News for 'religious gathering'

Prominent cleric shot dead by ISIS gunmen in targeted attack in Pakistan

Prominent cleric shot dead by ISIS gunmen in targeted attack in Pakistan

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric, Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees, was shot dead in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The assassination has sparked protests and condemnation from political leaders.

TCS Nashik conversion case: Fadnavis vows to 'bust the module'

TCS Nashik conversion case: Fadnavis vows to 'bust the module'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated his government is confident of uncovering the module involved in the alleged sexual harassment and forcible religious conversion at a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) unit in Nashik.

TCS Nashik case: No interim relief to Nida Khan; SIT intensifies search

TCS Nashik case: No interim relief to Nida Khan; SIT intensifies search

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A local court in Nashik has deferred a decision on interim protection from arrest for Nida Khan, an accused in the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) sexual harassment and religious coercion case, requesting a police response by April 27. The SIT is investigating multiple cases of molestation and harassment at TCS's Nashik unit.

Nashik police reach Mumbra to trace absconding TCS woman employee

Nashik police reach Mumbra to trace absconding TCS woman employee

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

A Nashik police Crime Branch team arrived in Mumbra, Thane district, to track down a woman accused in a case related to alleged religious conversion and sexual harassment at a TCS unit. The absconding accused has been on the police radar following complaints in Nashik, where the scandal-hit TCS unit is based.

Why Goa Police Filed FIR Against Right Wing Speaker

Why Goa Police Filed FIR Against Right Wing Speaker

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered an FIR against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for allegedly making objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, sparking political outrage and demands for his arrest.

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Nashik TCS case: 'He said women not wearing burqas are raped'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A woman engineer at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik has alleged harassment and religious coercion, including derogatory slurs and inappropriate touching. Police have arrested eight people and are searching for another accused. TCS has launched an internal probe and suspended employees allegedly involved.

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A 26-year-old woman was fatally shot during a religious ceremony in a village in Shimla. Police have arrested two suspects and launched an investigation into the incident.

Right-wing activist booked for remarks against Goa's patron saint

Right-wing activist booked for remarks against Goa's patron saint

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar for allegedly making objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The controversy erupted after a video of Khattar's address at an event went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for his arrest.

Police Hunt For TCS Employee Over Conversion Claims

Police Hunt For TCS Employee Over Conversion Claims

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Police are searching for a TCS employee, Nida Khan, in connection with alleged forced conversions at the company's Nashik unit. This follows allegations of sexual harassment and religious coercion at the TCS facility, where several arrests have already been made.

Goa Police File FIR Over Remarks Against Saint

Goa Police File FIR Over Remarks Against Saint

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Goa Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar over his alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of the state. The controversy erupted after a video of Khattar addressing an event went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and demands for his arrest.

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Court Refuses Interim Arrest Protection In TCS Harassment Case

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A court in Nashik has declined to grant interim protection from arrest to Nida Khan, a key accused in the sexual harassment and religious coercion probe at a Tata Consultancy Services unit. The court has directed the Nashik Police and the complainant to file their formal responses to her anticipatory bail application.

Remarks against St Francis Xavier spark outrage in Goa

Remarks against St Francis Xavier spark outrage in Goa

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

A political row has erupted in Goa after a right-wing speaker allegedly made objectionable remarks against St. Francis Xavier, Goa's patron saint, leading to a police complaint and demands for his arrest.

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Pakistan Cleric's Murder

Islamic State Claims Responsibility For Pakistan Cleric's Murder

Rediff.com5 May 2026

A prominent cleric was shot dead by gunmen belonging to the Islamic State in a targeted attack in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

TCS rejects conversion, misconduct complaints at Nashik facility

TCS rejects conversion, misconduct complaints at Nashik facility

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

TCS has denied receiving any complaints of religious conversion or sexual misconduct at its Nashik unit through its internal channels, amid a police probe into the allegations. The company has announced an oversight panel and engaged external entities in its internal investigation.

TCS case: Nida Khan involved in 'forcible conversion'

TCS case: Nida Khan involved in 'forcible conversion'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Police are searching for a TCS employee, Nida Khan, in connection with alleged forcible conversion at the company's Nashik unit. This follows the arrest of eight individuals in related sexual harassment cases. Khan's anticipatory bail plea was adjourned, and police are actively seeking her arrest.

TCS Employee Accused Of Harassment Seeks Anticipatory Bail

TCS Employee Accused Of Harassment Seeks Anticipatory Bail

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

A female employee of TCS in Nashik, accused of religious conversion and sexual harassment of women colleagues, has applied for anticipatory bail, citing her pregnancy. Police are investigating the allegations, and TCS has launched an internal probe.

Fadnavis Orders Thorough Probe In Key Maharashtra Cases

Fadnavis Orders Thorough Probe In Key Maharashtra Cases

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed key cases with the Home department and directed the police to ensure thorough investigation and strong prosecution.

