Prime accused involved in brutal killing of farmer in MP's Guna district arrested

BHOPAL:More than 50 hours after the brutal killing of a middle-aged farmer and assault of his two daughters in Guna district, the Madhya Pradesh Police arrested the prime accused, an expelled BJP leader, Mahendra Nagar, and his two close relatives on Tuesday evening. Mahendra Nagar, Harish, and Jitendra Nagar were arrested hours after the declaration of a bounty of Rs 10,000 each on the arrest of 13 absconding accused. Confirming the three fresh arrests in the case, a senior MP police officer told TNIE that with the recent arrests, the total arrests now stand at 4, which also include Mahendras brother, Hukum Singh. The 10 other accused on the run include Mahendras wife and two sons, besides two other female members of the extended family. Meanwhile, the local administration also freed large tracts of forest land encroached by Nagar and aides in multiple villages of the Fatehgarh police station area of Guna district on Tuesday. Farmer brutally murdered, daughters assaulted by BJP leader in MP's Guna over land dispute Earlier, on Monday evening, the ruling BJPs Guna district unit chief, Dharmendra Sikarwar, had expelled Mahendra Nagar from the party following the Sunday afternoons barbaric incident. On Sunday afternoon, horrific savagery had unfolded in Ganeshpura village of Guna district, when the BJPs local booth committee chief, Mahendra Nagar, along with relatives and aides, brutally murdered middle-aged farmer Ramswaroop Dhakad over a dispute about six bighas of land in adjoining Baran district of Rajasthan. Mahendra, along with aides, broke the limbs of the farmer before running an MUV and a tractor over him. To ensure that he didnt survive, the gun-wielding men accompanying the BJP leader didnt allow the villagers to take Ramswaroop to the hospital. When Ramswaroops two teenage daughters (aged 16 and 17 years) tried to save their father, Mahendra and aides assaulted them, tore their clothes, and even opened fire while being seated over them to scare villagers away. A critically wounded Ramswaroop died later at the Guna district hospital. Mahendra Nagar already faces five criminal cases, including rape, loot, and forgery. Not only had Mahendra Nagar encroached forest land and forced villagers to sell their lands to him at throwaway prices, but had even illegally erected electric poles to supply electricity from Guna district of MP to neighbouring Rajasthan. The poles were removed by the local administration on Tuesday.

Farmer brutally murdered, daughters assaulted by BJP leader in MP's Guna over land dispute

BHOPAL: In a horrific incident on Sunday, a 40-year-old farmer was brutally beaten to death, allegedly by local BJP leader Mahendra Nagar and his aides in Ganeshpura village of Madhya Pradesh's Guna district. The farmer, identified as Ramswaroop Dhakad, was first mercilessly beaten with sticks and rods and was then allegedly run over by an MUV on Sunday afternoon. The brutality, reportedly linked to a dispute over six bighas of land in the adjoining Baran district of Rajasthan, did not end there. The accused men, armed with guns, allegedly prevented anyone in the village from taking the gravely injured farmer to the hospital for nearly an hour, ensuring his death. While villagers remained silent spectators out of fear of the gun-toting men accompanying Nagar, the farmer's daughters, who rushed to save him, were also assaulted and humiliated. When I went to save my father, they pushed me down, sat on me, tore my clothes, and fired shots to scare us. My mother and father were going to the fields when Mahendra, Harish, and Gautam attacked them. Then they ran over my father with the Thar. He screamed, but no one dared to help, as the attackers were armed with guns, recounted the murdered farmers daughter. According to locals, Mahendra Nagar the BJPs local booth committee chief and a former office-bearer of the party's farmers wing in Guna district has long run a reign of terror in Ganeshpura village under the Fatehgarh police station area. He has been grabbing land for years. At least 25 farmers have sold their land at throwaway prices and left the village. Those who dared to resist were either assaulted or driven out. Ramswaroop refused to surrender to Nagars terror and held on to his ten bighas of land in Ganeshpura, while his relatives lived in the adjoining Pachlavada village in Rajasthan. That defiance finally cost him his life, a villager said on condition of anonymity. Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOPBamori) Vivek Asthana confirmed the incident and said a long-running land feud between the deceased farmer and a relative of the local BJP leader was the motive behind the brutal murder. Ramswaroop Dhakad had a dispute with Kanhaiya Nagar over six bighas of land in adjoining Rajasthan. Kanhaiya, a resident of Pachlavada, is a relative of Mahendra. It was this long-running land feud that actually triggered Sundays incident. Mahendra, Kanhaiya, and 1314 others, including some women, attacked Ramswaroop. He sustained multiple fractures all over his body. His daughters, too were assaulted. All of them were taken to the Guna district hospital, but doctors could not save Ramswaroop, Asthana said. A case has been registered against 14 persons, including Mahendra Nagar, his sons Nitesh and Devendra, wife Kamlesh Bai Nagar, nephew Jitendra, and two other women from the Nagar family, under multiple BNS sections related to murder, criminal conspiracy, assault, and outraging the modesty of women. One of the accused, Hukum Singh, Mahendras elder brother, has been arrested, while raids are underway to nab the absconding accused. Meanwhile, Guna district BJP president Dharmendra Sikarwar, while confirming Nagars association with the party, has sought his immediate expulsion. Mahendra Nagar is a party worker and the local booth chief. We have written to senior party leaders seeking his immediate removal, Sikarwar said. According to informed sources, Mahendra Nagar was among the Congress workers who joined the BJP in 2020, after Jyotiraditya Scindia and 22 loyalist MLAs quit the party, toppling the Kamal Nath-led government. Guna is one of three districts in the Gwalior-Chambal region that make up the Guna Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Arts and Crafts Village to host Int'l Dance Fest

