SP leader Azam Khan acquitted in 2008 public property damage case

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan has been acquitted by a special MP-MLA court in Moradabad in a 17-year-old case concerning road blockade and property damage. The case stemmed from a 2008 incident where Khan allegedly protested the removal of a hooter from his car, leading to a traffic jam and violence. Despite the acquittal, Khan remains incarcerated in Sitapur jail.

12-Year-Old Boy Takes Own Life After Mother Scolds Him In UP: Cops

A 12-year-old boy allegedly took his own life in the Manpur area of Moradabad district after being scolded by his mother, police said on Sunday.

Stop construction of senior care centre in Moradabads Buddha Park: Maya

UP Woman Suffering From Postpartum Psychosis Places Newborn In Freezer, Goes To Sleep

The incident in Moradabad's Karula locality has sparked widespread concern, emphasizing the critical need to monitor and support women's mental health following childbirth

3 special trains ferry passengers

Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Aug 31: Rail traffic in Jammu Division continued to remain suspended for the sixth consecutive day even as authorities run three special trains from Jammu Railway Station on Sunday carrying over 1,500 passengers to their onward destinations. These trains were 04674 (Jammu-New Delhi via Kathua, PTKC) , 04676 (Jammu-MAS Chennai via New Delhi) and 03152 (Jammu-Kolkata via Moradabad, Lucknow, Banaras). According to an official spokesperson, the Kolkata-bound special train carried about 450500 passengers from Jammu at 2 [] The post 3 special trains ferry passengers appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Moradabad Police tell Muslim wedding band owners to drop Hindu names after complaint

Moradabad police advised Muslim band owners to rename their businesses, avoiding Hindu-linked names after a complaint alleged religious insensitivity. While not legally enforced, owners agreed, fearing business loss from revealing their religious identity, especially given that Hindu weddings constitute a significant portion of their clientele. This directive follows similar controversies regarding Muslim-owned businesses using Hindu names.

Drone rumours trigger panic in UP village, 45-year-old Bhurey Singh serves as 'sky sentry'

LUCKNOW: In Puranpur, a rural tehsil in Pilibhit district, 45-year-old Bhurey Singh now stands on nightly vigil with a flashlight strapped to his bicycle and a thick wooden stick in hand. Hired two weeks ago by local residents, he serves as the village's sky sentry. They say thieves are using drones to plan robberies, Bhurey told PTI. Whether it's true or not, we can't take any chances. His nightly patrol reflects a wave of fear spreading across more than 300 villages in at least a dozen districts of western Uttar Pradesh -- from the forest edges of Pilibhit to the urban sprawl of Ghaziabad. Since mid-July, cries of Drone chor! have echoed through village lanes at night, replacing the usual silence of the countryside. Shadows dart across rooftops, wooden lathis are clutched tightly, and families stay awake long past midnight in fear of unseen threats from above. Villagers speak in hushed tones of mysterious drones flying after dark, allegedly scouting rooftops and identifying weak entry points. In many communities, drones have become ghosts in the sky. Sometimes real. Often imagined. Always feared. As the panic grew, so did state attention. Last week, the matter was reviewed in a high-level law and order meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He issued a stern warning against those spreading rumours or flying drones without authorisation. Those creating fear using drones -- or spreading misinformation -- will be charged under the Gangster Act, the chief minister directed. Provisions under the NSA may also be invoked if necessary, he said. To regulate drone usage, police have been instructed to maintain a dedicated drone register. DIG Kalanidhi Naithani of Meerut Range directed all police stations in his jurisdiction to list drone owners and take immediate action against individuals operating drones after dark. He cautioned citizens against using drones just for fun, warning of strict legal consequences for violations. Despite these measures, fear persists on the ground. Punjab launches anti-drone systems to tackle drugs & weapons smuggling from Pakistan According to police, the roots of this hysteria lie in Amroha, where bizarre rumours began circulating in early June about an underwear-clad, oil-smeared gang of thieves using drones to survey homes before burglaries. Though the story appeared implausible, it spread rapidly. Soon, villages in neighbouring districts such as Moradabad, Rampur, Sambhal, Meerut, and Bijnor began reporting similar drone sightings. Many videos, some doctored or outdated, went viral on social media. Every flickering light or low-flying object sparked panic. On WhatsApp, paranoia quickly outpaced fact. Officials attribute the growing alarm to low digital literacy, widespread misinformation, and deep-seated anxieties around unfamiliar technologies. What began as whispers has now escalated into violence. In Modinagar, Ghaziabad, a man visiting his girlfriend from Hapur was mistaken for a drone operator and beaten by a mob earlier this month. He had no drone, only the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In Bareilly, a toy drone found on the roof of a government school caused alarm. Four brothers returning from Delhi were intercepted and assaulted by locals who assumed they were part of a drone theft gang. Police later confirmed the drone was a broken plastic toy incapable of flight. In Aurangabad, Bulandshahr, a blinking light in the sky triggered chaos. A man walking nearby -- allegedly drunk and unaware -- caught, stripped, and beaten. Drone vigil ensures safety at Bapatla beaches He had no connection to any drone activity. Police helplines in several districts have received hundreds of drone-related complaints in recent weeks. However, senior officers maintain that no thefts have been conclusively linked to drone surveillance. Drone sightings have been reported for over a month now, DIG Naithani told PTI. But not a single theft case has been proven to involve drones. This hysteria is driven entirely by rumours and fear. Over 40 people have been arrested in districts such as Meerut, Amroha, and Sambhal for inciting panic or spreading false information. Police in several areas have launched awareness drives, directing drone owners to register their devices or face fines. WhatsApp helplines have been issued to counter hoaxes. In Amroha, three YouTubers filming drone footage were detained for flying without police permission. They were released after verification, but the incident added to local suspicion. In Meerut, two content creators were held for allegedly spreading fake drone-related videos. Police in the affected districts have appealed to residents to approach authorities if they spot a drone, instead of spreading rumours on social media. Superintendent of Police (Rampur) Vidya Sagar Mishra told PTI, We have held meetings with influential community members at the village level and sought their support to counter the rumours. The officer said drone sightings were largely hearsay and had no proven links to any organised gang. Still, in many homes, fear continues to shape daily life. One or two people in every household now stay awake through the night, looking at the sky, said Ramapati Verma of Fatehganj in Bareilly. We can't let our guard down. What if the thieves come? What if they hurt someone? she asked.

