Gujarat Man Kills Widow Who Used To Tie Him Rakhi, Then Joins Search For Her

A case of murder and deception has shaken up the Defence Colony area of Gujarat's Jamnagar after a missing widow was found dead in the home of a neighbour she considered her brother. The suspect, who allegedly strangled the woman, had joined her grieving sons in the search before his crime was uncovered.

Rinkidevi Bantu Singh Katheriya, a native of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, had been building a life for her three children in Jamnagar following her husband's death from a heart attack in 2021. Employed at a pharmaceutical factory in Naghedi village, Rinkidevi was the sole breadwinner for her children - Rohit (19), Nitin (17) and Anjali (6).

The alarm was raised two days ago when she failed to return home. Her eldest son, Rohit, filed a missing person's report with the local police, sparking a search that involved both the authorities and close family friends.

During the investigation, police traced Rinkidevi's last-known movements to the residence of Vijay Odich, who lived in the house below the Katheriyas. Rinkidevi shared a deep bond with Odich and even tied a rakhi on his wrist every year.

To avoid suspicion, Odich also participated in the search efforts alongside the victim's sons, pretending to be a concerned family friend while her body lay hidden in his own home.

"He treated us like nephews and we saw him as an uncle," Rohit said. "We never imagined the person helping us look for our mother was the one who took her from us."

'Investigating Motive'

Upon discovering the body, Jamnagar police immediately secured the scene and sent the remains for a post-mortem examination. Initial findings suggest the cause of death was strangulation.

Officials said Odich has been taken into custody. "We are investigating the motive behind this heinous act," said Jayvirsinh Jhala, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jamnagar. "The victim and the accused had a long-standing social connection, which makes the circumstances of this murder particularly grave."

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A "Lousy Fighters" Jibe From Trump As Iran Calls US Proposal "One-Sided"

US President Donald Trump characterised Iranian leaders as "great negotiators" but said their country had "lousy fighters" during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday. 

"They're lousy fighters, but they're great negotiators, and they are begging to work out a deal," Trump said at the White House alongside top officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.

Trump suggested that a deal might not ultimately come together.

"I don't know if we'll be able to do that," he said of the prospects for a deal. I don't know if we're willing to do that."

Earlier in the day, in a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Iran had been "begging" for a deal but has publicly maintained that they are just "looking at our proposal".

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that the US proposal to end the war was "one-sided and unfair". 

"In brief, the proposal suggests that Iran would relinquish its ability to defend itself in exchange for a vague plan to lift sanctions. It is one-sided and unfair, serving only US and Israeli interests", the official said.

He called Iranian negotiators "strange" and warned them to start taking things seriously before "it is too late".

Read | Trump's "Better Get Serious, No Turning Back" Warning For War-Hit Iran

"The Iranian negotiators are very different and "strange." They are "begging" us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only "looking at our proposal." WRONG!!! They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty! President DJT," Trump wrote.

Trump's comments come after he claimed Iran was desperate to make a deal to end nearly four weeks of fighting, contradicting the Iranian foreign minister who said his country was reviewing a US proposal but had ​no intention of holding talks to wind down the conflict.

Trump has accused Tehran officials of covering up ongoing talks for fear of becoming assassination targets following the killing of supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Trump's warning came as Israel said it had killed the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' navy, calling him "directly responsible" for throttling the Strait of Hormuz since the war's outbreak.

But Pakistan confirmed Thursday it was indeed facilitating "US-Iran indirect talks" by relaying messages and that a 15-point American plan was being "deliberated upon" by Tehran.

The White House has declined to identify the "top person" it is speaking with in Iran -- beyond saying it is not the late leader's son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is believed to be injured and has not been seen since succeeding his father.
 

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Yogi Govt Announces Extra Holiday For Ram Navami, Extends Break To 2 Days

In a significant move reflecting public sentiment, the Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath has announced an additional public holiday on March 27, extending the Ram Navami break to two consecutive days.

March 26 had already been declared a holiday for Ram Navami. The decision to add March 27 comes in response to the increasing number of devotees visiting temples across the state during the festival period. Officials said the move aims to ease crowd management and ensure convenience for worshippers.

The Chief Minister approved the extension, reiterating the government's commitment to respecting religious sentiments and facilitating smooth celebrations.

Separately, the High Court has revised its holiday schedule. While courts were initially set to remain closed on March 26, proceedings will now continue as usual on that day. Instead, all courts will observe a holiday on March 27 in view of the festival.

