Page 32 - Uttar Pradesh

Kumbh was chaos before 2017, it will boost economy this time: CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said while past governments made the Maha Kumbh "synonymous with dirt and chaos", this year's festival would bring Rs 2 lakh crore to the economy. There will be a confluence of faith and modernity in the Maha Kumbh, Adityanath said addressing the media after inaugurating the Digital Media Centre at Mahakumbh Nagar in Prayagraj. Asserting that the Maha Kumbh was not given due respect before 2019, he said, "Those people had made Kumbh synonymous with dirt, chaos and stampede. This should be a lesson for them. This time, Kumbh is going to be the world's largest spiritual event..." Maha Kumbh 2025 will be more divine and grand than all the Kumbh Melas so far, with more than 40 crore devotees set to visit this time, said the chief minister who arrived in Maha Kumbh Nagar on Thursday for a two-day visit. "Maha Kumbh will strengthen the economy of Prayagraj as well as the whole country. The Prayagraj Kumbh alone is estimated to brin

Ayodhya gears up for Ram Lalla consecration anniversary, 110 VIPs invited

Preparations are in full swing to celebrate the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya this weekend. Scheduled from January 11 to 13, the celebrations aim to include commoners, who were unable to attend the historic ceremony last year, alongside around 110 invited VIPs, according to the temple trust. A German hangar tent has been installed at the Angad Teela site, capable of hosting up to 5,000 people. Common people will have the opportunity to witness the grand event, which include classical cultural performances, rituals, and daily Ram Katha discourses at the pavilion and Yagnashala. "The trust has decided to invite common people who could not attend the initial consecration ceremony last year. They will be allowed to join all three days of events at Angad Teela," said Champat Rai, the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The trust said that invitation letters have been distributed to guests, includi

7-layer security scheme being implemented at Maha Kumbh 2025: IG Tarun Gaba

Uttar Pradesh Police launched an intensive checking campaign under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna (IPS)

'Explain why aren't you liable': HC summons DM, SP in Hathras stampede case

The Allahabad High Court has directed the then district magistrate and senior superintendent of police of Hathras to personally appear on January 15 and explain why they should not be held liable for the stampede in 2024 that claimed 121 lives. Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav on January 6 said such incidents were the result of poor arrangements made by the organisers. "The organisers call innocent people for their benefit and due to lack of proper arrangements, such incidents happen. It is the responsibility of the administration to see whether there is proper arrangement of police force, medical, etc., or not," the judge said while hearing the bail plea of one Manju Devi. The court further said, "In the past, many such incidents have been seen where lakhs of people gather in such events, poor and illiterate people gather due to faith and belief, and due to losing their temper, people die untimely in the stampede. Government counsel Rupak Chaubey said the organisers sought permission .

Sambhal court to hear Jama Masjid-Harihar temple case on March 5

A local court has fixed March 5 as the next date of hearing in a case connected to the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid and its survey at Chandausi. "The Supreme Court has directed all the lower courts not to entertain new suits seeking surveys of any place of worship until further orders. We have filed a copy of the said order in the court, which fixed March 5 as the next date of hearing," Shakil Ahmad Wari, advocate representing the Muslim side, told reporters. When told about the Hindu side's claims that the mosque was built over an ancient Harihar temple, Wari said it is for the court to decide on the matter. "We will prove in the court that it was not a Harihar temple, but Jama Masjid. We have all the evidence," he said. Tensions escalated in Sambhal since November 19 last year, when a court-mandated survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid began following claims that a Harihar temple once stood on the site. The situation turned violent on November 24 during the second survey when protest

UPSRTC to deploy over 7,000 buses, 24x7 Whatsapp support for Maha Kumbh

With the Maha Kumbh all set to begin in the pilgrimage city of Prayagraj on January 13, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) on Tuesday said it will operate electric buses to facilitate the smooth movement of devotees. "To manage the heavy influx of pilgrims, the Transport Corporation will deploy 7,000 rural buses and 350 shuttle buses within the Maha Kumbh area," it said in a statement. Additionally, during the primary bathing days, the buses arriving from districts adjoining Prayagraj will be operated from eight temporary bus stations set up in the outer fair area to streamline crowd management and ensure smooth transit, it said. Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh announced that crores of devotees are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh, with extensive preparations in place to ensure their safety and convenience. A Command Control Center has been established and is fully operational at the headquarters to provide real-time information and ...

