April 5, 2026

. MADURAI: As the election season gathers momentum, a few villages in south Tamil Nadu have been holding out against political messaging. Othaveedu in Madurai is one such village where political advertisements, banners, flags, posters, or messages of any kind are barred.Politicians enter the village and campaign for votes, but that’s about it. Villagers do not accept gifts or freebies or allow any advertisements to be stuck in the village, be it on walls of a house or public spaces. “Apart from political posters, we do not allow posters for religious or private events such as festivals and weddings either. If such a poster is stuck on walls, village elders ask them to remove it immediately,” P Pandi, a shopkeeper said. He added that parties and campaigners respect the rules. In fact, these rules are explained in a notice posted at the bus stand.”We follow these rules so no one is swayed by propaganda on posters and banners or has any allegiance to a particular flag,” says M Jayaraj, another resident. “When the time comes to vote, each one makes his or her own decision, without the influence of the rest of the village.” Jayaraj said. This rule is also followed by people returning home from other cities and districts to cast their votes.TOI found that just across the road from Othaveedu, there is a signboard of a recent road development project with details of the scheme. This signboard was not allowed to be placed within the village limits, Krishnan, another villager, said. “That and shop names and their ads are the only ones allowed within the village,” he said.The other villages which follow similar rules on political messaging are Marudhanatham in Virudhunagar district, Komboothi in Ramanathapuram and Balakrishnapuram in Theni.”Politicians are allowed to enter the village to campaign, and they can bring whatever flags and banners they want with them, but when they leave, they must take all of that with them,” said Murugan, a resident of Balakrishnapuram village.The rules regarding politics enforced by these villages also ensure that there is no discord among villagers based on politics. “It is not discussed publicly. Each person votes for who he or she wants. There are no arguments or discussions about it during panchayat or other public meetings,” he added.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to knowThese spiritual wallpapers for your phone that can change your destiny123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
. MADURAI: As the election season gathers momentum, a few villages in south Tamil Nadu have been holding out against political messaging. Othaveedu in Madurai is one such village where political advertisements, banners, flags, posters, or messages of any kind are barred.Politicians enter the village and campaign for votes, but that’s about it. Villagers do not accept gifts or freebies or allow any advertisements to be stuck in the village, be it on walls of a house or public spaces. “Apart from political posters, we do not allow posters for religious or private events such as festivals and weddings either. If such a poster is stuck on walls, village elders ask them to remove it immediately,” P Pandi, a shopkeeper said. He added that parties and campaigners respect the rules. In fact, these rules are explained in a notice posted at the bus stand.”We follow these rules so no one is swayed by propaganda on posters and banners or has any allegiance to a particular flag,” says M Jayaraj, another resident. “When the time comes to vote, each one makes his or her own decision, without the influence of the rest of the village.” Jayaraj said. This rule is also followed by people returning home from other cities and districts to cast their votes.TOI found that just across the road from Othaveedu, there is a signboard of a recent road development project with details of the scheme. This signboard was not allowed to be placed within the village limits, Krishnan, another villager, said. “That and shop names and their ads are the only ones allowed within the village,” he said.The other villages which follow similar rules on political messaging are Marudhanatham in Virudhunagar district, Komboothi in Ramanathapuram and Balakrishnapuram in Theni.”Politicians are allowed to enter the village to campaign, and they can bring whatever flags and banners they want with them, but when they leave, they must take all of that with them,” said Murugan, a resident of Balakrishnapuram village.The rules regarding politics enforced by these villages also ensure that there is no discord among villagers based on politics. “It is not discussed publicly. Each person votes for who he or she wants. There are no arguments or discussions about it during panchayat or other public meetings,” he added.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to knowThese spiritual wallpapers for your phone that can change your destiny123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news


A village that rejects freebies & doesn't allow political advertisements

MADURAI: As the election season gathers momentum, a few villages in south Tamil Nadu have been holding out against political messaging. Othaveedu in Madurai is one such village where political advertisements, banners, flags, posters, or messages of any kind are barred.Politicians enter the village and campaign for votes, but that’s about it. Villagers do not accept gifts or freebies or allow any advertisements to be stuck in the village, be it on walls of a house or public spaces. “Apart from political posters, we do not allow posters for religious or private events such as festivals and weddings either. If such a poster is stuck on walls, village elders ask them to remove it immediately,” P Pandi, a shopkeeper said. He added that parties and campaigners respect the rules. In fact, these rules are explained in a notice posted at the bus stand.“We follow these rules so no one is swayed by propaganda on posters and banners or has any allegiance to a particular flag,” says M Jayaraj, another resident. “When the time comes to vote, each one makes his or her own decision, without the influence of the rest of the village.” Jayaraj said. This rule is also followed by people returning home from other cities and districts to cast their votes.TOI found that just across the road from Othaveedu, there is a signboard of a recent road development project with details of the scheme. This signboard was not allowed to be placed within the village limits, Krishnan, another villager, said. “That and shop names and their ads are the only ones allowed within the village,” he said.The other villages which follow similar rules on political messaging are Marudhanatham in Virudhunagar district, Komboothi in Ramanathapuram and Balakrishnapuram in Theni.“Politicians are allowed to enter the village to campaign, and they can bring whatever flags and banners they want with them, but when they leave, they must take all of that with them,” said Murugan, a resident of Balakrishnapuram village.The rules regarding politics enforced by these villages also ensure that there is no discord among villagers based on politics. “It is not discussed publicly. Each person votes for who he or she wants. There are no arguments or discussions about it during panchayat or other public meetings,” he added.



