Young man critical after mob assault in UP village
A young Muslim man was viciously attacked by a mob of over 10 people in Barla village of Muzaffarnagar district, Uttar Pradesh. The attack took place on Thursday, August 21. Fardeen, whose medical condition is said to be critical, said that he was targeted solely for his religious identity. A young man was viciously attacked Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Heavy Rain Lashes Delhi-NCR, IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Over Next Few Hours
Noida is witnessing intense rain in several areas, disrupting traffic. IMD, on Tuesday, forecasted rain and storms in Delhi, NCR, Kaithal, Panipat, and Muzaffarnagar.
Insider track | Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk
Cabinet whispers: Winds of change There is an undercurrent of speculation in political circles, especially around the BJP, that a few long-serving ministers might soon see changes in their roles. The buzzstill firmly in the realm of gossipsuggests that the RSS has nudged the party leadership to rethink the positions of about six ministers who have held the same portfolios across two terms. Some are seen as having delivered little headline-worthy work in their current jobs, though that judgment is always subjective. The BJP, however, isnt keen to drop them entirely as most are considered close to the top brass. So, they may be shifted laterally into organisational roles. Allies, on the other hand, are unlikely to face any change unless they ask for it themselves. For now, the matter remains a quietly evolving story. Mann Ki Baat: Capital talk Since its launch in October 2014, Mann Ki Baat has become a monthly ritual in many Indian homes. What began as a simple radio address by the Prime Minister has grown into a multimedia platformbroadcast on All India Radio, Doordarshan, YouTube, NewsOnAIR, and even overseas through social media and OTT platforms like WAVES. It shares inspiring stories, social messages, and reflectionsbut beyond content, it has also proven financially successful. Official data shows it has generated Rs 34.13 crore in revenue so far. That this has been achieved without commercial advertising, with the reach and impact to boot, is remarkable. In an age defined by speed and brevity, Mann Ki Baat demonstrates that thoughtful, long-form storytelling can still resonate widelyand even pay its way. Jharkhands bureaucratic snag In Jharkhand, a scheduled Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting on August 18 was supposed to consider promoting senior state police officers to the IPS cadre. Instead, it has been put on hold. The reason: the UPSC did not recognise the states acting DGP, Anurag Gupta, who was meant to be part of the panel. The snag reflects a larger tussle between the state and the Centre. The Ministry of Home Affairs had refused a request from the Hemant Soren government to extend Guptas tenure beyond his superannuation in April 2025. Despite this, the state retained him as acting DGPa decision now under challenge in the Supreme Court. In the process, routine career progression for several officers has been stalled, showing how bureaucratic files can be caught in political crosswinds. A diplomatic reunion One of the heartwarming moments of the week was the visit of South Koreas Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun. He was returning to Delhi after nearly a decade. He spoke fondly of his earlier posting here as Koreas Ambassador to India, recalling his interactions with Indias current External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankarthen serving as Foreign Secretary. Cho Hyun marvelled at how India has changed in the last decade, attributing much of it to Prime Minister Modis leadership. Such laudatory compliments are a routine in diplomatic circles. However, his seemed genuinely personal, shaped by his own memories of India. The meeting of two former colleagues, now facing each other as equals on the global stage, was a quiet reminder that international relationships often evolve as much between individuals as between nations. The Constitution Club showdown The elections at the Constitution Club of India are over, but Lutyens Delhi is still talking about them. What should have been a quiet vote turned into a mini power battle within the BJP. On one side stood Rajiv Pratap Rudy, former Union Minister and trained commercial pilot, who currently holds a key post at the club. On the other side was Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, former MP from Muzaffarnagar, backed by sitting MPs unhappy with how the club was being run. The twist came when a Chief Ministers office from a BJP-ruled state reportedly stepped in to rally support for Rudy, asking MPs and ex-MPs from that state to back him. Balyans camp claimed Rudy had also roped in Opposition MPs onto his panel, and that helped secure his victory. They pointed out the unusually high turnout of former MPs, while noting the irony that many new BJP MPs, including ministers like Hardeep Singh Puri and S. Jaishankar, had not even signed up as members.
23-Year-Old Man, Infant Killed As Speeding Truck Hits Bike In UPs Muzaffarnagar
A speeding truck killed Bharat and his nephew, critically injuring Jayanti in Muzaffarnagar.
Muzaffarnagar Sisters Go Missing, Parents File Complaint. Days Later They Return As Husband-Wife
According to the report, one was dressed as a groom while the other had sindoor (vermilion) in her hair parting when they returned.
