File photo: Union home minister Amit Shah (Picture credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Bharatiya Janata Party’s support base in Kerala is steadily expanding and expressed confidence that the BJP will form the government in the state in the upcoming Assembly elections this year.Addressing a gathering of newly elected local body representatives, Shah cited the party’s rising vote share over the years to back his claim. “In 2014, we received 11% of the vote; in 2019, 16%; and in 2024, 20%. Now, the journey from 20% to 30% and 40% won’t be that long, and we will prove this in 2026,” he said. ‘We have already achieved this across the country, but now it’s Kerala’s turn… This time, a BJP chief minister will definitely be elected in Kerala’, Shah said.Shah added that the BJP’s growth in Kerala was not limited to urban areas and reflected wider public support.He pointed to recent local body results, noting that the BJP has won 30 gram panchayats, two municipalities, and currently holds the mayor’s post in Thiruvananthapuram. Shah said these gains were possible due to the efforts and sacrifices of party workers and dedicated the party’s success to those who had faced jail terms and their families.Shah also launched a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, criticising both for what he described as an over-reliance on remittances from Keralites working abroad. He argued that the state needed a more balanced development model. “Kerala’s development should be balanced,” he said, questioning whether the current model adequately addressed the needs of families that do not benefit from overseas remittances.“The LDF and UDF governments in Kerala are content with the money sent by Keralites working abroad… While I appreciate Keralites working abroad, I want to ask the LDF and UDF whether it is the responsibility of the Kerala government to care for those families whose members don’t send money from abroad… Whose responsibility is it to bring about improvements for those millions of people?” Shah said.Referring to governance in BJP- and NDA-ruled states, Shah said they had been transformed through what he called a balanced development approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Today, I have come to tell the people of Kerala that wherever the BJP and NDA have come to power, they have transformed those states into developed states… PM Modi has presented a balanced development model to the world,” he said.He urged Kerala to move beyond “one-dimensional” development and plan growth that benefits every citizen.Shah’s visit to Kerala also includes interactions with party leaders and participation in political and development-related programmes ahead of the Assembly elections later this year.

Ravindra Jadeja (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India’s premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was seen putting in additional work during a specialised training session ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand at the Kotambi Stadium.In a video shared by the BCCI on Sunday, Jadeja was seen engaging in an innovative bowling drill. The all-rounder repeatedly landed the ball between different coloured cones placed on the pitch, following instructions from bowling coach Morne Morkel, who closely supervised and guided the session.

“Coach gave me a task: by the trigger, when I am going to pitch the ball, he will name the colour blue, green and red. He will pick from all three, and I have to pitch the ball closer to that colour with accuracy, like a normal match pitch.“And in between, he also kept two blue coloured balls for the full ball. So, at the same time, he will tell me where to pitch the ball at the last moment,” Jadeja said while explaining the practice.Jadeja heads into the series with form, fitness and confidence firmly on his side. The experienced all-rounder has looked sharp in domestic cricket this month, scoring an unbeaten 52 against Gujarat before following it up with a knock of 36 and figures of 1 for 48 against Services in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.The left-hander also boasts an impressive ODI record against New Zealand, built over a span of 15 years. Jadeja has amassed 386 runs in 16 matches against the Black Caps at an average of 48.25, while also claiming 10 wickets in those outings.After missing the ODI series against Australia, Jadeja made a return to the format during the home series against South Africa, producing a strong all-round performance.Following the series opener in Kotambi, the second ODI will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14, while the third and final match will take place at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18.

In a thrilling box office showdown, Ranveer Singh’s action-packed spy film ‘Dhurandhar’ has continued its triumphant ascent, amassing over Rs 1200 crore globally, even as it faces competition from new releases. At the same time, Prabhas has made a splash with his horror-comedy venture ‘The Raja Saab,’ which has seen promising first-week collections that could challenge ‘Dhurandhar’s’ recent success.

‘Dhurandhar’ has been running successfully in theaters since its release on December 5, 2025. The movie has earned over Rs 1200 crore at the box office worldwide. While three major films were released during this time, the spy thriller had no effect on its collections. Now, Prabhas‘ ‘The Raja Saab’ has arrived in cinemas on January 9, 2026. And it seems the Telugu horror comedy has affected the earnings of the Aditya Dhar directorial. Let’s learn more about it.Dhurandhar Movie Review

‘Dhurandhar’ box office collection Day 38 (Live)

According to the Sacnilk report, the espionage thriller has earned Rs 0.78 crore at the box office on its sixth Sunday (Day 38) at the box office. Note that these box office figures are set to increase further by the end of the day. The total collection of the film in India is Rs 800.28 crore. As per the reports, the movie has earned Rs 1240 crore globally.

