Younger brother kills elder brother for property after returning from US
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 29 (IANS) A property dispute between two brothers turned fatal in Jaipur on Tuesday, when a 58-year-old man allegedly stabbed his elder brother during an altercation in the Bani Park area. Police have arrested the accused. The incident took place near Ram Park, about 300 metres from the brothers' residence in Sindhi Colony, behind Sant Kanwar Ram Park. According to SHO Suresh Yadav, 65-year-old Shyam Bagani had left his home on a scooter to visit a temple when his younger brother, Murli Bagani, allegedly intercepted him near Ram Park. Police said Murli initially attacked Shyam with a stick. He then allegedly took out a knife and stabbed his elder brother. Shyam was critically injured and was rushed to SMS Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police and a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team inspected the crime scene and collected evidence. The accused has been taken into custody and is being questioned. Preliminary police investigation has indicated an ongoing dispute between the brothers over ancestral property. Police are examining whether the dispute over the division of the property led to the attack. The family had three brothers. Their eldest brother, Prakash Bagani, died in the United States in 2014. Shyam Bagani was the second eldest, while Murli Bagani was the youngest. Shyam was living at the family home at the time of the incident. His son, Chirag Bagani, works online. According to police, Murli Bagani had lived abroad for about 24 years and was residing on Church Street in Belize City, Central America. His wife and children are currently living in the United States. Police said Murli returned to Jaipur around 11 months ago after suffering business losses. He has since been living in Shekhawati Nagar on Sikar Road. Police also said that before moving abroad, a dowry harassment case had been registered against Murli at Mahila North Police Station in Jaipur. He was arrested in that case on September 6 and subsequently released from jail. After his release, according to the preliminary investigation, a dispute again arose between Murli and Shyam over the division of ancestral property. Police are investigating the circumstances leading up to Tuesday's attack, including the alleged property dispute and the events immediately preceding the stabbing.
Sikar Factory and Boilers Inspector Arrested While Allegedly Taking Rs 20,000 Bribe
Jaipur, September 28, 2026: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Mohit Sharma, an Inspector in the Office of the Inspector, Factory and Boilers, Inspection Department, Sikar, while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. The action was carried out on Monday by the ACB Jaipur City III unit on the directions of the ACB headquarters. Bribe ... Read more Sikar Factory and Boilers Inspector Arrested While Allegedly Taking Rs 20,000 Bribe
Researchers have identified the Sistan sand boa in Rajasthans Sikar district, marking its first scientific record in India. The findings, published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, highlighted key characteristics of the species. Comparisons were made with the red sand boa, noting differences in tail shape. The study indicates that the species might inhabit human-influenced dry landscapes, including farmlands.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 26 (IANS) The election result for the Khatushyamji Municipality in Sikar district was declared on Saturday, with Congress candidate Vinita Poonia elected as the Municipality Chairperson by a margin of just one vote. The counting of the 19 votes cast on September 21 began at the municipal office at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Congress's Vinita Poonia secured 10 votes, while BJP candidate Prem Devi received 9 votes. Congress supporters celebrated after Poonia was declared the winner. The ballot box containing the 19 votes was brought from the strongroom to the municipal office in compliance with an order of the Rajasthan High Court. The ballot box was retrieved in the presence of Returning Officer (RO) Kapil Upadhyay, ASP Deepak Garg, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajesh Kumar Jangid, other police officials and Congress candidate Vinita Poonia. Tight security arrangements were made during the process. BJP candidate Prem Devi did not reach the strongroom. The counting of the 19 votes subsequently began at 10 a.m. With 10 votes, Poonia defeated Prem Devi by one vote and was declared the Chairperson of Khatushyamji Municipality. The result followed an order of the Jaipur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court on September 24. Vinita Poonia, a councillor from Ward 11 and a candidate for the Chairperson's post, had approached the court. The court cancelled the re-polling that had been scheduled for September 25 and directed the authorities to count the 19 votes cast on September 21 and declare the result. Following the court's directions, the Returning Officer conducted the counting on Saturday, bringing the election process to a conclusion. The Khatushyamji Municipality has a 20-member board, comprising 8 BJP councillors, 8 Congress councillors, three independents and one RLP councillor. Of the 20 councillors, 19 cast their votes in the September 21 election for Chairperson. Lakshmi, the Congress councillor from Ward 10, did not turn up to vote. Police had located Lakshmi following a complaint filed by her husband, Harlal. After voting concluded on September 21, the ballot box containing the 19 votes was sealed and placed in safe custody. Following the High Court's directions, those votes were counted on Saturday, resulting in Vinita Poonia's election as Chairperson by a one-vote margin.
