Saumya Shukla

Stories by Saumya Shukla

Jantar Mantar: From voice of protest to a silenced space

Jantar Mantar: From voice of protest to a silenced space

Rediff.com   12 Oct 2026

Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in New Delhi, is facing de-notification by Delhi Police, raising concerns about its future as a space for public dissent. The site has been central to numerous significant movements, from Anna Hazare's anti-corruption fast and the Nirbhaya protests to recent agitations over NEET paper leaks and wrestlers' grievances. Its proximity to power centres made it a crucial platform for citizens to voice concerns and demand accountability, a role now threatened by its potential loss of status.

Delhi teen was raped at knifepoint, condom seized from park

Delhi teen was raped at knifepoint, condom seized from park

Rediff.com   24 Sep 2026

A 17-year-old girl, allegedly raped by three men at Delhi's Aastha Kunj Park, bravely assisted investigators by leading them to the crime spots. Her detailed account and identification of the locations enabled forensic teams to collect crucial biological evidence, including a condom. Police subsequently identified and arrested the three accused, Asif, Hemant, and Mahesh, after scanning CCTV footage and using technical surveillance.

Mehrauli rape-murder: Cabbie's licence near body acted as vital evidence

Mehrauli rape-murder: Cabbie's licence near body acted as vital evidence

Rediff.com   10 Sep 2026

Delhi Police have prepared a 1,500-page chargesheet in the Mehrauli murder case of a 10-year-old girl, revealing that the accused cab driver, Bashu Kumar Singh, left his driving licence at the crime scene. This crucial piece of evidence, along with CCTV footage, forensic analysis, and pictorial reconstruction, helped investigators establish the sequence of events leading to his arrest and the recovery of the victim's body. The chargesheet details the abduction, sexual assault, and murder, highlighting the scientific approach taken by the police.

Delhi building collapse: Student's family questions four-hour rescue delay

Delhi building collapse: Student's family questions four-hour rescue delay

Rediff.com   8 Sep 2026

A 20-year-old student, Aditya, survived a building collapse in Delhi after being trapped for four hours, during which he communicated with his family. His family is now questioning the significant delay in his rescue, despite him being conscious and able to call for help. The incident, which killed seven, has led to an inquiry and the arrest of the building owner.

'Why did I let him come?' Mother's agony after DU student dies in Delhi collapse

'Why did I let him come?' Mother's agony after DU student dies in Delhi collapse

Rediff.com   7 Sep 2026

A Delhi University student, Arpit, was among seven people killed in a building collapse in Satya Niketan. The story highlights the profound grief of his mother, who had a premonition, and his friends, who mourn unfulfilled plans. The building owner has been apprehended, and a magisterial inquiry is underway.

Delhi to get first underground nuclear and chemical command centre

Delhi to get first underground nuclear and chemical command centre

Rediff.com   2 Jul 2026

Delhi is set to establish its first underground Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) command centre at the new Delhi Fire Services headquarters, a facility designed to ensure uninterrupted coordination and protection for personnel during nuclear warfare, radiological leaks, or chemical disasters.

Delhi Sees Spike In Dowry Deaths Post-Pandemic, Data Reveals Disturbing Trends

Delhi Sees Spike In Dowry Deaths Post-Pandemic, Data Reveals Disturbing Trends

Rediff.com   13 Jun 2026

Official data reveals that Delhi recorded 141 dowry death cases in 2021, the highest in five years, with a subsequent gradual decline. The COVID-19 pandemic is cited as a factor exacerbating domestic tensions. Cases of cruelty by husband or relatives under Section 498A also show significant numbers, alongside efforts to strengthen prosecution and increase awareness.

African couple found dead in each other's arms in Delhi hotel fire

African couple found dead in each other's arms in Delhi hotel fire

Rediff.com   4 Jun 2026

An African couple undergoing IVF treatment in Delhi were found dead in each other's arms after a devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel claimed their lives along with 19 others. Rescuers described the scene as a profound symbol of love, with the couple embracing in their final moments.

'Mother waited for him': Groom-to-be among 2 killed in Delhi bus crash

'Mother waited for him': Groom-to-be among 2 killed in Delhi bus crash

Rediff.com   25 Mar 2026

A late-night bus accident in Delhi, allegedly caused by reckless driving, resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries, raising concerns about road safety and driver negligence.

Families of Delhi Bus Accident Victims Allege Negligence and Demand Justice

Families of Delhi Bus Accident Victims Allege Negligence and Demand Justice

Rediff.com   9 Mar 2026

Families of the two men killed in a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus accident in west Delhi allege rash driving and negligence, demanding justice and compensation.

Delhi Police Stations Lack Paralegal Volunteers for POCSO Cases: RTI

Delhi Police Stations Lack Paralegal Volunteers for POCSO Cases: RTI

Rediff.com   6 Mar 2026

An RTI query reveals that only a fraction of Delhi's police stations have paralegal volunteers, and their assistance to POCSO victims is minimal, despite Supreme Court directives.

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Rediff.com   6 Mar 2026

An RTI query reveals that only a fraction of Delhi's police stations have paralegal volunteers, and their assistance to POCSO victims is minimal, despite Supreme Court mandates.

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Delhi Police Stations Face Shortage of Paralegal Volunteers in POCSO Cases

Rediff.com   6 Mar 2026

An RTI query reveals that only a fraction of Delhi's police stations have paralegal volunteers, and their assistance in POCSO cases is minimal, despite a Supreme Court mandate.

Wedding plans turn to grief as pilot Pathak dies in Baramati crash

Wedding plans turn to grief as pilot Pathak dies in Baramati crash

Rediff.com   29 Jan 2026

Captain Shambhavi Pathak, a pilot with VSR Ventures, was among those killed in the Learjet 45 crash in Baramati, Maharashtra. Her family in Delhi is devastated by the loss.

Teenage boy raped, killed; 3 held from Kanwar camp

Teenage boy raped, killed; 3 held from Kanwar camp

Rediff.com   25 Jul 2025

Delhi police arrest 13 individuals, including minors, for the murder and sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy, allegedly in retaliation for informing on a rival gang member.

Woman who died in Delhi park had come to bid farewell to fiance

Woman who died in Delhi park had come to bid farewell to fiance

Rediff.com   7 Apr 2025

A 24-year-old woman, Priyanka, died after falling from a roller coaster at the Fun and Food Village amusement park in southwest Delhi's Kapashera. She was meeting her fianc, Nikhil, who was about to return to Cyprus where he works. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, and Priyanka's family is alleging negligence on the part of the amusement park owners. They are seeking justice and have accused the police of inaction. The family is dependent on Priyanka's income as a telecom company manager.