Why Delhi is sitting on a seismic timebomb with Haridwar and Moradabad connection
A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR early Monday, marking the first significant seismic activity directly within Delhi in 295 years. The epicenter was in New Delhi at a depth of five kilometers, with tremors felt at 5:36 am. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported. Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, making it vulnerable to future earthquakes.
Samajwadi Party prepares ground for 2027 Assembly polls, chalks out strategy to prevent BJPs return
LUCKNOW: After failing to repeat the Lok Sabha election performance in the recent bypoll to 10 assembly seats necessitated by the election of sitting MLAs to the lower house of Parliament in 2024, the Samajwadi Party (SP), has unveiled its 2027 formula. The formula eyes to aid the 2027 UP assembly elections. It is a revamped strategy aimed at strengthening the partys position by roping in former bureaucrats from backward, Dalit, and minority communities into its fold to meet its Picchda-Dalit- Alpasankhyak (PDA) narrative. Moreover, the party has also decided to make early announcements of the candidates so that they could nurture their seats well in advance, reinforce booth-level networks, and use social media as a tool to crowdsource key electoral issues directly from the people. The fresh formula was revealed in a meeting of the party while evaluating the reasons partys poor performance in the bypolls including the Milkipur constituency. The BJP won the Milkipur seat with a massive margin of over 61,000 votes defeating the SP's Ajit Prasad. BJP candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan maintained a steady lead since the initial rounds of counting and it gradually widened with the progression of rounds. The political experts attributed the BJP win to the sentiment of repentance among the voters for sending Awadhesh Prasad to Lok Sabha from Faizabad defeating BJPs Lallu Singh in the 2024 general elections. The political pundits feel that the result of Milkipur was the reflection of the victory of Hindutva and the development formula over SPs Picchda-Dalit-Alpasankhyak (PDA) strategy, which failed to resonate with the masses, this time. In all, of the 10 bypoll seats, SP could hardly retain Karhal, (vacated by Akhilesh Yadav) and Sisamau in Kanpur seats. Rest eight were won by the BJP which managed to wrest the SP strongholds of Katehari in Ambedkarngar and Kundarki in Moradabad. In the meeting to review the partys performance, SP identified relatively a weaker booth-level organisation compared to the BJP. Having acknowledged our weakness, we are, now, focusing on strengthening our presence in every booth, said an SP insider. Unlike previous elections, the party now plans to declare candidates nearly 18 months ahead of the assembly elections to give candidates sufficient time to nurture their respective constituencies. District party presidents and candidates will be entrusted with setting up booth-level teams and mobilizing support in their constituencies. The SP is also looking to rope in former bureaucrats, including former IAS, IPS, and Election Commission officials. Recently, Akhilesh Yadav held discussions with former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, signalling SPs intent to involve experts in shaping its election strategy. More retired officers are expected to join the advisory panel to help SP counter BJPs well-structured electoral machinery. The party contemplates to seek public opinion on various issues to be included in its manifesto so that it could resonate with the voters. The party believes that grassroots concerns should shape its electoral agenda. Party insiders said in the 2027 assembly elections, the party intended to highlight alleged atrocities against backward classes, Dalits, and minorities under the BJP rule. The party has the confidence that it can capitalise on PDA, which played a crucial role in the 2024 elections and stopped the BJPs return. The party aims to focus on farmers distress, labour rights, and youth employment as central themes of its campaign. It plans to counter BJPs economic policies by proposing welfare-oriented solutions. SP is particularly wary of smaller parties like AIMIM and Azad Samaj Party of Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad as they tend to split anti-BJP votes. The party is assigning regional Muslim and Dalit leaders the task of countering these parties ensuring that votes remain consolidated in SPs favour. With Akhilesh Yadav set to personally oversee preparations, the party hopes to avoid past mistakes and present a formidable challenge in the upcoming elections.
