Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sparked controversy during the inauguration of the 43rd Ramayan Mela in Ayodhya by drawing parallels between the recent unrest in Bangladesh and historical invasions by Mughal forces. He claimed that the mindset of divisive elements in society today was identical to that of Babur’s army, which attacked Ayodhya and Sambhal 500 years ago. Adityanath criticized opposition parties for perpetuating caste-based politics and weakening social unity, accusing them of sowing discord similar to historical invaders. His comments, which also linked the violence in Sambhal and Bangladesh, have drawn sharp criticism from political opponents for deepening societal rifts.

A violent confrontation erupted at the Ghazipur border today when Congress workers, blocking the road, clashed with commuters stuck in a massive traffic jam. The chaos began after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were stopped by police while en route to Sambhal, leading to a severe traffic snarl. As Congress workers attempted to break the barricades, frustrated travelers vented their anger, sparking a violent clash. This incident has further complicated the already tense political situation surrounding the Sambhal violence, with local authorities imposing restrictions to maintain order.

Ahead of the 2025 Mahakumbh Mela, the Uttar Pradesh government is launching an online portal for booking e-rickshaws and e-autos to provide safe, eco-friendly, and affordable transportation for the millions of devotees expected to attend. Starting December 15, the platform will offer fixed-fare services at key locations like railway stations, bus stands, and hotels. The initiative aligns with the state’s Green Mahakumbh campaign, aiming to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. Additionally, a "Pink Taxi" service, operated by women drivers, will ensure enhanced safety for female passengers.

The Karimuddinpur police have arrested an eight-member gang involved in orchestrating fake marriages and robbing the groom's side. The gang, including five women and three men, lured a man named Rupesh Shakya into a fake marriage with a woman posing as a bride. After the ceremony, they stole cash, jewelry, and forced the groom's family to buy wedding clothes. The gang later fled with the bride. The police acted swiftly, arresting the suspects from various locations and recovering several mobile phones. The mastermind, Harishchandra Yadav, had previously scammed people from multiple states.

The Supreme Court on Friday intervened in the dispute over the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, halting a controversial survey ordered by a local court. The Court restrained any further action on the survey until January 8, 2024, and directed the mosque’s management committee to approach the Allahabad High Court for a review. The decision comes after violence erupted during the survey on November 24, resulting in four deaths. The mosque committee challenged the survey, citing concerns over communal tensions and violations of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which prohibits changes to the religious character of sites as they existed on August 15, 1947.

In a dramatic turn of events in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut, a groom became an unlikely hero when he chased down a thief who snatched a currency note from his wedding garland. After the theft, Dev Kumar, still dressed in his wedding attire, pursued the thief in a pickup truck. Clinging to the moving vehicle, he eventually forced it to stop and confronted the thief. The incident, captured in a viral video, saw the groom’s relatives join in, resulting in a roadside altercation. The situation de-escalated after the thief apologized, and the groom relented.

The recent survey of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, ordered by a civil judge, has led to widespread violence, resulting in the loss of five lives. Muslim organizations have condemned the survey, criticizing the court for not consulting the mosque committee beforehand. They also raised concerns about provocative actions by individuals accompanying the survey team, which escalated communal tensions. Leaders like Malik Moatasim Khan and Mahmood Madani have called for a judicial inquiry into the incident, demanding accountability for the police action that led to the deaths of protesters. The groups also emphasized the need to uphold the Places of Worship Act of 1991 to protect religious sites.

Violence erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday during a survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to several others, including police officers. In response to the unrest, the district administration ordered a 24-hour internet shutdown and closed schools in the Sambhal Tehsil area. The clash began when a survey team, following court orders, arrived at the mosque, leading to stone-pelting and violent confrontations with police. A magisterial inquiry has been launched, and over 15 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Tensions flared on Sunday morning during the second court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. As officers conducted the survey, a mob threw stones at the police, prompting the use of tear gas and lathi charges to restore order. Miscreants also set vehicles on fire. The survey, which was conducted in response to a petition claiming the mosque was built on the ruins of the Harihar temple, was completed safely. Authorities vowed to identify and take action against those responsible for the violence, while political parties criticized the government’s handling of the situation.

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved plans for grand roadshows in major cities across India and internationally to promote the 2025 Mahakumbh. These roadshows will be held in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, as well as in countries such as Nepal, Thailand, and Indonesia. The initiative aims to raise global awareness and encourage participation in the event, scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. In addition, the government has sanctioned the purchase of 220 new vehicles to support the event's logistics.

A tragic fire broke out at the NICU of Jhansi’s Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College late Friday night, claiming the lives of 10 newborns. It has now emerged that a short circuit occurred earlier that evening but was ignored by staff. A second short circuit at 10:45 pm caused the fire, which also left 16 others injured. The state government has formed a 4-member probe committee to investigate the incident and recommend measures to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced financial assistance for the families of the victims, and both President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi expressed their condolences.

A tragic fire at Jhansi Medical College in Uttar Pradesh on Friday night claimed the lives of 10 children and injured several others. The blaze, caused by an electrical short circuit, erupted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where the children were in incubators. 32 others were rescued from the ward. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and directed immediate relief efforts, while Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak was sent to oversee the situation. An investigation into the incident has been ordered.