Next week, the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Kovalam will turn into a shared stage for artists around the globe. The International Dance Festival 2025, held anually at the ven ue, will bring together perform-ances that range from the tradi tional to contemporary, all within two days. The first evening begins at 7pm on November 1 with Rahul and Soethu's Bachata, a style of social dance from the Domini can Republic that originated in the 1960s. The mood then shifts to classical as Bidya Biswajeeta performs Odissi at 7.15 pm, pre-senting the distinct vocabulary and expression of one of In-din's oldest art forms. At 8.15 pm, Devika Sajeevan presents Manasikara, a dance-theatre work in Bharatanatyam that explores how gender con ditioning shapes a woman's thoughts and choices. The night concludes with Bijula Balakrishnan's Maadhava Ras namrutham at 9.15pm, a Kuch-ipudi production. The second evening, on No vember 2, begins with the high-light performance of the festi-val, where Italian dancer Lucrezia Maniscotti will present Bharatanatyam at 7pm. It will be followed by Soumya Sukumaran, who performs Panchami at 7.45pm, a Mohini yattam production that nar rates the inspiring life and struggles of social reformer Ayyankali At 11.30 pm, the College of Music will present a group dance production that high lights collaborative creativity The festival will conclude with a performance by mother daughter duo Sowbhagya Venk-itesh dancer and social me dia influencer and daughter Thara Kalyan. According to Akshay MP from the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village marketing department, the event is designed to bring together contrasting yet con-nected traditions. Different dance practices being intro-duced here and having them experience our culture is the main airn, he says. It's about cultural confluence a place where audiences can experi ence different art forms. This year's festival received around 500 entries, from which an expert panel selected the fi nal participants. Al Akshay adds that the organisers tried to en sure younger dancers also find space in the line-up We wanted to give more chances to upcoming perform ers and present works that go beyond what we usually see in dance festivals, he explains. The organisers expect a turn out of over 1,000 visitors for each performance during the two days. Entry to the festival does not require a separate pass; visi-tors can access the perform ances with the 100 ticket that allows admission to the crafts village. Alongside the dance events, audiences can explore the 31 craft studios within the com plex, where artisans work live, and spend time at the on-site restaurant between shows.

Pilgrimage to Khatu Shyam Ji: A Journey Beyond Distance

Omkar Dattatray It was Thursday, the 16th of October, 2025, when I, along with my better half, Smt. Meena Bhat Koul, embarked on a memorable spiritual journey to the sacred land of Khatu Shyam Ji in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. This pilgrimage had been on our minds for quite some time, and the [] The post Pilgrimage to Khatu Shyam Ji: A Journey Beyond Distance appeared first on Northlines .

Winter Chill Returns to Rajasthan Nights, Sikar Coldest at 13.7C

Jaipur, October 15 (Daily Kiran): The nip of winter has arrived early in Rajasthan, with night temperatures dipping below 20C across most parts of the state by mid-October. The Shekhawati region, in particular, witnessed a noticeable drop, recording night temperatures below 14C, giving residents the first feel of winter. Sikar emerged as the coldest location ... Read more Winter Chill Returns to Rajasthan Nights, Sikar Coldest at 13.7C

Sikar Records Seasons Coldest Night as Temperature Dips Below 15C

Jaipur, October 14 (Daily Kiran): The winter chill is beginning to make its presence felt across Rajasthan. For the first time this season, Sikar recorded a minimum temperature below 15 degrees Celsius, marking the coldest night so far. According to the Meteorological Department, Sikars night temperature dropped to 13.7C, making it the coldest in the ... Read more Sikar Records Seasons Coldest Night as Temperature Dips Below 15C

Rajasthan SHOCKER: Five family members, including 4 children, found dead in Sikar; suicide by consuming poison suspected

Five members of a family, including a woman and her four children, were found dead in a residential flat in Rajasthan's Sikar district. Police officials have not yet disclosed the cause of death.