Revanth Reddy Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Minister's Son

Revanth Reddy Orders Probe Into POCSO Case Against Minister's Son

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed a thorough investigation into the POCSO case registered against Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar's son, following allegations of sexual harassment of a minor girl. The CM has sought an explanation for the delay in action and ordered the DGP to form special teams for the investigation.

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati addresses sexual abuse allegations, asserting his innocence and claiming the charges are fabricated. An FIR was lodged against him and his disciple following a court order.

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

'My Husband Was Killed For His Religious Identity'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2025

A street vendor in Bihar's Nawada district died after a group of youth tortured him for hours because he was Muslim.

Man Beaten To Death Over Marriage Dispute

Man Beaten To Death Over Marriage Dispute

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A 30-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death by his father-in-law and accomplices in Uttar Pradesh over an eight-year-old dispute stemming from his marriage to the latter's daughter.

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

'Modi biggest infiltrator': Mamata at Eid congregation

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'.

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Banerjee Accuses Modi of Being 'Biggest Infiltrator' Amid Voter Roll Row

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to suppress voting rights through voter roll revisions, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the 'biggest infiltrator'. She framed the upcoming assembly elections as a fight for democratic rights and Bengal's social harmony.

UP Man, Parents Face Charges Over Forced Conversion, Marriage

UP Man, Parents Face Charges Over Forced Conversion, Marriage

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A married man and his parents have been booked for allegedly abducting a girl student from Kolkata, forcing her to convert to another religion, and then marrying her, a senior police officer said on Friday.

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Why India's Israel-UAE Bet Looks Risky

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Frankly, was it really necessary in the middle of a fratricidal war for External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to travel to Abu Dhabi for a one-on-one with the sheikh on April 12?Or, for National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to follow up on April 26? Or, for PM Narendra Modi to follow through today? There are no easy answers, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Naga Students Rally Against Vande Mataram Mandate

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Thousands of Naga students and citizens rallied in Kohima, Nagaland, opposing the central government's directive to mandate the singing of Vande Mataram in official functions and educational institutions, citing concerns over secularism and religious freedom.

Nandigram or Bhabanipur: Where will Suvendu Adhikari stay?

Nandigram or Bhabanipur: Where will Suvendu Adhikari stay?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who won both the Nandigram and Bhabanipur seats in West Bengal, has announced he will vacate one of the constituencies within 10 days, leaving the decision to the party leadership.

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Fourteen individuals have been arrested in Varanasi for allegedly defiling a place of worship and hurting religious sentiments after a video surfaced showing them consuming chicken biryani during an Iftar party on a boat in the Ganga river.

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Banerjee Slams BJP, Alleges Plot to Snatch Voting Rights

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government, accusing it of attempting to suppress voting rights and polarise the electorate ahead of the assembly elections.

Goa Faces Uproar Over Remarks Against St Francis Xavier

Goa Faces Uproar Over Remarks Against St Francis Xavier

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Controversy escalates in Goa over alleged objectionable remarks against St Francis Xavier, with protests and police complaints filed. The Congress demands the sacking of a minister, while the CM calls for maintaining communal harmony.

TCS case: Kin of accused alleges 'office politics' behind harassment case

TCS case: Kin of accused alleges 'office politics' behind harassment case

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

The family of a TCS employee arrested in connection with sexual harassment and conversion allegations at a Nashik unit claims he is a victim of internal professional rivalry and office politics. They allege a coordinated conspiracy driven by his academic and professional success.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, accused of sexual abuse, has filed a case against his accuser under the POCSO Act, claiming the law allows action against false accusations. He has also sought anticipatory bail from the Allahabad High Court.

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have heightened security across the city ahead of Hanuman Jayanti following the arrest of a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler allegedly planning terror strikes. Enhanced surveillance and restrictions are in place to ensure peace during the festival.

4 arrested for throwing non-veg food leftovers near temple

4 arrested for throwing non-veg food leftovers near temple

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Four individuals have been arrested in Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly dumping non-vegetarian food waste near a freshwater drain used by an ashram temple. The incident sparked outrage and led to charges of hurting religious sentiments and promoting disharmony.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

On Thursday, Kashmiri Pandits offered special prayers at the historic Raghunath temple in Srinagar on the first day of its reopening after a gap of 36 years, coinciding with the festival of Ram Navami.

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Punjab's New Anti-Sacrilege Law: No Escape For Offenders, Says Minister

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has announced that the newly enacted anti-sacrilege law in Punjab leaves no loopholes for offenders to escape justice. The law proposes stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Khandwa Sees Protest Over 'Objectionable' Social Media Post

Khandwa Sees Protest Over 'Objectionable' Social Media Post

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

A protest erupted in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, after an 'objectionable' social media post allegedly hurt religious sentiments. Police have registered cases against both the individual who made the post and the protesters who gathered outside the police station.

2025: A Year of Deadly Stampedes

2025: A Year of Deadly Stampedes

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

From religious gatherings to public events, 2025 witnessed a series of stampedes and crowd-related incidents that exposed the fragile line between mass participation and human tragedy, leaving behind loss, questions, and urgent lessons on crowd safety.