New Delhi:

A video of a fight between a bank manager and a customer at a Union Bank in Ahmedabad has gone viral. Jaiman Rawal, the customer, was reportedly disappointed over the increased tax deduction on a fixed deposit. The argument between the customer and the bank manager broke into a nasty fight.

In a 43-second-long viral video, the two men are seen holding each other by the collar. The customer then slaps the bank employee on his head. In the video, a woman can be heard asking her colleague Shubham to let it go.

In the background an elderly woman, who appears to be the customer’s mother is seen trying to resolve the dispute, holding the arm of either of the two, pulling them away. She even slaps the customer, presumably her son, asking him to stop it.

When the two are finally pulled away, the customer again attacks, this time another bank employee.

The incident is reportedly from the Union Bank’s branch in Vastrapur, Ahmedabad.

Vastrapur police have registered a case and the probe is underway.

‘Customer’ turned ‘Crocodile’ after TDS Deduction in Bank FD. FM sud instruct Bank staffs to learn ‘taekwondo’ for self defense. pic.twitter.com/CEDarfxcqi

— Newton Bank Kumar (@idesibanda) December 6, 2024

A similar incident was reported from the Canara Bank branch in the Gandhi Maidan Police Station area, Patna where a woman bank manager was harassed and threatened by a customer over the CIBIL score. In a video, a man is seen walking toward a woman, he points a finger at her, almost shoving it in her face. He then snatches the phone from her and throws it on the ground. “You will record this and embarrass me”, he asks.

The man returns the phone to the woman and walks back to a nearby chair. He sits and threatens the woman. “No one will support you. Fix my CIBIL score. See what I do to you in your cabin. You don’t know who you are dealing with. You have done wrong to me,” he says.

The police are investigating the case.

एक सहकर्मी के साथ अभद्रता और बदसलुकी की जा रही है और बाकी के कर्मी मूक बधिर के तरह खड़े होकर तमाशा देख रहे हैं। एक शब्द नहीं निकल रहा किसी के मुंह से, धिक्कार हैं।
इस तरह की घटनाये इन दिनों आम हो गई हैं बैंको मे ऐसा ही चलता रहा तो भगवान ही मालिक हैं बैंकर्स का। #canarabankpatnapic.twitter.com/9dsb2c2SV1

— kanhaiya kumar (@MrKjha12) December 7, 2024

Ahmedabad:

Two workers died and seven were hospitalised after they inhaled toxic fumes at a textile factory in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Sunday, police said.

The incident occurred at Devi Synthetics in the Narol industrial area of the city.

Nine workers inhaled toxic fumes that leaked when spent acid was being transferred into a tank at the factory, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ravi Mohan Saini said.

“Police received information around 10.30 am that nine persons were affected due to a toxic gas leak in a factory in Narol and were taken to LG Hospital, where two died,” he said.

Seven workers are hospitalised, of whom four are critical and are being treated in the ICU, he said.

A preliminary investigation revealed that spent acid, used in the printing and dyeing industry, was being transferred into a tank when the workers nearby were affected, he said.

The official said a team from the police, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), industrial safety and Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) officials reached the site and started probing the exact cause.

Industrial safety and FSL officials are probing to find out if the factory followed due procedures regarding NOC, etc., and police will take action based on their report, he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ahmedabad:

Low-cost airline VietJet Air today began its inaugural non-stop service from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to Da Nang, a major city in Vietnam.

Flights will depart from Ahmedabad every Thursday and Sunday, with scheduled departure at 12:25 am and arrival in Da Nang at 6:55 am.

Flights from Da Nang, known for its cityscape and beaches, are scheduled to arrive in Ahmedabad every Wednesday and Saturday. The flight will depart from Da Nang at 7:25 pm and arrive in Ahmedabad at 11:25 pm.

With 136 passengers on this inaugural flight, Da Nang is expected to attract more people from the region around Ahmedabad.

Here’s to connecting more destinations and creating memorable travel experiences together! #Vietjet

(2/2)#AhmedabadAirport#SVPIA#Vietjet#InauguralFlight#NewBeginnings#DaNang#NewDestinationpic.twitter.com/OwsKVHvuOF

— Ahmedabad Airport (@ahmairport) October 23, 2024

This new flight addition will enable more passengers from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to travel whether for leisure or for business.

