Mohammad Azharuddin: From risky flicks to political twist
He is complicated. A man who soared high from scratch acquiring in the process legions of fans but then, like a tragic Greek hero, crashed only to be derided by the same people who had once feted him. As the great Telugu poet Sri Sri so eloquently summed up the ways of the worldWhen I leap to the sky with fire they exclaim amazed and when I fall down with blood splashing, the same turn ruthless. Though the poet sang so in a different context, it might apply to Mohammad Azharuddin, the favourite child of controversies and a flawed hero. For an impartial observer, the former Indian cricket team skipper acquitted in the match-fixing scandal appears to be on a quest to redeem himself or restore his honour. While others, convinced of his culpability, see more ambition in him. One thing is for sure. Hes not given up. By his own admission, his political career began not by his own choice but with the persuasion of well-wishers. Nonetheless, politics is a different playground where one has to bat through a tricky pitch and negotiate with Machiavellian characters. Azhars world famous almost divine wristy flick wowed cricket fans worldwide but on this landscape, voters are conscious yet cynical guided more by every day struggles, cynicism and ideologies in an increasingly polarized environment. To his credit, Azhar did get a good start after he joined the Congress in 2009 and got elected from Moradabad as an MP. It hasnt been a smooth ride thereafter though. He lost in Rajasthan in 2014, failed to get a ticket in 2018 assembly elections and couldnt notch up a win in 2023 either. In between, his younger sons untimely death dealt him a personal blow. Born into a devout family, Azhar has a different facet, other than what people see. He is unafraid to assert his strong belief in the Almighty and saints who have shown the path to spiritual enlightenment. It keeps me grounded, he says, and every controversy he has run into one too many has only strengthened his belief in Him. One might naturally wonder why does he run into controversies in the first place? His detractors have some seriously nasty things to say. Take for instance, the Hyderabad Cricket Association scandal. His stint as HCA president brought him charges of misappropriation of funds just ahead of polls in 2023. Sympathisers point at the deep-rooted rivalries and politics in HCA to defend him. So, the Damocles Sword of suspicion of whether he is guilty has been hanging over him since the turn of the century. That is his life, one of highs and lows. Each can make up their own mind about him. He, however, remains unfazed, notwithstanding humiliations and accusations. It requires infinite patience to stand his ground, a quality he says he acquired in cricket where one cannot score a six every ball. A combination of cricketing skills and spiritual beliefs seem to guide him in keeping his emotions in check to survive and take everything in his stride. Call it fate or continuing tests, Azhar is always stalked by some drama. Recently, he finally reached a high point in his political career, becoming a cabinet minister in the Revanth Reddy Government in Telangana. Its the result of a mix of circumstances and political expediency, a controversial flick from Reddy. The other minority candidate under consideration just made a wrong move inviting the wrath of the high command. Prior to this, Azhar was nominated to the Legislative Council under the Governors quota. And, with the bypoll in Jubilee Hills assembly constituency slated on November 11 turning into a litmus test for the Revanth government, and with no minority leader in the cabinet, Azhar was just at the right place at the right time. The Congress believes he could pull in substantial number of Muslim voters to the party in the stiff fight to wrest the seat from the opposition BRS. Whatever be the bypoll outcome, for Azhar its a new high in politics. Will it last? His council membership is yet to be approved by the Governor which again hinges on an ongoing legal battle over similar nominations made earlier by the BRS government. If his candidature is cleared, he will remain the minister. If not? Whatever will be, will be. Allahs Will prevails, quips Azhar. It leaves one wondering if Azhar is destinys child, not of controversies.
From US to UAE, how a Moradabad sibling duo is quietly building a global neo-luxury craft brand
A brother-sister duo from Moradabad, Kirti and Yash Verma, are bringing Indian luxury to global homes. Their brand, Brick Brown, offers premium handcrafted products. They ship to markets like the US and UAE. This venture highlights a new wave of Indian entrepreneurs blending heritage skills with modern needs. Brick Brown focuses on slow, consistent growth.