Maha Kumbh: Police launch security checks at Sangam Ghat, pontoon bridges

With less than a week for the Maha Kumbh to kick off, the state police has launched an intensive checking campaign in the Mela area, particularly around Sangam, the Uttar Pradesh government said on Tuesday. The government estimates around 40 crore to 45 crore visitors, including foreigners, during the religious congregation that will be held from January 13 to February 26. "An intensive checking campaign was launched ahead of the main bathing festival under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General of Police Vaibhav Krishna (IPS) to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of Maha Kumbh 2025," it said in a statement. "The campaign focuses on heightened surveillance of suspicious individuals and activities at key locations such as Sangam Ghat, pontoon bridges and major intersections," it added. The DIG instructed all station in-charges to enhance vigilance in their respective jurisdictions and maintain a proactive approach to security. Special measures were implemented to prevent any .

Milkipur by-election to take place on February 5, results on Feb 10

The Milkipur Assembly seat fell vacant following the resignation of Awadhesh Prasad, who was elected MLA from the constituency during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections

Maha Kumbh 2025: Opulence and devotion converge with Rs 1 lakh tents

As Prayagraj prepares to host the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, luxury camps and accommodations highlight the growing trend of blending spirituality with indulgence

Class 11 student from Bihar's Purnia detained for Kumbh Mela bomb threat

Uttar Pradesh Police has detained a Class 11 student from Bihar's Purnia district for allegedly threatening to bomb the Maha Kumbh Mela starting January 13 in Prayagraj, officials said on Monday. Senior Superintendent of Police (Kumbh), Rajesh Dwivedi, said the 17-year-old student, who was brought to Prayagraj on Sunday for questioning, has been sent to a remand home. The accused allegedly created a fake Instagram profile in the name of one his classmates to settle a score, and posted provocative content from it, including a threat to kill 1,000 devotees at the Maha Kumbh, the SSP said. Police took up the probe after filing a case at the Mela Kotwali police station under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, he added.

UP govt sets up over 1,200 night shelter facilities across the state

The Uttar Pradesh government has set up 1,240 night shelters and temporary accommodation facilities across the state. The shelters are equipped with all the necessary resources to help people stay warm during the intense cold. Over three lakh blankets have also been distributed to those in need. According to an official statement on Saturday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also stressed that no negligence will be tolerated in delivering blankets to the destitute. The government is consistently improving the facilities at night shelters and temporary shelters. The goal is to shield every needy individual from the harsh winter and provide them with safe and dignified accommodation, it said. The CM has emphasised that the operation of these shelters should be carried out with utmost sensitivity and responsibility. Officials have been instructed to ensure that no person is compelled to sleep outdoors, on dividers, roadsides or in parks. The safety and needs of women have been give

Kasganj violence case: 28 convicted, family vows to seek harsher punishment

A special NIA court here sentenced 28 convicts to life imprisonment on Friday in connection with the Kasganj violence case. Special judge Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi also imposed a fine of Rs 80,000 on each convict. On Thursday, the special NIA court here on Thursday convicted 28 people in connection with the murder of Chandan Gupta, who was shot dead in a communal clash that broke out during a 2018 Tiranga Yatra in Kasganj. The accused were convicted on charges of murder, attempted murder, rioting and insulting the national flag. The case drew significant attention after Chandan Gupta's death sparked riots in the region. The court on Friday sentenced the convicts to life imprisonment. Earlier, on the quantum of sentence, the court heard the pleas of the defence as well as the prosecution, which had demanded the severest punishment for all the convicts. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court acquitted Nasiruddin and Asim Qureshi, citing a lack of sufficient evidence to conv

UP govt plans Rs 4,000 cr corpus to boost startups, innovation ecosystem

The proposed corpus will be facilitated by the state government and the investment managers under the aegis of the UP Innovation Fund (UPIF)

Force Motors bags order for supply of 2,429 ambulances to UP Health Dept

Force Motors Ltd on Thursday said it has bagged an order for the supply of 2,429 units of ambulances to the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department, Uttar Pradesh. In a regulatory filing, the company said the order is for supply of 2,429 units of BS-VI diesel ambulance to the department. The order is to be executed between December 2024 and March 2025, it said without disclosing the value of the order. The company in a statement later said that the UP-Government Health Department's decision to procure 2429 ambulances from Force Motors underscores the state's commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. These vehicles will play a pivotal role in enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring timely medical assistance for millions of residents across urban and rural areas, the company said. These vehicles are available in multiple configurations, including patient transport, basic life support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and mobile medical unit (MMU