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NEW DELHI: A fresh political row erupted in Assam after Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife holds multiple foreign passports, prompting a sharp rebuttal and legal threat from the BJP leader.The controversy began with Khera’s press conference in Delhi, where he claimed to possess documents suggesting that Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, held three passports. “We have documents showing that Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, holds three passports. The first is a UAE Golden Card, the second an Antigua and Barbuda passport, and the third an Egyptian passport. Two of these belong to Islamic countries, yet they continue to claim religious adherence publicly,” he said.Khera escalated the attack by linking the issue to broader allegations. “You are seeing photos of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife. Their names have been linked to several allegations such as land grabbing, misuse of temple funds, government subsidies, and chit fund scams. But today, the documents we are presenting are directly related to matters outside India,” he said. Calling it a “shocking detail”, he added that she had “not one, not two, but three passports, which have not expired”.’Khera will face consequences of his actions’: HimantaSarma dismissed the claims as politically motivated and said that both he and his wife will file a defamation case against Khera within 48 hours. “Today’s press conference by Pawan Khera reflects the deep frustration and panic within the Congress party. As Assam moves decisively towards a historic mandate, such desperate and baseless attacks only expose their sinking ground,” he wrote on X.“I categorically reject every allegation made by him. These are malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam,” he added, announcing legal action. “My wife and I will be filing both criminal and civil defamation cases within the next 48 hours against Shri Pawan Khera. He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements.””I have complete faith in the judiciary. Once the truth is established in a court of law, Shri Pawan Khera will face the consequences of his actions, and the law will take its due course,” he further wrote.’Embarrassment for Assam’: GogoiAssam Congress leader Gaurav also hit out at Himanta and called for further investigation. “Shocking allegations have come out related to Himanta Biswa Sarma. Holding multiple passports and failure to disclose properties is a grave and criminal offence. How much money have they sent from Assam to their bank accounts abroad? More investigation is required,” he wrote, calling the chief minister an “embarrassment” who “will have to answer the questions and pay for his crime.”Sarma responded again, flagging technical inconsistencies across the alleged documents. In a detailed post, he listed what he called “serious discrepancies” that pointed to fabrication. These included a “surname mismatch — ‘SARMA’ used instead of the official ‘SHARMA’”, and a photograph that “appears to be a publicly available image, not a standard biometric capture”.Referring to an Antigua and Barbuda passport, he pointed to an “expiry date mismatch between printed field and MRZ”, while an Egyptian passport allegedly showed “passport number mismatch… spelling errors (‘Egyptiann’) and incorrect Arabic reference”.“These inconsistencies strongly indicate possible fabrication or digital manipulation. Truth will prevail. Those spreading misinformation will be held accountable,” Sarma wrote, adding, “I am confident that Pawan Khera’s campaign of falsehood is nearing its end. Eventually Mr Khera will go to Jail.”The escalating exchange comes just days before polling in Assam scheduled for April 9.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely123PhotostoriesBefore age 10, these 12 simple things parents say can shape a child’s confidence and emotional strength for lifeDivyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya host a heartwarming baby shower ceremony; co-star Ruhaanika Dhawan, actor Dheeraj Dhoopar, and others joinMumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train corridor: 5 km tunnel excavation complete — why it’s a key step toward operationsBig relief for commuters: Noida plans 10-lane Pushta Road, new link to ease Delhi–Jewar airport traffic; what we knowTilak Varma’s multi-storey home in Hyderabad is rooted in humble beginnings, now a stylish residence shaped by cricket fame and family valuesRashmika Mandanna birthday special: Best performances to watch on OTT, from ‘Animal’ to ‘Chhaava’Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more: 6 Hollywood icons who shared apartments before hitting it big10 summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and digestive system healthy’Crash Landing on You’, ‘Goblin’ and more: K-drama on-screen couples who redefined romance7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