Relief for Samajwadi Party as HC sets aside local administrations order to vacate Moradabad bungalow
LUCKNOW: In a major relief to the Samajwadi Party (SP), the Allahabad High Court has set aside the Moradabad administrations order to vacate the Civil Lines bungalow number 4, associated with the party for over three decades. The division bench, comprising Justice Arindam Sinha and Justice Satya Veer Singh, passed the order on Tuesday after hearing the petition filed by SP leaders. The court observed that the administrations move to reclaim the bungalow was not legally valid, terming it a malicious and arbitrary action. The bungalow, located in Moradabads posh Civil Lines area, was allotted to SP patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadav 31 years ago. Recently, District Magistrate Anuj Singh had cancelled the allotment and issued a 30-day notice to the party to vacate the property. Earlier this month, the local administration even attempted to take possession of the bungalow with police deployment. SP workers then requested time until October 10 to vacate the premises. In response, Samajwadi Party district president Jaiveer Yadav filed a petition in the Allahabad High Court. On October 9, the court had issued an interim stay order directing both parties to maintain the status quo till October 28. Following the final hearing, the High Court quashed the administrations eviction notice and upheld the SPs right to continue using the premises. The state government had argued that the bungalow was being used for political activities, violating the terms of allotment. However, the court dismissed this reasoning, stating that the SPs use of the property was within legal limits and the administrations action was unjustified. Bungalow No. 4, spread over 953.71 square meter in Civil Lines, lies opposite the Police Training College (PTC-2) in Moradabads high-security VIP area. It stands on nazul land, owned by the state government and managed by the Moradabad Municipal Corporation. The bungalow includes four rooms, a large lawn, parking space, and open grounds. A Samajwadi Party district office board is displayed outside the premises. After the courts decision, the SP will retain possession of the bungalow. The High Courts order brings a temporary end to the long-standing dispute between the Moradabad district administration and Samajwadi Party over the property that has served as a key political base since the 1990s.
UP: Woman dead, six injured after massive fire at Moradabad restaurant
A woman died and six others were injured after a major fire broke out at a five-storey restaurant on Rampur Road in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Officials said the blaze was likely caused by sparks from nearby wedding fireworks igniting gas cylinders in the kitchen
Massive blaze breaks out in Moradabad hotel, one dead
A devastating fire engulfed a restaurant at Moradabad's Clarks Inn Hotel, escalating rapidly after multiple gas cylinder explosions. Firefighters heroically rescued 16 individuals, including women and children, along with a dog. Tragically, one person was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, while others are reported stable. The blaze's origin remains under investigation.
Ease of travel: Civil aviation ministry firms up winter schedule of all airlines
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday announced the winter schedule of all scheduled domestic airlines that will come into effect from October 26. A total of 26,495 flight departures per week across 126 airports in the country have been approved by the ministry. Indigo has been allotted the maximum departures of 15,014, while Air India and Vistara combinedly will be responsible for 4,277 departures. This marks an improvement of 5.85% over the winter schedule of 2024. An official release from the Civil Aviation Ministry said that when compared with the summer schedule, the winter schedule will have 1,000 additional departures. There are 26,495 departures per week which have been finalised to/from 126 airports as per Winter Schedule (WS) S25 compared to 25,610 departures per week from 129 airports in the Summer Schedule 2025. This schedule will be in place till March 28, 2026. The new airports which will make their debut this winter are Amravati, Hissar, Purnia and Rupsi. The airports that have been suspended from operations are those in Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong and Shravasti. The Winter Schedule 2025 of the scheduled domestic airlines has been finalised after the slot conference meeting held in September. The final slots clearances have been received from respective airport operators, it added. Indigo will have a 6.05% growth over its summer schedule while Spicejet will have a 26.45% increase. Star Air with 538 departures will have a 6.53% growth. Air India will have a dip of 0.77% while Air India Express will go down by 6.04% dip. FlyBig will have the maximum impact with a 67.05% negative growth in departures with just 58 flight departures while Fly91 will have a 59.35% dip. Akasa Air s departures will go down by 5.69%.
