August 4, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Featured

Amarnath Yatra Suspended Ahead of Schedule Due to Rain Damage; Over 4.14 Lakh Pilgrims Perform Darshan

Despite the suspension of this year’s Amarnath Yatra a week before its scheduled conclusion, over 6,400 pilgrims performed darshan at the sacred Himalayan cave shrine on the 31st day of the annual pilgrimage. Authorities called off the yatra due to the need for urgent track maintenance, following heavy rainfall that damaged both traditional routes. Thousands Still Perform Darshan Amid Suspension On August 3, a total of 6,497 devotees reached the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir. These included: After offering prayers, the pilgrims began their return journey via Domail and Panchtarni. Officials confirmed that of the 4,14,311 pilgrims who have participated since July 3, the majority have already returned home, while others are en route. Yatra Cut Short for Safety Reasons The 38-day pilgrimage, which was set to conclude on August 9 — coinciding with Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan — was officially suspended from August 3, owing to severe weather-related track damage. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said the decision was taken in light of critical repair work needed on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. “Due to recent heavy rainfall and the need for track maintenance, the yatra movement has been closed on both routes,” he stated, adding,“With men and machinery being deployed for repairs, it is not feasible to resume the yatra.” This year’s turnout, although significant, fell short of last year’s total of 5.1 lakh pilgrims. Holy Mace Yatra Continues as Scheduled While the general yatra stands suspended, the holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) procession will continue without interruption. Under the custodianship of Mahant Deependra Giri Ji, the Chhari Mubarak will depart from Dashnami Akhara, Srinagar, on August 4, halting in Pahalgam for two nights before beginning its onward journey to the cave shrine via Chandanwari on August 6. It will reach the cave on August 9, where traditional rituals and prayers will be performed throughout the day before the mace returns. Appeal for Caution and Gratitude for Cooperation Authorities have urged pilgrims to cooperate with the decision, stressing that it was made purely for safety reasons. Despite the early suspension, officials expressed gratitude for the smooth conduct of the yatra so far and acknowledged the cooperation of pilgrims, security personnel, and volunteers in ensuring a safe pilgrimage season.

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Editor04 mins

Army Officer’s Excess Baggage Dispute Leads to Brutal Assault on SpiceJet Staff at Srinagar Airport

A senior Army officer’s refusal to pay excess baggage charges for 16 kg of cabin luggage—more than double the permitted 7 kg limit—escalated into a violent assault on four SpiceJet employees at Srinagar Airport on July 26. The confrontation left one staffer with a spinal fracture, another with a broken jaw, and two others with serious injuries. According to SpiceJet, the officer attempted to board a Delhi‐bound flight without settling the additional baggage fees. When ground personnel politely informed him of the policy and asked for payment, he forcefully entered the aerobridge in violation of security protocols. A CISF official escorted him back to the gate, but the officer then turned aggressive, wielding a check‐in information board and physically attacking the staff. Disturbing footage shows the officer repeatedly striking employees and kicking a colleague who had collapsed unconscious. One victim sustained repeated kicks to the spine, resulting in a fracture, while another suffered severe jaw injuries and bleeding after being struck. The injured were rushed to hospital, where they remain under treatment. SpiceJet has filed a police complaint, requested that the officer be placed on a no‐fly list, and written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation seeking regulatory action. “We strongly condemn any act of violence against our employees and will pursue full legal and regulatory recourse,” the airline stated. The CISF confirmed its personnel intervened swiftly to restore order and keep flight operations running. Army sources say senior leadership is monitoring the investigation closely and will cooperate fully.

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Editor03 mins

Operation Akhal: Six Terrorists Killed as Massive Anti-Terror Push Continues in J&K

