National

Holi Procession and Friday Prayers Wrap Up Peacefully Under Stringent Security Measures in Sambhal

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2025

The festival of Holi is being celebrated with joy and enthusiasm throughout the nation. This year’s festivities coincided with Friday prayers, leading to increased security measures in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Sambhal, where a tragic riot occurred last year resulting in four fatalities.

However, Holi celebrations in Sambhal have proceeded peacefully, with organized processions taking place across the city without any issues.

Concurrently, prayers were held in various mosques throughout the city. At 2:30 p.m., congregants gathered at the Shahi Jama Masjid for prayers on the second Friday of Ramadan.

Additionally, a large Holi procession, comprising around 3,000 participants, took place near the mosque. To ensure law and order, a significant police presence was maintained across the city. Police Officer Anuj Chaudhary expressed his satisfaction with how the day unfolded, stating, “People have celebrated Holi harmoniously in Sambhal, and there have been no reports of disturbances. Worshippers performed their prayers without any issues.” He also acknowledged the initiative taken by local communities to cover the mosques, thanking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for maintaining security.

Sambhal Superintendent of Police, Krishna Kumar Bishnoi, emphasized the cooperative spirit among the residents, noting, “Everything is progressing peacefully and with goodwill. The community is fostering brotherhood, and the diligent efforts of the Sambhal police have been effective.”

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra reported that a total of 68 Holi processions occurred in Sambhal, two of which traversed mixed-population areas. “Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our administration and security personnel, everything went off without a hitch,” she stated.

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya remarked, “People celebrated Holi with traditional enthusiasm. Over 60 processions took place in the city under strict security.”

Due to the overlap of Holi and Friday prayers, authorities had issued a statewide alert, implementing special arrangements in Sambhal to avert any potential incidents. The strong police presence, along with community cooperation, facilitated a harmonious observation of both the Holi festivities and Ramadan prayers.

These peaceful celebrations carry significant importance, especially considering the heightened tensions in Sambhal following communal riots last November 24, which were triggered by an Archaeological Survey of India examination of the historic Mughal-era Shahi Jama mosque.

National

Killers Travelled 1,400 Km to Murder Delhi Professor

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Delhi Police solved the murder case of Delhi University professor Debosmita Paul within three days.

Investigators found that the accused had travelled nearly 1,400 km from West Bengal to Delhi to carry out the crime.

Police used CCTV footage, cab booking records, and GPS data to trace the suspects.

Seven special teams conducted raids across four states and arrested the accused in Bardhaman, West Bengal.

The investigation revealed that the murder was linked to a property dispute involving Paul’s ancestral property.

The swift and technology-driven investigation has been widely praised.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.