particularly important with the state assembly elections just two-and-a-half years away, as the OBC community has historically been a decisive factor in Uttar Pradesh politics. Of the remaining four candidates, two are Brahmins, one is a Thakur, and one comes from a Dalit background. Notably, the party has set up a Yadav-versus-Yadav contest in Karhal by fielding Anujesh Yadav, the brother-in-law of SP MP Dharmendra Yadav (cousin of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav). Karhal, a traditional SP stronghold, was previously represented by Akhilesh Yadav, who vacated the seat after being elected to the Lok Sabha from Kannauj. Akhilesh has chosen his nephew, Tej Pratap Yadav, to contest from the seat. Anujesh Yadav and his wife Sandhya (Dharmendra Yadavs sister), the former Zila Panchayat president from Mainpuri, had switched to the BJP in 2017. In Kundarki, a Muslim-dominated seat in Moradabad, the BJP has fielded Ramvir Singh, a Thakur. Singh, a former district general secretary, contested the same seat in the 2012 and 2017 Assembly elections but lost both times to SPs Mohammad Rizwan. In Ghaziabad, considered a BJP stronghold, the party has fielded its district president Sanjiv Sharma, a Brahmin, making his electoral debut. In Khair, a reserved seat in Aligarh, the BJP has fielded Surendra Diler, a Valmiki Dalit and the son of former BJP MP from Hathras, Rajvir Diler, who passed away in April this year. In Phulpur, the party has fielded Deepak Patel, son of Keshari Devi Patel, the former Phulpur MP. In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the party replaced Keshari Devi with Pravin Patel, who won the Phulpur seat. In Katehari, the BJP has fielded Dharmaraj Nishad, a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) turncoat who joined the BJP just before the 2022 Assembly elections. Nishad, a three-time BSP MLA, won the seat in 1996, 2002, and 2007. In Manjhawan, the party has fielded Suchismita Maurya, who won the seat in the 2017 elections by defeating BSPs Ramesh Bind with a margin of nearly 42,000 votes. In Sisamau, where the by-poll was necessitated by the conviction of SP MLA Irfan Solanki in a criminal case, the BJP has fielded Suresh Awasthi. Awasthi contested Sisamau in 2017 but lost to Solanki by a margin of around 5,000 votes. He also contested the 2022 Aryanagar seat in Kanpur but lost to SP's Amitabh Bajpai by around 8,000 votes. Meanwhile, both the SP and BSP also released their lists of candidates on Thursday. The SP announced candidates for the Ghaziabad and Khair seats after failing to reach a seat-sharing agreement with its INDIA bloc partner, Congress. The BSP also announced candidates for eight of the nine seats going to polls on November 13. In Ghaziabad, the SP repeated its strategy of fielding a Dalit on an unreserved seat, as it did in Ayodhya in the recent Lok Sabha polls, by fielding Awadhesh Prasad against the BJPs Lallu Singh. Awadhesh Prasad defeated the BJP candidate by over 50,000 votes. Similarly, in Ghaziabad, the SP has fielded Singh Raj Jatav, and in Khair, a reserved seat, Akhilesh Yadav has fielded Dr. Charu Kain. Of the eight candidates declared on Thursday, the BSP has given preference to OBCs by fielding five OBC candidates. In Phulpur and Ghaziabad, the party has replaced its Dalit candidates with OBC candidates, clearly indicating its focus on consolidating OBC votes. Additionally, the party has fielded two Muslim candidates in Meerapur and Kundarki, and two Brahmins Virendra Kumar Shukla and Deepak Tiwari from Sisamau and Manjhawan, respectively.
All INDIA bloc candidates to fight Uttar Pradesh bypolls on cycle symbol
Bypolls will be held for Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad).
