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Delhi Tragedy: Four Dead, Many Feared Trapped as Four-Storey Building Collapses in Shakti Vihar

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Web Team
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delhi, mustafabad, buiding collapse
Delhi Tragedy: Four Dead, Many Feared Trapped as Four-Storey Building Collapses in Shakti Vihar 2

A major tragedy unfolded in northeast Delhi’s Shakti Vihar area early Saturday morning as a four-storey building collapsed, killing four people and leaving several others feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred around 3.02 AM, prompting an immediate response from the local police and rescue teams.

According to officials, nearly 22 people were suspected to be under the rubble when the structure crumbled. So far, 14 individuals have been rescued and shifted to GTB Hospital, where four were declared brought dead by doctors.

Police officials confirmed that they received a distress call at the Dayalpur police station and immediately rushed to Gali No. 1, Shakti Vihar. The area has since been cordoned off as emergency teams continue the search for survivors.

Rescue operations are underway amid growing concerns about the structural integrity of nearby buildings and the safety of those still trapped.

BMC Sparks Outrage by Demolishing 1960s Jain Temple in Vile Parle

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Afternoon Voice
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vile parle, demolition, jain temple, jain, bmc, brihanmumbai municipal corporation
BMC Sparks Outrage by Demolishing 1960s Jain Temple in Vile Parle 4

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has triggered a wave of anger and protest after demolishing an alleged unauthorized Jain temple in Mumbai’s Vile Parle area, with community members calling the move unjustified and insensitive.

According to Anil Shah, a trustee of the decades-old ‘chaitalaya’ located within the Neminath Cooperative Housing Society in Kambliwadi, the structure was demolished on April 16. He claimed the temple had existed since the 1960s and had even undergone renovations in the past with BMC’s approval.

“There is a government resolution that allows for regularization of such structures. All we had to do was submit a proposal to the BMC — which we did,” said Shah, suggesting the demolition ignored due process.

He further alleged that the demolition was carried out under pressure from a local hotelier, and that religious texts and temple artifacts were damaged during the operation.

The Jain community has expressed deep anguish over the action and announced a protest march to the BMC’s K-East ward office on Saturday.

Despite repeated attempts, the BMC has not issued a statement or responded to calls and messages regarding the demolition, leaving questions unanswered and tensions high.

Bureaucrat’s ₹1.22 Lakh Holi Bash Sparks Row in Debt-Ridden Himachal

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Afternoon Voice
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holi, prabodh saxena, controversy, ias officer, himachal, himachal pradesh
Bureaucrat's ₹1.22 Lakh Holi Bash Sparks Row in Debt-Ridden Himachal 6

A political storm has erupted in Himachal Pradesh after a bill of ₹1.22 lakh for a Holi-cum-retirement party hosted by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena was reportedly sent to the General Administration Department (GAD) for payment. The BJP has slammed the move as a gross violation of ethical conduct and a mockery of administrative discipline, especially when the state is battling a staggering ₹1 lakh crore debt.

The controversy broke out after a copy of the bill, allegedly issued by Hotel Holiday Home of the HP Tourism Development Corporation, surfaced online. According to the document, lunch and snacks were served on March 14 to 75 guests, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers and their families. It also covered meals for 22 drivers and support staff, indicating the scale of the celebration.

Notably, Saxena was due for retirement on March 31 but was granted a six-month extension — ironically, while the retirement party was ongoing.

BJP MLA Bikram Singh condemned the expenditure, stating, “This is a gross violation of democratic spirit, ethical conduct, and administrative decorum. When the state is neck-deep in debt, such extravagance shows sheer insensitivity to the plight of common people.”

Singh, a former minister, further alleged that the act breached financial discipline and contravened provisions under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

Echoing the outrage, BJP chief spokesperson Randhir Sharma questioned how a cash-strapped government could justify such lavish spending at the taxpayers’ expense.

Saxena, meanwhile, has remained unavailable for comment as the controversy continues to fuel public and political backlash.

SC Halts Nashik Dargah Demolition, Slams Bombay HC for Ignoring Plea Listing

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Web Team
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nashik, dargah, demolition, nashik dargah, supreme court, bombay high court
SC Halts Nashik Dargah Demolition, Slams Bombay HC for Ignoring Plea Listing 8

In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court has stayed the demolition notice issued by the Nashik Municipal Corporation for the Hazrat Saatpeer Sayed Baba Dargah and pulled up the Bombay High Court for failing to list the shrine’s urgent plea. The court sought a detailed report from the registrar general of the high court, questioning why a writ petition filed on April 7 was not listed for hearing.