Burqa clad woman molested in UP; accused arrested

Hyderabad: A burqa-clad woman was sexually assaulted in broad daylight in the Nagphani area of Moradabad on August 4. The disturbing act, caught on CCTV, shows a man following the woman before assaulting her from behind. The footage, which went viral on social media, alerted the police. Authorities confirmed that the Nagphani police station in 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 .

Hindu Man Harassed a Muslim Woman in Moradabad? No, Claim Is False!

The police said the accused was identified as Mohammad Aadil from Moradabad.

Mulayam Singhs Kothi No. 4 in Moradabad to be reclaimed by UP govt

LUCKNOW: The Moradabad district administration has cancelled the allotment of the iconic Kothi No.4 in the Civil Lines area of Moradabad city, which served as the Samajwadi Partys (SP) nerve centre in western Uttar Pradesh for over three decades. The sprawling bungalow, originally made in 1994 in the name of SP founder and former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, will not be a part of the partys heritage any more. The Moradabad district administration has cited violation of rules and state governments need to reclaim the property. Confirming that the Samajwadi Party is given a 30-day time to vacate the property, Moradabad District magistrate Anuj Singh said that the Municipal bungalows could only be leased for a maximum of 15 years. This property has remained with the SP for over 31 years. With the growing demand for government offices and residences, we had no option but to reclaim it, said the DM. The notice, issued by the Additional District Magistrate (Finance), directs the SP to vacate the premises within 30 days, failing which a fine of Rs 1,000 per day would be imposed, along with legal proceedings. However, the Samajwadis are exploring legal options and SP Moradabad District president Jaiveer Yadav confirmed receiving the notice. We are consulting lawyers and will pursue this legally, he said. Kothi No.4 is a sprawling 953.71 square meters property just opposite Police Training College in Moradabads most prestigious VIP enclave. With four rooms, a sprawling lawn, and ample parking, the building was inaugurated by SP patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadav on July 26, 1994. It was allotted to him as SPs national president at a token rent of Rs 250 per month. For SP, the bungalow was not just a headquarters but a cradle of its western UP expansion. As per senior Samajwadi Party leaders, the Kothi was more than an officeit was their command centre. During the Mandal agitation, the Rampur Tiraha incident, and later the Kisan Jawan Sangharsh Day protests, this place remained the main meeting point where strategies were drawn, workers assembled, and Mulayam Singhs vision was communicated. They feel that taking it away now was a calculated move by the Yogi government to weaken the morale of Samajwadis and erase their roots from western UP. The infamous incident of police firing on activists demanding a separate Uttarakhand state at Rampur Tiraha in Muzaffarnagar on October 12, 1994, killing half a dozen people, had turned Kothi number 4 into a crisis centre where emergency meetings were held and strategies were devised to placate the party supporters who were deeply shaken by the incident. Local SP leaders and workers feel that the district administrations move has come as a jolt, particularly at a time when the party is preparing for the upcoming political battles in the state. They say that it is not merely about the rules. The BJP knows the symbolic importance of this Kothi for Samajwadis in western UP. By taking it away, they want to send a message and weaken the morale of party workers. It is a deliberate attempt to shake the confidence of the cadre. On the contrary, the district administration cited three key reasons for the cancellation, stating that the allotment was in the name of Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away on October 10, 2022, and no transfer request was made thereafter. Also, the property lies on Nazul land, officially recorded as government property under the Moradabad Municipal Corporation, which needs it for officers residences and official projects. Additionally, the SP has not been regular in paying the rent in recent years. The loss of Kothi No. 4 means SP will now have to find a new district office a challenge both logistically and symbolically.

