Prime Minister Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Banaras and Khajuraho on November 7, 2025, enhancing connectivity for Bundelkhand. The semi-high-speed train will pass key stations like Banda, Mahoba, and Prayagraj, promoting tourism and providing faster travel options.
PM Modi to Flag Off BanarasKhajuraho Vande Bharat Express on Nov 7
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the BanarasKhajuraho Vande Bharat Express on November 7, ushering in a new era of high-speed rail connectivity across the Bundelkhand region. The train will pass through key stations including Banda, Mahoba, Chitrakoot Dham, and Prayagraj, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable journey. The new service will operate six [] The post PM Modi to Flag Off BanarasKhajuraho Vande Bharat Express on Nov 7 appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Three killed, five injured as SUV collides with UP roadways bus in Chitrakoot
CHITRAKOOT: Two minor brothers and their cousin were killed when their SUV collided with an Uttar Pradesh roadways bus on the Jhansi-Mirzapur National Highway here, police said on Monday. Five people were injured in the incident which occurred on Sunday night. Superintendent of Police (SP) Arun Kumar Singh said the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation bus collided with the SUV near Khokh village. Mohit (14), his brother Subhash (6) and their cousin Rohit (24), all residents of Garhiwa Majra Camp Ka Purwa village who were travelling in the SUV, were killed in the accident, he said. Shobha Devi (35), Abhilasha (15), Sandhya (8), Omkar (10) and Raja Bhaiya (36) were injured. They were rushed to the district hospital and later referred to Swaroop Rani Hospital in Prayagraj for treatment, the SP said. According to police, Raja Bhaiya and his family were returning home after attending a birthday celebration at his in-laws' house in Ainchwara village when the accident occurred. Both vehicles have been seized and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem, Singh said.
JK Cement shares fall 3% after Q2 results, Citi reduces target price. Should you buy, sell or hold?
JK Cement reported a 17% year-on-year rise in consolidated profit to Rs 159 crore for Q2 FY26, driven by higher volumes. Revenue grew 18% to Rs 3,019 crore, though margins were pressured by rising costs. The company also expanded capacity at its Prayagraj unit.
LUCKNOW: Issuing directives to the authorities of the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Expressway Development Authority (UPEIDA) to expedite work on the Ganga Expressway and complete the project by December this year, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked officials to cancel land allotments in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor if investors fail to begin work within three years. He also ordered a transparent monitoring system to track land use and investor progress. Chairing a high-level review meeting of UPEIDA late Wednesday evening, CM Yogi said land allocations should not remain idle and that new facilities should be provided only where there is genuine development. If an investor fails to utilise the allotted land within three years, the allocation should automatically be cancelled, he said, cautioning officials against land hoarding and instructing them to ensure timely execution of projects. Officials were asked to set up a clear, accountable system to monitor progress and to grant further concessions only on demonstrable milestones. As per UPEIDA authorities, investment proposals worth about Rs 30,819 crore have been received for the defence corridor, and 5,039 acres of land have already been acquired. Several companies have begun operations at corridor sites, officials said. The CM also emphasised the establishment of skill development centres at every node Lucknow, Kanpur, Jhansi, Agra, Aligarh and Chitrakoot to train local youth for technical roles in defence production. Turning to road infrastructure, Yogi described expressways as the backbone of Uttar Pradeshs economy and urged officials to expedite work on the Ganga Expressway, directing that construction be completed by December. The review also covered proposed extensions, including the MeerutHaridwar, NoidaJewar and ChitrakootRewa link expressways, as well as new projects such as the Vindhya Expressway and the VindhyaPurvanchal link to improve connectivity between Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Chandauli and Sonbhadra. The meeting reviewed UPEIDAs time-bound plan to attract investment into industrial clusters and logistics parks along the expressways, including provision for reliable power and water, truck terminals, waystations, and health and emergency facilities. Officials said implementation would be closely monitored and linked to land-use milestones so that infrastructure and investment translate into jobs and regional development.
The Rise of Refined Living: Tier 2 Cities Lead India's Luxury Shift
Indias luxury housing story is no longer confined to its metros. A quiet but powerful shift is unfolding in Tier 2 cities, where rising disposable incomes, reverse migration, and hybrid work lifestyles are rewriting aspirations. Families and professionals who once viewed Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru as the ultimate address are now seeking spacious, well-designed homes in cities that promise balance and belonging. With improved connectivity, upgraded infrastructure, and a maturing lifestyle ecosystem, these cities are becoming magnets for those craving modern comforts without the chaos of megacity living. Modern elegance emerges as Tier 2 cities embrace refined Indian living According to Magicbricks, Indias real estate investment landscape is undergoing a shift, as Tier-2 cities are outperforming their Tier-1 counterparts in terms of capital appreciation. The report shows the average capital appreciation across Tier-2 cities stands at 17.6%, outpacing the national capitals 11.10%. Cities like Chandigarh, Mohali, Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Dehradun have emerged as the new epicentres of refined urban living, each city offering its own distinct rhythm of growth and grace. These destinations are drawing not just local buyers but also investors and families from NCR, Mumbai, and even overseas, who see in them a blend of comfort, value, and future potential. Mohit Goel, Managing Director, Omaxe Group , says, Tier 2 cities are no longer alternatives to metros. One of the primary drivers of growth in these cities is the rising demand for quality living and luxury housing. Cities like Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Prayagraj are upgrading faster than most people realize. Infrastructure developments like highways, airports, and metro connectivity have opened them up in a way that was unthinkable a decade ago. What stands out is the shift in mindsethomebuyers here are no longer settling for basic housing; they aspire to the same world-class lifestyle as metro residents. Businesses, too, are seeking modern commercial spaces outside the traditional hubs. Together, these forces are turning Tier-2 cities into vibrant, self-sustained urban centres ." The new generation of Tier-II homebuyers is more self-assured and value-conscious than ever before. They include upwardly mobile professionals, entrepreneurs, NRIs, and families returning from metros in pursuit of balance and belonging. For them, a home represents far more than an assetits a sanctuary that supports wellbeing, connection, and calm. Convenience remains important, but not at the expense of peace. They prioritise morning walks over long commutes, vibrant communities over crowded malls, and sustainable design over excessive scale. This evolution from transactional purchases to purpose-driven living is steadily redefining the character of Indias emerging urban centres. Udit Jain, Director, ONE Group , says, The evolution of Mohali perfectly illustrates how infrastructure can reshape aspirations. Once seen as a satellite city of Chandigarh, Mohali has now emerged as a thriving urban hub, driven by developments such as an international airport, expanding expressways, and a rapidly growing IT corridor. The profile of luxury homebuyers here is also transformingno longer limited to NRIs, but increasingly comprising young entrepreneurs, professionals, and families from across northern India, including Punjab, Himachal, and Jammu, who seek a lifestyle aligned with global benchmarks. For them, luxury goes beyond opulenceits about experience, design, and community living. Reflecting this shift, our projects emphasize smart technologies, sustainable green spaces that encourage connection, and homes that offer lasting comfort and long-term value . Piyush Kansal, Executive Director, Royale Estate , says, Chandigarh - Tricity Area has always embodied elegance, structure, and a certain quiet sophistication, and todays luxury housing market is simply an extension of that identity. Buyers here have a deeply refined sense of what luxury means. They value architectural symmetry, open landscapes, and homes that integrate sustainability without compromising on aesthetics. The preference is shifting towards low-density, boutique developments that offer both exclusivity and intimacy, a far cry from the high-rise clutter seen elsewhere. This understated, mindful approach to living perfectly mirrors the ethos of the modern Chandigarh resident: rooted in legacy, successful in outlook, and discerning in taste . According to the CREDAILiases Foras report on Indias real estate landscape across 60 cities, Tier-II and emerging urban centres are now commanding a significant share of the market momentum. In 2024, these cities accounted for nearly 44% of the 3,294 acres of land acquired by developersa clear sign of confidence in their long-term growth potential. The report also revealed that housing sales reached 6.81 lakh units, marking a robust 23% year-on-year rise, while the overall primary market clocked a sales value of 7.5 trillion, up 43% YoY, powered by consistent demand across all price brackets. Manit Sethi, Managing Director, Excentia Infra , says, The idea of home today goes far beyond four wallsits about emotional grounding and everyday balance. In places like Dehradun, this sentiment finds its truest reflection. People are drawn not just to its natural charm, but to the quality of life it offers: fresh air, unhurried living, and a sense of belonging that metropolitan life often misses. Buyers now seek homes that breathe spaces with light, greenery, and calm woven into their design. Features like wellness decks, meditation corners, and solar systems are no longer luxuries; theyre essentials of mindful living. This is where modern homes are redefining luxury, through simplicity, balance, and quiet elegance . Harvinder Singh Sikka, Chairman, Sikka Group , says, The luxury homebuyer in Dehradun is deeply aware and aspirational. Theyre not only seeking spacious, high-spec apartments but also a lifestyle aligned with sustainability and wellness. With improved connectivity to NCR and the upcoming expressways like the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, the region has become a natural extension of North Indias luxury corridor. As developers, we ensure our projects reflect that visionurban elegance surrounded by the serenity of the hills . As Indias economic and urban evolution gathers pace, tier 2 cities will stand at the forefront of aspirational living, where modern design, sustainability, and cultural rootedness come together to form the new language of luxury.