‘The Raja Saab’ box office collection Day 4 (Live)

The horror-comedy directed by Maruthi has raked in Rs 2.76 crore at the box office as of now, on its Day 4 (first Sunday). Starring Prabhas in the lead, the total collection of the film stands at Rs 91.66 crore in India. The movie witnessed a major dip in its collection on Saturday, earning Rs 26 crore. Meanwhile, note that the box office collections will continue to grow as the day goes on.

More about ‘Dhurandhar’

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the movie features Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan. The second part of the movie is set to arrive in cinemas on March 19, 2026.

More about ‘The Raja Saab’

Directed by Maruthi, the movie stars Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Bomani Irani, Yogi Babu, and Brahmanandam. The makers have also announced a sequel at the end of the movie. However, no release date has been unveiled as of now.

Iran has been rocked by widespread anti-government protests that have already entered their second week. What began as demonstrations over economic collapse has quickly escalated into broader calls for political change and the end of the country’s theocratic regime. Protests have spread across multiple cities despite heavy security measures, internet restrictions and mass arrests. As unrest has intensified, one familiar name from Iran’s past has re-emerged in public debate: Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince.In recent statements, Pahlavi has urged protesters to remain on the streets, arguing that sustained public pressure could bring about the collapse of the clerical regime. In a video message circulated on social media, he told Iranians that their presence had “severely weakened Khamenei’s repressive apparatus” and claimed the authorities were facing a shortage of loyal security forces. According to reporting by ANI, he called on members of the military, police and state institutions to defect, warning them not to stand “against the Iranian people for the sake of a regime whose fall has begun and is inevitable”.

Pahlavi insisted that the opposition was prepared for a post-regime transition, saying there was a “100-day plan” to establish a democratic government and prevent chaos. Urging continued demonstrations, he told protesters: “Do not abandon the streets. My heart is with you… We will take back Iran”, ANI reported.

Who is Reza Pahlavi?

Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s last shah, who was overthrown during the 1979 revolution. Born in Tehran in 1960, he was formally named crown prince in 1967 at the time of his father’s coronation.. According to his website, he left Iran in 1978 at the age of 17 to undergo jet fighter training at Reese Air Force Base in Texas, just months before the revolution forced the royal family into exile.After completing his military training, Pahlavi pursued higher education in the United States, earning a degree in political science from the University of Southern California. Following his father’s death in 1980, he declared himself shah in exile during a ceremony in Cairo, later telling The Washington Post in a 1989 interview: “In a way, I’m king-elect.”Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the United States for five decades, announced his plan to return to Iran in a video message and a recent post on X, as demonstrations continued across Tehran and other cities. “I, too, am preparing to return to the homeland so that at the time of our national revolution’s victory, I can be beside you, the great nation of Iran. I believe that day is very near,” he wrote.Pahlavi has lived mainly in the Washington, DC area, campaigning for political change in Iran. He has consistently said he does not seek a return to monarchy, instead portraying himself as an advocate for a secular, democratic system achieved through non-violent civil disobedience and a national referendum. In an interview with USA Today, he said he wanted to be a “catalyst” to help Iranians achieve “full democracy for the first time in their country’s history”.His influence remains contested. While some analysts cited by the New York Post argue that growing nostalgia for the pre-revolutionary era has boosted his standing, others question whether he commands broad support inside Iran after decades in exile.

Cold water baths have gone from something a few eccentric athletes did in backyards to a full-blown wellness obsession. Scroll social media for five minutes in winter and you’ll see people lowering themselves into tubs of ice, teeth chattering, faces calm like monks. They’ll tell you it builds mental strength, boosts immunity, burns fat, cures bad moods, and maybe even fixes your life. And if you don’t do it, well, are you even trying? But here’s the thing: most of the loudest voices talking about cold plunges aren’t the ones dealing with the real risks, or the messy science, or the fact that cold isn’t magic just because it’s uncomfortable.

So what’s actually going on here?