All INDIA bloc candidates to fight UP bypolls on 'cycle' symbol
LUCKNOW: INDIA bloc candidates will contest all nine seats in the upcoming bypolls on his party's election symbol 'cycle', Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav announced on Wednesday. He said the alliance's decision was not informed by any seat-sharing math but its pursuit of victory. Congress and Samajwadi Party are united and stand shoulder to shoulder for a big victory. India bloc is going to write a new chapter of victory in this by-election, Yadav said in a post on X. With this unprecedented cooperation and support, every worker of 'INDIA bloc' on all 9 assembly seats is filled with new energy with the resolve to win, he added. 9 , Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) October 23, 2024 The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said that the coming election will be fought for the protection of the country's Constitution, peace, and the honour of Pichchde (backwards), Dalit and Alpsankhyak (Minorities). Bypolls will be held on November 13 on nine seats-- Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sishamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad). Eight of these seats fell vacant after their MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha, while a bypoll is being held on the Sisamau seat due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case. The Congress had originally demanded five of 10 assembly seats (including Milkipur). The SP, however, last week said the Congress had agreed to contest on two seats, Ghaziabad and Khair (Aligarh), leaving the rest to the SP. The Election Commission has announced a by-election on nine seats, leaving out Milkipur (Ayodhya). The last date for filing nominations is October 25. The SP has already declared its candidates from Karhal, Sisamau, Phulpur, Milkipur, Katehari, Majahawan and Meerapur. Counting of votes will take place on November 23.
Uttar Pradesh assembly Byelections are set to be held on nine Assembly seats Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad)
Lalkuan-Bandra Superfast Train Service Launched by Uttarakhand CM Dhami
Dehradun (Uttarakhand): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurartedthe Lalkuan-Bandra Superfast train from his official residence in Dehradun on Monday through a virtual event. Today, with the blessings of Neem Karoli Baba, we have fulfilled the long-standing demand for train service from Lalkuan to Bandra. I congratulate everyone on this achievement, Dhami said.He noted that the new train service would greatly benefit travelers from Mumbai heading to the Kumaon region, including Haldwani, Almora, and Pithoragarh. I am sincerely grateful to Prime Minister Modi and the Railway Minister for their support, he added. The Chief Minister highlighted that this service would provide devotees visiting places like Baba Kainchi Dham and Jageshwar with better travel options. He expressed optimism about the future of Indian Railways, stating, Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, we are entering a golden age for the railways. Made in India trains like Vande Bharat represent our self-reliance and modernization. Dhami also mentioned that the dream of connecting the mountains by rail would be realized with the upcoming Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line, with survey work on the Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail line already completed and construction to begin soon. Efforts will be made to expand rail services from Uttarakhand to major cities like Kashi and Ayodhya. Our double-engine government is implementing many schemes to connect every citizen with the development mainstream, he said. Member of Parliament Ajay Bhatt echoed the sentiment, describing the direct rail service from Lalkuan to Mumbai as a long-awaited demand now fulfilled. This new service will benefit the entire Kumaon region, as well as tourists visiting various religious and scenic sites here, he added. The new train, numbered 22544, will depart Lalkuan on Mondays at 07:45 AM and arrive at Bandra Terminus on Tuesdays at 08:30 AM. It will travel through major stations such as Rudrapur City, Rampur, Moradabad, Ghaziabad, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Mathura, Kota, Vadodara, and Surat. On its return journey, it will leave Bandra Terminus on Tuesdays at 11:00 AM and reach Lalkuan on Wednesdays at 01:15 PM. For passenger convenience, the train will feature one 2 AC coach, two 3 AC coaches, three AC economy class coaches, six sleeper class coaches, and four general class coaches. All coaches are LHB, ensuring safety and comfort for passengers. Know the New Train Ticket Booking Rules: Advance Reservation Period Cut to 60 Days Diwali, Chhath Puja: Special Trains Announced, Check Details Here
uttar-pradesh-bypolls-how-family-connections-are-ruling-sp-candidate-list