Major rivers flowing above danger mark in UP as incessant rains claim a dozen lives

LUCKNOW: At least five rivers in Uttar Pradesh are flowing above the danger mark and many others are in spate owing to the incessant heavy rains during the last 50 hours, which have claimed over a dozen lives so far. Continuous rainfall and overflowing rivers have triggered a major flood crisis affecting at least 20 districts, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Jhansi, Agra, Kanpur Dehat, and Kanpur Nagar. Rising water levels in the Ganga, Yamuna, and Chambal rivers have inundated hundreds of homes and cut off villages. Relief and rescue teams from the SDRF, NDRF, and PAC have been pressed into service in the worst-hit areas. The monsoon remains active in both eastern and western parts of UP due to a strong monsoon trough. Heavy rainfall has been reported in Lucknow prompting the District Magistrate to declare all schools from Classes 1 to 12 closed on Monday. Similar orders were issued in Sultanpur, where government and private schools up to Class 8 were shut. Eastern Uttar Pradesh recorded 18.4 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, nearly 146% above the normal level of 7.5 mm. Western UP saw 8.2 mm of rainfall compared to an expected 7.2 mm, 14% above normal. The IMD has issued warnings of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall for over 60 districts. The Met department issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in Siddharthnagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, Bahraich, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Mathura, Hathras, Agra, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Sambhal, and Badaun. Alerts for heavy rain have also been issued in 40+ additional districts, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ayodhya, Moradabad, and Etawah. Lightning warnings are in effect for nearly the entire state. The flood situation is grim across the state with the Team 11, constituted by UP CM Yogi Adityanath, comprising ministers, on ground zero to oversee the rescue and relief. With the CM personally monitoring the situation, the flood relief and rescue operations intensified across the state. Varanasi, Prayagraj and Kanpur are among the worst-affected divisions. In Varanasi, families have been waiting for hours for their turn to perform the last rites of their near and dear ones at the ghats as rising waters of the swollen Ganga spilled on to the streets on Monday leaving the Manikarnika and Harishchandra ghat cremation grounds completely inundated. While pyres were being laid at the upper platform at Manikarnika Ghat, cremations took place in the streets near Harishchandra ghat. With the majority of the 84 ghats along the Ganga submerged, flood waters had been flowing on roads especially in upstream areas. The fury of the Ganga is not only gripping Kashi but also affecting the lives of thousands in neighbouring Ballia district as well. The fields with ready paddy crops are completely marooned in Ghazipur and Chandauli districts. In Prayagraj, with water levels of Ganga and Yamuna having breached the danger mark by around 50 centimetres at Naini, Phaphamau and Chhatnag, more than 107 wards of the district stood flooded forcing more and more residents to take refuge at makeshift flood relief camps. Over 1747 families, comprising 7500 people, have already moved to 18 relief camps, which are getting crowded by the day. The administration has deployed over 168 boats and one motorboat to rescue and assist flood victims. While the Ganga breached the danger mark in Ballia and Ghazipur, the Yamuna is above the danger mark in several areas, including Auraiya, Jalaun, Hamirpur, and Banda. The Betwa River is also overflowing in Hamirpur. According to Relief Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami, 40 tehsils and 694 villages in 17 districts were in the grip of floods impacting over 1.16 lakh peopleall of whom have received assistance and moved to relief camps. Over 25,000 people and 4,682 cattle have been relocated. However, 11,386 hectares of land lie flooded. Relief is being delivered via 738 active boats, with 4,867 kept on standby. So far, 9,467 food packets and 1.18 lakh lunch packets have been distributed, while 39 langars (community kitchens) continue to serve fresh meals to those hit by rains and flood fury, added Goswami. With senior officials holding ground in sensitive and hypersensitive districts, 14 NDRF teams, 15 SDRF teams, and 48 PAC teams have been deployed across 57 districts to aid affected populations. Goswami said that a total of 924 flood shelters were housing 18,772 displaced individuals, all being attended to by 778 medical teams. Additionally, 1,193 flood posts were monitoring the situation, and 25,586 people were relocated to safer areas. The most-affected districts include Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Agra, Auraiya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, Banda, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Chandauli, Jalaun, Kanpur Dehat, Hamirpur, Etawah, and Fatehpur. Relief operations are underway at a rapid pace, with NDRF, SDRF, and PAC teams conducting continuous patrolling in affected areas.

Uttar Pradesh records 18 deaths in 24 hours due to excessive rainfall

According to a statement, six people died in Chitrakoot district, while 3 each were killed in Mahoba, Banda and Moradabad. One each died in Ghazipur, Lalitpur and Gonda.