Shockingly, the dargah at Kathe Galli in Nashik was reportedly razed by civic authorities during the night of April 15–16, just hours before the Supreme Court hearing on the matter took place at noon on April 16.

A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymala Bagchi, taking note of the urgency and the allegations made by senior advocate Navin Pahwa—who represented the dargah trust—observed that “extraordinary measures” were warranted. Pahwa stated that daily efforts were made to have the case heard by the Bombay High Court, but it was “consistently declined.”

The apex court, taking the submission seriously, said, “We are unsure of the statement made and that the high court would not have listed the case despite repeated requests. This is a serious statement and the counsel shall take and feel responsibility for the consequence of such a statement.”

The Supreme Court has now directed the Bombay High Court’s registrar general to provide a report detailing the listing status of the petition. It also sought a response from the Nashik Municipal Corporation and other authorities involved.

The court’s interim stay on the April 1 demolition notice comes amid growing concerns over procedural lapses and religious sensitivities. The matter will next be heard on April 21.

Waqf Act: SC Directs Centre to File Response Within a Week, Next Hearing on May 5

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ANI
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supreme court, sc, supreme court of india, fir, police, courts
Waqf Act: SC Directs Centre to File Response Within a Week, Next Hearing on May 5 10

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre to file its stand within a week in the challenge to Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 after it was assured by the union government that ‘waqf by user’ or ‘waqf by deed’ properties won’t be denotified till the next hearing.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan also recorded the assurance of solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, that no appointments in the central Waqf council and boards will be made in the meantime.

Mehta said the government won’t denotify “waqf by deed” and “waqf by user” properties till the next hearing.

The CJI said if registration of any waqf property had taken place under the erstwhile 1995 Act, then those properties can’t be denotified till the next hearing on May 5.

The bench passed the order after Mehta sought a weeks’ time to file a preliminary response to the pleas against the newly-amended waqf law.

“If your lordships will say something about ‘waqf by user’, what will be the fallout?” he asked.

The bench, on the other hand, said it was impossible to deal with a number of pleas on the issue and clarified it would only five of them while asking lawyers to decide among themselves who would argue.

The petitioners, the bench said, could file their rejoinders to the Centre’s reply within five days of the service of the government’s response.

After Devgiri Fort Blaze, INTACH Demands Ban on Lighters, Cigarettes, and Plastic Bottles at Heritage Site

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Web Team
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devgiri fort, fire incident, shambhaji nagar, aurangabad
After Devgiri Fort Blaze, INTACH Demands Ban on Lighters, Cigarettes, and Plastic Bottles at Heritage Site 12

Following the devastating fire at Devgiri Fort on April 8, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has demanded stringent safety measures, including a complete ban on flammable items like cigarettes, lighters, and matchboxes within the fort premises. The blaze, which affected significant portions of the fort and harmed wildlife such as monkeys, has raised alarm over the lack of fire safety protocols at the historic site.

A delegation from INTACH submitted a formal memorandum to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, highlighting the urgent need for preventive action. The heritage conservation group pointed out that grass growing on the terrace of the Baradari—an upper structure of the fort—caught fire, which then spread to wooden sections, escalating the damage.

INTACH has called for regular removal of dry grass and trees from key areas of the fort, especially before summer, along with cleanliness drives to eliminate plastic waste and other fire hazards. The memorandum stressed the importance of thorough security checks at entry points to stop visitors from bringing flammable materials.

They further proposed restrictions on plastic bottles and strict enforcement of the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. To manage emergency situations more efficiently, INTACH also recommended the creation and maintenance of access pathways for water tankers within the fort.

The 9th-century Devgiri Fort, also known as Daulatabad Fort, was once the capital of the Yadava Dynasty and remains a major tourist attraction near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The recent fire incident has sparked serious concern over heritage preservation and disaster preparedness at India’s historical landmarks.

Pune Businessman Lured, Abducted, and Killed in Bihar: Cyber Racket Behind Gruesome Murder

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Web Team
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pune, businessman, bihar, killed in bihar, laxman shinde
Pune Businessman Lured, Abducted, and Killed in Bihar: Cyber Racket Behind Gruesome Murder 14

A horrifying interstate crime has come to light with the abduction and murder of Pune-based businessman Laxman Sadhu Shinde, who was lured to Bihar under the pretext of a high-value business deal. Shinde, owner of Centrifugal Casting Bearing in Pune, was found dead in Bihar’s Jehanabad district days after he landed at Patna airport on April 11. Bihar Police have arrested seven individuals, including a woman, and detained four others in connection with the case.