Forget Jaipur or Jodhpur, Khatu Shyamji makes Sikar the top tourist destination in Rajasthan
Sikar has emerged as Rajasthan's top tourist destination in the first half of 2026, recording 1.56 crore visits between January and June. The surge was driven largely by Khatu Shyamji, which has become a major religious tourism destination in the state.
Landslide Paralyses Train Services on Koraput-Rayagada Route Amid Heavy Rain
Continuous heavy rainfall has severely disrupted train operations in Odishas Rayagada district. A major landslide triggered by unrelenting downpours caused earth and massive boulders to collapse onto the railway tracks near Tunnel No. 29, located between Keutguda and Sikarapai railway stations. As a result, rail traffic along the crucial Koraput-Rayagada (K-R) line has come to [] The post Landslide Paralyses Train Services on Koraput-Rayagada Route Amid Heavy Rain appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 22 (IANS) The election for the posts of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Khatushyamji Municipality in Sikar district was postponed amid a late-night dispute over the absence of Congress councillor Lakshmi Devi from the voting process. The controversy began after Lakshmi Devi, the Congress councillor from Ward 10, failed to appear for voting. The voting deadline was extended several times to allow her to cast her vote. According to local reports, the process continued late into Monday night, with the voting records eventually sealed after midnight. The Returning Officer subsequently announced that the election had been postponed until further orders following directions from the State Election Commission. The dispute is significant because the 20-member Khatushyamji Municipality has an equal number of BJP and Congress councillorseight eachalong with three Independents and one RLP councillor. Eleven votes are required for a majority. The political drama continued throughout Monday after Lakshmi Devi did not reach the polling venue. The Returning Officer extended the voting time repeatedly, with reports putting the final extension at around 11:30 p.m.. BJP leaders and supporters staged a sit-in outside the municipality, demanding that Lakshmi Devi be allowed to vote. A complaint was also lodged with the police over allegations concerning her disappearance. These allegations have been made by her family and BJP supporters; they have not been established as fact. Congress leaders, meanwhile, objected to the repeated extensions. Congress MLA Virendra Singh, district president Sunita Githala and former Pradhan Bhanwarlal Verma reportedly approached the District Collector, questioning the extension of the polling deadline. The sit-ins by supporters of both parties continued amid the uncertainty. BJP leaders alleged that Congress had deliberately kept its councillor away from the voting process, while the councillor's family levelled allegations against the Congress. Lakshmi Devi is the councillor from Ward 10 and was elected on a Congress ticket. Election records show that she won the ward with 172 votes, defeating BJP's Mamta Devi by 37 votes. BJP candidate Prem Devi and Congress candidate Vinita Poonia are contesting for the Chairman's post. Reports have described Lakshmi Devi as a relative of Prem Devi, adding another dimension to the dispute. After the protests ended, supporters of both parties left the municipality premises. Memorandums containing their respective demands were submitted to the election authorities. The voting records were secured and sealed in the presence of representatives of both parties. BJP leaders also contacted senior state-level officials to apprise them of the developments. Late on Monday night, Returning Officer Kapil Upadhyay told the media that, following instructions from the State Election Commission, the elections for Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Khatushyamji Municipality had been postponed until further orders. The final outcome of the Chairman's election will, therefore, be known only after the election authorities issue further directions.
