National

COVID-Related Death Confirmed at RIMS: Jharkhand’s First Fatality of the Year

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

A 44-year-old man from Bokaro, receiving treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi for various health issues, has become Jharkhand’s first Covid-19-related death of 2025. The patient, admitted to the Trauma Centre, was facing multiple severe complications and was transferred from the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) while on ventilator support.

Medical officials clarified that the Covid-19 diagnosis was incidental and not the main cause of death. Dr. Pradeep Bhattacharya, head of the Trauma Centre, stated that the patient suffered from sepsis due to food aspiration into the lungs, ultimately leading to cardiac failure. “Oxygen deficiency was not a factor,” he emphasized, urging caution against attributing the death solely to Covid.

Currently, RIMS has one other Covid-positive patient in the ICU, who is also facing severe cardiac, renal, and other critical health issues. Another previously infected patient has recovered and has been discharged.

In Ranchi, there are seven active Covid-19 cases, including three new infections reported in the last 24 hours. The first case of the year was detected on May 25. Over the last three weeks, the state has reported more than 15 cases, with most patients recovering. However, health officials express concern over a troubling trend: symptomatic individuals are refraining from undergoing Covid testing, despite experiencing prolonged fever, respiratory distress, or persistent cough.

As cases rise, the state government has urged citizens to strictly follow Covid protocols. Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, after a high-level review last week, instructed all government hospitals to stay alert. Medical staff leaves have been suspended until further notice, and instructions have been issued to set up isolation wards, secure oxygen supplies, and stock essential medications.

While screening teams are expected to be deployed at airports, railway stations, and bus terminals, officials report that these measures have not yet been implemented. Preparations are claimed to be in progress, but consistent vigilance among frontline workers is lacking.

The state administration has called on citizens to exercise caution and seek immediate medical help if symptoms develop. Officials stress that mask-wearing and early testing are crucial in containing the virus as Jharkhand prepares for a potential resurgence.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

2 days ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

5 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

6 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.