From Moradabad to Apples next COO: How wealthy is Sabih Khan & how did a boy from UP make it to big techs inner circle?

Apple has appointed Sabih Khan, the current Senior Vice President of Operations, as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective late July 2025. Khan, an IIT alumni, will succeed Jeff Williams. Khan's journey from Uttar Pradesh, India, to a key leadership role at Apple is inspiring.

Lohia Worldspace to invest Rs 200 cr in 1st housing project at Moradabad

NEW DELHI, July 12: Realty firm Lohia Worldspace will invest about Rs 200 crore to develop a 10-acre housing project in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, marking its entry into real estate business. This will be the companys first real estate project, comprising 175 luxury villas. Lohia Worldspace is the real estate arm of the diversified Delhi-based Lohia Global, a privately held company with an annual revenue of around Rs 1,200 crore. Established in 1979, the Group has four businesses [] The post Lohia Worldspace to invest Rs 200 cr in 1st housing project at Moradabad appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

UP Minor Delivers Baby On Train After Rape By Father, Abandons It In Toilet

A minor girl delivered a baby and abandoned it inside the washroom of a train in UP's Moradabad. The police learnt that the minor girl was impregnated by her father after a rape.

Minority rights are not charity, they are fundamental: Owaisi, Rijiju spar over minority benefits

HYDERABAD: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday engaged in a war of words on social media, with the former slamming the BJP leader over his statement that India is the only country where the minorities get more benefits and protections than the majority community, saying minority rights are fundamental rights, not charity. The Hyderabad MP, in a post on 'X', said, You are a Minister of the Indian Republic, not a monarch.@KirenRijiju You hold a constitutional post, not a throne.Minority rights are fundamental rights, not charity. India's minorities are not even second-class citizens anymore. We are hostages, Owaisi alleged. The AIMIM chief attacked Rijiju on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, and asked can Muslims be members of Hindu Endowment Boards? No. But your Waqf Amendment Act forces non-Muslims onto Waqf Boards and allows them to form a majority. He further said the BJP-led central government discontinued the Maulana Azad National Fellowship, defunded the pre-matric scholarship and limited the post-matric and merit-cum-means scholarships. All because they benefited Muslim students, he said. Owaisi said Muslims are now the only group whose numbers have fallen in higher education and their presence in the informal economy has gone up. They have been among the worst-hit by your government's economic policies, he alleged. Muslim-concentrated areas are the ones most starved of public infrastructure and basic services, he claimed. We are not asking to be compared with other minorities of other countries. We are not asking for more than what the majority community gets. We are demanding what the Constitution promises: social, economic, and political justice, Owaisi said. Replying to the AIMIM president, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Rijiju in a post on 'X' said, Ok...How come Minorities from our neighbouring countries prefer to come to India & our Minorities don't migrate? Prime Minister @narendramodi ji's welfare schemes are for all. The schemes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs provide additional benefits to the Minorities. Hitting back, Owaisi in a social media post said, If we don't migrate it means we are happy. Actually, we are not in the habit of fleeing: we did not run away from the British, we did not run away during partition, and we did not run away because of Jammu, Nellie, Gujarat, Moradabad, Delhi etc massacres. Our history is proof that we neither collaborate with our oppressors nor do we hide from them. We know how to fight for our democratic rights and we will inshallah. Stop comparing our great nation with failed states like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal & Sri Lanka. Jai Hind, Jai Samvidhan! Thank you for your attention in this matter!.

High alert in UP as Muharram and Kanwar Yatra coincide; authorities deploy drones, CCTV and extra forces

Uttar Pradesh is under heightened security as Muharram processions and the Kanwar Yatra coincide across several districts. Authorities in Sambhal, Lucknow, and Moradabad have implemented extensive measures, including increased police presence, drone surveillance, and CCTV monitoring. Peace committee meetings have been conducted, and instructions have been issued to maintain order and prevent any disturbances during these events.

Over 40 families queue up to adopt recuperating newborn Veer, found abandoned aboard a train in Moradabad