Breathing in death: How mining dust in the Aravallis is killing residents
Residents of Syalodra village in Sikar say silicosis has claimed more than 50 lives, and that the Supreme Court-appointed Aravalli panel did not visit them
Death by breath: How mining dust in Aravallis is killing residents
Manisha (27) sits with a group of women on a mattress laid out in one corner of her house's veranda in Rajasthan's Sikar's Syalodra village. In the other corner, there are stacks of large oxygen cylinders, used by her 32-year-old husband, Manjeet, for breathing up until his recent death. Manjeet was a labourer at a nearby stone crushing unit, and for more than three years, he suffered from a debilitating, incurable lung illness called silicosis. Its trigger: inhaling silica dust, fine particles that are a by-product of rampant mining operations such as drilling, blasting, and stone crushing in the region. Silicosis has claimed more than 50 people's lives over the years in Syalodra, part of the Aravalli range, say residents. However, the Supreme Court-appointed panel, which concluded its field visits to assess several aspects of the Aravallis on August 11, did not come to the village, much like it skipped going to many other mining-affected areas across Kotputli-Behror and Sikar ...
Rajasthan civic poll results offer grassroots reality check for political heavyweights
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) The results of Rajasthans 309 urban local bodies have delivered more than a verdict on municipal boards. They present a grassroots audit of the states political heavyweights, from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former CM Vasundhara Raje to Congress veterans Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot. The BJP emerged ahead in the overall civic contest, winning more wards and securing clear majorities in more urban local bodies. And the Congress party remained second, but within striking distance. The BJP polled 35.30 per cent, compared with 34.36 per cent for the Congress, a difference of just 0.94 percentage points. That narrow vote-share gap makes the ward-level results particularly significant. For some leaders, their traditional political turf held firm. For others, their parties stumbled in their own wards or at their own polling booths. And in several cases, the results revealed an important distinction: a leaders personal political influence does not always translate into uniform party performance across the surrounding area. With the 2028 Assembly elections still ahead, these municipal results offer an early and unusually granular report card. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma can take comfort from the BJPs performance. For the Chief Minister, the results broadly indicate that the BJPs organisational machinery remains strong around his core political territory. The narrow overall vote-share gap, however, suggests that the BJPs advantage cannot simply be attributed to a uniform wave across urban Rajasthan. For Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the result was uncomfortable. The BJP lost Ward 28 of the Jhotwara constituency, with the Congress candidate emerging victorious. Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma also faced a more difficult outcome. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje remains one of the most consequential political figures in Rajasthan, and the results from Jhalawar therefore carry particular weight. The BJP candidate won Ward 5 of the Jhalawar Municipal Council unopposed. Yet the larger council result was far less comfortable for the party. The Congress won 29 seats, surprising the BJP in a council where the party had previously held the board. The contrast is revealing: a BJP victory in Rajes immediate ward coexisted with a significant Congress' performance across the municipal council. That makes Jhalawar one of the more interesting indicators of how much of Rajes traditional political influence continues to translate into broader BJP dominance. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari voted at the booth located at the City Palace in Ward 141, where the BJP candidate won. In the Vidyadhar Nagar Assembly constituency, the BJP secured 12 of the 22 seats, with results for two seats pending. The numbers point towards a strong BJP position in the constituency, although the local-body verdict is not necessarily a direct measure of Assembly-level voting behaviour. Rural Development Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena also has reason to claim a favourable result. The BJP secured an absolute majority in the Sawai Madhopur Council. Meena campaigned for two days during the election period despite being unwell. His own vote, however, is registered in a panchayat area, making the municipal result a measure of the partys organisational performance rather than a direct test of his personal vote. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani saw the BJP win his own Ward 37, including the booth where he voted. But the broader Ajmer picture was less favourable. The BJP failed to secure a majority in the Ajmer Municipal Corporation, while the Congress emerged successful. The contrast between a BJP victory in Devnanis own ward and the absence of a clear majority for the party in the corporation underscores one of the central themes of these elections: individual strongholds do not necessarily translate into citywide control. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot faced an embarrassing local setback when the BJP defeated Congress in his home Ward 88. Yet the larger Jodhpur picture remains far more balanced. With the BJP and Congress locked in an even contest in the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation, Gehlots local defeat cannot be read as a wholesale collapse of Congress influence in the city. Instead, Jodhpur offers a more complicated political picture: the Congress lost in Gehlots own ward but remains competitive across the corporation. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra votes in a panchayat area, so his own booth does not provide a direct municipal test. But the Congress' performance in his residential area of Sikar was strong. The partys victory in Sikar provides Dotasra with an important political counterpoint to the BJPs broader urban gains and indicates that the Congress still retains pockets of organisational strength. Congress MLA Pramod Jain Bhaya faced an uncomfortable result in his residential Ward 34 in Baran. The party finished third, while an AAP candidate won the seat. Bhayas own vote is registered in a rural area, so the ward result should not be treated as a direct referendum on his Assembly constituency. Nevertheless, the Congress third-place finish in the area where he resides is a politically significant warning sign. Former Minister B.D. Kalla saw a more favourable result. The Congress led at the Mahesh Sadan polling booth, and its candidate Sarita Vyas won the ward. The result offers some evidence of continued Congress strength in Kallas traditional political territory. The most revealing aspect of Rajasthans civic verdict may not be the number of wards won by either party. It is the mismatch between personal strongholds and wider party performance. A BJP minister can lose his own ward while the party performs strongly across the surrounding area. A former chief minister can lose his home ward while his party remains competitive across the city. A leader can retain his own booth even as his party struggles to secure a majority in the larger municipal corporation. That is the political story emerging from these results. The elections show that Rajasthans urban electorate is not moving in a single direction. The BJP has the numerical advantage, but Congress remains close enough in vote share to keep the contest alive. For the BJP, the challenge is to turn its seat advantage into durable political control. For Congress, the opportunity lies in converting its near-parity in votes into victories in closely fought local contests. And for Rajasthans political heavyweights, the message is even more immediate: A stronghold may still be a stronghold, but voters are increasingly distinguishing between the leader, the party and the local candidate. That distinction could matter enormously when Rajasthan returns to the larger political battlefield in 2028.
Tensions Erupt in Sikar After Congress Victory in Local Elections
Violence broke out in Sikar following Congresss win in local elections, with clashes reported in Ward 17. Tensions Erupt in Sikar After Congress Victory in Local Elections
Former Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal loses Jaipur civic poll, BJP wins 23 wards
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) In a major upset in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation election, former mayor Jyoti Khandelwal, who switched from the Congress to the BJP, has suffered defeat. Khandelwal was considered one of the BJP's prominent faces and a potential contender for the mayor's post if the party secured a majority. Her defeat is a significant setback to the BJP's calculations for the mayoral race and could further expose internal differences within the party. Khandelwal's defeat comes amid reports of dissent over her candidature and local-level opposition during the election campaign. Meanwhile, the BJP has taken the lead in the Jaipur civic polls. According to the latest results, the BJP has won 23 of the 150 wards, while the Congress has secured 16 and Independents four. Results for 132 wards have been declared so far, with counting continuing for the remaining wards. The verdict in the closely watched electoral battle across all 150 wards of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation will be revealed on Monday, with vote counting underway at the counting centre established at Shri Bhawani Niketan College on Sikar Road. Polling for the 150 wards was held on September 11, with Jaipur recording a voter turnout of 63.55 per cent. A total of 723 candidates were in the fray, and their electoral fate was sealed in the EVMs. As counting progresses, the results will determine which political party will control the municipal board in the Pink City. The two principal contenders, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, had both claimed before counting that they would form the municipal board with a clear majority. However, the presence of Independent candidates and party rebels in several wards has added uncertainty to the final outcome. The District Election Commission has organised the counting process in phases, with 15 control rooms and more than 150 counting tables deployed for the exercise. Meanwhile, one of the biggest upsets of the election has been the defeat of former mayor Jyoti Khandelwal, who had switched from the Congress to the BJP. Political observers believe that a combination of internal dissent, local-level opposition and a strong Congress challenge may have contributed to her defeat. The result could also intensify factional differences within the BJP as the party assesses its prospects for controlling the municipal board. According to the latest results recorded so far, the BJP has won 69 wards, while the Congress has secured 49. Independent candidates have won 14 wards, taking the total number of declared results to 132. With results still awaited in some wards, the final composition of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation will determine whether the BJP can cross the majority mark on its own or whether Independents and other candidates will become crucial to government formation. The outcome is particularly significant because control of the Jaipur municipal board will determine the political leadership of one of Rajasthan's most important urban centres. The remaining ward-wise results are being declared as counting continues, with the final numbers expected to provide a clearer picture of the contest for the mayoral post.
