News for 'religious sites'

Hapur Arrests: Gangster Network Operatives Shared Religious Site Details

Hapur Arrests: Gangster Network Operatives Shared Religious Site Details

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Two men have been arrested in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly sharing photos and location details of religious sites with a Pakistan-based gangster network, raising concerns of a potential terror plot.

VHP wants Muslim sellers banned from Hindu religious sites

VHP wants Muslim sellers banned from Hindu religious sites

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Tuesday claimed that Muslims are selling puja items at various Hindu pilgrimage sites by 'concealing' their identity and urged all state governments to take effective steps to prevent them from running such shops 'so that the faith of Hindus is not hurt'.

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Bengal to enforce strict loudspeaker curbs at religious places, events

Rediff.com14 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari has directed police to take strict action against the use of loudspeakers beyond permissible sound limits at religious places and events across the state.

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

SC hearing on religious freedoms ends after 16 days; order reserved

Rediff.com14 May 2026

A nine-judge Supreme Court bench has reserved its order on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places, including the Sabarimala temple, and the scope of religious freedom.

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

All views welcome except from WhatsApp university: SC in religious discrimination case

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the use of information from 'WhatsApp University' as evidence in a case concerning religious freedom and discrimination against women at religious sites, including the Sabarimala Temple.

Another ancient well with clean water found at religious site in Sambhal

Another ancient well with clean water found at religious site in Sambhal

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

An ancient well with clean water has been discovered at a religious site in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The well, located at Kshem Nath Tirtha, was buried and closed off for a long time before being reopened. The discovery has delighted local devotees and is being seen as a divine blessing. The well is believed to be an historic water source that was previously used by pilgrims visiting the site.

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

HC applied Ayodhya verdict principles to Bhojshala case

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court referenced the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict principles while ruling on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex case, determining the site to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

SP leader links U'khand tragedy to demolition of religious sites

SP leader links U'khand tragedy to demolition of religious sites

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

Former Samajwadi Party MP S T Hasan links the Uttarakhand disaster to the demolition of religious sites, claiming it angers God and disrupts spiritual balance. He also cites environmental destruction as a contributing factor to increasing natural disasters.

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Interfaith marriage no ground to excommunicate Parsi women: SC

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has observed that the practice of excommunicating Parsi women for entering into interfaith marriages is prima facie discriminatory, emphasising that the right of conscience is a birthright.

Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai Slum Turns Violent

Anti-Encroachment Drive In Mumbai Slum Turns Violent

Rediff.com20 May 2026

An anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai's Bandra area turned violent after authorities demolished an alleged illegal religious structure, leading to stone-pelting by residents and a police lathi-charge.

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Rajasthan's finance department has approved about Rs 23 crore for the renovation, beautification and development of religious tourist destinations.

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Hundreds of Hindu devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 'maha aarti' following a high court ruling declaring the site a temple. Members of the Muslim community protested peacefully by offering namaz at home wearing black bands.

Speeding Truck Kills Couple, Injures Son In Tragic Gorakhpur Accident

Speeding Truck Kills Couple, Injures Son In Tragic Gorakhpur Accident

Rediff.com5 days ago

A couple died and their seven-year-old son was seriously injured after a speeding truck hit their motorcycle in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The truck driver fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle, while police have seized the truck and are searching for the culprit.

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Members of the Muslim community in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district said they would offer their first Friday namaz at home and wear black bands after the court setback in the Bhojshala case.

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, suggesting the Muslim community seek land elsewhere for a mosque.

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Priests see red over the Rs 2,390 crore project to overhaul infrastructure around one of Bihar's most significant pilgrimage site, particularly for those performing pind daan.

Heavy security at Bhojshala ahead of Friday prayers

Heavy security at Bhojshala ahead of Friday prayers

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Over 1,500 police personnel have been deployed around the Bhojshala in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, ahead of the first Friday since the high court declared it a Vagdevi temple.

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

SC refuses delay in poll panel case, says it outweighs Sabarimala hearing

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Supreme Court has declined the Centre's request to postpone the hearing on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the 2023 law, which excludes the CJI from the committee responsible for appointing election commissioners, stating the matter is of utmost importance.

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court questioned the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple regarding the constitutionality of preventing believers from touching the deity, during hearings on discrimination against women at religious sites.

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Day after HC verdict, devotees offer prayers at Bhojshala complex

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Devotees entered the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district on Saturday to offer prayers after the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex a temple and granted the Hindu side the right to worship at the site.

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Bengal temple, shut for years, reopens after BJP's historic win

Rediff.com6 May 2026

In a momentous occasion after the Bharatiya Janata Party's win, the Durga temple in Asansol, reopened its doors to devotees after remaining shut for several years.

Anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai slum turns violent, 3 cops injured

Anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai slum turns violent, 3 cops injured

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A demolition drive targeting an alleged illegal religious structure in a Mumbai slum led to clashes between residents and police, resulting in injuries and detentions.

