VK News Today https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html Pune TCS techie suicide: ‘Online friend’s’ marital fallout, female colleagues’ harassment over leave; new details emerge Jun 13, 2026, 19:23 IST Rohit Sharma scripts history, becomes only the second Indian opener to… MPSOS Ruk Jana Nahi 2026 registration begins at mpsos.mponline.gov.in: Direct link to apply here Capricorn, Weekly Horoscope, June 14 to June 20, 2026: Week offers comfort and romance Bullet train project: In a first, India installs tunnel hoods – here’s how they keep your journey smooth Delayed hospital for lottery ticket: UK mum jailed for life for murder of 7-week-old baby | World News A 29-year-old Russian tourist was found dead inside a homestay in Kasol, a popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday, prompting a police investigation.The woman had travelled to Kasol and was staying at the homestay with a friend.The region is a well-known destination among Israeli, Russian and Ukrainian travellers.Post-mortem orderedAccording to police, the friend found her unconscious in the washroom and sought help, but she died before medical assistance could arrive.After local panchayat representatives alerted authorities, a police team from Manikaran reached the homestay.The body has been sent to the regional hospital in Kullu for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, PTI reported.“The autopsy report will reveal whether she died due to medical complications or any other cause. The woman’s friend also did not suspect foul play during initial questioning,” a police officer told PTI.The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has been informed in accordance with international protocol, and police said the investigation is continuing.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosJoint Tribes’ Council Accuses Kuki Cadres Of Killing Six Naga Captives, Seeks Immediate ArrestsCentre’s High-Level Committee On Demographic Changes Begins Work With Focus On Border RegionsYogi Orders FIR Over Remarks on Akhilesh’s Daughter, Says No Insult Against Women Is AcceptableHyderabad Cadet Nidhi Makes History With AIR 6, Fulfills Father’s Dream Of Serving The NationAssam Notifies New Excise Rules With Stricter Liquor Norms And Support For Indigenous BeveragesGovernment Appoints Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth As Next Army Chief, To Take Charge On June 30India, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh Buzz123Photostories6 most prestigious residential neighbourhoods in Thane for homebuyersNot every cancer begins with pain: Doctors reveal the everyday symptoms people often ignore for too longCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a house123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result IND vs AFG: Outstanding! Shubman Gill takes one-handed blinder in 1st ODI – Watch Nora Fatehi opens up about sharing FIFA World Cup 2026 lineup with Shakira and Burna Boy: ‘I’ve worked all my life to reach this level’ 6 most prestigious residential neighbourhoods in Thane for homebuyers PM Modi to hold bilateral talks with Trump at G7 Summit; first meeting in 16 months St. Jerome Quotes: Quote of the day for children by St. Jerome: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your…” Sagittarius, Weekly Horoscope, June 14 to June 20, 2026: Support from loved ones is key Silent, cheap & deadly: Why lasers are a gamechanger in air defence – where India stands Amit Shah (File photo) NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday directed the high-level committee on demographic change to study the shift in population structure in border districts, officials said. Chairing the meeting of the committee, Shah also asked it to visit border areas, metro cities and industrial towns for an assessment of changes because of illegal migration and other unnatural causes, they said. The Home Ministry had formed the high-level committee to assess demographic changes across India due to “illegal immigration and other unnatural causes” and suggest measures to address these challenges. The Committee is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar and includes the census commissioner, along with retired IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, ex-IPS officer Balaji Srivastava and Dr Shamika Ravi as members. The joint secretary (foreigners-l), ministry of home affairs, is the member secretary of this committee. Announcing the formation of the committee last month, Shah had emphasised that demographic change is a serious issue linked not only to the country’s sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, profound changes in social structure and the preservation of tribal society. “This committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment of demographic changes occurring across India due to illegal immigration and other unnatural causes, analyse patterns of abnormal population shifts at the levels of religious and social communities, and present a planned and time-bound solution for the same,” he had said. The high-level committee will conduct a scientific evaluation of the demographic changes taking place in different regions of the country due to illegal immigration and other unusual factors, examine their causes, and suggest suitable policy, legislative and administrative interventions, a government statement had said. According to the Terms of Reference of the committee, it will comprehensively deliberate upon the challenges arising from demographic changes, including illegal immigration. It will also study the possible causes of demographic changes, such as cross-border activities (including illegal immigration), economic opportunities, and other socio-environmental factors, the statement said. The panel will also identify the underlying factors behind these changes, which include illegal immigration, abnormal settlement patterns and orchestrated migration, it said. Further, the committee will analyse structural population changes at the level of religious or social communities, particularly where they deviate from broader trends. It will