Hell kill me, I want to see my mother: Distressed Indian mans plea from Saudi desert sparks search
A heart-wrenching video of an Indian man from Uttar Pradesh claiming that he was being held captive in Saudi Arabia has gone viral, prompting the Indian embassy in Riyadh to intervene and launch efforts to trace him. The man, speaking in Bhojpuri, identifies himself as a resident of Handia, Pratappur in Prayagraj district. In the video, which was shared by a Delhi-based lawyer on social media, he alleges that his passport has been taken away by one Kapil, believed to be his employer, and appeals directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help. My village is in Allahabad... I came to Saudi Arabia. Kapil has my passport. I told him I need to go home, but he is threatening to kill me, the man says tearfully, with a camel visible in the background. He pleads for the video to be widely shared so that it reaches Indian authorities and the Prime Minister, adding, Please help me, I will die; I need to go to my mother. TNIE could not independently verify the video's authenticity. @DrSJaishankar , ... 1 pic.twitter.com/5op97otITq (@Lawyer_Kalpana) October 23, 2025 Taking note of the viral clip, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia replied that it was trying to locate the individual but faced difficulties due to the absence of details such as location, contact information, or employer details. The embassy has been trying to locate the person. No further action can be taken as the video does not contain any details about the location/province in Saudi Arabia, or contact number or employer details, the mission posted on X. The embassy also reached out to officials in Uttar Pradesh, urging them to contact the mans family. As the person says that he is from Prayagraj district, @DM_PRAYAGRAJ @Sp_prayag @prayagraj_pol may also reach out to his family and advise them to write to us at cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in, it added. However, Saudi Arabias Public Security Department dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that the video was made to increase the number of views on social media. The claim by an expatriate in a video expressing a desire to return to his home country is baseless. The video surfaced amid a major policy shift in Saudi Arabia, which recently announced the abolition of the decades-old Kafala (sponsorship) system that tied migrant workers employment and residency to their employers. The system, introduced in the 1950s, had long been criticised by rights groups for enabling exploitation and restricting workers freedom. Ending the Kafala system marks a historic move for the Kingdom, aligning with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans Vision 2030 reform agenda. The change is expected to improve the rights and mobility of nearly 13 million foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. As of now, the identity and whereabouts of the man in the viral video remain unconfirmed, and the Indian embassy has requested anyone with credible information to come forward.
I will die: UP mans cry for help from Saudi goes viral; Indian embassy reacts
An Indian national from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has appealed for help in a viral video, claiming he is being held against his will in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy is attempting to locate him but requires more details, urging the lawyer who posted the video to provide additional information.
Indian man stranded in Saudi Arabia, threatened by associate
A man from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, claimed he is being forced to remain in Saudi Arabia, prompting the Indian embassy there to take notice. Delhi-based lawyer Kalpana Shrivastav posted the video on X on October 23, in which the man says, My village is inAllahabad I came to Saudi Arabia. Kapil has my passport. I 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 .
Indian Railways starts playing Chhath songs at over 100 stations across nation
NEW DELHI: Ahead of Bihars Chhath festival, Indian Railways has introduced a unique arrangement of playing popular folk songs dedicated to the Chhath festival at over 100 prominent stations across the country. In the first phase, this initiative has been implemented at 30 different stations, where announcements of train departures or arrivals pause for a while. During these intervals, folk songs sung by well-known singers such as Sharda Sinha, Nitu Kumari Navgeet, Vindyavasni Devi and others are played when no train information is being broadcast over the automated announcement system. The Railways has started playing Chhatha songs at more than 30 stations in Bihar, including Patna, Danapur, Hajipur, Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Sonepur and others. Similar arrangements for playing Chhatha songs have also been made at New Delhi, Ghaziabad and Anand Vihar Terminal, which are now witnessing heavy footfall of passengers travelling to Bihar and other Hindi-speaking states for the festival. Confirming this to the newspaper, ED (I&P) Dileep Kumar of the Ministry of Railways said on Friday, Indian Railways has started broadcasting Chhatha songs at railway stations on the auspicious occasion of Chhatha Puja. The aim of this initiative is to connect the passengers with the auspicious spirit of the festival and make their journey more pleasant. This has been launched at almost all those stations that now witness large numbers of Bihar-bound passengers travelling for the Chhatha festival across the country. Savita Kumari, a passenger travelling from Kolkata to Patna with her family members for the Chhatha festival, said These devotional songs being played at railway stations during Chhatha Puja surcharge the ambience of station with religious festivity for the devotees, who either remain in wait to take trains or boarding in trains. A senior railway official told the newspaper that the Chhatha folk songs being played make passengers feel the fragrance of their home and culture, thereby infusing devotion and joy into their journey even when they remain away from their states. Begun on Friday, the initiative through the automatic announcement system will continue for several days after the end of Chhatha, covering the period when passengers make their return journeys. Others stations such as Banaras, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Kolkata, Burdwan, Durgapur and Asansol in West Bengal, as well as Ludhiana and Amritsar in Punjab, are among the hundreds of stations where this initiative has been introduced. Currently, Indian Railways is operating more than 12,000 special train trips to manage the surge of passengers travelling from across the country to states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where the Chhatha festival is celebrated on a large scale.
Journalist Hacked To Death In UP's Prayagraj, Main Accused Arrested
A journalist was murdered in Prayagraj; main accused was arrested after a police encounter. Dispute motive is being probed, two others are in custody.
Journalist hacked to death in Prayagraj, accused arrested after encounter
Additional Commissioner of Police, Ajay Pal Sharma, said on Friday that evidence from the crime scene and statements of the eyewitnesses revealed that the attack on Singh was carried out by Vishal along with a few others.
Prayagraj Man Posts Distress Video From Saudi Desert, But Even His Wife & Mom Don't Believe Him
In his video, the man said that instead of the work he had been promised, he is being made to herd camels across a barren stretch, is isolated and frightened
Businessmans son arrested for Jaguar hit-and-run that left one dead, five injured in Prayagraj
The Prayagraj Metro project will transform the city's transport system, featuring a 44 km network with 39 stations. The metro will have two routes connecting key areas. It aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity, offering a modern, efficient travel experience.
Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah case: HC fixes next hearing on November 7
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday fixed November 7 for the next hearing in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute at Mathura. Justice Avinash Saxena fixed the next date after hearing counsels for the parties. The court verified the documents and asked the counsels for the parties to file their replies on pending applications. 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 .
She completed her early education at St. Mary's Convent School, Prayagraj, where she secured 96 per cent marks in the 10th board exam and 98.25 per cent in the 12th exam. Read here to know about her UPSC journey.
Premanand ji Maharaj Health: Muslim man prays for him in Medina, heartwarming video goes viral
A young Muslim man from Prayagraj has offered prayers in Medina for the good health of Hindu saint Premanand Maharaj. The viral video shows Sufiyan Allahabadi praying for the saint's well-being. This act of compassion has garnered widespread praise online, being hailed as a symbol of interfaith harmony and brotherhood in India.
SP ousts national secretary Muskan Mishra for seeking blessings from Ayodhya priest
LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party (SP) has removed its national secretary, Muskan Mishra, from her post after she met Mahant Raju Das of Hanumangarhi in Ayodhya on Sunday, October 13. Raju Das is the same priest who had used abusive language against SP founder and patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadav, as well as party president Akhilesh Yadav, during the Mahakumbh. Muskan Mishra, who served as the national secretary of the SPs womens wing, was removed from her position after a video surfaced showing her seeking blessings from Mahant Raju Das. As the video circulated on social media platforms, SP workers demanded action against her. Muskan Mishra was appointed as the national secretary by Juhi Singh, national president of the Mahila Sabha, in July this year. Juhi Singh also issued the order removing her from the post. She wrote in the order: You are relieved from the post of National Secretary of the Samajwadi Mahila Sabha with immediate effect. It was also stated that Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) was and will remain an inspiration for all of us. At the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, Smriti Seva Sansthan had installed a statue of Mulayam Singh Yadav. On January 19, Akhilesh Yadav (son of Mulayam Singh Yadav) posted from a parody account on X: If you are going to the Kumbh Mela, be sure to have darshan of this countrys PDA god. Commenting on Akhileshs post, Mahant Raju Das allegedly made abusive remarks. In response, the SP chief countered, saying: As is the company, so is the speech, as all saints and sages have said. Following this, SP workers protested against Raju Das across Uttar Pradesh, and the matter also reached the courts. Meanwhile, Muskan Mishra, a resident of Lucknow, is very active on social media. She has more than 6.68 lakh followers on Instagram and was often seen promoting the Samajwadi Party on her social media handles.
Youth prays for Saint Premanand Maharaj in the holy city of Madinah
A Muslim youth, Sufiyan from Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, offered prayers in the holy city of Madinah for the recovery and good health of Sant Premanand Maharaj, a revered saint from Vrindavan. The video of Sufiyan has gone viral, where he is asking Allah to restore the saints health so he can continue guiding his 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 .