LUCKNOW: Veer, the newborn who was found in a bag in Patna-Chandigarh Special Train under Moradabad jurisdiction on June 22 is not only the apple of every eye in the Womens Hospital where he is recuperating after fighting for life, but also the one who has drawn a long queue of over 40 families willing to adopt him. As per Moradabad district probation officer SP Gautam, after surviving extreme conditions of breathlessness while being inside a bag for almost 10 hours, the infantnow lovingly named Veer by the hospital staffis showing signs of recovery. After being recovered by the passengers onboard the Patna-Chandigarh Special Train, the infant boy was rushed to the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) at the Womens Hospital in Moradabad. According to Dr Nirmala Pathak, the Chief Medical Superintendent of Womens Hospital, Veer was initially placed on CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) due to severe breathing difficulties caused by oxygen deprivation. He had been trapped in the bag for nearly 10 hours, which had led to hypoxiaa condition that could have been fatal had he not received timely medical care. Dr Pathak said that the infants respiratory rate was abnormally high and was kept on CPAP support for 72 hours and was later shifted to standard oxygen support. As his condition improved, oxygen support was gradually withdrawn, and he is now breathing independently, she added. The doctor also claimed that had the child remained in the bag for two more hours, it would have been impossible to save him. However, Veer is still facing difficulty in feeding and is being nourished via IV drips. First, he survived for hours in a bag, and then he fought for his life in the ICU. He truly deserves the name Veer (which means brave), said one of the hospitals staff members. Once Veer gets better completely, he will be handed over to Childline, a government-supported child welfare organisation. Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities were actively looking for people who had abandoned the child in the train. As per Railway Protection Force (RPF) commandant Utkarsh Narayan, a SIM card was also recovered from the bag in which the infant was found and the authorities were trying to locate the culprit through electronic surveillance. In another case of abandonment and eventual adoption, an infant girl who was found in the bushes near Gagan Tiraha in Mainather on the eve of Dhanteras last year, has finally found a home. Lakshmi had been grievously injured by stray dogs, with deep wounds on her hip. She spent nearly six weeks at the SNCU of the Womens Hospital. The girl was finally adopted by a Chennai-based doctor couple.

Owaisi slams pants check of dhaba owners on Kanwar route; SP calls religious profiling a form of 'terrorism'

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged religious profiling of dhaba and eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Owaisi reacted sharply to media reports suggesting that vigilante groups allegedly asked some dhaba owners on the Delhi-Dehradun highway to open their pants to verify their religion. There are several hotels near Muzaffarnagar highway that have been running for years. I fail to understand how there were no issues in these places 10 years ago. How was the Kanwar Yatra conducted peacefully here earlier? Why is all this happening now? Owaisi asked. Who are these vigilante groups asking hotel owners to open their pants? Are they running the government, or is the administration in charge? Police should arrest them, he said. #WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: On some media reports of Dhaba owners on the Kanwar route at Delhi-Dehradun highway asked to open their pants to verify their religion, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, says There are several hotels near Muzaffarnagar highway running for several pic.twitter.com/TP4FYwOmoT ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 Former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan also condemned the alleged religious profiling of eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttarakhand by some Hindu outfits, calling the act a form of terrorism. The remarks came amid reports that members of certain Hindu organisations were allegedly checking the identities of eatery owners and staff, and targeting individuals suspected to be Muslims in several Uttarakhand cities. Purported videos circulating on social media reportedly showed volunteers coercing people to prove their religious identity. Reacting sharply, the BJP accused the opposition party of indulging in religious appeasement, but asserted that nobody has the right to take the law into their hands. Hasan, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, told news agency PTI, Asking hotel staff and local vendors to reveal their names and forcing them to undress to identify their religion is no different from what terrorists did in Pahalgam. This, too, is a form of terrorism. He alleged that such incidents are taking place openly while the BJP government in Uttarakhand was turning a blind eye. It seems the state government is silently supporting these acts. In a secular country like India, this kind of behaviour is shameful. It should be stopped, Hasan said. Hasan called for immediate intervention by the central and state governments to ensure that such communal practices are checked. Reacting to the SP leader's statement, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, People taking the law into their own hands is wrong, but drawing comparisons with the Pahalgam terrorists is extremely objectionable. In Pahalgam, terrorists killed people after ensuring their identity... If someone asks for the identity to check for pure vegetarian food in Sawan, how can it be compared with terrorists? Samajwadi Party can stoop to any level for religious appeasement, he said. The Uttarakhand government has made it mandatory for eateries, including food carts, on the Kanwar Yatra route to prominently display their food licences or registration certificates. Notably, similar directives were issued by the governments of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some other states in July last year as well, which the Supreme Court subsequently stayed . In Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, police have summoned several activists associated with Swami Yashveer Maharaj over an incident involving the unauthorised verification of identities of eatery owners along the Kanwar yatra route, officials said. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage during the Hindu month of Shravan, drawing thousands of devotees. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

NHAI issues directions to ensure smooth conduct of 'Kanwar Yatra'

