National

Nagpur Remains Calm Yet Tense Following Arrests of Riot Suspects

Published

1 year ago

March 20, 2025

Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, has condemned the recent violence in Nagpur, vowing to take “strictest action” against those responsible for assaulting police personnel during riots on Monday. On Wednesday, Kadam reported that law enforcement has arrested approximately 60 individuals related to the violence.

In response, the Nagpur police, along with security personnel, conducted a flag march through the affected areas to reassure residents and restore confidence.

A tense calm settled over Nagpur as six First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered by Wednesday. Authorities have imposed a curfew across 11 police station areas within Zones 3, 4, and 5, advising residents in those locales to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid gatherings of more than five. Life continues normally in other parts of Nagpur, with public transportation operating and people going about their daily activities.

In a related incident, on Wednesday, eight members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal surrendered to the Kotwali police, who subsequently arrested them and presented them in court. FIRs have been lodged against several leaders of the VHP and Bajrang Dal, accused of inciting religious sentiments during a protest that sought the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Sambhajinagar, formerly Aurangabad.

Previously, the Nagpur police had filed a case at the Ganeshpeth police station against these same groups for similar charges during their protest against Aurangzeb’s tomb. Among those named in the FIR are VHP secretary for Maharashtra and Goa, Govind Shende, and Bajrang Dal leaders including Amol Thakre, Dr. Mahajan, Tayani, Rajat Puri, Sushil, Vrushabh Arkhel, Shubham, and Mukesh Barapatre.

The VHP and Bajrang Dal allegedly burned a cloth chadar inscribed with “kalma” and verses from a religious text while chanting incendiary slogans, provoking a response from a Muslim group led by Fahim Shamim Khan, the city president of the Minorities Democratic Party (MDP). Khan has been identified as a key instigator of the violence and has been arrested, now in custody until March 21.

Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singhal explained that the VHP was granted permission for a procession celebrating Shivaji Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj. “These processions are common each year, so we followed standard procedures. The VHP did not disclose plans to incite violence or burn an effigy,” Singhal remarked.

The commissioner confirmed that police intervened as the VHP attempted to burn the chadar. “Our presence was there to stop them; we have evidence to support this claim. We have initiated four cases and will take action against those involved in the procession,” he stated.

An additional FIR filed at Ganeshpeth police station indicates that MDP leader Fahim Shamim Khan incited a mob of around 500 individuals, leading to extensive clashes, vandalism, and attacks on local police. Khan had previously run for the Lok Sabha in 2024 as an MDP candidate, claiming he had completed schooling up to the tenth grade and identified as a businessman.

According to police documentation, Khan played a pivotal role in mobilizing the rioters. The unrest ignited following a VHP and Bajrang Dal protest near Gandhi Gate, where demonstrators chanted against Aurangzeb’s tomb and burned a mock effigy of it. This led to a gathering of armed supporters under Khan’s leadership, who attacked police officers in the Bhaldarpura Chowk area with stones and weapons, allegedly employing petrol bombs in their efforts to overpower law enforcement. Some in the crowd reportedly harassed female police officers, and vehicles were set ablaze, causing significant damage to both public and private property.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week 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.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.