Sunday, April 5

State

Dispute Deepens Over Bhojshala: Muslim Side Calls ASI Report ‘Misleading’, Rejects Temple-Origin Claim
Madhya Pradesh, State

Dispute Deepens Over Bhojshala: Muslim Side Calls ASI Report ‘Misleading’, Rejects Temple-Origin Claim

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): The long-standing dispute over the Bhojshala complex in Dhar has intensified after Muslim representatives rejected the recent Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report, calling it “misleading” and announcing their decision to challenge it in the High Court on March 16. The ASI report, based on scientific examination and excavation, has concluded that the present structure—identified as Kamal Maula Mosque—was constructed using remnants of an ancient Hindu temple. The findings have reignited tensions between Hindu and Muslim groups over the historical character of the site. Muslim Side Rejects Temple-Origin Findings The petitioner in the case, Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society, has dismissed the ASI’s conclusions. Society president Abdul Samad stated that t...
Air Ambulance Tragedy: Orphaned Young, Raised Like a Son by His Brother — Now the ‘Light of the Home’ Extinguished
Bihar, State

Air Ambulance Tragedy: Orphaned Young, Raised Like a Son by His Brother — Now the ‘Light of the Home’ Extinguished

Patna: A pall of grief has descended over Kurji in Patna following the tragic air ambulance crash in Jharkhand’s Chatra district that claimed seven lives. Among the victims was 24-year-old paramedical staff member Sachin Kumar Mishra, whose life story was marked by early hardship and relentless struggle. Originally a resident of Telkathu village under Hussain Ganj police station in Siwan district, Sachin’s family had been living in a rented house in Kurji, Patna, for the past 15 years. The ill-fated air ambulance was en route from Ranchi to Delhi when it crashed, killing all seven people on board. Lost His Father in Childhood Sachin lost his father, Jitendra Mishra, at a very young age. After the tragedy, the family shifted to Patna. His elder brother, Vineet Mishra, a priest by p...
Swami Avimukteshwaranand Questions POCSO Investigation, Seeks Severe Punishment if Guilt Proven
State, Uttar Pradesh

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Questions POCSO Investigation, Seeks Severe Punishment if Guilt Proven

Varanasi: Swami Avimukteshwaranand, residing at Shree Vidya Math, Kedarghat, has raised serious questions regarding the investigation into the POCSO Act case filed against him. On Tuesday, he presented a photograph showing Ashutosh Brahmachari, who filed the complaint, standing next to Additional Police Commissioner Ajay Pal Sharma of Prayagraj, who appears to be cutting a cake in the image. Questions Raised on Investigation Fairness The Swami pointed out that Ajay Pal Sharma is the same officer overseeing the investigation into the sexual exploitation allegations against him. He described the photograph as indicative of undue closeness and suggested that it raised doubts about the impartiality of the probe. He said:"The children allegedly exploited have neither come before me nor...
DGCA Grounds Four VSR Ventures Aircraft Following Ajit Pawar Plane Crash
Maharashtra, State

DGCA Grounds Four VSR Ventures Aircraft Following Ajit Pawar Plane Crash

Pune: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the grounding of four aircraft from VSR Ventures Private Limited following a special safety audit, a month after a fatal crash claimed the lives of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and four others. The crash occurred on January 28 near Baramati, when a Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) operated by VSR Ventures went down. In response, the DGCA conducted a thorough safety audit, uncovering multiple violations in maintenance protocols, flight operations, and airworthiness standards. Aircraft Grounded Pending Rectification Based on the audit findings, the DGCA has directed VSR Ventures to ground four Learjet 40/45 aircraft—registration numbers VT-VRA, VT-VRS, VT-VRV, and VT-TRI—until corrective measures are im...
Extra Buses to Run in Uttar Pradesh for Holi; Special Incentives for Staff
State, Uttar Pradesh

Extra Buses to Run in Uttar Pradesh for Holi; Special Incentives for Staff

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced special arrangements for Holi travel, ensuring smoother journeys for passengers. Additional buses will operate across the state from February 28 to March 9, and outstanding employees will receive incentives ranging from ₹3,600 to ₹4,500. State Transport Minister (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh stated that travel pressure is typically higher from Delhi, Ghaziabad, and western Uttar Pradesh, and therefore, adequate buses and staff will be pre-deployed in these regions. If 60% of passenger load is observed from initial routes, additional buses will also be deployed to other areas. Holiday Period: No Leave for Staff Ministers have directed that 100% of corporation buses remain operational and contractual staff will not be gran...
Ballia Man Arrested for Alleged Religious Conversion Activities
State, Uttar Pradesh