The Samajwadi Partys list of candidates for the upcoming bypolls is tilted towards familial political connections. Bypolls are set to be held to 10 assembly seats -- Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad). Tej Pratap Yadav is the party candidate from Karhal, the seat vacated by Akhilesh Yadav after winning the Lok Sabha election from Kannauj. The candidate is the nephew of Akhilesh and the grandson of late SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadavs elder brother. He was the MP from Mainpuri in 2014 and describes himself as a 'sports enthusiast' on his social media profile. He is married to Lalu Prasad Yadavs daughter Rajlakshmi. This selection has been made keeping the seats connection with the Yadav family. It must be noted that Tej Pratap was initially set to fight the LS election, but his candidature was opposed within the party. Sumbul Rana the party candidate from Meerpur is the daughter-in-law of former MP Kadir Rana and the daughter of Rajya Sabha MP Munqad Ali whose political affiliations lay with the BSP. The Sisamau ticket has gone to Naseem Solanki, the wife of Irfan Solanki. The candidates husband is currently undergoing a jail term for seven years on a charge of arson. Naseems selection has been made keeping in mind that the sympathy for her husband should work in her favour. In Katehri, the party candidate is Shobhawati Verma who is the wife of Lalji Verma. With the husband just getting elected an MP, the SP is banking on his popularity to rub off on the wife. The Phulpur ticket has been given to Mustafa Siddiqui who is a three-time MLA. Siddiqui has oscillated between the BSP and the SP. The party has put its faith in Siddiqui as he lost the last Vidhan Sabha polls by just 2,500 votes. Jyoti Bind, the partys choice from Majhawan is the daughter of Ramesh Bind, a former BJP MP and three-time BSP MLA. Bind is a doctor and hopes to cash in on her fathers popularity to make her path to victory smooth. In addition, the party has announced the name of Ajit Prasad- the son of Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad from Milkipur. Nine of these seats fell vacant after its MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls, except Sisamau seat which fell vacant due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki. Except Milkipur, the Election Commission has announced polls on the rest nine seats. The polling seats will be held on November 13.
Consensual adulterous relationship from its inception does not amount to rape: HC
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has observed that a long-standing consensual adulterous physical relationship without any element of deception from its inception would not amount to rape within the meaning of section 375 of the IPC, which defines rape as sexual intercourse with a woman against her consent. The court quashed the criminal proceedings against a man from Moradabad who was accused of raping a woman on the pretext of a promise to marry her. The court also held that a promise of marriage does not automatically render consensual intercourse rape unless it is proven that such a promise was false from the outset. Each and every promise of marriage would not be considered as a fact of misconception for the purpose of consensual sexual intercourse unless it is established that such promise of marriage was a false promise of marriage on the part of the accused since the beginning of such relationship. Unless it is alleged that from the very beginning of such relationship there was some element of cheating on the part of the accused while making such promise, it would not be treated as a false promise of marriage, the court observed. Allowing a petition filed by one Shrey Gupta, Justice Anish Kumar Gupta quashed the criminal proceedings against the petitioner pending before the court at Moradabad. The petitioner was booked for rape on a complaint by a woman. In her FIR lodged at Mahila Thana at Moradabad, the woman had alleged that the petitioner had established physical relationship with her under the pretext of marriage after the death of her husband. She claimed that Gupta had repeatedly promised to marry her but later broke the promise and got engaged to another woman. She also accused him of extortion, alleging that Gupta demanded Rs 50 lakh to prevent the release of a video showing their intimate encounters. Based on her allegations, the trial court took cognizance of charge sheet dated August 9, 2018 filed against the petitioner under section 376 (rape) and section 386 (extortion) of the IPC. However, the accused moved the high court under section 482 (inherent powers of high court) under the code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), seeking to quash the charge sheet and the entire criminal proceedings. The court after going through the facts, observed that the complainant who is a widow and the accused had maintained a consensual physical relationship for nearly 12-13 years even when the complainant's husband was alive. The court noted that the complainant-woman exerted undue influence over the petitioner, who was much younger than her and was an employee in her late husband's business. Referring to the Supreme Court's ruling in Naim Ahamed vs. State of Haryana, the high court reiterated that it would be a folly to treat every breach of promise to marry as a false promise and to prosecute a person for the offence of rape under Section 376 IPC. Accordingly, the court in its decision dated October 1 quashed the criminal proceedings against Gupta, holding that the allegations did not meet the legal standards required for charges of rape or extortion.