National Highways Of UP: Work On 2,600 Km Underway, 77 Of 96 Projects To Be Ready In 2025
The longest of these projects is the 100-km section on NH-9, which connects Hapur Bypass and Moradabad. The deadline for this road is June 2025 and it has achieved 98% physical progress so far
BJP, SP set for crucial battle in bypoll in UP's Hindutva heartland
LUCKNOW: The stage is set for the Milkipur assembly seat bypoll in the Faizabad parliamentary segment, a crucial battle between the ruling BJP and the main opposition Samajwadi Party (SP). Polling in the reserved constituency, a part of the Hindutva heartland of Ayodhya, will be held on Wednesday with the results to be announced on February 8. Both Milikipur and Ayodhya assembly seats are part of the Faizabad LS constituency. The bypoll for the assembly seat was warranted after sitting Samajwadi Party MLA Awadhesh Prasad vacated it following his victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Faizabad. Prasad had drubbed BJPs two-time MP Lallu Singh in a shocking defeat to the saffron brigade in Faizabad, which came in the backdrop of the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ram Temple by PM Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024. The battle for Milkipur has settled for a direct contest primarily between the BJP and the SP with both parties deploying battery of senior leaders for campaigning. While BJP, keeping the caste configuration of the seat, has fielded Chandrabhan Paswan against SPs Ajeet Prasad, son of Awdhesh Prasad. The battle for Mikipur has become a direct contest primarily between the BJP and the SP with both parties deploying a battery of senior leaders for campaigning. Keeping to the caste configuration the BJP fielded Chandrabhan Paswan against SPs Ajeet Prasad, son of Awdhesh Prasad. However, Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azads Azad Samaj Party has intensified the fight by fielding Santosh Kumar Chaudhary, the SP rebel. Meanwhile, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has already announced to keep clear of the contest. With the BJP's prestige on the line after its defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, by winning the Milkipur seat, the party aims to reinforce its stronghold in Ayodhya, the heart of its political ideology, and counter opposition narratives on the Constitution and reservation. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who has taken charge, addressed around half a dozen public meetings, while a team of BJP ministers, MLAs, and leaders have been mobilised to secure a victory in the constituency. The BJP is hopeful winning in Milkipur after its victory in the byelection to nine assembly seats in November, last year. The ruling party, which holds only five of the nine seats, wrested two Katehari in Ambedkarnagar and Kundarki in Moradabad -- from SP. The district unit chief of Ayodhya, Mithilesh Tripathi said that the BJP had held around 1000 big and small public rallies in the run-up to the bypoll, contacting every household in the constituency. On the other, relying on its PDA formula to retain the seat, the SP has fielded Ajeet Prasad, son of Awadesh Prasad who is believed to enjoy respectable clout in Milkipur a Passi-dominated constituency. Top SP leaders, including party chief Akhilesh Yadav and SP MP from Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat Dimple Yadav, addressed a public meeting and participated in road shows to win the support of voters. According to political observers, Dalit and Brahmin votes will be the deciding factor in the bypoll. In the absence of BSP, both the BJP and SP are trying to woo Dalit voters. In 2022 assembly election, a large chunk of Brahmin votes went to SP. But BJP leaders of the Brahmin community campaigned in Brahmin-dominated villages to win support for the bypoll, claimed local sources.
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.
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 .
Husband Hangs On Bonnet As His Wife Sits In Car With Lover In UP | Video
The husband was seen being dragged on the bonnet of a car by the lover of his wife while she was sitting inside the vehicle in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad.
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 .
UP Woman Reunites With Family 49 Years After She Was Abducted At Moradabad Fair
Fulmati alias Fula Devi, now 57, was abducted as an eight-year-old during a visit to the fair in Moradabad with her mother.
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
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.