Four killed, five injured as SUV plunges into pond in UP's Fatehpur
FATEHPUR: Four men lost their lives and five others were seriously injured after a speeding SUV plunged into a pond near a toll plaza on the Kanpur-Prayagraj National Highway in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district on Wednesday, police said. The victims were returning to Prayagraj after attending a wedding in Kanpur when the accident occurred near the Barauri toll plaza. According to police, the vehicle veered off the road and fell into the pond, reportedly after the driver either dozed off or lost control. However, the driver, Rahul Kumar, told police that the vehicle began to wobble moments before the crash, indicating a possible tyre burst. As soon as we reached Fatehpur, the vehicle started wobbling. I suspected low tyre pressure. About 10 minutes before the accident, we stopped near the Barauri toll plaza to check the tyres. Everything appeared fine, so we continued. But barely 300 metres ahead, the tyre suddenly burst, and the vehicle went out of control and overturned, Kumar recounted. Upon receiving information, police teams rushed to the site and, with the help of locals, pulled the SUV from the water. Four passengers drowned in the incident, while five others, including the driver, were rescued with the help of local residents. The injured were initially taken to a nearby hospital and later referred to Kanpur for advanced medical care. The bodies of the deceased were sent to the mortuary for post-mortem examination. The deceased have been identified as Sahil Gupta (26), Shivam Sahu (28), Ritesh Sonkar (28), and Rahul Keserwani (25), all residents of Khuldabad in Prayagraj. Police said the families of the victims have been informed. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment.
Class 10 student rapes five-year-old girl after luring her with candy in Prayagraj
LUCKNOW: A class 10 student was arrested for raping a five-year-old girl belonging to his neighbourhood after luring her with a candy. He molested her while taking her to his house. The incident took place in Mau Aima police station area of Gangapar, Prayagraj on late Saturday evening. The boy, a minor, was taken into custody on early Sunday morning. In his confession, the minor said he used to watch porn on his mobile phone and that triggered him to commit the crime. He admitted that he molested the girl, attempted unnatural acts and ran away leaving her when she started bleeding profusely. As per the victims family sources, they were busy harvesting the paddy crop on late Saturday evening and that their five-year-old daughter was playing outside the house. Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy, who lives nearby, approached the innocent girl. He lured the girl with toffee and took her to his house. A young woman from the neighbourhood was watching it. However, being neighbours, she assumed it to be normal. However, after a while, when the girl fell covered in blood at the door of the boys house, the young woman ran to her help. She took her to a room and informed the family. She told everyone that a boy living in the neighbourhood had taken the girl with him. The girl's family submitted a complaint to the local police and then started a search for the accused. After raids, the boy was caught in a field in the same area. On being interrogated, the boy confessed to his crime. In his statement, he accepted that he misbehaved with the girl. When she turned distressed, he got scared. I left her at home and ran away. The victim's mother said that when she got the information about the incident, she rushed back home to find her daughter covered in blood. She was shaking. Her clothes were torn. She was in terrible condition, crying continuously. The girl narrated the incident. We immediately rushed her to the hospital. After treatment, we filed a complaint with the police, she said. Station in-charge Mau Aima Pankaj Awasthi said that the accused was in custody. A case has been registered against him under relevant sections, including POCSO.
Allahabad HC grants bail to man accused of sharing 'Pakistan Zindabad' post
PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to a man accused of sharing a post praising Pakistan on social media. Sajid Chaudhary, a resident of Meerut, was booked under Section 152 (endangering India's sovereignty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and had been in jail since May 13, 2025. The post in question allegedly read: Kamran Bhatti Proud of You, Pakistan Zindabad. Allowing the bail plea, Justice Santosh Rai observed that while posting such a message may provoke anger or disharmony among citizens could be punishable under Section 196 (promoting enmity) of the BNS, it did not attract the stringent provisions of Section 152 of the BNS. The applicant's counsel argued that Chaudhary had been falsely implicated due to ulterior motives, and he had only forwarded the post and not posted or circulated any video anywhere. He further submitted that the accused had no criminal history and there was no likelihood of his tampering with evidence if released on bail. The government counsel opposed the plea, claiming the applicant was a separatist and had previously engaged in similar activities. In the order dated September 25, 2025, the court observed that the government counsel had not submitted any evidence proving that the accused had made any statement against the integrity and sovereignty of India. The court also observed that Section 152 of the BNS was a newly introduced provision without an equivalent in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and cautioned that it should be invoked only with reasonable care.
Man lynched by mob in UPs Raebareli over suspicion of being drone thief
LUCKNOW: Thirty-eight-year-old Hariom from Fatehpur Kotwali was beaten to death by a mob on suspicion of being a drone thief in Uttar Pradeshs Rae Bareli. His semi-naked body, marked with injuries, was found near Ishwar Daspur railway station in the Unchahar Kotwali area on Thursday morning. The incident came to light after a video related to it surfaced on Friday. Unchahar CO Girija Shankar Tripathi said that an FIR was registered against 12 people. Police have taken the body into custody and sent it for post-mortem. Based on the wife's complaint, a murder case has been registered against 12 people involved in the assault. Out of these, 6 people have been taken into police custody, said the CO. Reports say fear has been spreading in Uttar Pradesh after a drone sighting in Amroha city. Residents of at least 50 villages now believe robbers are using drones to scout homes before committing crimes. Many patrol their areas through the night, taking turns to monitor their homes, and some confrontations with strangers or suspected intruders have even escalated into scuffles. However, there is no evidence that drones have been used by criminals. Concerns about drone thieves are widespread across Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Azamgarh, and other districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh. On Wednesday at around 1 am, Hariom was travelling towards Dadedpur Majre Ishwardaspur on the Unchahar-Dalmaun road when about 25 villagers caught him and began interrogating him. Hariom explained that he lived in a nearby village, but the villagers were unconvinced. Believing him to be a drone thief, they started beating him with sticks and belts. According to sources, the villagers then took him to the canal bank outside the village, tied him to a pole, and continued the assault. Despite Hariom repeatedly pleading his innocence, the villagers did not believe him. After the beating, they left him in a semi-conscious state near the railway track. On Thursday, locals found his body near the railway track in Raebareli and informed the police. He was taken to Unchahar CHC, where doctors declared him dead. Eyewitnesses reported severe assault marks, including head injuries, belt marks on his chest, and bruises all over his body.
Bus overturns on highway in UP's Sultanpur, 18 injured
SULTANPUR: Eighteen pilgrims were injured when their bus overturned while trying to avoid a cow on the Ayodhya-Prayagraj highway in Sultanpur district early Friday, police said. The accident took place around 2 am near the Bhulki-Saurmau bypass overbridge. The bus, carrying 52 passengers, was on its way from Bahraich to Prayagraj when it lost control and overturned after a cow suddenly came in front of it. Station House Officer Akhand Dev Mishra said the injured were rushed to a district hospital with the help of locals and police personnel. After treatment, they were sent onward to their destination, he added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the accident and directed officials to ensure prompt medical care for the injured. He also wished them a speedy recovery, according to an official statement issued in Lucknow.
HC dismisses plea to remove next friend in Krishna Janmabhoomi case
Prayagraj: In the Krishna Janmabhoomi legal dispute in Mathura, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed an application filed by Hindu side plaintiffs in suit No. 7 seeking the removal of Kaushal Kishore Thakur alias Kaushal Singh Tomar as the next friend of the deity, Shri Krishna Lala Virajman. Dismissing the application, Justice Ram Manohar Narayan 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 .
Gangster Atiqs son Ali Ahmed shifted to Jhansi district jail amid tight security
LUCKNOW: Gangster-turned-politician late Atiq Ahmed's son, Ali Ahmed, was transferred from Naini Central Jail in Prayagraj to Jhansi Jail on Wednesday morning. Around 20 police personnel, including four ORT members and a PAC section, accompanied Ali in the prison van as the convoy left Naini at 6.10 am. The transfer was ordered by the state government, according to Jail Superintendent Vijay Vikram Singh. Ali had been imprisoned in Naini Central Jail for 38 months after he surrendered in court on July 30, 2022. He faces charges of extorting Rs 5 crore from a Prayagraj property dealer, Zeeshan, also known as Janu. As per the jail authorities, Ali was moved following two major incidents in Naini Jail. On June 17, 2025, cash was recovered from his barrack, prompting action which resulted in the suspension of Deputy Jailer Kanti Devi and a head warder while Ali was transferred to the high-security Fansi Ghar (Gallows House) barrack. Monitoring of Ali was intensified from the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Lucknow. A few days later, Ali was caught on CCTV, handing cash to a warder, reinforcing the decision for his transfer. Ali is also an accused in the sensational Umesh Pal murder case of 2023. Police alleged that he conspired with his younger brother, Asad, and other family members to target Umesh Pal, the main witness in the BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case. Other accused in the case include Alis elder brother Umar, father Atiq, and uncle Ashraf. Naini Central Jail once served as a refuge for Atiq-Ashraf gang members. Before the Yogi government, Atiq held court inside the jail and even built a badminton court for his associates. Meals were prepared outside the barracks and delivered to them, and Atiq would issue instructions over the phone. Alis recent case highlights the transformation of Naini Jails administration. Strict measures have been taken to curb special privileges and prevent corruption or manipulation within the facility.
PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court on Friday junked Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's plea against an order remanding the plea for FIR against him, for his purported utterances in the US, to the magistrate court to decide afresh. Justice Sameer Jain was hearing the plea filed by the Congress leader. One Nageshwar Mishra of Varanasi was stated to have filed an application before the magisterial court dealing with MP/MLA cases in Varanasi. The court on November 28, 2024, rejected the application for FIR against Gandhi and said the purported speech was given in the US, so it was beyond its jurisdiction. Remarks on Sikhs: No intention to incite rebellion, submits Rahul Gandhi in Allahabad HC The order was challenged before the special MP/MLA sessions court which allowed the revision and remanded the matter to the magisterial court to hear it afresh. The complainant said in September 2024, during a program in the US, Gandhi said that the environment in India was not good for Sikhs. Mishra claimed there were protests against his statement, calling it provocative and divisive in society, and sought the registration of an FIR against the purported statement in the Sarnath police station of Varanasi. He moved the magisterial court after failing to get it registered. Senior Advocate Gopal Chaturvedi, who represented Gandhi, had submitted that Mishra's application did not mention the date of the purported statement. Additional advocate general Manish Goel, however, said that the point whether there was a prima facie case or not, the high court ought to examine whether it should be decided by the magistrate concerned. He said if it is a statement on foreign soil by the leader of the opposition against India, then it was a matter of investigation, and further, there was an admission that Gandhi made utterances. Rahul Gandhi says 1984 anti-Sikh riots 'wrong'
Marriages Based on Illegal Conversion Are Invalid: Allahabad HC
Prayagraj, Sept 24: In a landmark judgment, the Allahabad High Court has ruled that marriages based on illegal religious conversion are automatically invalid, and the parties involved cannot be recognized as a married couple under the law. The verdict was delivered by Justice Saurabh Srivastava on a writ petition filed by Mohammad Bin Qasim alias [] The post Marriages Based on Illegal Conversion Are Invalid: Allahabad HC appeared first on Northlines .
SC Lets CBI To Probe Six More Cases Of Realty-Bank Nexus
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the prima facie nexus between reputed banks and developers across Noida, Gurugram, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway, Mohali, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Prayagraj: Reports
Fraud Against NCR Homebuyers: SC Nod To CBI To Register 6 More Cases In Builder-Bank Nexus
New Delhi, Sep 23: The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the CBI to register six more regular cases into the unholy nexus between banks and developers to dupe homebuyers in real estate projects in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mohali and Prayagraj. A bench of Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and N Kotiswar Singh allowed the CBI to proceed as per law after Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the agency, mentioned that it has completed preliminary inquiry in projects of [] The post Fraud Against NCR Homebuyers: SC Nod To CBI To Register 6 More Cases In Builder-Bank Nexus appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Spanning an impressive 594 kilometers, the Ganga Expressway is a 6-lane (expandable to 8 lanes) greenfield expressway connecting Meerut in western Uttar Pradesh to Prayagraj in the east.
Four killed, three injured as unidentified vehicle rams into stationary SUV in UP's Prayagraj
PRAYAGRAJ: At least four people were killed and three injured when an unidentified vehicle rammed into a stationary SUV on the Kanpur-Varanasi Highway here on Monday, police said. The accident took place near Bigahiya village in the Ganga Nagar area, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Gunawat told PTI. The SUV had broken down and was parked on the roadside. While four of its occupants were sleeping in front of it, three women were resting inside when the accident occurred. Gunawat said those killed have been identified as Suresh Saini, Suresh Bajpai, his wife, and Ramsagar Awasthi, all residents of Kanpur. Three people injured in the accident have been hospitalised. A 60-year-old passenger, Prem Narayan, had a narrow escape and later identified the victims, the DCP said, adding that efforts are on to trace the driver of the erring vehicle. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the deaths and directed officials to reach the spot immediately and expedite relief measures
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the deaths and directed officials to reach the spot immediately and expedite relief measures
Will soon file police complaint against Rahul Gandhi: Anjani Mishra on LoP making mobile public
Anjani Mishra from Prayagraj is facing harassment. He is receiving hundreds of calls. Rahul Gandhi shared his mobile number at a press conference. Mishra plans to file a police complaint. Gandhi alleged vote theft and targeted the Election Commission. The Election Commission refuted Gandhi's claims. Gandhi demanded information on voter deletions from the Election Commission.
Allahabad HC grants bail to Azam Khan in Quality Bar encroachment case
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday granted bail to senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan in the Quality Bar land encroachment case in Rampur district. Justice Samir Jain had reserved the order on August 21 after hearing counsels for the parties. In 2019, an FIR was lodged against Syed Jafar Ali Jafri, Azam Khans 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 .
Full Thali For Just Rs 22.50 Across 17 UP Cities As Yogi Govt Expands Annapurna Canteens
In its first phase, five Annapurna canteens will be opened in each of the six largest cities - Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Agra and Prayagraj
Muslim youth performs last rites of Hindu woman in Rajasthan's Bhilwara
JAIPUR: In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, the last rites of a 67-year-old Hindu woman, who was living alone, were performed by a Muslim youth in Rajasthan's Bhilwara. Shanti Devi, a resident of Jangi Chowk in Gandhi Nagar area of Bhilwara, had been unwell for some time and was undergoing treatment at the Mahatma Gandhi Hospital where she died on Sunday. She had been living alone since 2018 after the death of her three daughters and a son. With no one from her family present to shoulder the responsibility, 30-year-old Asgar Ali Khan, who grew up seeing Shanti Devi as a mother figure, came forward. She would love me like a mother since my childhood. She would ask me every day if I had eaten or how I was feeling. After she passed away, I felt like I had lost my mother again, he said with teary eyes. My parents passed away long ago, and Shanti Devi filled that void. Even during Covid, when she was unwell, I took care of her. On Sunday, after she passed away, I felt like I had lost my mother again, Khan said Supported by his neighbours and friends -- Ashfaq Qureshi, Abid Qureshi, Shakir Pathan, Firoz Qureshi, Inayat and Zabid, Khan arranged for the funeral, carried the bier on the shoulders, and performed the cremation according to Hindu rituals. Local Muslim women also broke down during the final procession, grieving for the woman they had seen as part of their colony. Relatives of Shanti Devi arrived later from Madhya Pradesh and joined the final journey. Khan said Shati Devi's ashes would be immersed at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj or Matrikundia in Chittorgarh district, in keeping with her wishes.
In the Hasanpur area, road construction and street lighting are already complete. The 23.6 km stretch of expressway is expected to be fully finished soon. Work on a rainwater drainage pipeline has also been completed.
DIY Sex Change Surgery Goes Wrong As UP Man Lands In Hospital After Cutting Off Genitals
A 20-year-old man from Prayagraj attempted self-surgery to become a girl after online advice, leading to severe bleeding and hospitalisation.
Gender identity disorder: UPSC aspirant cuts off his genitals, lands in hospital
LUCKNOW: A 17-year-old UPSC aspirant in Prayagraj is recovering in the hospital after he cut off his genitals, saying he had long believed he was a girl trapped in a boys body. The teenager, son of a farmer and a homemaker, had been the focus of his familys hopes of becoming an IAS officer. Educated under the CBSE board, he moved to Prayagraj for coaching but said he struggled to focus on studies as questions about his gender identity weighed heavily on him. He told doctors he first felt different at 14 while dancing with girls during a school event. Since then, he lived with the feeling in silence, fearing rejection if he shared it with his parents. In Prayagraj, he began searching online about how a boy could become a girl and came across videos describing surgeries. He eventually contacted a local doctor, identified as Dr Zenith, who allegedly advised him to cut off his private part and explained how it could be done at home. The boy obtained anaesthesia, a surgical blade, and other items. Alone in his rented room, he injected himself and performed the act. When the pain became severe and the bleeding increased, he called for help. His landlord arranged for an ambulance, and he was taken to Tej Bahadur Sapru Hospital before being transferred to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. Doctors said the act was extremely risky and could have proved fatal. Surgeons have stabilised him and will create a new urinary passage. His mother kept pleading with doctors to restore him to his original state. Doctors have advised counselling, as the case requires both medical and psychological care. Desperate to become a girl, he took docs advice Questions about his gender identity weighed heavily on the boy. He began searching online about how a boy could become a girl and eventually contacted a local doctor, identified as Dr Zenith, who allegedly advised him to cut off his private part.
Uttar Pradesh reels under floods as rivers swell, IMD issues rain alert for 38 districts
LUCKNOW: With almost all major rivers in Uttar Pradesh flowing above the danger mark and floods continuing across several districts due to heavy rainfall, the Meteorological Department on Wednesday issued rain alerts for 38 districts, warning of heavy downpour in five and light rain in the remaining 33. The water levels of rivers, including the Ganga, Yamuna, Sharda, and Saryu are rising continuously, disrupting normal life across the state. Water released from the Hathini Kund Barrage has worsened the situation in Vrindavan, Mathura, where nearly half of the area is flood-affected. Floodwaters have even reached the Radha Vallabh and Banke Bihari temples. Moreover, the parikrama (circumambulation) path in Vrindavan has gone completely underwater. Normally, the distance between the Banke Bihari Temple and the Yamuna is about 600 metres, but now the floodwaters have closed in to just 100 metres. In Agra, the Yamuna flood has reached Hathi Ghat, with 2 to 3 feet of water blocking roads and halting traffic. The water level has now touched the boundary wall of the Taj Mahal. At the Bijnor Ganga Barrage, the Ravali embankment has also suffered damage due to erosion. Authorities from the irrigation and administration departments are working to control the situation, while traffic on the Delhi-Pauri highway has been suspended as a precaution. In Lakhimpur Kheri, floodwaters brought in a crocodile that killed a young man in Murghaha village while he was returning from his field. Villagers claimed at least four crocodiles were present in the drain, but the forest department has yet to respond. In Kannauj, central Uttar Pradesh, heavy rainfall on Monday afternoon led to the collapse of a 700-year-old tomb wall. The incident damaged three houses and buried five motorcycles under debris. In Prayagraj, floodwater entered residential areas, submerging over 1,000 houses in the Chhota Baghada locality. According to the Meteorological Department, Uttar Pradesh received 2.6 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, which is 56% below the average estimate of 5.9 mm. However, the seasonal rainfall since the beginning of the monsoon has reached 647.5 mm, nearly equal to the average of 647.3 mm, fulfilling the states rainfall quota so far.
