State

A heart-wrenching incident has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Mahoba district, where a 21-year-old student allegedly driven to despair by prolonged harassment consumed poison and died. Before taking the extreme step, the young woman recorded a video while ingesting the poison and sent it to the accused, holding him responsible for her death. The incident has triggered shock and grief in the region, while police have registered a case and launched an investigation based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family. Victim Sends Video Blaming Harassment The incident took place in Chandauli village under Charkhari Kotwali limits. The deceased, identified as Priya (21), daughter of Ram Bhagat, was reportedly being harassed for several years by a youth from a neighbouring village. On...

As the sacred banks of the Ganga and Yamuna prepare to host the annual Magh Mela, a historic chapter is being added to the centuries-old tradition of Kalpavas. For the first time, transgender (Kinnar) saints will formally observe Kalpavas during the month-long religious congregation at the holy Sangam in Prayagraj. The arrival of Kalpavasis has already begun, and by January 2 the Mela area is expected to be fully occupied by devotees. The ritualistic Kalpavas will commence on January 3 (Paush Shukla Purnima) and conclude on February 1 (Magh Purnima). During this period, devotees will live an austere life of discipline, spiritual practice, ritual bathing, and charity. First-Ever Participation of Kinnar Akhara In a landmark development, 25 saints of the Kinnar Akhara will observe Ka...

The Uttar Pradesh government has given a major New Year boost to the state police leadership by promoting 50 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers across different ranks. The promotion orders were issued by the Home Department after receiving approval from Governor Anandiben Patel. Among the promoted officers, three senior IPS officers of the 2001 batch—Tarun Gaba, Ashutosh Kumar, and Praveen Kumar—have been elevated from Inspector General (IG) to the rank of Additional Director General (ADG). Six Officers Promoted to IG As part of the promotion exercise, six IPS officers of the 2008 batch have been promoted from Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to Inspector General (IG). These officers are: Kiran S Anand Sureshrao Kulkarni N. Kolanchi Amit Verma Rajeev Malhotra Dr...

In a significant move to address the rising incidents of human–leopard conflict, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department is preparing to launch a leopard sterilisation programme. The initiative will begin as a pilot project in Bijnor district, one of the most sensitive regions in the state in terms of leopard attacks. With leopards increasingly venturing into villages and human settlements, incidents of fatal attacks on people as well as retaliatory killings of leopards have surged. To put a check on this escalating conflict, the Forest Department has prepared a detailed proposal to control the leopard population through scientific sterilisation. Bijnor Identified as Most Sensitive District A recent study conducted by the Forest Department revealed alarming figures from Bijnor. Betwee...

In a major New Year relief for residents of Uttar Pradesh’s capital, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has introduced a fully digital and fast-track system for approving building plans. With the implementation of the new ‘FastPass’ system under revised building by-laws, citizens will no longer need to make repeated visits to LDA offices to get their house or shop maps approved. Under the new arrangement, property owners can now get their building plans approved online within minutes through a self-certification process. The initiative is aimed at simplifying procedures, reducing delays, and ensuring transparency in map approval. FastPass System Launched LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar announced that under the FastPass system, owners of residential plots up to 100 square m...

In a chilling revelation that has sent shockwaves across the region, the Badaun police have uncovered that a 16-year-old girl, Sonam, was brutally murdered by her own father. The accused, identified as Ikrar, has been arrested after confessing to the crime during police interrogation. Sonam, a resident of Lehara Laharpur village under the Wazirganj police station area, had gone missing on the night of December 19. Ten days later, on December 29, her mutilated body was discovered in a mustard field in a rural area of Badaun. The condition of the body was so severe that only the head and legs were clearly visible, leading villagers to initially suspect that wild animals had attacked the corpse. The discovery sparked panic and outrage in the village. Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. ...

Mahoba: Love truly transcends borders, and the heartwarming story of Romarica from the Philippines and Avaj Namdev from India is a perfect testament to this. Romarica traveled over 5,000 km from the Philippines to Mahoba in Bundelkhand, where she met Avaj, and their friendship blossomed into love. Captivated by the simplicity and culture of India, Romarica accepted Avaj’s marriage proposal in front of his family. Journey from Friendship to LoveAvaj Namdev, a resident of Bandhan Ward in Mahoba, was working in the Philippines in 2022, seeking job opportunities. He joined the Caribbean Cruise Restaurant, where he met Romarica, who was also employed there. Working together, the two grew close, and Avaj’s simple, genuine personality charmed Romarica, while Avaj admired her humility and grace...