SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has also accepted the defeat. However, he accused the Ayodhya police-administration of election rigging.

Who is Chandrabhan Paswan?

For the Milkipur seat by-election in Ayodhya, the BJP took a chance on the new face Chandrabhan Paswan instead of old stalwarts. The Samajwadi Party had already declared Ajit Prasad, the son of MP Avadhesh Prasad, as their candidate from here. Like Avadhesh Prasad, Chandrabhan Paswan comes from the Paswan community. He is a resident of Parsouli village in Rudauali.

Chandrabhan Paswan, a lawyer by profession, has been a two-time district panchayat member from Rudauali in Ayodhya. Currently, his wife is a district panchayat member. Chandrabhan is also a member of the working committee of the BJP’s district unit. He was the Scheduled Caste contact chief for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, his father Baba Ram Lakhan Das is a village head.

Born in 1986, Chandrabhan Paswan’s entire family is active in the saree business. They operate saree businesses in both Surat and Rudauali. Chandrabhan has been active in the Milkipur assembly seat for the past two years, which is why he was among the major contenders in the Milkipur by-election. In terms of educational qualifications, Chandrabhan holds a B. Com, M. Com, and LLB.

According to experts, there were nearly half a dozen contenders for the BJP ticket for the Milkipur seat, but Chandrabhan won the race, leaving all of them behind. Among the contenders were two former MLAs, Gorakhnath Baba and Ramu Priyadarshi.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and several ministers campaigned vigorously for this seat. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party also left no stone unturned. Many prominent leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Dimple Yadav, held rallies and public meetings in support of Ajit Prasad. However, in the end, the victory went to the BJP. Their win is being seen as a compensation for the loss the BJP faced in the Faizabad/Ayodhya seat during the Lok Sabha elections.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Avadhesh Prasad defeated BJP’s Lallu Singh, who was heavily promoted by the SP. However, now in the same Ayodhya’s Milkipur seat, the BJP has dealt a crushing defeat to Avadhesh Prasad’s son, Ajit Prasad.

Meanwhile, exit polls have predicted a close battle between the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Milkipur assembly by-election, with Zee’s ZEENIA AI Exit Poll giving a slight edge to the saffron party. ZEENIA Exit poll has predicted a 52-48 advantage for the BJP over the SP.

According to the Election Commission (EC), 65.25 per cent votes were cast till 5 pm, and the final poll percentage can go up with people still queued up outside booths after 5 pm.

Akhilesh alleges ‘fake voting’, voter suppression by cops

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav alleged “fake voting” and rigging by officials, but senior police officers rejected the charge and said voting is going on peacefully at all polling stations.

“This is a sting operation of the truth of presiding officers who are fulfilling the target of fake voting for the ruling party.” Yadav wrote on X while sharing an audio clip from a purported sting, while alleging that that police are checking identity cards of voters to “create fear” in them.

The SP chief further alleged that presiding officers are “fulfilling the target of fake voting” in the constituency asked the Election Commission and the Supreme Court to take cognisance of the “enemies of democracy”.

“The Election Commission should immediately take cognisance of pictures related to the news that Ayodhya Police — senior police officers included — is checking the ID cards of voters in Milkipur,” he wrote in another X post.

The Milkipur bypoll has turned into a prestige battle between the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party as the seat is part of the politically significant Ayodhya district.

(With PTI inputs)

According to Singh, Rachna was married to Ravi, a resident of Bhadaul village in the Chhata area. Ravi allegedly struggled with alcoholism and frequently abused Rachna, blaming her for being childless after five years of marriage.

On Tuesday, Ravi informed Rachna’s family that she had been missing for three days and claimed his calls to her went unanswered.

Police recovered a bag of bangles near the body, but her mobile phone was not found. An earbud was still in her ear. Ravi had reportedly purchased a large quantity of bangles the day before, supposedly to help Rachna start selling them.

The family has accused Ravi of habitual violence and noted that he is now missing. Authorities are conducting a search for him.

The body has been handed over to Rachna’s family after a post-mortem, and the investigation is ongoing.

