A tragic accident marred a Jain Nirvana festival in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of seven people and injuries to at least forty others, including women and children. The incident occurred during a laddu ceremony, a significant ritual in Jainism involving the offering of sweetmeats.

The cause of the tragedy was the collapse of a makeshift stage constructed from bamboo and wood. Hundreds of devotees had gathered to participate in the ceremony and offer laddoos to Lord Adinath, a revered figure in Jainism, in the presence of Jain monks. The weight of the crowd overwhelmed the temporary structure, leading to its catastrophic failure and the subsequent injuries and fatalities.

Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of chaos and panic as the stage gave way, trapping dozens of people beneath the debris. The rapid response of local authorities was crucial in mitigating the aftermath. According to district authorities, 108 ambulances were already on standby at the festival, allowing for immediate transport of the injured to hospitals for treatment. Senior police officials and other emergency personnel swiftly arrived on the scene to manage the situation and coordinate rescue efforts.

Baghpat’s District Magistrate, Asmita Lal, confirmed the casualties and provided an update on the injured. She stated that at least forty individuals had sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention, while twenty had been discharged after receiving first aid. The scale of the disaster highlights the inherent risks associated with inadequate structural integrity at large public gatherings.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences and directed district officials to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured, ensuring that no effort is spared in their treatment and recovery. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety regulations and robust structural assessments for temporary structures used in large-scale public events.

Investigations into the cause of the stage collapse are likely to follow, focusing on the materials used, the construction methods, and the overall safety protocols in place. The tragedy underscores the need for heightened safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

A Delhi court has compelled the police to register a First Information Report (FIR) against journalist Rana Ayyub, following a complaint alleging the dissemination of anti-India sentiment and the insult of Hindu deities on social media.

The order, issued by Chief Judicial Magistrate Himanshu Raman Singh of Saket Court on January 25th, mandates an investigation into the accusations levelled by advocate Amita Sachdeva.

Sachdeva’s complaint, meticulously detailed and supported by evidence, cites specific social media posts by Ayyub dating back to 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2022. These posts, according to the complainant, contain statements that demean Hindu deities, particularly Ram, while simultaneously glorifying Ravana.

Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Ayyub’s posts portray Sita and Draupadi in a disrespectful light and label Veer Savarkar, a prominent figure in Indian history, as a terrorist sympathizer.

The gravity of the accusations prompted the court to exercise its power under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, ordering the police investigation. The court’s decision highlights the perceived need for state intervention to address the alleged offences. The judge’s order explicitly states that the complainant would be unable to gather sufficient evidence without the assistance of law enforcement.

The FIR will be registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 153A addresses the promotion of enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, while Section 295A deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings. Section 505 pertains to statements that incite public mischief. The court’s directive explicitly instructs the SHO of the South Cyber Police Station to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

This legal action follows Sachdeva’s unsuccessful attempt to initiate an investigation through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in November. The lack of response from the Delhi Police prompted her to seek legal recourse through the court, leading to the current mandate for an FIR and subsequent investigation.

The case underscores the complexities surrounding freedom of speech and expression in India, particularly when religious sentiments are involved, and highlights the ongoing debate over the boundaries of acceptable discourse in the digital age.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief serving a 20-year sentence for rape, was granted a month’s parole on Tuesday. This release, just ahead of the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, has raised eyebrows. Singh, incarcerated in Haryana’s Sunaria jail, walked free Tuesday morning, a fact reported widely.

His vast following spans Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and beyond. The Dera Sacha Sauda, based in Sirsa, Haryana, commands immense loyalty across the state, particularly in areas like Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Hisar. A pattern has emerged: Singh’s paroles often coincide with elections in northern India. His last release, in October 2024, came just three days before the Haryana Assembly elections.

The news sparked an immediate reaction. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi voiced her frustration on X, tweeting, “Just release him already. This constant cycle of paroles is a mockery of justice for the women he victimized.”

This parole marks a significant event: Singh’s first visit to his Sirsa ashram since his 2017 conviction. Previously, while on parole, he was only permitted to visit his ashram in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The timing, proximity to elections, and the sheer scale of his following leave many feeling this parole is deeply unsettling.

The weight of his actions and the impact on the victims are undeniable, even amidst the political manoeuvring. The confluence of factors – the timing, the scale of his following, and the gravity of his crimes – raises serious concerns.

The parole’s proximity to the Delhi elections fuels speculation regarding potential political motivations. The potential impact on the election outcome, and whether his release will influence voters, remains to be seen. The controversy surrounding Singh’s parole highlights the complex interplay between justice, politics, and public opinion in India. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be marked by intense scrutiny of Singh’s activities and their potential ramifications.