According to forest officials, the incident took place around 8 pm on Thursday when the child stepped out to relieve himself and was reportedly attacked by a sub-adult lioness, estimated to be three to four years old, which was roaming in the area. The animal dragged the boy nearly a kilometre into a nearby reserved forest.

Assistant Conservator of Forest (Social Forestry) Rajan Jadav said forest personnel immediately rushed to the spot and launched a search operation after receiving information about the attack.

The child’s body was recovered at around 9 pm. By then, hundreds of villagers and residents from nearby areas had gathered at the site and begun protesting. The agitated crowd initially refused to accept the body, accusing the forest department of failing to safeguard people from recurring wildlife threats.

The forest department later captured a lioness and two cubs suspected to be linked to the fatal incident. Ghantiyan village lies along the Bagasara–Visavadar border, a region that regularly witnesses lion movement from the Gir landscape. DeshGujarat

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The gold was found concealed inside an IndiGo aircraft that had arrived from Dubai in the form of 24 foreign-origin gold biscuits weighing 2,799.3 grams. The seizure was made during a rummaging operation conducted on board IndiGo flight 6E-1478 after its arrival from Dubai.

Customs officials searched the aircraft and, with the assistance of aircraft engineers, recovered two pouches wrapped in black plastic tape from inside a speaker box located in the front lavatory.

Customs said the manner in which the gold had been concealed indicated an attempt to smuggle it into India in violation of the Customs Act, 1962.

Officials said the contraband appeared to have been hidden by an unidentified individual, and no one came forward to claim ownership of the recovered gold. As a result, the gold was seized as unclaimed under the relevant provisions of the Act. Further investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the smuggling attempt and to determine whether the seizure is linked to a larger network operating on Gulf routes. DeshGujarat

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The overbridge, developed by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation at a cost of Rs 74.32 crore, will be formally inaugurated at around 10 am. The administration has completed all preparations for what is being described as a landmark moment for the city.

The new project replaces a 48-year-old two-lane bridge that had become dangerously dilapidated. The 602-meter-long and 16.4-meter-wide flyover has a total of 21 spans, including a 36-meter central span. Two RCC box culverts have also been integrated into the structure for stormwater management.

Ahead of the inauguration, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) organized a special “Happy Street” event on Friday night to allow residents to experience the bridge before its official opening. The event began at 9 pm near Airport Garden and the Sandhiya Bridge, which was beautifully illuminated with decorative lighting.

Thousands of residents gathered to enjoy the festive atmosphere, turning the newly built bridge into a vibrant public space filled with excitement and celebration.

Once operational, the bridge is expected to provide long-term relief from traffic congestion on Jamnagar Road.

Meanwhile, the inauguration program is also expected to highlight environmental awareness and fuel conservation. It is learned that Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi is likely to travel from Hirasar Airport to the venue in an electric vehicle, in line with the prime minister’s call for fuel conservation and sustainable practices.

As part of the initiative, Mayor Dr. Nehal Shukla has reportedly encouraged municipal corporators to avoid using private vehicles. All corporators are expected to gather at the Central Zone Office at 9 am and travel together to the venue in three electric buses.

The illuminated Sandhiya Bridge has already emerged as a symbol of Rajkot’s modern infrastructure development. Its opening is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion on Jamnagar Road while helping thousands of commuters save both time and fuel. DeshGujarat

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The meeting was attended by MPs Parshottam Bhai Rupala, Poonamben Madam, Rambhai Mokariya, Kesari Dev Singh Jhala, Rajesh Bhai Chudasama and Bharat Bhai Sutariya, where they discussed various important matters related to rail development. The meeting featured detailed deliberations on new trains, stoppages, train extensions, increasing frequencies, passenger amenities and infrastructure projects. Positive discussions were held on the suggestions and demands of the people’s representatives.

The meeting was also attended by senior officials of Western Railway, including Divisional Railway Manager of Rajkot Division Giriraj Kumar Meena and Divisional Railway Manager of Bhavnagar Division Dinesh Verma.

Speaking about the meeting, Lok Sabha MP Parshottam Rupala said that lakhs of passengers from Rajkot and other parts of Saurashtra travel to North India every year, particularly to the religious destination of Haridwar.