Sikar civic poll: Clash erupts after Congress victory; stone-pelting reported in Ward 17
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) Tensions erupted in Sikar shortly after the municipal election results were announced, with supporters of the Congress and an Independent candidate clashing in Ward 17. The Congress emerged as the largest party in the Sikar municipal elections, winning 38 of the 65 wards and securing a clear majority. The BJP won 22 wards, while Independents secured 4 seats and the RLP won 1 ward. The result in Ward 17 was particularly significant as Congress candidate Tasleem defeated Independent candidate Arshin to win the ward. However, a confrontation ensued soon after the results were announced, with stone-pelting between the two groups, leaving several people injured. Police reached the spot after receiving information about the clash and detained several people in connection with the incident. The situation was brought under control, and further action is being taken. The Congress' strong performance gives it a clear advantage in the formation of the municipal board. However, the post-result violence in Ward 17 has raised concerns over tensions between rival groups following the election. Police are monitoring the situation in the area to prevent any further escalation. Meanwhile, in Jodhpur, vote counting for a seat in Ward No. 50 was halted after a technical glitch was reported in an EVM at a polling booth. Following the issue, the Returning Officer sought guidance from the State Election Commission. A decision on the next course of action will be taken after receiving the Commission's directions. A re-poll at the affected booth is likely. For now, counting for the seat has been put on hold by election officials. District Election Officer and District Collector Sandesh Nayak said vote counting in Jaipur was conducted across 2,254 polling booths covering 150 wards. More than 5,000 candidate agents were present during the counting process, which was completed in 302 rounds. So far, the BJP has secured 66 seats, Congress 43, while Independent candidates have won 13 seats.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) In a major shake-up, Congress has managed to retain control of Jhalawar, the stronghold of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, as results for Rajasthan's 47 Municipal Councils and 252 Municipalities have started coming in. In the Jhalawar Municipal Council, the Congress party has won 29 of the 45 wards. The BJP secured 13 wards, Independents won two, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won one. Also, Independent candidates have pulled off a major upset in the Bharatpur Municipal Corporation election, winning 36 of the total 65 wards and emerging as the dominant political force. The BJP secured 20 wards, while the Congress won seven, the BSP one, and the RLP one. The BJP has secured a majority in the Barmer Municipal Council after 15 years. The party won 29 of the 55 wards. The Aam Aadmi Party has emerged as a surprise winner in the Baran Municipal Council, securing a clear majority with victories in 31 of the 60 wards. The Congress party won 18 wards, the BJP nine, and Independents two. In the Churu Municipal Council, the BJP has won 30 of the 60 wards, while Congress secured 24 and Independent candidates won six. The BJP is leading in the Nagaur Municipal Council, although former district president Ramniwas Sankhla suffered defeat in Ward 7. In Ward 10, Praveen Solanki of the Congress, son of former chairman Kriparam Solanki, won the election. Praveen's maternal uncle and former chairman, Mangilal Bhati, had supported the BJP candidate. Yash Jaldhari of the BJP, grandson of former MLA Ratanlal Jaldhari, has won from Ward 11 of the Sikar Municipal Council. In the Jaisalmer Municipal Council, results for 21 wards have been declared so far. BJP candidates have won 12 wards, while Congress has secured six, and Independents three. The results will determine the political fate of more than 35,000 candidates contesting elections across Rajasthan's Municipal Councils and Municipalities. Voting for the urban local body elections was conducted in two phases on September 9 and 11. The first phase recorded a voter turnout of 76.41 per cent in 162 urban bodies, while 71.69 per cent turnout was registered in the second phase in 147 urban bodies.
Jaipur Municipal Corporation Election 2026: Complete list of ward and party-wise winners
Voting for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections began on Monday, with counting underway after 63.55% of voters exercised their franchise across all 150 wards on September 11. Shri Bhawani Niketan College of Pharmacy on Sikar...