Ahmedabad:

As the Navratri festivities commence across the country on Thursday (October 1), a unique tradition in the heart of Ahmedabad’s old city draws everyone’s attention. In Sadu Mata Ni Pol, a 200-year-old ritual unfolds each year on the eighth night of Navratri, when men from the Barot community wear sarees and perform Garba to honour an ancient curse.

This age-old tradition symbolises penance, and a fascinating story of devotion and gender-bending customs passed down through generations. This ritual is more than just a dance; it is a deeply rooted tradition steeped in history, legend, and faith.

In this century-old custom, men dress up as women to atone for a curse placed on their ancestors by Sadu Mata, a woman whose story has been passed down through generations. According to local belief, over 200 years ago, a woman named Saduben sought protection from the men of the Barot community when a Mughal nobleman demanded her as a concubine.

Sadly, the men did not defend her, leading to the tragic loss of her child. In her grief and anger, Saduben cursed the men, declaring that their future generations would suffer as cowards, and committed ‘sati’.

Sadu Mata Ni Pol, which houses over 1,000 residents, comes alive on the night of Ashtami. The pol, filled with narrow lanes and old-style homes, is a living relic of Ahmedabad’s heritage. Crowds gather to witness men in sarees, twirling gracefully to the beats of Sheri Garba, a folk dance passed down through the generations.

A temple was erected to appease Sadu Mata’s spirit and lift the curse. Every year, on the night of Ashtami, men from the community gather at Sadu Mata Ni Pol, don sarees, and perform Garba as an act of penance. This custom, still alive today, draws crowds from all over the city, curious to witness this powerful display of tradition and devotion.

While modern interpretations may associate the act of men dressing as women with bending gender norms, for the Barot community, it is a symbolic gesture of humility and respect. The ritual is believed to not only atone for the sins of the past but also to honour the blessings granted by Sadu Mata. Men who have prayed for personal wishes — be it success in business, good health, or the birth of a child — participate in this ritual to give thanks when their prayers are answered.

The Barot community of Gujarat is traditionally known for its role as genealogists, storytellers, and chroniclers for various communities. They particularly document family histories and preserve oral traditions. Historically, they served as keepers of genealogical records, especially for Rajput and Kshatriya families, and were integral to passing down cultural and religious stories through generations. In addition to their genealogical duties, they often performed during festivals, reciting epics and folk tales.

Though their traditional roles have evolved with time, the Barot community remains an important part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, particularly visible during festivals like Navratri, where their unique customs are still practiced.

One participant shared that he has been wearing a saree for the past five years to show gratitude to Sadu Mata. After wishing for prosperity in his business and the blessing of a son, he felt that the goddess had been kind to him. For him, this tradition serves as a meaningful connection to their roots, allowing the community to express thanks for the blessings they receive in their lives.

The tradition, however, isn’t just about appeasing the curse. For many, it’s about honouring the goddess they believe has protected and blessed their families for centuries. The pol transforms into a devotion site, with men of all ages paying homage to Sadu Mata, dressed in vibrant sarees, as an act of faith.

Ahmedabad, India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, is known for its rich history and traditions. The ritual of men performing Garba in sarees is just one of the many ways the city preserves its cultural heritage. Nestled among the 184 pols of the old city, Sadu Mata Ni Pol stands as a testament to the resilience and devotion of the Barot community.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ahmedabad:

Police on Thursday registered a First Information Report (FIR) against BJP workers over a clash outside the Congress’ office in the Paldi area here.

The offence was registered hours after the opposition party threatened to launch a stir if no action was taken over Tuesday’s incidents.

The BJP had protested outside the Congress office on Tuesday over the alleged anti-Hindu remarks of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

“We have taken a complaint from Congress and registered an FIR. No one has been arrested yet,” said Inspector B D Jhilaria of Ellisbridge police station.

Earlier in the day, Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil threatened to launch a protest claiming that police were not registering an FIR against BJP workers even after various pieces of evidence established that they were involved in the attack.

Rahul Gandhi may visit Ahmedabad on July 6 and meet the Congress workers who stood their ground when stones were hurled at them, he said.

The state unit of the party has already extended an invitation to Gandhi and was confident that he will accept, Mr Gohil added.

A clash broke out between BJP and Congress workers outside Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, Congress’s state headquarters, on Tuesday after BJP youth wing members reached there to protest against Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in his maiden speech as Leader of Opposition.