Meanwhile, security arrangements have been significantly strengthened across Uttar Pradesh ahead of the celebrations. Large gatherings are expected at prominent religious centres such as Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura.

Authorities have issued guidelines to police and administrative officials to ensure smooth crowd control and prevent any disruption. Preparations at temples are also underway, with a focus on cleanliness, decoration, enhanced security and facilities for devotees.

A festive atmosphere has already begun to take shape across key religious cities as the state prepares for large-scale Ram Navami observances.

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India Does Not Have LPG Problem, It Has LOP Problem: Pralhad Joshi To NDTV

Congress's Rahul Gandhi does not know about the LPG situation and is just "trying to create panic," Union minister Pralhad Joshi said at NDTV's India Sustainability Mission 2.0 today. "India does not have LPG problem, India has LoP problem," said Joshi, in a jibe at Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Questioning why Gandhi did not attend the all-party meeting held today, he said, "Earlier, they were saying call an all- party meeting. When the meeting is called, he doesn't attend it".

"If you look at our neighbours, they are having major issues. In India not even a single petrol pump is dry. There is no shortage of petrol diesel and PNG. There are some issues related to LPG that's why some steps are taken," said Joshi, who handles the New and Renewable Energy portfolio.

"I am not only comparing it (India) to the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan. In many other countries, there is a problem. But whereas in India today, our source was nearly about 27 (nations) for the crude oil. Now it has gone up to 40. But LPG, sources are less, but still, India, wherever it is available, we have kept the supply chain perfect," he said.

Moreover, the country, he said, has increased domestic production. "And wherever there is natural gas, means there is a connection with piped natural gas... 25,000 km of pipeline has been laid, there is gas in it," he said. 

Gandhi, he added, is just "scaring people, creating fear psychosis" from Day One or Day Two of the war. "Is it good for the country? While opposing the Modi government, they are opposing India... the Opposition should not spread rumours," he said. Then in another jibe at the Opposition, he added, "We believe in sun power, they believe in son power".

On Tuesday, amid reports of Pakistan allegedly facilitating talks between Iran and the US, Gandhi had launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Middle East situation and India's handling of it. 

Referring to the All-Party meet, he said he would not be able to because it clashes with a programme in Kerala. 

"All-party meeting should take place, but a structural blunder has been made... And this cannot be fixed, especially since the Prime Minister cannot. He will do whatever America says and will not work in the interest of the farmers and the country. He will do whatever America and Israel say," Gandhi told reporters.

In a direct attack on the Congress, Joshi enumerated the times when the Congress-led government had taken mis-steps.

"What foreign policy are you (Rahul Gandhi) talking about? You are afraid... the way you have treated Pakistan, when a foreign secretary (former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice), comes and tells you 'don't attack', you tremble, bow down and come back," he said, citing then Union minister P Chidambaram's statement on India's preparedness after the 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai.

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"It Hurts'": Ganguly Slams IPL Uncertainty Over Rs 11.75 Crore Overseas Pacer

Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly did not mince words when asked for his reaction on the uncertainty surrounding Mitchell Starc's availability for the start of IPL 2026. Delhi Capitals said at the press conference that they are waiting for a green signal from Cricket Australia. And this is what Dada said while in Delhi for a brand endorsement for Jakson, "It hurts... because when quality players don't come in at the last minute, it shakes the balance of the team." Starc is set to miss the opening phase of the season as Cricket Australia carefully manages his workload ahead of a packed 2026-27 calendar. The timing could not be worse as franchises build their squads and strategies around marquee overseas players.

Ganguly, speaking on the broader issue of player availability in franchise cricket, said the impact of such late withdrawals is far greater in the IPL than in international cricket.

"It hurts because I've always said making an Indian team is easier than making an IPL team. Because the best players are available all the time to be picked. IPL is 10 teams that players get distributed. And when quality players don't come in at the last minute, obviously it shakes up the balance of the team."

He hit on the depth available in international squads, that is rarely mirrored in franchise setups.

"Because the substitutes, the availability is not as strong as the one who's not turned up... But in IPL if Mitchell Starc misses out or Pathirana misses out, the void is very hard to fill. So that's one of the challenges."

The former India captain, however, stopped short of criticising workload management itself, acknowledging the toll modern cricket takes on players across formats and leagues.

"Workload management is very important because players do play a lot of cricket. It's not just the IPL... more than physical, the mental part takes over. Away from home, away from families. It's never easy. So it's a balance which will continue to happen."

England cricketer Ben Duckett also pulled out of IPL 2026 as he wanted to concentrate on international cricket.