Cold exposure isn’t new. Humans have been stepping into cold rivers and winter seas long before hashtags existed. The difference now is how confidently claims are made, and how rarely anyone pauses to ask, “Does this really work for everyone?” Or, “At what point does this stop being helpful and start being stupid?” Because there is a line. Some benefits are real. Cold water can sharpen your senses, spike adrenaline, and leave you feeling oddly clear-headed afterward. What doesn’t get talked about enough is what happens when people chase that feeling too hard, too often, or without understanding their own limits. Or how cold exposure affects hormones, recovery, heart rate, and the nervous system in ways that aren’t always positive.

And then there’s the hype. Claims get exaggerated, studies get oversimplified, and suddenly a short-term stress response is being sold as a cure-all. This piece isn’t here to scare you away from cold plunges or cheerlead them blindly. It’s here to slow things down. To separate what’s backed by real expertise from what’s just internet bravado. “Cold water baths have been trending every winter; they seem to enhance one’s strength, discipline, etc., and benefit overall health, as well. Taking cold baths during the winter has become a form of demonstrating one’s capability of mental and physical conditioning and toughening. However, from a physician’s perspective, a balanced approach towards evaluating the health benefits of cold water baths should be taken. Thus, an understanding of the mythological claims of cold water baths and their actual facts, as well as possible side effects and dangers associated with them, should be addressed,” says Dr Ajay Kumar Gupta, Senior Director & Head – Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali and debunks common myths around this popular practice.

Myth 1: Staying in a cold water bath regularly will help you strengthen your immune system.

People tend to think that taking a cold water bath will automatically help improve their immune systems. While briefly exposing oneself to cool or cold temperatures may elicit some reaction from your body, it will not actually help build stronger immunity over time. In fact, research suggests that obtaining a good night’s sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising consistently and obtaining vaccinations are all far more beneficial to maintaining a healthy immune system than taking regular cold water baths. If you take cold baths regularly in the winter, for example, you may actually decrease your immunity due to increased fatigue, or potentially increase your chances of becoming ill.

Myth 2: The colder the temperature you are exposed to, the better it is for your body.

That statement is false. The sudden shock of exposure to extremely cold water can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to increase rapidly and could lead to serious medical consequences for those with heart disease, diabetes or thyroid disorders. Healthy individuals may also experience dizziness or difficulty breathing if they experience a sudden shock of cold water too rapidly. Therefore, it is recommended that you utilize short periods of cold exposure in a controlled manner rather than bathing in cold water for extended periods of time.

Myth 3: Cold water can burn fat

Cold baths have been promoted as “burning” off large amounts of fat, however, while cold temperatures have the ability to awaken “brown fat” (the type of fat that keeps us warm), the number of calories burned from taking cold baths is relatively small. Using cold water baths alone will not replace the benefits of eating properly and exercising if your goal is weight loss. Most advertisements about cold bath burning fat is more of a ploy to sell products than it really is based on scientific facts. Cold water baths have been used by athletes to reduce muscle soreness after training, therefore exposing your body to cold water for short periods may help to relieve discomfort. Some people experience increased alertness and/or improved concentration after taking a cold shower or bath, which is attributed to the release of the hormones adrenaline and endorphins into the bloodstream. Anyone who uses cold water showers as part of their daily routine may find that they develop a greater sense of mental strength and improve focus if approached with intention. When using cold water, the constriction and subsequent dilation of the blood vessels increases blood flow; however, this reaction is only temporary and does not indicate an overall improvement in cardiovascular health over time.Cold water immersion is likely to exacerbate Moisture Loss and Winter Skin; therefore, eczema or sensitive skin may become more aggravated through excessive use of cold water in the winter months. Cold weather may stiffen the joints and further contribute to increased stiffness from exposure to cold.

Who should avoid cold water bath

“Individuals who suffer from serious medical conditions such as heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, asthma, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, fainting episodes, or severe anxiety should consult with their physician prior to attempting cold water bath therapy. Older adults are also at higher risk of experiencing hypothermia or experiencing an abrupt drop in body temperature following cold water immersion,” warns Dr Ajay.“Those wanting to experiment with cold water bath therapy can do so in a safe manner under the direction of their physician. The safest method is to first take a warm bath, and then following that, take a quick cool shower for 30-60 seconds or less. It is best to do so during the early part of your day, and to stop immediately if you begin experiencing discomfort, chest pain, or dizziness.” he adds.

