9 pilgrims killed in UP
Lucknow, May 18: Nine pilgrims headed to ‘punyagiri or the mountain of good deeds, were mowed down by a speeding mini-truck in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly district on Friday, police said.
The deceased were part of a group of 250, who were walking bare foot towards the Maa Purnagiri shrine, which is located close to the Nepal border, when the incident occurred.
The mini-truck coming from Sitarganj and headed to Tanakpur ran over 30 pilgrims near the sales tax office, an official informed. Many of the bodies were strewn in pieces all over the road.
At least 21 others have been admitted to various nearby medical facilities, where condition of five is stated to be critical.
The Army is also aiding in the rescue and relief operations along with the district authorities.
The injured, who sustained minor injuries have been sent to their homes in state roadways buses.
All nine deceased have been identified. The family members have been informed of the tragedy.
The Maa Purnagiri temple is located on the top of a mountain above 3,000 metres from sea level in Uttarakhand's Tanakpur.
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Govt revokes Sonam Wangchuk's detention after almost six months
New Delhi (PTI): The Centre has decided to revoke the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk with immediate effect by exercising the powers available under the National Security Act, an official statement said on Saturday.
Wangchuk was detained on September 26, 2025, two days after violent protests over demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution rocked Leh.
He was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on the orders of the district magistrate, Leh, to "maintain public order" and then transferred to Jodhpur prison.
Wangchuk has already undergone nearly half of the period of detention under the NSA, the statement said.
"The government has been actively engaging with various stakeholders and community leaders in Ladakh with a view to addressing the aspirations and concerns of the people of the region," it said.