Cold wave maintains hold on Delhi despite marginal rise in temperature

Frigid winds and moderate to dense fog will maintain a biting chill in Delhi, according to weather forecasts

Agra family murder: Neighbours highlight reclusive behaviour of family

Following the shocking incident of a man killing his mother and four sisters in a Lucknow hotel room and then shooting a chilling video on Wednesday, his neighbours in Agra claimed the family was living in the locality for 10-15 years but was reclusive. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Islam Nagar neighbourhood in Tehri Baghia area of Kuberapur in Agra. The 24-year-old Mohammad Arshad from Agra took his mother and four sisters to the hotel room in Lucknow and allegedly killed them by slitting their throats and wrists, after which he recorded the video to say he did it because of "helplessness and despair" following "unimaginable atrocities" by people of his locality. Alim Khan, a neighbour, claimed Mohammad Badr and his son Arshad lived here for 10-15 years. Khan further claimed that he loaned the family some money earlier to construct a part of their house, and that's when they moved in. "But after that, they kept to themselves." Fatima Begum, another neighbour, said

Five members of family found dead in Lucknow hotel, accused arrested

Five members of a family were found murdered inside a hotel here early on Wednesday, police said. The accused has been arrested, a senior police officer said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central Lucknow, Raveena Tyagi, said the incident took place at Hotel Sharanjit in Naka area of the state capital. "The accused, identified as Arshad (24), allegedly killed five members of his own family. Following the gruesome act, the local police promptly apprehended the accused from the crime scene," Tyagi said. The deceased have been identified as Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16) and Rahmeen (18) -- all sisters of Arshad. The fifth is Asma, the mother of the accused, according to police. The DCP said Arshad, 24, is a native of Agra, adding the preliminary inquiry has revealed that he took the step because of domestic disputes. The forensic teams have been deployed at the crime spot to collect evidence while a detailed probe has been launched into the matter, she said. "Inquiry is a

Here's all about the temple-mosque disputes that mushroomed in UP in 2024

After the consecration ('Pran Pratishtha') of the Ram temple at Ayodhya on January 24, numerous temple-mosque disputes mushroomed in Uttar Pradesh (UP) in 2024. They culminated in Sambhal where four lives were lost after a court-ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid which Hindu groups claimed was the site of an ancient temple. Here is a brief recap of religious disputes that surfaced this year in UP: SAMBHAL: Sambhal has been in the eye of the storm since November 19, when a Mughal-era mosque was surveyed on court orders following claims that a Harihar temple previously stood at the site. Violence erupted during a second survey on November 24 as protesters gathered near the Shahi Jama Masjid and clashed with security personnel. Four people were killed and several injured in the violence. BUDAUN: A Hindu outfit has moved a local court seeking permission to offer prayers at the Jama Masjid Shamsi, claiming it to be a temple. The court asked the Muslim side on Tuesday to conclude their

UP Cong chief writes to CM, demands action against open sale of intoxicants

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh president Ajay Rai wrote to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, drawing his attention to the "open sale of intoxicants" and demanding strict action so that future generations can be saved from addiction. Rai said incidents of open sale and use of drugs and other intoxicants had been seen in the state's urban and remote rural areas in the past few years. Calling it "very shameful for any civilised society", he said such incidents pointed towards an administrative failure. "The youth and poor section of the state are becoming its biggest victims." The youth, who have to be part of the state's development, are ruining their and the state's future by falling into the grip of drugs, Rai said in the letter. "The poor section, which is somehow feeding their family in this period of inflation by working as labourers and toiling all day, is also ruining their family by falling into the grip of drug abuse," he added. The situation is such that the common pe

160K tents, 150K toilets: UP administration readies for grand Maha Kumbh

As 2024 draws to a close, the entire state machinery in Uttar Pradesh has converged upon Sangam, the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river in Prayagraj, racing against time to finalise the preparations for the Maha Kumbh beginning January 13. For the past two months, an army of workers has been diligently channeling the rivers, widening roads, and leveling the ghats to transform the region in anticipation of one of the largest religious events in the world. Speaking during his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' programme on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the mega event it as the "Maha Kumbh of unity", as he urged people to return from the grand congregation with the resolve to banish hate and division from the society. "Maha Kumbh ka sandesh, ek ho pura desh (Message from Maha Kumbh -- entire country should unite), the prime minister said, adding that Maha Kumbh's speciality lies not just in its vastness, but also in its diversity. Held every 12 .