Six killed in lightning strikes across Bihar
Six people lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Bihar over the past 24 hours, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The fatalities occurred in Patna (3), Gaya (1), Arwal (1), and Gopalganj (1) districts. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia payment of ?4 lakh to the families of each deceased. He urged residents to adhere to advisories from the Disaster Management Department. The incident follows a deadly trend, as over 90 people were killed in lightning strikes and thunderstorms across the State in April. Authorities continue to monitor weather developments closely.
Youths booked playing DJ music near Kedarnath shrine
Several youths were booked on Tuesday for violating the sanctity of the Kedarnath shrine after a video showing them dancing to loud DJ music behind the temple surfaced on social media, police said. The FIR, filed at Sonprayag police station under BNS Section 298 for desecrating a place of worship, was based on a complaint by Girish Devli, officer in charge of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. Rudraprayag police's social media cell confirmed that the individuals involved were identified through online platforms and assured legal action will follow. Authorities added that the video was recorded before the temple opened to devotees on May 2. The incident has sparked outrage, highlighting concerns over respect for religious sites and the growing influence of social media in exposing such controversial acts in sensitive areas.