Maha Kumbh: Here’s How To Reach Prayagraj By Air?

People can take a direct flight to Prayagraj from major cities like – Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. Notably, in wake of the huge influx due to Kumbh, several airlines have improved their connectivity. The city will witness around 117 weekly departures at the start of February.

Direct flights are also available from cities like Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

The average cost of Delhi to Prayagraj flights are between Rs 7,500 and Rs 5,000 for January 13-19.

Maha Kumbh: How To Reach Prayagraj By Train?

Prayagraj has excellent rail connectivity with major cities across India, thanks to its extensive network of eight key railway stations, including Prayagraj Junction, Rambagh, Sangam, and Naini Junction.

Regular trains like the Rajdhani Express and Vande Bharat from Delhi, the Mahanagri SF and Saket SF from Mumbai, and the Howrah-Prayagraj Express from Kolkata make traveling to the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 convenient. You can check train routes and book tickets easily through the IRCTC website.

Notably, several trains, including superfast trains, run to Prayagraj from different major cities.

• Delhi: Prayagraj Express, Duronto Express, Humsafar Express
• Mumbai: Mahanagari Express, Kamayani Express
• Kolkata: Poorva Express, Netaji Express, Vibhuti Express
• Chennai: Sanghamitra Express, Ganga Kaveri Express

The Indian Railways has also introduced 98 special trains for the convenience of the people.

Maha Kumbh: How To Reach Prayagraj By Road?

Prayagraj is well-connected via the major network of national highways and expressways. The city is easily accessible from private vehicles and as well as public transport.

Major Routes From Big Cities:

• Delhi to Prayagraj: Approx. 700 km via NH19 (around 11 hours drive)
• Lucknow to Prayagraj: Approx. 200 km via NH30 (around 4-5 hours drive)
• Varanasi to Prayagraj: Approx. 120 km via NH19 (around 3 hours drive)
• Kanpur to Prayagraj: Approx. 200 km (around 4-5 hours drive)

Prayagraj can be accessed from major national highways and expressways:

• NH-19: This route connects Delhi to Prayagraj, passing through several cities.
• NH-27: It connects Prayagraj with Lucknow and Ayodhya.
• Yamuna Expressway: Route for Delhi and Agra to Prayagraj.

Once you arrive in Prayagraj, getting around the city is simple with various local transportation options such as buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis, ensuring convenient travel to different locations.

According to the Secretary General of CAIT, stated, “Mahakumbh will witness large-scale economic and trade activities. An estimate suggests that with an average expenditure of Rs 5,000 per person during religious travel, the total spending will exceed Rs 2 lakh crore. This includes spending on hotels, guesthouses, temporary accommodations, food, religious items, healthcare, and other services.”

In addition to it, the food and beverage industry is anticipated to contribute Rs 20,000 crore, including packaged foods, water, biscuits, juices, and beverages. Similarly, religious items such as oil, lamps, Ganga water, idols, incense sticks, and religious books are estimated to contribute Rs 20,000 crore. Meanwhile, transportation and logistics, including taxis, freight are anticipated to add Rs 10,000 crore in trade and tourism services such as tour guides, travel packages, and related activities, are expected to contribute Rs 10,000 crore. 

In addition, temporary medical camps, Ayurvedic products, medicines are likely to generate Rs 30,000 crore, with sectors like e-ticketing, WiFi services, digital payments and mobile charging services are expected to contribute worth Rs 1,000 crore. Furthermore, Entertainment and media, along with advertising and promotional activities, are projected to bring business worth Rs 10,000 crore in trade.

In Prayagraj, Maha Kumbh 2025 is expected to open up new commerce and trade as such large-scale events like this boost local industries while also advancing the state’s and the nation’s overall economic development.

(with inputs from agencies)

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Devotees arrive at Ayodhya Ram temple on the occasion of the first anniversary of ‘Pran Pratishtha’ pic.twitter.com/8lYh8tNsux

— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2025

To celebrate the occasion, several spiritual events and cultural programs have been planned at the temple.

