Month: March 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a more flexible approach to its policy regarding players’ families accompanying them on international tours. According to BCCI sources, players who wish to have their families with them for an extended period during overseas assignments will now be able to apply for special permission from the board.

This potential relaxation of rules comes after Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli speaking at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit highlighted the emotional toll of being away from family during demanding tours.

Speaking about the importance of a support system, Kohli remarked that no player would like to “sit alone and sulk” after a poor showing during a tour,” reported ESPNCricinfo.

His comments shed light on the mental challenges athletes face when travelling for long durations without their families.

Virat said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, “It is very difficult to explain to people how grounding it is to just come back to your family every time you have something intense, which happens on the outside.”

“I do not think people have an understanding of what value it brings to a large extent. And I feel quite disappointed about that because it is like people who have no control over what is going on are kind of brought into conversations and put out at the forefront that, ‘oh, maybe they need to be kept away’,” he added.

The Indian stalwart said that he would not like to miss any opportunity to spend time with family.

“Like, there could be different situations happening in your life all the time. And that allows you to be absolutely normal. Not in a vague sense, but in a very real way that you finish your commitment, your responsibility, and then you come back to your house, you are with family, and there’s absolutely normalcy in your house and normal family life goes on. So, for me, that is absolutely a day of immense pleasure. And I would not miss any opportunities to go out and spend time with my family whenever I can,” he concluded.

The current BCCI policy allows limited family presence during tours, with restrictions often varying based on the series, venue, and scheduling demands. However, as conversations around mental well-being in sports gain prominence, the board appears to be reassessing its stance.

While there is no official confirmation yet, sources suggest that under the new framework, players will have to submit requests to the BCCI.

With the international cricket calendar packed with fixtures, including the upcoming ICC events and bilateral series, this potential shift in policy could provide much-needed balance for players navigating the intense demands of the sport. (ANI)

Supporting New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s ambitious plan of signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries in a record 60 days, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said he will be aspiring to do this “equally fast, maybe faster.”

“So we are an aspirational two friends working together in a spirit of cooperation, respecting each other’s sensitivities. And we will be aspiring to do this equally fast, maybe faster,” Piyush Goyal told reporters, on the sidelines of the FICCI-organised ‘India-New Zealand Economic Forum’, while New Zealand’s Minister of Trade and Investment Todd McClay was standing next to him.

Piyush Goyal said no one had imagined that India would be able to sign a trade pact with UAE in just 90 days.

“But I’ve also always said that no free trade agreement is ever negotiated with a gun on anybody’s head. There’s never a timeline or a dead-end date — which is sacrosanct. But it’s good to be aspirational. Both our leaders, Prime Minister Luxon and Prime Minister Modi are ambitious in making this relationship stronger, giving opportunities to the youth of both countries, leveraging on the strengths of New Zealand and India,” Goyal further told reporters.

“And our job is to make sure that we do a good job, which is a win-win for both countries and which will result in expanding opportunities and economic growth.”

Goyal thinks that the India-New Zealand FTA “by and large” will be a full-fledged FTA.

“We don’t see any difficulty in that. We will cover the entire gamut of a full-fledged comprehensive economic partnership between New Zealand and India. We will cover every issue that is of interest to both countries,” he further supplemented.

New Zealand Minister Todd McClay said, “… We have to make sure that we do a good job for the business community of India and New Zealand… Our negotiators will come together very soon. It’s good to see the relationship between India and New Zealand has grown so strong that our leaders are telling us to meet a lot and get on with the business…”

Earlier, addressing the FICCI event, the New Zealand Prime Minister asserted that he looked forward to signing the FTA with Prime Minister Modi within the next 60 days.

“We are very ambitious. We have massive aspiration. We can go forward in the world with positivity and confidence, and we will all get what we deserve. And we deserve the very, very best in this relationship. And the people of our two countries deserve that best. And I think we are well positioned, despite the challenges, to actually do exceptionally well for both of our countries in the years and the decades ahead,” the New Zealand Prime Minister said in his address.

India and New Zealand launched negotiations on Sunday for a “comprehensive and mutually beneficial” Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the day the Kiwi Prime Minister Christopher Luxon landed in New Delhi for a five-day official visit.