Mulayam Singhs Kothi No. 4 in Moradabad to be reclaimed by UP govt
LUCKNOW: The Moradabad district administration has cancelled the allotment of the iconic Kothi No.4 in the Civil Lines area of Moradabad city, which served as the Samajwadi Partys (SP) nerve centre in western Uttar Pradesh for over three decades. The sprawling bungalow, originally made in 1994 in the name of SP founder and former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, will not be a part of the partys heritage any more. The Moradabad district administration has cited violation of rules and state governments need to reclaim the property. Confirming that the Samajwadi Party is given a 30-day time to vacate the property, Moradabad District magistrate Anuj Singh said that the Municipal bungalows could only be leased for a maximum of 15 years. This property has remained with the SP for over 31 years. With the growing demand for government offices and residences, we had no option but to reclaim it, said the DM. The notice, issued by the Additional District Magistrate (Finance), directs the SP to vacate the premises within 30 days, failing which a fine of Rs 1,000 per day would be imposed, along with legal proceedings. However, the Samajwadis are exploring legal options and SP Moradabad District president Jaiveer Yadav confirmed receiving the notice. We are consulting lawyers and will pursue this legally, he said. Kothi No.4 is a sprawling 953.71 square meters property just opposite Police Training College in Moradabads most prestigious VIP enclave. With four rooms, a sprawling lawn, and ample parking, the building was inaugurated by SP patriarch late Mulayam Singh Yadav on July 26, 1994. It was allotted to him as SPs national president at a token rent of Rs 250 per month. For SP, the bungalow was not just a headquarters but a cradle of its western UP expansion. As per senior Samajwadi Party leaders, the Kothi was more than an officeit was their command centre. During the Mandal agitation, the Rampur Tiraha incident, and later the Kisan Jawan Sangharsh Day protests, this place remained the main meeting point where strategies were drawn, workers assembled, and Mulayam Singhs vision was communicated. They feel that taking it away now was a calculated move by the Yogi government to weaken the morale of Samajwadis and erase their roots from western UP. The infamous incident of police firing on activists demanding a separate Uttarakhand state at Rampur Tiraha in Muzaffarnagar on October 12, 1994, killing half a dozen people, had turned Kothi number 4 into a crisis centre where emergency meetings were held and strategies were devised to placate the party supporters who were deeply shaken by the incident. Local SP leaders and workers feel that the district administrations move has come as a jolt, particularly at a time when the party is preparing for the upcoming political battles in the state. They say that it is not merely about the rules. The BJP knows the symbolic importance of this Kothi for Samajwadis in western UP. By taking it away, they want to send a message and weaken the morale of party workers. It is a deliberate attempt to shake the confidence of the cadre. On the contrary, the district administration cited three key reasons for the cancellation, stating that the allotment was in the name of Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away on October 10, 2022, and no transfer request was made thereafter. Also, the property lies on Nazul land, officially recorded as government property under the Moradabad Municipal Corporation, which needs it for officers residences and official projects. Additionally, the SP has not been regular in paying the rent in recent years. The loss of Kothi No. 4 means SP will now have to find a new district office a challenge both logistically and symbolically.
IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi does sit-ups after facing backlash from lawyers for reprimanding clerk
LUCKNOW: A video clip purportedly showing IAS officer Rinku Singh Rahi doing sit-ups, holding his ears amid a protest by lawyers in Shahjahanpur, went viral on social media on July 29, sparking quite a buzz in administrative and legal circles in Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place after Rahi, the 2022-batch IAS officer, recently appointed as the SDM of Puwayan tehsil in Shahjahanpur district, spotted a lawyers clerk urinating in the open during an inspection. Offended by the act, the officer allegedly reprimanded the clerk and made him do sit-ups, triggering a backlash from the lawyers who gathered in protest and allegedly forced Rahi to do the same. In fact, the IAS officer had joined as SDM at 2 pm on July 29 and had set on an inspection immediately. The protesting lawyers said the man (clerk) had no choice but to relieve himself in the open due to the deplorable condition of the tehsils public toilets. Meanwhile, the SDM approached the lawyers and said that even if protests and demonstrations are allowed, the sound from loudspeakers should not reach the office. During the interaction, the lawyers raised the issue of the clerk being made to do sit-ups and questioned: If the toilets are in such a filthy condition, where are the lawyers and clerks supposed to go? As tensions rose, SDM Rahi acknowledged the fault of the administration and took an extraordinary step. In front of the protesting lawyers and staff, he held his ears and performed five sit-ups, declaring: I, too, will not urinate in the open. I must follow the rules myself. He admitted that the poor state of sanitation in the tehsil was a failure on his part as an administrator. Despite attempts made by the lawyers to stop him, Rahi went ahead with the self-imposed punishment. He assured the gathering that immediate steps would be taken to clean and repair the toilets, and pledged to improve overall hygiene on the tehsil premises. Rinku Singh Rahi served as a PCS officer before becoming IAS officer in 2022. His journey took a dramatic turn in 2009 during the Mayawati regime when, as a district social welfare officer in Muzaffarnagar, he exposed a Rs 100-crore scholarship scam. This led to an attack on him by local gangsters, who shot him seven times, leaving him with a disfigured face, a damaged jaw and blindness in one eye. Rahi, hailing from Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh, continued his fight against corruption, filing RTI applications. He cleared the UPSC exam in 2022 under the disability quota, securing the 683rd rank at the age of 40.
Meet woman who is from small town, didn't settle for IRTS, cracked UPSC again to become...
Riya Saini from Muzaffarnagar secured 22nd rank in UPSC 2024, fulfilling her dream of becoming an IAS officer in her third attempt.
UP: Kanwariya Killed, 68 Injured During Last Leg of Kanwar Yatra
Hansraj from Delhi dies in road accident near Khatauli; dozens hurt in separate incidents across Muzaffarnagar
The Uttar Pradesh Police have uncovered and foiled a sinister attempt to spark communal violence during the sacred Kanwar Yatra 2025 by arresting eight individuals involved in circulating fake videos and infiltrating Kanwar service camps under Hindu disguises. The plot, authorities suggest, was designed to trigger large-scale unrest in the region during the annual pilgrimage Continue reading Muzaffarnagar Fake News Plot Foiled: Pakistani Video Used To Incite Communal Riots During Kanwar Yatra The post Muzaffarnagar Fake News Plot Foiled: Pakistani Video Used To Incite Communal Riots During Kanwar Yatra appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
8 killed in road accidents during Kanwar Yatra in UP, Uttarakhand
Muzaffarnagar: Eight devotees were killed in road accidents on the Kanwar Yatra routes in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the last 24 hours as the annual pilgrimage entered its last leg. In UPs Barabanki, a group of kanwariyas (Lord Shiva devotees) was allegedly attacked by some intoxicated men following a dispute late Sunday, police said, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
UP Police ban Kanwariyas from carrying trishuls, hockey sticks during yatra
Uttar Pradesh Police has prohibited kanwariyas from carrying sticks and tridents during the Kanwar Yatra. This ban extends across major districts like Meerut and Muzaffarnagar. Motorbikes without silencers are also disallowed to curb noise pollution. The decision follows violent incidents along the yatra route. Authorities are strictly enforcing the ban, registering FIRs against violators.