38 Wagons Derail on Rajasthan Freight Corridor After Bull Strays Onto Tracks

Goods train from Phulera to Rewari derails in Sikar; no injuries reported, restoration underway

Businessman shot dead in gym in Rajasthans Kuchaman

JAIPUR: Panic gripped Rajasthans Kuchaman town on Tuesday morning after a local businessman was shot dead while exercising in a gymnasium, police said. The incident occurred around 5:20 am at a gym located on Station Road, when an unidentified assailant opened fire at Ramesh Rulania (40) from close range and fled the scene. Rulania was the owner of a bike showroom and a hotel in the city. CCTV footage shows the suspect entering the premises moments before the shooting, said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nemi Chand Kharia. Rulania was rushed to a nearby hospital by other gym members, where doctors declared him dead. Initial investigation suggests the killing may be linked to an extortion threat Rulania had reportedly received days earlier from the Rohit Godara gang, which is active in western Rajasthan, including the DidwanaKuchaman region. Several other businessmen in the area have reportedly received similar threats in recent times, police officials added. Police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas to help identify the suspect and establish the motive. Rawatram Swami alias Rohit Godara, a notorious gangster from Lunkaransar in Bikaner district, is believed to be behind several high-profile killings. He was named as the mastermind in the December 2022 murder of gangster Raju Thehat in Sikar, and has also claimed responsibility for the May 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and the December 2023 assassination of Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi. Police are continuing their investigation and have launched a search operation to trace the accused.

Six patients killed in Jaipur's Sawai Man Singh hospital fire, kin allege staff fled after blaze

JAIPUR: Six critical patients were killed in a fire at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night, officials stated. Trauma centre in-charge Dr Anurag Dhakad said that 11 patients were being treated in the Neuro ICU when the fire erupted in the storage area. A suspected short circuit is believed to have caused the blaze, he added. The deceased were identified as Pintu (from Sikar), Dilip (from Andhi, Jaipur), Shrinath, Rukmini, Khurma (all from Bharatpur) and Bahadur (from Sanganer, Jaipur), officials stated. Six of them, two women and four men, died in the incident, Dr Dhakad said. Fourteen other patients were admitted in a different ICU, and all were successfully evacuated to safer locations, he added. The fire created chaos in the building, with smoke rapidly spreading throughout the floor and causing panic among patients and their families. Various documents, ICU equipment, blood sample tubes, and other items stored in the area were gutted by the fire. Hospital staff and patient attendants evacuated patients, even transporting them with their beds outside the building. Firefighters arrived shortly after being alerted and brought the fire under control in approximately two hours. When the fire team arrived, the entire ward was engulfed in smoke. The firefighters had to break a window on the opposite side of the building to start extinguishing the fire. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham visited the trauma centre to take stock of the situation. When Patel and Bedham initially arrived, the attendants of two patients expressed their anguish, alleging that the staff fled during the fire. They also claimed that the hospital staff could not provide updates on their patients' conditions. We noticed smoke and immediately informed the staff, but they did not pay any heed. When the fire broke out, they were the first to run. Now, we cannot get any information about our patients. We want to know their condition, but no one is telling us, one attendee said. Later, the chief minister also arrived at the scene and spoke to the doctors and patients.

Cough syrup kills third child in Rajasthan; government under heat over clean chit to pharma firm in probe

JAIPUR: A two-year-old in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, has died after consuming cough syrup , Cipra, from the Chief Minister's free medicine scheme. This is the third child death in the past fortnight linked to the same syrup. Earlier, a two-year-old in Bayana and a five-year-old in Sikar also died. In the latest case from Luhasa village in Bharatpur, two-year-old Tirthraj allegedly died after consuming the cough syrup. His father, Nihal Singh, claims that on September 23rd, when the child had a minor cough and cold, he was taken to the Government Sub-District Hospital, where he was given the cough syrup. When his condition worsened, he was taken back to the hospital. A little later, Tirthraj was referred to Bharatpur and after that to Jaipur. The two-year-old child finally died during treatment at Jaipur's JK Lon Hospital on September 27th. The government had set up a three-member committee to probe the child deaths. However, instead of taking strict action against those responsible, efforts are now underway to clear Caresons Pharma's Dextromethorphan HBR syrup, which is being blamed for the fatalities. The Medical Department, releasing its first report on the case, claimed that doctors did not prescribe the syrup to the deceased children; their families administered the syrup when they fell ill, which improved their health. But subsequently, their condition worsened and they died. This virtually amounts to a clean chit to officials, doctors and the company that supplied the questionable cough syrup. But with a second child death in Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharmas home district of Bharatpur, public anger and the pressure to nab the culprits have intensified.

