National

President’s Bodyguard Retreat in Dehradun to Showcase High-Tech, World-Class Park

Published

11 months ago

March 7, 2025

The historic presidential retreat, ‘Rashtrapati Ashiana’, in Dehradun, which has been around for nearly 187 years, is set to unveil a state-of-the-art modern park featuring top-tier sports and recreational facilities. This promising new addition is expected to attract numerous visitors and will be officially inaugurated on June 20, 2025. On that day, President Droupadi Murmu will lay the groundwork for the park and dedicate it to the people of Uttarakhand as well as the tourists visiting Dehradun.

Dating back to 1838, ‘Rashtrapati Ashiana’ boasts a legacy that spans over two centuries. It originally functioned as a summer camp for the horses of the Governor General’s Bodyguard during British India from May to July. Following India’s independence, it was renamed to honor the President’s Bodyguard. The expansive 90-hectare estate is currently under stringent protection by central forces and has restricted public access.

The envisioned park within the President’s Bodyguard Estate will include a multi-activity zone, extensive cycling paths, world-class sporting facilities, a dedicated children’s play area, walking and jogging trails, a nature path within its forested area, along with various water features. Additional Secretary of the President’s Secretariat, Rajesh Gupta, conveyed this information during a recent meeting with state officials and Dehradun district administration. The Uttarakhand government will act as the primary agency overseeing the park’s development. Notably, the President’s Secretariat is seeking public input to enhance the park’s design. Gupta announced that suggestions could be submitted through the official Rashtrapati Bhavan website until April 6, with the feedback form accessible online at https://rb.nic.in/ashiana.

Gupta highlighted that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being drafted to ensure the park is equipped with premium amenities, innovative designs, and sustainable infrastructure. Once completed, the park will be dedicated to the citizens of Uttarakhand, reflecting the President’s vision for participatory governance and community-focused development. With its considerable area, the park promises to be a lively hub for environmental conservation, fitness, and cultural endeavors, fulfilling public aspirations.

‘Rashtrapati Ashiana’ is one of India’s three presidential retreats, alongside Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad and the Retreat Building in Shimla. Rashtrapati Nilayam has already opened its doors to the public. The Ashiana building itself was constructed in 1920 as the official residence for the Commandant of the Bodyguard and was repurposed into a presidential retreat in 1975-76 for then-President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

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.