According to police, both sides engaged in stone pelting in which five policemen including an Assistant Commissioner of Police were injured.

On Wednesday, Ellisbridge police registered two FIRs, and arrested five Congress workers under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for offences including unlawful assembly, rioting, endangering life or personal safety of others and causing hurt to an on-duty public servant.

While the first FIR was registered against nearly 450 workers of both Congress and BJP on the basis of a complaint given by injured police constable Karmraj Bhagvatsinh, the other was based on a complaint filed by the youth wing of the BJP’s Ahmedabad unit.

On Thursday, hours after Gohil threatened to launch a stir, police registered another FIR against 15 BJP workers and a mob of 100 to 150 persons.

It was based on a complaint filed by working president of the Gujarat Congress, Himmatsinh Patel.

BJP’s youth wing workers threw stones at Congress workers, injuring a few, the complaint alleged.

The FIR registered on the basis of the complaint given by constable Karmraj Bhagvatsinh named local Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Shehzad Khan Pathan and fellow party workers Pragati Ahir and Hetaben Parikh as accused besides a mob of some 250 Congress workers and 200 BJP workers.

It was Congress workers who first charged at BJP activists after being incited by some Congress leaders, and when police tried to stop them, the mob started throwing stones and thick wooden sticks towards BJP activists, it claimed.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

At the heart of the tragic billboard collapse in Mumbai, which claimed 16 lives, was an advertising agency, Ego Media Pvt Ltd, that had installed the fateful structure. The owner of the company, Bhavesh Bhinde, managed to evade police for 3 days, but was finally arrested from Udaipur.

He was arrested after an extensive manhunt spanning three states.

The collapse of the 120 feet by 120 feet billboard claimed the lives of 16 and left 75 others injured. The catastrophic incident, which occurred amidst strong winds and unseasonal rains, prompted swift action from law enforcement agencies.

Video | 16 Seconds Of Horror, When Mumbai Billboard Crushed Petrol Pump

https://t.co/FM129UZb0epic.twitter.com/NYWMcu981X

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 16, 2024

Following his realization that the police were closing in on him, Bhavesh Bhinde fled, setting off a pursuit that led through various cities. To evade capture, he kept changing his location and assumed a false identity.

His flight led authorities to Lonavala, Thane, and Ahmedabad before finally ending in Udaipur, where he was found hiding in a hotel under an assumed name. He would be in a new city every time the cops closed in on him, and Mumbai Police had to deploy eight teams, which worked round the clock, to track Bhinde.

The team revealed that Bhavesh Bhinde, upon learning of the impending police action, initially fled to Lonavala before returning to Mumbai the next day. Subsequently, he traveled to Thane, but continued his elusive journey to Ahmedabad, ultimately seeking refuge in a hotel in Udaipur, where he was finally nabbed by the Crime Branch.

He was finally caught after the investigation team utilised a combination of technical expertise and human intelligence.

The Udaipur operation was so discreet that even the local police were not informed that a team was in town to catch Bhinde.

“The operation was a top secret, and even the Udaipur police did not know about it,” said an official on the investigating team.

The hoarding collapsed onto a nearby petrol pump in the Chhedanagar area in Ghatkopar during gusty winds and heavy unseasonal rains, killing 16 people and injuring 75 others.

This incident has highlighted severe lapses in the regulatory oversight of advertising installations in Mumbai, sparking calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards.

Ahmedabad:

Emails threatening blasts sent to at least 36 Ahmedabad-based schools on the eve of the May 7 voting have been traced to Pakistan, the police said on Friday, labelling them as an attempt to spread fear among the people ahead of polling.

Lok Sabha elections for 25 of the 26 seats in Gujarat were held in a single phase on May 7. The candidate in Surat has already won unopposed.

“The emails were sent from the ‘mail.ru’ domain, in which a man impersonating himself as Tauheed Liaquat sent them to all the schools to spread fear among voters and Indian citizens,” the Ahmedabad crime branch said in a press statement.

Liaquat had also assumed another identity as Hamad Javed. The person with these names was operating from Faisalabad district of Pakistan, Joint Commissioner of Police Sharad Singhal said.

The same person has created various identities on different social media platforms, one of them being that of Hamad Javed. These social media platforms are used to spread anti-India messages, rumours and fear among Indians, he said.

