Ayodhya, Nov 25: After leading the ‘Dhwajarohan Utsav’ by hoisting the sacred flag atop the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the day marks the end of centuries of pain and struggle.

PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat led the ‘Dhwajarohan Utsav’ at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple by hoisting the specially-designed sacred saffron flag atop the temple.

Addressing the large gathering from the Ram Janmabhoomi temple premises, PM Modi said, “Today, the city of Ayodhya is witnessing another turning point in India’s cultural consciousness. Today, the entire country, the entire world is filled with devotion for Lord Ram.”

The ceremony holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for devotees across the country.

“Every Ram devotee’s heart is filled with immense satisfaction, gratitude and happiness. ‘Sadiyo ke ghav bhar rahe hain (centuries old wounds are healing today)’. The pain of centuries is coming to an end today, and the resolve of centuries is achieving success today. Today is the ‘poornahuti’ (final offering)’ of that ‘yagna’ whose fire burned for 500 years. The yagya that never wavered in faith, not even for a moment,” he added.

The flag, specially crafted for the Ram Temple, measures 22 feet in length and 11 feet in width. Designed by a parachute specialist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the flag weighs between 2 and 3 kilograms and has been designed to withstand winds at high altitudes.

The flag carries the Sun symbol, representing Lord Rama’s Suryavanshi heritage and divine radiance. The flag is adorned with an image of the Kovidara tree, Sun and Om. It is saffron in colour — symbolising fire, the rising Sun, sacrifice and dedication.

Speaking about the sacred flag, PM Modi said, “This Dharma Dhwaj is not just a flag, it is the symbol of the renaissance of Indian civilisation. The flag’s saffron colour, the symbol of the Sun, the holy word ‘Om’ and the Kovidar tree represent the glory of Ramrajya. This ‘Dhwaj’ is a resolution, a success, a tale of creation from struggle, a representation of a dream come true, an evidence of saints’ devotion and social participation.”

“This Dharm Dhwaj will become an inspiration of ‘Pran jaaye par vachan na jaaye’ (We will give our life to keep a promise). This will give a message that ‘Karma’ and ‘Kartavya’ should be given priority in the world. This will also make us resolve to maintain peace and prosperity in society, where no one is poor and suffering,” he added.

The event marks the completion of the temple construction.

Hyderabad, Nov 25: Six people were injured in a massive fire in an electronics shop in the old city of Hyderabad.

On Monday night, the fire started in the electronics shop on Shahalibanda due to a short circuit, completely gutting it. A CNG cylinder explosion in a car parked in front of the shop further spread the blaze.

Eight fire engines, a skylift fire truck, and a firefighting robot were pressed into service to bring the blaze under control. It took more than two hours for the firefighting personnel to douse the flames.

The fire, which started in an electronics shop, spread to the adjoining warehouse and other shops, resulting in huge property loss.

A cloth shop was also completely gutted in the fire.

Window panes in the surrounding houses were also shattered under the impact of the explosion.

The fire was also suspected to have intensified due to the explosion of several refrigerator cylinders, geysers and electronic items stored in the shop.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South Zone) Khare Kiran Prabhakar said, prima facie, the fire started in an electronics shop due to a short circuit.

The flames engulfed the CNG car parked in front of the shop, and the cylinder blast caused the fire to spread rapidly.

Few people were working in the shops, and a few were also sitting in the car. Because of fire and an explosion, six people were injured and admitted to the hospital.

The DCP told the media that firefighters brought the situation under control, preventing further damage.

He appealed to citizens not to believe fake news circulating on social media. He urged them to rely only on official information from the police and avoid sharing unverified news that may lead to unnecessary panic.

According to eyewitnesses, the loud explosion was heard in a radius of one kilometre, triggering panic among residents.

Locals also claimed that the clock on the nearby Rajarai Clock Tower also stopped at the time of the explosion.

Mumbai: Mumbai Police have arrested a 31-year-old man for allegedly kidnapping a biker in Bandra and demanding sexual favours, in a late-night incident that has raised serious concerns over public safety. The accused, identified as Chirag Hargunani, was reportedly driving an Audi car under the influence of alcohol when the incident took place.

According to Bandra police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when Hargunani approached two men travelling on a motorcycle near Bandra on the pretext of seeking directions to a nearby park. The accused, who appeared heavily intoxicated, asked one of them, Mohammad Taabish Shoeb Kutty, to sit inside his Audi and guide him, claiming he was unable to navigate in his drunken state.

Kutty agreed initially, believing he was simply helping a lost motorist. However, once inside the car, the situation took a disturbing turn. Police officials said Hargunani suddenly locked the doors and began driving off, effectively abducting the 26-year-old. During the drive, he allegedly made repeated demands for sexual favours from Kutty.

When Kutty refused and insisted on being let out, Hargunani became aggressive. He allegedly assaulted Kutty inside the moving vehicle, refusing to stop or release him. The victim then acted swiftly to protect himself, managing to reach for and remove the car keys during the struggle, forcing the Audi to halt. Kutty immediately stepped out and sought help, after which locals alerted the police.

A team from Bandra police station reached the spot and took Hargunani into custody. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertaining to kidnapping, wrongful confinement, assault and other offences. Hargunani remains in police custody as the probe continues.