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From eligibility to tax benefits, HRA rules every salaried individual should know The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) NEW DELHI: The eight people arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple in Ayodhya come from varied backgrounds, including a primary school teacher, a retired bank employee, a former automobile mechanic and a trusted aide of a senior Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust functionary.According to PTI, investigators allege that the accused, most of whom were hired as contract workers through an outsourcing agency, exploited their roles in the temple’s donation-counting system to siphon off devotees’ cash offerings over a period of time. Police are examining their financial transactions, assets and individual roles in the alleged conspiracy.Primary school teacher Avinash Shukla has emerged as the key accused in the investigation. Police sources told PTI that more than Rs 20 lakh in cash, foreign currency and jewellery were recovered from premises linked to him, the largest seizure among those arrested. During questioning, he allegedly described how cash was removed by exploiting CCTV blind spots and temporarily hidden inside washrooms before being smuggled out.Another accused, Anukalp Mishra, worked in the temple’s donation-counting unit through an outsourcing agency and reportedly earned around Rs 15,000 a month. Investigators are scrutinising assets allegedly linked to him, including a house worth around Rs 65 lakh, a farmhouse, a premium motorcycle and a booked SUV. Police claim to have recovered around Rs 16.8 lakh in cash during searches.Former automobile mechanic Lavkush Mishra, another contract employee, is accused of participating in diverting donations. Around Rs 14.25 lakh in cash was allegedly recovered during the investigation. Ramshankar Mishra, who handled cash inside the secure counting room, allegedly played a similar role, with police claiming to have recovered around Rs 7.3 lakh from searches linked to him.Police sources identified Ramshankar Yadav, popularly known as Tinnu Yadav, as one of the principal figures in the alleged conspiracy. Initially appointed as the personal driver of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai, he later became a trusted aide involved in temple administration and VIP management. Investigators allege he had unauthorised access to the keys of the donation-counting room and donation boxes, while recovered WhatsApp chats are also being analysed.The remaining accused include Manish Kumar Yadav, Tinnu Yadav’s nephew and a member of the donation-counting team; Subhash Chandra Srivastava, a retired bank employee engaged by the trust to supervise donation counting; and Karunesh Pandey, a contract worker responsible for opening donation boxes and counting cash. Police allege all three played roles in the conspiracy, with more than Rs 18 lakh in cash allegedly recovered during searches linked to Pandey.The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 after a preliminary report by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The trust is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the alleged irregularities and review the matter further. According to sources familiar with the probe, investigators are examining CCTV footage, financial records and digital evidence, while also looking into claims that some of the accused amassed assets disproportionate to their known incomes.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 MediaVideosPoJK Protesters Seek Help From India’s Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh Regions Amid Pakistan’s CrackdownPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet Beloved123PhotostoriesPersonality test: Only the first thing you notice in this illusion reveals your true hidden strengthAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha Women’s T20 World Cup Final, England vs Australia Live Score: England eye home glory; Australia chase record seventh title ‘No such proposal for exporting E20 petrol’: Centre dismisses Bhutan E20 rejection claims UGC asks universities to integrate SWAYAM MOOCs into July 2026 semester Diljit Dosanjh opens up on the emotional impact of ‘Satluj’: ‘It took me a week to move on after this film’ Weekly Chinese Horoscope 6–12 July 2026: These Animal Zodiac Signs May Get Luck, Money, and Love After payment kiosk malfunctioned, Ford worker fired over $1.95 Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookie, says: My direct supervisor came to get me and said … ‘Under attack by unknown assailants’: British military reports fresh cargo ship attack off Yemen The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures NEW DELHI: The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on Sunday. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk also completed the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike, during which he has reportedly lost around six kilograms.According to a medical bulletin issued by doctors, Wangchuk’s blood pressure was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg in the lying-down position, his heart rate at 72 beats per minute and his blood sugar at 67 mg/dL. Doctors said his hydration remained fair, he was mentally alert and his weight had fallen to 60.95 kg.The protest, which began on June 20, has centred on allegations that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have undermined students’ futures. On Saturday, the CJP released a two-page open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to end what it described as his “resounding silence” and hold Pradhan accountable.In the letter, signed by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and several party office-bearers, the organisation questioned why the prime minister had not responded to the prolonged agitation.“We have been sitting in protest at the Jantar Mantar for the past 15 days, and today marks the seventh day of educationist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike. How long will your government choose to ignore our voices, sir?” the letter said.“A hunger strike in a civil society is meant to bring moral pressure upon the powers that be. The underlying principle is simple: when someone like Sonam Wangchuk, a man who has dedicated his entire life, mind and soul to this country and to the cause of education, refuses to consume food, it is supposed to elicit a conscious response, whether moral or political, from the government of the day.The agitation has continued to draw support from leaders, civil society groups and student organisations. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha is expected to send a delegation to the protest on July 7, while members of the All India Students’ Association remain on an indefinite hunger strike. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to hospital after her blood sugar level dropped during the fast, while several other student protesters continue their indefinite strike.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 MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha 80% biometric attendance now mandatory for PG dental students, check NDC official notice here Arjun Kapoor holds sister Anshula’s kaleera at pre-wedding festivities; fans wonder if he’s the next Kapoor to marry Haryana horror: Newlywed woman, lover kill husband, threw him into canal | Gurgaon News Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass For the first time in the history of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the Hindi language has been introduced in the State Assembly. This initiative has been taken under the leadership of Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass.Along with the Assamese, English and Bodo languages, the Hindi language will be introduced in the state assembly from July 6, on the first day of the budget session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly.Dass told ANI that the decision of the induction of Hindi language was taken in the General Purpose Committee meeting of the Assam Legislative Assembly, which was held on Saturday under his chairmanship.”In the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika, Minister Keshab Mahanta, Opposition Leader Wazed Ali Chowdhury, MLAs Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha, Sabharam Basumatary, Chakradhar Gogoi, Joy Prakash Das were present. In the meeting, we have decided to introduce the Hindi language in the state assembly. Earlier, three languages – Assamese, English and Bodo – were here, and for the first time, the Hindi language has been introduced. Hindi is Rashtra Bhasha, and to recognise it, we have decided to introduce the Hindi language,” Dass said.He further said that, earlier, there was a channel named ALA (Assam Legislative Assembly), and it will be renamed Assam Vidhan Sabha TV from Monday.”In the coming days, we will try to make Assam Vidhan Sabha TV like Lok Sabha TV and Rajya Sabha TV. From July 6, the Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly will begin, and it will be 21 working days and will continue till July 31. The State Budget will be tabled on July 10,” the Assam Assembly Speaker said.He also said that, as of now, 10 new bills have been introduced in the session.On the other hand, talking about the recent visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India, the Assam Legislative Assembly Speaker said that Assam will definitely get benefits from the Japanese Prime Minister’s visit to India.He also talked about Assam’s GST collection growth and said that, along with the state government’s efforts, credit also goes to the taxpayers of Assam. (Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? And 4 others things travellers didn’t know about Asia’s cleanest village8 things children secretly wish parents knew123Hot PicksNHL Trade RumorHarrison ButkerTaylor and Travis Wedding PhotosIndia Passport Ranking SlipsBSUSC applicationsMumbai rainDelhi MurderBrittany MahomesTrumpTop TrendingNHL TradeDelhi rainBrittany MahomesFIFA World Cup 2026Mamata BanerjeeBengaluru Capgemini DaycareKetan AgarwalFrance FIFA World CupNFL Trade RumorVozinha At 21, this law student did what few dared; she changed the way India speaks online January–June 2026 Box Office Report Card: With Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, ‘Border 2’ and more, the Indian box office bounces back with Rs 6,300 crore in the first half- EXCLUSIVE How to grow indoor plants without direct sunlight: Easy tips to keep your houseplants healthy US tops the