“It is possible that the name was created to spread fear and rumour. But one thing is certain the emails were sent using the mail.ru domain and the location was traced to the Faisalabad cantonment area in Pakistan,” he said.

The name of this accused has also been revealed during a honeytrap investigation by another agency, the official said.

Further investigation is underway and agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS), National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) have been contacted, Singhal said.

Several of the 36 schools that had received the threat email from the Russian domain ‘mail.ru’ were designated as polling booths.

The email was received on May 6, a day before the voting in the city where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah exercised their franchise.

The content of the email was similar to the one sent to schools in Delhi recently. It was sent using the Russian domain ‘mail.ru’, and no explosive or anything suspicious was found after the schools were searched.

A technical surveillance was then initiated to trace the sender of the email, said the official.

The schools that received the threat email included DPS and Anand Niketan in Bopal, Udgam School on SG Highway, Calorx School in Ghatlodia, Kendriya Vidyalaya at Chandkheda and Army Cantonment on Airport Road. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

A woman wanted to satiate her food cravings and ordered a Paneer Tikka sandwich from an eatery through a food-delivery app. Her dinner arrived from ‘Pick Up Meals by Terra’ in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. But instead of a Paneer Tikka sandwich, the restaurant delivered a sandwich with chicken.

Nirali, a pure vegetarian by choice, ordered from her office in Ahmedabad’s Science City on May 3. After a few bites, she felt the paneer was harder than usual. She thought it was soya, but it turned out to be chicken. The woman has never eaten non-vegetarian food and has now filed a complaint against the eatery seeking damages.

The woman has written to the Deputy Health Officer of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, filing a complaint against the eatery. 

Meanwhile, the Food Department has imposed a Rs 5,000 fine against the restaurant but the woman told India Today, “The incident was very dreadful and it can’t be reversed. Rs 5,000 fine is not enough and I will go to the consumer court.”

The woman said she would approach the consumer court to seek justice and said she had asked for compensation of Rs 50 lakh. “I could’ve asked for more but even that wouldn’t have served justice to what I felt,” she said. There is no response from the restaurant yet in the incident. 

Meanwhile, people have criticised her online for her demands but the woman said she is doing it for the youth who face such experiences and don’t know about their rights. However, some people have supported her decision to seek Rs 50 lakh as compensation.

– With Inputs from Ravi Bakola
 

In a novel gesture by the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) has hosted 12,000 cancer and thalassemia patients as “special invitees” during the IPL match between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals in Ahmedabad.

The Rishabh Pant-led side raced to a six-wicket win after bundling out the home team for their lowest ever IPL total of 89 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.

In a drive to raise awareness about cancer and thalassemia, the BCCI secretary Jay Shah welcomed the “special invitees”, including blood donors and blood donation camp organizers, stated a release.

“This extraordinary gesture will go a long way in raising awareness about cancer and thalassemia, and the challenges faced by those living with this condition,” it stated.

“It also provided the individuals with a much-needed day of fun and entertainment. The excited happy faces were clearly visible, cheering for their favourite teams leading to a unique atmosphere of joy and camaraderie never seen before at the stadium,” it added.

Ahmedabad:

Two persons who used to travel by air allegedly to steal money from ATMs have been arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch in Gujarat for theft of Rs 10.72 lakh here, a police official said on Sunday.

During a probe into the ATM theft using a gas cutter under Amraiwadi police station limits this month, it was found the two accused hailing from Punjab had come by flight from Chandigarh to Ahmedabad to carry out the heist, he said.

“They stayed in a hotel near Ahmedabad airport which they booked on the basis of a duplicate Aadhaar card. They purchased a two-wheeler from an online marketing site, bought gas cutters, oxygen cylinders and entered an ATM they chose using Google Maps,” he said.

“They cut open the ATM, stole Rs 10.72 lakh in Rs 500 denomination notes, went back to the hotel, collected their belongings and flew to Delhi. They used to fly to different places to steal from ATMs in this manner,” the official added.

Based on a case registered in Amraiwadi police station, the two were held.

One of the accused, Amarjot Singh Aroda, was arrested at Mohali in 2005 in a murder case and was released on bail in 2010. He was also arrested while trying to break open ATMs in Nagpur and Pune in Maharashtra in April and June this year.

He also has four different FIRs lodged against him in Bengaluru for attempt to murder, robbery, theft, etc, as per police.