NEW DELHI: A fresh political row erupted in Assam after Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife holds multiple foreign passports, prompting a sharp rebuttal and legal threat from the BJP leader.The controversy began with Khera’s press conference in Delhi, where he claimed to possess documents suggesting that Sarma’s wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, held three passports. “We have documents showing that Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wife Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, holds three passports. The first is a UAE Golden Card, the second an Antigua and Barbuda passport, and the third an Egyptian passport. Two of these belong to Islamic countries, yet they continue to claim religious adherence publicly,” he said.Khera escalated the attack by linking the issue to broader allegations. “You are seeing photos of Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife. Their names have been linked to several allegations such as land grabbing, misuse of temple funds, government subsidies, and chit fund scams. But today, the documents we are presenting are directly related to matters outside India,” he said. Calling it a “shocking detail”, he added that she had “not one, not two, but three passports, which have not expired”.’Khera will face consequences of his actions’: HimantaSarma dismissed the claims as politically motivated and said that both he and his wife will file a defamation case against Khera within 48 hours. “Today’s press conference by Pawan Khera reflects the deep frustration and panic within the Congress party. As Assam moves decisively towards a historic mandate, such desperate and baseless attacks only expose their sinking ground,” he wrote on X.“I categorically reject every allegation made by him. These are malicious, fabricated, and politically motivated lies aimed at misleading the people of Assam,” he added, announcing legal action. “My wife and I will be filing both criminal and civil defamation cases within the next 48 hours against Shri Pawan Khera. He will be held fully accountable for his reckless and defamatory statements.””I have complete faith in the judiciary. Once the truth is established in a court of law, Shri Pawan Khera will face the consequences of his actions, and the law will take its due course,” he further wrote.’Embarrassment for Assam’: GogoiAssam Congress leader Gaurav also hit out at Himanta and called for further investigation. “Shocking allegations have come out related to Himanta Biswa Sarma. Holding multiple passports and failure to disclose properties is a grave and criminal offence. How much money have they sent from Assam to their bank accounts abroad? More investigation is required,” he wrote, calling the chief minister an “embarrassment” who “will have to answer the questions and pay for his crime.”Sarma responded again, flagging technical inconsistencies across the alleged documents. In a detailed post, he listed what he called “serious discrepancies” that pointed to fabrication. These included a “surname mismatch — ‘SARMA’ used instead of the official ‘SHARMA’”, and a photograph that “appears to be a publicly available image, not a standard biometric capture”.Referring to an Antigua and Barbuda passport, he pointed to an “expiry date mismatch between printed field and MRZ”, while an Egyptian passport allegedly showed “passport number mismatch… spelling errors (‘Egyptiann’) and incorrect Arabic reference”.“These inconsistencies strongly indicate possible fabrication or digital manipulation. Truth will prevail. Those spreading misinformation will be held accountable,” Sarma wrote, adding, “I am confident that Pawan Khera’s campaign of falsehood is nearing its end. Eventually Mr Khera will go to Jail.”The escalating exchange comes just days before polling in Assam scheduled for April 9.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely123PhotostoriesBefore age 10, these 12 simple things parents say can shape a child’s confidence and emotional strength for lifeDivyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya host a heartwarming baby shower ceremony; co-star Ruhaanika Dhawan, actor Dheeraj Dhoopar, and others joinMumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet train corridor: 5 km tunnel excavation complete — why it’s a key step toward operationsBig relief for commuters: Noida plans 10-lane Pushta Road, new link to ease Delhi–Jewar airport traffic; what we knowTilak Varma’s multi-storey home in Hyderabad is rooted in humble beginnings, now a stylish residence shaped by cricket fame and family valuesRashmika Mandanna birthday special: Best performances to watch on OTT, from ‘Animal’ to ‘Chhaava’Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and more: 6 Hollywood icons who shared apartments before hitting it big10 summer-friendly beetroot dishes to keep the gut cool and digestive system healthy’Crash Landing on You’, ‘Goblin’ and more: K-drama on-screen couples who redefined romance7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0
The denture that was stuck in the man’s food pipe NEW DELHI: A routine meal turned into a medical emergency when a man accidentally swallowed his denture—only for it to get lodged deep inside his food pipe, leaving him in severe distress. In a complex, high-risk procedure, doctors at a private hospital used a laser-assisted endoscopic technique to remove it, avoiding the need for major surgery.The patient, a 45-year-old vegetable seller from Rampur near Moradabad, arrived gasping, with intense throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Scans revealed the dental plate stuck at the cricopharynx—an extremely sensitive junction between the food pipe and windpipe—where its sharp metallic clasps risked tearing the esophagus. This narrow, rigid area is a common site where foreign bodies get impacted.