Three terrorists were killed and one soldier injured on Sunday as Operation Akhal, one of the biggest counter-terror exercises of 2025, entered its third consecutive day in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district. With this, the death toll of terrorists has risen to six, after three were neutralized on Saturday by security forces. Gunbattle in Kulgam’s Akhal Forests The gunfight began on Friday, when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the dense Akhal forests of south Kashmir based on intelligence inputs. A group of terrorists, hiding under forest cover, opened fire, triggering a fierce encounter. Following an initial exchange, the operation was paused Friday night and resumed Saturday, leading to the killing of three terrorists belonging to The Resistance Front (TRF) — a proxy outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The TRF had earlier claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Heavy Firing, Explosions Continue Security forces reported continuous firing and explosions throughout the night, as elite units of the Army, CRPF, and J&K Police press forward with the operation. The situation is being closely monitored by J&K DGP and the 15 Corps Commander, with high-tech surveillance systems deployed to track movement in the rugged forest terrain. Part of a Larger Anti-Terror Offensive Operation Akhal is the latest in a series of high-profile counter-terror actions across Jammu and Kashmir. In recent days: Conclusion As Operation Akhal continues, it reflects a renewed and intensified strategy by Indian security forces to dismantle terror networks in the region. The sustained offensive, combining ground intelligence, elite units, and advanced surveillance, signals a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Editor03 mins

भोपाल में ₹45 लाख का भूजल परियोजना SAM 2.0 ठप, मानसून का लाभ नहीं उठा सके अधिकारी

भोपाल में मानसून सीजन समाप्ति की ओर बढ़ रहा है, लेकिन अमृत 2.0 योजना के तहत स्वीकृत shallow aquifer management (SAM 2.0) परियोजना पूरी तरह ठप पड़ी है। करीब ₹45 लाख की इस परियोजना को लागू करने के लिए कोई ठेकेदार सामने नहीं आया है, जिससे इसका क्रियान्वयन अधर में लटक गया है। वर्ष 2022 में देश के 10 शहरी क्षेत्रों में शुरू हुई SAM योजना का उद्देश्य भूजल स्तर को स्थायी रूप से बेहतर बनाना है, जिसमें अवसंरचना विकास और सामुदायिक जागरूकता शामिल है। जहां हैदराबाद और जयपुर में इस योजना ने प्रगति दिखाई है, वहीं भोपाल में परियोजना की शुरुआत भी नहीं हो पाई है। योजना को वर्ष 2023 की शुरुआत में मंजूरी मिली थी, और इसके अंतर्गत होशंगाबाद रोड, भेल क्षेत्र, और आरिफ नगर में 10 साइटों पर रिचार्ज स्ट्रक्चर बनाए जाने थे। इसका मकसद भूजल स्तर को बढ़ाना और शहरी बाढ़ की स्थिति को नियंत्रित करना था। हालांकि साइट निरीक्षण और प्रशासनिक मंजूरी पहले ही मिल चुकी है, फिर भी महत्वपूर्ण मानसूनी समय में परियोजना निष्क्रिय रही। भोपाल नगर निगम (BMC) के अधिकारियों ने इस मामले में कोई टिप्पणी नहीं की है। जल विशेषज्ञों का कहना है कि इस देरी ने मानसून के पानी को भूजल पुनर्भरण के लिए इस्तेमाल करने का एक अहम अवसर गंवा दिया है। हालात और गंभीर इसलिए हो गए हैं क्योंकि इस दौरान जल गुणवत्ता से जुड़ी समस्याएं भी सामने आई हैं। इस्लामनगर और सरवर क्षेत्रों में नाइट्रेट की अत्यधिक मात्रा पाई गई है, जो ब्लू-बेबी सिंड्रोम जैसी स्वास्थ्य समस्याएं उत्पन्न कर सकती हैं। केंद्रीय जल प्रदूषण नियंत्रण बोर्ड (CPCB) ने भी भोपाल के कई इलाकों को जल सुरक्षा मानकों का उल्लंघन करने वाले क्षेत्र के रूप में चिन्हित किया है।

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Editor01 mins

ED Arrests Odisha Firm MD in Fake Bank Guarantee Racket Involving Reliance Subsidiary