On January 11, the day began with Agnihotra, accompanied by mantras from the Shukla Yajurveda, taking place twice—once from 8 AM to 11 AM and again from 2 PM to 5 PM. These rituals will be followed by the chanting of 6 lakh Shri Ram Mantras. Recitation of the Ram Raksha Stotra and Hanuman Chalisa will also be done.

On the ground floor of the temple, ‘Rag Seva’ will be organized from 3 PM to 5 PM, followed by a congratulatory song at 6 PM. Similarly, a Musical Manas recitation will take place on the first floor of the passenger convenience center. A Ram Katha has also been planned at ‘Angad Tila’ within the temple premises, followed by a Manas Discourse and cultural program. According to the Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, over 2 lakh devotees visited the temple on January 1, the first day of the year, to offer their prayers.

The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of Lord Ram took place on January 22, 2024, with the main rituals performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the rituals, the idol of Ram Lalla was unveiled. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is built in the traditional Nagara style, measuring 380 feet in length (east-west), 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height.

It is supported by a total of 392 intricately sculpted pillars and 44 doors. The temple’s walls and pillars feature detailed carvings depicting Hindu deities, Gods, and Goddesses. In the main sanctum on the ground floor, the childhood form of Bhagwan Shri Ram (the idol of Shri Ramlalla) has been enshrined.

A sea of Ram Bhakts have been flocking to the holy city since the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and visiting the Ram Temple to take the blessings of Lord Ram. Daily visitors to the Hanumangarhi Ram Temple has also been increasing rapidly.

About 200 buildings were built in violation of the building codes, said Noida Authority officials.

The authority also started issuing notices to owners of these buildings that have come up on village land that has been notified for planned development.

“We have issued notices to the owners of these buildings warning them that if they will not adhere to laid down norms, then the authority will have to raze these buildings. As per the rules, a plot owner can build any kind of building only after it obtains permission for the same and get the building layout map approved by the authority’s planning department,” said a Noida authority official.

A survey was conducted by the Noida Authorities in the last six months in all village areas and found that there are around 200 buildings which are built in violation of the norms and need to be demolished.

The officials said that there are at least 14 buildings in Barola alone while in Salarpur, there are around 20 buildings and in Hazipur area, there are around 30 buildings. The small-time developers buy plots in village areas and start building flats, shops or office spaces and offer the property at cheap rates to buyers, said officials as reported by HT.

“The authority in the past have issued public notices in newspapers and also on its portal cautioning buyers against purchasing plots, flats or shops in such unauthorised projects, which are built without approvals from the town planning department. The authority in its public notice warned buyers not to invest in Nagli Wazidpur village, where a large unauthorised project has come up,” said the official.

The authority officials said they have also decided to engage a private agency to demolish these illegal buildings as it lacks the manpower to carry out the job on its own.

The authority said these illegal buildings are putting an additional burden on existing civic infrastructure that is built only for planned development as these are not part of the master plan.

The authority will take action against these buildings, including demolition, once all legal formalities are completed.

“The report is still in the final stages. Some analysis is pending. If it is completed, then the report will be presented in court on Monday. Otherwise, we will seek more time from the court,” Raghav said.

Notably, at least four people were dead in the violence that took place in November 24. Following the dreadful incident the Supreme Court, on November 29, instructed the Sambhal trial court not to pass any order regarding the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. It also ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to act to maintain peace and harmony in the violence-hit town.

The Apex Court had also ordered to not to open the survey report until the hearing of the mosque committee’s plea at the Allahabad High Court.

On the initiative of Vishnu Shankar Jain, a Supreme Court lawyer, Ramesh Raghav was designated by the senior division civil court as the advocate commissioner to investigate the Shahi mosque, slated for November 19. That very evening, he embarked on an initial inspection of the mosque, working alongside local authorities, including District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya and Chief of Police KK Bishnoi.

During the second round of the survey, violence erupted that claimed four lives on November 24.

for the next hearing on the case, the court on November 29 granted 10 days deadline to complete the survey report.