recommend a streamlined and permanent operational mechanism for the legal, fair, and time-bound identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants already residing in the country, the statement had said. PTIGet the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire IncidentIAF’s ‘Workhorse’ AN-32 Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire At Jorhat Air Force Station | Watch‘Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Patrons Of Terror’: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Pakistan Policy123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result AI chip boom yet to lift South Korea’s wider economy, Nomura economist sees limited spillover into demand Quote of the day by Johnny Depp: ‘Love cures. Both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it,’ when ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor explained the beauty of emotions 5 signs from the universe that you may be on the wrong path | Watch: SriLankan Airlines flight with over 200 onboard hit by lightning; lands back safely in Colombo Omar Abdullah SRINAGAR: Nasir Aslam Wani, the advisor to Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday called for the revival of the apex committee to oversee the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.In 2009, the government in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, then also headed by Abdullah, constituted the apex committee to oversee and facilitate the return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits and monitor the implementation of the rehabilitation measures announced by the Centre.The body comprised government representatives and members of several Kashmiri Pandit organisations.Addressing an event organised by Kashmiri Pandits living overseas, Wani said the time has come for the revival of the committee that was disbanded in 2014.”This conclave is fine, but beyond it, we have to sit together and talk. Some representatives from your side and some from our side will have to talk to each other and find a way (for the return of the Kashmiri Pandits). At the government level, I think there is a need to restore the apex committee,” Wani said.He said the time has come to restore the committee to evolve a roadmap for a safe and dignified return of the Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland.”The committee will talk to your community and take decisions,” he said, adding, “We will approach the chief minister as well as the lieutenant governor and soon, reconstitute this committee.” The advisor to the chief minister said the eruption of militancy in the valley in 1990 impacted not just Kashmiri Pandits, but Muslims as well.”The storm of 1990 impacted all. It affected both the communities and the resolution will also come together,” he asserted.Wani acknowledged that it is a reality that there is a section of people who does not want peace.”They were not with the decision of 1947 (Jammu and Kashmir’s accession with India). But there were people like us also. You cannot make sweeping accusations on everyone. There are people whose hearts used to beat for you then and still do now. This valley of saints is incomplete till Pandits return,” he said.He said the government has tried at its own level to bring back the Pandits.”Whether it is the work on rehabilitation, the prime minister’s package, transit camps or temporary accommodation or the apex committee, we tried our best. You cannot paint all of us with the same brush. There was a difference. Yes, mistakes were made by a few people, but attempts were also made to rectify those mistakes. If you got pricked by a thorn, we also felt that pain,” he said.Wani said a blame game cannot achieve results.”Whatever attempts we make, whether dialogue or constituting committees, unless our Kashmiri Pandit brothers settle back in the valley, everything is incomplete. We have to work together for that. Much time has passed and we cannot reach a resolution if we continue the blame game even today,” he said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire IncidentIAF’s ‘Workhorse’ AN-32 Aircraft Crashes And Catches Fire At Jorhat Air Force Station | Watch‘Won’t Let Indus Waters Reach Patrons Of Terror’: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Pakistan Policy123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result UP CNET result 2026 released at abvmucet26.co.in: Direct link to download scorecards here Govinda’s wife Sunita Ahuja reveals who will inherit her property, and it’s not nephew Krushna Abhishek Scorpio, Weekly Horoscope, June 14 to June 20, 2026: Brace for a week of contrasting fortunes Sudarshan Chakra: India develops new multi-layered air shield to stop missiles, drones & rockets Millionaire German heiress shot dead at luxury South African safari lodge, day after close friend was murdered . NEW DELHI: The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Saturday categorically rejected speculation that it could merge with the Congress, with party national joint secretary Derek O’Brien describing such reports as “fake news”. He insisted that there was no basis to the claims that surfaced after the top leaders of the two parties met in New Delhi.”Let me put an end to this fake news about the AITC merging with any other party. Baseless. Yes, that’s the perfect word used by my friend KC Venugopal,” O’Brien said, seeking to draw a line under the speculation.The clarification comes amid heightened political chatter triggered by a series of interactions between senior Trinamool Congress and Congress leaders earlier this week, including meetings involving TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.The Congress has also firmly denied reports of a possible merger.On Thursday, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal dismissed the speculation, saying, “How can we answer for this rumour? These are totally rumours. Yesterday our communication secretary has already stated that. These are baseless things. Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, but it was a routine discussion as they (TMC) are an extension of INDIA alliance.”The recent engagements between the two parties were aimed at strengthening coordination within the opposition INDIA bloc rather than discussing any organisational integration, news agency PTI reported citing sources.On Wednesday, Abhishek Banerjee met Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. Reports said that the meeting was part of ongoing consultations between the Congress and the TMC following talks held during the INDIA bloc meeting earlier in the week.A day earlier, Mamata Banerjee met Sonia Gandhi after attending the opposition alliance meeting in the national capital. While neither side officially disclosed details of the interaction, sources said the former West Bengal chief minister stressed the need for greater opposition unity and advocated collective action by INDIA bloc partners on public issues and against the BJP.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosAssam Notifies New Excise Rules With Stricter Liquor Norms And Support For Indigenous BeveragesGovernment Appoints Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth As Next Army Chief, To Take Charge On June 30India, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young Woman123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result 48-ball mayhem! Rahmanullah Gurbaz rewrites history with ton vs India | Cricket News US–India TRUST Fellowship 2026–27 opens at IIT Madras: Check complete details here ‘We’ll always do die do together’: Huma Qureshi hard-launches rumoured boyfriend Rachit Singh on Instagram and his response is too cute to miss ‘RSS most misunderstood’: Mohan Bhagwat explains best way to understand Sangh | India News A 39-year-old woman from West Bengal’s Birbhum district has been rescued from an apartment in Gurugram, where she was allegedly confined and forced to work as a domestic help for more than two years under abusive conditions.The rescue was carried out on Friday through a coordinated effort involving West Bengal Police, district authorities, civil society groups and local officials in Haryana, PTI reported.Allegedly forced to work 16 hours a dayAccording to police, Bhadu Mandi had been taken to Gurugram after an advance payment of ₹40,000 was made to secure her employment as a domestic worker.Once there, she was allegedly made to work for over 16 hours daily, subjected to physical abuse and prevented from leaving the apartment.Authorities said the residence had a highly digitised security system, leaving her with little opportunity to contact her family.How the case came to lightThe case surfaced in March when Bhadu’s sister, Lakshmi Tudu, approached authorities in Birbhum seeking help.Family members said Bhadu managed to contact them only when a technician visited the apartment for repair work.An NGO, Nari O Sishu Kalyan Kendra, subsequently coordinated with government agencies to pursue the case. An FIR was later registered at Illambazar Police Station under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).A West Bengal Police team later travelled to Gurugram and rescued the woman.Apartment owners abscondingPolice said the owners of the apartment were found absconding during the rescue operation. Notices have been pasted at the residence directing them to appear before local authorities.Bhadu is expected to return to West Bengal on Sunday, after which her statement will be recorded.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosAssam Notifies New Excise Rules With Stricter Liquor Norms And Support For Indigenous BeveragesGovernment Appoints Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth As Next Army Chief, To Take Charge On June 30India, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young Woman123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result Explained: Layman’s guide to India’s 3Fs stress – why fuel, fertilisers and forex are so important right now Madhoo defends Janhvi Kapoor over ‘Peddi’ criticism, calls her a true star on the rise Libra, Weekly Horoscope, June 14 to June 20, 2026: Practical matters improve this year MK Stalin calls TVK govt BJP’s ‘xerox copy’, accuses it of poaching AIADMK MLAs Found in Epstein files: Clue about missing German model surfaces after 11 years – report NTA launches training programme for exam staff ahead of NEET retest; flags viral paper leak claim as fake | India News ‘You win a Test and can’t celebrate?’ : Former England cricketer blasts ECB amid nightclub row, backs Ben Stokes US-China friction returns: Beijing protests Pentagon’s military-company label for BYD, Alibaba and Baidu NTA launches ‘Pariksha Karmayogi’ to train exam officials for better conduct of tests: Check details here Manoj Bajpayee says Yash Chopra paid him full lead-actor fee for ‘Veer-Zaara’ cameo Zlatan Ibrahimovic kicks iShowSpeed off live broadcast after his Cristiano Ronaldo FIFA World Cup prediction Police personnel stand guard near the site of a fire at a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area (PTI Photo) A family had booked a room at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast to be close to a critically ill relative undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. On the morning of June 3, they were having breakfast in the basement when a fire broke out. Trapped without an escape route, the family, along with several others, desperately tried to get out. Despite frantic phone calls and rescue attempts, they could not escape. Hours later, eight members of the family were found dead, their bodies burnt beyond recognition.Among the 22 people killed in the tragic fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar were eight members of the extended Agarwal family. Vivek Agarwal, a Gurugram-based chartered accountant, had been staying at the hotel with his family to remain close to his father, who was admitted to the ICU of the nearby Max Hospital. A week after losing most of his family in the fire, 75-year-old Radhe Shyam Agarwal succumbed to a lung infection at the hospital on Tuesday.Mahender Garg recalls that his cousin Vivek sounded frantic during a phone call made about 10 minutes before the fire escalated.