global economic chart—but for how long? Deutsche Bank flags biggest risk Parked vehicles and stored goods occupy a footpath, obstructing pedestrian movement, at Lajpat Nagar, in New Delhi. (PTI Photo) A five-year-old child was killed by a tanker on his way to school with his father. At the site of the tragedy, there was no footpath or a proper pedestrian crossing.On June 19, in a compensation case (Maniyar Iliyaz @ Shaik Riyaz v. P. Ayyappan) delivered by a bench of Justices P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar, Supreme Court declared the right to walk on safe, demarcated footpaths as a fundamental right under the right to free movement under Article 19(1)(d) and the right to life under Article 21.The bench said that accidents like this continue and perhaps they are inevitable until our rights regime is restructured regarding access to roads.It further stated that the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 neither recognises nor has ever recognised a fundamental right to walk and in fact, the law has actually hindered this right, weakening pedestrians’ rights in many respects.“The irony all along has been that we have often celebrated flyovers, expressways and large road projects, but have ignored the most basic unit of movement i.e. the pedestrian. The judgment should change how footpaths are imagined. They must be continuous, walkable, safe, accessible and free from obstruction,” said advocate Mayank Arora with The Chambers of Bharat Chugh.Data shows that from January to March this year, Delhi traffic police handed out 4,30,202 on-the-spot fines for improper or obstructive parking, making it the city’s most frequently committed traffic offence. Crisis of pedestrian fatalityA simple stroll around Delhi reveals how non-functional most of its footpaths are. Broken slabs, potholes and garbage strewn everywhere are a common sight. They are dug up or interrupted abruptly. This forces dwellers onto the main road, where they face the threat of collision with vehicles.India Status Report on Road Safety, compiled by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Centre (TRIPC) at IIT Delhi, indicates that footpath availability ranges from as low as 3% in Jammu and Kashmir to about 73% in Maharashtra. In states like Bihar, Haryana and Puducherry, usable pavements remain scarce.Recent data released by road transport ministry for 2024 revealed that more than 1.8 lakh pedestrians were killed in road crashes across India between 2019 and 2024. It averages to an annual of 30,500 pedestrian fatalities. National Highway (NH) network accounted for nearly 31% of these deaths.Around 54% of pedestrian deaths involved collisions with two-wheelers and cars, claiming 19,680 lives. The absence of safe footpaths and pedestrian crossing infrastructure is behind the country’s pedestrian fatality toll, which is among the highest globally.Right reserved for the privilegedThe bench called it strange that it escaped them to focus on recognizing and securing this right to walk. “It may be because wheels eclipsed our imagination, and our municipal administration was busy creating roads suitable for motorized vehicles,” said the court.“It could also be elitism to start with, for machines with wheels were only for the rich, but as economies progressed and cheaper motor vehicles were introduced, the entire spectrum of motorized transportation dominated the roads, pushing aside the walkers to the extent that they are treated as a nuisance for the drivers who routinely run over the walkers and their footpaths.”Shweta Raj, who comes from Bihar’s Samastipur, says the concept of footpaths ends once you leave Patna. “As soon as you deviate from the capital, you will see the footpaths disappearing,” she said. “In the rural areas, even the main roads aren’t properly built. Functional footpaths are out of the question.”In her own city, footpaths only exist on bridges. Even then, they are blocked by vegetable stalls or parked motorcycles. Question of hawkers and homeless peopleThe question of hawkers, encroached spaces and the right to earn a livelihood has dominated the contemporary Indian discourse as of late.Walk around any Indian city and one will see many hawkers, street food stalls, cigarette stores, and florists who have set up shop right on a footpath. In fact, many have been earning a livelihood from the same store on the same footpaths for decades.In a 2021 report by the TOI, it was revealed that homeless people in the country often prefer to sleep on pavements and footpaths over night-shelters due to the fear of theft, drugs and mosquitoes. Footpaths also gave them respite from the stubborn heat that is inescapable in enclosed spaces.Gap in enforcementAdvocate Arora said that the real test of the judgment will not be in its declaration, but in the final implementation on the ground. State governments and municipal bodies must now frame enforceable laws to protect citizens’ right to walk freely with ease and without fear or inconvenience.A 23-year-old Mumbai resident, Protichi Chatterjee, said that an entire road including the footpaths was dug up for four months right in front of her apartment. Consequently, she couldn’t leave her area most times, causing her to be routinely late for law college and internships.