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Partha Sarathi Biswal, the managing director of Bhubaneswar-based Biswal Tradelink, in connection with an alleged fake bank guarantee scam. The arrest was made under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Friday, following searches at the company’s premises in Bhubaneswar and at an associate entity in Kolkata. A local court has remanded Biswal to ED custody until August 6. The money laundering case is linked to a November 2024 FIR filed by the Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW). According to ED sources, Biswal Tradelink was engaged in issuing fraudulent bank guarantees for a commission of 8%. One of the key allegations involves a fake bank guarantee worth ₹68.2 crore, submitted to the Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) on behalf of Reliance NU BESS Limited — a subsidiary of Reliance Power, formerly known as Maharashtra Energy Generation Limited. ED officials reportedly recovered documents related to this transaction during previous raids on Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group offices in Mumbai. A Reliance Group spokesperson stated that the company had been a “victim of fraud, forgery, and conspiracy” and had lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police EOW in October 2024. The spokesperson added that Reliance made appropriate disclosures to the stock exchanges on November 7, 2024. Investigators also uncovered several suspicious financial dealings with multiple companies and found that Biswal Tradelink operated at least seven undisclosed bank accounts. These accounts handled transactions grossly disproportionate to the company’s declared turnover. To lend false credibility, the company allegedly used a deceptive email domain — s-bi.co.in — resembling sbi.co.in, the official domain of the State Bank of India. This domain was used to send forged communications to SECI, impersonating India’s largest lender. The ED has contacted the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) for domain registration records of the fake email ID. Further findings suggest the Odisha-based company generated fake bills for commissions and engaged in transactions worth crores through undisclosed accounts. The company’s registered address turned out to be a residential property owned by a relative, with no official records found on-site. ED sources also revealed that key individuals in the company were using encrypted messaging on the Telegram app with disappearing messages enabled — an apparent effort to avoid detection and erase digital communication trails. The investigation is ongoing and may uncover further links to other firms and financial entities.

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Editor04 mins

PM Modi to Launch ₹2,200 Crore Worth of Development Projects in Varanasi on August 2

Varanasi, Aug 2:Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Saturday, August 2, where he will unveil a slew of development projects valued at approximately ₹2,200 crore. The visit reflects a comprehensive push across sectors including infrastructure, education, health, tourism, environment, and rural development. A key highlight of the visit will be the release of the 20th instalment of the PM-Kisan scheme, benefiting crores of farmers across India. “For my family members in Kashi, tomorrow is a very special day,” PM Modi wrote on X, expressing enthusiasm for the occasion. Connectivity & Infrastructure The Prime Minister will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for major road projects, such as: Power Supply Modernisation To boost electricity infrastructure, PM Modi will launch works under the Smart Distribution Project and undergrounding of electrical lines, with investments exceeding ₹880 crore. Tourism, Culture & Heritage The Prime Minister will inaugurate: He will also initiate: Environment & Water To improve water quality and availability: Education Sector Uplift PM Modi will: Healthcare & Animal Welfare Significant enhancements include: PM Modi’s Varanasi visit underscores a vision of holistic urban renewal combined with rural upliftment, aiming to transform the ancient city into a modern, sustainable, and inclusive urban hub while retaining its rich cultural legacy.

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Editor04 mins

Communal Tensions Flare in Pune’s Yavat Village Over Objectionable Post; CM Fadnavis Appeals for Calm

A tense situation unfolded in Yavat village of Daund Taluka, Pune district, after an allegedly objectionable social media post triggered communal unrest. The post, believed to have been shared by an outsider, sparked outrage, prompting villagers to take to the streets, with some individuals reportedly attempting to vandalise a local structure. In response, heavy police deployment was made in the area to control the situation. Officials confirmed that the incident occurred a week ago, and tensions had already been simmering before Friday’s flare-up. Authorities were compelled to conduct a lathi-charge to disperse the agitated crowd. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the media on Friday, urging citizens to maintain peace and not take the law into their own hands.“Some people deliberately post such statuses to create tension, but strict action will definitely be taken against them,” Fadnavis stated. He emphasized that no one has the right to insult any religion, and dismissed suggestions that the unrest was linked to any recent public gathering. “At present, the area is entirely peaceful,” he assured. “People from both communities are sitting together, discussing, and attempting to resolve the tension peacefully.” In the aftermath of the violence, a bakery owned by local resident Swapnil Adinath Kadam was vandalised and set on fire. Speaking to reporters, Kadam clarified that the bakery belonged to his family, not to any of the Muslim workers employed there.“Someone wrongly claimed the bakery was Muslim-owned and incited violence. They pelted stones, ripped off the tin roof, and threw inflammable material inside. Our entire bakery has burned down,” he said. Kadam stressed that none of his employees were linked to the controversial post. The police have initiated a probe into the source of the social media post and are also examining video clips circulating online, amid concerns about doctored content being used to inflame tensions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while investigating the origin and intent behind the provocative material.