He Is Innocent: Family Defends Man Arrested In Religious Conversion Racket
Abu Talib, a resident of Jamia Nagar locality in the Khala Par area of Muzaffarnagar, has been arrested in connection with a large-scale religious conversion racket busted by Uttar Pradesh Police.
Thirteen police personnel injured in road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar
They were all taken to Muzaffarnagar Medical College. Driver Munnilal had a fracture in his leg, while others got minor injuries
UP schools to be shutdown from 16 to 23 July: What parents need to know
UP School Holiday: Schools in several Uttar Pradesh districts including Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Varanasi, Bareilly and Badaun will close temporarily due to the Kanwar Yatra and its impact on traffic and safety. In Haryanas Hisar district, over 10,000 private schools will remain shut for a day in protest over a school principals murder. Local administrations say the closures are needed to protect students and ensure public order as thousands of Kanwariyas move through major pilgrimage routes this Shravan month.
Gangster associated with Mukhtar Ansari killed in encounter with UP police's Special Task Force
LUCKNOW: Shahrukh Pathan, who was a close accomplice of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari and slain mafia don Sanjeev Jiva, was killed in a police encounter in Muzaffarnagar in western UP early on Monday. The cases he was involved in included the murder of a man in police custody, contract killings and threats to witnesses. Pathan, 34, was killed in an encounter with the Special Task Force (STF) of the UP police. He had been out on bail and was absconding in a fresh criminal case filed against him in Sambhal district. Additional Director General of Police Amitabh Yash said the gangster was rounded up by the Meerut unit of the STF in an injured condition following the encounter. He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival. As per police sources, the encounter took place at 1.05 am on the stretch leading to the village of Bijopur on Chappar-Rohana Road in Muzaffarnagar. A number of cases of murder and extortion were registered against Pathan in Muzaffarnagar, Sambhal and Haridwar districts, the STF said. The STF recovered three pistols, a revolver, ammunition and a car without a number plate from his possession. According to Meerut STF ASP Brajesh Kumar, the police team traced the criminal after getting a tip-off about his presence in Muzaffarnagar. Police said Pathan fired around 10 rounds at them and was killed in retaliatory firing by the STF. It may be recalled that gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Sanjeev Jiva, with whom Pathan was closely associated, was shot dead while going for a court hearing in Lucknow two years ago. Jivas gang was allegedly involved in around two dozen cases of murder, loot and extortion predominantly in western UP. According to police, Pathan was adopted by his paternal uncle Amir Azam, a resident of Fakkarsa Chowk. Azam runs a bicycle repair shop at the same location. Pathan started living with him since childhood and would often sit at the shop. It was during this time that he befriended a criminal Sobi of Khalapar, Muzaffarnagar. In 2015, Pathan along with Sobi murdered Asif Zayada in police custody at the Muzaffarnagar railway station. Zayada was being brought from Naini Jail to the Muzaffarnagar court for a hearing in a murder case. Following his arrest, Pathan came in contact with gangsters like Jiva and Mukhtar Ansari in jail and began working for Jiva. While returning from court proceedings in 2016, he escaped from police custody under Civil Lines Police Station, Muzaffarnagar. After absconding, Pathan gunned down blanket trader Amit Dixit alias Goldie in Nirmala Chhawni Colony, Haridwar district, on the instructions of Jiva in 2017. The original target was property dealer Subhash Saini of Kankhal but Dixit was killed due to mistaken identity. A murder case was registered against Pathan at Kotwali Nagar Police Station, Haridwar. In the same year, the UP DGP announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for his arrest as he had murdered Yasin, the father of Zayada, who was a key witness in the case. Pathan was eventually arrested in Uttarakhand and sent to jail. Along with Jiva, he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Amit Dixit murder case. About six months ago, after being released on bail, he began threatening and attempting to kill witnesses in the murder cases. While being lodged at Haridwar's Roshanabad Jail, Pathan physically assaulted jail warder Nitin Sajwan, who had objected to his use of a mobile phone inside jail, added police sources.
Killed UP gangster jumped police custody, killed witness
Shahrukh Pathan, a gangster with a history of crimes including murder and jail break, was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) in Muzaffarnagar. He was wanted in multiple cases and was a close aide of slain mafia Sanjeev Jiva.
Kanwariyas vandalise dhaba claiming owners did not display identity in Uttar Pradesh
A similar incident happened earlier in Muzaffarnagar when a group of kanwariyas vandalised a dhaba after they were allegedly served onion in their food; the kanwariyas are accused of damaging furniture, the kitchen and ceiling fans at the dhaba.
Kanwariyas ransack UP dhaba over 'concealed identity'
A group of kanwariyas allegedly vandalized a dhaba in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, claiming the Muslim owners displayed their identities. The incident follows a similar event and past controversies regarding religious identification of food vendors along the Kanwar route.
Wanted Mukhtar Ansari gang shooter killed in UP encounter
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) gunned down a dreaded sharp shooter of Sanjeev Jeeva gang in an encounter in Muzaffarnagar on Monday, police sources said.