Allahabad HC grants bail to SP leader Azam Khan in Dungarpur forced eviction case
Prayagraj, Sep 10: The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan in a case in which residents of Rampurs Dungarpur colony were allegedly evicted forcefully. Justice Sameer Jains allowed the bail in the appeal filed by senior SP leader against his conviction and 10-year sentence given by an MP/MLA court in Rampur. The high court had reserved its order on the plea filed by Khan and one contractor named Barkat Ali who has also [] The post Allahabad HC grants bail to SP leader Azam Khan in Dungarpur forced eviction case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM Modi to host Mauritius counterpart Naveenchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on September 11
LUCKNOW: PM Modi will host Mauritius PM Naveenchandra Ramgoolam in Varanasi on Thursday. Varanasi is all set to welcome the dignitaries. With Ganga continuing to flow above the danger mark and with little chance of receding soon, the dignitaries from a cruise will witness the symbolic Ganga Aarti being performed on the rooftop of buildings close to Dashaswamedh Ghat. The Mauritius PM will also visit the upper portions of the mythological ghats, as most steps and platforms are inundated. As per the Central Water Commission's report for Wednesday, the water level of the Ganga was increasing after crossing the 70.71-metre mark against the warning level of 70.26 metres. This is the third time in the past 30 days that the River Ganga has crossed the danger mark. The trend of rising water levels stopped in Prayagraj, but as it was increasing in Mirzapur, no major relief is expected in Varanasi for next two days. This will be the first occasion in the past 10 years when a special guest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Kashi but will miss the beauty and grandeur of the scenic ghats and the world-famous Ganga Aartis, due to the Ganga River overflow. PM Modi, in December 2015, had hosted the then-Japanese PM, the late Shinzo Abe in Varanasi. After him, PM Modi had also hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in March 2018 in the city. Before Ramgoolam, his predecessor, Pravind Jugnauth, had also visited Varanasi in September 2023.
18 children rescued from Seemanchal Express in suspected trafficking racket at Prayagraj Junction
LUCKNOW: Eighteen children, all victims of suspected child trafficking, were rescued from the Seemanchal Express (12487) at Prayagraj Junction on Friday in a joint operation by the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU). Acting on a tip-off, the joint teams conducted a raid on the Seemanchal Express, which was travelling from Jogbani to Anand Vihar Terminal. During the search in a general coach, 18 minors were found travelling without guardians. According to RPF Inspector Amit Kumar Meena, verification of the children was initiated, and their families were called. After counselling by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), legal action was taken, and the children were handed over to the district child line unit. It is still unclear where the children were being taken. This was the second such incident within a week. On September 2, 10 minors had been rescued from the same train and later placed in a shelter home. Eyewitnesses said the situation drew attention when the children were seen alighting one after another from the coach. On being questioned about their identities and destination, they failed to respond clearly. The joint force then removed all 18 children and handed them over to Child Line after initial verification. Officials confirmed that the children were from different districts of Bihar. Police sources revealed that they had prior intelligence about traffickers using the Seemanchal Express to transport children in large numbers. Following the alert, the joint teams launched a search at Prayagraj Junction, which led to the rescue. This is not the first case linked to this train. On September 2, 10 children had been rescued in a similar operation. At that time, they were allegedly lured away with promises of education but were actually being taken to work as child labourers. A case was registered by the GRP on September 4 in that incident. The repeated use of the Seemanchal Express for suspected trafficking has raised serious concerns among authorities. Investigating agencies are now probing whether an organised network of traffickers is systematically using the train for child trafficking. Police suspect the latest rescue is also connected to child labour and trafficking rackets.
18 Kids Rescued From Trafficking Ring On Train At Prayagraj Station
At least 18 children were rescued in a suspected human trafficking bust at Prayagraj Junction after authorities received a tip off about kids being transported on a train
MP Judge Gets Rs 500-cr Extortion Threat Via Post; Police Suspect UP Link
Letter to JMFC Mohini Bhadauria in Rewa warns of elimination if demand not met; probe underway in Prayagraj
HC grants bail to 32 people convicted in caste violence case in Agra
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to 32 people convicted in a 35-year-old caste violence case in Agra. In an order passed on August 28, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav granted bail while hearing the criminal appeal filed by convicts Jaidev and 31 others. A court in Agra had on May 28 sentenced 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 .
Bail granted to 32 people convicted in 35 yr old caste violence case in Agra
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has granted bail to 32 people convicted in a 35-year-old caste violence case in Agra. In an order passed on August 28, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav granted bail while hearing the criminal appeal filed by convicts Jaidev and 31 others. A court in Agra on May 28 sentenced the accused 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 .
Pension Of UP Man Who Was Wrongly Declared Dead In 2023 Restored
The old age pension of a 70-year-old man in Prayagraj district who was wrongly declared dead in 2023 has been restored, officials said on Tuesday.
Allahabad HC raises serious concerns over male gym trainers imparting training to women
PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court has raised serious concerns over the safety and dignity of women being trained by male trainers in gyms without adequate safeguards. Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav made the observation while hearing an appeal filed by gym trainer Nitin Saini from Meerut, who has been accused of using a caste-based slur against a woman client. The court has fixed September 8 as the next date of hearing in the case. The victim, in her statement before the trial court, also alleged that the accused had prepared obscene videos of another woman client and had been sending such obscene material to that woman. On these allegations, the high court said the alleged acts may also attract offences punishable under Sections 354 (assault to outrage modesty of a woman) and 504 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace) of IPC. In its order dated August 27, the court observed, It is a matter of serious concern that presently male gym trainers are imparting training to female clients without adequate safeguards to ensure their safety and dignity. Considering the aforesaid circumstances, the Investigating Officer of Police Station Brahmpuri, Meerut is directed to file a personal affidavit indicating that whether the gym operated by the appellant was duly registered under the law. Whether the appellant has been arrested in connection with the present case or not, and whether in the gym, trainers are female or not, the court said.
Allahabad HC to hear Rahul Gandhis petition on Sept 3
PRAYAGRAJ, Sept 1: The Allahabad High Court on Monday fixed September 3 as the next date of hearing on a petition filed by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi who has approached the court against an order of a Varanasi judge. The Special Judge MP-MLA in Varanasi had remanded the matter to the ACJM court seeking registration of an FIR against Gandhi on his 2024 statement on Sikhs in America. On the request of counsel for complainant Nageshwar Mishra, Justice Sameer [] The post Allahabad HC to hear Rahul Gandhis petition on Sept 3 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
12 Jyotirlingas Mahakal Ganesh Idol Turns Cynosure of All eyes in Telugu States
The artisan got the idea of making Mahakal Ganesh while visiting Prayagraj to attend Maha Kumbh Mela
Ayushmann Khurrana-Sara Ali Khan film crew member attacked in Prayagraj, FIR filed
The incident occurred during a shoot on Thornhill Road in the Civil Lines area. Police have registered an FIR and arrested the main accused.
Woman Accuses Cop Of Misbehaviour On Train, His I Will Lose Job Apology
A railway police constable has been suspended after a woman passenger alleged that he misbehaved with her while she was asleep on Prayagraj Express.
She completed her early education at St. Mary's Convent School, Prayagraj, where she secured 96 per cent marks in the 10th board exam and 98.25 per cent in the 12th exam. She cracked UPSC exam at the age of 22 and became India's of the youngest IAS officer. Let's know more about her UPSC journey.
