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Food Shortage Halts Wedding, Police Station Becomes Venue

February 4, 2025, 2:06 pm

A wedding in Surat took an unexpected turn when a food shortage led to a major dispute. As a result, the groom’s family refused to continue the ceremony. However, the police intervened and made sure the couple got married inside a police station.

Wedding Halted Due to Food Shortage

Rahul Pramod Mahto and Anjali Kumari, both from Bihar, had planned to get married at Lakshmi Hall. Initially, the ceremony was proceeding smoothly, and most of the rituals were completed. However, just before the exchange of garlands, the groom’s family suddenly stopped the wedding. They claimed there was not enough food for guests and, therefore, refused to continue.

Bride’s Family Seeks Police Help

Consequently, the bride’s family became upset and decided to seek help from the police. They informed the authorities that the groom still wanted to go ahead with the wedding despite his family’s objections. In response, the police called both families to the station for discussions.

Wedding Takes Place at Police Station

Eventually, the groom’s family agreed to continue with the wedding. However, the bride’s relatives feared another disagreement if they returned to the venue. To prevent further complications, the police quickly made a decision.

“So we allowed them to complete the rituals (exchange of garlands) and get married at the police station,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Alok Kumar. Furthermore, he added, “We adopted a positive attitude and helped them get married.”

In the end, despite the unexpected hurdles, the couple successfully tied the knot inside the police station. Although the situation was unusual, the authorities ensured a smooth and happy ending to their wedding.

Surat Man Chops Off Fingers And The Reason Will Shock You!

December 15, 2024, 2:40 pm

In an unusual twist of fate, 32-year-old Mayur Tarapara, who works as a computer operator in his relative’s diamond business at Surat in Gujarat, cut off four fingers of his left hand using a sharp knife. He claimed that he chopped off his fingers to declare himself unsuitable for work in the Anabh Gems business.

Apparently, he didn’t have the guts to inform his family about his desire to leave his job. Initially, he created a tale in which he told the police that he had woken up on the side of the road to find that his fingers were missing. An investigation was done by the police, after which they decided that it was a self-inflicted injury.

According to the Surat Crime Branch, Tarapara, who worked in the accounts department, intentionally severed his fingers to get unfit for the job. He had reportedly told the police that on December 8, he was heading to a friend’s house when he passed out from dizziness near Vedanta Circle, only to find his fingers missing upon regaining consciousness. Initially, there was speculation that the fingers might have been removed for black magic, but further investigation pointed to his involvement.

According to the Crime Branch, Tarapara had confessed to buying a sharp knife from a shop near Char Rasta in Singanpore. On December 12 night, he went to Amroli Ring Road, parked his motorcycle, and cut off his four fingers with the knife. To avoid heavy bleeding, he tied a rope around his elbow. He then discarded the knife and his fingers in a bag. His friends later took him to the hospital, and three of the fingers were recovered from a bag, with the knife also found in another bag.

The case is still under investigation by the Amroli police.

VIDEO: ‘Cheese Anguri’ Surat Vendor’s Cheese Sabzi Of 10,000 Calories Goes Viral

October 15, 2024, 10:51 am

In the streets of Gujarat’s Surat, a local vendor has redefined “cheesy” with his viral creation — ‘Cheese Anguri.’ This dish, featured in a popular Instagram video by Amar Sirohi, has taken cheesiness to new heights, replacing traditional vegetables with an avalanche of processed cheese. The video, which has garnered nearly 17 million views, left viewers both fascinated and stunned by the sheer quantity of cheese used in the preparation.

A Cheesy Creation Like No Other

The preparation of Cheese Anguri begins with the vendor slicing massive blocks of Amul cheese into cubes, which are then shredded over bowls filled with a creamy, buttery gravy. Just when you think the cheesiness has peaked, more cubes of cheese are added, followed by a drizzle of cream, creating a dish that overflows with dairy. According to Amar, the dish has become so popular in Surat that people are willing to wait for up to an hour just to try it.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

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A post shared by Amar Sirohi (@foodie_incarnate)

Social Media Reacts to the Cheese Extravaganza

As the video of Cheese Anguri went viral, it sparked a wide range of reactions from social media users. While some were intrigued, even the most ardent cheese lovers couldn’t help but question if the dish had taken things too far. The comment section was flooded with humorous and witty reactions.

One user asked, “What is wrong with people? Why are they eating just anything?” while another joked, “Blood group next day: Cholesterol positive.” Others humorously expressed concerns about the dish’s impact on health, with one remarking, “Gujarat becoming the heart attack capital of India.”

Some users took their sarcasm to the next level with comments like, “First bite tastes like heaven, second bite takes you there,” and “Cardiologist wants your location.” Even Swiggy Instamart joined the fun, commenting, “Uncle thoda cheese kam sa lag raha hai (Uncle, it seems like there’s a little less cheese).”

Would You Try This Cheese Explosion?

With the internet buzzing over this unique creation, Cheese Anguri has certainly caught the attention of food enthusiasts across the country. But the question remains — would you dare to try this cheese-loaded explosion on your plate?

Watch: Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol Made Of Tree Bark Installed In Surat’s Lal Darwaza Area

September 7, 2024, 12:23 pm

As global warming intensifies and deforestation continues, noticeable climate changes are occurring. In response, various tree-planting and conservation campaigns are being undertaken across India.

One such remarkable initiative can be found in the Lal Darwaza area of Surat, where the Ekdant Yuva Mandal has crafted an eco-friendly Ganesh idol from waste tree bark. This impressive idol stands at 11 feet tall and weighs 200 kilograms. The structure is supported by grass on the inside and has been created using 300 kilograms of clay and 70 to 80 pieces of tree bark. The use of eco-friendly watercolors further emphasizes the group’s commitment to the environment.