A meeting was held between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand counterpart Todd McClay here in New Delhi, laying the foundation of a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries.

In the year 2023-24, New Zealand exported a total of USD 0.84 billion in goods and services to India and imported USD 0.91 billion, for a total trade value of USD 1.75 billion.

India primarily imports wool, Iron and steel, fruit and nuts, and aluminium from New Zealand. Indian exports to New Zealand mostly consist of pharmaceuticals/medications, mechanical machinery, made-up textile articles, pearls, precious stones, and metals.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, is in India from March 16-20.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials, businesses, media and members of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand.

It is Prime Minister Luxon’s first visit to India in his present capacity.

On Monday, Prime Minister Luxon held talks with Prime Minister Modi, covering various aspects of India- New Zealand relations.

Prime Minister Luxon was the chief guest, and he delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session of the 10th Raisina Dialogue 2025 on March 17 in New Delhi.

He is scheduled to visit Mumbai on 19-20 March, where he will have interactions with Indian business leaders and representatives from various walks of life. (ANI)

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Tuesday that there is “no future for any separatism” and stressed that the people who might be unhappy with the status quo should work within the system instead of engaging in divisive and politically violent activities against India.

On Khalistani extremism and anti-India activities in Australia, Abbott said, “Well, plainly there is no future for any separatism. I think that people who might be unhappy with the status quo should work within the system to make it better rather than engaging in divisive and at times potentially violent activities against the modern democratic pluralist India.”

In an interview with ANI, Tony Abbott said he wants the ties between India and Australia. He called it important for all democracies of the Indo-Pacific to stand together in favour of rule of law, and peaceful co-existence and against cohesion and bullying.

“I really want those ties between India and Australia to develop further. I think that its inevitable that as time goes by there will be increasing tension between China and all of its neighbours as long as China remains a Communist dictatorship. I think its inevitable that will sadly be the case and I think its is going to be very important in that event for all the democracies of the Indo Pacific to stand together not against one but in favour of the rule of law, in favour of peaceful co-existence and against cohesion and bullying,” he said.

Calling India the “heart of the Quad”, he spoke about the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe in the creation of the partnership which has four members – India, US, Japan and Australia. He stressed that Quad is significant and not against anyone.

“India is the heart of the Quad. India is in a sense the point of the Quad because but for Shinzo Abe of Japan and Narendra Modi of India the Quad wouldn’t really exist. If it develops as it should the Quad will be the most significant geopolitical development since the formation of NATO. I stress that the Quad is not against anyone but what it’s for is really significant. The Quad is for a democracy, the rule of law and the rights of all countries to exist in peace without bullying from large and aggressive neighbours and particularly given the way China under the current leadership has bullied all of its neighbours,” Tony Abbott said.

“I think the Quad is incredibly important. Now the Quad has no formal structures, the Quad has no written documents. It’s a bit like the Five Eyes and the Five Eyes security partnership has probably been the most important security partnership the world has ever known and if the leaders of the Quad countries respect the Quad, contribute to it, work on it the same way the Five Eyes partnership has been respected and worked upon these last seven decades, well I think the Quad could be an extraordinary force for peace and development in the decades to come,” he added.

The QUAD is a diplomatic partnership among India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, committed to fostering an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

He also mentioned about the Raisina Dialogue, which is currently underway in New Delhi. He stated that he listened to the remarks of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other leaders during the Raisina Dialogue.

On Raisina Dialogue, Tony Abbott said, “Well, I am here to listen and obviously we have listened to this morning to an Indian government minister talking about climate. We have listened to a very interesting discussion including Foreign Affairs Minister Jaishankar on the state of the contemporary world and we just heard from the new director of intelligence in the Trump administration and I guess the great thing about the dialogue is, it is a wonderful showcase for Indian soft power and it attracts a lot of significant leaders and thinkers from all over the world. So, I am here to listen, I am here to learn and to the extent that I have something to contribute to, I will do my best.”

The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics committed to addressing the most challenging issues facing the global community. Every year, leaders in politics, business, media, and civil society converge in New Delhi to discuss the state of the world and explore opportunities for cooperation on a wide range of contemporary matters.

