National

Opposition Accuses Fadnavis for Nagpur Violence

Published

1 year ago

March 18, 2025

Maharashtra’s opposition parties have strongly criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following violent incidents in Nagpur on Monday. During a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP from Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, raised concerns over the violence erupting in Nagpur—the headquarters of the RSS and Chief Minister Fadnavis’s constituency, where he also serves as Home Minister of Maharashtra.

“Who would dare to incite violence in such a place? This appears to be a tactic to intimidate Hindus—having their own supporters attack them and then instigate riots,” Raut accused.

The Shiv Sena’s Marathi newspaper, ‘Saamna,’ condemned BJP leaders for their threats to demolish Aurangzeb’s grave, calling such sentiments “an affront to the brave legacy of the Marathas.” The publication stated, “Certain modern Hindutvawadis are clamoring to destroy Aurangzeb’s grave like Babri Masjid was razed. Their intention is to sow hatred across Maharashtra. The Marathas battled Aurangzeb for 25 years, and now they wish to sanitize that history.”

Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray, UBT MLA from Shiv Sena, dismissed the agitation as “a mere distraction from pressing issues.” He criticized the Fadnavis administration, suggesting that the BJP is attempting to turn Maharashtra into a situation similar to that of Manipur. He also pointed out the Chief Minister’s Office’s inaction amid the Nagpur unrest. “Why did the CMO remain silent as rumors of violence circulated in Nagpur? Any such event should reach the Chief Minister and Home Department first. Were they not aware? I believe the BJP aims to replicate the conditions of Manipur here,” stated Aaditya Thackeray.

Aaditya further labeled the BJP as “shameless” given the violence transpired in Fadnavis’s hometown. “Regrettably, when the BJP cannot govern effectively, it resorts to violence and riots—this is their pattern in every state. Just like in Manipur, they desire to create turmoil in Maharashtra. They dredge up history from centuries ago but remain mute on present-day issues,” he remarked.

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized Fadnavis, asserting that Maharashtra is being destabilized deliberately to deter investment, ultimately benefiting the neighboring state of Gujarat.

Congress leader Nana Patole argued that if Chief Minister Fadnavis claims the Nagpur violence was a “pre-planned conspiracy,” it indicates a failure on the part of the government and police. “Fadnavis hails from Nagpur. If such incidents occur there, it reflects poor governance. They do not believe in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; their sole purpose is to undermine Maharashtra,” claimed Patole.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar condemned the violence in Nagpur on Monday night, labeling it a “government-sponsored incident.” He called for a ban on BJP leader T. Raja Singh’s activities in the state, accusing him of inciting unrest and blaming the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti government for endorsing individuals like Singh.

In a related statement, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange alleged that the violence was “sponsored” by the Maharashtra government, holding Chief Minister Fadnavis accountable. “This riot is orchestrated by the government and Devendra Fadnavis. If they wish to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, they have the authority at both state and national levels. The previous Congress government made mistakes in safeguarding such structures, and now those in power have an opportunity to amend that. This chaos is merely a tactic to pit the underprivileged against each other. People must remain vigilant,” Jarange urged.

Congress MP Praniti Shinde added that the controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb, which dates back over 300 years, serves as a “diversionary tactic” to deflect attention from the Fadnavis government’s shortcomings. “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also the Home Minister, is a significant failure. To mask this, they incite these conflicts. There are ongoing attempts to instigate violence in Maharashtra and across the nation, but the people of Maharashtra remain unyielding against the BJP. They aim to undermine the region’s social harmony,” Shinde concluded.

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.