Watch:

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A post shared by The Daily Guardian (@thedailyguardianofficial)

In addition to the idol, the group has also constructed a garden using naturally fallen tree branches. Over the past four years, the Ekdant Yuva Mandal has been setting up the Ganesh idol, with each year showcasing a unique theme. This year, the focus has been on creating a completely eco-friendly Ganesh idol, with even the incense sticks used in worship being eco-friendly.

Under the tree-saving campaign led by the Ekdant Yuva Mandal, this Ganesh idol made from tree bark has become a major attraction throughout Surat. The group’s innovative approach and dedication to environmental conservation have garnered significant attention and praise in the community.

On the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde urged eco-friendly celebrations, extended greetings, and emphasized preserving Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage during the festival.

Diamond Industry Crisis In Surat: Workers Hit Hard By Job Cuts

August 12, 2024, 1:51 pm

The Surat diamond industry, India’s largest Diamond Industry hub, is grappling with a severe economic crisis that has taken a heavy toll on its workforce. The crisis has been exacerbated by global conflicts and declining demand for polished diamonds. Since its launch on July 15, a suicide helpline established by the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) has received over 1,600 calls, averaging more than 50 calls a day. A significant portion of these calls come from workers who have lost their jobs.

The Surat diamond industry, which supports more than one million livelihoods, has been hit hard by international events, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The impact on the industry has been devastating, with over 62 diamond polishers reported to have died by suicide in the past 16 months due to job losses and salary cuts.

One of the distressing cases highlighted is that of Jaysukh Koradiya, a 52-year-old worker who lost his job when his factory shut down two months ago. Koradiya, who had accumulated debt of ₹3.2 lakh for his daughter’s wedding, sought help from the helpline after struggling to make ends meet. Similarly, Rajesh Savaliya, who was physically challenged, lost his managerial job and later a lower-paying job, leaving him unable to pay his children’s school fees.

Another case involved Sanjay Patel, a 40-year-old who, after losing his job, faced severe financial distress. Patel’s house was seized by the bank, and he had to move into a rented home. Patel had accumulated over ₹5 lakh in debt, and his dire situation led him to seek help from the DWUG.

The crisis has also led to tragic outcomes. Just two days after the helpline launched, diamond polisher Sagar Makwana, 21, died by suicide following a significant salary cut. His family has since expressed their grief and the impact of the economic downturn on their lives.

In response to the crisis, the DWUG has been actively involved in providing support. Over 150 calls to the helpline were from parents struggling to pay school fees. Through efforts by DWUG, prominent businessman Laljibhai Patel donated over ₹4 lakh to help 35 children with their educational expenses.

The industry’s struggles are also reflected in broader market trends. Major diamond manufacturers, like De Beers, have reported reductions in rough diamond production due to high inventory levels. Kiran Gems, one of the largest manufacturers, announced a 10-day production halt to manage unsold stock.

Efforts to mitigate the impact include appeals to factory owners to avoid layoffs and explore alternative solutions such as reduced working hours. The US sanctions on Russian diamonds and the G7 ban have further strained the industry, which had previously relied heavily on Russian diamonds.

However, recent changes in the Union Budget 2024-25 offer some relief. The government’s decision to exempt the diamond sector from the 2 percent equalisation levy on rough diamond sales could help ease the financial burden on the industry. This exemption is expected to facilitate more direct trading between foreign mining companies and Indian diamond manufacturers.

The DWUG continues to support affected workers, with ten workers recently reinstated in their factories due to union intervention. The situation remains dire, but ongoing efforts aim to provide much-needed relief to the struggling diamond workers of Surat.

Surat: Student Stabbed Multiple Times By Classmate Over Talking To Ex-Girlfriend

August 10, 2024, 7:22 pm

On Friday afternoon, a 17-year-old student was stabbed multiple times by a classmate at a school in Surat’s Nanpura area. The attack occurred in the classroom after the victim, a Class 12 student, was seen talking to the attacker’s ex-girlfriend during a short break. The victim is currently receiving treatment in the ICU of a private hospital.

According to the police, the incident began when the attacker approached the victim and a confrontation ensued. A police officer stated, “Things escalated quickly and the boy’s classmate began to stab him multiple times on his neck, head, and left hand.” When another student attempted to intervene, he was also struck, sustaining minor injuries.

After the attacker fled the classroom, other students alerted the class teacher, who then informed the victim’s father. The school authorities promptly took the victim to a nearby hospital where he was admitted to the ICU.

Following the incident, the victim’s father filed a complaint against the accused. The police have registered a case under Sections 118 (1) (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons) and 352 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) of the BNS Act.

A senior police officer noted, “The accused in this case is a minor and we will carry out the due procedure in such cases. The condition of the victim student is stable.”

Why The World’s Largest Diamond Firm In Surat Sent 50,000 Workers On A 10-Day Leave

August 7, 2024, 6:55 pm

Kiran Gems, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of polished diamonds, has announced an unprecedented 10-day vacation for its 50,000 employees from August 17 to 27. The diamond firm of Surat in Gujarat will be unusually quiet during this period, reflecting the dramatic drop in global demand for polished diamonds, exacerbated by ongoing economic turbulence and geopolitical tensions.

What Led to This Drastic Measure?

Kiran Gems’ chairman, Vallabhbhai Lakhani, emphasized the necessity of this break, a first in the company’s history. “We’ve declared this holiday to control diamond production,” Lakhani told The Indian Express, highlighting the industry’s ongoing struggles.

The Industry’s Tough Times

According to Lakhani, the diamond industry is experiencing a “bad patch.” He explained, “The price of polished diamonds has gone down globally, making it difficult for diamond manufacturers to sustain their businesses. If the supply is controlled, the demand will grow, benefiting the industry.”