UP CM Yogi calls for accessible, speedy judiciary as key to good governance
LUCKNOW: The dream and vision of good governance and a developed Uttar Pradesh can be realised only with a smooth, quick, and accessible judiciary in the state, said UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing the 42nd session of the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Service Association here on Saturday. The CM described the judiciary as the protector of good governance and reiterated his governments commitment to strengthening it. Calling the conference the Mahakumbh of Judicial Officers, which reflected unity, mutual cooperation, and professional excellence, CM Yogi announced a Rs 50-crore corpus fund for the Judicial Service Association, in addition to the Rs 10-crore fund created in 2018. He welcomed judges, retired judges, and judicial officers from across the state, saying the convention symbolised the collective strength and efficiency of the judiciary. Underscoring the fact that UP has the countrys largest High Court, with benches in Prayagraj and Lucknow, Yogi praised the 102-year-old Judicial Service Association for its contribution to social evolution and expressed confidence that judicial officers would continue to set new benchmarks of unity and efficiency. Underlining the significance of timely and affordable justice, the CM claimed that 72 lakh cases were disposed of in district and trial courts in 2024. However, with over 1.15 crore cases still pending, he acknowledged the challenge, stressing that the faster the pace of disposal of pending cases, the stronger would be the public confidence in the judiciary. He assured, The government is ready to cooperate at every level. Referring to the new criminal lawsthe Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Defence Code, and Indian Evidence Actimplemented from 1 July 2024, the CM praised judicial officers for their swift adaptation. He said the new framework focused on a robust justice delivery system rather than punishment and would prove a milestone in strengthening both the judiciary and democracy. The Chief Minister detailed the governments initiatives to strengthen the judicial system, highlighting major allocations for infrastructure and facilities. He said the government had sanctioned extensive funds for the High Court, including Rs 62.41 crore for residences of Justices in Prayagraj, Rs 117 crore for the Lucknow Bench, and Rs 99 crore for officers and staff housing. In-principle approval was also given for 896 residential units in Prayagraj, along with 112.06 crore for a commercial block and 44.91 crore for the preservation of the Allahabad High Courts heritage building. Moreover, 1,645 crore was sanctioned for setting up integrated court complexes in 10 districts, with work already underway in six. These complexes will house district courts, family courts, commercial courts, and motor accident claim tribunals under one roof, said the CM. Reaffirming the governments zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and children, the CM said that 381 POCSO and fast-track courts were established. To further strengthen judicial infrastructure, funds of 148 crore in 202324, 239 crore in 202425, and over 75 crore in 202526 were released with central support for the construction of courtrooms and residential facilities. The CM said Uttar Pradesh had fully implemented the Second National Judicial Pay Commission, sanctioning 1,092.37 crore for the purpose. For judicial training and welfare, allocations included 54.28 crore for a 400-bed hostel, 14.22 crore for a sports complex, and additional funds for lecture halls, an auditorium, and administrative buildings at the Judicial Training and Research Institute in Lucknow. He added that over 387 crore has been sanctioned for Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj, while 110 Gram Nyayalayas were made functional across the state. Emphasising the ongoing modernisation process, CM Yogi said work was underway on an interoperable criminal justice system integrating e-courts, e-policing, e-prisons, e-prosecution, and e-forensics. The use of data analytics and AI would help reduce pendency and accelerate the justice delivery system. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Arun Bhansali, Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Justice Rajan Rai, Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan, senior office-bearers of the Judicial Service Association, retired judges, and judicial officers from across the state.
Cop Suspended Over Molestation Of Female Passenger On Delhi-Bound Train
PRAYAGRAJ (UP), Aug 23: A Government Railway Police (GRP) constable accused of molesting a female passenger on a train has been suspended, an officer said on Saturday. The suspension came after a video posted on social media purportedly showed a woman being molested by Constable Ashish Gupta, Superintendent of Police (GRP) Prashant Verma said. The train was bound for Delhi coming from Prayagraj, he said. The woman is yet to make a formal complaint, the officer siad. (Agencies) The post Cop Suspended Over Molestation Of Female Passenger On Delhi-Bound Train appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bengaluru stadium stampede: Chief Minister blames police, mass hysteria; refuses to apologise
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lists over a dozen stampedes in BJP-ruled States from 2008 to 2025 and said 39 people died during the Kumbh Mela stampede alone at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh this January
'20 Stampedes Happened In BJP-Ruled States': Siddaramaiah On Chinnaswamy Stadium Tragedy
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recalled the Prayagraj stampede during the Kumbh Mela in January this year that took 39 lives and asked if CM Yogi resigned after that.
Karnataka Assembly session: CM Siddaramaiah recalls 20 stampedes that happened in BJP-ruled states
The Karnataka CM spoke about the Prayagraj stampede during Kumbh Mela in January this year as well as the Gujarat Morbi bridge collapse in 2022.
Watch: Alexander Isak Given 'Digital Snan' Amid Liverpool Transfer Saga, Video Viral
The Newcastle United striker was given a digital snan (virtual dip) in the holy water on Sangam in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj.
The Ministry of Railways announced a milestone in green energy innovation. It has commissioned India's first removable solar panel system installed between railway tracks in THIS UP city.
Abbas Ansaris hate speech conviction quashed, assembly seat to be restored
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday quashed the conviction of Mukhtar Ansaris son Abbas Ansari in a 2022 hate speech case. Justice Samir Jain set aside a special MP MLA court order sentencing him to two years rigorous imprisonment. The special court in Mau convicted Abbas and sentenced him to two years imprisonment 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 .
Maha Kumbh's success is testimony to strength of India: PM Modi in I-day speech
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Independence Day address from Red Fort, lauded the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj as a vibrant display of India's strength. He highlighted the gathering of crores of people with shared purpose, calling it a wonder for the world. Modi emphasized that the successful organization of Maha Kumbh demonstrates India's capabilities and rich cultural heritage.
Akhilesh Yadav Sacks SP MLA Pooja Pal After Hailing UP CM Adityanath For Delivering Justice
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on August 14 expelled Prayagraj (West) MLA Pooja Pal the widow of slain BSP MLA Raju Pal just hours after she publicly thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for delivering justice in her husbands high-profile murder case Read more at: https://organiser.org/2025/08/14/308154/bharat/sp-mla-pooja-pal-faces-brunt-of-hailing-up-cm-adityanath-for-justice-in-husbands-murder-case-akhilesh-yadav-sacks-her/ The post Akhilesh Yadav Sacks SP MLA Pooja Pal After Hailing UP CM Adityanath For Delivering Justice appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day observed by ABVP in Kerala college, leads to clashes with SFI
ABVP observes the day by putting up posters about it at a government college in Kasaragod, following which SFI activists turn up in bigger numbers to oppose it. SFI burns effigy of Governor Rajendra Arlekar
The Samajwadi Party on Thursday expelled MLA Pooja Pal for anti-party activities and indiscipline, days after she praised Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath for his zero-tolerance policy against crime and the resulting improvement in the states law and order. The development came hours after Pooja thanked the Chief Minister for listening to her when no one else did over her husband's murder. Pooja Pal, whose husband Raju Pal was shot dead by Atiq Ahmed and his associate, had thanked Yogi Adityanath for zero-tolerance policy against crime that improved law and order in the state. The expulsion sparked a political uproar, with the ruling BJP accusing the opposition of being anti-Dalit. In a statement in Hindi, Mr. Yadav said Pooja Pal is no longer allowed to attend any party programmes and will not be invited to them in the future. The SP MLA had said that the UP CM gave her justice by bringing in policies like zero tolerance that led to the killing of criminals like Atiq Ahmed. Speaking at the UP Assembly during the 24-hour marathon discussion on 'Vision Document 2047,' Pooja Pal said, Everyone knows who murdered my husband (Raju Pal). I want to thank the Chief Minister for bringing me justice and hearing me when nobody else did. The CM gave justice to many other women like me in Prayagraj by bringing in policies like zero tolerance that led to the killing of criminals like Atiq Ahmed. Today, the entire state looks at the CM with trust, she said. VIDEO | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: During the 24-hour 'Vision 2047' debate in the state Assembly, Samajwadi Party MLA Pooja Pal praised CM Yogi Adityanath for 'zero tolerance against crime' policy. I want to thank the honourable CM for providing justice to me. I want to thank the pic.twitter.com/dxh3VOd2VL Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 14, 2025 Praising CM Yogi, she said, Mere pati ke hatyare Atiq Ahmed ko Mukhya Mantri ne mitti mein milaane ka kaam kiya' (The Chief Minister has buried my husband's murderer Atiq Ahmed. She further added, I raised my voice when I saw that no one wanted to fight against criminals like Atiq Ahmed. When I started getting exhausted with this fight, CM Yogi Adityanath gave me justice. BSP MLA Rahu Pal was shot dead in Prayagraj in 2005, days after his wedding with Pooja Pal. In February 2023, Umesh Pal, a key witness to the murder, was shot dead in Prayagraj's Sulem Saray area. Several rounds were fired, and bombs were hurled at Umesh and his gunners. Atiq Ahmad and his brother Ashraf Ahmad were the prime accused and were arrested by the police. On April 15, 2023, they were shot dead by men posing as press persons on the night of April 15 while being taken for a medical examination in Prayagraj. Criticising the SP over Pooja Pals expulsion, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the party had exposed its anti-Dalit mindset. He said Pooja Pal was removed despite praising the state governments efforts to curb crime, alleging that the SP treats Atiq Ahmed as a vote bank. For them, PDA means parivarak department and alliance, not Pichde, Dalits and Alpsankhyak, he added. (With inputs from ANI)
This Prayagraj BSP MLA Was Chased, Shot Dead In 2005. Here's Why His Wife Thanked CM Yogi
In the bypoll in 2002, Raju Pal defeated Khalid Azim by just 4,818 votes, delivering a major setback to the Atiq Ahmed family, which had held the seat unchallenged since 1989
Woman, toddler among 4 killed in two accidents
Jammu Tawi, Aug 13 : Four persons, including two students and a woman and her two-year-old son, were killed in two separate road accidents in Samba and Rajouri districts, officials said on Wednesday. Sunny Kumar (19) from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and Joginder Kumar (19) from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, both Class-12 students, were killed on the spot [] The post Woman, toddler among 4 killed in two accidents appeared first on Northlines .