Ballia Man Arrested for Alleged Religious Conversion Activities

Ballia, Uttar Pradesh: The Sikandarpur police in Ballia district arrested Jose Thomas on allegations of inducing people to convert to Christianity. The accused, a native of Patna who also resided temporarily in Kerala, was taken into custody on Monday morning at 7:10 AM. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (South) Dinesh Kumar Shukla, Thomas allegedly lured people with money, jobs, and other incentives to adopt the Christian faith. A complainant informed police that Thomas had also offered them similar inducements. The complainant stated that Thomas was residing at Dr. Farid’s house in Ward No. 5, Sikandarpur town, and was reportedly gathering 15–20 women and some children to his gatherings. Allegations of Religious AbuseThe complaint further mentioned that Thomas alleged...
Jharkhand Budget 2026-27: 20 Key Highlights of the ‘Abua Dishom Budget’
Jharkhand, State

Jharkhand Budget 2026-27: 20 Key Highlights of the ‘Abua Dishom Budget’

Ranchi, Jharkhand: Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore presented Jharkhand’s budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the state assembly, unveiling a ₹1,58,560 crore plan aimed at comprehensive development and social welfare. Dubbed the ‘Abua Dishom Budget’, the financial blueprint emphasizes rural development, women’s empowerment, agricultural reforms, and inclusive growth, while introducing outcome-based, gender, and child budgets for greater transparency and accountability. Here are the 20 major highlights of the Jharkhand Budget 2026-27: Budget named ‘Abua Dishom Budget’ to reflect people-centric planning. Total budget size: ₹1,58,560 crore for FY 2026-27. Finance Minister accused the central government of not releasing Jharkhand’s due share of funds. Emphasis on Jhar...
Controversy Erupts Over Maharaja-Maharani College Land in Jaipur: BJP Leader Questions Own Government
Rajasthan, State

Controversy Erupts Over Maharaja-Maharani College Land in Jaipur: BJP Leader Questions Own Government

Jaipur, Rajasthan: A political storm has erupted in Rajasthan over the transfer of the valuable land belonging to Maharaja and Maharani Colleges to the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and the municipal corporation. The move, which is tied to the historic legacy of Rajasthan University, has drawn sharp criticism from both opposition and senior members of the ruling BJP. BJP Veteran Raises Concerns In a surprising turn, it was senior BJP MLA and former minister Kalicharan Saraf who openly questioned the legality of the transfer in the state assembly. Saraf criticized his own government, calling the transfer of approximately 48 bighas of Maharaja College land and 30 bighas of Maharani College land to the JDA “completely illegal.” Opposition Joins the Fray The opposition quickly...
Rising Dog Bite Cases in Ghaziabad: 4,829 Victims in Four Months, 40% Children and Seniors
State, Uttar Pradesh

Rising Dog Bite Cases in Ghaziabad: 4,829 Victims in Four Months, 40% Children and Seniors

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: Dog bite incidents are on the rise in Ghaziabad, raising concerns among residents and health authorities. According to data from MMG Hospital, between September and December 2025, a total of 4,829 people were bitten by dogs. Of these, 2,896 incidents involved street dogs, while 1,933 were caused by pet dogs. Children and Elderly Most Affected Hospital records show that approximately 40% of the victims were children or elderly people. Many incidents occurred in parks while playing, during unexpected encounters in lifts, or while walking. Families are increasingly worried, especially in colonies with a high population of stray dogs. Vaccination Uptake Surges As cases rise, more residents are seeking anti-rabies vaccination. In December, 5,593 people rece...
Gorakhpur AIIMS Female Doctor Harassed by Men Over 1.5 Km, Two Arrested
State, Uttar Pradesh

Gorakhpur AIIMS Female Doctor Harassed by Men Over 1.5 Km, Two Arrested

Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: A female third-year resident doctor from Nagaland, studying in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gorakhpur AIIMS, was harassed by three men while riding her scooter near Orion Mall on the night of February 22. The incident has sparked widespread concern, and police have registered a case, arresting two of the accused while a manhunt for the third continues. The Incident Around 8:00 PM, the doctor was traveling from Orion Mall to AIIMS when three men on a motorcycle began following her, making lewd comments and harassing her for approximately 1.5 kilometers. One of the men reportedly removed his shirt to intimidate her, while another attempted inappropriate physical contact. The doctor’s screams drew the attention of a security guard near AIIMS G...