7 Dead, Over 80 Injured in Stampede at Shri Lairai Zatra Festival in Goa

At least seven people lost their lives and more than 80 others were injured in a tragic stampede during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao, Goa, late on Friday night. The injured have been rushed to the Goa Medical College (GMC) and the North Goa District Hospital in Mapusa for treatment. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant visited the North Goa District Hospital and earlier inspected the situation at the Bicholim hospital. Taking to social media platform X, he expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that he is personally monitoring the situation. Sawant also announced a detailed inquiry into the incident, stating, “We will make the report public,” while speaking to reporters at the site. Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane confirmed that 10 of the 80 injured are critically hurt and that medical teams have been working overnight to save lives. “This is the most unfortunate incident,” he said, adding that more than six to seven people have lost their lives and that the government is doing its best to treat the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the bereaved families, stating that the local administration is actively supporting the victims. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi echoed these sentiments and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. The exact cause of the stampede and the identities of the victims have not yet been released by the authorities. The Shri Lairai Zatra is one of Goa’s most revered religious festivals, held annually at the Shri Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgao. Devotees from across the state and neighbouring regions attend the event to honour Goddess Lairai, a form of Goddess Parvati. A major highlight of the festival is the dhondachi zatra, in which devotees walk barefoot over burning embers—a ritual believed to invoke divine blessings. The festival draws thousands of participants, with grand processions, devotional music, and ceremonial offerings marking the celebration. This year’s tragedy has cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant and spiritual occasion.

Pahalgam Attack: Terrorists Still Hiding in Dense South Kashmir Forests, Self-Reliant and Equipped for Evasion

Fresh inputs from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) suggest that the terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam massacre may still be hiding in the thick forests of South Kashmir. According to sources cited by NDTV, the attackers are believed to be “self-reliant,” carrying their own supplies, which has enabled them to remain undetected despite an intense and ongoing manhunt by the military and local police. This self-sufficiency, experts say, reduces the need for logistical support—especially from external sources like Pakistan, which India has accused of orchestrating the attack. Initial investigations have revealed that the terrorists had been holed up in the Baisaran Valley, near the popular tourist resort of Pahalgam, for at least 48 hours prior to launching the attack. On April 22, four terrorists executed one of the deadliest terror strikes in India in recent years—since the 2019 Pulwama attack—by opening fire on tourists in Baisaran, killing 26 people. The attackers have remained elusive since then, despite a large-scale joint operation by security forces. NIA, which is now handling the case, has also revealed that Over Ground Workers (OGWs) detained for questioning after the attack admitted to scouting four potential targets: Aru, Betaab, and two other valley locations. These areas were reportedly well-guarded, which led the terrorists to select Baisaran—an area with visibly lighter security presence. This has sparked criticism from opposition parties questioning the apparent lack of military deterrence in the region. The terrorists were reportedly equipped with high-end communication devices that didn’t require SIM cards and could perform short-range encrypted transmissions—making interception nearly impossible. Sources also noted the use of three satellite phones to further mask their positions and mislead Indian forces before the strike. The attack itself was carried out with brutal precision. Three terrorists emerged from hidden spots around Baisaran and opened fire on unsuspecting tourists, while a fourth remained in concealment to provide support if required. Reports indicate the attackers interrogated male victims, forcing them to recite Islamic verses—executing those who failed. Shocking videos shared online showed the aftermath, including blood-soaked women crying for help beside the bodies of their loved ones. One chilling clip captured a terrorist taunting a grieving woman, telling her to “go tell (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi.” The scale, planning, and savagery of the Pahalgam attack have left the nation shaken, prompting questions about intelligence lapses and security readiness in high-tourism zones of Kashmir. The search continues for the perpetrators, as investigators work to trace additional operatives and potential safehouses in the region.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani made a powerful case for India’s media and entertainment (M&E) sector

At the WAVES 2025 Summit, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani made a powerful case for India’s media and entertainment (M&E) sector, predicting its valuation could quadruple from $28 billion to over $100 billion within the next decade, provided the right investments and policies are in place. Key Highlights from Ambani’s Address: 🚀 Massive Growth Potential 🏗️ Strategic Investments Needed To achieve this exponential growth, he proposed: 🧠 Policy and Regulation 🌍 Soft Power to Real Power 🔁 Tech + Tradition Conclusion: Mukesh Ambani’s vision reflects a future where India doesn’t just consume content — it leads the world in creating and exporting immersive, culturally rich, technologically sophisticated entertainment. His call to action hints at major future investments from Reliance and potential policy shifts to boost India’s digital creative economy.