'Consensual adulterous relationship from its inception does not amount to rape': Allahabad HC
PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court has observed that a long-standing consensual adulterous physical relationship without any element of deception from its inception would not amount to rape within the meaning of section 375 of the IPC, which defines rape as sexual intercourse with a woman against her consent. The court quashed the criminal proceedings against a man from Moradabad who was accused of raping a woman on the pretext of a promise to marry her. The court also held that a promise of marriage does not automatically render consensual intercourse rape unless it is proven that such a promise was false from the outset. Each and every promise of marriage would not be considered as a fact of misconception for the purpose of consensual sexual intercourse unless it is established that such promise of marriage was a false promise of marriage on the part of the accused since the beginning of such relationship. Unless it is alleged that from the very beginning of such relationship there was some element of cheating on the part of the accused while making such promise, it would not be treated as a false promise of marriage, the court observed. Allowing a petition filed by one Shrey Gupta, Justice Anish Kumar Gupta quashed the criminal proceedings against the petitioner pending before the court at Moradabad. The petitioner was booked for rape on a complaint by a woman. In her FIR lodged at Mahila Thana at Moradabad, the woman had alleged that the petitioner had established physical relationship with her under the pretext of marriage after the death of her husband. She claimed that Gupta had repeatedly promised to marry her but later broke the promise and got engaged to another woman. She also accused him of extortion, alleging that Gupta demanded Rs 50 lakh to prevent the release of a video showing their intimate encounters. Based on her allegations, the trial court took cognizance of charge sheet dated August 9, 2018 filed against the petitioner under section 376 (rape) and section 386 (extortion) of the IPC. However, the accused moved the high court under section 482 (inherent powers of high court) under the code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), seeking to quash the charge sheet and the entire criminal proceedings. The court after going through the facts, observed that the complainant who is a widow and the accused had maintained a consensual physical relationship for nearly 12-13 years even when the complainant's husband was alive. The court noted that the complainant-woman exerted undue influence over the petitioner, who was much younger than her and was an employee in her late husband's business. Referring to the Supreme Court's ruling in Naim Ahamed vs. State of Haryana, the high court reiterated that it would be a folly to treat every breach of promise to marry as a false promise and to prosecute a person for the offence of rape under Section 376 IPC. Accordingly, the court in its decision dated October 1 quashed the criminal proceedings against Gupta, holding that the allegations did not meet the legal standards required for charges of rape or extortion.
UP bypoll: BJP likely to contest nine seats leaving Meerapur for RLD
LUCKNOW: The Haryana assembly poll outcome seems to have pushed the ruling BJP to be more accommodative as far as the Jat support is concerned. The saffron brass, which was contemplating to contest all the 10 Uttar Pradesh bypoll assembly seats itself, may now leave one seat in western UP for ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). As per the highly-placed sources, the ruling party has finalised the names of the candidates for nine seats except Meerapur segment in Muzaffarnagar district and it may go to the RLD. The Meerapur seat has been vacated due to the victory of sitting RLD MLA Chandan Chauhan from Bijnor Lok Sabha seat for the lower house of parliament in recently concluded general elections. In a high-level meeting in Delhi late on Sunday evening, the partys Central leadership put its seal on the names of the candidates for the nine seats. However, the announcement is likely to be made only after the Election Commission of India (ECI) issues notification for the bypolls. In the meeting presided over by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda at his residence, it was decided to offer the Meerapur seat to the RLD. However, the party refused to concede any seat to the NISHAD Party though it had a sitting MLA Dr Vinod Bind in the Majhawan Assembly segment in Mirzapur. Bind won on BJP symbol in the Lok Sabha election from Bhadohi. Hence NISHAD party chief Dr Sanjay Nishad had been demanding Majhawan to contest in bypoll. As per the sources, BJP UP chief Bhupendra Chaudhury along with both the deputy CMs Keshav Maurya and Brajesh Pathak - have been deputed to convince Sanjay Nishad to relinquish his claim to the seat. