News for 'District Magistrate'

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Officers with Ardh Kumbh experience to handle Maha Kumbh post stampede

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed two senior IAS officers, who were part of the team that successfully conducted the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, to oversee the smooth conduct of the Maha Kumbh Mela in the wake of the recent stampede that left at least 30 pilgrims dead. The officers, Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Chandra Goswami, have extensive experience in administration in Prayagraj, including crowd management and inter-agency coordination. They will join Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand, forming a trio that was part of the mega fair six years ago. The government has also deployed additional senior police officers to strengthen security and crowd management ahead of Basant Panchami, one of the key bathing days of the festival, on February 3.

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

'Sanjay Gandhi Was On The Verge Of Throwing Out Indira'

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'According to JP, Indira Gandhi was not much of a danger to democracy. He said, it was Sanjay Gandhi and his gang.'

Encroachment drive launched around Sambhal mosque amid tension

Encroachment drive launched around Sambhal mosque amid tension

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Weeks after violent clashes over a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, the district administration in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has launched a campaign against encroachments and illegal power theft in the area around the historic mosque. The administration began removing encroachments on Sunday morning, focusing on clearing drains outside houses and shops. The operation uncovered an illegal stockpile of domestic gas cylinders in a house, and the electricity department unearthed illegal connections in four mosques and a madrasa. The Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened by the district administration, has resumed regular worship.

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'The Election Commission is conducting the National Register of Citizens in Bihar through the backdoor.'

After temple, 150-yr-old stepwell unearthed in Sambhal

After temple, 150-yr-old stepwell unearthed in Sambhal

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

A stepwell, approximately 125 to 150 years old and covering an area of 400 square metres, was unearthed during excavation in the Laxman Ganj area of Chandausi in Sambhal, an official said.

'Reckless' plea to debar Modi from Lok Sabha dismissed

'Reckless' plea to debar Modi from Lok Sabha dismissed

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said they were in agreement with the single judge who had earlier rejected the petition.

Shami told to pay maintenance to estranged wife, kid

Shami told to pay maintenance to estranged wife, kid

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Cal HC orders Md Shami monthly payment of Rs 4 lakh as maintenance to estranged wife, daughter

The Do-Gooder Who Has Donated Blood 21 Times

The Do-Gooder Who Has Donated Blood 21 Times

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

'I will continue to donate blood till I am healthy.'

Dera chief granted 21-day furlough

Dera chief granted 21-day furlough

Rediff.com13 Aug 2024

During his temporary release period, Singh will go to the Dera ashram in Barnawa in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat, they further said.

Maha minister Vikhe Patil, 53 others booked in loan fraud case

Maha minister Vikhe Patil, 53 others booked in loan fraud case

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A case has been registered against Maharashtra BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil and 53 others, including directors of a sugar mill, for allegedly obtaining loans of nearly Rs 9 crore in the names of farmers using forged documents. The complaint was filed by a sugarcane cultivator and member of the cooperative sugar mill, alleging that the loan amounts were never credited to the farmers' accounts and were instead siphoned off by sugar mill officials and bank staff. The case was registered based on a court directive following a complaint alleging irregularities that occurred in 2004.

Ploughing his field, UP farmer finds swords, rifles used in 1857 rebellion

Ploughing his field, UP farmer finds swords, rifles used in 1857 rebellion

Rediff.com8 Nov 2024

A host of weapons, possibly used during the rebellion of 1857, was found by a farmer while working in his field in the district, an official said on Friday.

Odisha girl set on fire by 3 men airlifted to Delhi; condition critical

Odisha girl set on fire by 3 men airlifted to Delhi; condition critical

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

A 15-year-old girl, severely burned in an attack in Odisha, has been airlifted to AIIMS Delhi for specialized treatment. The incident is under police investigation.

Sambhal violence: 33 accused arrested, 400 identified

Sambhal violence: 33 accused arrested, 400 identified

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

The Sambhal administration in Uttar Pradesh, India, has announced plans to put up posters of individuals involved in violence that occurred on November 24. Over 400 people have been identified and 32 arrested in connection with the violence, which stemmed from a local mosque survey. The administration is currently designing the posters and will finalize them today. Posters will be displayed after excluding those who have been arrested.

Hathras tragedy: Meet Bhole Baba, cop-turned-preacher with a massive following

Hathras tragedy: Meet Bhole Baba, cop-turned-preacher with a massive following

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

One of Surajpal's three brothers died and he set up a Trust and appointed a caretaker for his property in Bahadurgarh where his ashram is located, the CO said.