“A child’s life was lost, which led the court to declare walking a fundamental right under Article 21 but granting any right to citizens also entails the duty of enforcement. Under the same Article, there is also the Right to a Pollution-free environment and the right to live with dignity,” said Protichi, a student at Government Law College, Mumbai. “We still live in an extremely polluted environment, to the point I have breathing struggles. Rights without enforcement serve little purpose.”While South Mumbai has wider streets, making them relatively walkable, congestion seeps in as one moves towards the suburbs. “The potholes, constantly dug up footpaths and the congestion make them inaccessible for persons with disability,” said Protichi.Sahukari Ruchita, diagnosed with brittle bone disease, talks about the difficulty of navigating Delhi’s footpaths in her wheelchair. “The street poles and trees have been placed right in the middle of many footpaths, which are often narrow in the first place, and that is a barrier for people with disability,” she said.She narrated an incident where, while going to the park, her mother had to ask a stranger to help lift Ruchita’s wheelchair because barriers on the footpaths made navigation unfeasible. Beyond safetyA 2019 report by BBC examined how 100 km of new footpaths affected Chennai’s environment, economy, public health and safety.The study found that 9% to 27% of people surveyed shifted from motorized transport to walking because of the new footpaths, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution. The research also showed that the footpaths created opportunities for women and lower-income residents, including financial savings for these groups.This is a testament to how functional footpaths can offer more than safety and navigation on Indian roads. When planned and maintained properly, they can be reimagined as vital public spaces like parks or libraries.The Supreme Court, in its judgement, said that walking has always captured the Indian imagination, with roots running deep through culture, society, religion, politics and reform movements. “It is struggle for the not-so-fortunate, meditation in motion for many, resistance for others, discovery for the inquisitive, a cohesive strategy for sharp socio-political minds,” it said. Walking even helped inspire some of the ideals behind the freedom struggle.“The message of the Supreme Court is clear: roads are not the monopoly of motor vehicles. If a road exists, a safe footpath must exist. Walking is not a privilege given by the State, it is in fact a constitutional right owed to every citizen,” said Arora.In the wake of an unthinkable, avoidable tragedy, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the right to walk. It is now a question of whether the country will follow in its footsteps.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. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPrashant Kishor To Finally Contest Bankipur Bypoll, Jan Suraaj Names Founder As CandidateWhy Did China Reacted Sharply To Japan PM Sanae Takaichi’s India Visit?Govt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split Deepens123PhotostoriesAamir Khan weds Gauri Spratt: Before saying ‘I Do,’ Aamir Khan dropped these 5 surprisingly honest quotes on loveFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? 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I left from here around 7 pm yesterday and came here this morning at 10 am,” he told ANI.Reacting to the incident, West Bengal Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee condemned the alleged vandalism, saying the nationalist leader’s legacy remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.”Every citizen of West Bengal knows due to whom we are living in West Bengal today. If Syama Prasad Mukherjee had not been there, we would still be living in Bangladesh… We will not be affected by such incidents because Syama Prasad Mookerjee resides in the hearts of our people,” he told ANI.The incident comes ahead of Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit to Kolkata on Monday to attend programmes marking Mukherjee’s birth anniversary. The right-wing was born in Kolkata on July 6, 1901.During his visit, Shah is expected to lay the foundation stone for a proposed 125-foot statue of Mukherjee at his ancestral home in Jirat, Hooghly district, and attend a commemorative programme at the Biswa Bangla Mela Ground.The Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government in West Bengal has also declared public holiday on July 6 to mark Mukherjee’s 125th birth anniversary.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 MediaVideosGovt Cracks Down on Meta Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse-Linked Instagram Ads, Seeks Reply in 7 DaysMamata Reassumes TMC Leadership As Dilip Ghosh Claims Party Is Crumbling Amid ResignationsWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying Separatists123PhotostoriesFrom Krushna Abhishek’s California house to Vicky Jain’s Rs 50 crore home: Celebrities who own several luxurious properties5 best hair oils for frizzy locks during monsoon that actually tame humidityPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? 