Despite the tough times, Lakhani assured that all workers would receive their salaries during this period, although certain amounts would be withheld, as reported by PTI. Kiran Gems, employing over 50,000 polishers, faces significant challenges, with De Beers reporting a 15 percent drop in rough diamond production in the second quarter of the 2024 fiscal year compared to the first quarter.

How is the Local Industry Affected?

Jagdish Khunt, president of the Surat Diamond Association, echoed Lakhani’s views, noting that the recession has severely impacted the local diamond industry, which processes nearly 90 percent of the world’s diamonds. “This is the first time Kiran Gems has declared such a vacation for employees. Though no other diamond firm has taken such a step, it is a reality that the recession has reduced the sale of polished diamonds,” said Khunt. He added, “In 2022, our diamond industry’s turnover was nearly Rs. 2,25,000 crore, which has now decreased to nearly Rs. 1,50,000 crore. So, we have been negative for the last two years.”

What Are the Global Factors at Play?

Khunt explained that since 95 percent of India’s polished diamonds are exported, global factors invariably impact sales. The Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict are major contributors to the slump in global demand. Russia’s Alrosa, a diamond-mining enterprise partially owned by the Russian state, supplies approximately 30 percent of the world’s rough diamonds, with India sourcing about 60 percent of its roughs for polishing from Alrosa. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Alrosa, disrupting the overall rough diamond supply.

The United States, being the largest market for India-processed diamonds, saw several major American companies refusing to purchase goods of Russian origin, further impacting Surat’s diamond industries, leading to downsized operations and thousands of job losses.

What Are the Future Prospects?

Last year, the EU and G7 countries, which purchase 70 percent of the world’s diamonds, initiated a ban on Russian-origin diamonds via third countries, with its first phase beginning in early March. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed this concern, stating, “Our effort is to delay, soften it, and best of all, not let this happen at all. For us, this has become a priority issue, and we will try to find a solution in the coming days.”

Khunt emphasized that these international sanctions and conflicts have forced Surat’s industry to adapt and struggle amidst these global challenges. As the diamond firm navigates these turbulent times, the hope remains for a revival in demand and stabilization of the market.

Caught On Camera: Surat Landlord’s Brutal Attack On Woman Over Unpaid Rent

July 9, 2024, 6:10 pm

In Surat, Gujarat, a young woman was violently assaulted by her landlord due to unpaid rent for two months. The incident, captured on video and shared on social media platform X, has since gone viral, sparking widespread outrage.

The video shows a heated altercation between the tenant and the landlord. The man, identified as Jayendra Manavawala, is seen gripping the young woman’s collar and hitting her while she screams for him to let go. The girl’s friend, who recorded the incident, can be heard pleading with Manavawala to stop the assault. Both parties have reportedly filed complaints against each other following the altercation.

सूरत :
किराये का झंझट हाथापाई तक ले गया.

मकान मालिक ने लड़की की पिटाई की.

इवेंट मैनेजमेंट से जुड़ी मुंबई की लड़की के साथ हाथापाई की तस्वीरें वायरल.

लड़की पर दो महीने का किराया नहीं चुकाने का आरोप.

(नोट : ऑडियो में अपशब्द है ) @CP_SuratCity pic.twitter.com/DVhrbKTgYY

— Janak Dave (@dave_janak) July 8, 2024

The social media post highlighting the incident was captioned, “The problem of rent led to a scuffle. The landlord beat the girl. Photos of a scuffle with a Mumbai girl associated with event management go viral. Girl accused of not paying rent for two months.” While the exact date of the incident remains unconfirmed, the video was shared on July 8 and has since garnered over 5,000 views.

According to the Times of India, the conflict escalated over vacating a leased property in the Parle Point neighborhood. Manavawala accused the woman and her companions of overstaying their lease, which had expired two days before the incident. When Manavawala visited the property with an electrician on Sunday morning, he found that the tenants had not moved out, leading to a confrontation that quickly turned violent.

The woman has accused Manavawala of molestation during the encounter, claiming he threatened to undress her. In response, Manavawala filed a complaint against the woman after sustaining an eye injury during the scuffle. Both parties have been charged, with Manavawala facing accusations of assault with the intent to outrage the woman’s modesty. He has also been booked due to his hospitalization for the eye injury.

Authorities have arrested Manavawala and three others in connection with the Surat incident. The case continues to develop as more details emerge, highlighting the severe consequences of the dispute over unpaid rent and the need for appropriate legal action.

Surat Building Collapse: FIR Lodged Against Three People, Building Owner Named

July 7, 2024, 6:38 pm

Surat police has registered the First Information Report (FIR) against three people including building owner on Sunday.

Building owner Raj Kakadiya, who is in United states along with mother Ramilaben Kakdiya have named in FIR.

One of the culprits named Ashwin Vekariya who took rent from occupants has been detained.

Earlier in April, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) had advised the owner to leave the structure due to its dilapidated, and the residents too asked the Vekariya to repair the damages. But allegedly, he said, that the owners will do it next year.

Meanwhile, the FIR has been lodged under appropriate sections of the newly introduced law Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), whose implementation came into effect on July 1.

The sections against the accused include section 105 of BNS, which is culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

What Exactly Happened?

On July 7, a six storey residential building collapsed at surat’s Sachin Pali village. Which resulted in the death of seven people and injuring 15.

According to FIR, this deteriorated building became empty as many residents left the place due to danger this building posed. But five flats remained occupied.

Currently, FIR has identified the following victims- Hiraman Kevat (40), Abhishek (35), Brijesh God (50), Shivpujan Kevat (26), Anmol Harijan (17), Parvesh Kevat (21), and Lalji Kevat (40).