Calling Russia an “aggressor” in Ukraine, Tony Abbott said that he wants the war to end on a just basis and if Ukrainians are expected to trade territory, its got to be for real security.

Asked about India’s role amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, he responded, “I know that India has traditionally had good relations with Russia and I can understand why India doesn’t want to disrupt that good relationship. But, plainly, Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine. It’s a vicious imperialist war that Russia is waging in Ukraine. I can understand why everyone wants to see the war come to an end as soon as possible.”

“I want to see the war come to an end as soon as possible but it’s got to come to an end on a just basis and if the Ukrainians are expected to trade territory it’s got to be for real security and the only real security is security guaranteed by the presence of serious troops from serious countries that will ensure that any ceasefire does not just become a brief pause for Putin to rearm and attack again,” he added. (ANI)

As the world awaits the return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore who have spent nearly nine months on the International Space Station, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Sunita Williams on March 1 expressing his concern for this ‘daughter of India’.

“The heartfelt letter was sent to Sunita through astronaut Mike Massimino, reflecting the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. A few days ago, PM Modi met Massimino at an event and requested that this letter from him and the people of India must reach her. Wishing her strength and a safe return, the PM reaffirmed India’s deep bond with its illustrious daughter. Sunita, in turn, touched by the gesture, expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India,” Jitendra Singh said.

PM Modi in his letter mentioned that 1.4 billion Indians have always taken pride in her achievements and he looks forward to her safe return home.

“I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you,” PM Modi wrote in his letter to Sunita.

He further said that he inquired about her well-being during his visits to the United States.

“When I met President Trump or President Biden during my visits to the United States, I inquired about your well-being. 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance,” he added.

PM Modi further said, “Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Sunita’s mother, Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting her return.

“Ms. Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting your return and I am sure that Late Deepakbhai’s blessings are with you as well. I fondly remember meeting him along with you during my visit to the United States in 2016,”: he said.

“After your return, we are looking forward to seeing you in India. It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters. I send my warm regards to Michael Williams. Best wishes to you and Barry Wilmore for a safe return,” PM Modi said.

NASA’s Boeing Starliner astronauts Sunita ‘Suni’ Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore, along with two others, have undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) and are scheduled to splash down on Earth Tuesday evening. Williams and Wilmore are accompanying SpaceX Crew 9 astronaut Nick Hague and Russian astronaut Alexander Gorbunov.

Willams and Wilmore were launched to the ISS on June 5 2024 on a Boeing Starliner spacecraft, then stayed aboard the ISS after it developed technical issues. In September 2024, NASA sent the Starliner craft back to Earth, uncrewed, to free up the docking port for other spacecraft.

Now, after nine months Williams and Wilmore are set to return to Earth on the capsule of the Elon-Musk owned Space X.

As NASA went live, Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov were seen packing up and closing the hatches as Crew9 prepared to depart from the Space Station.

“It’s been a privilege to call the Space Station home, to play my part in its 25-year legacy of doing research for humanity, and to work with colleagues, now friends, from around the globe. My spaceflight career, like most, is full of the unexpected,” said Nick Hague.

The launch came after US President Donald Trump urged Elon Musk to rescue the stranded astronauts sooner than NASA had planned. He has repeatedly accused former US President Joe Biden of abandoning them in space. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor’s rumoured boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya, recently shut down a troll who targeted him over his caste.

During Diwali last year, Shikhar posted a couple of adorable pictures that also featured Janhvi Kapoor and a couple of dogs. However, a social media user left a comment on his post that read, “Lekin tu toh Dalit hai (But, you’re a Dalit).”

Shikhar, who is often seen ignoring negativity, didn’t hold back this time. Upset by the comment, Shikhar took to his Instagram Story on Monday to call out the troll and expressed his disappointment that people still hold such “backward mindsets” in 2025. He went on to mention that the troll clearly failed to grasp the meaning of Diwali, which is a festival of “light, progress, and unity.”

“It’s honestly pathetic that in 2025, there are still people like you with such a small, backward mindset,” Shikhar wrote.

