National

Three People Killed by Wild Elephants in Andhra Pradesh

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

In the early hours of Tuesday, a herd of wild elephants in Andhra Pradesh’s Annamayya district trampled three devotees to death. The tragic incident occurred around 2 a.m. near Gondalakona, in the forest area of Obulavaripalle mandal, as a group of worshippers made their way to a local temple for Shivratri celebrations.Three devotees from Y. Kota were killed instantly, and two others sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a hospital, where they remain in serious condition. The incident has caused widespread panic in the area, prompting forest department officials to initiate operations to guide the elephants back into the forest.

In recent months, Andhra Pradesh has faced an increase in human-elephant conflicts, particularly in Rayalaseema districts that border Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The frequency of wild elephant movements has risen, especially within the forests of Chittoor and Tirupati regions. Last month, two herds of elephants totaling 35 individuals ventured into the Seshachalam forests from neighboring states, competing for food and water resources, which has led to disruptions in nearby villages.

Just one month prior, on January 18, a man was also killed by wild elephants in Kandulavaripally in Chittoor district. Forest officials attribute the rising number of confrontations to dwindling resources and habitat destruction, forcing elephants closer to human settlements, which has resulted in significant damage to crops, property, and even lives. Since 2011, elephant attacks have claimed 22 lives in the undivided Chittoor district, with cumulative crop losses estimated at 233 acres since 2015.

Other districts, such as Vizianagaram and Parvathipuram Manyam, bordering Odisha, have also experienced various incidents of human-elephant conflicts in recent weeks. In an effort to address these issues, the Andhra Pradesh government sought assistance from Karnataka last year. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, responsible for forestry, met with Karnataka’s Minister for Forest and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, requesting support from the Karnataka Forest Department. In response, Karnataka agreed to provide eight trained Kumi elephants to help manage, drive, and capture wild elephants.

Related Topics:Andhra Pradesh Annamayya karnataka

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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.