National
Statue of Former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh Set to Be Unveiled on July 15
During a media briefing on Sunday, Singh stated that the unveiling was originally scheduled for June 23, coinciding with Virbhadra Singh’s fourth death anniversary, but was postponed to July 15 following advice from central leadership.
He mentioned that several senior Congress figures, including former national president Sonia Gandhi, current national president Mallikarjun Kharge, and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, are eager to attend the event.
“I recently traveled to New Delhi to personally invite central Congress leaders. Due to prior commitments on June 23, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi requested the date change. Thus, we agreed upon July 15 to ensure their attendance,” he explained.
Singh also noted discussions with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who approved the rescheduling.
“Virbhadra Singh was a key leader not just in Himachal Pradesh but also a respected figure nationwide. Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties have shown interest in attending the unveiling. The statue has already reached Shimla and will be officially unveiled in the presence of national leadership,” Sing said.
The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, cabinet ministers, and all state MLAs are expected to witness this momentous occasion. Singh added that he has personally invited opposition leaders, who have expressed their willingness to attend, reflecting Virbhadra Singh’s widespread respect across party lines.
Earlier that day, Vikramaditya Singh chaired a meeting of the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation to plan the July 15 event diligently. He also announced that a ritual to commemorate Virbhadra Singh’s fourth death anniversary will be held on June 24 at their ancestral home in Rampur Bushahr, inviting the public to join in the ceremony.
National
MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel
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.
National
8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire
Jaipur: Eight patients died after a fire broke out at the trauma centre of the state-run Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur late Sunday night.
Officials said the blaze started in the storage area of the Neuro ICU, possibly due to a short circuit. There were 11 patients in the ICU at the time. Smoke quickly spread, causing panic among patients and staff.
Hospital workers and attendants tried to rescue patients, even moving them out on their beds. Firefighters controlled the blaze in about two hours.
Families of the victims alleged that hospital staff ignored early warnings about smoke and fled during the fire.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and other ministers visited the hospital to review the situation and assured a detailed probe into the incident.
National
75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon
Uttar Pradesh: A 75-year-old man who remarried in search of companionship died barely hours after his wedding, sparking shock and speculation in his village.
The deceased, identified as Sangruram, a resident of Kuchhmuchh village in Jaunpur district, had been living alone after losing his first wife a year ago. With no children, he supported himself through farming. Despite advice from relatives against remarriage, Sangruram wed 35-year-old Manbhavati, a resident of Jalalpur area, on Monday, September 29.
The marriage was first registered in court, followed by traditional rituals at a local temple. According to Manbhavati, the couple spent most of the wedding night conversing, as Sangruram assured her that she would take responsibility for the household while he would “take care of the children.”
However, by the next morning, his health deteriorated suddenly. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The unexpected death has triggered varied reactions in the village. While some residents believe it to be a natural occurrence given his age, others have expressed suspicion about the circumstances.
Relatives, including nephews residing in Delhi, have halted funeral rites until their arrival. They have also raised questions about whether a police inquiry or post-mortem examination will be conducted before the cremation.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding further investigation.