Surat Building Collapse: 7 Dead, Many Feared Trapped | Key Details

July 7, 2024, 9:27 am

Seven people have died, and several others have been trapped for over 12 hours following the collapse of a multi-storey building in Surat’s Sachin area, Gujarat, on Saturday. The region has experienced heavy rain for several days. While a woman was rescued shortly after the collapse, three other bodies were recovered by night, according to Surat police commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot.

Surat Building Collapse: Key Details

1. The building collapsed around 3 PM on Saturday in Surat’s Sachin area, trapping several residents under the debris.

2. Police and fire brigade teams arrived at the scene immediately after the incident. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the fire department are carrying out rescue operations, as stated by the police.

3. By Sunday, seven bodies had been retrieved from the debris, while some individuals remained trapped. Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot, who was at the scene overseeing the rescue operation, confirmed that “the voices of trapped persons were heard at the beginning of the rescue efforts.”

4. A woman was successfully rescued from under the debris.

5. Out of the 30 flats in the building, four to five were occupied, with the rest being empty, according to officials cited by ANI. Many residents were at work, and those sleeping were trapped. The building was constructed in 2016-17.

In another incident in Gujarat earlier this year, four workers were injured after a section of an under-construction medical college building in Morbi town collapsed in March. One laborer was rescued after being trapped in the debris for seven hours. This incident occurred around 8 PM on March 9, while workers were working on roof filling on the first floor of the new building.

Video: Four Storeyed Building Collapses in Gujarat’s Surat, Rescue Underway

July 6, 2024, 7:00 pm

In a tragic incident, a four-storeyed building collapsed on Saturday in Gujarat’s Surat. According to initial media reports, several people are feared to be trapped in the debris. The building was located in the Sachin area of the city.

#WATCH | Gujarat: A Four-floor building collapsed in Sachin area of Surat. Many people feared trapped. Police and fire department team at the spot. Rescue operations underway. pic.twitter.com/FIJJUGzbEQ

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024

Surat: Woman’s Body Found In Cement-Filled Barrel

July 4, 2024, 11:11 am

Police reported that Aftab Alam Saiyed, a local resident, discovered a 200-litre plastic barrel containing cement concrete with the body of a woman dumped inside in Sachin, Surat, on Tuesday evening.

“As he inspected the barrel, he noticed legs protruding from the cement concrete. He promptly informed the Sachin police,” said an officer on condition of anonymity.

Authorities transported the barrel to New Civil Hospital, where it was opened using an electric cutter.

“The body of a woman was found inside. Following a post-mortem examination, it was determined that the cause of death was strangulation,” the officer stated.

The Sachin police have initiated legal proceedings under sections 103(1) and 298 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Sanhita, pertaining to murder and causing the disappearance of evidence, respectively. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Assistant Commissioner of Police N P Gohil commented, “We have registered a murder case against unidentified individuals… The victim appears to be aged between 25 to 30 years old… There are no other visible signs of injury on her body. She was strangled while asleep… There is no evidence suggesting sexual assault.”

Heavy Rainfall Causes Waterlogging In Surat and Valsad, Gujarat

June 30, 2024, 6:32 pm

Heavy rainfall has inundated various parts of Gujarat, including Surat, Amreli, and Valsad, leading to severe waterlogging as seen in videos shared by ANI. According to IMD Scientist Pradeep Sharma, quoted by ANI, Gujarat is expected to experience widespread rainfall over the next five days. An orange alert has been issued for Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Valsad, and Dadra Nagar Haveli due to predictions of very heavy rain.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Severe waterlogging in different parts of Surat, following incessant heavy rainfall. pic.twitter.com/HdB9UwV97H

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2024

The IMD has attributed the ongoing heavy rainfall to cyclonic activity off the coast, particularly affecting Valsad and other districts in Southern Gujarat. Visual reports depict individuals wading through knee-deep water in Surat, where Palsana received 5.2 inches of rain and Surat city recorded 3.6 inches, according to Dainik Jagran. Over 2 inches of rain has been recorded in 11 talukas across the state.

The IMD forecasts continued very heavy rainfall in Surat, Valsad, Dang, Tapi, parts of Amreli, Navsari, Daman, and Dadra Nagar Haveli over the next five days. Within the last six hours, 134 talukas in Gujarat have reported heavy rainfall, as reported by Dainik Jagran. Amid these conditions, Rajkot airport witnessed damage to its canopy during heavy rains on Saturday, marking the third such incident at an airport in recent days following Delhi and Jabalpur. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The IMD has cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions, influenced by cyclonic patterns, are expected to persist beyond earlier forecasts. Thunderstorms and cloud-to-ground lightning are also anticipated over the coming days.

Rape Allegations Spotlight Fraudulent Activities Of Surat Firm In Muzaffarpur

June 27, 2024, 9:25 am

A major job racket involving a Surat-headquartered networking company, DBR Unique, has been uncovered in Muzaffarpur district, leading to the arrest of two individuals and multiple allegations of sexual assault, illegal detention, and cheating.

On June 2, the Muzaffarpur Police registered an FIR against nine office bearers of DBR Unique, a company dealing in herbal products and networking. The FIR includes charges related to cheating, illegal detention, and sexual abuse. Among those arrested are Tilak Kumar Singh, named in the FIR, and Ajay Pratap, who was not initially named but was taken into custody for allegedly beating a girl at the company’s Muzaffarpur office.

Muzaffarpur City SP Awadhesh Dikshit stated, “So far, we have arrested two people — Tilak Kumar Singh on charges of sexual assault, and Ajay Pratap for beating up a girl. Both are employees of DBR Unique, a Surat-headquartered company.”

The company has a history of complaints against it. Between 2022 and 2023, at least four FIRs were lodged in Hajipur district, accusing the company of duping people by promising them jobs in exchange for money.