BJP MLC Chitra Wagh Demands Ban on Ajaz Khan’s Web Show ‘House Arrest’ for Obscenity

Maharashtra BJP MLC Chitra Wagh has called for an immediate ban on actor Ajaz Khan’s web series House Arrest, alleging that it promotes obscene content harmful to society, particularly impressionable children. The series is currently being streamed on the Ullu app, known for its adult-themed content. Wagh expressed serious concerns over the show, stating, “Ajaz Khan, who calls himself an actor, has created a show called House Arrest, which is nothing but the epitome of obscenity. Clips from this show are now freely circulating on social media, and they are extremely vulgar.” Highlighting the accessibility of such content, Wagh warned that children are increasingly exposed to it on mobile phones. “These kinds of programmes not only insult our culture but also degrade the moral health of society. This is a perverse attack on the minds of the next generation,” she said. Urging strict action, Wagh appealed to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to intervene and take steps against mobile platforms that enable the dissemination of such material. She accused content creators of misusing the principle of freedom of expression, saying, “In the name of freedom of expression, we must stop giving a free hand to obscenity. House Arrest is not merely content—it is an assault on the values of society.” Her demand has sparked renewed debate over the regulation of digital platforms and the boundaries of artistic freedom in India.

Tension in Mangaluru: Prohibitory Orders Imposed After Back-to-Back Murders

Police in Mangaluru, Karnataka, have enforced prohibitory orders across the city under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, effective till May 6, following the gruesome murder of Suhas Shetty—prime accused in the 2022 Mohammed Fazil murder case. Suhas Shetty, believed to be in his early thirties and associated with several local Hindutva outfits, was brutally attacked and killed by at least five assailants armed with machetes and swords on a busy city road. The attack, captured on CCTV, shocked residents and authorities alike. Shetty had several criminal cases pending against him, including charges of assault and unlawful assembly. Notably, Shetty was the main accused in the 2022 murder of 23-year-old Mohammed Fazil, a case seen by many as a retaliatory killing in response to the earlier murder of BJP youth worker Praveen Nettaru. Police said the killing of Shetty appeared to be premeditated, although the exact motive remains under investigation. In response, law enforcement swiftly imposed restrictions on public gatherings, meetings, processions, and the carrying of potential weapons within Mangaluru city limits to prevent any flare-up in communal tensions. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara condemned the incident, calling it a “gruesome murder,” and assured that four special teams have been formed to track down and arrest the suspects. He emphasized that the state would not compromise on law and order and confirmed that senior police officials, including the ADGP (Law and Order), had been dispatched to Mangaluru. Additional forces have also been deployed to maintain peace in the region. This is the second violent incident reported in the area within a week. On April 27, Ashraf, a resident of Wayanad in Kerala, was allegedly beaten to death by a mob near Mangaluru following a dispute during a cricket match. A preliminary probe suggests the man shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” while carrying a gunny bag across the field, leading to the assault. Despite bystanders’ attempts to intervene, Ashraf was fatally attacked with wooden sticks and kicks. Police initially detained 25 individuals, later arresting 20 after further investigation. These two consecutive killings have heightened tensions in the communally sensitive Dakshina Kannada region, prompting authorities to act swiftly to prevent further unrest.