WATCH- Cricketer Dies of Heart Attack on the Pitch After Bowling Final Delivery in Uttar Pradesh
During a cricket match in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, bowler Ahmar Khan suffered a fatal heart attack immediately after bowling the final ball. Despite CPR and hospital care, he was declared dead, leaving the community in shock.
15-year-old mentally challenged girl raped and murdered in Uttarakhand's Kashipur, five arrested
DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand police on Friday arrested five accused, including two women allegedlly involved in the rape and murder of a 15-year-old mentally challenged girl in Kashipur of Udham Singh Nagar district. According to the police, the accused persons abducted the minor girl from Kashipur on September 10 and allegedly moved her to several locations, including Bijnor and Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh. When the victim insisted on returning home, they allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual assault. Overcomed by fear of exposure, the men eventually strangled her to death before dumping the body in a field. The mutilated body of the victim was found on September 22 in Moradabads Kanth area. Speaking to TNIE , Udham Singh Nagar SSP Manikant Mishra said, Following a complaint lodged by the victims mother at Kunda police station on September 29, a case was registered and investigation began. Officials further revealed that the accused had also threatened the victims mother, warning of a heavy fine if she reported the case. This intimidation is believed to have caused significant delays in lodging the complaint, hindering the early progress of the investigation. Kunda Station House Officer (SHO) Ravi Saini disclosed crucial details, pointing to a carefully planned conspiracy. All the accused lived in the same building, though in separate rooms. The victims mother, who works at a private company, was unaware of their plans. Initially, the accused confined the girl at the house of a woman named Sheila in Kashipur. Later, she was moved to Bijnor and Gajraula. Police have since arrested the suspects and are carrying out intensive interrogations to uncover further details of the crime.
16-Year-Old Bajrang Dal Worker Shot Dead Over Instagram Post In UP's Moradabad
A 16-year-old Bajrang Dal worker was allegedly shot dead over a social media post in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, police said on Tuesday.
UP on an unstoppable path of growth under CM Yogi Adityanath: Industry Minister Piyush Goyal
LUCKNOW: The third edition of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS-2025) concluded on Monday with a grand closing ceremony in the presence of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, as the chief guest on the final day. While congratulating the Uttar Pradesh government on the event's resounding success, the Union Minister said that UPITS reflected the economic, industrial, and cultural potential not only of the state but of India as a whole. He urged a collective commitment to promote indigenous products, encourage entrepreneurship, and realize the vision of a Viksit India by 2047. Highlighting transformation in Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years, the Union Minister attributed it to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the decisive governance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying the state was now on an unstoppable growth trajectory. He emphasised that a secure business environment and robust infrastructure had made Uttar Pradesh emerge as the preferred destination for investors. The Minister highlighted UPITS 2025 as unique in its inclusivity, bringing together ministers, government officials, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and startup founders. When all stakeholders come together, it creates the perfect synergy, which is the true secret behind Uttar Pradeshs development journey, remarked the union minister. Referring to GST Savings Festival which commenced from September 22, the minister noted that the reduction in taxes on everyday items was a significant gift for consumers during Navratri. He described September 22nd as a historic milestonethe largest reform since independence, the impact of which would be felt for decades. He said that India now stood as the fourth-largest economy in the world and would soon become the third-largest, with substantial foreign exchange reserves. Goyal added that Indian passports are now symbols of respect and trust, and that developed nations worldwide are eager to establish free-trade agreements with India. Referring to the situation in Uttar Pradesh prior to 2017, Goyal stated that the state was in the grip of an atmosphere of fear and crime. Traders felt unsafe, half of Noida's projects remained incomplete, and many factories had shut down. However, the scenario transformed after Yogi government came to power. Law