National

No VIP Access for Darshan During the First Month of Chardham Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand

Published

1 year ago

March 26, 2025

The Uttarakhand government has announced that there will be no VIP darshan for the first month of the Chardham pilgrimage, which includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, starting April 1. This decision follows directives from Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and aims to alleviate traffic and crowd management issues that frequently arise at the Chardham shrines.

Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey shared details about the government’s decision, stating that robust security measures will be implemented for pilgrims visiting the state this season. Sufficient security personnel will be stationed along the routes to all four shrines, including Hemkunt Sahib Gurdwara.

“This season will see significant security arrangements for managing crowds at the shrines. The government has barred VIP darshan for the first month of the Yatra as part of its crowd control strategy. This decision responds to the common pilgrims’ challenges when their movements are delayed due to VIP protocols, often leading to congestion and traffic issues,” Pandey explained.

He also noted that the government anticipates a record influx of pilgrims this season. Adjustments may be made if the pilgrimage crowd is smaller than expected. Bansidhar Tiwari, additional secretary and Director General of Information in Uttarakhand, stated, “Police and mobile security teams will be positioned every 10 kilometers along the Chardham routes.”

Additionally, officials confirmed that the government will provide free food and resting facilities for pilgrims this season. Tiwari mentioned that the administration would reassess pilgrimage preparations within five days after the season kicks off on April 5. It is important to highlight that the Chardham pilgrimage will commence with the opening of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temple portals on April 1.

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.