It is to be noted that Jain’s petition stated that the Mughal-era mosque was Lord Kalki’s Hindu temple—Hari Har Mandir.

The Shahi mosque is a protected monument under Section 3(3) of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act of 1904.

The authorities have directed the commission to wrap up its probe within a 60-day period starting from the day of notice. Should there be a need for a time extension, it will require official approval. With a public announcement on November 28, Governor Anandiben Patel emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation, with the intent to serve the public interest and uphold transparency.

To heighten the security, the traffic has also been diverted, the police official added.

The police official stated that the administration will take action against those who disobey these rules.

“We have divided the area into 4 zones. Barricading has been done at the sensitive spots. The traffic has been diverted. Action will be taken against those who will not follow the rules…” Kumar told reporters.

Earlier, a bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar deferred the hearing into the Mathura’s Krishna Janmabhoomi and Shahi Masjid case. Various petitions were heard by the Supreme Court on the dispute.

In one of these matters, the Committee of Management Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah has approached the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court order rejecting the mosque committee challenging the maintainability of various lawsuits initiated by Hindu devotees.

More than 15 suits by different plaintiffs have been filed claiming competing rights over the Shahi Masjid Eidgah on the ground that it is the site of the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna (Krishna Janmabhoomi).

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the police administration tightened security and conducted checks at several locations in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain district.

A police official stated that the security campaign will continue further.

The Bomb Squad and Dog Squad conducted surprise inspections at the railway station, while the city police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Government Railway Police (GRP) carried out searches of vehicles, parcels, and passengers’ luggage in the city.

RPF Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mukesh Anandkar told ANI, “In view of December 6 and as part of the vigilance campaign, the city police, RPF, and GRP together conducted thorough checks at various locations, including vehicle inspections in the circulatory area, parcel inspections at the parcel office, and luggage checks of passengers in the city.”

The search campaign was conducted to prevent any untoward incidents or misconduct, he added, noting that the campaign will continue further.

On the fateful day of December 6, 1992, a considerable crowd of ‘kar sevaks’ brought down the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. This action sparked a ripple of violence, thoroughly traumatizing the Muslim community as their homes were plundered, engulfed by flames, and obliterated. The aftermath of this event saw the country drowning in riots across various regions, tragically resulting in the loss of over a thousand lives.

How the Crime Took Place

On Aug 13, 2022, the 32-year-old woman and her lover Kanhaiya murdered her husband, Jogendra Kumar (33), after he discovered their illicit relationship. Jogendra was a resident of Bulandshahr.

After committing the crime, Radha told the family that her husband slipped and fell down the stairs and died from a head injury.

How A CT Scan Revealed The Truth

Jogendra’s mother Sheela Devi suspected foul play, and the family members took Jogendra’s body to a hospital and did a CT scan. The CT report revealed a bullet lodged in Jogedra’s head. The family members then immediately informed the police.

What Police Said

According to assistant district govt counsel Yogesh Sharma, “the investigation revealed that three days before the crime, Radha took Jogendra and their two sons, aged 6 and 7, to her maternal home in Arniya village for a stay. On the day of the incident, while Jogendra was sleeping, Kanhaiya shot him in the head, while Radha, her father, and brother restrained him. The family supported Radha as Jogendra had frequently abused her over trivial matters.”

FIR Lodged

Police lodged an FIR following the family’s complaint. The FIR was lodged under IPC sections 302 (murder) and 34 (criminal conspiracy).

During the trial in Additional District Judge Vivek Kumar’s court, the prosecution, led by ADGC Sharma, shared evidence, including the heartbreaking testimony of the couple’s 6-year-old son.

“The boy woke up hearing the gunshot and rushed to the room, where he witnessed his mother, uncle, maternal grandfather, and Kanhaiya killing his father. The child testified that they threatened to kill him,” said Sharma.

The accused has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs 50,000 each.

Responding on the development, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav slammed the BJP government, accusing it of misgovernance. The saffron party retaliated, stating that the violence took place in the district due to “criminals protected by Samajwadi Party”.