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

'BJP's Survival Depends On Muslims'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The irony of this country is that the party in Opposition and the party in power both depend on Muslims.'

Another bridge collapses in Bihar, 4th in over a week

Another bridge collapses in Bihar, 4th in over a week

Rediff.com27 Jun 2024

In the last few years, a number of similar incidents have taken place in various parts of the state, and though no fatalities have been caused, these have led to questions being raised on the quality of public works in the state.

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Lawyer who argued in US court to lead NIA case against Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, who led India's arguments for the extradition of 26/11 accused Tahawwur Rana in a United States court, is set to lead the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) prosecution in Delhi.

Netaji refused tea, but the cup remains preserved

Netaji refused tea, but the cup remains preserved

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Noapara police station in West Bengal holds a unique historical connection to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, who was briefly detained there in 1931. The police station commemorates this event every year on Netaji's birth anniversary. The station preserves the cup and saucer used to offer Netaji tea, which he refused, as well as a memorial room with photographs and books about his life. Visitors can pay homage to Netaji at the memorial room and a statue of him stands proudly outside the station.

Days after Lalu's offer, comes Nitish's reply

Days after Lalu's offer, comes Nitish's reply

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday snubbed the Rashtriya Janata Dal, headed by his arch-rival Lalu Prasad Yadav, stating that he had forged alliances 'by mistake' with the opposition party which 'did nothing' while in power.

Bihar sees 3 more bridge collapses on Wednesday, 9th in 15 days

Bihar sees 3 more bridge collapses on Wednesday, 9th in 15 days

Rediff.com3 Jul 2024

Villagers suggested that heavy rainfall over the preceding days may have contributed to the collapse, with a surge in Gandaki river potentially weakening the bridge's structure.

UP: Woman's eyes removed during autopsy, 2 doctors booked

UP: Woman's eyes removed during autopsy, 2 doctors booked

Rediff.com13 Dec 2023

A probe team has been formed to investigate the matter and it will submit its report within 24 hours, District Magistrate Manoj Kumar said.

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rajouri deaths: Central team collects samples; curbs imposed

Rediff.com20 Jan 2025

A high-level inter-ministerial team conducted a six-hour investigation in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, to ascertain the causes of death of 17 members of three families under mysterious circumstances. The team, led by a director-rank officer in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, collected samples and briefed by senior district, health and police officers. The team's visit follows the deaths of 16 people between December 7 and January 19. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on potential neurotoxins and a spring that tested positive for pesticides.

Won't look at other temples if...: Ram temple official on Gyanvapi

Won't look at other temples if...: Ram temple official on Gyanvapi

Rediff.com5 Feb 2024

He also appealed to the Muslim side for a peaceful solution for all these three temples.

Union Carbide waste incineration begins on trial basis in MP

Union Carbide waste incineration begins on trial basis in MP

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The trial incineration of 10 tonnes of waste from the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, responsible for the 1984 gas tragedy, began on Friday afternoon in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. The process, ordered by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, is expected to take 72 hours to complete. The waste includes soil, reactor residues, pesticide residues, and other materials. The State Pollution Control Board says the chemicals in the waste have become "almost negligible" and there is no presence of methyl isocyanate gas. The incineration process is being monitored by the Pollution Control Board and broadcast live.

Ex-scribe granted bail over remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji, son

Ex-scribe granted bail over remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji, son

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Prashant Koratkar, a former journalist accused of using offensive language against Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has been granted bail by a sessions court in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Koratkar was arrested on March 24 and had been remanded in judicial custody. He was accused of threatening historian Indrajeet Sawant and making derogatory remarks against the revered historical figures. The sessions court granted him bail on a surety of Rs 50,000.

Farmers to defy prohibitory orders, march to Delhi

Farmers to defy prohibitory orders, march to Delhi

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

A 'jatha' of 101 farmers will embark on a foot march to Delhi at 1 pm on Friday from the Shambhu border protest site, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said on Thursday.

Video of girl fleeing with books during demolition shocked all: SC

Video of girl fleeing with books during demolition shocked all: SC

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India expressed shock over a viral video showing an eight-year-old girl fleeing her shanty as it was demolished by a bulldozer during an anti-encroachment drive in Uttar Pradesh. The court mentioned the video while hearing a case concerning illegal demolition in Prayagraj. The incident drew criticism from opposition parties, while local authorities defended the demolition, citing court orders and multiple notices issued to the encroacher.