UP govt orders display of QR code stickers in eateries on Kanwar Yatra route
The Uttar Pradesh government has made it mandatory for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display QR code stickers, which what many believe is a way to target Muslim food business owners. According to the latest order, all shops along the 540 km Kanwar Yatra route, from Meerut to Muzaffarnagar, must display the QR Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
5 held for thrashing Dalit teen, hurling casteist abuses in U.P.s Muzaffarnagar
A case has been registered against the five people from Badhai Kala village in Muzaffarnagar district for beating up Gullu
Kanwariyas beat up man in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar following minor collision
Circle Officer Raju Kumar Sav told reporters that on receiving information about the incident, police immediately rushed to the spot and successfully pacified the irate group of Kanwariyas.
UP makes QR code stickers mandatory for eateries, steps up food safety drive ahead of Kanwar Yatra
LUCKNOW: With Kanwar Yatra all set to kick off on Friday with the advent of the holy month of Shravan, the Uttar Pradesh government intensified its food safety and cleanliness campaign along the pilgrimage route. The state government has made it mandatory for all eateries to display QR-code-enabled stickers linked to the Food Safety CONNECT App. While the state government officials claim it to be a digital food safety reform aimed at ensuring hygiene, transparency, and accountability for the estimated four crore pilgrims expected to undertake the Yatra this year, the eatery owners consider it the official version of the nameplate diktata reference to last years government order (GO) that had snowballed into a controversy. As per the new norms, the QR-code-based stickerlinked to the Food Safety Connect Appis now mandatory on all food establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route. Scanning the sticker reveals the owners name, registration number, address, and menu details. According to senior state government officials, the move is not just a technological upgradation but a hygiene and transparency reform. The official sources confirmed that teams were placing stickers on all eateriesfrom high-end restaurants to roadside stalls. They said that citizens could also file complaints via the app on finding sub-quality food. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has also directed shopkeepers to display rate lists and maintain high standards of cleanliness. Expired products and uncovered juices have been destroyed in several inspections, especially in Muzaffarnagar, Lucknow, Meerut, and Ayodhya. While the state government has decided to stay away from issuing any fresh directive about nameplates or religious identification ahead of this years Kanwar Yatra, the digital sticker bearing the owners name and registration has reminded traders of July 2024, when the UP Police issued the controversial order for shop owners on the 240-km Kanwar route to display their names and phone numbers prominently. Officials maintained that the Food Safety Connect App was part of a wider initiative to ensure food safety during monsoon and mass gatherings. To ensure smooth movement and safety of Kanwariyas along with better coordination with respective district administrations during the Kanwar Yatra, top officials from states including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand convened a high-level meeting at the Commissioners Office in Meerut earlier this week. The inter-state coordination meeting, attended by UP Chief Secretary Manoj Singh, DGP Rajeev Krishna, and other senior officers from the other three states, finalised a detailed action plan for crowd management, law and order, and pilgrim convenience. The top brass of all the states concerned decided to get all liquor shops along the Kanwar route covered with curtains during the Yatra. Though the liquor shops will remain open, their visibility will be restricted to avoid any temptation and provocation, said a senior state government official. Surveillance through drones will be carried out continuously, and traffic police are set to implement a revised traffic flow plan from Thursday night. As per the traffic plan, one lane will be dedicated exclusively to Kanwariyas and another for light vehicles. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed inside city limits during the peak period of the Yatra. Additionally, every 15 kilometres, an IPS-level officer will be deployed to monitor the situation and ensure immediate response to any disturbances. A special WhatsApp-based coordination group has also been created with officers from all four states to facilitate real-time communication, updates, and coordinated troubleshooting. The Yatra is expected to draw over 4 crore participants this year. While the state has taken a more systemic and administrative approach this year, fringe elements havent stayed quiet. However, the state hasnt endorsed such actions. In cities like Lucknow, QR stickers are also being used to collect real-time food feedback. This allows FSDA officials to identify problem spots and take action immediately. Meanwhile, UP Chief Secretary Manoj Singh reiterated that no compromises would be made on the quality of food served to the pilgrims. Every kitchen would be under scanner of FSSAI officials. From DJ volume to canal water levels, every detail is being tracked. At the same time, the WhatsApp-based coordination group across four states is fully active, he said. He added that only pure vegetarian food should be served along the Kanwar route, and the PWD, electricity, and irrigation departments were told to fix past lapses to prevent mishaps.
