News for 'Shri'

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

An employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has been suspended following a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities in the management of donations at Badrinath Dham. Both the BKTC and the Uttarakhand government have launched separate investigations into the matter, which gained attention after social media allegations and a formal complaint. The government committee is expected to submit its report within 15 days.

'Entire truth...': Champat Rai breaks silence on Ram temple donation

'Entire truth...': Champat Rai breaks silence on Ram temple donation

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Former Ram temple trust chief Champat Rai has stated he will address all allegations of donation embezzlement against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. Rai, who observed 'maun dharan' (silence) on the matter, highlighted that the SIT's preliminary report has already been made public. The trust has appointed an interim general secretary and acknowledged the theft from donation boxes, while also appreciating Rai's contributions.

Have not been removed from Ram Temple trust, clarifies Gopal Rao

Have not been removed from Ram Temple trust, clarifies Gopal Rao

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Gopal Nagarakatte alias Gopal Rao, a special invitee member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has clarified his status amidst allegations and an ongoing donation theft probe. Rao stated he was asked to temporarily step away from meetings, not removed, and denied all allegations except those related to the theft. His remarks follow the Trust's announcement of other resignations and his own removal as an administrator, as a Special Investigation Team continues to probe nearly 70 suspected instances of theft at the Ram Temple.

The Unforgettable Lesson My Father Taught Me

The Unforgettable Lesson My Father Taught Me

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Udaipur's Dilip Shah reveals why he is so proud of his father. A Father's Day Special.

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Independence Day for Dara Singh? SC asks Odisha to decide on remission by Aug 15

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has given the Odisha government one month to decide on the remission plea of Ravindra Pal, alias Dara Singh, who is serving a life sentence for the 1999 murders of Australian missionary Graham Stuart Staines and his two minor sons.

Ram Temple row: Lawyers hold protest in Ayodhya, seek FIR against Champat Rai

Ram Temple row: Lawyers hold protest in Ayodhya, seek FIR against Champat Rai

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Lawyers of the Faizabad Bar Association on Thursday took out a protest march here and submitted a police complaint seeking an FIR against Ram Mandir Trust general secretary Champat Rai, trust member Anil Mishra and temple official Gopal Rao over alleged embezzlement of donation funds.

Land Dispute Suspected In Kannauj Elderly Man's Murder

Land Dispute Suspected In Kannauj Elderly Man's Murder

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A 75-year-old man, Shri Krishna Batham, was allegedly hacked to death in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. His son, Ashok, is suspected of the murder, which police believe was motivated by a land dispute. The accused is currently absconding, and an FIR has been registered.

'Scrutinise call records': Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP link to Ram temple theft

'Scrutinise call records': Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP link to Ram temple theft

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has intensified his attack on the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, demanding a scrutiny of call detail records of temple employees. He claims a significant majority of them have links to the BJP and accuses the ruling party of prioritising electoral gains over religious values amidst an ongoing SIT probe and recent resignations within the temple trust.

Badrinath Temple Donations Under Scanner: Employee Booked

Badrinath Temple Donations Under Scanner: Employee Booked

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

A suspended employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee has been booked for alleged irregularities in handling donations at the Badrinath temple. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned the act, calling it a "sin akin to cow slaughter," while a high-level government inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter. The Congress party has also demanded a judicial probe.

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Ram temple fund row: Champat Rai's driver among 8 held hours after FIR filed

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Eight individuals have been arrested in Ayodhya in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple. The arrests follow an FIR lodged by a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, based on recommendations from a Special Investigation Team. The accused were involved in counting cash and valuables and face charges including theft and criminal breach of trust.

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A nearly 72-hour standoff at the Nagarasu gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag ended on Tuesday evening as a group of Nihangs holed up at the shrine vacated the premises after talks with a delegation from Punjab, officials said.

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Congress Faces Uphill Battle In Himachal Pradesh

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

In the throes of a financial crisis, the state's ruling Congress government has little to be triumphant about as Assembly elections approach next year, points out Aditi Phadnis.