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, both the deputy chief ministers, Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, BJP State President Bhupendra Chaudhary, and General Secretary, Organisation Dharampal were present in the meeting that lasted for about an hour. Congress sees 'possibilities' on seat sharing after ally SP names candidates for UP Bypolls However, BJP sources said on Monday that the party would field only backward leaders from the Katehri, Majhawan, and Phulpur seats. The party will field a Dalit face in Milkipur since it is a reserved seat and the stakes are quite high. Notably, the sitting SP MLA from Milkipur - Awadhesh Prasad - emerged as a giant killer and defeated BJP candidate and two-term sitting MP Lallu Singh in Faizabad, which comprises of Ayodhya as well, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The sources further said it has been decided in the meeting that keeping in mind the caste equation, new faces will be fielded in all the seats. The notification for the by-elections may be issued by October 20. According to the sources, the UP government and the organisation have assured the Central leadership that BJP will win most of the seats in the by-elections. As per the caste equation, the contest may not be as difficult for the BJP in Milkipur, Katehari, Majhawan, Meerapur, Ghaziabad, and Khair as in SPs traditional seats Karhal (Mainpuri) and Muslim-dominated Kundarki (Moradabad) and Sisamau (Kanpur) seats. Of the 10 assembly seats up for grabs in bypoll, five Katehari, Karhal, Kundarki, Milkipur and Sisamu - have been vacated by the Samajwadi Partys sitting MLAs. BJP had three seatsGhaziabad, Khair and Phulpur. Majhawan was with BJP ally NISHAD and Meerapur was with RLD. Recently, the Samajwadi Party had announced six candidates for Karhal, Phulpur in Prayagraj, Katehari in Ambedkar Nagar, Majhwan in Mirzapur, Milkipur in Ayodhya, and Sisamau seat of Kanpur. Bypolls to 10 UP Assembly seats a litmus test for BJP
Key Leaders Gather for BJP Strategy Meeting Ahead of Uttar Pradesh By-Polls
Lucknow: Poli tical activities have intensified for the by-elections to be held on 10 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. An important meeting of BJP is being held in New Delhi, in which Home Minister Amit Shah, Party President JP Nadda, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy CM of the state may attend. UP BJP President Bhupendra Chaudhary and State Organization General Secretary Dharampal will also be present in the meeting. The strategy for the by-election is likely to be discussed in this meeting. Although the Election Commission has not yet announced the dates for the by-elections, the politics of the state has heated up. The contest is mainly seen between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the leaders of both the parties are holding continuous meetings. The seats in the state where by-elections are to be held include Karhal, Milkipur, Katehari, Kundarki, Ghaziabad, Khair, Meerapur, Phulpur, Manjhwa and Sisamau. Of these, 5 seats were with the Samajwadi Party, while RLD and Nishad Party have one seat each. BJP has 3 seats. After SP challenged BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, this by-election is considered a big test for Yogi Adityanath. According to sources, BJP has prepared a panel of 27 names for 9 seats, which is being discussed. It is also being considered to leave seats for allies. BJP is considering giving Meerapur seat to RLD, but consensus has not been reached on Khair seat. At the same time, Nishad Party is also demanding Kathari and Majhawan seats, because their candidates contested on these seats last time. Many seats can prove to be challenging for BJP. Karhal and Kundarki seat of Moradabad are considered difficult for BJP, where Samajwadi Party MLA Zia-ur-Rehman has become MP. Muslim votes are around 65% and Hindu votes are 35% in Kundarki assembly, and BJP won here only in 1993. Apart from this, there are difficulties for BJP on Sisamau seat of Kanpur. This seat has fallen vacant after the sentencing of Irfan Solanki of the Samajwadi Party. SP can give ticket to a member of Irfan's family on this seat, which can create a wave of sympathy. Samajwadi Party has already announced the names of its candidates on 6 seats. Tej Pratap Yadav from Karhal, Ajit Prasad from Milkipur, Naseem Solanki from Sisamau, Mustafa Siddiqui from Phulpur, Dr. Jyoti Bind from Majhawan, and Shobhavati Verma from Katehari have been given tickets. SP has given chance to backward and Dalit candidates on four of these seats and Muslim candidates on two seats. India Sets Record High T20 Score in 3-0 Series Win Against Bangladesh in Hyderabad Ajmer Arrested in Jind District for Issuing Threat Against Next Haryana Chief Minister Baba Siddique Shot Dead in Mumbai; Salman Khan's Security Increased Following Incident
Congress sees 'possibilities' on seat sharing after ally SP names candidates for UP Bypolls