The latest complaint was filed by a 23-year-old woman from Saran district. She alleged that she and dozens of other girls were sexually abused at the company’s hostels in Muzaffarpur and Hajipur since August 2022. According to her complaint, she joined the Muzaffarpur office in August 2022 after depositing ₹20,000, with the promise of a ₹25,000 monthly salary. When no salary was received after three months, her seniors allegedly offered her ₹50,000 per month and a bonus if she brought in 50 job aspirants. She further alleged that Tilak Kumar Singh promised to marry her but instead forced her into a physical relationship.

The FIR includes statements from two other witnesses — a 21-year-old from Minapur and a 22-year-old from Saran — who also reported being beaten by company officials.

DBR Unique, classified as a non-government company and registered at the Registrar of Companies in Ahmedabad, is led by its sole director, Manish Sinha alias Manish Kumar, a resident of Gopalganj. Police raids have been conducted across Bihar, and a team may soon be dispatched to Noida to locate Manish Kumar.

Further allegations against DBR Unique surfaced in a case filed on May 14 last year, involving a woman from Dumka, Jharkhand. Her mother reported that after her daughter was hired by the company at Raxaul, she was not allowed to contact her. On May 10, the daughter managed to call her mother, revealing that she was being sexually abused by four people from the company. The Raxaul Police rescued the girl and filed charges of sexual assault, illegal detention, and torture against five individuals under relevant sections of the IPC and the SC/ST Act.

Surat Unveils First Steel Bridge for Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

April 25, 2024, 11:06 am

Surat has recently inaugurated its first steel bridge for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, also known as the bullet train project, according to officials from the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL). This steel bridge is one of twenty-eight such bridges planned for the corridor, with the bullet train expected to operate at a speed of 320 km per hour.

The newly constructed steel bridge, measuring 70 meters in length and over 12 meters in height, is situated near the Kamrej Toll Plaza on National Highway 53 in Surat. It is estimated that approximately 70,000 metric tons of steel will be used for manufacturing all 28 steel bridges. Out of these, 17 bridges will be located in Gujarat, while the remaining 11 will be in Maharashtra.

According to a statement by the NHSRCL, steel bridges are suitable for highways, expressways, and railway lines, unlike pre-stressed concrete bridges which are typically suitable for shorter spans, including river crossings. India has expertise in fabricating steel bridges for heavy haul and semi-high-speed trains, which run between 100 and 160 kmph. The fabrication and successful launch of a steel bridge to support a Shinkansen bullet train running at 320 km per hour is a first for the country.

The steel structure for the bridge was transported from a workshop in Hapur district, Uttar Pradesh, to Surat using trailers, covering a distance of 1,200 km. Upon arrival, assembly work commenced, with the bridge being carefully pulled into place using a specially-designed pulling arrangement.

Before dispatch, each batch of steel was tested by Ultrasonic Testing (UT) at the manufacturer’s premises. The fabrication process for steel bridges involves high-tech operations such as cutting, drilling, welding, and painting, as per design drawings prepared by Japanese engineers. Welding work was supervised by Japanese International Welding Experts (IWE).

The painting technique used for the steel girders is also claimed to be a first in India, adhering to the C-5 Painting system of the Japan Road Association’s “Handbook for Corrosion Protection of Steel Road Bridges.”

This development follows the recent announcement by NHSRCL of a breakthrough in the construction of the first mountain tunnel in the Valsad district. According to NHSRCL spokesperson Sushma Gaur, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route includes seven mountain tunnels, one of which is located in Zaroli village in Umbergaon taluka of Valsad district, with the remaining six in Palghar, Maharashtra.

Surat police adopts AI to check cyber crimes

February 4, 2024, 4:31 pm

The Surat police force has embraced Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to equip its personnel in countering cybercrime and meeting the cybersecurity needs of the public, as confirmed by a senior officer. According to Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sharad Singhal, “AI is the new hot topic in this generation. It has been used for the first time by the Surat Cyber Cell to protect the citizens of Gujarat from cybercrime. A chatbot has been created that will communicate with the victims in their chosen language.”

Emphasizing the advantages of artificial intelligence for cybercrime victims, the ACP highlighted, “Victims of cybercrime will be able to use the ‘Find My Police Station’ feature to locate their nearest police station. This public interface will work like a helpline, which will communicate with the victims regardless of time.” The adoption of AI is expected to enhance the efficiency of police operations, allowing them to track the number of cases in specific areas, thus identifying the concentration and nature of cybercrimes in the city.

The official also pointed out that AI will play a crucial role in training police officers to combat cybercrime gangs engaged in activities such as phishing, stalking, and sextortion. In a similar vein, the Punjab Police recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar to establish an in-house Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Lab, marking a significant step in leveraging advanced technologies for law enforcement.

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023: Indore and Surat honored for their distinction as cleanest cities in India

January 12, 2024, 10:30 am

Indore and Surat secured title as the ‘cleanest cities’ in India according to the annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Central government on Thursday, with Navi Mumbai retaining its third position. Notably, Indore’s consistent recognition as the cleanest city for seven successive times stood out.

In the category of ‘best performing states’ at the ‘Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023,’ Maharashtra claimed the top spot, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The awards ceremony, hosted in the city and attended by Union housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri, witnessed President Droupadi Murmu honoring the winners.

President Droupadi Murmu's address at the presentation of Swachh Survekshan Awards – 2023 in New Delhi https://t.co/WbKfxgJfm4

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 11, 2024

Several other cities received acknowledgment for their cleanliness endeavors. Saswad in Maharashtra was honored with the cleanest city award in the category of urban centers with a population of less than 1 lakh. Patan in Chhattisgarh and Lonavla in Maharashtra secured the second and third positions in the same category. Varanasi and Prayagraj were notably acknowledged as the cleanest Ganga towns.

