News for 'Varanasi Commissioner'

Mumbai techie traces stolen phone in Varanasi, cop suspended

Mumbai techie traces stolen phone in Varanasi, cop suspended

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

A Mumbai-based software engineer, Ankita Gupta, successfully tracked her stolen mobile phone in Varanasi, leading to its recovery and the suspension of a police officer for negligence.

Air ambulance from Ranchi to Delhi crashes, all 7 on board killed

Air ambulance from Ranchi to Delhi crashes, all 7 on board killed

Rediff.com11 hours ago

The crash took place shortly after the aircraft operated by Redbird Airways Pvt Ltd took off from Ranchi airport at 7.11 pm.

Yogi warns over 'fake' Manikarnika Ghat posts; 8 FIRs filed

Yogi warns over 'fake' Manikarnika Ghat posts; 8 FIRs filed

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said strict action would be taken against those misleading the public on social media about the ongoing work at Manikarnika Ghat.

Air Ambulance Crash: Kin rue lack of proper treatment in Ranchi

Air Ambulance Crash: Kin rue lack of proper treatment in Ranchi

Rediff.com3 hours ago

An air ambulance crashed in Jharkhand's Chatra district, killing all seven people on board. The incident has sparked grief and calls for investigation into the flight's approval during inclement weather.

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Police here have registered eight first information reports (FIRs) against as many people, including Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Pappu Yadav, for allegedly circulating AI-generated images, videos and misleading information on social media about the redevelopment work at the Manikarnika Ghat.

In Varanasi, Modi orders strict action in gang-rape case

In Varanasi, Modi orders strict action in gang-rape case

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived here Friday morning, received a detailed briefing on the alleged gang-rape of a young woman in his constituency and asked officials to take the strictest possible action against those involved, according to a Uttar Pradesh government statement.

Varanasi gang-rape victim demanded money: Accused's kin

Varanasi gang-rape victim demanded money: Accused's kin

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Families of accused in the alleged gang-rape of a woman in Varanasi have claimed inconsistencies in the survivor's account, leading police to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine both allegations. The SIT will investigate the survivor's claims of being raped by 23 people and the counterclaims from the accused's families who allege inconsistencies in her statements.

UP priest threatened over 'Hanuman Chalisa' on loudspeaker

UP priest threatened over 'Hanuman Chalisa' on loudspeaker

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Police in Varanasi have arrested two men for allegedly threatening a temple priest for playing the Hanuman Chalisa on a loudspeaker.

Three more held in Varanasi gang rape case, 12 arrests so far

Three more held in Varanasi gang rape case, 12 arrests so far

Rediff.com12 Apr 2025

The news of this development came barely hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here in the morning to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for several projects in his parliamentary constituency.

Ganga, Yamuna overflow in UP; 13 districts flooded

Ganga, Yamuna overflow in UP; 13 districts flooded

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Incessant rainfall in Uttar Pradesh has caused floods in 13 districts, with major rivers like Ganga and Yamuna exceeding danger levels. Varanasi, Prayagraj, and other cities are severely affected, leading to displacement and disruption of daily life.

19-year-old gang-raped by 23 people over 6 days in Varanasi

19-year-old gang-raped by 23 people over 6 days in Varanasi

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

A 19-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by 23 people over six days, with the accused drugging her and taking her to several hotels as they passed her on for abuse, police said in Varanasi on Monday.

UP Waqf Board claims ownership of 115-year-old Varanasi college,

UP Waqf Board claims ownership of 115-year-old Varanasi college,

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Udai Pratap College in Varanasi is entangled in a land dispute with the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board, which claims a mosque on the campus and surrounding land as Waqf property. The college administration rejects the claim. The dispute dates back to 2018 when a notice was sent to the college alleging the mosque and land were donated by the Nawab of Tonk to the Waqf Board. The college claims the mosque was built illegally and the land belongs to a trust. The Waqf Board attempted construction in 2022 but was stopped by police after the college complained. The college also alleges the mosque is stealing electricity. The mosque administration asserts ownership based on the Nawab's donation and claims a mutual agreement for electricity supply. The college, founded in 1909, has a long history of promoting education in the region.

UP Horror: Woman Stripped Of Burqa, Beaten

UP Horror: Woman Stripped Of Burqa, Beaten

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

A video of a young woman having her burqa removed in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh has gone viral and caused outrage among social media users.

Is Modi Sending Yogi A Message?

Is Modi Sending Yogi A Message?