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on June 30 conducted a meeting with the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand administrations and police to ensure adequate arrangements for smooth 'Kanwar Yatra' and minimise inconvenience to highway users. The meeting aimed to address various issues pertaining to the route -- used by pilgrims -- such as water logging and potholes. The meeting also aimed to ensure adequate street lighting, implementation of short-term road safety measures and installation of road signages. Directions have also been issued to shut illegal turns or gaps in medians and also ensure that clean toilets and public conveniences for the pilgrims are provided. Addressing the meeting, NHAI chairman, Santosh Kumar Yadav, urged the participants to make adequate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the Kawad Yatra with minimal disruption to both the road users and the pilgrims. To expedite preparedness for the upcoming Kawad Yatra, a review meeting through Video Conferencing was held with the officials from state administration. Yadav also directed NHAI officials to coordinate with the local administration, deploy adequate patrol vehicles, ambulances, cranes, and ensure staff availability at the toll plazas to assist the pilgrims and efficiently manage traffic flow along the route of the Kanwar Yatra, said officials. Present in the meeting were Principal Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD) of UP, Commissioner (Saharanpur) Atal Kumar Rai, Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, Commissioner (Meerut) Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, District Magistrates, Police officials, and senior officials of the NHAI. The Member (Administration) of NHAI Vishal Chauhan directed Authority field offices to ensure safety of the commuters and pilgrims around under construction projects, ensure barricading, provide proper diversions, install reflective boards and signages at the dark spots, drainage covers, closure of the unauthorized cuts and prominent display of contact details of emergency service providers such as the ambulances and cranes. The meeting also highlighted the collaborative approach between different government agencies to enhance coordination for the smooth conduct of the religious and community events, said officials.

Vashi, who met CM Yogi Adityanath regarding her school enrollment gets admission

Vashi, a young girl from Moradabad, attended Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's 'Janta Darshan' in Lucknow, seeking help for school admission. CM Yogi listened to her request and instructed officials to enroll her in her desired school. Vashi expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister for fulfilling her wish, mentioning that he also gave her a biscuit and chocolate.

Meet Ritu Narang, who helps people struggling with addiction, also Art of Living Yoga teacher

Ritu has also been an active part of major national initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). In 2017, the Moradabad Municipal Corporation appointed her as a Swachhata Brand Ambassador.

Newborn Abandoned in Bag on Patna-Chandigarh Train Rescued in Moradabad

Baby found alive inside AC coach bag, admitted to NICU; GRP probing CCTV for suspect

Northern Railways and SBI jointly hand over a cheque of Rs 1 crore to the family of a deceased loco pilot from Moradabad Division

NEW DELHI: Highlighting the strength of institutional partnerships and employee welfare measures, Northern Railways and the State Bank of India (SBI) jointly handed over a cheque of Rs 1 crore to the family of a deceased loco pilot from the Moradabad Division on Saturday. The amount was disbursed as part of a Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) claim under SBIs Railway Salary Package. The late loco pilot was an account holder under SBIs Railway Salary Package-Diamond variant, which includes insurance coverage for railway personnel. Following the unfortunate demise of the late loco pilot, SBI, in coordination with Northern Railways, ensured that the insurance claim was processed swiftly and handed over to the family without delay. According to an official statement, the cheque was formally presented by the General Manager of Northern Railways in the presence of the General Manager of SBI Delhi Circle, senior railway officials, SBI representatives, and the family of the deceased. The initiative is a direct outcome of the Railway Salary Package Agreement signed between Northern Railways and SBI Delhi Circle on January 2, 2025, a railway official said. Speaking at the event, officials from both Northern Railways and SBI emphasised their shared commitment to employee welfare and the importance of standing by families during times of loss.

UP: Illegal structures removed at Islam Nagar crossing in Sambhal

Sambhal: Authorities on Tuesday carried out an anti-encroachment drive at Islam Nagar crossing in Bahjoi town here, clearing illegal structures including a temple and 10 shops situated along the Agra-Moradabad National Highway, an official said. Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Chandausi, Vinay Kumar Mishra, told reporters that the drive was conducted as per the directions of the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

UP man bitten on tongue while trying to kiss snake for reel; critical

MORADABAD: A 50-year-old man is battling for his life after a snake bit him on his tongue as he attempted to kiss the reptile, reportedly to create a reel for social media. The bizarre incident, a video of which has been widely circulated on social media, has drawn sharp criticism and disbelief from the viewers. The incident took place on Friday evening at Haibatpur village in Amroha district, where Jitendra Kumar, a marginal farmer, rescued a snake and decided to film a dramatic video with it. Hoping to impress online viewers, Kumar posed with the snake while several bystanders filmed the stunt. According to locals, Kumar was apparently under the influence of intoxicants and was smoking at the time of performing the stunt. One purported video shows Kumar wrapping the snake around his neck and slowly bringing its head toward his mouth. As he extends his tongue towards the reptile, the snake bites him on the tongue, leaving the onlookers horrified. Kumar, whose condition deteriorated rapidly after the bite, was rushed to a nearby hospital and was later referred to a private facility in Moradabad, where his condition remains critical in the ICU. Jaikirat Singh, the village head, said a snake had emerged from a wall in the area on Friday evening, triggering panic. Kumar, who arrived at the scene, caught the snake. He attempted to kiss the snake. But as his grip loosened, the snake bit him on his tongue. Shocked, Kumar dropped the snake, which slithered into the nearby bushes, Singh said.