Its not just the two National awardee cities of Varanasi & Prayagraj, the Swachh Survekshan-2023 award says a lot more about UP…

• UP has made history as 2 cities are getting president award in cleanliness for the first time;
•Not only this, 2 out of 10 National awardee… pic.twitter.com/jeEy8rc8BE

— A K Sharma (@aksharmaBharat) January 11, 2024

Since its inception in 2016, the Swachh Survekshan, conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has grown into the largest global survey on urban sanitation and cleanliness. This initiative has played a pivotal role in fostering healthy competition among towns and cities, encouraging them to improve service delivery to citizens and work towards cleaner urban environments. Starting with a coverage limited to 73 major cities in 2016, the Survekshan has significantly expanded its scope, now encompassing 4,477 cities.

Moreover Shimla’s position experienced a significant decline in the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023, plummeting from 56th to 188th. The city performed poorly in the evaluation conducted across approximately 446 cities in the country. In the preceding years, Shimla’s rankings were 198th in 2019, 65th in 2020, 76th in 2021, and 56th in 2022.

Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023: Shimla’s rank fell from 56th to 188th#HimachalPradesh #shimla pic.twitter.com/IpPLe9VefR

— Sidharth Shukla (@sidhshuk) January 12, 2024

Surat Airport’s newly inaugurated terminal commences domestic flight operations

December 26, 2023, 3:40 am

Surat International Airport on Monday commenced domestic flight operations from its newly inaugurated terminal, built at a cost of Rs 353 crore, with the arrival of two flights from Delhi and Hyderabad.

Indigo operated the initial flights connecting Surat to Delhi and Hyderabad, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in the airport’s operational history.
According to airport officials, the first flight arrived from Delhi with 177 passengers on board and departed back with 161 passengers. Similarly, the second flight arrived from Hyderabad with 180 passengers and departed with almost an equal number of passengers from Surat.

Additionally, an Air India Express flight to Dubai is scheduled for departure on Tuesday.
The occasion was celebrated with a ceremonial lamp lighting and cake-cutting ceremony, attended by Surat Airport director Rupesh Kumar, airport staff, and airline officials.
“There was a need for a big airport. It was a long-awaited demand. Our Prime Minister inaugurated the terminal on December 17. Today, we are starting the new terminal after cake cutting by the new passenger. We have also given flowers to the first ride traveller,” Airport director Rupesh Kumar said.

Airport officials welcomed the passengers by giving them flowers for the first domestic flight from the new terminal.
“I am very happy and thankful to PM Narendra Modi and the state government. This direct flight will increase our business,” said Aarohi, a traveller.
“Surat city is one of the fast-developing cities in India as well as the world. PM Modi granted approximately 350 crores for this terminal. We are thankful to PM Modi. I congratulate you,” said another traveller.
11 flights will fly in and out daily from the airport’s new terminal, officials pointed out.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17 inaugurated the new terminal building of Surat Airport, built for Rs 353 crore.
Surat is currently connected to 14 domestic cities — Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Goa, Goa Mopa, Belgaum, Pune, Jaipur, Udaipur, Indore, Diu and Kishangarh and internationally via Sharjah to the rest of the world. It is handling more than 252 passenger flight movements per week.
As per officials, the Surat airport has a runway of 2906 X 45 metres capable of operating Code ‘C’ type of aircraft and a terminal building of an area of 8474 square metres.
The new terminal building is equipped to handle 1,200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours and has provision for further increasing the peak hour capacity to 3,000 passengers with annual handling capacity increasing to 55 lakh passengers.

The terminal building, as it is the gateway to Surat city, has been designed with its local culture and heritage ensuring that the essence should reflect both in interior and exterior, creating a sense of place for the visitors. Rogan, embroidery works such as Zari and Brocade, beautiful relief works of wooden carvings, and mosaic work depicting the famous Kite festival of Gujarat will be showcased in the airport.
The new airport terminal is equipped with various sustainability features like an insulated Roofing System, Canopies for energy saving, a heat Gain Double Glazing Unit, Rain Water Harvesting, a water treatment plant, a Sewage treatment plant and use of recycled water for landscaping and solar power plant, among others.

Domestic Flights Take Off from Surat Airport’s Newly Inaugurated Terminal

December 25, 2023, 2:24 pm

Surat International Airport marked a historic moment on Monday as it initiated domestic flight operations from its newly inaugurated terminal, constructed for Rs 353 crore. The inaugural flights from Delhi and Hyderabad, operated by Indigo, heralded a significant milestone in the airport’s operational history.

According to airport officials, the first flight from Delhi arrived with 177 passengers and departed with 161 passengers, while the second flight from Hyderabad saw 180 passengers both arriving and departing from Surat. Additionally, an Air India Express flight to Dubai is scheduled for departure on Tuesday.

The inauguration was celebrated with a ceremonial lamp lighting and cake-cutting ceremony, graced by the presence of Surat Airport director Rupesh Kumar, airport staff, and airline officials.

Surat Airport director Rupesh Kumar expressed the long-awaited fulfilment of the demand for a substantial airport, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17. “Today, we are starting the new terminal after cake cutting by the new passenger. We have also given flowers to the first ride traveller,” he stated.

Passengers were welcomed with flowers for the first domestic flight from the new terminal, eliciting expressions of gratitude and happiness. A traveller named Aarohi remarked, “I am very happy and thankful to PM Narendra Modi and the state government. This direct flight will increase our business.”

The newly operational terminal, built for Rs 353 crore, is set to accommodate 11 daily flights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the terminal on December 17, providing a boost to Surat’s connectivity. The city is presently linked to 14 domestic cities and international destinations via Sharjah.