'Hindu Housing Society' protests after house sold to Muslim buyer in UP's Moradabad
Protests broke out in the posh TDI society in Moradabad, allegedly over a house being sold to a Muslim doctor by a resident. According to a PTI report, 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. Its a Hindu society' 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 to news agency PTI , 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. Another resident stated, as reported by Times of India , that they had no enmity with any community but did not want the system to change. She emphasized that their house had been their home for over 15 years and expressed the importance of registering the property in the name of a Hindu again. Pallavi warned that if this did not happen, Hindus might begin leaving, which could lead to significant changes. District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh said the society members have filed a complaint, raising objection over selling of the house, reported PTI. We are talking to concerned parties and trying for a unanimous, amicable solution to it, he said. The incident follows a recent communal dispute in Uttar Pradesh, sparked by a court-mandated survey of a mosque in Sambhal. On November 24, violence broke out in Sambhal during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes left four people dead and several others, including police personnel and locals, injured. The ASI survey was initiated after a petition in a local court claimed that the mosque was originally constructed on the site of a Harihar temple. (With inputs from PTI)
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 .
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
NOIDA: Police on Tuesday arrested more than 160 protesting farmers, including the president of Bharatiya Kisan Parishad Sukhbir Yadav 'Khalifa', who were holding a sit-in at the 'Dalit Prerna Sthal' in Noida after their march to Delhi on land compensation and other demands was stopped a day earlier. The protesters, who had gathered in Gautam Buddh Nagar from different parts of Uttar Pradesh on Monday on the call of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), had threatened to resume their march to the national capital if their demands were not met within a week. Condemning the police action, the SKM said it was a violation of the constitutional rights for peaceful protest and urged the judiciary to intervene. In a statement, the farmers' collective claimed the police had arrested hundreds of farmers including more than one hundred women and forcibly evicted them from the protest site. The SKM alleged that the police had violated the consensus reached with the farmers' leadership on December 2, asking for seven days to allow the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh to discuss and resolve the demands. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shiv Hari Meena said that they arrested more than 160 protesters at around 1.30 pm under Section 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The provision allows the police to carry out arrests to prevent the commission of a cognisable offence. Among the arrested were women and several farmer leaders like Khalifa and Pawan Khatana the state president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Western Uttar Pradesh), according to the police. The protesters were taken to the Luksar jail in Noida, officials said. Khalifa told PTI on phone that they will continue to fight for their just demands. Slamming the arrests, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) convened an emergency panchayat over the matter at the Kisan Bhavan in Sisauli village of Muzaffarnagar where it decided to amplify the protest on Wednesday. It was decided in the Panchayat that BKU workers from the five divisions of Uttar Pradesh, which include Meerut, Saharanpur, Aligarh, Agra, Moradabad -- will reach the 'Zero Point' in Gautam Buddha Nagar while peaceful dharna would be observed across all other districts in their respective police stations, BKU's youth wing president of Uttar Pradesh Anuj Singh told PTI. Zero Point refers to a location at the convergence point of the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and the Yamuna Expressway in Gautam Buddh Nagar district's Greater Noida city. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait warned that the ongoing protest led by the SKM would turn into a nationwide agitation of farmers. Tikait asserted that the moment the farm leaders of Gautam Buddh Nagar call for help, we will immediately respond to their call. The BKU leader, who was in Iglas here on Tuesday in connection with a private function, was speaking to media persons during his visit. This agitation would turn into a nationwide agitation of farmers who are protesting against the unjust manner in which farmlands are being acquired by the government without paying just and full payment to the farmers, he said. He said that the Gautam Buddh Nagar protest has been put off till December 9 to give the government some time to resolve this long-standing dispute between farmers in that district and the authorities which had been continuously delaying the process of payment of full compensation as envisaged by the Land Acquisition Act 2013. Tikait said that the farmers of Gautam Buddh Nagar are not alone in this protest and representatives of different farmers' organisations have been stationed there to assist them in their quest for justice. He said it has become a regular practice of the present government to acquire farmlands at low prices and to add to the farmers' woes, even the agreed amount of compensation is delayed inordinately. I will shortly be visiting Gautam Buddh Nagar to converse with the local leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha during their ongoing negotiations with officials of the state government, he said. The farmers had gathered near the Mahamaya flyover and left for Delhi on Monday demanding proper compensation for their land acquired by the government, but were stopped by the police near Dalit Prerna Sthal, after which they sat on dharna there. Massive traffic snarls had caused inconvenience to commuters crossing the Delhi-Noida border as police had set up multiple layers of barricades and deployed heavy security to stop the march, which coincided with Parliament's Winter Session.