Five-year-old dies after consuming cough syrup supplied under free medicine scheme in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: A five-year-old child died after consuming a cough syrup supplied under the Rajasthan governments free medicine scheme. The child, Nitish of Khori Brahmanan village in Sikar district, was unwell and down with cold and cough for a few days. Later, his mother brought him medicine available free of cost at Chirana CHC. But after drinking the cough medicine, Nitishs condition worsened and he was declared dead at the local hospital. The family refused to conduct a post-mortem and took the body after informing the police in writing. However, locals say this is not the first case where drinking this cough syrup has created complications. A few days ago, two children in Ajitgarh area reportedly fell ill after consuming the same medicine. ASI Rohitas Kumar Jangid said that Mukesh Sharma's son, Nitish, was given cough medicine from Chirana CHC on Sunday evening. His condition worsened at night, and he was given water. He died on Monday morning while being taken to the hospital. Medical Jurist Dr Ranjit Benda said that the family brought the child to the hospital in an unconscious state, where he was declared dead after examination. According to reports, the child's father runs a hotel in Jharkhand. On receiving information about the incident, he returned to his village. The child's family is currently grieving the death. It is worth noting that recently, the condition of a three-year-old child, the CHC in charge, and two ambulance drivers in Bayana in Bharatpur district had also deteriorated due to the same syrup. When the child was given medicine for cough treatment, his heartbeat increased, and he became unconscious. Following a complaint, the CHC in charge and two drivers consumed the medicine to test its reaction. Subsequently, the condition of these three people worsened, and they had to be admitted to the hospital. Following the incident, a ban was imposed on the distribution of the same batch of the medicine throughout Bharatpur district. Complaints such as vomiting, drowsiness, nervousness, dizziness, restlessness, and unconsciousness have been reported after consuming cough syrup in Bharatpur and Sikar districts. In response, the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation (RMSCL) has banned the sale and use of all 19 batches of the syrup supplied by the manufacturer and sent samples for testing. These alarming incidents in Sikar and Bharatpur have raised a serious question mark over the cough syrup being supplied under the free medicine scheme in Rajasthan.

Rajasthan: 5-Year-Old Dies After Consuming Cough Syrup; Doctor, 2 Ambulance Drivers Fall Ill After Testing Medicine On Themselves

A 5-year-old boy in Sikar died and several people in Bharatpur fell ill after consuming cough syrup from Rajasthan's free medicine scheme.

Madhya Pradesh Teen Shot Dead, Body Dumped In River; Honour Killing Suspected

Divya Sikarwar's body was recovered from Kunwari river in Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Police suspect she was killed by her family. Investigation is ongoing.

Suspected honour killing: Class XII girl shot dead, body found in MPs Kuwari river

BHOPAL: In a suspected case of honour killing, a 19-year-old Class XII student was allegedly shot dead inside her home and her body allegedly dumped in the Kuwari river in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district. Divya Sikarwar, who belonged to a caste Hindu Kshatriya family, was reportedly shot in the head at her home in Shiv Nagar on the night of September 24. According to reports she is believed to have had a friendship with a youth from a backward caste. Morena district police received a call on Saturday reporting the girls disappearance and possible killing. A team questioned Divyas parents, while her younger brother and sister, both minors, are reported missing. The parents repeatedly changed their statements, initially claiming she died after coming in contact with a ceiling fan and later suggesting suicide. Police subsequently took Divyas father, Bharat Sikarwar, to the Kuwari river near their native village under Bagchini police station, about 30 km from Morena city. He admitted transporting the body in a car, covering it with a plastic sheet, tying a stone to it, and dumping it in the river. The search operations started on Saturday evening but were halted due to darkness. They resumed on Sunday morning, and within a few hours the partially decomposed body was recovered, tied to a stone in the river, Morena district police superintendent Samir Saurabh told TNIE on Sunday. He added: As the body is partially decomposed, the autopsy will be conducted in Gwalior on Monday, and a detailed forensic opinion will be taken there. Our experts, who examined the body, strongly suspect the girl was shot at point-blank range. An inquest of unnatural death has been registered, and a murder case will be lodged based on autopsy findings. Sources familiar with the investigation said the case points to a possible honour killing, noting that the weapon remains untraced, the siblings are missing, and the parents have been inconsistent in their statements. Divyas relationship with a youth from a backward caste is being considered a possible motive. Honour killings over inter-caste relationships are not uncommon in MPs Gwalior-Chambal region, bordering Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh. In June 2025, Sirnam Singh was arrested for allegedly killing his Class XI granddaughter Malishkha in Morena over her inter-caste relationship. In January 2025, 20-year-old Tanu Gurjar was shot dead by her father and cousin brother in Gwalior after refusing an arranged marriage. In June 2023, a young girl and her partner were murdered by her father and their bodies dumped in the Chambal river in Morena.