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Abandoned Shiva temple reopens in Aligarh's Muslim-dominated area

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Right-wing organizations, including Bajrang Dal and All India Karni Sena, held a 'shuddhikaran' (purification) ceremony and chanted Hanuman chalisa at a long-abandoned Shiva temple in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The temple, located in a Muslim-majority locality, was "reopened" by members of these groups. The ceremony took place on Wednesday night amid tight security measures. Local residents, including a former Aligarh Mayor, have voiced concerns over the state of the temple and called for its restoration.

New rules heavily restrict religious conversion in Haryana

New rules heavily restrict religious conversion in Haryana

Rediff.com20 Dec 2022

The state assembly had passed the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill in March this year.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Yet another bridge collapses in Bihar, 10th such in 15 days

Yet another bridge collapses in Bihar, 10th such in 15 days

Rediff.com4 Jul 2024

Another instance of bridge collapse came to the fore in Bihar on Thursday, making it the 10th such incident to have been reported from the state in just over a fortnight, an official said.

Students, cops clash in Bihar over exam, FIR against Prashant Kishor

Students, cops clash in Bihar over exam, FIR against Prashant Kishor

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Police in Patna, Bihar used water cannons and mild force to disperse protesters demanding the cancellation of the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) exam held on December 13. The protesters, who were joined by Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishore, attempted to march towards the chief minister's residence, prompting police action. The protesters had gathered at Gandhi Maidan despite warnings from the administration that any demonstration would be considered unauthorized. The district police registered an FIR against 21 known persons, including Prashant Kishore, for organizing the gathering. The protest is ongoing, with students seeking the cancellation of the exam due to allegations of a question paper leak. The government has agreed to meet with a five-member delegation of BPSC aspirants.

6 killed as tree falls on vehicles after landslide in HP

6 killed as tree falls on vehicles after landslide in HP

Rediff.com30 Mar 2025

A tree on a mountain opposite the gurudwara got uprooted following a storm and landslide. It fell on some vehicles parked on the road, killing six and injuring three others.

'No fear': Amarnath pilgrims opt for Pahalgam route

'No fear': Amarnath pilgrims opt for Pahalgam route

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Defying apprehensions of the horrific April 22 terror Pahalgam attack casting a shadow on the Amarnath Yatra this year, hundreds of pilgrims from various parts of the country lined up at the registration centre in Jammu on the first day.

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

After Delhi's sign-in, Bengal only state to hold out on Ayushman Bharat

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

According to a parliamentary response by the Union health ministry in 2023, around 654,000 families in Delhi are eligible to enrol under the scheme.

ASI roped in for carbon dating of Sambhal temple; PAC jawans deployed

ASI roped in for carbon dating of Sambhal temple; PAC jawans deployed

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has reopened after being locked for 45 years following communal riots. The district administration has requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct carbon dating of the temple, including a well on the premises. The temple is being guarded round the clock and worshippers have started visiting. The reopening of the temple has been met with gratitude from local residents, who have expressed their desire to reconnect with their heritage.

Under-construction building collapses at UP railway station, several feared trapped

Under-construction building collapses at UP railway station, several feared trapped

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

A building under construction at the Kannauj railway station in Uttar Pradesh collapsed on Saturday, trapping around two dozen workers under the rubble. Six workers have been rescued and rushed to hospital. Rescue efforts are ongoing with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed at the site. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure the safe recovery of those trapped and their proper medical treatment.

Houses of SC-STs torched in Bihar: Nitish orders action

Houses of SC-STs torched in Bihar: Nitish orders action

Rediff.com19 Sep 2024

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday condemned the torching of 34 houses, mostly belonging to SC/ST communities, in Nawada district and asked the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to visit the site and oversee the probe.

MP villagers dig fields for treasure after watching Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

MP villagers dig fields for treasure after watching Vicky Kaushal's 'Chhaava'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

The administration in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district has launched an investigation after people dug up land around Asirgarh fort in search of a hidden treasure. The rumour about the treasure is believed to have been sparked by the depiction of the fort in the Vicky Kaushal-starrer "Chhava". Authorities have warned that any coins found will be considered government property due to their archaeological importance.

Karnataka Cong govt repeals BJP era anti-conversion law

Karnataka Cong govt repeals BJP era anti-conversion law

Rediff.com15 Jun 2023

The government will introduce a bill in this regard in the upcoming legislature session, which starts on July 3.