and order were strengthened, investor confidence returned, and a new era of inclusive development began when the people of Uttar Pradesh voted the BJP to power in 2017 with a two-thirds majority. Goyal highlighted that Uttar Pradesh was the first state to establish a separate Ministry for Export Promotion. The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme has expanded to over 750 districts nationwide, with more than 1,200 products gaining global recognition. Today, whether visited by the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Union Minister, or foreign Ambassador, ODOP products are proudly presented as gifts, boosting the morale of entrepreneurs, he stated. Referring to Unity Malls, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, Goyal said these malls were being developed in every state. In Uttar Pradesh, three malls would be established in Lucknow, Agra, and Varanasi, showcasing ODOP products from all 75 districts of the state and across India. Those malls would serve as platforms for women entrepreneurs and young people, opening up new avenues of opportunity. Emphasising Prime Minister Modi's definition of Swadeshi, Goyal urged citizens to pledge to purchase indigenous products wherever possible. He explained that Swadeshi represents goods made with the blood and sweat of Indian people, produced on Indian soil. While companies, investments, and technology can come from abroad, production and employment should remain in India. Goyal said that UPITS had provided a vast platform, giving Uttar Pradeshs products global recognition. From glassware from Firozabad, brass work from Moradabad, Banarasi sarees, Lucknow chikankari, to Agras leather products, the event has showcased the states craftsmanship to the world. He emphasised that UPITS is not just an exhibition but a living example of Uttar Pradeshs new industrial policy, and that the recent reduction in GST rates will further boost local consumption, benefiting all participants.
Delhi Police busts interstate arms racket, cartridge factory unearthed in UP; three held
NEW DELHI: The Special Cell of Delhi Police has busted an illegal arms and ammunition racket operating in the national capital region and unearthed a cartridge manufacturing factory linked to it in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, an official said on Wednesday. Three men -- Fazil (50), Jameer (57), and Illiyas (65) -- have been arrested in the case. Two semi-automatic pistols, five single-shot pistols and 210 live cartridges were recovered from their possession during an operation on Monday. The police also busted an arms factory in Moradabad, seizing a lathe machine, grinding machine, cartridge-making equipment, 257 empty cartridges, 354 bullet leads, 350 empty shells, gunpowder, solid brass rods, and other incriminating material. The raw material could have been used to produce nearly 1,000 cartridges, an officer said. The operation was carried out by a team on September 22, after police received specific inputs that Fazil, an illicit arms supplier, would deliver weapons near Ghazipur flyover in Delhi. A trap was laid and Fazil was apprehended at the spot. A search led to the recovery of four single-shot pistols and 166 live cartridges, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik said. Following his interrogation, police raided Rampur the next day and arrested Jameer, recovering 20 more live cartridges from him. Jameer, in turn, revealed that he had sourced the ammunition from Illiyas, a resident of Moradabad. The team then conducted another raid in Moradabad, apprehending Illiyas and recovering two semi-automatic pistols and one single-shot pistol from his possession. During questioning, Illiyas disclosed the existence of a covert ammunition-making unit operating out of a house near his residence. A raid at the location, carried out with the assistance of local police, led to the seizure of large quantities of raw material and equipment used to manufacture cartridges, said the DCP. Police said Fazil, a farmer from Moradabad, came into contact with Jameer around five to six years ago through relatives and began supplying arms in Delhi-NCR. Jameer, who studied till class five before taking up menial jobs, allegedly entered illegal arms trade after meeting Illiyas. Since then, he acted as a conduit between suppliers and buyers. The alleged mastermind, Illiyas, 65, hails from a family traditionally engaged in brass utensil manufacturing. He learned ammunition-making techniques from locals and turned to the illegal trade nearly two decades ago, he added. He was first arrested in 2022 in connection with an Arms Act case in Moradabad's Mugalpura area and has since been implicated in multiple cases, including charges under the Gangster Act and attempt to murder. Further investigation is underway to trace the wider network they were part of and establish possible links with criminal gangs operating in Delhi-NCR.
