News / Author / Deepak Lavania

Deepak Lavania

Deepak Lavania is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, covering Western Uttar Pradesh. A firm believer in the mantra 'Work is Worship,' he brings dedication and depth to his reporting.

Articles by Deepak Lavania

‘Forced to part’: Meerut woman sends back kids to father in Pakistan

Sana, who is originally from Meerut’s Sardhana, was denied entry into Pakistan as she carries an Indian passport.

Lucknow

Updated on May 06, 2025 04:34 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

After Pahalgam terror attack, cross-border families in limbo

After a pregnant Pakistani woman married in India appealed to President to allow her to stay back, another woman born in India and married in Pakistan refused to leave without her two children.

Pakistani woman Maryam who is married to man from Uttar Pradesh’s Khurja. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 29, 2025 10:59 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

I’m India’s daughter-in-law, let me stay here: Pregnant Pak woman appeals to PM

Islamabad’s Maryam, who is married to man from Bulandshahr’s Khurja, urges for permanent visa after government’s directive to Pakistani nationals to leave India following the Pahalgam attack

Lucknow

Published on Apr 28, 2025 06:08 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Travel plans cut short, Pak nationals in U.P. pack their bags, some tearfully

Among them, seven Pakistani nationals are returning from Bareilly and Bulandshahr districts and nine from Agra.

In view of the suddenness of her departure, a Pakistani woman Khalida reportedly burst into tears at the Local Intelligence Unit (Sourced)

Other Cities

Published on Apr 25, 2025 05:16 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Child rape accused who was beaten by mob dies in U.P’s Hapur

Inspector Neeraj Kumar confirmed that judicial custody had been granted via video conferencing as the accused was too injured to appear in court. His death complicates the legal proceedings, with the initial case of attempted murder against the mob likely to be upgraded to murder.

The victim, a fourth-grade student, was playing near a makeshift hut where her family—seasonal labourers—was staying during the wheat harvest. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 24, 2025 07:51 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Sambhal murders: SIT files charge sheet against two aides of gangster Shariq Satha

The accused, Ghulam and Mulla Afroz, face charges in connection with the murders of four individuals during the chaos that followed a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid

According to an SIT official, Shariq Satha, a fugitive who lives in Dubai, orchestrated the violence. (Pic for representation)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 19, 2025 09:08 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania

Woman, lover held for killing husband in Bareilly, staging it as suicide

According to police, the woman confessed to lacing her husband’s tea with rat poison. She then called her lover, a resident of Bijnor, and together they strangled her husband to death before hanging the body to mislead authorities.

A murder case has been registered against Rekha and Pintu at the Fatehganj Pashchimi police station. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 18, 2025 09:04 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Another Meerut shocker: Wife, lover kill man, snakebite staged tocover up murder

Amit Kashyap alias Mikki, 25, was allegedly strangled by his wife, Ravita, and her lover, Amardeep, who then planted a venomous snake under his body to pass off the murder as a fatal snakebite, police said on Wednesday.

The accused wife, Ravita, and her lover, Amardeep, held by Meerut police. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 17, 2025 08:41 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

UP woman, friend strangle her husband in his sleep, stage it as snakebite death

The deceased, Amit Kashyap alias Mikki, was found dead with multiple snakebites on his bed on Sunday morning. A live viper was also recovered from the room

The police investigation revealed that Ravita and Amardeep had been in a relationship for a year. Amardeep, who worked as a labourer with Amit, frequently visited his home

India News

Updated on Apr 17, 2025 01:36 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Admin inspects dargah land in Sambhal; illegal clinic sealed

Action comes following a complaint on the CM’s portal, alleging illegal occupation of government land and financial mismanagement; tehsildar says 40 bighas of encroached land on pond freed from illegal possession

The dargah in Janeta village of Sambhal. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 15, 2025 09:28 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania

Sambhal mosque: ASI’s use of ‘Juma Masjid’ on new signboard sparks row

Mosque committee preparing to officially register its objection and demand reinstatement of the original name

The new board, which has already been prepared, bears the name “Juma Masjid,” which the committee claims is not a recognised or commonly used term (File photo)

Other Cities

Published on Apr 11, 2025 05:26 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Bijnor woman choked husband to death after giving him sleeping pills: Police

The murder of a railway employee took place on April 4 at the couple’s rented accommodation in Adarsh Nagar of Bijnor’s Najibabad

Deepak Kumar and his wife Shivani (File)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 09, 2025 07:54 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Embezzlement of bank funds: Police recover ₹4.6 crore stashed away in pit, field

The recoveries were made after the interrogation of two key accused in the case, Rocky Malik and Gaurav Tomar

Three accused who were brought to Baghpat on ‘B’ warrant.