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

When the prime minister of India arrives in a city and summons the city's police commissioner, divisional commissioner and district magistrate to be briefed about the police action taken in the horrifying case of a young woman being raped by multiple men over 23 days, is he sending a message to the chief minister of the state about law and order in the province?

What You Must Know About The CEC

What You Must Know About The CEC

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

As an IAS officer in Kerala, Gyanesh Kumar -- who the Congress described as Amit Shah's 'right hand man' -- had a good working equation with the state's Congress and Left leaders.

Gyanvapi row: Muslim-dominated areas of Varanasi observe bandh

Gyanvapi row: Muslim-dominated areas of Varanasi observe bandh

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

Shops in Varanasi's Muslim-dominated areas remained closed and the police sounded an alert in the entire district ahead of the Friday namaaz, following the district court order to allow Hindu prayers in a cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque.

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

'PM does not eat chicken, Rs 7000 payment denied'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The latest book, in Singh's words, is "not merely a recounting of events but a mosaic of narratives, each woven with the depth and nuances of storytelling".

7 detained for reciting Hanuman Chalisa during namaz in UP college

7 detained for reciting Hanuman Chalisa during namaz in UP college

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

"We have no problem if the students here offer namaaz or worship in the mosque or temple on the college premises. But we do not accept that outsiders are gathering here in the name of offering namaz on the college premises," he said.

Law student mows down woman in Vadodara, screams 'another round'

Law student mows down woman in Vadodara, screams 'another round'

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A speeding car driven by a 20-year-old law student crashed into two-wheelers in Vadodara, Gujarat, killing a woman and injuring four others. The driver, Rakshit Chaurasiya, was arrested and is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. Witnesses reported seeing him screaming "another round, another round " after the crash. Chaurasiya's friend, Mit Chauhan, who was in the passenger seat, is being sought by police. The car, which belonged to Chauhan, was severely damaged in the accident. CCTV footage shows the car hitting two scooters and dragging the riders before coming to a halt. Police are investigating the incident and will conduct a medical test to determine if Chaurasiya was intoxicated.

Security beefed up at major railway stations after Delhi stampede

Security beefed up at major railway stations after Delhi stampede

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Following a stampede at New Delhi railway station and large crowds arriving for the Maha Kumbh, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have implemented stringent security protocols at key railway stations including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow and Mirzapur. Measures include restricted entry, holding areas for passengers, increased security personnel, and improved facilities to prevent overcrowding.

UP CM issues fresh directives after Kumbh stampede

UP CM issues fresh directives after Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Adityanath asked the chief secretary and the director general of police to conduct a thorough review of the Maha Kumbh Mela arrangements on Thursday. "Every aspect related to security and public convenience must be carefully examined to ensure seamless arrangements for Basant Panchami," he said.

Hindu outfit chief detained for removal of Sai Baba statues from temples

Hindu outfit chief detained for removal of Sai Baba statues from temples

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

Ajay Sharma, the chief of Sanatan Rakshak Dal, had on Wednesday said they have removed Sai Baba's idol from 14 temples so far, including the idol of Sai Baba at the Bada Ganesh temple in Lohatia.

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Kumbh devotees walk 15 km for bus; thousands stranded at rly station

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Devotees attending the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj are facing transportation challenges, with many forced to walk long distances in search of transport. Thousands of pilgrims returning from the event are stranded at Varanasi Cantt and Banaras railway stations, with some missing their trains due to the rush and others stuck because of cancellations. Officials say the traffic situation in the district has returned to normal, but some pilgrims report difficulties in finding transport and reaching their destinations.

Students stage protest demanding removal of mosque from UP college

Students stage protest demanding removal of mosque from UP college

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Students at Udai Pratap College in Varanasi, India, protested demanding the removal of a mosque located on the campus. The protest came after tensions arose when a section of students recited Hanuman Chalisa near the mosque while prayers were being offered. The college administration has denied claims by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board that the mosque and surrounding land are Waqf property, stating that the mosque was built illegally. The college administration has also accused the mosque of stealing electricity.

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court's 2023 order refusing to stay a scientific survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque complex has sparked claims over several other disputed places of worship across India. This has led to several court cases, including one in Mathura where a survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex was ordered, and another in Ajmer where a claim was made that a Shiva temple existed within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The article also highlights a dispute over the Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh, which Hindus consider a temple and Muslims consider a mosque. The Supreme Court's order has reignited debates about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the change of character of religious places as they existed on August 15, 1947.

Prohibitory orders in Varanasi ahead of Gyanvapi order

Prohibitory orders in Varanasi ahead of Gyanvapi order

Rediff.com11 Sep 2022

To maintain law and order, he said, the entire city has been divided into sectors which have been allocated police force as per their requirement.