UPITS 2025 set to showcase confluence of investment, innovation, and culture of Uttar Pradesh
LUCKNOW: The third edition of the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) is set to take off at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida on Thursday. Scheduled from September 25 to 29, the mega event will be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and will present Uttar Pradeshs industrial, agricultural, cultural, and innovation strengths on a global stage. More than just a platform for trade and investment, UPITS 2025 aims at creating a future-ready ecosystem for youth, entrepreneurs, and international delegates, while celebrating the states diverse identity through the confluence of craft, culture, and cuisine. The inaugural edition of the trade show in 2023 featured 1,914 exhibitors and 400 foreign buyers. The second edition expanded to 2,122 exhibitors, 350 foreign buyers, and five lakh visitors, generating export orders worth over Rs 2,200 crore and direct sales of Rs 40 crore. With more than double the growth in just two editions, the upcoming third edition is expected to attract over 2,500 exhibitors, 500 foreign buyers, and more than half a million visitors, reinforcing its status as a global platform for business and investment. A major highlight will be the One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion in Hall No. 9, featuring 343 stalls dedicated to the signature products of each district. From Bhadohi carpets and Firozabad glasswork to Moradabad metalware and Saharanpur woodcraft, these displays will showcase the journey of Uttar Pradeshs craftsmanship from local to global. The pavilion will also create opportunities for networking, business collaborations, and partnerships involving startups, designers, and international buyers. Russia will participate in the tradeshow as the partner country. On September 26, the RussiaIndia Business Dialogue will bring together policymakers, industrialists, financial institutions, insurance firms, and academia from both nations. This dialogue will not only strengthen economic cooperation but also pave the way for technological partnerships, joint ventures, and new business opportunities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The IT and Electronics Department will present a live demonstration of an AI model in a sprawling 200-square-meter pavilion. Designed with modern amenities, including a curved LED wall, smart video displays, a VIP lounge, and a dedicated startup zone, the pavilion will highlight cutting-edge technological innovations and reflect how the Yogi government has positioned Uttar Pradesh as a rising hub of enterprise, innovation, and digital excellence. Under the master exhibition layout, Halls 1 to 8 and 15 will serve as centres for B2B activities, while Halls 9, 10, and 12 will focus on B2C interactions, and Halls 11 and 14 will host both B2B and B2C activities. The ground floor will feature exhibits from UPSIDA, Invest UP, GNIDA, YEIDA, Civil Aviation, the Russia Pavilion, IT/ITES, Electrical-Electronics, Tourism, Clean Mission, ODOP, Agriculture, Dairy, Textiles, and Logistics. The second floor will serve as the venue for inaugurations, B2B meetings, knowledge sessions, showcases of renewable energy, defence manufacturing, health, education, and culture. There will be 25 food stalls dedicated to the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh on the Swad Uttar Pradesh theme. Visitors will be able to savour traditional delicacies such as Moradabadi dal, Banarasi paan and lassi, Panchhi petha, Jain shikanji, Mathura peda, and Khurjas khurchan. Under CM Yuva scheme, Hall No. 18A will host 150 innovative stalls featuring franchise-based ventures, technology-driven business models, agritech, healthtech, and startup ideas. On September 27, MoUs will be signed with 27 premier educational institutions. Bankers and industry leaders will extend financial and strategic support. CM Yuva Fellows from all 75 districts will also showcase local brands, amplified by a digital campaign and the platform conclave.cmyuva.org.in to connect youth with opportunities. Beyond business, UPITS 2025 will celebrate the cultural ethos of Uttar Pradesh. Visitors will be treated with performances of Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Bundeli, and Tharu folk traditions, along with soulful Sufi music, graceful Kathak performances and light music sessions. Star artistes, including Dinesh Lal Nirahua, Padmashree Malini Awasthi, and Pratibha Singh Baghel will add grandeur to the evenings.