According to investigators, Shinde was targeted by a cybercrime gang posing as clients seeking mining equipment for operations in Jharkhand. After landing in Patna, Shinde messaged his daughter that he was heading to Jharkhand. That was the last communication from him. A missing persons complaint was filed by his family the next day in Pune, prompting a joint investigation by Pune and Patna police.

The gang allegedly demanded ransom from Shinde’s family, managing to extort ₹90,000 before murdering him and dumping his body in Ghosi, Jehanabad. The mastermind and other suspects were tracked down across multiple districts—Nawada, Gaya, Nalanda, and Vaishali. Police recovered the vehicle used in the abduction and seized CCTV footage that helped crack the case.

Officials revealed that the gang was involved in a series of kidnappings and murders across Jharkhand, Gujarat, Karnataka, and other states. Some of those arrested are also cybercriminals with a history of online fraud. The kingpin of the gang has been sent to judicial custody, and further investigation is ongoing.

Dynasty Reinforced: Hemant Soren Succeeds Father as JMM Chief, Shibu Soren Becomes ‘Founding Patron’

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Web Team
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jmm, hemant soren, shibu soren, jharkhand mukti morcha
Dynasty Reinforced: Hemant Soren Succeeds Father as JMM Chief, Shibu Soren Becomes 'Founding Patron' 16

In a significant political reshuffle within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Chief Minister Hemant Soren was unanimously elected as the central president of the party on Tuesday. His father, party patriarch Shibu Soren, who led the JMM for nearly four decades, was designated the party’s “founding patron” during the 13th Central Convention.

Senior leader Nalin Soren proposed the title of founding patron for Shibu Soren, a move supported by Stephen Marandi. In a symbolic passing of the torch, Shibu Soren himself proposed Hemant Soren’s name for central president, which was backed unanimously by party members. Hemant, who has been serving as executive president since 2015, now officially takes over the reins of the party founded and steered by his father for 38 years.

ED Targets Gandhis: Sonia, Rahul Named in National Herald Chargesheet

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Web Team
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rahul gandhi, sonia gandhi, enforcement directorate
ED Targets Gandhis: Sonia, Rahul Named in National Herald Chargesheet 18

In a major development in the National Herald case, the Enforcement Directorate has filed a chargesheet against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of money laundering. The chargesheet, submitted on April 9, also names Congress veterans Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey as co-accused.

Special Judge Vishal Gogne reviewed the chargesheet and scheduled the next hearing for April 25 to determine whether to take cognisance of the matter. “The present prosecution complaint shall next be taken up for consideration on the aspect of cognisance before this court on April 25, 2025, when the special counsel for the ED and IO shall also ensure the production of the case diaries for perusal by the court,” the judge stated.

The National Herald case has long been politically sensitive, and the inclusion of Congress’s top leadership in the ED’s chargesheet marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings.

BMC Pressure Works: Mumbai Tanker Strike Ends After Disaster Act Invocation

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Web Team
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water tanker, bmc, tanker strike
BMC Pressure Works: Mumbai Tanker Strike Ends After Disaster Act Invocation 20

In a major relief for Mumbaikars, the Mumbai Water Tanker Association (MWTA) on Monday announced the immediate withdrawal of its indefinite strike and the resumption of water supply across the city. The decision came just a day after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) invoked the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to requisition private tankers, wells, and borewells amid the growing water crisis.

“We have decided to withdraw the indefinite strike and resume water supply in Mumbai with immediate effect,” said MWTA General Secretary Rajesh Thakur, confirming the development to PTI.

The strike, which began on April 10, severely disrupted water distribution to residential societies, construction sites, and public services like the railways. The protest was triggered by BMC’s issuance of regulatory notices to private well owners supplying water to tanker operators, prompting backlash from the association.

The standoff saw swift political intervention, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil directing the civic body to pause the enforcement of the contentious guidelines. Following their directives, BMC agreed to stay the notices until June 15, paving the way for talks.

However, it was BMC’s invocation of emergency powers under the Disaster Management Act that ultimately broke the deadlock. With private tankers facing possible state requisitioning and police deployment to manage operations, MWTA finally relented.

The resumption of water services comes as a huge relief amid rising summer temperatures and growing public discontent. The episode has also highlighted the fragile state of Mumbai’s water infrastructure and the growing dependence on private sources to meet urban demand.

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