He noted that local residents and religious organisations have long demanded a permanent train connecting Rajkot and Haridwar. The proposal was discussed extensively during the meeting.

The MPs strongly emphasised the need to launch the Rajkot–Haridwar train at the earliest in the public interest. They informed railway officials that the proposed service would benefit not only Rajkot but also passengers from across Saurashtra, including tourists, pilgrims and senior citizens, by making travel more convenient and accessible.

Following the meeting, MP Parshottam Rupala spoke about the complexities involved in railway operations. He acknowledged that railway projects require extensive planning and involve multiple factors, including track capacity, timetable management, slot availability and safety considerations.

Rupala said railway projects involve factors such as track capacity, timetable management, slot availability and safety requirements, making the process complex. However, he added that public representatives would continue pursuing these demands with the Railway Board and the Union Railway Ministry.

The meeting is being seen as an important step towards addressing long-pending railway demands from the Saurashtra region. DeshGujarat

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Jain saints and community leaders have asserted that the site where the Jama Masjid currently stands was once an important and ancient Jain pilgrimage centre known as ‘Samadi Vihar’ (Shakunika Vihar). They claim the location is associated with three significant Jain pilgrimage sites and have called for a scientific and impartial archaeological survey of the entire premises.

The controversy began after videos and photographs purportedly showing the basement of the Jama Masjid went viral on social media. Based on the content shared online, claims were made that ancient idols of Lord Mallinath, the 19th Jain Tirthankara, along with idols of Hindu deities and architectural remains, were present inside the basement.

As the videos gained traction, various religious and social organisations began questioning the historical significance and authenticity of the site.

Speaking on the issue, Jain saint Rajsundervijayji Maharaj outlined three important Jain pilgrimage sites associated with Bharuch and the disputed location. As per the claims of the Jain community, Lord Munisuvratswami, the 20th Tirthankara, visited Bharuch to impart spiritual knowledge to a horse that had been his friend in a previous birth. Owing to this legend, Bharuch came to be known as Ashwabodha Tirtha.

The saint also stated that in ancient times, sages and ascetics would visit Bharuch to perform penance and seek atonement for their actions. They would undertake religious austerities and worship Lord Munisuvratswami, giving the place significance as a Prayashchit Tirtha.

Furthermore, the most significant claim relates to Samadi Vihar. According to Jain folklore, a bird named Samadi was struck by a hunter’s arrow in the forests of Bharuch. Jain monks passing through the area are said to have recited the Navkar Mahamantra to the dying bird, enabling it to attain spiritual liberation.

The legend further states that the bird was reborn as a princess in Lanka. Upon gaining knowledge of her previous birth, she returned to Bharuch and used her wealth to establish a grand Jain pilgrimage centre, which later became known as Samadi Vihar or Shakunika Vihar.

Demand for Scientific Archaeological Survey

Representatives of the Jain community said they sought permission to inspect the basement of the mosque to verify historical claims but were not allowed access by the mosque trust and members of the Muslim community.

Jain leaders allege that several new constructions have been carried out at the site over the years, altering its original archaeological and historical character. They further claimed that objections had previously been raised by the Archaeological Department regarding certain constructions, but no concrete action followed.

As a result, the community is now demanding a comprehensive, scientific and impartial archaeological survey of the entire site.

Meanwhile, leaders of the Jama Masjid Trust and members of the Muslim community have dismissed the allegations, calling them misleading and potentially harmful to communal harmony.

Representatives of the trust met the district collector and submitted a memorandum, alleging that false videos and photographs were being circulated on social media to hurt religious sentiments. They urged the administration to take strict legal action against those responsible.

The controversy has now become a major topic of discussion across Bharuch and other parts of Gujarat. However, experts say that any conclusions regarding such sensitive historical claims should be based on archaeological evidence, historical records, manuscripts and scientific research. DeshGujarat

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Announcing the decision, the civic body said that the Dumas Sea Face Project, developed to create a modern and attractive nature-based tourism destination for residents of Surat and nearby areas, has been drawing large numbers of visitors since the inauguration of Package-1 of Zone-1 on March 8, 2026.