The new terminal, designed with local culture and heritage in mind, showcases Rogan, Zari, Brocade embroidery, wooden carvings, and mosaic work depicting the famous Kite festival of Gujarat. With a runway capable of handling Code ‘C’ type aircraft, the terminal can host 1,200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours, with provisions for future expansions.

Sustainability features such as an insulated Roofing System, Canopies for energy saving, a Double Glazing Unit for heat gain reduction, Rain Water Harvesting, water treatment and sewage treatment plants, and the use of recycled water for landscaping and solar power plant contribute to the terminal’s modern and eco-friendly design. The upgraded facility aims to enhance the overall passenger experience with a nod to the region’s rich cultural heritage.

1 dead, 8 injured: Surat bus accident

December 24, 2023, 9:38 am

Seven people were injured and one died after a bus hit several vehicles in Surat on Saturday, as reported by the officials. The accident took place on Saturday night leading to seriously injure nine people. One of them died.

Shalini Agarwal, the commissioner of the Surat Municipal Corporation informed, “As many as nine people were injured (after a bus hit several vehicles) in the incident and one of them later succumbed to his injuries. The others are currently receiving treatment.”

State Education Minister Praful Pansheriya also visited the injured victims at the hospital. The municipal commissioner confirmed that the police is carrying out a proper investigation of the incident. “Based on the investigation report, we will take necessary action,” she added.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal flags off ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ in Mumbai

December 10, 2023, 11:54 am

Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Textiles, launched the “One Bharat Sari Walkathon” in Mumbai on Sunday. Sonali Bendre, Rupali Ganguly, and other celebrities attended the function. By inviting women from all over the nation to participate and exhibit their unique sari-wearing styles, the Ministry of Textiles hoped to promote the handloom sari culture in India and portray it as a nation of “Unity in Diversity.” According to a press release from Textile Ministry, the initiative will also support the notion of “Vocal for Local” and foster the spirit of traditional textiles. It will also increase women’s awareness of fitness and motivate them to lead healthier lives.

In this celebration of cultural diversity & empowerment, the enthusiastic participation of more than 5000 women including leading professionals, Bollywood & television personalities, sports personalities, business women, designers, influencers, housewives, women from the music industry and many more joined the event adorned in their distinctive traditional attire.
Previously, Sari Walkathon was organized in Surat.

PM Modi to attend 8 events across seven cities in 36 hours

April 22, 2023, 6:12 pm

Beginning on 24 April, Prime Minister Modi will travel more than 5,000 miles throughout several regions of the nation in just 36 hours. During this time, he will attend eight events and visit seven cities.

On 24 April, the Prime Minister will travel to Madhya Pradesh in central India after departing from the city. According to officials, he will subsequently travel to Kerala in the South, spend some time in the Union Territory in the West, and finally return to Delhi. Detailing the itinerary of the Prime Minister’s long tour, the officials said, “PM will start the journey in the morning of 24 April. He will travel from Delhi to Khajuraho, covering a distance of around 500 kilometres. From Khajuraho, he will travel to Rewa where he will participate in the National Panchayati Raj Day programme. After this, he will come back to Khajuraho, covering a distance of around 280 km in the to-and-fro journey. From Khajuraho, he will travel to Kochi, covering an aerial distance of about 1700 kilometres, to participate in the Yuvam Conclave.”

“Next morning, the PM will travel from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram, covering a distance of about 190 Km. Here, he will flag off Vande Bharat Express and also dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various projects. From here, he will travel to Silvassa via Surat, covering about 1570 kilometres. There, he will visit NAMO medical college and will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various projects,” they added. Further, PM Modi will then travel to Daman for the inauguration of Devka seafront, post which he will go to Surat, covering about 110 kilometres.

“From Surat, he will travel back to Delhi, adding another 940 km to his travel schedule,” they said. The power-packed schedule will see the Prime Minister travelling a staggering aerial distance of around 5,300 kilometres. “To put this figure in perspective, one can look at the length of India from North to South, which is about 3200 kilometres. Adding to the distance is the time factor – all this travel is jam-packed in only 36 hours,” the officials said.

Surat: More than 15,000 ladies participate in a saree walkathon to promote fitness

April 9, 2023, 1:31 pm

On Sunday, more than 15,000 ladies dressed in colorful sarees took part in the ‘Saree Walkathon’ in the textile capital of India to stay fit and promote awareness about women’s empowerment.

Surat is India’s textile powerhouse and is considered a mini-India. Surat Municipal Corporation and Surat Smart City Development Limited collaborated to organize the ‘Saree Walkathon,’ which drew women from throughout the state. Students from many countries studying in Surat from overseas strolled beside them, dressed in traditional Indian costumes and sarees.
Participants were also spotted dancing to Gujarati music played during the event.
Darshana Zardosh, Union Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Harsh Sanghvi, Home Minister of Gujarat, CR Patil, State BJP President, and many other dignitaries launched the Walkathon.

According to Surat Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal, around 15,000 women have registered for the event, and ladies from 15 states have traveled here.
“It is a source of pride for India that India won the G20 presidency under PM Modi’s leadership. Today, a saree walkathon has been organized here. Approximately 15,000 women have registered for the event, and women from 15 states have arrived,” stated the municipal commissioner.

A student from Afghanistan who attended the event stated that it demonstrates how women may live healthy lives despite their hectic schedules.
Earlier in the day, on World Health Day, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a walkathon in New Delhi.

The event was structured under the topic “Health for All.” The walkathon’s goal was to raise awareness about healthy habits not just to prevent Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), but also to improve mental well-being. The event began at Vijay Chowk and proceeded through Kartavya Path to Nirman Bhawan via India Gate.
Over 350 eager individuals, walking for better health, took part with zeal. They pledged to live a healthy and active lifestyle to prevent and control lifestyle-related health problems/diseases like hypertension, diabetes, mental illness, and cancer.