PM Modi to Relaunch Amaravati Mega Capital Project with ₹58,000 Cr Boost

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Andhra Pradesh on May 2 to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate a series of major infrastructure projects worth ₹57,962 crore. In what is being described as one of the largest single-day infrastructure announcements for the state, the Prime Minister will launch a total of 94 projects, mainly centered around the greenfield capital of Amaravati. A major share of the investment—₹49,000 crore—will go into 74 projects focused on the reconstruction of Amaravati. These include the development of key administrative buildings such as the Assembly, Secretariat, High Court, and residential quarters for judicial staff. This marks a major revival of the capital city, nearly a decade after PM Modi first laid its foundation in October 2015. Additionally, the Prime Minister will inaugurate nine central government projects valued at ₹5,028 crore. These include the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) missile testing centre at Nagayalanka in Krishna district, worth ₹1,459 crore, a Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam worth ₹100 crore, the Guntakal-Mallappa Gate Rail Overbridge worth ₹293 crore, and six national highway projects totaling ₹3,680 crore. The missile testing centre will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities with indigenous radars, electro-optical systems, and telemetry facilities. This relaunch marks a turning point after years of stagnation. During the 2014–2019 tenure of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), led by N. Chandrababu Naidu, some temporary structures were erected in Amaravati, including a provisional Secretariat and High Court. However, the subsequent YSRCP government led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy halted most works on what it called Naidu’s “dream project,” which had involved pooling 54,000 acres from nearly 30,000 farmers. After returning to power last year, the TDP-led administration has breathed new life into the Amaravati plan. Chief Minister Naidu has ambitious goals to develop a futuristic capital, aiming to resume projects worth nearly ₹1 lakh crore by December. In a recent meeting with a delegation from Singapore, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand highlighted the scale and scope of the resumed development. Furthermore, the government plans to expand the Amaravati region by acquiring an additional 40,000 acres to develop a ‘mega city’ that merges Mangalagiri, Tadepalli, Guntur, and Vijayawada. Municipal Minister P. Narayana announced that the proposed city will be equipped with an international airport and consist of nine thematic cities—such as Government City, Knowledge City, Health City, Sports City, Electronics City, Media City, Finance City, Justice City, and Tourism City. Naidu envisions Amaravati as the “capital of goddesses” and a hub for world-class education and innovation, with institutions like BITS Pilani, XLRI, and the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub expected to set up campuses. The city will be integrated with major ports—Krishnapatnam, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam—via expressways and rail links, ensuring enhanced export connectivity and agricultural market access.

Fresh Corruption Case Filed Against Former AAP Ministers in ₹2,000-Crore Classroom Scam

In a major development, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi Police has filed a corruption case against former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in connection with the alleged ₹2,000-crore classroom construction scam. The ACB has also launched a comprehensive probe to determine the involvement of other officials and contractors linked to the project. According to ACB chief Madhur Verma, the role of unidentified government officials and contractors is also under scrutiny. The investigation pertains to the construction of over 12,000 classrooms and school buildings during the previous AAP regime, which, the ACB claims, were built at grossly inflated costs. Manish Sisodia, who served as Deputy Chief Minister and held the Education portfolio, and Satyendar Jain, the then PWD Minister, were responsible for overseeing the classroom construction project. The Public Works Department, under Jain’s leadership, was the executing agency for the constructions. The ACB’s initial findings suggest that 34 contractors, most of whom were allegedly associated with AAP, were awarded contracts. Many of the constructions were not completed within the stipulated timeframe, leading to significant cost escalations. Notably, the classrooms were built as Semi-Permanent Structures (SPS) with an intended lifespan of 30 years. However, the cost incurred was reportedly equivalent to that of pucca (permanent) classrooms with a lifespan of 75 years. Further irregularities were noted in the appointment of consultants and architects, who were allegedly hired without adherence to due procurement procedures. These violations contributed to the soaring project costs. The probe gained momentum following complaints by BJP leaders, who alleged that the classroom construction costs had escalated nearly fivefold. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) had also prepared a report highlighting serious lapses and irregularities in the project. However, the ACB stated that this report was suppressed for nearly three years. According to the CVC findings, the cost of SPS construction was pegged at ₹2,292 per sq ft, which was almost at par with the cost of constructing full-fledged concrete buildings, ranging from ₹2,044 to ₹2,416 per sq ft. Additionally, project costs were increased by ₹326 crore without issuing new tenders, further raising concerns of financial mismanagement and procedural violations. The investigation is ongoing and is expected to uncover more details about the extent of the alleged scam.