“Diwali is a festival of light, progress, and unity–concepts that are clearly beyond your limited intellect. India’s strength has always been in its diversity and inclusivity, something you clearly fail to grasp. Maybe instead of spreading ignorance, you should focus on educating yourself, because right now, the only thing truly ‘untouchable’ here is your level of thinking,” his post further read.

Take a look

Shikhar Pahariya is the grandson of former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. His mother, Smruti Shinde, is an actress, while his brother, Veer Pahariya, recently made his Bollywood debut in Sky Force alongside Akshay Kumar, Nimrat Kaur, and Sara Ali Khan.

Meanwhile, Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar have never publicly confirmed or denied their relationship. However, the two are often spotted together at parties, film screenings, and family events. Reports suggest that their relationship began even before Janhvi’s Bollywood debut, but they faced a brief rough patch in between. (ANI)

Congress leader and former Party President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday spoke in the Rajya Sabha and raised the issue of the allocation for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and said that it had remained “stagnant” in the Union Budget 2025. She further alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led union government has “systematically undermined” the scheme.

The Congress leader demanded that the union government raise the minimum wage for people in the scheme to Rs 400 per day.

“It is deeply concerning that the present BJP government has systematically undermined this scheme. The Budget allocation remains stagnant at Rs 86,000 crores,” the Congress leader said during her address.

She further underlined the multiple challenges the scheme is facing, including Aadhar based payments, delay in disbursing wages and also inadequate payments.

“The scheme faces multiple challenges, including an exclusionary Aadhaar-based payment system and National mobile monitoring system, persistent delays in wage payments and inadequate payments,” Gandhi said.

The Opposition party has further demanded that the minimum wage of the scheme to be increased to Rs 400 per day and ensure a timely disbursement of wages.

Since the introduction of the Union Budget on February 1 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Congress party has accused the union government of “throttling MGNREGA.”

Earlier on February 2, speaking on the scheme, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari expressed concerns over reduced funding for crucial sectors such as education, rural development, and MGNREGA in the budget and questioned the government’s commitment to its “Viksit Bharat” vision.

“The government made income up to Rs 12 lakhs tax-free but the same person will have to pay GST. The amount that they have waived off – twice that amount people need to pay one way or another. They have reduced the education budget and then will talk about Viksit Bharat,” he said.

The Congress leader added further, “They have cut short the budget for rural development and MGNREGA. People are talking about Bihar – a special package was promised but the government gave a ‘jhunjhuna.”

MGNREGA was passed in 2005, under the then United Progressive Alliance government. The scheme guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to at least one member of rural household to any adult who is looking to do unskilled manual work. Women are also guaranteed one third of the jobs under the scheme. (ANI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the violence that erupted in Nagpur “looks like a well-planned attack”. He said that rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt, as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal protested in the winter capital of the state.

“In Nagpur, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal held protests. Rumours were spread that things containing religious content were burnt…It looks like a well-planned attack. No one has permission to take law and order into their hands,” Fadnavis said while addressing the legislative assembly.

Apprising about the injuries sustained by police personnel, he stated that attacks on police would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those involved in violence. He said that three Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) sustained injuries, and one DCP was attacked with an axe.

“Three DCPs included in total 33 policemen injured. Of five injured civilians, three have been discharged, and one remains in the ICU,” Fadnavis said, adding, “11 police stations have issued prohibitory orders in Nagpur. Five separate FIRs have been registered in the matter.”

“We have got a trolley of stones from the violence spots – some specified houses and institutions were targeted. One DCP was attacked by an Axe. We will surely take action, and those who have taken law and order into their own hands will not be spared. Attack on police will not be tolerated,” he added.

Amid increasing tensions over Nagpur violence, Fadnavis attributed people’s anger against Aurangzeb to the Chhava movie and appealed to the people to maintain peace.

“The Chhava movie has ignited people’s anger against Aurangzeb, but still, everyone must keep Maharashtra peaceful. Law and order should be maintained. If anyone riots, we will take action regardless of caste or religion,” the Maharashtra CM said.

“Complaint of Muslim delegation was received by police, and it was taking action,” he added.

Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition in Maharashtra came face to face in the assembly premises on Tuesday morning with MLAs from both sides seen raising slogans against each other.