“This was one of the most difficult foreign bodies we have encountered,” said Dr Anil Arora, Chairman, Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology and Pancreaticobiliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “Conventional tools like forceps or snares could have caused serious injury.”Foreign bodies — such as coins, dentures, button batteries, pins or even fish and meat bones — are not digested and may not pass naturally. Sharp objects can injure or perforate the gastrointestinal tract, while some may slip into the windpipe, causing breathing problems or serious lung infections.The patient was unable to swallow or expel the object. Endoscopy confirmed the denture was firmly lodged, and standard removal methods were deemed unsafe due to the risk of injury.After initial attempts failed, the team switched strategy. Using a precision laser under endoscopic guidance, doctors broke the denture into smaller fragments inside the esophagus. A protective over tube was then deployed to shield the inner lining as each piece was removed in a controlled manner.“The laser allowed controlled fragmentation, while the over tube prevented damage from sharp edges,” said Shrihari Anikhindi, consultant gastroenterologist. “This helped us avoid open surgery, which carries significant risks and longer recovery.”The laser used relies on a focused, high-energy beam — often using a holmium source — allowing precise fragmentation without damaging surrounding tissue. This approach helped avoid complications such as airway obstruction or perforation, which can lead to deep neck infections.Doctors say commonly seen foreign bodies include fish or chicken bones, dentures and even broken toothbrush parts, and stress that early medical attention is critical.The patient recovered without complications—turning what could have been a life-threatening situation into a showcase of minimally invasive innovation, said doctors. EOMAbout the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid Crisis123Photostories7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny windowBaby names inspired by virtuesHidden sodium in everyday foods: How excess salt raises blood pressure and simple ways to reduce intake7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday life123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

The denture that was stuck in the man’s food pipe NEW DELHI: A routine meal turned into a medical emergency when a man accidentally swallowed his denture—only for it to get lodged deep inside his food pipe, leaving him in severe distress. In a complex, high-risk procedure, doctors at a private hospital used a laser-assisted endoscopic technique to remove it, avoiding the need for major surgery.The patient, a 45-year-old vegetable seller from Rampur near Moradabad, arrived gasping, with intense throat pain and difficulty swallowing. Scans revealed the dental plate stuck at the cricopharynx—an extremely sensitive junction between the food pipe and windpipe—where its sharp metallic clasps risked tearing the esophagus. This narrow, rigid area is a common site where foreign bodies get impacted.“This was one of the most difficult foreign bodies we have encountered,” said Dr Anil Arora, Chairman, Institute of Liver, Gastroenterology and Pancreaticobiliary Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “Conventional tools like forceps or snares could have caused serious injury.”Foreign bodies — such as coins, dentures, button batteries, pins or even fish and meat bones — are not digested and may not pass naturally. Sharp objects can injure or perforate the gastrointestinal tract, while some may slip into the windpipe, causing breathing problems or serious lung infections.The patient was unable to swallow or expel the object. Endoscopy confirmed the denture was firmly lodged, and standard removal methods were deemed unsafe due to the risk of injury.After initial attempts failed, the team switched strategy. Using a precision laser under endoscopic guidance, doctors broke the denture into smaller fragments inside the esophagus. A protective over tube was then deployed to shield the inner lining as each piece was removed in a controlled manner.“The laser allowed controlled fragmentation, while the over tube prevented damage from sharp edges,” said Shrihari Anikhindi, consultant gastroenterologist. “This helped us avoid open surgery, which carries significant risks and longer recovery.”The laser used relies on a focused, high-energy beam — often using a holmium source — allowing precise fragmentation without damaging surrounding tissue. This approach helped avoid complications such as airway obstruction or perforation, which can lead to deep neck infections.Doctors say commonly seen foreign bodies include fish or chicken bones, dentures and even broken toothbrush parts, and stress that early medical attention is critical.The patient recovered without complications—turning what could have been a life-threatening situation into a showcase of minimally invasive innovation, said doctors. EOMAbout the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid Crisis123Photostories7 cost-effective renovation strategies to maximise your property’s market value200 kg of artificially ripened mangoes seized in Hyderabad: FSSAI’s guidelines on artificial fruit ripening and 8 smart ways to check purity at homeHailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen’s love story: Inside their journey from first sightings to family of threeTop vegetarian sources of vitamin D and how to eat them to gain maximum benefits7 indoor herbs you can grow near a sunny windowBaby names inspired by virtuesHidden sodium in everyday foods: How excess salt raises blood pressure and simple ways to reduce intake7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday life123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0