News for 'RITES'

Kin of missing Nepal flood victims perform symbolic funeral rites

Kin of missing Nepal flood victims perform symbolic funeral rites

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Eight days after devastating floods in Nepal, families of the missing are resorting to symbolic funeral rites using effigies due to diminishing hopes of finding their loved ones and the destruction of their homes. The disaster has also led to a severe shortage of facilities for traditional mourning rituals in Kathmandu, forcing many to seek alternative arrangements or travel.

Black Sea attack victim's remains reach Kanpur; family refuses last rites

Black Sea attack victim's remains reach Kanpur; family refuses last rites

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

The mortal remains of Merchant Navy chief officer Sagar Gupta, who was killed in a Black Sea attack amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, were brought to his native place in Kanpur on Wednesday, 18 days after the incident, with his family demanding 'martyr' status and compensation.

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

In a heartwarming act of compassion, Irfana Iqbal, a Muslim panchayat member in Kasaragod, Kerala, performed the last rites of an abandoned Hindu man, Narayanan, according to his customs after his family refused to claim his body. Her selfless act, driven by the belief that humanity transcends religion, has garnered widespread appreciation.

UP man cooks meat on funeral pyre, held; 2 others flee

UP man cooks meat on funeral pyre, held; 2 others flee

Rediff.com2 days ago

A man was arrested in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly cooking meat on a burning funeral pyre. Two of his associates fled the scene. The incident occurred at a cremation site where the accused, under the influence of alcohol, used the pyre to cook meat.

Alia, Karan Johar At Rani Mukerji's Mother's Funeral

Alia, Karan Johar At Rani Mukerji's Mother's Funeral

Rediff.com5 hours ago

Family members and several members from the film fraternity were present at Mumbai's Pawan Hans crematorium to pay their last respects.

Woman, three children fall from Maharashtra fort; 3 die

Woman, three children fall from Maharashtra fort; 3 die

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

A tragic incident at Naldurg Fort in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district led to the deaths of a 30-year-old woman, Ashwini Manohar Pol, and two of her three minor children after they fell from the Upli bastion. Police have registered an accidental death report and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall.

IIT-B suicide: Father claims Sahil was subjected to casteist mocking

IIT-B suicide: Father claims Sahil was subjected to casteist mocking

Rediff.com2 days ago

The father of an IIT Bombay student who died by suicide has alleged that his son faced relentless caste-based mocking and torture from a professor and the administration. A police complaint has been filed, and an FIR registered against a professor for abetment of suicide and under the SC/ST Act. IIT Bombay has removed a Dean from his post following the allegations.

Pregnant woman kicked by UP cops dies; 6 suspended

Pregnant woman kicked by UP cops dies; 6 suspended

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Six police personnel, including two sub-inspectors, have been suspended in Firozabad after allegedly kicking a pregnant woman during an arrest, leading to her death. The woman's family claims she was kicked in the abdomen while pleading for her husband's release. She later gave birth prematurely and died, while her newborn remains in critical condition. Villagers protested the police action.

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

POCSO applies to marriage with minor under Muslim law: HC

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to quash criminal proceedings against a man accused of repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl. The court ruled that even if a marriage was solemnised under Muslim religious rites, it would not protect the accused from criminal liability under the POCSO Act, reinforcing that the Act applies when one party is a minor, irrespective of personal law.

Mahabharat Actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies

Mahabharat Actor Aasha Singh Jaiswal Dies

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Actress Aasha Singh Jaiswal, known for her roles in films and television, has passed away in Mumbai.

Suvendu aide's family to decide on last rites after autopsy

Suvendu aide's family to decide on last rites after autopsy

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Senior BJP leaders visited the residence of Chandranath Rath, a close aide of Suvendu Adhikari, who was shot dead in North 24 Parganas district. The family will decide on the last rites after the post-mortem examination. BJP workers demanded the arrest of those involved in the killing.

Indian-origin woman arrested for killing 2 friends in US

Indian-origin woman arrested for killing 2 friends in US

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

An Indian-origin woman, Anila Baby, has been arrested in California for allegedly murdering two of her friends, Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari, in separate incidents within 90 minutes. The victims, also of Indian origin from Kerala, were reportedly strangled and stabbed, and run over by a car. The motive remains under investigation, and Baby faces two counts of first-degree murder.

I Stood Where Every Man Died A Hero's Death

I Stood Where Every Man Died A Hero's Death

Rediff.com5 days ago

The soil mingled with the blood of 114 soldiers, gathered from the battlefield, has been preserved in a glass bottle in Rezang La. When the frozen bodies of the were recovered, they had their rifles in hand, fingers on the trigger, pointed towards the enemy. The mountains they defended will never forget them. Neither should we.