Woman acquitted in ex-partners murder case shot dead by current live-in partner in Gwalior

BHOPAL: A 32-year-old woman, who had earlier spent four-and-a-half years in jail on charges of killing her former live-in partner but was later acquitted, was shot dead by her current partner in full public view in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior on Friday. The victim, identified as Nandini Kewat, was allegedly fired at multiple times by her live-in partner Arvind Parihar (33) outside the Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior city, triggering panic in the area. Eyewitnesses said the accused remained seated by the roadside brandishing a country-made pistol and pointing it at bystanders. A police team led by CSP Nagendra Singh Sikarwar reached the spot and, after firing a tear gas shell, overpowered the armed accused without any harm to civilians. Another police team rushed Nandini to the JAH Trauma Centre, where she succumbed during treatment. Ensuring no harm to the public, our team professionally managed to nab the killer, who has been identified as Gwalior native Arvind Parihar, Gwalior SP Dharamvir Singh told TNIE . Preliminary probe has revealed that Arvind and Nandini, had been in a live-in relationship since 2022. He claimed to have married her in a temple in 2023, but the relationship soured after Nandini lodged multiple cases against him. In one such case in 2024, she accused him of attempting to crush her with a car, leading to his arrest and a three-month jail term before she retracted her statement. Investigators said Nandini had allegedly been pressurising Arvind to leave his wife and share his property with her, which may have led to the fatal attack. Before her relationship with Arvind, Nandini had been in live-in arrangements with other men, including Nimlesh Sen, who was murdered in Datia district in 2017. Nandini was jailed for the crime along with another partner, Firoz Khan, but was acquitted by a court in 2022 after spending over four years behind bars. Police said further interrogation of Arvind is underway.

Police extends helping hand to rain-hit families

Excelsior Correspondent RAJOURI, Sept 11: The police under the supervision of SSP Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar, extended timely support to families affected by the recent heavy rains in Rajouri district. In this humanitarian initiative, SDPO Nowshera, DySP Sahil Mahajan, and SHO Police Station Nowshera, Insp Arjun Mangotra, distributed relief material among the rain-affected families. The relief items included essential household goods such as utensils, kitchen items, ration, tin sheets, cement bags, blankets, mattresses, gas stoves, and other necessities. During the distribution [] The post Police extends helping hand to rain-hit families appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Jamnalal Kaniram Bajaj Trust and Vishwa Yuvak Kendra Host 7th Edition of DHYEYA Programme in Sikar, Rajasthan

About Vishwa Yuvak Kendra Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, headquartered in New Delhi, has been a pioneer in youth skills development since 1961. Empowering young individuals and Civil Society Organisations through innovative programs and initiatives, VYK fosters holistic growth and nation-building.

Om Birla urges swift relief as heavy rains wreak havoc across Rajasthan

JAIPUR: As heavy rains and flood-like conditions persist in several parts of Rajasthan, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said that providing maximum relief to the affected people should be the administrations top priority. Chairing a review meeting on relief and disaster management with officials of Kota and Bundi districts at the Collectorate auditorium, Birla issued strict directions that no negligence or lapses in the survey of damage would be tolerated. The Speaker who is the Lok sabha MP from Kota asserted, I have personally visited the affected areas and seen the situation. Many families have lost everything. Relief must be provided with both speed and sensitivity. Birla directed officials to conduct damage assessments of houses, livestock, and crops with complete honesty and ensure that all eligible families receive assistance as per the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. He also instructed that affected families should not be asked to produce house leases while applying for relief, as no such provision exists in the guidelines. Special care should be taken so that families whose houses have been damaged get maximum help, including compensation for loss of utensils and clothes, he said. The Agriculture Department reported that soybean and urad crops have suffered extensive losses due to excessive rainfall. Birla asked officials to prioritize compensation for small and marginal farmers and ordered that road repairs be started immediately, along with checking the drainage system and restoring electricity and water supply in affected areas. Rajasthan has witnessed continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days, leading to severe disruption of normal life. According to the Meteorological Department, very heavy rains were recorded in Kota, Jaipur, Bharatpur division, Shekhawati region, Bikaner, and parts of Ajmer division. An orange alert has been issued for Chittorgarh, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sikar, Jalore, and Pali, while a red alert has been sounded in Sirohi and Udaipur districts.