The project aims to offer tourists a unique experience close to nature while providing recreational facilities for people of all age groups. Key attractions currently open to visitors include Darya Ganesh Road, surface parking, the arrival plaza, kids’ play area, promenade, walkway, cycle track, event ground, horticulture zone, Warship Plaza, and a multi-level car parking building.

In view of the growing footfall and to allow visitors more time to enjoy the facilities, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has extended the visiting hours of the Dumas Sea Face Project. DeshGujarat

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A budgetary provision of Rs 10 crore has been made for 2026-27 to establish Annapurti Grain ATMs at government godowns and other designated locations across the state. The proposal has now received administrative approval.

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has decided to expand the scheme to ensure easier access to food grains for ration card holders. The estimated cost of each Grain ATM is Rs 47.50 lakh, of which Rs 40 lakh will be spent on the machine itself, while Rs 7.50 lakh will be used for structural modifications to existing buildings and other related expenses.

The purchase of standard Annapurti machines, along with their stamping and verification, will be carried out in consultation with the Office of the Controller of Weights and Measures. Biometric authentication for beneficiaries will be implemented in accordance with Central Government guidelines. The machines will be procured after the grant is received from the Central Government.

The scheme will also be integrated with the Chief Minister’s Dashboard for monitoring purposes. To ensure uninterrupted service, the Gujarat State Civil Supplies Corporation Ltd. will be responsible for maintaining an adequate stock of food grains in the machines so that beneficiaries can collect their entitled quantity at their convenience.

The government has stipulated that funds allocated for the Annapurti Grain ATM project cannot be diverted for any other purpose. Any unspent amount must be surrendered at the end of the financial year. Additionally, if no expenditure is incurred on the project for two consecutive years, the administrative approval will automatically stand revoked. DeshGujarat

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Before the launch, around 500 two-wheeler and car driving tests have been conducted on the track as part of trial runs. However, in the initial phase, only a limited number of tests will be carried out each day to ensure that applicants do not face delays due to any technical glitches.

Initially, 25 two-wheeler tests and 20 car tests will be conducted daily on the new track. Appointments already booked by other applicants will be rescheduled to the following week. The number of appointments will be increased gradually in a phased manner.

The new AI-enabled track is expected to provide significant relief to two-wheeler licence applicants. Currently, only one track is available for two-wheeler driving tests, resulting in a waiting period of nearly two months. The new facility has two separate tracks for two-wheelers, which is expected to reduce waiting times considerably.

Another key feature of the new system is that driving tests will be conducted strictly on the date of the applicant’s appointment. Tests will not be allowed a day before or after the scheduled date. If an applicant misses the allotted date, a fresh appointment will have to be booked.

Digital display boards have also been installed along the track to provide instant results. As soon as the test is completed, applicants will be able to see whether they have passed or failed.

Applicants can watch driving test videos by scanning a QR code

Applicants appearing for two-wheeler or car driving tests will be required to watch videos demonstrating the complete driving test procedure by scanning a QR code installed at the RTO driving test track.

The initiative is aimed at helping applicants understand the test process in advance and prepare themselves better before taking the driving test. DeshGujarat

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It is learnt that the customer visited the outlet on Agiyaras on Thursday and requested Veg Cheese Nuggets, but was informed by staff that only ‘nuggets’ were available. Under the assumption that these were potato-based, the customer consumed them, only to later realize they were chicken nuggets. The customer further alleged that the bill did not clarify whether the item was vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

“I ordered veg nuggets, but they didn’t clarify… I ate them thinking they were potato nuggets, but found out later that they were chicken. Today was Agiyaras. On the day of Agiyaras, McDonald’s has desecrated my religion,” said the customer.

Initially, the customer reported a lack of a satisfactory response from the staff, which led to the situation escalating and a video of the confrontation going viral. However, as the controversy grew, the shift manager at the outlet admitted to the lapse. The staff reportedly claimed that vegetarian nuggets had been discontinued at that location four years ago, but this was not clearly communicated to the customer during the ordering process.

“Truly, it is a very big mistake… this should not happen. We give priority even to customers who request food without onion and garlic, so this (serving meat to a vegetarian) is a major thing. There was a misunderstanding during the conversation which led to this mistake,” the outlet employee said.

The viral video has led to a wave of criticism against the fast-food giant, with many vegetarian and Hindu customers questioning the brand’s quality control and sensitivity toward religious dietary restrictions.