Kanwar Yatra pilgrims vandalise Muzaffarnagar eatery over onion in food
Devotees taking the annual Kanwar Yatra vandalised an eatery in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, after onion was served in their food. The incident occurred at the Shri Siddh Balaknath Hotel when some Kanwar pilgrims alleged onions in their food defied their religious sentiments. The pilgrims damaged chairs, tables and other items. Videos of the same have Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Man Spits On Woman Pilgrim's 'Kanwar' In UP's Muzaffarnagar, Kin Blame Mental Illness
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by Shiva devotees who carry water from the Ganges and offer it at local Shiva temples
'My Wife Sends Goons To Beat Me Up': Muzaffarnagar Man Makes Euthanasia Appeal To President
Sumit revealed that Pinky began assaulting him just a month into their marriage. He also claimed her family hid her agehe was 27, and only later found out Pinky was 35
Who are you to ask for Aadhaar?: Uttarakhand police stop Hindutva leader
Hindutva Muzaffarnagar leader Swami Yashveer Maharaj and his supporters were stopped by Uttarakhand Police from entering Haridwar at the Narsan checkpost on the UP-Uttarakhand border, on Friday, July 4. The incident occurred during his Pehchaan Abhiyaan movement, a campaign aimed at identifying Muslim eatery owners through Aadhaar card verification along the Kanwar yatra route. Tum Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Identity checks along Kanwar route spark row between Samajwadi Party and BJP in Uttar Pradesh
Muzaffarnagar incident prompts police action, political blame game erupts over attempts to polarise ahead of Yatra
20 Girlfriends, 2 Wives: Fake Cop From Muzaffarnagar Duped Women In 4 States
Naushad Tyagi targeted widowed or separated women, changing his identity based on their religion to deceive themusing Hindu names for Hindus and a Muslim name for Muslim women
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged religious profiling of dhaba and eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Owaisi reacted sharply to media reports suggesting that vigilante groups allegedly asked some dhaba owners on the Delhi-Dehradun highway to open their pants to verify their religion. There are several hotels near Muzaffarnagar highway that have been running for years. I fail to understand how there were no issues in these places 10 years ago. How was the Kanwar Yatra conducted peacefully here earlier? Why is all this happening now? Owaisi asked. Who are these vigilante groups asking hotel owners to open their pants? Are they running the government, or is the administration in charge? Police should arrest them, he said. #WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: On some media reports of Dhaba owners on the Kanwar route at Delhi-Dehradun highway asked to open their pants to verify their religion, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, says There are several hotels near Muzaffarnagar highway running for several pic.twitter.com/TP4FYwOmoT ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025 Former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan also condemned the alleged religious profiling of eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttarakhand by some Hindu outfits, calling the act a form of terrorism. The remarks came amid reports that members of certain Hindu organisations were allegedly checking the identities of eatery owners and staff, and targeting individuals suspected to be Muslims in several Uttarakhand cities. Purported videos circulating on social media reportedly showed volunteers coercing people to prove their religious identity. Reacting sharply, the BJP accused the opposition party of indulging in religious appeasement, but asserted that nobody has the right to take the law into their hands. Hasan, who hails from Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad, told news agency PTI, Asking hotel staff and local vendors to reveal their names and forcing them to undress to identify their religion is no different from what terrorists did in Pahalgam. This, too, is a form of terrorism. He alleged that such incidents are taking place openly while the BJP government in Uttarakhand was turning a blind eye. It seems the state government is silently supporting these acts. In a secular country like India, this kind of behaviour is shameful. It should be stopped, Hasan said. Hasan called for immediate intervention by the central and state governments to ensure that such communal practices are checked. Reacting to the SP leader's statement, BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said, People taking the law into their own hands is wrong, but drawing comparisons with the Pahalgam terrorists is extremely objectionable. In Pahalgam, terrorists killed people after ensuring their identity... If someone asks for the identity to check for pure vegetarian food in Sawan, how can it be compared with terrorists? Samajwadi Party can stoop to any level for religious appeasement, he said. The Uttarakhand government has made it mandatory for eateries, including food carts, on the Kanwar Yatra route to prominently display their food licences or registration certificates. Notably, similar directives were issued by the governments of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some other states in July last year as well, which the Supreme Court subsequently stayed . In Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, police have summoned several activists associated with Swami Yashveer Maharaj over an incident involving the unauthorised verification of identities of eatery owners along the Kanwar yatra route, officials said. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage during the Hindu month of Shravan, drawing thousands of devotees. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)
Owaisi condemns brutal humiliation of UP dhaba owners on Kanwar Yatra route
Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday, July 2, condemned the brutal humiliations suffered by dhaba owners on the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar district. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, July 2, Owaisi was asked about the violence unleashed by Hindutva leader Swami Yashveer Maharaj wherein 5000 Hindu veers Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Cabinet Minister Anil Kumar has formally accused SDM Nikita Sharma of facilitating illegal land plotting in collusion with land mafias.
UP hotel staffer alleges forced stripping to prove religion along Kanwar Yatra route
Staff of hotels and eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar were allegedly forced to take off their pants to prove their religion in drives spearheaded yet again by a local extremist seer, Swamy Yashveer Maharaj. The local babas campaign forcing eateries along the pilgrimage route to display their owners religion began Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Elderly woman dies as house collapses amid heavy rains in Muzaffarnagar; Ganga near danger mark
MUZAFFARNAGAR: An 80-year-old woman died in Muzaffarnagar district on Monday after her house collapsed during heavy rains, even as authorities sounded an alert as the Ganga river approached the danger mark at the Bijnor barrage, officials said. Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Nikita Sharma told PTI that several houses collapsed in different parts of the district during the downpour. The deceased has been identified as Bharto from Chapra village under Sadar tehsil. Sharma added that due financial assistance will be provided to the deceased's family. Revenue officials have been dispatched to assess the extent of damage to property caused by the rains in the district, she added. Meanwhile, flood outposts have been put on high alert as the water level in the Ganga continues to rise. Residents of around a dozen low-lying villages near the river have been advised not to go near the banks as a precautionary measure. Jansath SDM Jayendra Singh said that villagers in areas such as Jivanpura, Rampur, Ulluwala, Hansawala, Ahmadwala, Lalpur and Faridpur have been alerted due to the rising levels of Ganga and Solani rivers in Jansath tehsil.
7-Year-Old Raped In UP, Parents Found Her Bleeding, Accused Arrested
A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man in the Budhana town of Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, police said.
Who Is Nikita Sharma, Muzaffarnagar SDM Accused Of Corruption By UP Cabinet Minister?