While Shiv Sena leaders protested seeking the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, the opposition labelled the “riots a success of the government”.

The opposition said that the situation in Maharashtra was worsening due to statements made by some ministers in the Mahayuti government.

However, MLAs from the ruling alliance accused some people of glorifying Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

Earlier today, BJP MLA Pravin Datke reached the violence-hit area of Hansapuri this morning and asserted that violence seemed to be “pre-planned”. He said that the vandalisation of shops and stalls and the destruction of cameras were indicative of the same.

“This is all a pre-planned matter. If there were two shops each of Muslims and Hindus, only the latter was affected. There’s a (roadside) stall that belongs to a Muslim. Nothing happened to it. However, another stall that belonged to an elderly lady was damaged. The cameras were destroyed. It indicates that this thing was planned,” Datke told ANI.

Questioning the delay, the BJP MLA slammed the police administration for not standing with the citizens. Datke suspected that a large part of the mob came outside (from the other neighbourhoods).

“I have to say that the Police were not standing with the Hindu citizens here. I don’t know the reason behind it. A large part of the mob came from the outside…If the Police don’t take action, the Hindus will be forced to take the next step. This is all I want to say,” the MLA from Nagpur Central said.

A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification. According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar. (ANI)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has given the world cricket, Indian cricket in particular, plenty of its modern-day superstars, who once started their journeys as rookies playing for their clubs and states.

This IPL would not be different as plenty of uncapped talent is a part of it and they would be aiming to make a strong impression that could help them climb higher in their careers.

Here are some uncapped players to look out for in the IPL 2025:

-Robin Minz (Mumbai Indians)

Minz was supposed to kickstart his IPL journey last year after being signed by Gujarat Titans (GT), but a road accident put his dreams on hold. The five-time champions MI picked him up for Rs 65 lakh, more than twice his base price of Rs 30 lakh, as per Wisden. Minz is a Jharkhand hitter with a strike rate of 181 in T20 cricket, having made 67 runs in six innings. The 22-year-old is also a wicketkeeper.

-Suryansh Shedge (Punjab Kings)

Shedge is one of India’s breakout domestic stars of 2024, with a massive career-defining moment for Mumbai in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 final. With his team at 129/5 in a 175-run chase against Madhya Pradesh, Shedge blasted 36* in 15 balls with three fours and four sixes to take Mumbai to a win. He also got Venkatesh Iyer’s wicket.

Shedge ended the tournament with 131 runs in nine innings at an average of 43.66, with a strike rate of 251.92 and best score of 36*. He also took eight wickets at an average of 23.00. After some good outings in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Ranji Trophy, Shedge has the biggest-ever platform that he can use to break into a highly competitive Indian line-up. He was signed by PBKS for base price of Rs 30 lakhs.

-Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

During the IPL mega-auction last year, one of the biggest surprises that emerged was Suryavanshi becoming a Royal for Rs 1.1 crore. Born on March 27, 2011, in Bihar, Vaibhav is the youngest player on the list. He made his first-class debut for Bihar in January 2024 at just 12 years and 284 days old. Last year, he was part of India U19’s match against Australia in Chennai, where he smashed a 58-ball century. He also made his T20 debut for Bihar during the SMAT 2024 tournament, though he could not score much in his only outing.

He was also the seventh-highest run-getter in the ACC Under 19 Asia Cup 2024-25. He scored 176 runs in 5 matches in the tournament with a highest score of 76*.

-C Andre Siddarth (Chennai Super Kings)

The nephew of Tamil Nadu stalwart S Sharath, the 18-year-old has played in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) but is yet to play an official T20 match. However, Andre was a success story worth remembering during the Ranji Trophy, having made 612 runs for Tamil Nadu in 12 innings, averaging 68.00, with a century and five fifties. Will the youngster make his mark in T20 cricket?

-Bevon Jacobs (Mumbai Indians)

He is the only overseas player in this list. The Pretoria born Jacobs has represented New Zealand domestic teams Auckland and Canterbury, and made it to MI after six T20 innings only with his strike rate at 189 at that point. MI got him for Rs 20 lakhs. In 20 T20s, he has made 423 runs in 17 innings at an average of 32.53 and a strike rate of over 148 with two fifties and best score of 90*. (ANI)

The younger brother of late Punjabi singer and rapper Sidhu Moosewala celebrated his first birthday on Monday.