LUCKNOW: Congress strategists on Sunday said discussions on ticket distribution are ongoing with the Samajwadi Party and there are possibilities ahead, days after its ally declared candidates for six of the 10 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats where bypolls are scheduled. The SP had announced candidates for six of the 10 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats after the Congress lost the assembly polls in Haryana. The Congress has been demanding five seats in the bypolls for which the schedule is yet to be announced. Congress national general secretary and Uttar Pradesh in-charge, Avinash Pandey told PTI, If the results do not meet our expectations, it is natural for disappointment to arise among our workers and leaders. However, we are committed to our objectives in UP - the era of jungle raj must come to an end. A Congress worker said the loss in Haryana has empowered the SP to declare candidates for six seats in the state. Despite this setback, Pandey emphasised that discussions regarding ticket distribution are ongoing and solutions will be found through timely communication. This is not a major issue. There are still possibilities ahead, he asserted. In the last Lok Sabha elections, the Congress, in alliance with the SP contested 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The SP won 37 seats, while the Congress managed to secure six, providing a morale boost for a party that had been sidelined in the state for years. With eyes on the 2027 UP assembly polls, the Congress was eager for the upcoming bypolls to test its strategies. State president Ajay Rai even proposed that the Congress contest five of the ten available seats. However, the recent election results in Haryana prompted the SP to assert claims on six seats, including two that the Congress was eyeing. BJP will lose all seats in UP bypolls, face rout in 2027: Akhilesh Yadav On Wednesday, the SP named candidates for the Karhal (Mainpuri), Sisamau (Kanpur Nagar), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Katehari (Ambedkarnagar), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Majhawan (Mirzapur) seats. Notably, Phulpur and Majhawan were among the five seats the Congress had sought to contest. The SP has yet to announce candidates for the Kundarki, Meerapur, Ghaziabad, and Khair seats. In the 2022 assembly polls, the Ghaziabad seat was won by BJP's Atul Garg by getting 1,50,205 votes while the SP was at number two, the BSP at third and the Congress at fourth. Here the Congress candidate got 11,818 votes while the SP got 44,668 votes. Anoop Valmiki of the BJP won the Khair assembly seat of Aligarh district by getting 1,39,643 votes and against him the BSP was second, RLD third and Congress at fourth place. Here the Congress candidate got only 1,514 votes. Political experts say that in the 2022 elections, the Ghaziabad seat was not favourable for the SP and the Meerapur and Khair seats were given to the ally RLD, so the SP can give these seats to the Congress to save the relationship. Political analysts said the SP might allocate the Meerapur and Khair seats to the Congress to preserve the alliance, as they were less favourable for the SP in the past elections. Our loss in Haryana was due to overconfidence, but in UP, we are actively working on the ground. Together, Congress and the SP will challenge the BJP's dominance and strive for victory, Rai said. He said the shared goal of both parties is to end the BJP's jungle raj and asserted that the people will respond accordingly. Rai said the Congress proposed to contest five seats where the BJP had faltered in 2022, but the SP has now declared candidates for two of those. Both Rai and other Congress leaders emphasised the importance of the alliance with the SP, downplaying ticket distribution concerns for the bypolls. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has echoed this sentiment, affirming that the alliance will remain intact. Pandey said, The current political landscape in UP is complex. While alliances evolve, the challenges posed by the BJP's governance are a collective struggle for all of us. He acknowledged the recent political developments in Haryana as a cautionary signal, underscoring the need for greater diligence in their efforts. The bypolls will be held in Katehari (Ambedkarnagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur Nagar), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Kundarki (Moradabad). The Sisamau seat has become vacant following the conviction of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, while the others are unoccupied due to resignations from MLAs who were elected to Parliament. The election schedule for the bypolls is yet to be announced. In the 2022 UP assembly elections, the SP secured victories in Sisamau, Katehari, Karhal, Milkipur, and Kundarki, while the BJP won in Phulpur, Ghaziabad, and Khair, with the Nishad Party winning in Majhawan. The Meerapur seat was held by the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), a former ally of the SP.
