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The Tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Casts a Shadow Over Maharashtra Politics

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Maharashtra assembly on Monday that the state government will safeguard the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; however, he asserted that the glorification of the emperor will not be permitted despite repeated calls from BJP members to remove the grave.

“We will protect Aurangzeb’s tomb, but we will not allow the glorification of his legacy. The temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be celebrated, not Aurangzeb’s grave. It is regrettable that we must protect Aurangzeb’s tomb, which has been a protected site by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for 50 years. Consequently, both the Central and state governments are obliged to safeguard it. Although Aurangzeb was responsible for the deaths of thousands of our people, we have to protect this grave. However, I assure you that I will not tolerate any efforts to glorify him. I will put an end to any notion that seeks to honor Aurangzeb,” stated Fadnavis.

On March 10, Fadnavis had previously suggested that the government explore legal options to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, responding to a request from BJP MLAs.

The dispute surrounding Aurangzeb reignited in February after Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Abu Azmi praised the emperor, leading to his suspension from the Maharashtra assembly until the conclusion of the budget session as criticism mounted from various party members.

Following the uproar, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut accused Fadnavis of instigating the Aurangzeb controversy as a diversion from the Dhananjay Munde issue, which was in the public eye at the time. “In the Legislative Assembly, the Fadnavis government was under pressure over Dhananjay Munde. Consequently, the BJP directed Abu Azmi to make a statement to create drama. Both Abu Azmi and Owaisi often resort to such tactics,” Raut claimed, suggesting that Fadnavis was leveraging the popularity of the recent Hindi film ‘Chhaava,’ which depicted Aurangzeb’s atrocities.

Currently, organizations such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have submitted a memorandum to the state government urging immediate legal action for the removal of the grave, warning of impending “karseva” and statewide protests if their demands are not fulfilled. BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, has also called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra state Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal criticized the Fadnavis government for “distracting from significant issues.” “Will the farmers’ issues be resolved by removing Aurangzeb’s grave? Will employment be generated by debating Aurangzeb’s tomb? Certain ministers are inciting people; they rose to power by pledging loyalty to the Constitution. The history of Shivaji Maharaj is intertwined with this tomb. When history is recalled in the future, this tomb will inevitably be mentioned alongside Shivaji Maharaj’s name. Thus, everything connected to Shivaji Maharaj should be preserved,” Sapkal emphasized.

Earlier on Sunday, Sapkal accused Fadnavis of being “as cruel” as the Mughal emperor himself. “Aurangzeb was known for his tyranny; he imprisoned his own father and wielded his religious power. Today, Devendra Fadnavis exhibits similar cruelty and uses religion for gain. Therefore, the administrations of Aurangzeb and Devendra Fadnavis are alike,” Sapkal stated, eliciting a response from the BJP that labeled his remarks as “extremely childish.”

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MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

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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.

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8 Patients Dead In Jaipur Hospital Fire

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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.

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75-Year-Old Man Marries 35-Year-Old, Dies Before Honeymoon

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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.

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