Lucknow

Published on Apr 08, 2025 06:34 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

3 held as adulterated ‘kuttu atta’ makes 25 ill in Saharanpur, over 200 in Dehradun

Over 7K kg buckwheat flour seized during raids in Saharanpur from where the flour was supplied, says admin

Raids at shops supplying buckwheat flour in Saharanpur continued for the second day on April 1. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Apr 01, 2025 09:29 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Rare long-snouted vine snake sighted at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh

Previously documented just once in Bihar, this green serpent’s unexpected appearance in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has spotlighted Dudhwa’s rich biodiversity.

The rare long-snouted vine snake. (SOURCED IMAGE)

Lucknow

Updated on Mar 31, 2025 05:34 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Minor raped at Meerut station: ‘Attacker had grey hair, in his 50s’

Eight teams—comprising four from GRP, two from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and two from Bareilly’s civil police, including Special Operations Group (SOG)—searching for the man, officials said

Lucknow

Published on Mar 30, 2025 08:16 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Sambhal Violence: Court denies interim bail to Shahi Jama Masjid chief Zafar Ali

According to the prosecution, a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was being conducted when a crowd of 700-800 people gathered and attempted to disrupt the process.

Zafar Ali was in jail since March 23 on charges of inciting violence. (HT )

Other Cities

Published on Mar 28, 2025 06:30 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Meerut police prohibit Eid prayers on streets, Jayant Chaudhary decries move

Meerut SP City has announced that strict action will be taken against violators, including registration of FIRs, arrests and even the cancellation of passports

Meerut SP City Ayush Vikram Singh announced that strict action will be taken against violators, including the registration of FIRs, arrests, and even the cancellation of passports and licences. (FOR REPRESENTATION)

Other Cities

Published on Mar 28, 2025 05:26 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Communal anxieties dull Eid sheen in scarred Sambhal

In Sambhal, Eid festivities are overshadowed by grief and tension after violent clashes last November, leaving families mourning and fearing celebrations.

Police conduct a flag march a day after the arrest of Zafar Ali, Chairman of the Shahi Jama Masjid managing committee, in Sambhal, Monday. (PTI)

India News

Updated on Mar 28, 2025 04:49 AM IST

ByRajesh Kumar Singh, Deepak Lavania, Sambhal

SIT hands over notice to SP MP in connection with Sambhal violence

Have received the notice...as a responsible citizen of India, I will fully cooperate with the police inquiry, says Zia-ur-Rehman Barq

SIT arrives at the residence of Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal, Zia-ur-Rehman Barq, to hand over a notice, in Sambhal on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 26, 2025 05:48 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania

Sambhal violence: Zafar’s arrest attempt to stop him from testifying before panel, says brother

Zafar was arrested on Sunday in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque on November 24, 2024.

Zafar Ali, the Shahi Mosque Committee chief, being brought for medical examination, in Sambhal on Sunday (PTI)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 25, 2025 08:52 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

We want him back home safely: Kin of Indian researcher detained in US

He is not involved in any wrongdoing, claims Badar Khan Suri’s father living in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, seeks govt intervention

Badar Khan Suri’s father (centre) and his two brothers. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 25, 2025 05:18 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Meerut murder: Sahil used victim Saurabh Rajput’s money to gamble, say sources

According to the sources, Sahil placed his bets through bookies, the identities of whom are currently under investigation

Meerut murder: Muskan Rastogi used to inform Sahil Shukla about the money she received from her husband Saurabh Rajput. (PTI file photo)

Other Cities

Updated on Mar 24, 2025 09:44 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Sambhal violence case: Shahi Jama Masjid chief Zafar Ali held by UP police

Local police, led by an inspector and the SIT’s investigating officer, informed his family that Circle Officer (CO) Kuldeep Singh wished to speak with him. After nearly four hours of interrogation, Ali was formally arrested and later sent to jail.

Zafar Ali was taken into custody from his residence at round 11:00 am on Sunday.

Lucknow

Published on Mar 24, 2025 05:36 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

‘My parents are angry, won’t fight my case’: Muskan seeks govt lawyer in Meerut murder

Muskan, accused along with her alleged lover Sahil Shukla, has formally requested legal assistance, as her parents have refused to support her.

So far, neither Muskan nor Sahil’s families have visited them in jail. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 24, 2025 05:20 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Sambhal mosque panel chief held over clashes

Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Shahi Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali for inciting violence during a mosque survey last November, which left five dead.

Sambhal mosque panel chief Zafar Ali was arrested after a four-hour interrogation on Sunday. (PTI)

India News

Updated on Mar 24, 2025 12:12 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania

Meerut murder: Accused drank, ordered cake on way to Himachal

The accused had mixed sedatives into her husband's food before killing him with her lover on March 4.

Hours after murdering her husband, Muskaan Rastogi and her lover went for a trip to Himachal Pradesh. (HT Photo)

India News

Published on Mar 23, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania

Meerut murder accused refusing food; demanding marijuana, morphine in jail

Sahil Shukla showed extreme restless without marijuana, while Muskan Rastogi demanded morphine injections in prison.

Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla are being kept under strict monitoring by the Meerut prison's medical team. (PTI)

India News

Updated on Mar 23, 2025 10:36 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania

High to homicide: Meerut accused murderers battle drug withdrawal behind bars

The prison’s medical team has placed the duo under strict monitoring, administering de-addiction treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms.

With their symptoms worsening, the jail’s de-addiction centre has stepped in to manage their care (Sourced)

Lucknow

Updated on Mar 23, 2025 07:12 AM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

Meerut to Manali: Taxi driver unknowingly ferries murder couple on 800-km trip

On March 4, Saurabh Rajput, a 29-year-old former merchant navy officer, was allegedly killed by his wife Muskan and her partner Sahil

For taxi driver Singh, a weathered man in his late 40s, the experience remains disturbing. (Sourced)

Lucknow

Published on Mar 22, 2025 10:52 PM IST

ByDeepak Lavania, Meerut

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Deepak Lavania

Deepak Lavania is a Special Correspondent with Hindustan Times, covering Western Uttar Pradesh. A firm believer in the mantra 'Work is Worship,' he brings dedication and depth to his reporting.

Sana, who is originally from Meerut’s Sardhana, was denied entry into Pakistan as she carries an Indian passport.

After a pregnant Pakistani woman married in India appealed to President to allow her to stay back, another woman born in India and married in Pakistan refused to leave without her two children.

Islamabad’s Maryam, who is married to man from Bulandshahr’s Khurja, urges for permanent visa after government’s directive to Pakistani nationals to leave India following the Pahalgam attack

Among them, seven Pakistani nationals are returning from Bareilly and Bulandshahr districts and nine from Agra.

Inspector Neeraj Kumar confirmed that judicial custody had been granted via video conferencing as the accused was too injured to appear in court. His death complicates the legal proceedings, with the initial case of attempted murder against the mob likely to be upgraded to murder.

The accused, Ghulam and Mulla Afroz, face charges in connection with the murders of four individuals during the chaos that followed a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid

According to police, the woman confessed to lacing her husband’s tea with rat poison. She then called her lover, a resident of Bijnor, and together they strangled her husband to death before hanging the body to mislead authorities.

Amit Kashyap alias Mikki, 25, was allegedly strangled by his wife, Ravita, and her lover, Amardeep, who then planted a venomous snake under his body to pass off the murder as a fatal snakebite, police said on Wednesday.

The deceased, Amit Kashyap alias Mikki, was found dead with multiple snakebites on his bed on Sunday morning. A live viper was also recovered from the room

Action comes following a complaint on the CM’s portal, alleging illegal occupation of government land and financial mismanagement; tehsildar says 40 bighas of encroached land on pond freed from illegal possession

Mosque committee preparing to officially register its objection and demand reinstatement of the original name

The murder of a railway employee took place on April 4 at the couple’s rented accommodation in Adarsh Nagar of Bijnor’s Najibabad

The recoveries were made after the interrogation of two key accused in the case, Rocky Malik and Gaurav Tomar

Over 7K kg buckwheat flour seized during raids in Saharanpur from where the flour was supplied, says admin

Previously documented just once in Bihar, this green serpent’s unexpected appearance in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has spotlighted Dudhwa’s rich biodiversity.

Eight teams—comprising four from GRP, two from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and two from Bareilly’s civil police, including Special Operations Group (SOG)—searching for the man, officials said

According to the prosecution, a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was being conducted when a crowd of 700-800 people gathered and attempted to disrupt the process.

Meerut SP City has announced that strict action will be taken against violators, including registration of FIRs, arrests and even the cancellation of passports

In Sambhal, Eid festivities are overshadowed by grief and tension after violent clashes last November, leaving families mourning and fearing celebrations.

Have received the notice...as a responsible citizen of India, I will fully cooperate with the police inquiry, says Zia-ur-Rehman Barq

Zafar was arrested on Sunday in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Mughal-era mosque on November 24, 2024.

He is not involved in any wrongdoing, claims Badar Khan Suri’s father living in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, seeks govt intervention

According to the sources, Sahil placed his bets through bookies, the identities of whom are currently under investigation

Local police, led by an inspector and the SIT’s investigating officer, informed his family that Circle Officer (CO) Kuldeep Singh wished to speak with him. After nearly four hours of interrogation, Ali was formally arrested and later sent to jail.

Muskan, accused along with her alleged lover Sahil Shukla, has formally requested legal assistance, as her parents have refused to support her.

Uttar Pradesh Police arrested Shahi Jama Masjid president Zafar Ali for inciting violence during a mosque survey last November, which left five dead.

The accused had mixed sedatives into her husband's food before killing him with her lover on March 4.

Sahil Shukla showed extreme restless without marijuana, while Muskan Rastogi demanded morphine injections in prison.

The prison’s medical team has placed the duo under strict monitoring, administering de-addiction treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms.

On March 4, Saurabh Rajput, a 29-year-old former merchant navy officer, was allegedly killed by his wife Muskan and her partner Sahil

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