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Shooting in US on fourth of July: 8, including 4 children, injured in Brooklyn’s Coney Island “I have just said that the investigators should take their (opposition leaders) help,” VHP’s Alok Kumar. The political confrontation over the alleged misappropriation of Ram Mandir donations has intensified, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) throwing the challenge back at Opposition leaders who have accused the temple authorities of financial irregularities. The VHP has now said that if the Opposition has evidence to support its allegations, it should place it before investigators instead of making public claims. The latest escalation comes after VHP International President Alok Kumar wrote to the Investigation Officer handling the alleged Ram Temple embezzlement case, urging verification of allegations made by several Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, AAP leader Sanjay Singh and Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav.Speaking to news agency IANS, Alok Kumar said the leaders named in his letter occupy influential positions and suggested that if they have made such serious allegations, they should be able to substantiate them before investigators.”The people regarding whom (I have) written are influential individuals, holding senior positions; that is why I considered that whatever they have said, especially in the public domain, might have some basis and they might have knowledge about the facts of the case.”Responding to the Opposition’s allegation that “more than Rs 20,000 crore are missing” from donations made to the Ram Temple, Kumar rejected the claim and said the figure itself did not match the temple’s records.”According to the information received by us, such amount was not even received.”He specifically referred to Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav’s remarks and said investigators should seek details from him if he possesses information supporting the allegation.”Since (Samajwadi Party leader) Professor Ram Gopal Yadav is saying this…if police questions him that how did he mention such a huge figure, who provided him with the information, does he have any supporting documents (to prove the allegations), then Ram Gopal ji should be able to convey it to the investigators,” he added.”This will assist the investigation,” he asserted.Referring to similar allegations made by Priyanka Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, the VHP chief said the accusations involved claims that large amounts of temple donations had been stolen.”It has been alleged that offerings worth crores of rupees (have been stolen).”Kumar, however, maintained that he was not accusing the Opposition leaders of wrongdoing. Instead, he said investigators should seek their assistance if they possess information relevant to the case.”I have just said that the investigators should take their help (leaders) since they know about a lot of things that even we are not aware of.”The remarks come amid a continuing political row over the alleged financial irregularities linked to the Ram Temple Trust, with the Opposition stepping up its attacks and the VHP defending the institution while insisting that the investigation should establish the facts.Asked why the VHP’s annual meeting was shifted from Ayodhya to Delhi, Kumar said the decision was taken because of logistical reasons during the ongoing investigation.”The meeting was initially postponed and will now be held in Delhi,” he said.On Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s criticism of the BJP leadership over the controversy, Kumar said the Uttar Pradesh government had already committed itself to uncovering the truth.”Actions are more important than words. The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, through its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has promised to bring out the truth.””I believe the government is doing whatever is expected from it,” he added.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 MediaVideosWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? 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Iran’s new Supreme Leader skips father Ali Khamenei’s funeral Harry Potter: The magic that never dies Somewhere between paying EMIs, navigating workplace politics, doom scrolling through bad news, and wondering whether adulthood was always meant to feel this way, an entire generation is still waiting for an owl.Millennials know that no letter is coming through that letterbox and no half-giant named Hagrid is about to knock down the door and announce that you are a wizard. Yet decades after the first Harry Potter book came out, many still dream of Hogwarts with a devotion that borders on the magical.They reread the books. They host movie marathons. They sleep to Stephen Fry’s narration of their favourite books. They debate whether Snape was a hero or whether ‘Dumbledore said calmly.’ They sort themselves into Hogwarts Houses again and again, hoping the answer remains the same. They quote Dumbledore on difficult days and whisper “Mischief Managed” at the end of adventures.For a generation that grew up alongside Harry Potter, Hogwarts was never just a school. It was a second home. And perhaps that is why millennials have never truly left. School children holding on to the last book of Harry Potter back in 2007 at Khan Market in Delhi. (TOI photo)The generation that grew up with HarryUnlike younger readers who discovered the books all at once, millennials experienced Harry Potter in real time.”I first watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in a theatre with my brother when I was eleven years old—the same age as Harry. Because of that, I immediately connected with the story. What fascinated me most was the idea that a hidden magical world could exist alongside our own,” said Zeeshan Khan from Kolkata.They queued outside bookstores at midnight. They speculated endlessly about Horcruxes and prophecies. They spent years wondering whether Sirius Black was a villain or a victim, whether Dumbledore could be trusted, whether Harry would survive.The story unfolded alongside their own lives. “Growing up, Harry Potter was the first thing that truly taught me what magic felt like. It opened up an entire world that never seemed fictional but felt like it existed just beyond our reach. Finding out that Harry and I share the same birthday made me feel magical too. What I loved most was that everyone saw a little of themselves in one character or another, and no matter who you were, the stories made you believe you could be part of that magic,” said Nakul Jain from Bangalore.When Harry boarded the Hogwarts Express for the first time, many millennials were children. By the time Deathly Hallows arrived, they were teenagers or young adults facing their own uncertain futures. The magic that never diesIn many ways, Harry Potter wasn’t merely a book series. It became a shared coming-of-age experience.What began as a magical adventure about an orphan boy eventually transformed into a story about friendship, love, loss, sacrifice, grief, courage and choosing what is right over what is easy.Those themes aged remarkably well because millennials aged with them. Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.JK Rowling, authorFor many millennials, Hogwarts represented something deeper than escapism. It was a sense of belonging.”Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.” When Dumbledore said it, it filled the heart with a sense of warmth and trust. It was this fantasy that somewhere in the world existed a place where weirdness was celebrated, friendships were transformative, and courage mattered more than popularity.”What I love most about Harry Potter is its sense of wonder. It is a story filled with magic, mystery, friendship, and courage, and it has remained special to me ever since I first discovered it as an eleven-year-old,” said Zeeshan.At an age when many readers were still figuring out who they were, Hogwarts provided language for identity. Part of Harry Potter’s enduring appeal lies in the wisdom scattered throughout the books. Why is Harry Potter such a rage with millenials?Dumbledore’s ArmyMany readers first encountered Dumbledore’s quotes as children. They understood them differently as adults.”It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”As children, it sounded inspirational. As adults facing career dilemmas, relationship decisions, ethical compromises, and personal failures, it sounds like life advice.The same is true for another favourite: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.””As a kid, I connected more to the trio Hermione, Ron and Harry or even Malfoy. But when you grow up, and then you read or watch it again, you kind of connect a lot with the adults as well. You understand where Dumbledore was coming from. You understand what Sirius Black or Lupin went through. You understand the politics of the ministry and you relate with it,” said Shameen Alauddin in Delhi. “So I think that Harry Potter has that kind of charm that a child can also connect to it and an adult can also connect to it.”For a generation that has lived through recessions, pandemics, political upheavals, wars, climate anxiety, and constant digital overwhelm, the line feels less like fantasy dialogue and more like a survival strategy.”My favourite character is Professor Dumbledore because he is wise, kind, powerful, and always believes in giving people a second chance. I also find Tom Riddle to be one of the most fascinating characters because of his complex backstory and obsession with power,” said Zeeshan. Growing up with Harry PotterMagic beyond spells The series repeatedly reminds readers that evil does not always arrive dramatically. Sometimes it enters institutions quietly. Sometimes it disguises itself as fear. Sometimes ordinary people enable it through silence.Harry Potter arrived before social media consumed childhood, before notifications became constant, before every moment was documented online.Returning to the series often means returning to a version of ourselves. The child reading under a blanket with a flashlight, the teenager arguing about theories with friends, the student who dreamed about platform 9¾.In uncertain times, nostalgia functions almost like a Patronus charm.Perhaps the deepest reason millennials remain attached to Harry Potter is that the story speaks to a universal hope. The hope that somewhere beyond the ordinary exists a world where we truly belong.The Hogwarts letter became a symbol of possibility. Most millennials joke that they are still waiting for theirs. Deathly Hallows book launch