Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended due to forest fire
Jammu, May 24: The annual pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine remained suspended for a second consecutive day on Thursday following a forest fire, police said.
Around 25,000 pilgrims were currently stranded at the Katra base camp for clearance to start the uphill trek to the shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. However, helicopter services have resumed.
"A huge forest fire broke out yesterday (Wednesday) in the Trikuta Hills," a police official said.
The fire department has deployed helicopters to douse the flames. Trenches were also dug to prevent the fire from spreading out.
"The blaze has been contained to a large extent. For the safety of the pilgrims, the passage to the shrine will only be permitted after the blaze is completely put out," the official added.
Over two crore pilgrims visit the shrine every year.
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FIR against Sanjay Raut's brother for remarks against Shiv Sena's woman leader
Mumbai (PTI): The Mumbai police have registered an FIR against Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Raut, the brother of party leader Sanjay Raut, for allegedly making offensive remarks against rival Shiv Sena leader Suvarna Karanje, an official said.
Sunil Raut and Karanje are pitted against each other in Mumbai's Vikhroli assembly seat.
The Sena (UBT) candidate allegedly made the comments at an event in Tagore Nagar area of suburban Vikhroli on October 27 and a video of it later went viral on social media.
Following a complaint by Karanje, the police on Monday registered a case against Sunil Raut under relevant Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections, including 79 (insult to modesty of woman), the official said.
The Maharashtra assembly elections are scheduled on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23.