Sambhal Masjid Violence

At least five people were dead and 20 police officials were injured on November 24 following the violence triggered by a court-ordered survey at Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid.

District Magistrate Rajendra Pandiya has decided to prolong the ban on the entry of outsiders, social bodies, and public officials into Sambhal up until the 10th of December. Without gaining permission from the sanctioned officer, no public representative will be granted passage into the district’s confines before this date. Initially, this ban was slated to conclude on the 1st of December.

‘Will Enter Sambhal In Hiding’: SP

SP Member of Parliament Harendra Malik, who was on course from Delhi to Sambhal, was unexpectedly held back at the Ghaziabad border. He said that the delegation’s journey was not meant to disturb the current ambience. Even if the police threw obstacles their way, Malik stated they were resolute in their attempt to penetrate the district.

“We want to go and take stock of the situation. We will also tell the government what happened there. The government should then investigate our findings. We do not trust Sambhal’s police administration. We are responsible. Our visit will not spoil the atmosphere. We are not going to provoke people,” he told news agency ANI.

Either the administration should let us go to Sambhal or else we will go into hiding. We will go and stay in Sambhal,” he said.

Samajwadi Party Delegation Detained

Meanwhile, a 15-member Samajwadi Party leaders’ delegation, that was on its way to Sambhal was detained by the police. They started protesting against the district administration’s order prohibiting them from visiting the violence-hit district.

Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq strongly reprimanded the BJP government, accusing it of shielding the police’s misconduct by barring the delegation’s entry into Sambhal.

According to Zafar Ali, due to the action of SDM Sambhal, people got angry and gathered in large numbers outside the mosque. Whatever happened was due to the conspiracy of the CO and SDM. The crowd got the misconception that digging was going on inside, which led to this situation.

“The survey of the mosque was completed on 19 November itself, but the CO and SDM said that they will conduct the survey again. Suddenly, we were told about another survey was to be conducted on Sunday (November 24). I appealed to the people from the mosque because I was asked by the SP and DM to persuade the crowd. But then I heard the SP, DIG, and DM discussing about the shooting. On my appeal, about 75 percent of the people had left the scene while only a few were left,” said Zafar Ali.

Police statement on Sambhal violence

According to Morabad Range DIG Muniraj, 21 people, including two women, have been detained. Police say that anyone against whom the case is found will be arrested. NSA will also be imposed.

At the same time, four people have died in the clashes that took place on Sunday, November 24, while 20 policemen and 4 officers are injured. During the raid, the police recovered live cartridges including some illegal weapons from different places. At present, police force from 30 police stations of the entire Moradabad range are deployed in Sambhal. PAC and RAF have also been stationed. Internet, schools, and colleges are closed.

Case registered against 800

The police have registered seven FIRs in the Sambhal violence case. A total of 800 miscreants have been booked. A case has also been registered against Sambhal SP MP Ziaur Rehman Barq and local MLA’s son Sohail Iqbal. CCTVs are being scanned to identify the miscreants. Apart from this, photos of miscreants have also been taken from the drone. Section 163 (formerly 144) is currently in force in Sambhal and there is a ban on the entry of outsiders in the district till December 1.

After the order of the district court, survey work was going on inside the Shahi Jama Masjid of Sambhal again on Sunday. But during this survey, suddenly a large number of people gathered outside the mosque and started sloganeering. After this, they started pelting stones at the police team and set fire to the vehicles. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

A complaint has been filed with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the violence.

According to the Election Commission, Solanki secured 69,714 votes, while BJP’s Suresh Awasthi received 61,150 votes, and BSP’s Virendra Kumar managed 1,410 votes.

Notably, Naseem Solanki’s husband, Irfan Solanki, had previously won the seat in 2012, 2017, and 2022. The bypoll was held on Wednesday following Irfan Solanki’s disqualification from the Assembly after his conviction in a criminal case.