Realty projects worth Rs 7,200 crore get Uttar Pradesh govt approval
These realty projects will come up in the major towns of Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Agra, Meerut, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Jhansi and Moradabad
The accused have been thrown behind bars and a case was filed, based on the Hindu girl's complaint.
Maruti Suzuki scales up its road safety CSR initiative
New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) entered into an agreement with Transport Department of Uttar Pradesh to automate 12 additional driving license test tracks across the state. As part of the Memorandum of Agreement, which was signed in December 2023, five test tracks have already been automated in the state. 12 additional driving test tracks located in Aligarh, Azamgarh (2 nos), Basti, Bareilly, Gonda, Jhansi, Meerut, Mirzapur, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, and Pratapgarh will be automated for Two-wheeler, LMV and HMV driving license testing. Appreciating the efforts of Maruti Suzuki, Shri Dayashankar Singh, Honble Minister of State (Independent Charge)- Transport, Uttar Pradesh said, After the successful automation of five driving test tracks in Uttar Pradesh by Maruti Suzuki, we are delighted to extend our partnership for 12 additional test tracks. Automation makes the issuance of driving licenses more scientific, transparent, and efficient and will help in achieving our goal to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. Maruti Suzuki completed the automation of test tracks at DTTIs at Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Varanasi earlier this year. Mr. Rahul Bharti, Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, We thank the Government of Uttar Pradesh for entrusting us with this important road safety project. Together we will streamline and automate the evaluation process for awarding driving licence. The automation of driving license testing will usher in a positive transformation, that can go a long way to bring down road accidents by ensuring only capable candidates get driving licences. Mr. Bharti added, Maruti Suzuki has been taking focused initiatives on five pillars of road safety i.e. Engineering, Education, Evaluation, Enforcement, and Emergency care. Automated driving licence testing strengthens the evaluation process with zero manual intervention to award driving licenses after a rigorous and standardized evaluation. The automated driving test tracks, equipped with high-definition cameras and an integrated IT system, ensure a 100% computerized and transparent process for driving license testing. License applicants are evaluated through a comprehensive test with auto-generated results using technology at the automated driving test tracks. The test is designed to assess candidates according to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).
UP by-polls: SP releases list of candidates for six seats
Lucknow: A day after the declaration of assembly poll results of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, the Samajwadi Party on Wednesday released a list of its candidates for six of ten assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, where by-polls are due later this year. The party has fielded Tej Pratap Yadav from Karhal, while it has given a ticket to Naseem Solanki from the Sisamu seat, Mustafa Siddiqui from Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Ajit Prasad from Milkipur (Ayodhya), the list issued here said. Shobhawai Verma and Jyodi Bind have been given party tickets from Katehari and Majhwan seats, respectively, it said. By-elections are set to be held in 10 assembly seats of the state -- Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad). Nine of these seats fell vacant after its MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls. In Sisamau, the by-poll is being held due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki, who was convicted in a criminal case. The SP, which is a part of the INDIA bloc, has said it will contest the by-polls with the Congress, which is demanding five seats from the party. Congress did not share any seat with the SP in the Haryana assembly elections.