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Raksha Bandhan takes on a different character as you travel across India.

Director Kuku Kohli Dies At 77

Director Kuku Kohli Dies At 77

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Kuku Kohli is famously credited with introducing superstar Ajay Devgn to Hindi cinema with the 1991 blockbuster hit Phool Aur Kaante.

Nagarmal Bajoria, man who contested around 300 elections, dies at 97

Nagarmal Bajoria, man who contested around 300 elections, dies at 97

Rediff.com4 Sep 2026

Nagarmal Bajoria, a 97-year-old Bihar businessman known as "dharti pakad" for contesting nearly 300 elections, has passed away. A Partition refugee, Bajoria challenged prominent leaders including Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, aiming to raise public awareness about the electoral process rather than seeking power. His unique campaign style and unwavering spirit left a lasting impression.

Remember These Images From 25 Years Ago?

Remember These Images From 25 Years Ago?

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

As younger generations grow up without personal memories of 9/11, the 25th anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of loss, resilience, bravery and America's enduring promise to never forget.

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Want justice, not revenge: Family of slain Manipuri musician

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

The family of Chongtham Vikram Singh, a Manipuri musician beaten to death in south Delhi, has appealed for justice and an impartial probe, stating they seek accountability, not revenge, for his sudden loss.

Claim by Gogi gang 'member' adds new twist to Ankit Balyan murder probe

Claim by Gogi gang 'member' adds new twist to Ankit Balyan murder probe

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The investigation into the murder of Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan in Shamli has taken a turn after a person allegedly from Sonipat and belonging to the Gogi gang claimed responsibility for the killing in a social media post, officials said on Thursday.

Nepal tragedy: Death toll hits 1,252 as fresh flood risks loom

Nepal tragedy: Death toll hits 1,252 as fresh flood risks loom

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has surged to 1,252, with more bodies recovered and fresh flood risks emerging due to continuous rainfall in the Bhotekoshi River's upstream areas. The disaster, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, has also left 4,875 people missing and prompted calls to address climate change's impact on the Himalayan region.

SC seeks govt reply on Netaji's daughter's plea to return ashes from Tokyo

SC seeks govt reply on Netaji's daughter's plea to return ashes from Tokyo

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's daughter, Anita B Pfaff, has approached the Supreme Court seeking directions for the return of her father's "ashes" from Tokyo's Renkoji temple. The apex court has issued a notice to the Centre, seeking its response on the plea. This follows a previous plea by Netaji's grand-nephew which was withdrawn after the court indicated that Bose's heir should be the one to petition.

Mass burials underway in Nepal as morgues run out of space

Mass burials underway in Nepal as morgues run out of space

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Following devastating floods in Nepal, Kathmandu has initiated mass burials for unidentified victims as morgues have exceeded capacity. Security forces are burying bodies with markers and collecting DNA samples for future identification. The government has amended the Unidentified and Unclaimed Bodies Management Guidelines, 2021, to facilitate the management of disaster victims, including provisions for autopsies, DNA collection, and temporary burial with identification markers.

Ankit Baliyan Murder: Police probe Gogi gang's involvement

Ankit Baliyan Murder: Police probe Gogi gang's involvement

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was shot dead in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Police, including the UPSTF, are actively investigating, tracing the assailants to Haryana using CCTV footage. A gang has claimed responsibility, and the incident has sparked protests and political criticism over the state's law and order situation.

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Nepal-Tibet flood toll rises to 1,243; PM Shah flags climate change link

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Nepal's devastating flash floods have claimed 1,127 lives, with thousands still missing a week after the disaster. Rescuers are intensifying efforts to find survivors and recover bodies across affected regions, while police work to identify victims and relocate families from high-risk areas.

Mohan Bhagwat: 'If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslim in Bharat...'

Mohan Bhagwat: 'If any Hindu thinks there should be no Muslim in Bharat...'

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that a true Hindu believes in the unity of humanity and that all religious paths lead to the same goal, asserting that 'if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu'.

Asha Bhosle's last rites to be performed with state honours on Monday

Asha Bhosle's last rites to be performed with state honours on Monday

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle has died at the age of 92. She will be cremated with state honours in Mumbai.