Another highlight for SP was Tej Pratap Yadav’s win in the Karhal constituency, where he defeated BJP’s Anujesh Pratap Singh by over 15,000 votes. Yadav secured over 1.02 lakh votes compared to Singh’s 88,670. On the BJP front, Sanjeev Sharma claimed a resounding victory in the Ghaziabad seat, defeating SP’s Singh Raj Jatav by more than 69,000 votes. Similarly, Surender Diler of BJP triumphed in the Khair constituency with a decisive margin of 38,983 votes over SP’s Charu Kain.

In Meerapur, NDA ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) is leading with a margin of 22,730 votes over SP’s Sumbul Rana.

These results reaffirm BJP’s stronghold in Uttar Pradesh, while SP has shown resilience in select constituencies.

According to officials, a fire broke out at the Jhansi medical college in Uttar Pradesh on Friday evening, prompting an evacuation of its patients. “The fire brigade was rushed to the spot while senior officers of the district also reached the medical college”, Jhansi police said in a brief statement on social media.

Purported visuals from the medical college showed panic-struck patients and their caretakers, even as a large number of police personnel aided rescue and relief measures.

Fire broke out in the infant ward of Jhansi Medical College#Jhansi #Fire pic.twitter.com/PcCilTAI98

— Moaz (@moaz20in) November 15, 2024

VIDEO | Fire breaks out at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh; rescue operation underway. More details awaited. #Fire #Jhansifire

(Source: Third Party)

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/Q5aZ9MiZMY

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 15, 2024

Heartbreaking visuals from Jhansi Medical College as a fire engulfs the maternity ward. Tragically, 10 infants have lost their lives. Praying for strength and help for all affected. #Jhansi pic.twitter.com/xUPQFVUEJC

— Gaurav “Maitreya” Jain (@Gauravj_iyc) November 15, 2024

District Magistrate (DM) Avinash Kumar told reporters that the fire broke out around 10.45 pm in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College possibly due to an electrical short circuit.

The children who were in the outer part of the NICU were rescued, along with some of those who were in the interior part.

“Prima facie there is information of the death of 10 children,” the DM said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the incident and directed officials of the district administration to ensure proper treatment to the injured, according to a statement issued in Lucknow.

He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The chief minister directed the officials of the district administration and the fire brigade vehicles to reach the spot and expedite the relief work.

Another official statement said Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, also the state’s health minister, and the principal secretary of health have left for Jhansi on the directions of the CM.

Adityanath has also directed the divisional commissioner of Jhansi and the deputy inspector general of the police range to submit a report on the matter within 12 hours, the statement added.

(With inputs from agencies)

In her complaint, the victim told the police that she had moved to Kanpur from her native Fatehpur in 2022 to prepare for the NEET medical entrance exam.

Narrating the nightmarish ordeal, young woman revealed that in December 2022, one of the accused, Sahil Siddiqui invited her to his friend’s flat in Kalyanpur’s Makdi-Khera area for a New Year’s party, telling her that other students would also be there. However, upon arriving at the flat, she found only Siddiqui, who allegedly drugged her by lacing her soft drink with sedatives, raped her and filmed the act.

She was 17 at the time.

Blackmailed, held hostage, raped

The victim claimed that Siddiqui blackmailed her by threatening to share the video on the internet and held her hostage in his flat for over six months, during which he repeatedly raped her. A few months after this, another teacher, Vikas Porwal, also raped her.

The duo threatened to share the video of her rape online if she told anyone about what they had done to her, she said, adding that she could not muster the courage to seek police help as she was scared that it might land her family in danger.

However, six months later, the girl’s mother arrived in Kanpur and took her along, and despite being hesitant to approach the police at first, she finally sought the cops’ help after she came across a video showing Siddiqui sexually harassing another  student.

Accused arrested

A senior police official said that both accused teachers — Sahil Siddiqui, who taught biology, and Vikas Porwal, a chemistry teacher– have been arrested and charged with offences of rape, wrongful confinement, criminal intimidation and under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act.

A case was registered against the accused under Indian Penal Code sections 328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc., with intent to commit an offence), 376(2)(n) (commits rape repeatedly on the same woman), 344 (wrongful confinement for 10 or more days) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) and the POCSO Act, said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kalyanpur) Abhishek Pandey.

