National

Allow Jaipur to Breathe: A Call to Action

Published

1 year ago

June 5, 2025

Rajasthan, with its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem, has long been a sanctuary for various species, including the majestic tiger and the great Indian bustard. Despite its dry terrain and low rainfall, this desert state is a treasure trove for travelers and environmentalists alike.

Unfortunately, unchecked development throughout the country has wreaked havoc on Rajasthan’s biodiversity. From the destruction of the Aravali ranges for roads to relentless mining operations, the environmental integrity of the state is under severe threat.

Recently, a new plan threatens to exacerbate this degradation: the complete clearance of the 100-acre ‘Dol Ka Badh’ forest in Jaipur. Nestled in the Taron Ki Khoont area, this crucial green space is being bulldozed to pave the way for an industrial and commercial complex, which will include a PM Unity Mall, a Fintech Park, hotels, and a Rajasthan Mandapam.

The ‘Let Jaipur Breathe’ movement, spearheaded by Shaurya Goyal, has emerged in response to this environmental crisis. Goyal operates an Instagram page by the same name, which has helped raise awareness and garnered over 8,000 followers in just four years since its inception in 2021, coinciding with the initial plans for forest clearance.

BJP MP Diya Kumari once supported the movement and even met with protestors in August 2023. However, since becoming Deputy Chief Minister in 2024, she has seemingly neglected public concerns.

The Dol Ka Badh forest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 2,400 native trees, 60 species of medicinal herbs, and approximately 85 bird species, along with various wildlife like nilgai, peacocks, and rabbits that thrive in this untouched environment.

While followers of the Instagram page urge protestors to file Public Interest Litigations (PILs), developers exploit a loophole, labeling the land “industrial” since the 1980s, which gives RIICO (Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation) the legal authority to repurpose it. Unfortunately, Rajasthan’s legal protections for naturally occurring forests on revenue land are weak.

Despite RIICO’s rapid progress, the movement has garnered strong grassroots support. Organizers have planned a cycle march on May 31 and a human chain on June 1, both near the forest.

The movement has two primary objectives: to designate Dol Ka Badh as a protected biodiversity park and to relocate the RIICO development to a more suitable area, while also pushing for revisions to the master plan that would prioritize the use of empty land for construction, preserving green areas as protected forests that could also promote eco-tourism.

The organizers have even proposed to RIICO’s chief a comprehensive plan to convert the Dol Ka Badh forest into a biodiversity park and even offered 40 acres of relatively barren land for development. Unfortunately, this proposal was rejected.

As Shaurya Goyal poignantly stated, “We question our athletes, debate our entertainers… but when it comes to our elected leaders, we remain silent. Why? Are we fearful? It’s essential to ask the tough questions, challenge the status quo, and aspire to be citizens worth fighting for. India is not defined by one individual or party; it is a chorus of 1.4 billion voices, dreams, and choices. Greatness is not innate; it is shaped by the people.”

National

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.