Statement from McDonald’s

Meanwhile McDonald’s in its statement stated that at McDonald’s India, McNuggets are exclusively Chicken McNuggets and they do not offer veg nuggets on their menu.

The full text of statement reds: ‘At McDonald’s India, McNuggets are exclusively Chicken McNuggets. We do not offer veg nuggets on our menu. This is clearly communicated on our packaging, which prominently identifies the product as chicken.’

‘Across our restaurants, the product served corresponds to the item ordered and billed. We always follow stringent protocols to maintain clear separation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food at every stage of preparation, packaging, and service, in recognition of and respect for India’s diverse cultural and dietary preferences.’

‘We remain steadfast in our commitment to the highest standards of food quality, food safety, and customer experience at all times.’

DeshGujarat

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The road forms part of the busy Ahmedabad–Himmatnagar stretch of National Highway No. 8, and apart from local AMTS and BRTS services, it is extensively used by Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) and interstate buses operating towards Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Abu Road, and Ambaji.

The area opposite Saijpur Tower, near Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan and the AMC North Zone office at MEMCO, falls under Town Planning Scheme No. 35/2 (Saijpur Bogha). The scheme remained at the draft sanction stage since 1992, during which efforts were initiated under the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act, 1976, to open the proposed road from Saijpur Tower junction to Kubereshwar Mahadev Tran Rasta as per the approved town planning layout.

However, the project faced prolonged legal challenges, with multiple claims being filed before the City Civil Court. The scheme was eventually sanctioned by the state government as a preliminary town planning scheme in 2012. More recently, three petitions challenging the implementation of the scheme were filed before the Gujarat High Court. The court disposed of the petitions on May 4, 2026, in the larger interest of justice and public welfare.

Following compliance with the High Court’s directions, AMC launched the implementation drive on June 12. A team of around 150 personnel from the Estate Department, Urban Development Department, North Zone administration, Krishnanagar Police Station, G-Division Traffic Police, Fire Department, and medical services participated in the operation.

The civic body deployed one Hitachi excavator, four JCB machines, four dump trucks, two hand breakers, two gas cutters, five pressure vans, a fire tender, and an ambulance for the exercise. The operation involves the removal of structures and mixed-use developments obstructing the planned 30-meter-wide (100-foot) TP road.

AMC officials said the drive is aimed at opening a 450-meter-long stretch of road and reclaiming approximately 15,000 square feet of land required for the road network under the town planning scheme.

Officials stated that after a delay of nearly 14 years, the road has finally been opened to its sanctioned width in the larger public interest.

The newly opened stretch also forms part of the BRTS corridor. Since the road had not been fully opened earlier, BRTS grills and barricades could not be installed along this section. With the road now available at its full width, AMC will be able to complete the pending BRTS infrastructure works, including the installation of grills and barricades.

The development is expected to improve traffic management, enhance road safety, and help resolve long-standing traffic congestion issues in the area. DeshGujarat

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The Railway Police have intensified their investigation after it emerged that one of the 12 accused members had travelled to Pakistan on four occasions. According to police, the accused, Khalid Shokat Posti, had visited an area in Pakistan known as Godhra, where some of his relatives reside.

Police said the Singal Phalia gang has been involved in 31 criminal offences over the past decade across the Godhra, Dahod and Anand Railway Police station limits. The cases include train robberies, theft of railway property, assault on government servants, liquor and meat smuggling, snatching, and theft of passengers’ purses and valuables. Based on the gang’s alleged organised criminal activities, a case was registered against its members under GujCTOC.

Earlier, the Railway Police had arrested six accused. During the investigation, the names of eight members of the gang surfaced. Of these, six have been arrested, while two remain absconding.

During the remand proceedings of accused Khalid Shokat Posti, it was uncovered that he had travelled to Pakistan four times. After seizing and examining his passport, police confirmed the visits. During questioning, Posti reportedly stated that he travelled to Pakistan with his parents to sell clothes and other goods in areas where their relatives lived.

Following the revelation of his visits to Pakistan, the Railway Police alerted multiple security and intelligence agencies, which have questioned Posti and launched further investigations into his foreign travel and contacts. DeshGujarat

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