The shocking incident in Hubli has intensified concerns over child safety and sparked widespread public outrage.

In a heartbreaking event that has shaken Hubli, Karnataka, a five-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and killed, sparking outrage in the community. The suspect, a 35-year-old migrant worker from Patna, Bihar, was later killed in a police encounter on Sunday, April 13, 2025, according to authorities.

The incident began when the young girl’s body was discovered in an abandoned shed, prompting a swift response from the Karnataka Police. Using CCTV footage, officers identified the suspect, Ritesh Kumar, who was accused of abducting and murdering the child. Authorities suspect the girl may have been sexually assaulted before her death, though they are awaiting postmortem results to confirm.

As the investigation unfolded, police tracked Kumar to an abandoned house near the Tarihal underpass. According to Hubli-Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashi Kumar, the suspect attempted to escape custody, attacking officers by throwing stones and damaging vehicles. In response, Sub-Inspector Annapurna fired warning shots before shooting Kumar in the leg and chest. He was rushed to Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute – Hubli but was declared dead on arrival.

The tragedy has left the victim’s family, originally from Koppal district, in deep grief. The girl’s mother works as a domestic helper and beauty parlor assistant, while her father is a painter. The community rallied outside Ashok Nagar police station, demanding justice and expressing frustration. Some locals called for harsh punishment, while others raised concerns about migrant workers, though the Police Commissioner urged against generalizations.

This devastating case has highlighted issues of child safety and crime in Karnataka, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to justice. The investigation continues as police await further reports to provide clarity on the circumstances of the girl’s death.

On April 12, 2025, a series of earthquakes rattled parts of India and several neighboring Asian countries, leaving communities on edge. From the Himalayan foothills to coastal regions, the tremors have sparked concern, with residents sharing their experiences and authorities rushing to assess the damage. Here’s a closer look at the unfolding situation.

Where Earthquakes Hit India

The quakes, ranging in intensity, were felt across northern India, including states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, as well as in neighboring nations such as Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Early reports suggest the epicenter may have been near the India-Nepal border, a region known for its tectonic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. While exact magnitudes are still being confirmed, the shaking was strong enough to jolt people from their homes and offices.

In India, cities like Lucknow and Patna reported mild tremors, with some residents feeling the ground sway for a few seconds. Across the border, Kathmandu and Dhaka experienced similar disturbances, raising fears of aftershocks. “It felt like the floor was moving under my feet,” said a local from Bihar, capturing the sudden panic that gripped the region.

Impact on Communities

So far, no major casualties or widespread destruction have been reported, but the situation remains fluid. In rural areas, where infrastructure is often less resilient, cracks have appeared in some homes, and power outages were noted in isolated spots. Authorities are urging people to stay cautious, especially in earthquake-prone zones like the Himalayas.

Social media is buzzing with videos of swaying buildings and panicked evacuations, while local officials are conducting safety checks. Schools and offices in affected areas have been closed as a precaution, and emergency response teams are on standby. “We’re prepared to act if things worsen,” a disaster management official stated, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

The Indian subcontinent sits on a seismic hotspot, making earthquakes a recurring concern. Experts link this recent activity to the ongoing tectonic shifts along the Himalayan fault line, which has triggered significant quakes in the past, like the 2015 Nepal earthquake. While the current tremors appear less severe, they serve as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability.

Trending discussions online highlight how climate change and geological stress might be amplifying such events, though this remains inconclusive. Residents are being advised to follow safety drills—drop, cover, and hold on—and avoid old or weak structures until cleared by experts.

As seismologists analyze data, the focus is on predicting aftershocks and ensuring public safety. The Indian Meteorological Department and regional agencies are working together to issue updates. For now, communities are holding their breath, hoping the worst is over.

Stay informed as the story develops. Have you felt the tremors? Share your experience in the comments below!

Hyderabad, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry, witnessed a wave of passionate protests on Friday as thousands took to the streets to oppose the recently passed Waqf Amendment Act 2025. From bustling neighborhoods to historic mosques, the demonstrations highlighted deep concerns among the Muslim community and others about the new legislation’s impact on Waqf properties and religious autonomy.

A City United in Dissent

The protests kicked off after Friday prayers, with small yet vocal groups gathering near mosques across Hyderabad. Demonstrators, including members of organizations like Darsgah-Jihad-O-Shahadat (DJS), held placards and chanted slogans demanding the repeal of the Act. “Waqf is Allah’s property!” read one sign, capturing the sentiment of many who see the amendments as a threat to the sanctity of Muslim endowments.

By afternoon, the movement gained momentum. Public meetings sprang up in areas like Old City, Tolichowki, and Mehdipatnam, drawing diverse crowds—students, religious leaders, and everyday citizens. The atmosphere was charged but largely peaceful, with organizers urging calm while voicing their grievances. “This isn’t just about Waqf; it’s about our rights,” said a protester, echoing a common thread of frustration.

Why the Waqf Amendment Act Sparks Outrage

The Waqf Amendment Act, passed by Parliament and receiving Presidential assent on April 5, 2025, aims to reform the management of Waqf properties—land and assets dedicated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. Supporters, including the BJP-led government, argue it brings transparency and accountability to Waqf boards. But critics see it differently.

In Hyderabad, protesters expressed fears that the Act undermines the autonomy of Waqf institutions. Key changes, like increased government oversight and new regulations on property management, have raised alarms about potential misuse or loss of community control. “These amendments could disrupt centuries-old traditions,” warned a local imam during a rally. Many also pointed to Articles 25-30 of the Constitution, arguing the law infringes on religious freedoms.

Voices from the Ground

The protests weren’t just about placards and speeches—they were deeply personal. A young student at a public meeting shared, “My family has donated to Waqf for generations. This feels like an attack on our heritage.” Others highlighted practical concerns, like the risk of Waqf properties being repurposed or mismanaged under the new rules.

Community leaders also stepped up. Representatives from Muslim organizations announced plans for larger gatherings in the coming days, signaling that the movement is far from over. “We’re not here to cause trouble,” said one organizer. “We just want the government to listen and rollback this Act.”

Hyderabad’s Protests in a National Context

Hyderabad’s demonstrations are part of a broader wave of unrest across India. From West Bengal’s Murshidabad, where protests turned violent, to peaceful rallies in Chennai and Dharwad, the Waqf Amendment Act has ignited debate nationwide. In some regions, like West Bengal, clashes led to arrests and heightened security, but Hyderabad’s protests have so far remained orderly.

The issue has also taken a political turn. Opposition parties, including the AIMIM led by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, have slammed the Act as discriminatory. Meanwhile, the BJP has launched a “Waqf Reforms Awareness Campaign” to counter criticism, insisting the law benefits all communities.

As the sun set on Friday, Hyderabad’s streets grew quiet, but the resolve of protesters remained unshaken. Community groups are now planning seminars and petitions to keep the pressure on. “This is just the beginning,” said a local activist. “We’ll fight for our rights through dialogue and unity.”

For now, Hyderabad stands as a powerful voice in the national conversation about the Waqf Amendment Act. Whether these protests lead to policy changes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the city’s spirit of resistance is alive and well.