National

Dhami Urges Officials to Maintain Strict Surveillance on Heli Ticket Black Market Activities

Published

11 months ago

March 11, 2025

The Uttarakhand government is taking firm measures against the black market for helicopter tickets during this year’s Chardham pilgrimage. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed the state vigilance department to remain alert and monitor illegal ticket sales throughout the pilgrimage season.

On Monday, Dhami emphasized the need for state police, particularly those in the Vigilance department, to be on high alert as the Chardham Yatra commences in early May.

The pilgrimage will kick off with the opening of the Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines on April 30.

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“The Vigilance department must maintain vigilance and take decisive action against the black marketing of helicopter tickets this upcoming Chardham Yatra season 2025. It is crucial to dismantle any illegal rackets and apprehend individuals involved in such practices, leading to strict consequences,” stated the Chief Minister during a meeting with senior officials.

Dhami made these comments while chairing a high-level meeting that included tourism minister Satpal Maharaj. The meeting aimed to review preparations for the Chardham pilgrimage at the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath shrines.

It is important to note that black marketing of helicopter tickets becomes a significant issue during each pilgrimage season in Uttarakhand, with unscrupulous elements, including air service providers and local touts, often prioritizing extra-paying customers over those who have booked tickets in advance.

The Chief Minister has also instructed officials to ensure the sale of only single-use plastic items and to establish sufficient pink toilets along the routes to Chardham shrines. Special emphasis has been placed on maintaining cleanliness for pilgrims, particularly in setting up the pink toilets along the Yatra pathways.

Dhami has directed departmental secretaries and senior police officers to conduct a field inspection of the arrangements for the Chardham Yatra during March.

In alignment with the ‘Green theme Chardham Yatra,’ arrangements should be made to explore alternative routes for accessing the shrines. In addition, mobile connectivity, necessary resources at sensitive locations, and drone monitoring should be implemented along the Chardham routes, Dhami added.

The Chief Minister has tasked senior officials with developing a master plan for promoting winter tourism in the state, incorporating strategies and ideas suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit.

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National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.