SITAPUR: Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet minister Azam Khan was on Tuesday released on bail from the Sitapur jail here after nearly two years of incarceration. Dressed in his trademark white kurta-pyjama paired with a black waistcoat, Khan drove past the jail premises in a private vehicle, not interacting with a host of reporters who tried to get his comment. Khan's elder son, Adeeb, accompanied by hundreds of party workers, gathered outside the Sitapur district jail since morning to receive him. Several SP leaders, including national secretary and former MLA Anup Gupta, Moradabad MP Ruchi Vira and district president Chatrapati Yadav, were also present outside the jail to welcome Khan. Speaking to reporters earlier, Adeeb said, Azam Khan is the hero of the day. I am here with all his supporters to welcome him. I have nothing more to say. Whatever has to be said, my father will say after coming out of jail. SP leader Ruchi Vira said the party would celebrate this day as he day of victory of justice. We had faith in the judiciary and will continue to have it. No other politician has been harassed as much as he (Azam Khan) has been, she told PTI Videos, ahead of Khan's release. Meanwhile, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Sitapur to prevent any untoward incident, officials said, even as a large number of supporters managed to reach near the jail with their vehicles, causing traffic congestion. Sitapur traffic police issued challans to several vehicles that had gathered in violation of restrictions. There was chaos and rush despite Section 163 being in force. Vehicles were not allowed to come close to the jail, but they somehow managed to reach there. Action had to be taken to avoid further complications, City Circle Officer Vinayak Bhosle said earlier in the day.
UP man held for cow slaughter; police threaten half encounter as family resist arrest
The family of a 33-year-old Muslim man has accused Uttar Pradesh police of forcibly arresting him on allegations of cow slaughter on Friday, September 19, threatening the family with half encounter. Allah Meher Qureshi alias Majid, a resident of Khanpur village in Moradabad district, works in the buffalo dairy industry. On Friday, the Mundha Pandey 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 .
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.
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.
Muslim band owners asked not to use Hindu deities names in UP's Moradabad
LUCKNOW: After state government's move to push Muslim restaurateurs to put their names on their establishments in order to stop them from using Hindu names, a new controversy has erupted, especially in western UP, over the wedding bands run by Muslims but named after Hindu Gods and Goddesses in Moradabad district. As per sources, Shaby Sharma, a lawyer, registered a complaint on the chief minister's portal on July 9 claiming that around 15 to 20 Muslim band operators in the district were running their businesses under the names of Hindu deities. Taking note of the complaint, the district police swung into action and Moradabad SP (City) Kumar Ranvijay Singh summoned several band operators, most of them Muslims, and instructed them to not name their bands after Hindu deities. The band owners agreed, said the police sources. According to police, the complainant argued that this practice was hurting religious sentiments. On Tuesday, they were summoned and directed to remove such names. All of them agreed to comply, Singh said. However, there is nothing illegal in a Muslim band owner naming his band after a Hindu God. Meanwhile, the complainant said that the band industry in Moradabad was largely dominated by Muslims, yet many of these establishments operate under Hindu names, including those of gods and goddesses. This is an attempt to distort identity. The CM himself has called for action against such practices, he claimed. I had submitted a formal complaint on the CM portal, and now the police have taken action. This is not discrimination, it is legal action. Moradabad has over 500 wedding bands in operation. No band operator immediately objected to the complaint and the police order. However, local sources claimed that many Muslim wedding band operators run under a Hindu name for various reasons, like naming it after their mentors who had been Hindus to carry their legacy forward. However, many band owners have sought time from the district administration for compliance with the latest order as they have advance bookings in the old name. Earlier, a similar controversy had erupted during the Kanwar Yatra, when several dhabas and restaurants run by Muslims were found to be 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 .
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.
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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 .