Justice M S Liberhan, who probed Babri demolition, dies

Justice M S Liberhan, who probed Babri demolition, dies

Rediff.com3 Aug 2026

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, who led the commission investigating the Babri Masjid demolition, has passed away at 87. His distinguished career included serving as Chief Justice of the Madras and Andhra Pradesh High Courts, and a long tenure at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Saptapadi essential for Hindu marriage, not just registration: HC

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The Gujarat High Court has ruled that the performance of customary rites and ceremonies, particularly 'saptapadi', is essential for the validation of a Hindu marriage, stating that registration alone is insufficient. The court emphasised that marriage is a sacrament and not merely a social occasion, highlighting the spiritual and legal significance of traditional rituals.

Teen's body lies in hospital for 2 days as Odisha doctors strike, autopsy delayed

Teen's body lies in hospital for 2 days as Odisha doctors strike, autopsy delayed

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

A teenager who died in a landslide in Odisha's Sundargarh district has not had his post-mortem examination conducted for two days due to an ongoing 'ceasework' agitation by doctors. The delay is preventing his family from performing his last rites, highlighting the severe impact of the doctors' strike on essential services.

Young son performs last rites of Ajit Pawar's PSO

Young son performs last rites of Ajit Pawar's PSO

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The last rites of Vidip Jadhav, the Personal Security Officer to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in the Baramati plane crash, were performed in Satara district.

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

TN pleads in SC for reservation benefits for Muslim converts

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has reserved its decision on a plea by the Tamil Nadu government challenging a Madras High Court verdict. The High Court had ruled that individuals converting to Islam are not automatically entitled to reservation benefits under the Backward Class (Muslim) category solely based on their conversion.

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Lucknow blaze: 'Papa, please save me, there is a fire'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Families of the victims who perished in the massive Aliganj fire in Lucknow are mourning their losses, with several alleging that delayed rescue efforts contributed to the high death toll. Many victims, including young animation artists, were trapped, and some attempted to save themselves by jumping from the building.

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Sheikh Abdullah's Ouster Began J&K's Long Road To 2019

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's dismissal and arrest on August 9, 1953 marked a decisive shift in the Centre-J&K power equation. Seven decades later, the erosion of the state's special constitutional position culminated in the August 5, 2019 changes, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

'Tried to get govt job, but...': B Tech gold medallist dies by suicide in UP

'Tried to get govt job, but...': B Tech gold medallist dies by suicide in UP

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

A 23-year-old B Tech gold medallist in Kanpur died by suicide, leaving a note apologising for his inability to secure a government job despite numerous attempts. His family stated he was under severe stress after failing competitive examinations for various sectors. Police are investigating the incident.

Jab We Met Or Main Vaapas Aaunga: Which Imtiaz Ali Film Was Better?

Jab We Met Or Main Vaapas Aaunga: Which Imtiaz Ali Film Was Better?

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

With Main Vaapas Aaunga as his latest release, we rank Imtiaz Ali's romantic dramas from his underrated debut in Socha Na Tha to his most recent offering of love and longing.

Gadgets to be examined for cause of Tripura top cop's death

Gadgets to be examined for cause of Tripura top cop's death

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Tripura Police have initiated a forensic analysis of all electronic gadgets belonging to DGP Anurag Dhankar, who was found dead in his office washroom. A case of unnatural death has been registered, and the investigation aims to determine the cause and circumstances, especially if suicide is confirmed. Calls for a judicial probe into the incident are also growing.

U'khand: Retd Brigadier's last rites performed, crackdown on criminals begins

U'khand: Retd Brigadier's last rites performed, crackdown on criminals begins

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The funeral of retired Army Brigadier Mukesh Joshi, who died in a crossfire between rival gangs in Dehradun, has taken place. Police have arrested multiple suspects and launched 'Operation Prahar' to combat crime.

Body of Indian seafarer killed in US attack reaches home, family seeks compensation

Body of Indian seafarer killed in US attack reaches home, family seeks compensation

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

The body of Shivanand Chaurasia, an Indian seafarer killed in a US military attack on a commercial vessel near the Oman coast, has reached his native village in Deoria. His family is demanding significant ex gratia compensation, a government job, and martyr status, refusing to perform last rites until their demands are addressed.

Jaspal Rana given emotional farewell in Varanasi with full state honours

Jaspal Rana given emotional farewell in Varanasi with full state honours

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Hundreds gathered in Varanasi with tearful eyes on Saturday to bid a final farewell to India's shooting legend Jaspal Rana, whose mortal remains were flown in by air ambulance from Dehradun.

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Ayodhya Ram Temple to train, certify priests for India, abroad

Rediff.com26 Jul 2026

The Ram temple trust's decision to establish a permanent institute for training and certifying Hindu priests is being seen by religious leaders and members of the Indian diaspora as a significant step towards addressing the growing demand for qualified 'archaks' (priests) not only in India but also overseas.