(With PTI inputs)

The commission said it has sent letters on the guidelines — which aim at segregating men and women in public spaces — to all district magistrates in the state to ensure compliance on the matter.

A functionary of the panel said this is just a proposal and it will subsequently request the state government to implement them by enacting a law. “There have been increasing complaints of ‘bad touch’ by male trainers in gyms and in women’s boutiques where tailors who take measurements are mostly male,” Babita Chauhan, chairperson of the commission, told PTI.

“What we are saying is that it isn’t a problem if the tailor is male but only women should take measurements,” she said.

In a press note, the women’s panel proposed that women’s gyms and yoga centres should only have female trainers. The gym and the trainers should be verified, while CCTV and DVRs at the establishments should mandatorily be in working condition, it said.

It said boutiques should have a female tailor to take women’s measurements for clothes, with a functioning CCTV at the store. Shops selling women’s clothes are required to have female employees, it said.

It is mandatory to have a female dance teacher at drama centres and a female security guard or teacher in school buses, the guidelines added.

Chauhan said, “We are aware that trained women will have to be employed at all these places and this might take some time.”

However, it would also help employ more women, she added.

The panel’s proposals have ignited a debate with many wondering if instead of “isolating men”, the focus should be on “empowering women.”

“There is a difference between sensitising men and isolating them,” Lucknow-based Niti, who works on women issues, told PTI.

“There is nothing wrong with the proposals per se because there is always the other side but the point is if you were to push it too far, then one could also argue that you may well ask for women teachers to teach reproductive systems to girl students. Then there are many male gynecologists who are very good and so what do we do them? So, as long as you don’t force the decision on women and leave it to them to make a choice whose service they prefer or are more comfortable with, it’s fine,” she said.

Later, when PTI approached Babita Chauhan on her take on the responses her contentious proposal had generated, she said her suggestions weren’t aimed at forcing anyone to take services from any particular gender.

“I am not telling women that you take services at gyms or at boutiques only from women. What I am saying is that I am all for providing options and leave it to women to make the choice about whether she is more comfortable having men around or women.

“The point is those women who prefer taking these services from men at a gym, boutique or salon are not the ones who are approaching us with their complaints. Those approaching us are not comfortable, complain of ‘bad touch’ and should have an option,” she said.

Asked if her proposals have been implemented anywhere across the state, Chauhan said, “We are in the process of identifying whether our proposals have reached all district magistrates. We have also sent our proposals to the chief secretary and so yes, it is the government which would implement them.”

Himani Agarwal, a member of the commission, said the proposal floated by Chauhan on October 28 was accepted by the panel.

Explaining the rationale behind the proposal, she told PTI the involvement of men in such professions can lead to women getting molested.

“They (men) try to indulge in bad touch. The intention of some of the men is also not good,” she said, adding, “not that all men have bad intentions”.

Samajwadi Party MLA Ragini Sonkar was of the opinion that it should be left to individuals to decide which store or gym they want to go to.

“I don’t think this is a justified decision as it should be an individual choice on whether one prefers a male or a female to attend to them. It is a matter of choice,” said the MLA from Machhlishahr in Jaunpur district.

“We are okay with the proposal about women’s presence being mandatory at shops selling women’s garments and at tailoring shops. But then, ultimately, it boils down to individual choice and this can’t be limited to a particular sex,” Sonkar told PTI.

Former acting VC of Lucknow University, teacher and activist Roop Rekha Verma, said, “There cannot be a more stupid idea than this, because what is required is to create psychology in the minds of public that we are not so different and so exclusive human beings as we are seen by each other.

“We are human beings and citizens in the same sense, and therefore this ghettoisation that women will speak to women, women will cut the hair of women, this sort of exclusive separation between boys and girls is the main cause of whatever is happening today in the country.”

Madhu Garg, national joint secretary of AIDWA (All India Democratic Women’s Association), said, “This is not the correct thought process, and this is done by those people who are having a narrow-minded thought process. By doing so, the jobs of hundreds of people will be at risk of getting lost.”