Gyanvapi survey report submitted in Varanasi court; SC defers hearing

Gyanvapi survey report submitted in Varanasi court; SC defers hearing

Rediff.com19 May 2022

A commission appointed by a court in Varanasi to conduct a videographic survey of the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi Mosque complex submitted its report on Thursday, an advocate said.

Ganga, Varuna inundate Varanasi; ghats submerged, cremations on streets

Ganga, Varuna inundate Varanasi; ghats submerged, cremations on streets

Rediff.com26 Aug 2022

People affected due the flood have taken refuge in safer areas as the administration prepares to shift them to relief camps.

PIX: 8L earthen lamps illuminate banks of Ganga in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali

PIX: 8L earthen lamps illuminate banks of Ganga in Varanasi on Dev Deepawali

Rediff.com8 Nov 2022

A senior official of the district administration said about eight lakh lamps were lit on the 84 ghats located on the western bank of the river.

Woman's semi-naked body found on UP NH; police suspect rape, murder

Woman's semi-naked body found on UP NH; police suspect rape, murder

Rediff.com12 Sep 2024

An investigation has been initiated in the matter, they said, adding that based on the circumstances in which the body was found, there is a possibility the victim was raped and murdered before her body was dumped on the highway.

SC stays Varanasi court hearing in Gyanvapi case till Friday

SC stays Varanasi court hearing in Gyanvapi case till Friday

Rediff.com19 May 2022

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the civil court in Varanasi to not proceed with hearing the Gyanvapi case till it takes up the matter on Friday.

Gyanvapi case: SC to wait for Varanasi judge's order before hearing

Gyanvapi case: SC to wait for Varanasi judge's order before hearing

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Surya Kant, and P S Narasimha said that it is posting for October first week hearing on the appeal of Gyanvapi mosque committee's plea against the Allahabad high court order upholding the appointment of court commissioner to survey the site.

Varanasi court to hear Hindu plea to worship Gyanvapi Shivling on Dec 2

Varanasi court to hear Hindu plea to worship Gyanvapi Shivling on Dec 2

Rediff.com17 Nov 2022

A Varanasi court on Thursday rejected the Gyanvapi masjid committee's objection to a petition seeking the right to worship a 'Shivling' claimed to have been found in the mosque complex, and fixed December 2 for hearing the case.

20 coaches of Sabarmati Express derail in UP, sabotage suspected

20 coaches of Sabarmati Express derail in UP, sabotage suspected

Rediff.com17 Aug 2024

Twenty coaches of the Ahmedabad-bound Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed near Govindpuri station in Kanpur early Saturday after the engine hit an 'object placed on the track'.

Court team at Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi for survey, security beefed up

Court team at Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi for survey, security beefed up

Rediff.com6 May 2022

Before the arrival of the court commissioner and his team here, a large crowd of devotees had gathered for Friday prayers.

Haryana polls deferred to Oct 5, counting with J-K on Oct 8

Haryana polls deferred to Oct 5, counting with J-K on Oct 8

Rediff.com31 Aug 2024

The Election Commission on Saturday deferred the Haryana assembly poll date to October 5 from October 1, saying the decision was taken keeping in mind a centuries-old festival of the Bishnoi community.

Varanasi court puts off verdict in Gyanvapi 'Shivling' case to Nov 17

Varanasi court puts off verdict in Gyanvapi 'Shivling' case to Nov 17

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

A fast-track court on Monday postponed till November 17 its judgment on a plea seeking permission to allow the worship of a 'Shivling' claimed to have been found inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

Varanasi court sacks official who ordered Gyanvapi mosque videography

Varanasi court sacks official who ordered Gyanvapi mosque videography

Rediff.com17 May 2022

A Varanasi court, which had ordered the videography survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, on Tuesday removed advocate commissioner Ajay Mishra on grounds of non-cooperation, an official said.

Gyanvapi mosque survey: Varanasi court to deliver order on Thursday

Gyanvapi mosque survey: Varanasi court to deliver order on Thursday

Rediff.com12 May 2022

The court will also decide on a plea by the Gyanvapi mosque management committee (Anjuman Intezamiya Masjid) seeking removal of Ajay Kumar Mishra as the court commissioner for the survey, lawyers said.

Special EC officers to oversee counting in Varanasi, Meerut

Special EC officers to oversee counting in Varanasi, Meerut

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi has been sent as a special officer to oversee the counting process in Meerut and Bihar's CEO to Varanasi.