Flipkart's Super.money bets on AI agents to take on bigger rivals
The fintech has begun rolling out its consumer agents and plans to cover all of its customer base in the next two months, Chief Executive Officer Prakash Sikaria said
Victory processions banned in Jaipur till September 25 amid local body elections
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) In view of the Jaipur local body elections and to maintain peace, public order and law and order, the Jaipur Police Commissionerate has imposed a complete ban on victory processions from September 13 to September 25. The prohibitory order has been issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, by Additional Police Commissioner (Law and Order) Rajiv Pachar. As per the order, no elected member, chairperson, vice-chairperson, candidate or supporter will be permitted to organise or participate in any victory procession within the Jaipur Police Commissionerate area during the specified period. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone violating the restrictions. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the election process and subsequent declaration of results are conducted peacefully and without any disruption. Polling for the first phase of the local body elections was held on September 9, while voting for the second phase is scheduled for September 11. Counting of votes will take place on September 14. Elections for the posts of chairperson and vice-chairperson are proposed to be held on September 21 and September 22, respectively. A total of 2,256 polling stations have been established for the elections, of which 551 have been identified as sensitive or hypersensitive. Around 9,000 additional police personnel will be deployed to strengthen security arrangements. Two police personnel will be deployed at each polling station, while five personnel will be stationed at sensitive polling booths. The police have also intensified area domination and security measures. On Wednesday, Jaipur South Police conducted a flag march in the Mansarovar Circle area to boost public confidence and assure voters of a peaceful and fear-free election environment. The flag march was led by DCP (South) Rajarshi Raj, with police officials also inspecting sensitive and hypersensitive polling stations and reviewing security arrangements at the strong room. Campaigning for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections concluded at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Following the end of the campaign period, rallies, roadshows, public meetings and other forms of public campaigning have been prohibited. Candidates and their supporters are now relying on door-to-door contact with voters and personal outreach. A total of 723 candidates are contesting elections across 150 wards of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. Polling parties for the 2,256 polling stations are being dispatched in two shifts from Bhiwani Niketan College on Sikar Road. The teams are being provided with EVMs, election materials and necessary documents, along with final instructions and training for polling day.
Rajasthan: Army soldier abducted on returning home from coaching; wife gets Rs 10 lakh ransom call
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 8 (IANS) An Army soldier was allegedly kidnapped by a group of armed men while he was returning home from coaching in Rajasthan's Sikar district a day before, police said on Tuesday. The kidnappers later allegedly used his phone to call his wife and demand a Rs 10 lakh ransom. The soldier, identified as Shriram Sihag (32), was on leave and had been preparing for the Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment examination. The incident took place at around 8 p.m. on Monday near Kerpura bus stand, when five to six unidentified men allegedly intercepted him and forcibly took him away in a vehicle. Shriram's motorcycle and helmet were found abandoned at the spot, raising an immediate alarm among his family and local residents. According to the family, Shriram's wife received a call from his phone at around 11:46 p.m. on Monday. The caller allegedly told her that Shriram was safe and demanded Rs 10 lakh. The caller reportedly said, Shriram is safe with us. We will send the bank details. Transfer Rs 10 lakh to that account. The call was disconnected shortly afterwards. The family then approached the police, following which a search operation was launched. Police said the family has raised suspicion against another Army soldier over a previous financial dispute. Khandela Station House Officer Surendra Singh said Shriram's brother, Sher Singh, lodged a report and told police that Shriram had earlier been involved in a financial transaction-related dispute with another soldier from Karauli district during his posting in West Bengal. The family suspects that the dispute could be linked to the alleged kidnapping. Based on the information provided by the family, police have sent a team to Karauli to investigate the suspected connection. Roadblocks have also been placed in surrounding areas, while teams are searching for the missing soldier. According to his family, Shriram had been on leave for the past three to four months to prepare for the SI recruitment examination. He joined the Army in 2013 and was currently posted in Punjab. Police said they are investigating the case from multiple angles and are working to establish the identity of the suspects, trace the soldier and verify the alleged financial dispute. The discovery of Shriram's motorcycle and helmet at the spot, coupled with the alleged ransom call from his phone, has intensified the investigation.