The uncertainty has not gone down well with commentators either. Harsha Bhogle called the lack of clarity around Starc's status "frustrating", especially in a league where franchises invest heavily in overseas stars. He argued that teams deserve firmer assurances when they commit significant portions of their salary purse to marquee players and warned that repeated episodes could push franchises towards stricter contract clauses and heavier financial deductions.

Delhi Capitals had structured their bowling attack around Starc's pace and new-ball threat, but this forces them to rethink.

This is not the first time the IPL has had to navigate the complicated triad of international calendars, bilateral commitments and franchise expectations. With players now juggling national duty, multiple T20 leagues and personal rest windows, such situations are likely to recur. As Ganguly put it, "Injuries will happen. Players will have problems... and you have to deal with it."

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Trump Shares Pakistan PM's Iran War Mediation Post, Fuels Speculation

US President Donald Trump has triggered intense diplomatic speculation regarding a potential mediating role for Islamabad in the ongoing Washington-Tehran standoff, after he shared an official statement from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The move follows a post on X by Prime Minister Sharif, in which he expressed Islamabad's eagerness to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the regional crisis. Sharif stated that Pakistan was "ready and honoured" to moderate "meaningful and conclusive talks" between the United States and Iran, provided there is a mutual agreement from both parties.

Expanding on Islamabad's position, the Prime Minister noted, "Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond." He further clarified that, "Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict."

President Trump's decision to share the post on his Truth Social account without further comment has been viewed by observers as a sign of active backchannel diplomacy. This development aligns with international reports suggesting that Pakistan, alongside Egypt and Turkiye, is quietly working to broker a peace deal in the Middle East.

While Islamabad is reportedly being positioned as a potential neutral venue, the White House has maintained a stance of strategic caution. US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the current environment as "sensitive" and "fluid," advising against treating unconfirmed reports as definitive.

"These are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and the US will not negotiate through the press. This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be deemed as final until they are formally announced by the White House," Leavitt cautioned. This statement comes amidst unverified claims that Vice President JD Vance and envoy Steve Witkoff could potentially meet Iranian officials on Pakistani soil.

Despite the lack of formal confirmation, indirect communication appears to be intensifying, with Islamabad reportedly serving as a critical conduit for messages. According to reports from CNN, the United States has utilised Pakistani channels to transmit a 15-point list of requirements to Tehran. The network further indicated that high-ranking Pakistani intelligence officials have maintained active communication with US figures, including Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, to facilitate these diplomatic exchanges.

The sudden diplomatic momentum follows President Trump's recent declaration of a five-day pause on planned strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure. Trump attributed the pause to "very good and productive conversations" with Tehran, claiming the US is in contact with a "top person" in Iran. Conversely, Tehran continues to maintain that it has not entered into direct negotiations with Washington since the commencement of the hostilities.

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

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Man Watches Dhurandhar 2 Instead Of Booking Hotel After Vaishno Devi Yatra Halt

In an unusual turn of events, a pilgrim visiting Vaishno Devi found a creative way to manage an unexpected delay during his journey. Instead of booking a hotel room, he chose to spend the night watching a film, turning the situation into a cost-saving experience.

Madhav, who went on a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, shared his experience on Twitter (formerly Twitter). He explained that as soon as he arrived at the pilgrimage site, he learned that the pilgrimage had been suspended. Since night darshan was not possible, he had to make arrangements for accommodation.

At the same time, the rent for a night in nearby hotels was around Rs 1,500, so he began considering other options.

To save money, Madhav decided to watch a night show of Dhurandhar 2 for Rs 300. The 3-hour, 49-minute film provided a comfortable way to spend the night.

Check Out The Post Here:

Vaishno Devi aaya tha, lekin yahan aake pata chala ki yatra band ho gayi hai.

Raat ko rukne ke liye hotel lena padta jo ₹1500 ka tha, toh maine 300 mein Dhurandhar 2 ka night show book kar liya😂

Hotel ke ₹1500 bach gaye, ₹300 mein movie bhi ho gayi ₹1200 save bhi ho gaye… pic.twitter.com/vRforE3ddA

— Madhav us (@maddiesays3) March 22, 2026

He explained that by watching the movie instead of staying in a hotel, he saved Rs 1,200 and was also entertained. He said that by watching the movie for Rs 300, he saved the remaining money instead of spending Rs 1,500 on a hotel.

Plans For Next Morning

Madhav, along with another devotee, said that this decision allowed him to relax and save money. He also shared his plans for the next day.

He said that he would first watch a movie in peace, then queue up around 3 am, get a yatra card, and head straight for darshan.

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