Lohri 2026, on January 13th, celebrates the end of winter with bonfires, songs, and traditional delicacies, honoring harvest and longer days. This vibrant festival in northern India, especially Punjab, signifies gratitude, hard work, and intergenerational togetherness, marking the Sun’s Capricorn entry and ushering in prosperity.

Lohri lights up the winter night like a warm hug from family and tradition, chasing away the chill with bonfires, songs, and shared love and delicacies. This vibrant festival pulses with joy in northern India, especially Punjab, where communities get together to celebrate harvest gathering and the longer days coming ahead.The festival is actually much more than just rituals and traditions that tag along the festivities; in essence, it’s like a deeply emotional remembrance of our roots, relentless hard work, and togetherness that binds generations.

Happy Lohri 2026

As 2026 Lohri is just around the corner, the air fills with dhol beats, laughter, and stories of folklore heroes. Families collectively sit in a circle around flames, offering grains and sesame as thanks to the Sun and Earth, marking winter’s end and spring’s arrival and promises to bring sunshine.The festival celebrates the bonds of the newlyweds and new parents who shine the brightest, showered with blessings for prosperity. From rural fields to city homes, Lohri weaves culture into modern lives, reminding us that gratitude helps in growth. Amid global work hustle, this pause revives spirit through simple feasts of rewri, phirni, and til gud. It’s a timeless call to connect, dance under stars, and embrace abundance with open hearts.

When is Lohri 2026

Lohri 2026 falls on Tuesday, January 13, the eve of Makar Sankranti on January 14 at 03:13 PM, as per Drik Panchang timings in New Delhi. Celebrated across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and beyond, it honours the winter solstice’s end, ushering in longer days and rabi crop harvests like wheat and sugarcane. Families light bonfires around evening, tossing sesame seeds, jaggery, and grains while singing folk tunes. It’s a Sikh and Hindu folk fest symbolic of light over darkness, fertility, and prosperity, especially joyous for new brides and babies.

Significance and legends associated with Lohri

Lohri embodies gratitude to Agni or Fire God and Surya the Sun God for abundance, marking the Sun’s Capricorn entry. Folklore includes Dulla Bhatti, a 16th-century hero who robbed the rich to free village girls, giving rise to Sundar mundriye songs.Spiritually, it signifies positivity triumphing hardship, with bonfires purifying souls. Farmers pray for fertile fields; it’s nature’s renewal bash. In 2026’s Tuesday timing, devotion promises warmth and happiness all year. This harvest festival helps to grow community unity, celebrated according to the ancient Bikrami calendar wisdom.

Happy Lohri 2026

Traditional step-by-step rituals for Lohri

Starting pre-dusk, people clean homes, wear yellow/orange outfits. Gather wood for a bonfire at around 6 PM in Punjab. Circle flames clockwise, offering til (sesame), gud (jaggery), peanuts, popcorn, and reciting prayers.Sing Sundar mundriye for Dulla Bhatti. Newlyweds circle the fire 7 times; elders bless kids. Feast on sarson da saag, makki di roti, rewri, gajak, phirni. Dance bhangra/giddha to dhol. End with blessings from elders. Avoid non-veg or leftover food. These rituals keep traditions alive vibrantly.

50 wishes, messages, and quotes to send on Lohri 2026

Heartfelt wishes for lohri 2026

Happy Lohri! May the bonfire’s warmth fill your life with endless joy and prosperity.Wishing you a Lohri blessed with sweet rewri and sweeter moments with loved ones.Lohri 2026: Let the fire burn away worries, igniting success in your path.Warm Lohri greetings! May this festival bring harvest of happiness to your home.Happy Lohri to the family – may Agni bless us with health and abundance.Celebrate Lohri with bhangra beats and bountiful blessings for 2026!Lohri ki shubhkamnayein! Sesame and jaggery sweeten your year ahead.May Dulla Bhatti’s spirit inspire courage and kindness this Lohri.Happy Lohri! Shorter nights, brighter days, and fulfilling dreams await.Lohri Mubarak! Gather around the fire, make memories that last.Wishing Lohri fills your heart with the glow of love and laughter.Blessed Lohri 2026 – may prosperity circle your life like the bonfire.Happy Lohri! Thankful for harvests, hopeful for what’s next.Lohri cheers: Sweet treats, folk songs, and family hugs galore.May Lohri’s flames kindle passion and peace in your soul.