Kolkata Hotel Fire Claims 14 Lives, Dozens Injured in Tragic Incident

A devastating fire broke out in a Kolkata hotel in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming at least 14 lives and leaving several others injured. As thick smoke rapidly filled the stairwells and corridors, guests scrambled to find safety. Some made their way to the rooftop, while others were seen clinging precariously to parapets outside their windows in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Firefighters mounted a swift rescue operation, using hydraulic ladders to reach those stranded on ledges. Guests on the terrace signaled for help using phone flashlights, while authorities deployed loudspeakers to communicate with those trapped inside, offering reassurance as smoke engulfed the structure. One of the victims, identified as Sanjoy Paswan, was declared dead on arrival at Kolkata Medical College Hospital after reportedly falling from the building while trying to escape. Several other victims are currently being treated for burns and smoke inhalation at the same hospital. Once the fire was brought under control in the early hours, emergency teams were able to access the upper floors of the building. There, they discovered 13 more bodies, many of whom are believed to have died from suffocation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident, writing on social media platform X: “Anguished by the loss of lives due to a fire mishap in Kolkata. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” He also announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh to the families of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). West Bengal’s Women, Children and Social Welfare Minister Sashi Panja stated that many of the hotel’s occupants were from other states, visiting for business purposes. She confirmed that two children were among the victims and emphasized that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze. “The fire brigade did its best to rescue all the boarders, but unfortunately some died due to suffocation,” she said. Authorities have cordoned off the area and continue to investigate the incident, as the city mourns yet another deadly tragedy caused by fire safety lapses.

Tragedy at Simhachalam Temple: Wall Collapse Claims Eight Lives, Injures Several Devotees

In a tragic incident at the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh, eight devotees lost their lives and several others were injured when a rain-drenched wall collapsed in the early hours of Wednesday. The wall, located near the ₹300-ticket queue line close to the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand, gave way due to soil loosening caused by heavy overnight rains and strong winds. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he was in constant touch with the District Collector and Superintendent of Police. “Deeply saddened by the death of seven devotees at Simhachalam… my condolences to the families. I’m closely monitoring the situation and have ordered continuous review and support for the victims,” Naidu posted on social media platform ‘X’. He announced an ex gratia of ₹25 lakh for the families of each deceased and ₹3 lakh for the injured. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy also offered his condolences to the bereaved families. Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha, who was present at the temple at the time of the incident, said the collapse was likely triggered by heavy rainfall weakening the soil. She assured that there was no delay in rescue efforts and that the injured were immediately rushed to the hospital. Temple authorities and Endowments Minister K. Ramanarayana Reddy described the incident as a likely structural failure induced by weather conditions. Reddy called the incident unfortunate and emphasized the need for stronger safety protocols across temples to prevent such tragedies in the future. Rescue operations are still underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) actively involved. Seven bodies—comprising three women and four men—were recovered during the operation, while one person remains unaccounted for. Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock and urged officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured and prompt compensation for the affected families. This incident follows another temple-related tragedy earlier this year, when six devotees were killed in a stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, highlighting ongoing concerns about crowd and structural safety at major religious sites.

Pahalgam Attack: Pakistani Ex-Commando Identified as Key Perpetrator, Local Network Aided Execution

In a major revelation concerning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, investigators have identified one of the two Pakistani terrorists involved as Hashim Musa, a former member of the Pakistan Army’s elite Para Forces, security sources disclosed on Tuesday. Musa, reportedly dismissed from the Pakistan Army before joining the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is said to have infiltrated into India in September 2023. His area of operation was primarily Budgam district, near Srinagar. Sources believe his association with LeT may have been orchestrated by Pakistan Army’s Special Service Group (SSG) to bolster the outfit’s operations in Kashmir. Trained in unconventional warfare and covert operations, Musa’s background as a para commando makes him highly proficient in sophisticated weaponry, hand-to-hand combat, and survival skills, according to a senior security official. His identity and training background came to light during the interrogation of one of 14 Kashmiri Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who were arrested in connection with the attack. These OGWs allegedly provided logistical support, shelter, and conducted reconnaissance for the attackers. Sources in the security establishment have pointed out that the direct involvement of Pakistan’s Army and ISI is now “evident,” citing similarities with a series of attacks in October 2024, where six non-locals, a doctor, two Army personnel, and two porters were killed. Musa is also believed to have played a role in three attacks in 2024. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confirmed the involvement of a local terror module in south Kashmir, which assisted the Pahalgam attackers with logistics and possibly helped transport the weapons used in the massacre. Investigators have confirmed the direct roles of four individuals in the April 22 attack: Pakistani nationals Hashim Musa and Ali Bhai, and local operatives Adil Thoker and Asif Shaikh. However, ongoing interrogations suggest the involvement of more Pakistani infiltrators. The April 22 shooting—where terrorists opened fire on a popular meadow near the Pahalgam tourist zone—has become the deadliest terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, triggering widespread fear and renewed calls for strong retaliatory measures.

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