FIR In Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement

FIR In Ram Temple Donation Embezzlement

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Most of those named were involved with the donation-counting process.

Padma Awards: Hema Malini Gets Emotional

Padma Awards: Hema Malini Gets Emotional

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Dharmendra, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Arvind Vaidya were honoured with the Padma awards on Monday.

Virat, Anushka celebrate IPL 2026 win with ashram visit in Vrindavan

Virat, Anushka celebrate IPL 2026 win with ashram visit in Vrindavan

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited the ashram of Sant Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan to seek blessings after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory.

SIT questions Ram temple trust officials over donation theft allegations

SIT questions Ram temple trust officials over donation theft allegations

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttar Pradesh government has questioned Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai and administrator Gopal Rao regarding allegations of donation money theft and financial mismanagement at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Sultanpur Police Investigate Alleged Assault And Forced Chants Over Social Media Reel

Sultanpur Police Investigate Alleged Assault And Forced Chants Over Social Media Reel

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Police in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against multiple individuals after a video emerged showing two youths allegedly assaulted and forced to chant "Jai Shri Ram" over a dispute related to making a social media reel. The incident, which occurred on June 4, involved seven accused who stopped, abused, and beat the victims, Aftab and Zeeshan, near Sahib Bandagi Ashram.

Sultanpur Police Investigate Alleged Assault And Forced Chants Over Social Media Reel

Sultanpur Police Investigate Alleged Assault And Forced Chants Over Social Media Reel

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Police in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against multiple individuals after a video emerged showing two youths allegedly assaulted and forced to chant "Jai Shri Ram" over a dispute related to making a social media reel. The incident, which occurred on June 4, involved seven accused who stopped, abused, and beat the victims, Aftab and Zeeshan, near Sahib Bandagi Ashram.

'Those Who Were Meant To Protect Ram Mandir Funds Looted It'

'Those Who Were Meant To Protect Ram Mandir Funds Looted It'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

'SIT means nothing because the BJP government of Uttar Pradesh and Ram Janmabhoomi Trust are the same people.'

Wait for a year, Ram temple thieves will get cancer: BJP MLA

Wait for a year, Ram temple thieves will get cancer: BJP MLA

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

A BJP MLA from Unnao, Anil Singh, has sparked controversy after a video showed him stating that those who embezzled donations from the Ram temple in Ayodhya would suffer from cancer and die painfully. His remarks come amidst a political row over alleged misappropriation of funds, leading to arrests and opposition criticism.

Tragedy Strikes Rana Family Again: Jaspal Rana's Mother Dies

Tragedy Strikes Rana Family Again: Jaspal Rana's Mother Dies

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Shyama Devi, mother of late Indian shooting legend Jaspal Rana, has passed away after battling multiple health issues, just weeks after her son's sudden demise.

Modi lauds Pradhan's work in birthday message

Modi lauds Pradhan's work in birthday message

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, commending his significant contributions to the implementation of the National Education Policy. This praise follows the successful re-examination of NEET-UG, despite earlier controversies surrounding paper leaks.

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Can Cong Stop BJP's Constitutional Push?

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

'Our leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are in touch with all Opposition parties, including the DMK and the AAP.'

'Only Small Fish Have Been Caught For Ram Temple Theft'

'Only Small Fish Have Been Caught For Ram Temple Theft'

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

''These people who were running the show at the Ram temple have something to hide, therefore they are not ready for a CBI investigation.'

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India has actively engaged in cultural diplomacy over the past 12 years, providing grant assistance and expertise for the restoration and conservation of significant heritage sites, including temples and archaeological complexes, across multiple Asian countries, reinforcing shared civilisational ties.