Messages to share with friends and family on Lohri 2026

To my dear family, Happy Lohri—let’s light up the night together!Lohri 2026: Cherish bonds stronger than the winter chill.Warm wishes for Lohri—may our home echo with joy forever.Happy Lohri family! Sarson saag and saagheart love this season.Lohri blessings for kids, newlyweds—new beginnings shine bright.Gathering for Lohri: Where love warms more than any fire.Happy Lohri to parents—your light guides us always.Lohri Mubarak to siblings—dance, feast, create traditions.Family Lohri 2026: Harvest joy, sow endless memories.Wishing our clan a Lohri full of til gud sweetness.Happy Lohri! United around the bonfire, unbreakable always.Lohri greetings to grandparents—legends of our Lohri lore.May Lohri unite us in gratitude and glee.Family first this Lohri—blessings multiply shared.Happy Lohri 2026: Love’s harvest never ends.

Happy Lohri 2026

Inspirational quotes to share with friends and family on Lohri 2026

Lohri teaches gratitude turns scarcity to abundance.Bonfires burn winter away; hope lights eternal paths.In Lohri’s glow, find victory of light over dark.Harvest joyfully, for earth gives as we thank.Dulla Bhatti lives in acts of bold kindness.Lohri: Where fire purifies, sun renews.Shorter nights herald longer triumphs.Celebrate Lohri—dance like flames, free and fierce.Gratitude around bonfire: True prosperity’s seed.Lohri whispers: Resilience blooms in winter’s end.

Funny and short quotes to share with friends and family on Lohri 2026

Happy Lohri! More rewri, less worry!Lohri: Eat gajak, dance bhangra, repeat.Bonfire calories don’t count—Happy Lohri!Lohri 2026: Til gud fixes everything.Warning: Excessive bhangra may occur!Happy Lohri—winter’s out, party’s in!Lohri hack: Offer jaggery, get blessings free.Makki di roti + saag = Lohri goals.Sundar mundriye—sing it louder!Happy Lohri! Fire warm, heart warmer

Delicious Lohri recipes and modern twists

No Lohri skips sarson da saag (mustard greens curry) with makki di roti (cornbread), slow-cooked saag is a combination of greens, spices, and butter; roti’s rustic charm pairs perfectly. Til gud laddoo (sesame-jaggery balls) symbolise the stickiness of bonds. Gajak (peanut brittle), phirni (rice pudding), payesh (sweet porridge) , and sweet feasts. Pinni (wheat-jaggery sweets) adds to the winter vigour.

What are the Lohri traditional attire and rituals

Following the bonfire, bhangra and giddha dances come alive with energetic steps to the rhythm of dhol drums, celebrating vitality and joy. Women wear salwar kameez or ghagra choli in vibrant red and gold, while men don kurtas or tejas. Children imitate the moves, and elders share stories.

Protesters in Minnesota (AP photo)

Anger over the killing of a woman by a US immigration agent in Minneapolis spilled onto the streets across US on Saturday. The demonstrations came three days after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a US citizen, during an encounter in south Minneapolis. She was sitting in her car when she was shot. Videos of the incident, filmed from different angles, spread quickly online and triggered sharp and emotional reactions across the country.

Minnesota state leaders described the shooting as an unjustified use of lethal force against a civilian who was trying to leave the scene. The Trump administration offered a very different version, claiming Ms Good tried to run over the agent. Officials said the agent acted in self-defence.

How protest spread

On Saturday, protest groups under the banner “ICE out for good” organised rallies across the country, including in cities that have been key targets of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.In Minneapolis, the response was immediate and intense. Protesters marched through immigrant neighbourhoods despite freezing January temperatures, chanting against ICE. Police used tear gas near a federal building close to the airport. Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting and placed National Guard troops on alert.The White House responded by sending more federal agents to the city. City officials said most protests were peaceful, though 29 people were arrested on Friday night after a smaller group vandalised property and refused to disperse.