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
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.
'Political tourism': UP DyCM Brajesh Pathak on Samajwadi Party's delegation to Sambhal
Samajwadi Party's delegation attempt to visit violence-hit Sambhal is blocked, with UP Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak accusing them of political tourism. The Moradabad Divisional Commissioner restricts visits to the area until stability is restored. Tensions arise from a court-ordered mosque survey, resulting in clashes and four deaths.
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.
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 violence toll rises to four; prohibitory orders issued, outsiders' entry barred till Nov 30
Sambhal (UP): The toll in the clashes between police and protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque here rose to four following the death of one more injured person, officials said on Monday.The district administration has already imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj said one person injured in the violence died during treatment. He didn't disclose the victim's identity. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said late on Sunday that the prohibitory order had been issued under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 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. Earlier, Muniraj told reporters that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman -- the three men who died in Sunday's violence -- had been buried. All three were aged about 25. The officer added that those involved in the violence were being identified on the basis of available videos and action would be taken against them. Right now, we are engaged in maintaining peace and the situation is under control, he said. 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. 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 Pensiya had 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. 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. 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: 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 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.
EC suspends five cops over voter harassment in UP bypolls
Government employees cast their votes through ballot papers in the presence of Srikakulam District Collector, Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon, for the AP Assembly and Parliament elections at Narasannapeta in Srikakulam District on Saturday. Government employees cast their votes through ballot papers in the presence of Srikakulam District Collector, Dr. Manazir Jeelani Samoon, for the AP Assembly and Parliament elections at Narasannapeta in Srikakulam District on Saturday. New Delhi: At least five police personnel were suspended and many others removed from poll duty in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday for flouting Election Commission guidelines and stopping electors from casting votes in the ongoing assembly bypolls, officials said. The action by the poll authority came amid complaints by opposition parties, mainly Samajwadi Party that people from a particular community were being prevented from casting vote. SP president Akhilesh Yadav urged the EC to suspend all police officers who are checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs on basis of video evidence. Acting on the Commission's directions, district election officers and superintendents of police, after verifying the complaints, have suspended the police personnel for their conduct. EC officials said in Muzaffarnagar, two sub-inspectors have been suspended for on-compliance of EC guidelines for voter checking. In view of complaints received regarding checking of identity cards of voters by police personnel in Moradabad, a thorough investigation was conducted, the officials said. The cases pertained to Bhikanpur Kulwara and Milak Siri villages. In this regard one sub-inspector, two head constables, and two women constables have been removed from poll duty and sent to the police lines. In another complaint regarding police personnel entering a polling booth, the investigation found that he had entered the booth to inquire about the smooth conduct of the polling process. However, as this is against EC guidelines, the erring police official has been suspended and department proceeding will be initiated, the poll panel said. Similar suspensions were ordered in Sisamau assembly constituency of Kanpur district. Taking cognisance of the complaints on social media by the Samajwadi Party that some communities were prevented from voting during the bypolls, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar gave strict instructions to chief electoral officer of Uttar Pradesh and all district election officers and returning officers to ensure fair and smooth voting process. They were told to take immediate cognisance of all complaints and take prompt action and inform the complainant through social media also by tagging them. No eligible voter should be prevented from voting and any kind of biased attitude will not be tolerated, they were warned. If anyone is found guilty after receiving a complaint, strict action should be taken, the poll machinery was told, the officials said. Voting is underway in nine assembly seats of Uttar Pradesh.
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 .
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.
Uttar Pradesh Assembly bypolls: BSP announces candidates for eight seats
Dr. Avinash Kumar Shakya has been fielded from Karhal (Mainpuri), Rafatullah from Kundarki (Moradabad), Parmanand Garg from Ghaziabad and Deepak Tiwari from Majahawan (Mirzapur)
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).