CBI nabs CGST Superintendent

NEW DELHI, June 10: The CBI has arrested a Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) Superintendent in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly accepting a Rs 1 lakh bribe for waiving penalty on a private company, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp During searches at the premises of Nishan Singh Malli post arrest, the CBI seized 17 property documents, in his and his family members name, worth crores. These properties include three residential flats in Ghaziabad and Moradabad; one [] The post CBI nabs CGST Superintendent appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Posters of absconding accused in Sambhal violence to be put up in other districts in Uttar Pradesh

SAMBHAL: Posters of the absconding accused in the Sambhal violence will be put up in other districts of Uttar Pradesh, a senior police official has said. Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar told reporters late on Friday evening that properties of the accused wanted in the Sambhal violence will be attached. Besides, raids are being conducted at various places to arrest them. Some of the accused, whose posters were put up earlier were involved in gathering the crowd on November 24 last year, the SP said, adding that now their posters will be put up in the districts around Sambhal. Referring to one of the accused whose poster will be put up, he said the man wears white kurta-pyjama and sports a long beard. His photos will be circulated among the public and videos shared with various police stations. The SP also said a total of 12 cases -- one in Moradabad and 11 in Sambhal -- were registered in connection with the communal violence that broke out in this Uttar Pradesh district on November 24 last year. Chargesheets have been filed in 11 of the cases and it will be filed soon in the remaining one. A total of 89 accused are in jail and their appeals have been rejected by a court. Clashes between locals and security personnel broke out in Sambhal during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to several others.

Insurance fraud amount across Sambhal district crosses Rs 100 crore; ED seeks documents from police

SAMBHAL: A massive insurance scam involving fraudulent policies, fake documents and even killings carried out to claim insurance money has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district, with the estimated fraud amount crossing Rs 100 crore, officials said on Thursday. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also taken interest in the case and sought related documents and FIR copies from the local police, they added. Additional Superintendent of Police (South) Anukriti Sharma told reporters that the gang involved in the scam has been under surveillance since January. So far, 52 people have been arrested in connection with the case, while around 50 accused are still absconding. Three of the accused have surrendered in court. Explaining the modus operandi, Sharma said, The gang members used to target young individuals and, in some cases, killed them to claim life-insurance money. In other instances, they took out insurance policies in the names of people suffering from terminal illnesses, such as cancer, as well as in the names of deceased individuals and then conspired to claim money from health and life insurance companies by forging documents and manipulating records. The officer said the scam has links to at least 12 states and 17 FIRs have so far been registered, including four for murder. In the murder cases, the deaths were passed off as road accidents caused by unidentified vehicles to obtain insurance payouts. The FIRs in those cases were closed, but police managed to reopen those after finding irregularities. Investigations have so far revealed that 29 death certificates used by the gang were completely fake, while some others were genuine but had tampered dates to align with insurance claims, Sharma said. The gang's operations were not limited to Sambhal district alone. Cases have also been identified in nearby districts, such as Amroha, Badaun and Moradabad, according to officials. Police said they believe the total fraud amount has already exceeded Rs 100 crore and the figure may rise further as the investigation progresses. Sharma said police have sought detailed data from various insurance companies and are scrutinising records currently to identify other suspicious claims. The suspected data will be shared with the insurance companies for further verification and follow-up action, she said. According to Sharma, initial findings point to the involvement of ASHA workers, individuals working in the health sector and employees of insurance firms. She said the investigation is going on swiftly and more arrests are likely. Responding to a question about the ED's involvement in the case, Sharma confirmed that the federal agency has sought specific information, including FIR copies, which have been provided by police.

Stabbed 40 times with screwdriver: UP teen killed by 'boyfriend' after she 'spoke to another man'; family says he would harass her

In a Moradabad cornfield, a 19-year-old woman was brutally murdered, discovered a day after her disappearance. The autopsy revealed over 40 stab wounds, including to her private parts, leading to fatal blood loss. Mohd Rafi, claiming to be her boyfriend, confessed, citing rage over her communication with another man.

Mentally Challenged Siblings Allegedly Sexually Harassed By Uttarakhand School Caretaker

Two mentally challenged brothers from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district were allegedly beaten and sexually harassed by the caretaker of a boarding school in Dehradun, the police said. Their statements will be recorded in a court, the cops added.

'Beaten, burnt with cigarettes': Autistic siblings subjected to rape and torture at Dehradun boarding school

In Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, two autistic brothers faced abuse at a Dehradun boarding school. They were allegedly beaten, burnt, and raped by Monu Pal. The mother discovered the abuse during a visit. She filed a police complaint, leading to Monu Pal's arrest. Police are investigating, reviewing CCTV footage, and supporting the victims with translators.

