Chandan Kumar

Stories by Chandan Kumar

As Ram temple trust meets, chairman says 'deeply hurt'

As Ram temple trust meets, chairman says 'deeply hurt'

Rediff.com   6 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a crucial meeting in Ayodhya to deliberate on the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra, following allegations of embezzlement of donations. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing SIT probe into the alleged theft.

Can Ram Temple Trust restore devotees' faith after donation scam?

Can Ram Temple Trust restore devotees' faith after donation scam?

Rediff.com   6 Jul 2026

Residents and pilgrims in Ayodhya are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust meeting, convened amidst serious allegations of embezzlement of temple donations. The controversy has led to a subdued public mood, concerns among devotees about the security of their offerings, and calls for strict action against those responsible, including "big people" behind the alleged scam. Security has been heightened as an SIT investigates and arrests have been made.

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Lucknow fire: Autopsy reveals all 15 suffocated to death

Rediff.com   24 Jun 2026

A post-mortem report for the 15 victims of the Lucknow Aliganj fire revealed that they died from suffocation due to smoke inhalation, not major burn injuries. Doctors found soot in nasal passages and swelling around faces, indicating heavy smoke exposure. The tragedy has led to a high-level probe, arrests, and a directive for fire safety inspections across Uttar Pradesh.

Wedding preps turn to funeral as Lucknow fire kills engaged couple

Wedding preps turn to funeral as Lucknow fire kills engaged couple

Rediff.com   23 Jun 2026

An engaged couple, Neelesh Kumar and Anamika Samant, who were planning their wedding, became victims of a devastating fire at a commercial building in Lucknow, turning their families' wedding preparations into funeral arrangements.

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com   30 Dec 2024

Prayagraj is transforming into a massive temporary city to host the Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, expected to draw over 40 crore pilgrims. The preparations include extensive infrastructure development, including 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets, and a 1,250-km pipeline network. The event, starting on January 13, will culminate on February 26, bringing together millions of devotees for the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Kanwar Yatra order forces Muslim, Hindu dhaba owners to remove staff

Kanwar Yatra order forces Muslim, Hindu dhaba owners to remove staff

Rediff.com   21 Jul 2024

A Muslim man used to work on the tandoor at my restaurant. But due to this issue, I asked him to leave. Because people can make an issue over it. We don't want such trouble here

Will win by a bigger margin, says Brij Bhushan's son

Will win by a bigger margin, says Brij Bhushan's son

Rediff.com   18 May 2024

Karan Bhushan rejects the charges against his father, saying the "allegations are political and made up. We will challenge them in court".

Has anything changed, ask Lakhimpur Kheri voters

Has anything changed, ask Lakhimpur Kheri voters

Rediff.com   11 May 2024

This appears to be a common refrain in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri Lok Sabha constituency where farmers want better prices for their produce and respite from the stray cattle menace and others want political leaders to talk about job creation instead of issues like the Ram temple and Article 370.

Man-animal conflict a key poll issue in Pilibhit LS constituency

Man-animal conflict a key poll issue in Pilibhit LS constituency

Rediff.com   16 Apr 2024

People in these villages routinely encounter big cats that stray into their farms from the adjoining Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, a bustling habitat for the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris).

Rescued UP worker regrets missing World Cup final

Rescued UP worker regrets missing World Cup final

Rediff.com   29 Nov 2023

For a 25-year-old Manjeet Chauhan stuck in Silkyara tunnel survival hinged on a picture of his parents and words of a lost brother, whom he took as a role model after his death in an accident last year.

Why Is Shipra Pathak Walking?

Why Is Shipra Pathak Walking?

Rediff.com   15 Mar 2023

'As humans, we must realise that we cannot survive without the environment, rivers, water....'

What delays construction of mosque in Ayodhya even after SC order in 2019

What delays construction of mosque in Ayodhya even after SC order in 2019

Rediff.com   6 Dec 2022

But three years after the apex court settled the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute, there are no signs of any building activity on the proposed mosque site.

Ayodhya moves on 3 decades after Babri demolition

Ayodhya moves on 3 decades after Babri demolition

Rediff.com   5 Dec 2022

Unlike in the past, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad is not celebrating any "Shaurya Diwas" (Bravery Day) on Tuesday and there are no plans by the Muslim community to observe a "Black Day".

UP takes steps to ban meat sale in open on Kanwar Yatra routes

UP takes steps to ban meat sale in open on Kanwar Yatra routes

Rediff.com   10 Jul 2022

The local, district and police administration are reaching out to meat traders to ensure this, officials said.

Burqa-clad instant talaq victim among BJP's campaigners in UP

Burqa-clad instant talaq victim among BJP's campaigners in UP

Rediff.com   18 Feb 2022

A 27-year-old burqa-clad woman, who is an instant talaq victim, is campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls to make the Muslim women realise the "good work" being done by the saffron party in the state. Nida Khan believes that unlike other parties, the BJP does not see Muslims as a vote bank only but considers them as equals.