Communal flareup in Fatehpur as Hindu groups vandalise historical tomb
LUCKNOW: Fatehpur district in central Uttar Pradesh came to the brink of communal conflagration on Monday when members of some Hindu organisations vandalised a tomb in Abu Nagar, Rediya locality of Sadar tehsil, claiming that the structure was built on a temple bringing both the communities face-to-face. However, the district administration rushed with the deployment of heavy police and PAC contingents across the area, erecting barricades around the disputed site to prevent further flare-ups. As per local sources, at around 10 on Monday morning, over 2,000 people belonging to various Hindu outfits thronged the tomb on the premises of Eidgah, where the police were deployed in advance. The controversy centred around the structure, officially registered under Khasra number 753 in government records as Maqbara Mangi (National Property). It became a flashpoint after members of the Math Mandir Sanrakshan Sangharsh Samiti, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Mahasabha and other groups, declared it to be a temple dedicated to Thakurji (Lord Krsihna) and Lord Shiva, allegedly over a thousand years old. A massive crowd with people carrying saffron flags, chanting 'Jai Shree Ram' surrounded the tomb. The sources claimed that the members of the Math Mandir Sangharsh Samiti had given a memorandum to Fatehpur District Magistrate Ravindra Singh on Friday, claiming that the said tomb was originally a temple. They had demanded the administration to remove the tomb while announcing that they would perform a puja on the site on August 11. Following their demands, the district administration had deployed the forces in advance. The controversy erupted after the district president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mukhlal Pal, who was at the forefront of the movement, alleged that the tomb of Nawab Abdus Samad was not a tomb but over a thousand-year-old temple of Thakur ji and Lord Shiva, citing the presence of a lotus flower and a trident within the structure as evidence. Following the claim, members of Hindu organisations entered the tomb premises and vandalised the area outside the mausoleum. The sources said that the members of the Hindu group had plans to perform a pooja at the site, escalating the situation further. Even some of the trouble makers took to the roof of the tomb and put a saffron flag over there. The form of our temple has been converted into a mosque. We Sanatan Hindus will not tolerate this. There are clear signs like lotus flowers and tridents. We will offer prayers at the temple at any cost, Mukhlal Pal said while calling upon Sanatanis to gather at Puri Thakur Dak Bungalow at 9 am on Monday to march and perform pooja. He claimed that the state government was warned that if prevented from worshipping, it would be held responsible. We are peaceful people, but if we have to fight for our religion, we are ready in every way, he added. Police force from 10 police stations was called in to disperse the members of both communities. Fatehpur District Co-convenor of Bajrang Dal, Dharmendra Singh, also vowed to perform puja at the tomb, saying, We will offer prayers here at noon. The administration will not be able to stop us. Virendra Pandey, State Vice President of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), also claimed the site to be a temple of Lord Bholenath and Shri Krishna. The structure is not a tomb. There are religious symbols, Parikrama Marg, and a temple well. We want to clean it for Janmashtami celebrations on August 16. We had informed the administration 10 days ago, but they are not taking it seriously, Pandey said. He called the site a central place of faith for Hindus and vowed to reclaim it. Meanwhile, local sources also claimed that a group of around 300 Hindu group activists even entered the tomb and started puja, after which they did the Shankhnaad. In the meantime, a group of over 1500 members from the other community also thronged the site, further escalating the situation as both the communities indulged in heavy stone pelting. The sources added that initially, the district police authorities tried to placate both the communities, but when they failed, they applied force to ward off the troublemakers. Eventually, police force from 10 police stations was called in to disperse the members of both communities. Taking note of the situation, the district administration imposed strict security measures with police forces patrolling around. The administration continued to maintain that the land was recorded as a national property tomb, and officials, including ADG Prayagraj zone Sanjeev Gupta, reached the site to keep a vigil on the situation. The police flag march was conducted in the area, and the ADG ordered to deploy drone to monitor the situation closely to prevent escalation. Half a dozen ASPs of the adjoining districts like Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur, Kaushambi, Pratapgarh and Kanpur Dehat were rushed to the site. UP deputy CM Brajesh pathak said, We will maintain law and order in Fatehpur at any cost. No one is allowed to break the law. According to Fatehpur SP Anoop Singh, the police force was deployed around the site in advance, but some troublemakers still managed to enter the tomb and were driven away. Now only police personnel are present on the site and the saffron flag has also been removed, he added. Meanwhile, the members of the Hindu organisations blocked traffic at Daak Bangla crossing, which is around 500 metres from the tomb and started doing Hanuman Chalisa on the road. The Shahar Qazi, Saidul Islam Abdullah, urged the members of the Muslim community to maintain peace. He claimed that a few troublemakers were trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the city but the Muslims would have to let the administration do its duty.
Ganja Worth Rs 6.3 Lakh Found Stashed Away In AC Coach Of Delhi-Howrah Rajdhani Express
The youths said a person named Sanjay from Odisha, gave them the trolley bags to deliver to one Ramkumar in Prayagraj while travelling on the HowrahNew Delhi Rajdhani Express
Wanted Jharkhand gangster neutralised by UP STF in Prayagraj
LUCKNOW: A dreaded gangster, Ashish Ranjan alias Chhotu Singh, was neutralised in an early morning operation by the UP Special Task Force in Prayagraj on Thursday. Hailing from Dhanbad in Jharkhand, the criminal was eliminated near Shivrajpur crossing under the Shankargarh police station area. The gangster, who carried a reward of Rs 4 lakh on his arrest, was killed when he opened fire with an AK-47 rifle and a 9 mm pistol at the STF sleuths, prompting a retaliation by them. In the action, the criminal was critically injured and later declared dead. According to ADG (law and order) Amitabh Yash, the STF rounded up the criminal following a tip-off that he was on his way to Prayagraj to execute a major criminal offence with an accomplice. Consequently, the STF team laid a trap near Shivrajpur. On being intercepted by the UP STF, the criminal fired at the police party comprising JP Rai, Prabhanjan and Rohit, who narrowly escaped his bullet shots, said the ADG. He added that the STF retaliated, injuring Ashish Ranjan who was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died during the treatment. From the spot of encounter, the STF recovered a loaded AK-47, a 9 mm pistol, huge cache of live cartridges, and a motorbike. As per the police authorities, Ashish Ranjan was wanted in at least four high-profile murder cases, including that of gangster Aman Singh. The police authorities said that Ashish, with a long criminal history, had been the prime accused in the murder of a police informer in Dhanbad, a coal trader Neeraj Tiwari in Katras and a land dealer Sarful Haan alias Lala Khan in Wasseypur, besides the murder of Ranjit Sahu in Jharia. Ashish had been on bail, with the Jharkhand police and CID both after him. Meanwhile, a case under multiple sections, including attempt to murder and under the Arms Act, has been lodged, and further probe is underway, said the officer.
Jharkhand Gangster Ashish Ranjan Killed In Prayagraj Encounter By UP STF, AK-47 Seized
Ashish Ranjan fired at the STF with an AK-47 and a 9mm pistol. In retaliation, he was killed. Police recovered both weapons, 36 rounds of ammo, and a motorcycle from the spot
Delhi: Yamuna crosses warning mark after heavy monsoon rainfall
The Yamuna River in Delhi has surpassed the warning level due to persistent monsoon rains, causing concern as river levels rise across northern India. Uttar Pradesh faces flooding in Prayagraj, while the Ganga River in Varanasi nears the danger mark, prompting a ban on boats. Himachal Pradesh reports significant monsoon-related casualties and economic losses.
Maa Ganga At My Doorstep: UP Cop Becomes Internet Sensation For Worshipping Floodwater In Prayagraj
Amid flood-like conditions in parts of Uttar Pradesh, a police officer in Prayagraj has become a viral sensation after sharing videos of himself embracing the Ganga - even as it inundated his home.
Why Was Agra Chosen For Taj Mahal? Why Doesn't Yamuna Flood This Shah Jahan-Built Monument?
While the Yamuna River has been swelling in parts of Uttar Pradesh flooding areas like Ghaziabad and Prayagraj, the Taj Mahal in Agra seems to remain protected.
Shahi Idgah dispute: Application in HC against its order on representative suit
Prayagraj: An application has been filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking quashing of the recent order declaring Suit No 17 filed on behalf of Lord Krishna Virajman as representative suit of all Hindu parties in the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Idgah dispute of Mathura. The petition filed on behalf of Kaushal Kishore Thakur 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 floods: Over 25 ghats submerged; families wait endlessly to cremate bodies of loved ones
LUCKNOW: The flood situation in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi has disrupted the daily life of people, who now rely on boats for commutation. The most painful is that people are facing a lot of difficulty in performing the last rites of the deceased. People have to now wait for 4-5 hours to perform the last rites of their dear ones who left for heavenly abode. At least there is a wait of 4-5 hours for a body to be cremated as all the cremation grounds have submerged and the last rites are now being conducted at the electric crematorium where serpentine queues could be seen, said a source of Prayagraj district administration. The flood situation in Prayagraj is worsening by the day, with both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers flowing above the danger mark. More than 25 ghats of the Ganga-Yamuna have completely submerged including the cremation grounds located at Rasulabad, Daraganj, and Phaphamau. As a result, crowds of mourners with bodies for last rites are gathering at the electric crematorium. Until two days ago, only about five bodies were arriving daily, but now the number has surged to 2530 cremations per day. A similar situation prevails at the Phaphamau Ghat electric crematorium. Under normal circumstances, last rites are performed beneath the Shastri Bridge in Daraganj. However, with the entire ghat submerged, cremations are now taking place on the road near the dam, where families must wait for hours for their turn. Currently, around six to seven pyres burn simultaneously at the site. With such overwhelming demand, many families arriving from Prayagraj and nearby districts for last rites are being turned away from the ghats. Those who make it to the electric crematorium face hours-long waits in queue. Meanwhile, the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj continue to flow above the danger mark, exacerbating the crisis.