SDM Nikita Sharma of Muzaffarnagar faces corruption allegations from Minister Anil Kumar over illegal land plotting. An enquiry is currently underway
Allahabad HC reprimands Muzaffarnagar authorities over misuse of Gangster Act
LUCKNOW: The Allahabad High Court has come down heavily on the Muzaffarnagar district administration over the arbitrary and repeated use of the Uttar Pradesh Gangster and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986, against an individual already facing multiple cases. While reprimanding the Muzaffarnagar authorities over the issue, the court described it the sheer misuse of law. The bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal, while hearing the bail application of accused Manshad alias Sona, questioned the conduct of the police and the Muzaffarnagar district administration for re-invoking the Gangsters Act using previously known cases. This shows not only arbitrariness on the part of the SHO, but also sheer negligence on the part of the SSP and District Magistrate, Muzaffarnagar, who are required to apply their minds at the time of conducting the joint meeting, the Court observed. The accused had already been booked under the Gangsters Act in earlier cases in 2025, yet the same Act was again invoked against him on the basis of cases from 2023, 2024, and early 2025. The Court noted that these old cases were available earlier too and questioned the intent behind the repetitive invocation of the Act. The man identified as Manshad alias Sona has been in jail since May, this year, under this law after four separate FIRs were consolidated against him at Khalapar police station. The court directed the Muzaffarnagar DM, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Khalapar police station to appear in person on the next date of hearing to explain their alleged misconduct and negligence on July 7. The SHO, SSP, and District Magistrate must appear before this Court and explain their actions which show sheer misuse of statutory provisions, the bench added. Moreover, the Court also instructed the court Registrar (Compliance) to send a copy of the order to the Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, and the Secretary, Home Department, for their information. However, the Additional Government Advocate (AGA), representing the State, was unable to offer a satisfactory explanation as to why the Gangsters Act was being repeatedly used on the same old cases. While hearing his bail application, the court noted that three FIRs lodged in 2023 and one in 2025 had each been re-registered under the Gangsters Act, and an earlier invocation in 2024 compounded the ordeal. After carefully examining the facts and observing the violation of legal norms, the Court granted interim bail to the accused and directed him to comply with specific conditions, including cooperation in the trial and non-indulgence in any further criminal activity. Quoting multiple legal precedents, including the Supreme Courts decisions in the cases of Vinod Bihari Lal and Lal Mohd, the Court emphasized that the repetitive and mechanical use of the Gangsters Act not only violates legal provisions but also disrespects recent State Government guidelines formulated following the Supreme Courts direction in the Gorakh Nath Mishra case.
Absconding accused arrested in UP exam paper leak case
Muzaffarnagar: A man, who was absconding since 2024 in connection with UP Police Recruitment exam paper leak case, has been arrested, police said. Superintendent of Police (Rural) Aditya Bansal said Ajay, a resident of Shamli district, was arrested from Muzaffarnagar on Saturday. The STF had lodged a case against Ajay under sections 418 (cheating with Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
In Muzaffarnagar, police arrested a father and brother. They are accused of killing Saraswati Maliyan. The reason was her relationship with a man named Amit. Saraswati's body was found in a forest. She worked in Gurgaon and was in a live-in relationship. The family disapproved. They allegedly strangled her and burned the body.
Jihadis are not allowed to run stalls in names of deities: says seer on Kanwar yatra
With the annual Kanwar Yatra set to begin next month, Muzaffarnagar Swami Yashveer Maharaj referred to the Muslim community with Islamophobic terms like jihadis, alleging the Hindu community will no longer tolerate the display of Hindu deities names in their eateries and shops. A video of the seer emerged on social media platforms where he Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
UP Doctor Arrested for Raping 19-Year-Old Patient in Muzaffarnagar
The accused, Dr Virpal Sehrawat, was arrested after locals thrashed him following the survivors complaint of rape and assault at his clinic.
'Gun in the bag': Food delivery agent caught with illegal arms in UP's Muzaffarnagar
A 23-year-old man from Meerut, who was working in Haryana as an agent for a popular food delivery app, was caught by police in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar disctrict, carrying a cache of illegal firearms. Authorities recovered 10 country-made pistols along with ammunition hidden inside his delivery bag. Police acted on a tip-off and stopped the suspect near the Jamalpur canal culvert in Ramraj area, where he was trying to evade them on a motorcycle. Upon searching, officers found the weapons and cartridges. Muzaffarnagar Senior Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar Verma said the man, identified as Sudhanshu Kumar, had been using his job as a delivery agent as a front to smuggle illegal firearms across several states, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. He has a criminal history and has five criminal cases registered against him, police said. During questioning, Sudhanshu disclosed the involvement of six others in the illegal arms trade. Police have formed a special unit to track down and arrest these suspects. The gang reportedly supplied weapons to different regions, with a notable demand in Meerut. Legal action has been initiated under the Arms Act, and efforts continue to uncover the source and buyers of the weapons. (With inputs from PTI)
NCERT's Battle Against Pirated Textbooks
A major raid in Muzaffarnagar by NCERT and the Uttar Pradesh police uncovered 1.5 lakh pirated books.
NCERT files 29 FIRs in one year over printing of pirated textbooks
NEW DELHI: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has seized more than 5 lakh copies of pirated NCERT textbooks. A record 29 FIRs have been registered against printers, warehouse owners and retailers of these books. Printing paper and machinery worth over Rs 20 crore were also seized in the last 14 months from UP and Haryana. Among the numerous steps taken to curb piracy was the sale of NCERT books without delivery charges on e-commerce sites. An official release said that piracy was a cognizable offence under the Copyright Act, 1957. Initially, NCERT, along with the UP Police, conducted a raid on a warehouse in Muzaffarnagar and seized over 1.5 lakh pirated textbooks worth over Rs.2 Crore, it said. They were found loaded into one truck and two cars. A large number of printing plates too were found. Eight accused were arrested on the spot, the release added. A printing press in Samalkha (Haryana) was also raided and a large number of printing plates being used for printing pirated NCERT textbooks, copies of the books, and machinery were seized, it said. Further investigation is underway to identify the masterminds behind the racket of manufacturing, distributing, and selling pirated NCERT textbooks, it added. NCERT has initiated the following steps now - significant improvement in quality of paper and printing of NCERT textbooks; their timely printing and availability in adequate numbers and proactive action against printers, distributors and retailers of pirated textbooks. It has also taken action against a paper mill based in Kashipur, manufacturing illegal NCERT watermarked paper. It has made NCERT textbooks available on major e-commerce platforms without delivery charges, the release said. The release added that a technology based anti-piracy solution, developed by IIT Kanpur, has been introduced in NCERT textbooks. This solution has been piloted on 10 lakh copies of one title and shall be scaled up to all titles in the next academic year, replacing the old watermarked paper, which has become redundant and is easily copied by pirates, the release added.