UP bypolls: SP releases list of candidates for six Assembly seats
A day after declaration of assembly poll results of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, Samajwadi Party on Wednesday released a list of its candidates for six of ten assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, where bypolls are due later his year. The party has fielded Tej Pratap Yadav from Karhal, while it has given a ticket to Naseem Solanki from the Sisamu seat, Mustafa Siddiqui from Phulpur (Prayagraj), and Ajit Prasad from Milkipur (Ayodhya), the list issued here said. Shobhawai Verma and Jyodi Bind have given party tickets from Katehari and Majhwan seat respectively, it said. By-elections are set to be held in 10 assembly seats of the state -- Katehari (Ambedkar Nagar), Karhal (Mainpuri), Milkipur (Ayodhya), Meerapur (Muzaffarnagar), Ghaziabad, Majhawan (Mirzapur), Sisamau (Kanpur city), Khair (Aligarh), Phulpur (Prayagraj) and Kundarki (Moradabad). Nine of these seats, except Sisamau, fell vacant after its MLAs were elected as MPs in the Lok Sabha polls. In Sisamau, the bypoll is being hel
Azharuddin skips ED summons in HCA case; called again on October 8
Hyderabad: Former Indian cricket captain and Congress politician Mohammad Azharuddin on Thursday failed to depose before the ED in in a money laundering case linked to alleged financial irregularities in the Hyderabad Cricket Association, official sources said Thursday. The 61-year-old former Member of Parliament was asked to depose before the federal agency at its office here on October 3 and get his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said. However, the former cricketer sought more time from the agency. He has been issued fresh summons for October 8, they said. The probe is related to alleged financial irregularities in the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) in which the ED had conducted searches in November last year. It had then raided the premises of former office bearers of the HCA, including former HCA vice president and Indian cricketer Shivlal Yadav, Congress MLA and ex HCA president Gaddam Vinod, former HCA secretary Arshad Ayub apart from the office of a company called S S Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and the residential premise of its managing director (MD), Satyanarayana. Azharuddin's role during his tenure as the HCA president is under the scanner of the agency, the sources said. There was no immediate response from the former Indian skipper, who unsuccessfully contested the assembly polls held last year. The money laundering case stems from three FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Telangana anti-corruption bureau (ACB) for alleged criminal misappropriation of funds of the HCA to the tune of Rs 20 crore. The charge sheets contain allegations of serious irregularities in the procurement of DG sets, fire fighting systems and canopies for the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium constructed in Uppal, Hyderabad, the ED had earlier in a statement. As per the police charge sheets, despite deadlines, several works were delayed inordinately leading to escalated costs and budget enhancements and corresponding losses to the HCA. It was found that the office bearers of the HCA, including its then secretary, president and vice-president and others, in collusion with private parties, arbitrarily got various tenders and works allotted to preferred vendors/contractors at higher than market rates without following proper tender processes and in many cases even before the receipt of quotations, the agency had alleged. Advance payments were made to many contractors but no work was done by them, it added. The ED had said its raids undertaken last year led to the seizure of digital devices, incriminating documents and unaccounted cash of Rs 10.39 lakh, it said. Azharuddin began his political innings with a win from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in 2009. He is also a working president of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC).
Paddy procurement in UP to start from Oct 1 with 48-hour payment directive
The Uttar Pradesh government will commence paddy procurement across the state starting October 1 and payments to farmers will be processed within 48 hours of the sale. The process will roll out in phases, beginning in western Uttar Pradesh and extending to the eastern districts later in the month, according to an official statement issued here on Monday. Procurement will start on October 1 in the districts of Hardoi, Lakhimpur Kheri and Sitapur. It will be followed by procurement in Lucknow, Rae Bareli and Unnao from November 1, among others, the statement added. Paddy procurement will continue until January 31, covering various districts including Meerut, Saharanpur, Moradabad, Bareilly, Agra, Aligarh and Jhansi, it stated. The minimum support price (MSP) for paddy has been set at Rs 2,300 per quintal, while the price for grade A paddy stood at Rs 2,320 per quintal. Additionally, farmers will receive a reimbursement of Rs 20 per quintal for unloading, sieving and cleaning their
UP: 2 School students booked for posting AI generated obscene image of teacher
Moradabad: Police have booked two class IX students for allegedly making morphed obscene image of a female teacher using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and posting them on online social media platforms. Station House Officer (SHO) of Civil Lines Police station Manish Saxena on Saturday said, We received a complaint regarding the matter on Thursday based on 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 .