Crossing party lines, rebels and rows: Rajasthan civic polls take a dramatic turn
Jaipur, Sep 7 (IANS) Rajasthan's urban local body elections are producing scenes that go far beyond the usual Bharatiya Janata Party-versus-Congress contest. In the final days before voting, party lines appear blurred in some wards, political friendships are taking centre stage in others, while rebellion, protests and unusual campaign tactics are adding drama to the electoral battle. From Nathdwara to Sikar, Kota to Jodhpur and Dungarpur to Jaipur, the campaign trail has witnessed everything from a BJP candidate openly supporting a Congress rival to a Congress candidate blessing a JP contestant and even dogs being released outside the office of a BJP rebel. One of the most striking developments has emerged from Nathdwara in Rajsamand district, where BJP candidate Dinesh Prajapat announced his support for Congress nominee Ajay Gurjar in Ward 23, just days before polling. Prajapat, however, made it clear that his political identity remains with the BJP and that he would continue to remain associated with the party. The episode has added an unexpected twist to what would ordinarily be a straightforward BJP-Congress contest. It also highlights the importance of personal equations and local-level dynamics in municipal elections, where candidates often face voters with whom they have long-standing social and personal relationships. An equally unusual scene unfolded in Sikar's Ward 15, where former Municipal Council chairman and Congress candidate Jeevan Khan was seen blessing BJP candidate Simran during campaigning. Khan placed his hand on Simran's head in a gesture of goodwill, creating a striking image of political rivals sharing a moment of warmth during an otherwise fiercely contested election. The incident underlines how local elections can sometimes produce relationships that do not fit neatly into conventional party politics. Kota provided another example of political civility. In Ward 54, BJP candidate Vivek Rajvanshi and Congress candidate Manish Sharma reportedly shook hands when they came face-to-face during campaigning. Elsewhere in Kota, candidates adopted more unconventional campaign styles. BJP candidate Pratibha Suman was seen roasting peanuts on a roadside pushcart in Ward 64, while BJP candidate Soma Ahluwalia reportedly bowed before elderly residents during her campaign in Ward 56. Not every story from the campaign trail has been about political drama. Residents of Royal Suncity Colony in Kota's Ward 33 have announced a boycott of voting, alleging inadequate development work in their area. The protest puts local civic issues at the heart of the election debate and signals that candidates must answer not only for party politics but also for visible work or the lack of it on the ground. Kota also witnessed an unusual voter-list error in Ward 29. In Part 12, the details of a voter named Jagdish, including his name, father's name and house number, were reportedly correct, but the photograph displayed against the entry was that of Lord Hanuman. The unusual error has raised questions about the accuracy of electoral rolls and the verification process. The election battle took a particularly unusual turn in Dungarpur's Ward 31. On Friday, a Municipal Council shelter-home vehicle reportedly released around 15 dogs outside the office of Sunil Jain, a BJP rebel contesting as an independent. Jain alleged that the incident was an abuse of official machinery intended to weaken his campaign. The allegation has added another layer to the growing tensions between official party candidates and rebels contesting independently. Political tensions also surfaced in Jaipur's Ward 149, where residents reportedly surrounded the vehicle of Amer MLA Prashant Sahdev Sharma during his campaign visit in support of Congress candidate Anjali Brahmbhatt. The protesters allegedly waved black flags as the MLA arrived in the Handipura area, turning the campaign visit into a moment of confrontation. Amid the local-level turbulence, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma continued the BJP's campaign pitch. Addressing a gathering in Bikaner, he said people were moving from a double-engine government towards a riple-engine government, referring to coordination between governments at different levels. He in fact has organised roadshows in Bikaner, Udaipur and Ajmer. However, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, verbally attacking the BJP government in the state, said, It is the first time a Chief Minister feels compelled to conduct a roadshow for local self-government elections, including municipal corporations, municipal councils, and municipalities. This isn't a positive sign; it is their biggest drawback. They have effectively proved that the government has been non-functional for the past two and a half years, leading to widespread public anger. The Rajasthan civic elections are increasingly looking less like a simple BJP-versus-Congress contest and more like a collection of local political dramas. Candidates are crossing traditional lines, rivals are exchanging gestures of goodwill, rebels are challenging party establishments, residents are threatening boycotts, and campaign events are producing unexpected confrontations. Ultimately, however, the decisive actor remains the voter. Behind the headlines, the real question is whether these unusual campaign moments translate into votes on polling day or remain memorable episodes from one of Rajasthan's most colourful municipal election campaigns.