Use of loudspeakers at religious sites only after permission: Maharashtra

Use of loudspeakers at religious sites only after permission: Maharashtra

Rediff.com18 Apr 2022

A day after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray reiterated his warning to take down loudspeakers from mosques by May 3, the state home department on Monday stated that the use of loudspeakers at religious sites will only be allowed with due permission.

UP has taken down 11,000 loudspeakers from religious sites

UP has taken down 11,000 loudspeakers from religious sites

Rediff.com28 Apr 2022

Following the direction of the Uttar Pradesh government, nearly 11,000 loudspeakers have been removed from religious places till Wednesday evening.

Nashik TCS officer denied bail over inaction on sexual harassment complaint

Nashik TCS officer denied bail over inaction on sexual harassment complaint

Rediff.com17 May 2026

A Nashik court has denied bail to a TCS site head, Ashwini Chainani, in a sexual harassment and conversion case, citing her failure to act on the victim's complaints. The court also rejected bail for other accused individuals in the case.

Man Arrested in Connection with Delhi Firing, Extortion Plot

Man Arrested in Connection with Delhi Firing, Extortion Plot

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a 26-year-old man wanted in connection with a firing incident in Jagatpuri, Delhi, related to an extortion attempt allegedly orchestrated by a Punjab-based gangster.

Tourist Nabbed for Theft at Tawang Monastery and Buddha Park

Tourist Nabbed for Theft at Tawang Monastery and Buddha Park

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A tourist from West Bengal was apprehended in Arunachal Pradesh for allegedly stealing religious items from the Tawang Monastery and Giant Buddha Statue Park. The stolen items were recovered, and the tourist was released with a warning.

Hindu Groups Protest Over Student Suicide In Tonk

Hindu Groups Protest Over Student Suicide In Tonk

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Family members and Hindu organisations protested in Tonk, Rajasthan, demanding arrests in connection with the alleged suicide of a 17-year-old student. The protesters allege the student was pressured to convert to Islam.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

Bihar Police Tightens Security Ahead of Holi Celebrations

Bihar Police Tightens Security Ahead of Holi Celebrations

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Bihar Police have announced increased security measures ahead of the Holi festival to prevent disturbances and maintain law and order.

Fresh plea in SC against HC order over Bhojshala verdict

Fresh plea in SC against HC order over Bhojshala verdict

Rediff.com28 May 2026

A fresh plea has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging a Madhya Pradesh High Court order, which said that the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar district was a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

Delhi on alert over LeT terror plot to 'avenge' Pak mosque blast

Delhi on alert over LeT terror plot to 'avenge' Pak mosque blast

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

The alert comes in the backdrop of the deadly car explosion near the historic Red Fort on November 10, 2025, which killed at least 13 people.

Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from temples' remains, ASI tells HC

Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from temples' remains, ASI tells HC

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed the Madhya Pradesh High Court that a massive structure dating back to the Parmar kings existed at the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex, and the current structure was built from the remains of temples.

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Yogasana Sets Sights On Becoming An Olympic Sport By 2036

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Yogasana, the ancient Indian practice, is aiming to become a global sport and secure a place in the 2036 Olympics, with India hoping to host the Games in Ahmedabad. The sport has already been included in this year's Asian Games as a demonstration sport and is eyeing the 2030 Commonwealth Games. World Yogasana is working to meet the IOC's requirements for recognition, focusing on expanding its global reach and adhering to anti-doping standards.

Goa Police Seek Arrest Of Speaker Over Offensive Remarks

Goa Police Seek Arrest Of Speaker Over Offensive Remarks

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

A local court has issued a non-bailable warrant against right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, wanted by Goa Police for allegedly making offensive remarks against St Francis Xavier.

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

SC to slate final hearing of pleas against Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to list for final hearing the pleas challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

'Security alert' issued for Americans in Bangladesh

'Security alert' issued for Americans in Bangladesh

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

The United States on Friday issued a 'security alert' for its citizens in Bangladesh, asking them to remain vigilant and avoid crowds as political violence or extremist attacks may occur, potentially targeting rallies, polling stations, and religious sites during the election period.

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

North India sizzles at 45 deg Celsius, relief likely from Tuesday

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Northern states in India are experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 46.6 degrees Celsius. The heatwave has impacted daily life, leading to a decline in tourism and increased power demand. Authorities have issued advisories and implemented measures to mitigate the effects of the extreme heat.

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Hindu party files caveat in SC to be heard in Bhojshala appeal

Rediff.com15 May 2026

A Hindu party has filed a caveat in the Supreme Court regarding the Bhojshala complex dispute, seeking a hearing before any orders are passed on appeals against the Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision.

Goa Police Hunt For Activist After Remarks On Saint

Goa Police Hunt For Activist After Remarks On Saint

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Goa police have formed teams to trace right-wing activist Gautam Khattar after his remarks against St Francis Xavier created a stir. Complaints have been filed against Khattar in multiple locations across Goa.