“Generally, it is seen that women themselves give their measurements to the tailors. This is not a big issue. If the (UP State) Women Commission wants to do anything, then it should stop the rape and murder of women. They are unable to do anything about this, and are speaking like this on petty issues.”

However, social workers Veena Sharma and Mohsina Choudhary welcomed the proposal, saying there are many complaints of women being harassed while giving measurements at tailor shops. They said that the proposal should be law.

Sharma is the Muzaffarnagar district coordinator of Mission Shakti — a government women empowerment initiative, while Choudhary was earlier a member of the Child Welfare Board in the district.

Head of Kiran Sewa Samaj Uthan committee Ravita Dhagne in Muzaffarnagar also agreed with them.

Supriya Kohli, who runs a boutique at Lucknow’s Prag Narain Road, said, “Usually there aren’t any objections on the issue of who is taking measurements but we do have women to take measurements if the client demands it. There is nothing wrong with the move per se.”

After brutally killing his family, Rajendra left the house. Later, his body was found in Rohaniya area. As per preliminary investigation, the man killed himself after murdering his wife and kids.

Police received a distress call of tenants following which a team rushed to the spot and took the bodies in their possession. Later the bodies were sent for autopsy.

The accused’s mother told police that her son and his wife were having a dispute over an issue.

Varanasi’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Gaurav Banswal said that a police team is probing the case from all angles.

“We received inputs about the murder of four members of the same family by shooting. We are investigating the case from several angles, including family dispute, black magic and others,” Bansal said.

DCP Bansal also informed that another police team is separately investigating whether Rajendra was murdered or he committed suicide.

“Rajendra Gupta’s body has also been recovered from Varanasi’s and a separate investigation is being done to find out whether he was murdered or he died by suicide,” Banswal said.

Rajendra, who had been under the cloud of a murder charge since 1997, was out on bail, as per the Deputy Commissioner of Police’s statement.

Further investigation is underway.

(Note: This is a developing story and further details will be added.)

On Sunday evening, she attended a party thrown by the director in the hospital. The accused asked her to stay at the hospital during night hours on the pretext of official work, he said. Around midnight he called her to his room and forcefully pulled her inside and locked the door, the ACP said.

The director took the nurse hostage and allegedly raped her, said another official requesting anonymity.

The accused also threatened the nurse to kill her if she reported the incident to anyone, the official added.

The police have not yet disclosed the identity of the accused. He was produced before the court following the arrest, the official said

The victim’s medical examination would be conducted and she would be produced before the court to record her statement before the magistrate, the police added.

Areas under these two police stations witnessed violence during the recent Navratri celebrations that had claimed one life.

Rehua Mansoor, the native village of Ramgopal Mishra who died in the violence, falls under the Ramgaon police station area while the area where he was killed is under the Hardi police station’s jurisdiction.

14 personnel from the Hardi police station and 15 from the Ramgaon police station were transferred to the Police Lines, according to a statement issued by the office of the district police superintendent.

When contacted, Superintendent of Police Vrinda Shukla described the transfers as “routine”.

“These are routine transfers, constables have a two-year term in a police station. That period expired, so they have been sent to the Police Lines. These transfers have nothing to do with the Maharajganj (Mahsi) violence. A similar list of similar constables for other police stations will also be prepared.”

Notably, violence erupted between two communities during the Durga idol immersion procession on October 13 in Bahraich, leading to the killing of one person identified as Ram Gopal Mishra.

The disturbance started when on October 13, a procession passing through a Muslim neighbourhood led to an argument between two groups over an unspecified issue, according to the police.

Bahraich Superintendent of Police (SP), Vrinda Shukla was quoted as saying to news agency ANI, “In Mahasi’s Maharajganj area, a procession was passing by a Masjid through a Muslim area. The groups argued on some issues. A person from the Hindu community died after bullets were fired on him and thereafter a tense situation arose.”

Mishra (22) was shot dead in the Maharajganj area of the district’s Mahsi tehsil on October 13 following a dispute over loud music during a Durga idol immersion procession.

The incident had led to communal violence, followed by incidents of arson and vandalism.