National

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

Published

1 year 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

Man Allegedly Kills Wife, Children, Teen Girl and Her Family

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Hyderabad: A 35-year-old man, identified as Rajkumar, allegedly killed his wife, two young sons, a 17-year-old girl who had accused him of sexual harassment, and the girl’s mother and grandmother in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district.

Police said Rajkumar first killed his wife, Parvathi Saritha (30), and their two sons at their home in Shabad on Friday night. He then allegedly kidnapped the teenage girl, murdered her, and later killed her mother and grandmother.

The accused had been arrested in May under the POCSO Act for allegedly stalking and sexually harassing the girl. He was granted anticipatory bail about a week before the murders.

After the crime, Rajkumar reportedly called his father and confessed before switching off his phone. He is currently absconding, and police have launched a manhunt. The investigation is underway.

National

Wedding celebration Dispute for Served Chicken promising Mutton

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bihar: A wedding celebration in Bihar turned violent after a dispute over the food served at the reception. Around 12 people were injured in the clash.

The incident took place in Simri Bakhtiyarpur town of Saharsa district on Thursday.

According to officials, the nikah of Mohammad Abdullah alias Chand, son of Mohammad Anwar, was held with the daughter of Mohammad Javed alias Moto at around 3 pm. The wedding ceremony was completed peacefully.

The trouble began during the wedding feast. Members of the groom’s family claimed they had been promised mutton for the meal. However, they were served chicken instead.

The groom’s side objected to the change in the menu. This led to a heated argument between the two families. The argument soon turned into a physical fight.

Several people from both sides were involved in the clash. Some guests were allegedly beaten with sticks. Videos shared on social media also showed people waving swords during the violence.

Around 12 people suffered injuries in the incident. They were admitted to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Simri Bakhtiyarpur for treatment.

Police reached the venue and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

National

Daughter Held for Mother’s Murder; Father’s Death Also Under Scanner?

Published

6 days ago

July 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

Jaipur: A 23-year-old woman, Ayushi Sharma, who was arrested for allegedly plotting her mother’s murder to obtain a government job, is now facing fresh allegations linked to her father’s death.

Ayushi’s uncle has claimed that the death of her father, Vijay Sharma, may not have been natural. He has demanded a police investigation into the case. Police have started looking into the allegation.

According to the police, Ayushi planned the murder of her mother, Neeraj Sharma, with the help of her uncle Mohan Swaroop and her relative Balram alias Ravi. The motive was to gain control of family property and secure her mother’s government job.

Police said the accused paid Rs.7 lakh to contract killers to carry out the murder. The attackers allegedly rammed an SUV into Neeraj Sharma and tried to make it look like a road accident.

Neeraj Sharma, 45, was working as a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in a court. On July 3, she was returning home after dropping her son at tuition when a speeding Scorpio SUV allegedly hit her near Pratap Nagar. She was thrown nearly 100 feet and died on the spot. The accused fled after the incident.

During the investigation, police examined CCTV footage from the area. They found that the incident was not an accident but a planned murder. The investigation later exposed the conspiracy.

Police have arrested seven people, including Ayushi Sharma, in connection with the case. One accused is still absconding, and efforts are underway to arrest him.

Police said Neeraj Sharma had received the government job on compassionate grounds after the death of her husband about a year ago. Investigators believe Ayushi wanted the job for herself. Police also said there had been a property dispute between the mother and daughter for the past two to three years.

During questioning, Ayushi allegedly told police that she wanted her late father’s government job. However, after his death, the job was given to her mother. She reportedly admitted that this disappointment, along with the property dispute, became the reason for planning the murder.