Pakistani woman Nafisa linked to radicalisation of 240 Indian youths, UP ATS probes ISI network

LUCKNOW: Over 800 individuals, all contacts of Tufail Maqsood, 34, who was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) from Varanasi on 21 May on charges of spying for Pakistan, are under the radar of the agency. All the 800 people were added to 19 WhatsApp groups operated by Tufail. Notably, UP ATS had arrested Tufail Maqsood from Varanasi, Mohammad Harun, 45, of Delhi, from Noida on 21 May, and Rampur resident Shahzad Wahab, 35, in the same connection from Moradabad on 18 May. All three are currently in ATS custody for interrogation. The details of all 800 contacts were retrieved from Tufails phone. An ATS source claimed that Tufail had been operating 19 WhatsApp groups to stay in touch with his modules across seven eastern UP districts, including Varanasi, Jaunpur, Mau, Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Ghazipur. He was allegedly involved in radicalising them in the name of religion by posting inflammatory speeches of clerics and terror group leaders from across the border. Establishing his links to Gajwa-e-Hind, Tufail used to post content related to establishing Muslim rule in India before 2047 and bringing Shariat law into force in the country. Moreover, he was being sent such content by a Pakistani woman, Nafisa, whom he had been in touch with for the past four months after connecting with her through social media platforms, said the sources. The social media profile of Nafisa revealed that she had been in touch with Indian youths, as many as 240, including six from Bareilly, Moradabad, Rampur, Kannauj, Lucknow, and Varanasi. It is suspected that ISI had been using Nafisa to connect with Indian youths and radicalise them to rope them in for spying ring and other nefarious activities, said a source. Nafisa had built a network of Indian youths and was spreading hatred by inciting Muslim youths in the name of religion and alleged atrocities on minorities in the country. Tufail was among the members of her network active in India. Earlier, the ATS had claimed that Tufail Maqsood, a resident of Jaitpura, Varanasi, was in touch with at least 600 Pakistani mobile numbers and shared sensitive information related to Indias security. The agency stated that Tufail is highly radicalised, as he used to share videos of banned Pakistan-based terror outfit Tehreek-e-Labbaiks leader Maulana Shaad Rizvi and content related to revenge for Babri mosque demolition.

UP court sentences Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist to 10 years imprisonment

LUCKNOW: A court in Moradabad has sentenced Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Ulfat Hussain to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for being involved in terror activities, the additional district government counsel said on Tuesday. Moradabad Additional District and Sessions Judge II Chhaya Sharma also imposed a fine of Rs 48,000 on the convict in the order pronounced on Monday, said ADGC Suresh Singh. After the pronouncement of verdict, the convict was sent to jail under tight security. Ulfat Hussain alias Mohammad Saiful Islam, a resident of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, has been involved in terrorist activities since 2002 and was absconding after being granted bail in 2008, said the ADGC. The Moradabad court had issued permanent warrants against him in both January, 2015 and March 2025. A reward of Rs 25,000 was announced for information leading to his arrest. On March 8, 2025, a joint operation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Katghar Police successfully apprehended him in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, and subsequently transferred him to Moradabad jail, Singh said. The Moradabad police had arrested Ulfat Hussain along with his other accomplices, including Afzal alias Parvez and Hussain Malik with one more person on July 9, 2002. The police had recovered an AK-47, an AK-56, two pistols of 30 bore each, 12 hand grenades, 39 timers, 50 detonators, 37 batteries and 29 kg of explosive. They were also carrying 560 bullets and eight magazines. As per the police sources, while being rounded up in 2002, Ulfat, along with his accomplices, was planning to carry out terror attacks at various religious places across Uttar Pradesh.

Hizbul Terrorist Sentenced To 10 Years Rigorous Imprisonment In UP

Moradabad (UP), May 27: A court in Moradabad has sentenced Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Ulfat Hussain to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for involvement in terror activities, the additional district government counsel said on Tuesday. Additional District and Sessions Judge, Moradabad, Chhaya Sharma also imposed a fine of Rs 48,000 on the terrorist in the order pronounced on Monday, ADGC Suresh Singh said. Ulfat Hussain alias Mohammad Saiful Islam, a resident of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, has been involved [] The post Hizbul Terrorist Sentenced To 10 Years Rigorous Imprisonment In UP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

UP: Woman ends life on video, accuses husband, in-laws of harassment

A 23-year-old woman who married four months ago died by suicide, recording the act on her phone. In the video, the woman from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, accused her husband, father-in-law, and sister-in-law of pushing her to the brink. Amreen Jahan had a love marriage about four months ago. Her husband works as a welder in 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 Asks, Why Don't You Die?: UP Woman Kills Self, Blames In-Laws

A 23-year-old woman who married four months ago died by suicide and recorded the act on her phone. In the video, the woman from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad accused her husband, father-in-law and sister-in-law of pushing her to the edge.

UP: 12-year-old Dalit girl raped by teenagers in Moradabad

In a horrifying act, a 12-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped by five boys, all aged between 12 and 15, inside the principals office in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad district. The incident took place on May 8. The girl alleged the boys spiked her soft drink, raped her and made a video, which was circulated online. 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 .