in Mumbai in 2007. (TOI photo)Why some fans have distanced themselves from HPSince 2020, Rowling has argued that biological sex should remain a legal and social category, particularly in areas such as women’s prisons, sports, changing rooms, and rape crisis centres. She has expressed concern that some transgender rights policies could erode protections for women.Rowling has said she supports the rights of transgender people to live free from discrimination and violence, but believes that trans women should not automatically be treated as identical to biological women in every context.She has criticized concepts such as self-identification (allowing people to legally change their gender without medical requirements) and has supported organisations campaigning for sex-based rights.Because of these positions, the transgender community, LGBTQ+ organizations, and former fans have accused her of promoting ideas that exclude or stigmatize transgender people, leading to the label “TERF.” Rowling disputes this characterization, arguing that her views are about protecting women’s rights rather than opposing transgender community.The argument, however, did not sit well with all. Priyali Prakash, who started reading Harry Potter as a teenager, said, “Harry Potter for millennials isn’t just a fantastical piece of literature, it showed us how important friendships and human connections are to get through life. But that said, I am very aware of Rowling’s TERF views and I do not condone those. It’s sad to see what she has become, but if the cast of Harry Potter movies can distance themselves from her and the world she built, I think the fans should be able to acknowledge that too, as heartbreaking as it may feel. Reading/watching Harry Potter is a beautiful memory, but we should be able to leave it at that.” Boy looks at the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows books on sale in Bangalore, back in 2007.Greatest love story of our generationFor boomers, it was Titanic. For millennials, one of the greatest love stories in popular culture came wrapped in black robes and years of misunderstanding.After spending six books hating Severus Snape, readers discovered that the Hogwarts professor they feared most had quietly been protecting Harry all along. His death revealed a truth that left an entire generation stunned.It transformed Snape from Hogwarts’ most intimidating teacher into one of its most tragic figures — a man who spent a lifetime loving someone he could never have and protecting the son who reminded him of both his greatest love and deepest resentment.For many millennials, the revelation remains one of the most emotional twists in modern storytelling. Not because it was romantic, but because it was painfully human. It was about regret, sacrifice, loyalty and a love that endured long after hope had faded.Perhaps that is why Harry Potter has never really lost its magic. The series grew up with its readers. What once felt like a story about spells and broomsticks gradually became a story about friendship, grief, courage, choice and loss.Years have passed since readers first met Harry in the cupboard under the stairs. The generation that grew up with the Boy Who Lived now has jobs, mortgages, children and responsibilities.Yet Hogwarts remains crowded. Millennials continue to return to the Great Hall, wander the corridors, revisit Hogsmeade and board the Hogwarts Express whenever life becomes too ordinary.Because some stories do not simply entertain us.They become part of us.And for the generation that grew up believing an owl might arrive any day now, the magic never really ended.After all this time? Always!Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorNatasha SinghPrincipal Digital Content ProducerEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWhy Adani’s $1.4 Billion Vizhinjam Port Stake Sale To MSC Has Triggered A Political RowWhy the NDA Still Faces an Uphill Battle to Pass the Women’s Reservation Bill Despite Higher Numbers8 Officials Suspended After Books Allegedly Glorifying Separatists : J&K School Book RowArmy, J&K Police And CRPF Surround Two LeT Terrorists In Shopian As Gunfight ContinuesLove Across The LoC: PoK Youth Sent Back Home After Court Accepts He Crossed Border To Meet BelovedMamata Calls TMC Rebels ‘Traitors’, Dares Rivals To ‘Kill Me’ As Party Split DeepensKedarnath-Badrinath Donation Row: Cong Questions BJP, Temple Committee Launches ProbeJ&K School Book Controversy: BJP, Civil Society Demand Probe Over Book Glorifying SeparatistsHAPS Explained: How India’s New High-Altitude Surveillance Aircraft Will Boost Defence CapabilitiesDelhi Court Reserves Order On Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam’s Fresh Bail Pleas In Riots Case123PhotostoriesPersonality test: The first detail that you spot in this optical illusion reveals a surprising truth about youCharlie Chaplin and more: 7 Old Hollywood icons married to Partners 30 years younger7 Surprising facts about ring-necked parrots you probably didn’t knowBride-to-be Anshula Kapoor’s stunning blue Patola lehenga for mehendi celebrations is a look rooted in Indian craftsmanshipWhy old Indian sweets lasted longer without preservativesWhy does Mawlynnong stop tourists on Sundays? 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