BKU Atal chief booked for announcing bounty to behead Rakesh Tikait
LUCKNOW : A man identified as Amit Chaudhary, president of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Atal), has been booked over a social media post in which he allegedly announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for anyone who would behead Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait. The viral post sparked protests by Tikait's followers in Muzaffarnagar and Meerut. Cases were registered against Chaudhary at Civil Lines Police Stations in Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, and Agra. Muzaffarnagar Station House Officer Ashutosh Kumar Singh stated that in the viral video, the accused purportedly announced a Rs 5 lakh reward for the beheading of Tikait. A case was also lodged against Chaudhary in the Jani police station area of Meerut, confirmed by Station In-charge Mahesh Kumar Rathore. In a video released in Meerut on Sunday, Amit Chaudhary is shown stating that he would give Rs 5 lakh to anyone who beheads Rakesh Tikait. Declaring Tikait a raitor, terrorist and madman, Chaudhary accused him of making anti-national statements. From his statements, it is clear that he is part of a sleeper cell. They work with a terrorist mentality and make statements against society or the government, Chaudhary reportedly said in the video. Following his remarks, several farmers staged protests at the Jani police station in Meerut on Sunday afternoon. Chaudhary also criticised Tikait for allegedly insulting traders. Rakesh Tikait is calling traders dishonest and speaking about dealing with them. I want to say that the countrys traders are its backbone. Their role in the GDP is significant. It is the trader who adds value to the farmers crop by purchasing it and bringing it to the market. For farmers, traders should be revered, he said. He further stated that Tikait operated with a terrorist sleeper cell mentality and that such individuals should be beheaded. Now, merely removing Rakesh Tikaits turban will not sufficehis head must be severed. Given the kind of statements and mentality he is displaying, we must not stop at his turban; we must behead him. I will offer Rs 5 lakh to anyone who carries it out, he declared. Notably, on 2 May, Rakesh Tikait faced intense public outrage in Muzaffarnagar over his comments on the Pahalgam terror attack. During the protest, there was pushing and shoving, and someone struck his head with a flag, causing his turban to fall off. Right-wing organisations strongly protested against him. The situation became so tense during the demonstration that police had to escort the farmer leader out of the area. However, Tikait managed to leave safely and was not injured.
UP man booked for announcing reward for beheading BKU's Rakesh Tikait in social media post
MUZAFFARNAGAR: A man has been booked over his social media post in which he allegedly announced a reward for anyone who beheads Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait. With the viral post sparking protests by the followers of the farmer leader in Muzaffarnagar and Meerut, a case was registered against Amit Choudhry at the Civil Lines Police Station in Muzaffarnagar. Station House Officer Ashutosh Kumar Singh said on Sunday that in the viral video, the accused purportedly announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for the beheading of Tikait. Led by the BKU's Muzaffarnagar district president Naveen Rathi, hundreds of protesters demanded immediate police action against Choudhry. Rathi said he has lodged an FIR against the accused. In Meerut, BKU activists gheraoed Jani police station, demanding action against Chowdhury. BKU Meerut district president Anurag Chaudhary led a tractor-trolley protest and staged a sit on the police station premises. Police in both districts issued statements regarding the registration of FIRs but did not elaborate on the accused and reasons why he made such statements against Tikait. It is part of the probe, they said.
NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Saturday informed Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Harsh Malhotra, that the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway would be ready within three months. Malhotra inspected the entire 210-km stretch of the expressway along with officials from the Authority. The minister took cognisance of the various bottlenecks reported by NHAI officials and directed them to expedite the work and complete the project within the stipulated time frame so that it could be opened to the general public as scheduled. After the inspection, the minister stated that the expressway would be instrumental in decongesting the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and also reduce the load on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway and other connecting highways. The 210-kilometre-long access-controlled expressway, with an operational speed limit of 100 kmph, will connect the national capital with Uttarakhands capital, Dehradun. It starts from Akshardham Temple in Delhi and passes through several districts of Uttar Pradesh, such as Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur, before culminating at Dehradun. The project was expected to be completed within the deadline of March 2024. It was approved in 2020, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the expressway in December last year. The expressway is being developed at an approximate cost of 12,000 crore and will reduce the travel time from Delhi to Dehradun from the existing 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours. The expressway will also have a spur towards Haridwar and connect to the Char Dham Highway, thereby enhancing connectivity to the hill stations and pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. The final 20-kilometre stretch passes through the eco-sensitive zone of Rajaji National Park, where Asias longest elevated wildlife corridor (12 kilometres) is being constructed. This includes the 340-metre Daat Kali tunnel.