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Ram Temple Donation Theft: 'The Individuals Involved Were Too Well-Placed For Anyone To Speak Up'

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

'What struck me at the time was simply the scale of it -- that something of this magnitude could be unfolding inside the Ram temple itself.' 'It was bewildering. And what troubled me further was the manner in which people were shielding it.'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Wangchuk refuses to end fast despite being 'in immense pain'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health is rapidly deteriorating on his 17th day of hunger strike, prompting widespread appeals from prominent political figures and Bollywood celebrities for him to end his fast and for the government to address the urgent demands for NEET examination reforms.

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Ram Temple funds row: SP seeks removal of trust members, probe by SC judges

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities in the Ram temple donation funds, a move welcomed by the Ram Mandir Construction Committee chairperson. The trust itself requested the inquiry to counter misinformation, while an opposition MP demanded a Supreme Court judge-led investigation.

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

GDN To Dada: 10 Coming Biopics That Have Our Attention

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

From Dr A P J Abdul Kalam to Sourav Ganguly, these coming biopics are bringing some of India's most fascinating lives to the big screen.

Ram Temple donation scam: Security agency cites SBI request

Ram Temple donation scam: Security agency cites SBI request

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

A private security agency has denied involvement in the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The agency stated it only recruited personnel for housekeeping at an SBI branch at the bank's request, disclaiming responsibility for their duties or the alleged theft, which is currently under SIT investigation.

Rana dies at 49: Bindra 'heartbroken', teammates shocked

Rana dies at 49: Bindra 'heartbroken', teammates shocked

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The death of former Asian Games champion and celebrated shooting coach Jaspal Rana at the age of 49 has triggered an outpouring of grief across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and several leading figures from the sporting world paying tribute to one of the country's most influential shooters and mentors.

Ram temple donation embezzlement case: SIT submits preliminary report

Ram temple donation embezzlement case: SIT submits preliminary report

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple has submitted its preliminary report to the Uttar Pradesh government. The SIT, formed on June 13 following requests from the temple trust, is continuing its investigation and expects to submit a final report within 10-15 days. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had previously raised concerns about missing donations and demanded transparency in the probe.

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Cabinet rejig soon? Buzz intensifies as Amit Shah meets Prez

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu, following a similar meeting by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intensifying speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. Recent resignations and new organisational appointments for some ministers are contributing to the buzz.

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Indian embassy seeks probe into removal of sailor's organs in Venezuela

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

The Indian Embassy in Venezuela has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged desecration and removal of organs from the body of Indian sailor Rakesh Chauhan. His wife and the Forward Seamen's Union of India claim a second post-mortem in India revealed all internal organs were missing, raising serious questions about his death and the handling of his remains.

Ballygunge Siksha Sadan Clinches Gold At Rowing Championship

Ballygunge Siksha Sadan Clinches Gold At Rowing Championship

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Ballygunge Siksha Sadan's junior girls' team won gold at the All India Invitation Inter School Rowing Championship in Kolkata, while other schools also secured victories in various categories.

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Vijaya Mehta, a pioneering figure in modern Indian theatre and cinema, has passed away at the age of 91.

Look, Who Received The Padma Awards Today

Look, Who Received The Padma Awards Today

Rediff.com25 May 2026

On Monday, May 25, President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards for the year 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

From Sirsa to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Savita's long walk to Padma Shri

From Sirsa to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Savita's long walk to Padma Shri

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

For women's hockey goalkeeping stalwart Savita Punia, the Padma Shri is more than a national honour -- it is a quiet acknowledgement of years marked by sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering belief, both her own and that of a family that stood by her when the odds were firmly stacked against her.

Teejan Bai: From Outcast To Global Icon

Teejan Bai: From Outcast To Global Icon

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Despite international fame, she remained rooted in village traditions. Friends recalled that success never changed her lifestyle.

Ram Temple trust 'open to probe' after Akhilesh flags 'missing funds'

Ram Temple trust 'open to probe' after Akhilesh flags 'missing funds'

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that crores of rupees from donations made to the Ram Temple are missing, calling the situation "extremely sensitive" and "highly embarrassing." He has urged the court to take suo motu cognisance, while a member of the temple trust has suggested an inquiry if doubts persist.