20,000 Workers Lose Jobs As Diamond Demand Declines

January 6, 2023, 3:55 pm

Surat is famous for diamonds as it employs about 8 lakh workers in about 4000 cutting and polishing units. However, 60 to 70 percent of units are forced to work at their capacity, stated Damji Mavani, the secretary of the Surat Diamond Association (SDA) which also implies there is a need for fewer workers.

Approximately, 20,000 people lost their jobs in Surat in cutting and polishing diamonds in the west and China over the past month.

Bhavesh Tank, the vice-president of the Diamond Workers Union in Gujarat, said fear of a return of the 2008-like recession looms large in the diamond city of Surat. “Orders are fewer and so the workload is less. Therefore, the units are reducing the workforce. Some units are cutting down work days so that they do not have to pay the workers on days when they are not working.”

Surat polishes approximately 80% of the diamonds sold worldwide. Around 8 lakh people are employed in the industry’s 4,000 cutting and polishing units. According to Damji Mavani, secretary of the Surat Diamond Association (SDA), the decline in demand has forced most units to operate at only 60 to 70 percent capacity, implying a need for fewer workers.

Gujarat polls: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Gujarat tour for third time in a week

November 23, 2022, 11:57 am

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is scheduled to visit Gujarat for third time this week.
CM Yogi will hold elections meetings for the candidates during his third Gujarat tour for the candidates of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Dwarka, Kutch, Morbi and Surat districts. A roadshow will be conducted in Surat by CM Yogi and he will worship in the Dwarkadhish temple.
CM Adityanath departed from the Amausi airport in Lucknow at 9.20 am and would fly to Jamnagar Airport to travel to Dwarka by 11.45 am. The UP CM will address a public gathering in Dwarka for 30 minutes at Satwara Bhuvan Wadi Dwarka and then leave for the Dwarkadhish temple at 12.40.
After leaving Dwarka, CM Yogi will reach Rapad Kutch in Gujarat and will hold a party election meeting in this assembly.
His next destination will be Halwad in the Morbi district to conduct a public meeting at Dharrangdhara. This meeting will be followed by a roadshow from Umiya Dham Temple, Surat in Varchha Assembly and then he will head to Lucknow from the Surat airport.
One of the top BJP campaigners for the forthcoming Gujarat Assembly elections, which are scheduled to take place on December 1 and December 5, is Adityanath.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and outgoing Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are among the other prominent BJP campaigners in Gujarat.
There will be voting in Gujarat for a total of 182 Assembly seats.
The BJP wants to retake control of the state with a sizable majority after holding it for more than 20 years.
But after its remarkable Assembly election victory in Punjab, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has entered the race in an effort to broaden its national influence.
Party leader Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have been the featured speakers at rallies and road shows in the state that is going to the polls.
Isudan Gadhvi, a member of the party’s top governing body, the National Executive, has already been named as its candidate for chief minister in the western state.
The BJP government is being challenged by Congress, which is also trying to win the state and is putting its best electoral foot forward.

Rahul Gandhi calls tribals “Asli malik of India”

November 21, 2022, 5:43 pm

Firing a fresh salvo on BJP in Gujarat Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the BJP party wants tribals to live in forests.

Meanwhile, in Surat, the former Congress president lashed BJP and said the saffron side does not want the tribals to live in the city or don’t want their children to become engineers.

The former Congress president called the tribals “Asli malik (real owner)” of India. “They want you to live in the jungle, but do not stop there. After that, they start taking the jungle from you. If it continues like this, then in another 5-10 years, all the jungles will be in the hands of two-three industrialists, and you will have no place to live, and won’t get an education, health, and jobs,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Nowadays, Congress leaders are on Bharat Jodo Yatra, which began on 7 September from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

Talking about Bharat Jodo Yatra Rahul said, “Those who participated in the yatra suffered blisters in their feet, and two of them sadly their lives as well. However, the march did not stop,”

Moreover, Rahul Gandhi along with all the party MPs, leaders, and workers are staying in containers in which ACs, toilets, and sleeping beds are also installed. Keeping in view the intense heat and humidity with the change of places the container has been made.

However, in some past polls, Congress suffered a debacle and this Yatra is to increase the party rank for the upcoming electoral battles.

Furthermore, the assembly elections in Gujarat will take place on 1 December and 5 December and the counting of the votes will take place on 8 December.

Hotel owner in Surat detained for serving beef to patrons, butcher absconding

September 16, 2022, 5:59 pm

A restaurant owner in Surat, Gujarat, was detained for serving beef to customers that had ordered non-vegetarian food in his hotel. The Hindu organisations informed the authorities as soon as they learned about the restaurant owner’s conduct.

Police raided the restaurant based on the information and found 60 kg of beef stored in the refrigerator. The restaurant owner was detained after a case was filed against him at the Lalgate police station in Surat.

Three members of Surat-based Hindu organisations were informed that a non-vegetarian restaurant serving the Hodibangla neighbourhood sold beef. They looked into the situation, verified the accuracy of the information, and then reported everything to the Lalgate police station.

When authorities searched the hotel on September 11, they found 60 kg of beef that had been stored in six bags in the refrigerator. After that, authorities summoned a veterinarian to the scene, collected samples in his presence, and transported them to the Forensic Scientific Laboratory for analysis.

Sarfraz Mohammad Wazir Khan, the owner of the eatery, was detained under the Gujarat Animal Protection Amendment Act after Lalgate police station received the FSL report on September 14, which indicated that the material was beef.

In the meantime, Ansar, the butcher who gave him the steak, has been listed as absconding. Further investigation is underway.