Wednesday, April 8

Uttar Pradesh

Rebel SP MLAs Dismiss ‘Homecoming’ Buzz; Say Will “Never Align with Ram Opponents”
Politics, State, Uttar Pradesh

Rebel SP MLAs Dismiss ‘Homecoming’ Buzz; Say Will “Never Align with Ram Opponents”

Lucknow: Political speculation is once again swirling around seven rebel legislators of the Samajwadi Party (SP) who had cross-voted during the 2024 Rajya Sabha elections. Amid reports suggesting that some of them are exploring a possible return to the party, two expelled MLAs — Rakesh Pratap Singh and Abhay Singh — have categorically denied any such move. The SP had expelled Manoj Kumar Pandey, Abhay Singh, and Rakesh Pratap Singh in 2025 for voting in favor of the BJP during the Rajya Sabha polls. Four others — Rakesh Pandey, Vinod Chaturvedi, Pooja Pal, and Ashutosh Maurya — were also part of the cross-voting episode that triggered political controversy. ‘SP Should Abandon Illusions’: Rakesh Pratap Singh Rakesh Pratap Singh, MLA from Gauriganj in Amethi, rejected reports of rec...
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...
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...
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...
Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Approaches Allahabad HC Seeking Anticipatory Bail in Sexual Abuse Case
State, Uttar Pradesh

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Approaches Allahabad HC Seeking Anticipatory Bail in Sexual Abuse Case

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: The sexual abuse case against Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has now reached the Allahabad High Court. On Tuesday, the Shankaracharya filed an anticipatory bail petition seeking protection from arrest in connection with an FIR registered at Jhunsi police station, Prayagraj. A hearing on the matter is expected soon, while authorities may question the religious leader as part of the ongoing investigation. Allegations The FIR alleges that during the Magh Mela, minors at Swami Avimukteshwaranand’s camp were sexually abused. The lower court had ordered the registration of the FIR following a petition by Shakumbhri Peethadhishwar Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj. Speaking to journalists, Swami Avimukteshwaranand claimed, “If I am arrested, it wou...
Ghaziabad Tuition Teacher Arrested for Alleged Digital Assault on Class 10 Student
State, Uttar Pradesh

Ghaziabad Tuition Teacher Arrested for Alleged Digital Assault on Class 10 Student

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh: In a shocking case from the Trans-Hindon area of Ghaziabad, a tuition teacher has been arrested for allegedly digitally assaulting a Class 10 student. The victim, who had been subjected to harassment for several months, is reportedly under severe mental stress. Authorities have confirmed that the teacher, identified as Rajendra Sharma, has been taken into custody. The Incident According to the victim’s family, they had hired Sharma, a resident of their village, to tutor their daughter. Over the past two to three months, the girl became unusually withdrawn. Upon inquiry, she disclosed that the teacher had been misbehaving with her after sending the other children home. She alleged that Sharma touched her inappropriately and threatened her with violence, warni...
Muzaffarnagar Father Murder: Sisters Kill Father After Years of Restrictions and Conflict
State, Uttar Pradesh

Muzaffarnagar Father Murder: Sisters Kill Father After Years of Restrictions and Conflict

Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, February 24, 2026: In a shocking case from Muzaffarnagar, two sisters allegedly murdered their father after lacing the family’s dessert with sleeping pills. Police investigations reveal that their elder brother was also a potential target during the attack. Conflict Over Mobile Use and Clothing The father, Ram Prasad, was reportedly strict with his daughters regarding mobile phone usage and clothing. The sisters secretly used their phones, enjoying watching reels, which their father disapproved of. The strict restrictions reportedly fueled growing resentment, culminating in the fatal incident. Police sources indicate that three days before the murder, the elder brother, Amit, had reportedly punished the younger sister. Ram Prasad reportedly discourage...
CM Yogi’s Singapore Visit Spurs Massive Investments in Noida and Ghaziabad
State, Uttar Pradesh

CM Yogi’s Singapore Visit Spurs Massive Investments in Noida and Ghaziabad

Noida/Ghaziabad, February 24, 2026: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s ongoing visit to Singapore has resulted in significant investment commitments for the state, totaling ₹6,650 crore through three major MOUs. The agreements focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and digital development across Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. ₹3,500 Crore Township Near Noida International Airport An international-themed integrated township will be developed on 100 acres near Noida International Airport at an estimated cost of ₹3,500 crore. Scheduled for launch in 2027, the project is expected to generate employment for over 12,000 people and provide a modern urban identity to the rapidly growing airport region. ₹2,500 Crore Hyperscale Data Center Park A hyperscale data center pa...