Jaipur Cop Killed in Speeding Car Collision on Jaipur-Sikar Highway

Constable Rajendra Kumar Samota dies en route to duty; driver identified through CCTV footage

Schools shut as heavy rains lash Rajasthan, 30 districts on alert

JAIPUR: Rajasthan continues to reel under intense monsoon activity as heavy rains batter multiple regions, prompting widespread disruption and precautionary measures. Jaipur saw heavy showers since morning, causing waterlogging in several parts of the city. Notably, areas around government residences, including those of Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and DGP Rajeev Sharma, were flooded. The Hadoti region was badly hit, with connectivity also severely disrupted. In Kota and surrounding Hadoti region, the spell of rain persisted on Tuesday as well, filling up dams, anicuts, and ponds. Waterfalls have begun flowing from the surrounding hills, and low-lying areas are flooded. Many rural roads are submerged, causing significant traffic disruptions, and standing crops are beginning to rot in waterlogged fields. Kota city recorded 15 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with intermittent rain continuing through the day after a wet night. In Tonk and Sawai Madhopur, several areas are submerged. Rajasthans connectivity with Madhya Pradesh has been severely affected: Parvati river overflowed in Etawah (Kota), flooding a new bridge on the Etawah-Khatoli road. As a result, State Highway-70 (KotaGwaliorSheopur) is closed to traffic. Augaad culvert on NH-552 in Bodal, about 12 km from Sawai Madhopur, was washed away, severing the Sawai MadhopurSheopur (MP) route. In Sawai Madhopur, houses are filled with water up to five feet, and railway tracks are submerged, affecting train services. Morel Dam overflows again The Morel Dam in Lalsot (Dausa), considered Asias largest kachha (earthen) dam, has overflowed with water reaching 1.5 feet above its crest. This is the second consecutive year the dam has reached capacity. The situation is being closely monitored by local authorities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange and Yellow alert for several districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the forecast, 18 districts in Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bharatpur divisions are expected to witness heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours. Some parts of the Bikaner division may also receive moderate to heavy showers. School holidays announced in several districts In light of the continuing downpour and the expected intensity of rain, local administrations have declared school and Anganwadi closures in several districts as a precautionary measure: Jaisalmer: Over 1650 schools closed till 31st July. Baran: Schools closed till August 2 Kota: Till August 1 Ajmer and Udaipur: July 30 and 31 Bhilwara: Closed on Wednesday Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow advisories, as life and property could be affected due to waterlogging, flooding, and road damage. Rainfall alerts 30 July Alerts: Orange Alert: Ajmer, Alwar, Dausa, Jaipur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk Yellow Alert: Bharatpur, Bhilwara, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Dholpur, Jhunjhunu, Rajsamand, Sikar, Sirohi, Udaipur, Bikaner, Hanumangarh, Churu, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Sri Ganganagar 31 July Alerts: Orange Alert: Ajmer, Tonk Yellow Alert: Bhilwara, Bundi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Bikaner, Churu, Nagaur, Pali, Sri Ganganagar

Where is Nalin Khandelwal, the 2019 NEET UG topper? What is he doing now?

Nalin Khandelwal had secured 701 marks out of 720. A resident of Sikar district of Rajasthan, he topped the NEET UG exam with AIR 1.

SC to hear suo motu case over student suicides at IIT-Kharagpur, Sharda University on Monday

