Hyderabad, Jan 1: The Indian Army will host the ‘Know Your Army Mela 2025’ at the historic Golconda Fort here from January 3 to 5.

Organised under the aegis of Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA) headquarters and coordinated by the Artillery Centre, Hyderabad, this event serves as a prelude to the Army Day Parade 2025.

This one-of-a-kind event offers all citizens a unique opportunity to engage with the Indian Army, witness its technological prowess, and gain insights into its operational capabilities. The mela aims to inspire and motivate young aspirants to join the Armed Forces while projecting a positive image of the Indian Army, a Defence release said.

The Army has selected a historic venue for a grand event. The Golconda Fort, renowned for its historical and cultural significance, provides a majestic backdrop for this event. Its accessibility and iconic stature promise to captivate visitors and enhance their experience. The mela has been meticulously planned to ensure smooth conduct, engaging activities, and maximum visibility for all attendees.

The event will showcase artillery guns, small arms, and advanced operational tools. There will be detailed display boards explaining their specifications and operational significance.

Exhibits featuring communication systems, engineering tools, and Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) warfare suits will be on display.

The visitors will have interactive experiences. They will be allowed to take photos with military equipment. There will be dedicated recruitment booths with detailed information about career opportunities in the Armed Forces.

The event will also feature live performances by military bands and exhibitions of gallantry medals, stories of valour, and other historical memorabilia.

Army personnel will be available at each stall to engage with visitors, share insights, and answer queries.

“The Know Your Army Mela 2025 is more than just an exhibition. It is a celebration of the Indian Army’s strength, discipline, and dedication to the nation. All citizens will have a chance to interact with Army personnel, see cutting-edge military equipment, and learn about the inspiring legacy of the Armed Forces. This event is a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and patriotism, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Army’s role in safeguarding the nation,” the release added.

Lucknow, Jan 1: In a horrific start to the new year, Lucknow Police arrested a 24-year-old man, Arshad, on Wednesday for allegedly murdering his mother and four sisters in a city hotel.

The killings, reportedly carried out with the assistance of his father, have sent shockwaves across the region.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central Raveena Tyagi told Media, “We received information from the Thana Naka area that five dead bodies were found in a room at Hotel Sharanjeet. The accused, Arshad, has been taken into custody. He confessed to killing his mother and four sisters –some by slitting their throats and others by cutting their wrist nerves.”

The victims were identified as Alia (9), Alshia (19), Aksa (16), Rahmeen (18), and their mother, Asma. The brutal killings were discovered when hotel staff alerted the police after finding the bodies in a room.

Arshad, a resident of Islam Nagar, Tedi Bagiya, Kuberpur, Agra, reportedly admitted during questioning that the murders were triggered by a family dispute involving neighbours. According to the confession, the family was first taken to Ajmer and then brought to Lucknow a day before the killings.

“Arshad has alleged that his father assisted in the crime. However, the extent of his father’s involvement is still under investigation. We have contacted the Agra Police for further inquiries,” DCP Tyagi added.

The accused explained that he first killed his mother and then attacked his sisters while they were asleep in the hotel room. A video clip shows Arshad describing the crime and revealing that his actions were driven by long-standing frustrations over family disputes.

Forensic teams sealed the crime scene and gathered evidence while senior police officials visited the hotel to oversee the investigation. The victims’ bodies were sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death and provide further clarity on the case.

“The exact details of the motive and circumstances will be revealed after further investigation and the post-mortem results,” DCP Tyagi said.

This gruesome incident has raised serious concerns, with police working to uncover the full extent of the crime and the father’s alleged role in the murders.

A shocking video has surfaced online showing a minor boy crying for help at a bakery in Uttar Pradesh’s Lalitpur, where he allegedly works without receiving any payment for his labor.

Senior Journalist Ranvijay Singh shared the video, stating that the boy is being forced to work for long hours and has also been physically assaulted.

In the video, the tearful boy can be seen pleading with other workers at the bakery to contact his family. Another person, presumably a worker at the bakery, can be heard verbally abusing and threatening the minor.

The footage has sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning the abusive behavior against the child.

One user responded to the video saying, “This incident is highly condemnable and inhumane. Such treatment of children is not only morally wrong but also a serious violation of child labor laws and their rights.”

Following the video going viral, Lalitpur Police took cognisance of the incident and directed both the Station In-Charge of Kotwali Police Station and the AHT In-Charge of Lalitpur to investigate and take necessary action.

According to reports, the incident occurred at Shubham Bakery in Lakshmipura Mohalla, which falls under the jurisdiction of Lalitpur Police Station. The bakery operator, Harnarayan Sahu, allegedly assaulted the minor when the boy demanded payment for his work.