“I am trapped in the basement. Please send the fire brigade quickly and get me out of here,” he pleaded.How the tragedy unfoldedAccording to reports, the fire may have originated from a commercial LPG cylinder explosion in the basement kitchen or from an air-conditioning unit on the ground floor. Before the blaze engulfed the building, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion.As the flames intensified, thick black smoke spread rapidly through the hotel, fuelled by combustible materials. The smoke travelled through a single central staircase, gradually engulfing the entire building.Guests staying on the upper floors had little choice but to jump from windows to escape the flames. Local residents and neighbours placed mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall. One woman jumped from the third floor carrying a child in her arms. Though injured, both survived. Those trapped in the basement had no such option.While some victims suffered fatal burn injuries, most reportedly died due to severe smoke inhalation and respiratory damage. The smoke was unable to escape because of poor ventilation, sealed windows and glass panels.Among the many alleged safety lapses at the hotel was the basement’s sole entrance, which was reportedly locked. Rescue teams took around 10 minutes to gain access, after which six or seven people were rescued.What Delhi’s basement laws sayBasements in Delhi are regulated by the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) and the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD). Rule 7.4.11 of the UBBL-2016 permits basements to be used for the storage of household goods, non-flammable materials, dark rooms, strong rooms, bank cellars, library stack rooms, air-conditioning equipment and other utilities.Rule 4.4.3 of the Delhi Building Bye-Laws states that basements are not counted under the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of a building and therefore cannot be used as independent residential units. The regulations also mandate a minimum height of 2.4 metres, adequate ventilation, fire safety measures, waterproofing and proper drainage. UNCHECKED AND DANGEROUS“Vents with cross-sectional area (aggregate) not less than 2.5 per cent of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the form of grills or breakable stall board lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts,” the law states.“Alternatively, a system of air inlets shall be provided at basement floor level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling level.”Cooking activities and kitchens in basements and on rooftops were banned after the 2019 fire at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh that claimed 17 lives. Yet reports following similar incidents repeatedly point to violations of these regulations, often with fatal consequences.Dwelling on what-ifs after a tragedy can seem futile. Yet one question lingers: if the Agarwal family had been anywhere else in the hotel and not in the basement, could their lives have been saved?Not an isolated catastropheBasement misuse in Delhi has been under scrutiny following several tragedies, most notably the 2024 Rajendra Nagar incident, in which three students drowned in the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle after rainwater flooded the premises. The basement was authorised only for storage, parking and utility purposes, not as a library.The negligence that led to the avoidable deaths of three young students was not an isolated violation of safety norms.Rajendra Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar and Ber Sarai are major hubs for students preparing for civil services and other competitive examinations. These areas are densely populated, with buildings packed closely together.“Look at how closely the houses are built to one another. In case a fire breaks out, it will not remain confined to one building. It will spread,” said a local resident.Students point out that many libraries continue to operate from basements despite repeated incidents involving flooding, fires and structural hazards.“Accidents are unpredictable. In case of flooding or a sudden fire, there is no possibility of escape,” said Nikhil, an 18-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh. TRAGEDY STRIKESStudents’ apprehensionsMany students living in these coaching hubs come from outside Delhi. They leave home in pursuit of better opportunities, while their families place immense trust in landlords, hostel operators and coaching institutions to keep them safe in an unfamiliar city.But with each new tragedy, that trust gives way to anxiety.Ajit had come to Ber Sarai to visit his younger brother, who is preparing for competitive examinations. He spoke of the constant worry that comes with having a sibling living far from home.“The MCD should inspect the kind of structures being built, the ventilation arrangements and the number of exits available. The government must be responsible. If a library or coaching centre is operating out of a basement, there should be at least two exits,” he said.Ajit recalled his own time living in Mukherjee Nagar when the Rajendra Nagar tragedy occurred. Following the incident, coaching classes were disrupted and several libraries were shut down. He said his years there were marked by recurring safety concerns, including fire incidents he had personally witnessed.Yet such tragedies continue to recur, claiming the lives of students, workers, migrants and tourists. Stampedes, drownings and fires become headlines every year. Systemic change rarely follows, and accountability seldom extends beyond individual punishment.Incidents such as the Malviya Nagar hotel fire and the Rajendra Nagar coaching centre tragedy have repeatedly drawn attention to the misuse of basements and violations of safety norms in the capital. Yet questions remain over how effectively existing regulations are being enforced, and whether lessons from past disasters are translating into meaningful changes on the ground.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. 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