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear, on Monday, July 28, the suo motu cognizance (SMC) proceedings it initiated on July 21 over the recent student suicide deaths at IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The two-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan, is expected to hear the SMC case on Monday. On July 21, before taking up the matter suo motu, the court had directed both institutions to submit their responses on the incidents. The top court appointed senior advocate Aparna Bhatt as amicus curiae - the lawyer appointed to assist the SC in the case - and asked her to provide detailed information on the matter. Acting on the directions of the top court, Bhatt said that in the Sharda University student suicide case, the girls body was moved by university staff before the police arrived. According to police officials, multiple people left fingerprints, compromising the crime scene. The victim, Jyoti Sharma was a second-year BDS student who allegedly died by suicide in the hostel of Sharda University. The court had earlier said that something is wrong. In the IIT Kharagpur case, Bhatt was informed by varsity's Registrar that though a post mortem was conducted details weren't known yet. The case pertains to Ritam Mandal, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at IIT Kharagpur, who allegedly died by suicide on July 18. A resident of Kolkata, she was enrolled in a five-year dual degree programme. This is the fourth such incident reported on the IIT Kharagpur campus since January this year. In a significant judgement recently on July 25, the Supreme Court had issued 15 pan-India guidelines to combat the problems of rise in suicides, safety and mental health issues among students in educational institutions. On July 25, the Supreme Court issued 15 nationwide guidelines to address rising student suicides and improve mental health and safety measures in educational institutions. The Supreme Court's verdict came in response to an appeal challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Courts rejection of a plea to transfer the probe into the suspicious death of a 17-year-old NEET aspirant in Visakhapatnam to the CBI. The guidelines prescribed by the top court were: All educational institutions shall adopt and implement a uniform mental health policy, drawing cues from the UMMEED Draft Guidelines, the MANODARPAN initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. All the educational institutions shall establish written protocols for immediate referral to mental health services, local hospitals, and suicide prevention helplines. Suicide helpline numbers, including Tele-MANAS and other national services, shall be prominently displayed in hostels, classrooms, common areas, and on websites in large and legible print, the Court said. SC issues 15 nationwide guidelines to curb student suicides and improve mental health in educational institutions The apex court said that all residential-based institutions shall install tamper-proof ceiling fans or equivalent safety devices, and shall restrict access to rooftops, balconies, and other high-risk areas, in order to deter impulsive acts of self-harm. All coaching hubs, including but not limited to Jaipur, Kota, Sikar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities where students migrate in large numbers for competitive examination preparation, shall implement heightened mental health protections and preventive measures. These regions, having witnessed disproportionately high incidents of student suicides, require special attention. The concerned authorities, namely, the Department of Education, District Administration, and management educational institutions, shall ensure the provision of regular career counselling for students and parents, the Court said.

SC steps in with 15 guidelines to curb student suicides

The bench said, given the pressing nature of the crisis, particularly in cities like Kota, Jaipur, Sikar, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Delhi, where students migrate in large numbers, immediate interim safeguards are the call of the day.

SC issues 15 nationwide guidelines to curb student suicides and improve mental health in educational institutions

NEW DELHI: In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court on Friday issued 15 pan-India guidelines to address the rising incidents of suicide, safety concerns, and mental health issues among students in educational institutions. The top courts verdict came in response to an appeal against an Andhra Pradesh High Court order, which had rejected a plea to transfer to the CBI the investigation into the death of a 17-year-old National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) aspirant under suspicious circumstances while preparing in Visakhapatnam. The Supreme Court has now ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta delivered the verdict and issued the 15 guidelines, stating that these measures will remain in force and binding until appropriate legislation or regulatory frameworks are enacted by the competent authorities. Key guidelines issued by the Supreme Court All educational institutions must adopt and implement a uniform mental health policy, drawing from the UMMEED Draft Guidelines, the MANODARPAN initiative, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. This policy must be reviewed annually and made publicly accessible on institutional websites and notice boards. Institutions with 100 or more enrolled students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist, or social worker with demonstrable training in child and adolescent mental health. Smaller institutions must establish formal referral linkages with professionals. All institutions must ensure optimal student-to-counsellor ratios. Dedicated mentors or counsellors should be assigned to smaller student batches, especially during exam periods or academic transitions, to offer consistent, informal, and confidential support. Coaching and educational institutions are directed to refrain from batch segregation based on academic performance, public shaming, or assigning academic targets that exceed a students capacity. Institutions must have written protocols for immediate referral to mental health services, hospitals, and suicide prevention helplines. These helpline numbers, including Tele-MANAS and other national services, must be prominently displayed in hostels, classrooms, common areas, and on websites in large, legible print. All residential institutions must install tamper-proof ceiling fans or equivalent safety devices and restrict access to rooftops, balconies, and other high-risk areas to deter impulsive acts of self-harm. Coaching hubs, such as those in Jaipur, Kota, Sikar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai must implement enhanced mental health protections. These cities, known for high concentrations of competitive exam aspirants, have seen disproportionately high student suicide rates and thus require focused preventive efforts. All teaching and non-teaching staff must undergo mandatory training at least twice a year, conducted by certified mental health professionals. The training should cover psychological first aid, identifying warning signs, response to self-harm, and referral procedures. Institutions must establish robust, confidential, and accessible systems to report and address incidents of sexual assault, harassment, ragging, and other grievances. Internal committees must be formed to act immediately on complaints and provide psychosocial support to victims. Zero tolerance must be maintained toward any retaliatory actions against complainants or whistle-blowers. These guidelines apply to all educational institutions across India, including public and private schools, colleges, universities, training centres, coaching institutes, residential academies, and hostels, regardless of their affiliation. The court clarified that these guidelines are issued in parallel with the ongoing work of the National Task Force on Mental Health Concerns of Students and serve as an interim protective framework. All institutions must maintain anonymised records and prepare an annual report detailing wellness interventions, student referrals, training sessions, and mental health-related activities. This report must be submitted to the relevant regulatory authority, such as the State Education Department, UGC, AICTE, or CBSE. Regular, structured career counselling sessions must be provided to students and their parents or guardians. These sessions, conducted by qualified counsellors should aim to reduce unrealistic academic pressure, promote awareness of diverse academic and professional pathways, and help students make informed, interest-based decisions. The counselling must be inclusive, socio-economically sensitive, and avoid reinforcing narrow definitions of merit or success. SC's task force to hold consultation meet with medical students in Delhi after surge in suicides