Over 25 ghats submerged; families wait endlessly to cremate bodies of loved ones in UP's Prayagraj
LUCKNOW: The flood situation in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi has disrupted the daily life of people, who now rely on boats for commutation. The most painful is that people are facing a lot of difficulty in performing the last rites of the deceased. People have to now wait for 4-5 hours to perform the last rites of their dear ones who left for heavenly abode. At least there is a wait of 4-5 hours for a body to be cremated as all the cremation grounds have submerged and the last rites are now being conducted at the electric crematorium where serpentine queues could be seen, said a source of Prayagraj district administration. The flood situation in Prayagraj is worsening by the day, with both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers flowing above the danger mark. More than 25 ghats of the Ganga-Yamuna have completely submerged including the cremation grounds located at Rasulabad, Daraganj, and Phaphamau. As a result, crowds of mourners with bodies for last rites are gathering at the electric crematorium. Until two days ago, only about five bodies were arriving daily, but now the number has surged to 2530 cremations per day. A similar situation prevails at the Phaphamau Ghat electric crematorium. Under normal circumstances, last rites are performed beneath the Shastri Bridge in Daraganj. However, with the entire ghat submerged, cremations are now taking place on the road near the dam, where families must wait for hours for their turn. Currently, around six to seven pyres burn simultaneously at the site. With such overwhelming demand, many families arriving from Prayagraj and nearby districts for last rites are being turned away from the ghats. Those who make it to the electric crematorium face hours-long waits in queue. Meanwhile, the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj continue to flow above the danger mark, exacerbating the crisis.
BJP government in UP fundamentally against education, democratic rights: Akhilesh Yadav
LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, accusing it of being fundamentally against education and democratic rights. Addressing the media at the Janeshwar Mishra Park here, Yadav criticised the state government's recent actions targeting the SP's 'PDA Pathshala' campaign, where volunteers have been conducting informal classes in areas where primary schools were recently shut or merged. Calling the BJP he biggest mafia for being against education, Yadav said even the British never filed FIRs for running educational initiatives. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also condemned the filing of police cases against PDA Pathshala volunteers and asserted that such classes would continue until the government reopens the shut schools and appoints teachers and principals. This is not going to stop because of police threats, Yadav said. He demanded the complete rollback of the school merger plan and the immediate reopening of closed primary schools. Yadav pointed out that when the Samajwadi Party was in power, it set up new schools and launched innovative education models, including cultural schools in the state capital. He accused the BJP of failing to support or sustain the initiative. Citing the recent roof collapse incident at a school in the chief minister's home district that left students injured, Yadav said the poor condition of schools highlights the government's neglect. The SP leader also targeted the state's Panchayati Raj Department for allegedly issuing a controversial letter that selectively focused on specific castes and communities. He called it unconstitutional and said the party would take the matter to court. If any illegality is committed, action must be taken, but targeting people based on caste or religion is against the Constitution, he added, urging the judiciary to take suo motu notice. The directive referred to by Yadav has already been withdrawn, and the joint director concerned of the department who issued it has been suspended with immediate effect from Monday. Meanwhile, Yadav claimed the BJP has no real achievements to show the public, and it instead resorts to false cases and arrests. He alleged that the BJP was attempting to appropriate the SP's legacy by putting up its own signboards at the entrance of the Janeshwar Mishra Park -- a public space developed under the previous SP government -- and said the current administration had allowed the park to fall into neglect. On the recent political developments, Yadav reiterated his support for the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) alliance, stating that attempts to suppress it would only strengthen its resolve. He also accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from real issues such as inflation, unemployment, corruption, and flood devastation. Yadav alleged that instead of providing relief, the government was distributing stale food to flood victims in Prayagraj, while many areas lacked clean water, toilets, and medical facilities. Rs 20,000 crore has been spent, but homes remain submerged, he said, pointing to similar situations in Varanasi and Gorakhpur, both cities that received heavy Smart City funding. He accused the BJP leaders of illegally grabbing land in cities like Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Varanasi, including wetlands and ponds, and challenged the media to examine land registry records to expose the extent of the encroachments. Yadav also raised concerns about the alleged tampering with voter rolls under the pretext of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign in poll-bound Bihar. He said the Samajwadi Party had submitted affidavits to the Election Commission about 18,000 missing voters who had voted in 2019 but found their names deleted in 2022. Despite this, he said, no explanation or action had been taken by the commission. Calling the BJP's claims about foreign investments and economic growth hollow, Yadav said the ruling party only pays lip service to swadeshi values while embracing foreign interests in practice. They don't even understand what the economy is, he said, criticising the state and central governments for failing to address the growing economic distress in the country.
Watch: Sydney Sweeney Given 'Digital Snan' At Sangam, Video Viral
Noted Hollywood actress, Sydney Sweney, has been given a 'digital snan' in the holy waters of Prayagraj's Sangam.
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.
Submerged In Floodwater Till Neck, UP Parents Carry Baby Overheard To Safety | Video
Heavy rainfall has resulted in floods in several parts of Prayagraj, where a couple was seen carrying their baby overhead to safety.
UP Cop, Who Worshipped Floodwaters At Doorstep, Now Dives Into 'Ganga Maiyya' | Video
Prayagraj police officer, who went viral for worshipping the floodwaters on his doorstep, and now dived into floodwaters from his first-floor window. A video of the same is viral.
Failed UP government focused on events, not flood relief: Akhilesh Yadav slams BJP
LUCKNOW: Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Monday criticised the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over the worsening flood situation, alleging that the corrupt and failed administration is more invested in event management than in public welfare. In a post on X, the former chief minister questioned why a government capable of organising super VVIP rallies was unable to conduct proper relief and rescue operations in flood-affected areas. As of Sunday, official data showed that floods had affected 402 villages across 37 tehsils, impacting 84,392 people. Seventeen districts, including Kanpur Nagar, Lakhimpur Kheri, Agra, Auraiya, Chitrakoot, Ballia, and Varanasi, were reported to be severely affected. There is a terrifying situation not just in Prayagraj but across the entire state due to floods, Yadav said. People are facing acute shortages of food and drinking water. Sanitation has collapsed, forcing many to live in inhuman conditions. He added that children, pregnant women, and the elderly are struggling to access healthcare due to disrupted medical services. People are scared of rats, poisonous insects, and the threat of electric shocks. Homes are collapsing, belongings have been washed away, and many are left without even a change of clothes, Yadav claimed. He alleged that the administration is missing from the ground while the government is usy with self-promotion and photo-ops. The SP leader also highlighted the loss of critical documents such as ID cards, ration cards, bank papers, and educational certificates, and said vehicles and livelihoods had been destroyed. Yadav expressed concern about the outbreak of water-borne diseases, disruption in childrens education, and the inability of families to conduct last rites due to submerged cremation grounds. In Varanasi, the Ganga river crossed the danger mark on Monday, flooding ghats and forcing authorities to shift cremations and other religious rituals to rooftops and elevated platforms. According to the Central Water Commission, the river was flowing at 72.1 metres, well above the danger level of 71.262 metres. Calling for a detailed response from the BJP government, Yadav said: The public is living in fear and uncertainty. The images of devastation lay bare the hollow claims of development and smart cities. People are angry. Relief will come only when the BJP goes.
Several areas of Varanasi flooded as Ganga overflows
Varanasi is grappling with severe flooding due to incessant heavy rainfall and the rising Ganga River, prompting a ban on boats. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has deployed a ministerial team to oversee relief operations in affected districts, ensuring timely aid and monitoring. Prayagraj is also facing a similar flood situation due to heavy rainfall and river overflow.
An Uttar Pradesh police officer, Chandradeep Nishad, garnered attention for worshipping floodwater that entered his Prayagraj home, viewing it as a blessing from the Ganga. His videos of offering prayers and swimming in the water went viral, sparking mixed reactions. While some praised his devotion, others criticized the state's flood preparedness amidst forecasts of increased rainfall across Uttar Pradesh.
A Prayagraj police officer, Chandradeep Nishad, was captured on video worshipping floodwater outside his home, as monsoon rains intensify across northern India. Nishad, seen offering milk and flowers to the water he calls Mother Ganga, shared the video on Instagram.
Badri Narayan Tiwari appointed Vice-Chancellor of TISS
Professor Tiwari, former head of the Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute in Prayagraj, is the first V-C to be appointed by the Ministry of Education under its new regulations