Last rites of Pak shelling victims performed with full honours amid pride and grief
JAMMU,JAIPUR, MUZAFFARNAGAR, May 11: Emotional scenes were witnessed across the country as the last rites of those killed in shelling by Pakistan during the recent military conflict with India were performed on Sunday. The Jammu division, which bore the brunt of heavy Pakistani firing and shelling, suffered the most casualties, including civilians. Rifleman Sunil Kumar (25), who was posted with 4 J-K Light Infantry regiment, was given a tearful adieu with hundreds of mourners joining his last rites at his [] The post Last rites of Pak shelling victims performed with full honours amid pride and grief appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Drunk man beats 6-year-old son to death for not giving him water; held
Gurugram: In a shocking incident, an inebriated man beat his six-year-old son to death for refusing to give him water at a colony in Gurugram, police said on Sunday. Police arrested Suman Kumar Singh, a native of Muzaffarnagar district in Bihar, from the Shakti Nagar area on Saturday, they added. On May 6, police received Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
JKAS officer, BSF SI, JCO, 4 civilians including 2 from UP martyred in Pak shelling in Jammu
7 BSF jawans, 3 civilians injured; many houses damaged Heavy mortar shelling soon after ceasefire announcement Sanjeev Pargal JAMMU, May 10: JKAS officer Dr Raj Kumar Thapa, a BSF Sub Inspector and an Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) were martyred and four civilians, two of them hailing from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh including a two-year-old child were killed and 10 others including seven BSF jawans were injured in heavy shelling and firing by Pakistan army and Rangers on the Line [] The post JKAS officer, BSF SI, JCO, 4 civilians including 2 from UP martyred in Pak shelling in Jammu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Civil defence volunteers rehearse emergency response in Lucknow ahead of nationwide mock drill
LUCKNOW: A day before the scheduled mock drill mandated by the Union government, civil defence volunteers conducted a rehearsal at the Lucknow police lines on Tuesday to strengthen emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, UP DGP Prashant Kumar, on Tuesday, said that comprehensive civil defence mock drills would be conducted across all districts on Wednesday in compliance of the instructions received from the Government of India. The exercise, which involved around 200 civil defence volunteers, was aimed at training volunteers in managing large-scale emergencies and responding effectively to potential missile or air attacks. According to Chief Warden, Civil Defence Lucknow, Amarnath Mishra, the participants demonstrated coordinated responses to sirens, evacuation procedures, and protective measures designed to minimise panic and chaos during emergencies. The drill focused on practical techniques to protect civilians during missile strikes and air attacks, along with educating the public on how to safeguard themselves in such situations, Mishra added. The development comes a day after the Union Home Ministry's directives to states to conduct mock drills on May 7 to enhance civil defence preparedness. The Union Home Ministry asked the states to operationalise air raid warning sirens and train civilians to protect themselves in the event of a hostile attack. The states have also been directed to update and rehearse evacuation plans, crash blackout measures, and early camouflaging of vital plants and installations. Interacting with media persons, the UP DGP Prashant Kumar said that the Centre had identified 19 districts-- one placed in Category 1, two in Category 2 and the remaining 16 in Category 3-- for the exercise. Bulandshahr in western UP has been kept in Category 1; Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Bakshi Ka Talab, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Meerut, Prayagraj, Moradabad, Bareilly, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Saharanpur, Sarsawan, and Chandauli are there in Category 2; Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar, both western UP districts, have been kept in Category 3. However, keeping the preparedness in mind and also considering the local sensitivities, the state government has decided to conduct the mock drill across all the state districts, said the DGP. He explained that the exercise would involve coordinated participation from multiple agencies, including the police administration, fire services, and disaster response agencies, to cope with disasters and other critical situations. The mock drill is imperative to ensure better coordination and readiness among all response agencies, said Prashant Kumar. Meanwhile, DG Civil Defence, Abhay Prasad also confirmed the instructions received from the Centre, explaining preparations were already underway to equip civilians with the knowledge and readiness needed in case of any future conflict. He said the mock drill would be conducted between 7 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday. At present, the state Civil Defence department has offices in 15 districts but covers 26 districts through its network. As part of the initiative, an assessment of emergency medical infrastructure, response time, and coordination between various agencies would be assessed in the event of mass casualties and large-scale evacuations. The drill would also foster greater public awareness and resilience in times of national crisis, said a senior state government official.
Bharatiya Kisan Union describes it as an attempt to break the unity of farmers; Naresh Tikait calls for an emergency meeting on Saturday
BKU calls emergency panchayat after Rakesh Tikait 'heckled' at anti-terror rally in Muzaffarnagar
MUZAFFARNAGAR: The Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) has called for an emergency 'Kisan Panchayat' in Muzaffarnagar on Saturday after a section of people at a protest rally against the Pahalgam terror attack opposed farmer leader Rakesh Tikait's participation. BKU national president Naresh Tikait announced that the panchayat would be held at the GIC ground in Muzaffarnagar to deliberate on the incident. Naresh Tikait said the incident at the 'Akrosh rally' was part of a conspiracy orchestrated by a political party to weaken the farmers' movement. On Friday, Rakesh Tikait was allegedly heckled at the rally, organised by right-wing groups, to protest the Pahalgam attack and asked to go back. In the commotion, his turban also fell, purported videos of the incident showed. The incident was not spontaneous. It was pre-planned and driven by political motives, Naresh Tikait said, adding that farmers from across the region were beginning to gather in Sisauli and Muzaffarnagar ahead of the panchayat scheduled to begin in the afternoon. Rakesh Tikait also denounced Friday's heckling and reiterated that he thought it was a political sabotage. This is a conspiracy by a particular political party to suppress the farmers' voice. Some youths were deliberately sent to disrupt the rally, he told reporters on Friday. He claimed that those shouting slogans against him appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. In a related development, Tikait announced that the BKU would organise a tractor march to protest against the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir Valley's Pahalgam that left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. The date for the march will be decided in the coming days. He urged the Union government to take strict action against terrorist activities to calm public anger.