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What began as local outrage soon turned into a national protest movement. Videos of the shooting circulated widely, while civil rights groups and activists issued calls for demonstrations across the country. The anger was further fuelled by the Portland shooting, which many protesters cited as part of a wider pattern involving federal immigration enforcement.By the weekend, protests had spread rapidly. In Portland, demonstrators gathered by the river, holding signs and chanting “Abolish ICE.” In New York, people stood outside ICE offices in the rain. In Los Angeles, a group of protesters gathered near Pershing Square.Similar scenes were reported in Houston, Austin, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, Omaha, and several smaller towns.In Austin, Democratic lawmaker Greg Casar addressed protesters and called for the removal of Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem, who has publicly defended the ICE agent involved.“We cannot wait here in despair. We cannot do nothing. We cannot fall into hopelessness. ” Casar told protestors.Minnesota lawmakers Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig and Kelly Morrison also accused ICE of blocking congressional oversight after they were asked to leave an immigration facility shortly after entering it.

Budget to presented on February 1 (Image credit: IANS)

State leaders met with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday for pre-budget discussions, where they reportedly asked for increased financial support for capital investments and compensation for GST revenue losses. The states also asked for more funding for urban and rural development, housing programs, and disaster management ahead of the upcoming FY27 budget presentation on February 1, according to officials cited by ET.During the meeting, Sitharaman emphasised the importance of state participation in achieving India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. She encouraged states to implement necessary reforms to support this vision.Kerala’s finance minister KN Balagopal mentioned his state’s concerns, claiming that the Centre has held back over Rs 17,000 crore this fiscal year. He requested an increase in the borrowing ceiling and addressed issues like GST-related revenue decline and railway development needs.Telangana presented infrastructure proposals, including the construction of 2.5 million houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management. The state also demanded allocation for various transport sector schemes such as a regional ring road and the expansion of the Hyderabad Metro Rail.Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh pushed on regional development, asking for assistance for the Rayalaseema Horticulture Development Package as well as the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link project.State leaders, including governors, chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, and finance ministers, attended the meeting among others. The union minster of state for finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, and members of the ministry also attended the meeting among others.Before this, Sitharaman has held meetings with different stakeholders such as economists, industrialists, farmers, and students of the Delhi School of Economics to get diverse inputs for the budget.

NEW DELHI: Vrinda was only 16 when her father was shot dead. To keep the family afloat, her mother, Rachna Yadav, opened a small shop selling salwar suits. Now, Vrinda and her elder sister have lost her to bullets too.Rachna (52) was the president of her block’s residents welfare association and also worked with a party. The family said she was also planning to revive a YouTube-based news portal that was shut after her husband’s death. “My mother promised that once I finished my degree, we would turn our shop into an office for the news portal and I would become its anchor,” said Vrinda, a journalism student at IP University. Recalling their last conversation, Rachna’s elder daughter, 32-year-old Kanika, said, “Just the night before she was killed, she said she wanted to see my daughter. I was planning to come this week,” she said. Having lost both parents to violence, the sisters said they feared for their own safety.

Siblings Fear For Safety, Rachna Yadav Was RWA President

Since 2023, Rachna had run the garment shop from a small space near her house, which also doubled as her RWA office. A whiteboard outside listed her open-door policy for residents and her fixed hours – 11am to 2pm and again from 5pm to 6.30pm – during which she addressed local grievances. In between, she continued selling clothes to support her family.On Saturday, the park outside her house was filled with mourners. Many women from the neighbourhood sat quietly on benches, offering condolences. A resident said Rachna had encouraged women to raise local issues and stand up for themselves. “A few years ago, when there was a fire in the nearby shanties, she played a key role in helping residents,” she said.On May 22, 2023, Rachna’s husband, property dealer Bijender Yadav, was shot in Bhalswa village of Jahangirpuri. Bijender, a declared criminal with nine cases, including murder, was killed following a long-standing rivalry that was brewing for nearly 18 months. The crime branch had arrested Sanju Yadav and his associate Sandeep Panwar. The conflict was triggered by a parking dispute between Sanju and Bijender’s brother, Rahul Yadav, which escalated after Rahul posted offensive comments and threats on Facebook. Fearing that Bijender was plotting to kill them, Sanju and Sandeep conspired to strike first. The rivalry, police said, was further escalated during the 2022 MCD election when Sanju’s brother became a councillor while Bijender’s brother lost it and allegedly tried to threaten Sanju’s group.The family claimed Bijender was acquitted in many of the criminal cases.