Political storm in Rajasthan after Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation; Congress targets BJP

JAIPUR: The sudden resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has sparked political turbulence across the country, with Rajasthan witnessing intensified reactions due to Dhankhars deep-rooted connection to the state. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) President Govind Singh Dotasara have launched sharp attacks on the BJP and the RSS, questioning the real reason behind Dhankhars unexpected decision to step down. Gehlot called the development suspicious and linked it to what he described as a possible RSS-BJP ploy to initiate a new political move in the country. People of Rajasthan are shocked. He has always raised his voice for farmers inside and outside Parliament. If someone like himour son of the soilresigns from the post of Vice President, naturally the public is bound to question it, Gehlot said. Everyone is saying that there cannot be any health reason behind itthere must be something else. This is the first time in history that a Vice President has resigned. Even when the Prime Minister or President undergoes heart surgery or a bypass, they dont resign. How can this be justified on the grounds of health? Gehlot asked. Echoing similar sentiments, Dotasara called the resignation shocking and said it was difficult to believe that health concerns were the only reason behind such a major decision. The Vice Presidents resignation raises serious questions. We are not convinced by the official explanation, he said. The issue has taken on added political weight in Rajasthan due to Dhankhars identity as a prominent Jat leader. The Jat community, which holds the largest demographic share in the state and effect on approximately 50 seats out of 200 seats, is seen as a key voting bloc. Dotasara accused the BJP of systematically sidelining the Jat community, especially farmers. He said the sudden exit of Dhankhar has left the community without any major representation in the BJP at the national level. The BJP has ignored Jat representation for long. With Dhankhar gone, there is no prominent Jat leader from Rajasthan in any top constitutional or organisational post, Dotasara stated. Congress has repeatedly alleged that the BJP is marginalizing the Jat community. In contrast, the Congress organisation in Rajasthan is currently led by Govind Singh Dotasara, a Jat leader. BJPs representation imbalance In the Bhajanlal Sharma-led cabinet, Jat representation stands at around 16 percent, including two cabinet ministers and two ministers of state. However, none of them are seen as politically influential at the state level. Within the BJPs state organisation, Jat representation is roughly 13 percent, with four Jat leaders currently holding organisational roles. Electoral data shows that while the BJP enjoyed solid support from the Jat community during the assembly elections, the Lok Sabha polls painted a different picture. The party lost several Jat-dominated constituencies, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu, Sri Ganganagar, and Barmer. Notably, Barmer witnessed a visible caste-based divide during the election. The BJP did, however, manage to win the Jhunjhunu assembly seat in a recent bypoll. As speculation over Dhankhars resignation continues, the BJP now faces the critical challenge of re-engaging with the Jat electorate in Rajasthan ahead of upcoming political battles.

Cardiac arrest in a 9-year-old? Rajasthan girl collapses while opening lunchbox, dies within minutes. Doctors suspect this...

In a tragic incident in Rajasthan's Sikar district, nine-year-old Prachi Kumawat, a Class 4 student, collapsed and died at school during lunch break. Despite immediate medical intervention, including CPR and attempts to revive her, she was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Doctors suspect a cardiac arrest, leaving the school and family devastated by the sudden loss.

9-Year-Old Faints In Rajasthan School, Dies; Doctors Suspect Heart Attack

Prachi Kumawat was just nine years old, studying in Class 4 in Sikar's Danta town. But in a bizarre turn of events, the seemingly healthy girl sat down for lunch during break time on Tuesday morning, only to open her tiffin and fall unconscious.

Opens Lunchbox, Then Collapses: Back-To-Back Heart Attacks Kill 9-Year-Old Girl In Rajasthan

A nine-year-old girl, Prachi Kumawat, from Rajasthan's Sikar died of consecutive heart attacks within hours. She was a Class 4 student at Adarsh Vidya Mandir in Danta, Sikar.

Couple Forced To Plough Field As Punishment For Love Marriage In Odisha

The incident, which occurred in Kanjamajhira village under the jurisdiction of Sikarpai gram panchayat, came to light after a harrowing video surfaced on social media, showing the couple being forced to plough a field while yoked together with a bamboo harness a crude apparatus traditionally used on bullocks.