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Editor03 mins

Property Dispute Turns Violent: IAS Officer’s House Partially Demolished in Danish Kunj

Bhopal, Aug 2:A simmering property dispute erupted into chaos in Danish Kunj Colony on Friday when over 40 individuals, allegedly accompanied by a bulldozer, arrived at the residence of IAS officer Manjusha Rai, Deputy Secretary in the Education Department, and began demolishing parts of her house. Rai alleged that her boundary wall was razed, CCTV cameras were damaged, and despite alerting the police during the incident, no immediate action was taken. Speaking to the media, Rai detailed the origins of the dispute, stating that House No. 595 was purchased by her husband, Vikrant Praveen Rai, in December 2010 through a Rs. 41 lakh agreement. Although the full payment was made, she claims the property was never formally registered in their name. The family has been residing in the house since 2011, and even built two additional rooms with verbal approval from the original seller. The conflict escalated in March 2025, when the property was allegedly transferred by the Additional Tehsildar of Kolar to Ridit Arora (formerly Saeed Farid Ahmed). Arora subsequently sold the property to Mona Bateja on June 10, a development the Rai family said they were completely unaware of—until they received threats and witnessed the demolition on Friday. Rai emphasized that the matter is currently under litigation in the SDM and Revenue Courts, with formal objections filed against the disputed transfer. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the opposing party allegedly took matters into their own hands and proceeded with a forceful takeover. Expressing her frustration, Rai said, “No cooperation is being received from the police. If it’s a property issue, let the civil court decide. Why this hooliganism?” She has appealed to the authorities for urgent intervention and protection. Senior administrative officials visited the location briefly but declined to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, Rai has submitted formal complaints to higher authorities, demanding justice and protection for her family.

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Editor03 mins

One Terrorist Killed in Intense Overnight Encounter in Kulgam’s Akhal Forests

Kulgam, Aug 2:One terrorist has been killed in an ongoing encounter between security forces and militants in the Akhal forests of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, the Indian Army confirmed on Saturday. According to an army official, “intermittent and intense fire fight continued through the night,” with troops responding “befittingly” to the threat. The engagement, part of a counter-terrorism operation code-named Op Akhal, began late Friday and continued into Saturday morning. In an early morning update on X (formerly Twitter), the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army stated, “Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact,” confirming that one terrorist had been neutralised so far. The post also indicated that the operation is still ongoing. A police official later identified the slain militant as Haris Nazir Dar, a resident of Rajpora. Security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the site, including an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and grenades. The operation remains active as forces continue combing the area for any additional threats.

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Editor02 mins

Passenger Slaps Co-Traveller on IndiGo Mumbai–Kolkata Flight; Both Detained and Released

In a shocking incident aboard IndiGo flight 6E 138 from Mumbai to Kolkata, a male passenger allegedly slapped a fellow passenger before the flight took off on Friday morning. The altercation occurred after the boarding process had been completed and passengers were seated, just before the aircraft began taxiing at the Mumbai airport. According to sources, the accused suddenly slapped another male passenger, who was walking toward the front of the aircraft. A video circulating on social media, though yet to be independently verified, shows the victim visibly distressed and crying while fellow passengers protest the violent behaviour. IndiGo crew members swiftly intervened and moved the victim away from the scene. The airline alerted its ground team at Kolkata airport about the incident. Upon landing at 5:35 AM, both passengers were escorted off the aircraft by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel and IndiGo security staff. They were then handed over to the police at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport. Both individuals were detained and questioned at the airport police station. While the accused was not arrested, he was issued a formal warning and released. Police sources have indicated that the victim may have underlying mental health issues, although no further details have been disclosed. The identities of both passengers remain undisclosed. IndiGo issued an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), strongly condemning the unruly behaviour. “Such behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment on all our flights,” the airline stated. They added that all regulatory agencies had been duly informed, and their crew had acted according to standard procedures. The incident has raised fresh concerns about in-flight safety and passenger conduct, particularly on domestic routes that have seen a rise in such altercations in recent times.

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Editor03 mins
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