Sikar's Smriti Van gets 685.393-metre green pergola walkway
Sikar (Rajasthan) [India], September 2: Smriti Van in Sikar has added a major green infrastructure feature with the development of a 685.393-metre-long metal pergola walkway covered with living green creepers. The structure has a height ranging from 4.76 to 4.88 metres and has been developed to provide pedestrians, walkers, joggers, runners and sportspersons relief from direct sunlight while promoting greenery and awareness about nature conservation.
Tensions Rise in Bihar Village as Police Clash with Locals Over Dispute
Patna, September 1: A police team investigating a dispute between two factions in Katsikari village, under the Ramnagar police station, faced significant resistance from locals on Monday afternoon. The situation escalated into a scuffle, resulting in damage to a police vehicle. According to police reports, tensions flared when officers attempted to intervene in the ongoing ... Read more Tensions Rise in Bihar Village as Police Clash with Locals Over Dispute
Bihar: Police face resistance in West Champaran village dispute probe, 3 detained
Patna, Aug 31 (IANS) A police team investigating a dispute between two groups in Katsikari village under Ramnagar police station faced resistance from villagers on Monday afternoon, leading to a scuffle and damage to a police vehicle. According to police, tension escalated when personnel attempted to intervene in the dispute. Villagers allegedly pushed and shoved []
The race for viral reels and huge view counts has inspired plenty of unusual stunts, but one such attempt in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior ended with a young man facing traffic police action. Gwalior resident Aditya Sikarwar turned his car into a kissing car by covering it with thousands of lipstick marks before taking it onto the road for an Instagram reel.
Express New Route: The route of Delhi-Jaisalmer Runicha Express changed from 21st August to 24th September. This train will now run via Shekhawati instead of Jaipur, which will benefit many cities including Jhunjhunu, Sikar. Doubling of the railway line is underway between Pali and Khori stations. For this reason, the operating route of train number [] The post Indian Railway: Route of Delhi-Jaisalmer Runicha Express train changed, now the train will run via Sikar and Jhunjhunu. first appeared on informalnewz .
ACB Trap: 4 Policemen Arrested for Taking Rs 2.80 Lakh Bribe
Jaipur, August 18: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Sikar unit arrested four police personnel of the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ayodhya after allegedly catching them red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 2.80 lakh. The action was carried out on Tuesday under the directions of the ACB headquarters. The arrested personnel have been identified as ... Read more ACB Trap: 4 Policemen Arrested for Taking Rs 2.80 Lakh Bribe
Metro water supply hit ata few addresses in Mylapore
There are complaints about total lack of water supply as well as low pressure in the pipes. These problems have been reported from houses at NallappanStreet,Arisikaran Street TSVKoilStreet, KP South Street Adam Street andSolaimariammanStreet
Five child marriages stopped through court-issued injunctions on a single day in Rajasthans Sikar
Issued by the court of the Judicial Magistrate under Section 13(1) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, an injunction order empowers the authorities to proactively prevent a child marriage before it occurs
NEET-UG Exam Conducted with Enhanced Security in Sikar
Sikar, June 21: The re-NEET UG examination is being held nationwide, with significant security and administrative preparations in place across Rajasthan. In Sikar district, extraordinary measures have been implemented to ensure the exam is conducted peacefully and without any malpractice. The examination is scheduled from 2 PM to 5:15 PM, with candidates allowed entry between ... Read more NEET-UG Exam Conducted with Enhanced Security in Sikar
A second exam, a second burden: Inside Sikar's NEET crisis - video
Tragic Suicide of NEET Aspirant in Rajasthan Highlights Mental Health Crisis Among Students
Jaipur, June 16: In a tragic incident just before Congress leader Rahul Gandhis visit to Kota on June 17, a 22-year-old NEET aspirant was found dead in Sikar, Rajasthan. This event has brought attention to the growing mental health crisis among students preparing for competitive exams. Umesh Mali, who was preparing for the NEET exam ... Read more Tragic Suicide of NEET Aspirant in Rajasthan Highlights Mental Health Crisis Among Students