The special occasion was attended by family members and close friends, including former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.

Channi shared a video from the celebration on his Instagram account. In the clip, the toddler can be seen in his mother, Charan Kaur’s arms, as the family gathered around to cut the birthday cake. After the cake-cutting, Channi was seen offering a piece of cake to the child.

For his special, the birthday boy wore a black kurta, pyjama, and a pink turban. A large cutout of Sidhu Moosewala was placed in the background with colorful balloons decorating the area. His father, Balkaur Singh, was also seen standing beside his wife and son in another clip.

Balkaur Singh, who welcomed the newborn last year, announced the news as she shared glimpses of his little son on Instagram.

Along with the picture, Balkaur added a caption, written in Punjab, “With the blessings of millions of souls who love Shubdeep, the Almighty has put Shubh’s younger brother in our lap. With the blessings of Waheguru, the family is healthy, and I’m thankful to all the well-wishers for their immense love.”

Sidhu Moosewala was shot dead on May 29, 2022, in Mansa. The 28-year-old singer was attacked by assailants who fired more than 30 rounds at him. He was later found slumped in the driver’s seat by locals. (ANI)

A curfew has been imposed in multiple areas of Nagpur city under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) following tensions over the demand to remove Aurangzeb’s grave, read an official Maharashtra police notification.

According to the official order issued by Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal, the restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

The curfew applies to police station limits in Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, Tehsil, Lakadganj, Pachpaoli, Shantinagar, Sakkardara, Nandanvan, Imamwada, Yashodharanagar, and Kapilnagar.

As stated in the order, on March 17, around 200 to 250 members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal gathered near the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mahal, Nagpur, to support removing Aurangzeb’s grave. The protesters raised slogans demanding the grave’s removal and displayed a symbolic green cloth filled with cow dung cakes.

Later, at 7:30 pm, around 80 to 100 people reportedly gathered in Bhaldarpura, creating tension and disrupting law and order. The order notes that the gathering caused distress to the public and affected the movement of people on the roads.

The order stated that the police have imposed a “communication ban (curfew)” in affected areas under Section 163 to prevent further incidents and maintain peace.

“During the lockdown period, no person should go out of the house for any reason other than medical reasons, nor should more than five people gather inside it. Also, orders are passed to prohibit spreading any kind of rumour, prohibiting doing all such acts,” the order read.

The police have been authorised to close roads in affected areas to maintain law and order. Anyone violating the curfew “remains punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).”

However, the order clarifies that it “will not be applicable to police officers/employees on duty as well as government/administrative officers/employees, students appearing for essential services, and persons related to the fire brigade and various departments.”

Meanwhile, Violence erupted in Nagpur’s Hansapuri area as unidentified individuals vandalized shops, torched vehicles, and pelted stones, following an earlier clash between two groups in the Mahal area that had already heightened tensions in the city, according to reports.

An eyewitness from Hansapuri described the chaos caused by a masked group. “A team came here, their faces were hidden with scarves. They had sharp weapons, stickers, and bottles in their hands. They started the ruckus, vandalized shops, and pelted stones. They also torched vehicles,” the eyewitness said.

Another local resident confirmed the destruction. “They vandalized shops… they set fire to 8-10 vehicles,” he said.

Earlier, Nagpur Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal assured residents that the situation was now under control.

“The situation is peaceful right now. A photo was burned, following which people gathered. We requested them to disperse, and we even took action in this regard. They had even come to my office to meet me. They were told that an FIR had been lodged based on the names they mentioned, and action would be taken against them,” he said.

He further explained the timeline of the unrest. “This incident occurred around 8-8:30 pm. Not many vehicles have been torched. We are assessing the damage. Two vehicles have been torched, and stone pelting has occurred. Police are conducting combing operations, and those involved are being identified and arrested. We have imposed Section 144, and everyone has been instructed not to step out unnecessarily or take the law into their own hands. Do not believe in rumours. Except for this area, the entire city is peaceful,” he added. (ANI)