News / Columns / Saurabh Chauhan

Saurabh Chauhan

Saurabh Chauhan is a correspondent reporting from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, covering Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Agriculture. Previously reported from Mohali (Punjab), Shimla (HP) and covered Political, Civil Admin, Finance beats.

Articles by Saurabh Chauhan

What are the challenges before Jai Ram Thakur as Himachal’s new chief minister

Jai Ram Thakur was named the BJP legislature party leader in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday --- which effectively makes him the state’s next chief minister.

BJP supporters celebrate with Jai Ram Thakur after he was named the Himachal Pradesh CM pick on Sunday.(Deepak Sansta/HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Dec 24, 2017 09:05 PM IST

Shimla, Hindustan Times | BySaurabh Chauhan

In new Himachal assembly, 22 MLAs facing criminal cases, 52 are crorepatis

Of these, one MLA from the Congress, six from the BJP and one from the CPM are facing serious criminal cases against them.

As per a report of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), two of the 21 Congress MLAs and 18 of the 44 BJP MLAs and 1 CPM MLA and one of the two independent MLAs have declared criminal cases against them in their affidavits.(HT File/Representative image)

india news

Updated on Dec 20, 2017 01:17 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Firm responsible for webcasting on polling day was ill-equipped: HP election commission

Sources said the firm, Epitome Corporation Ltd, had sublet the task to local firms who did not have power backups.

Sources said that after the November 9 goof-up, the ECI has asked the state election commission to ensure webcasting from seven counting centres (15%). So far, the state poll body has reportedly completed trial on about 20 centres.(HT File)

india news

Updated on Dec 18, 2017 11:15 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Tourists head for Himachal Pradesh after fresh snowfall

Snow experienced in Narkanda, Manali, Rohtang, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti.

Occupancy in hotels at Manali has seen an increase of 10% to 20% in the past two days.(HT Photo)

cities

Published on Dec 14, 2017 01:39 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Narco-tourism in Himachal’s Kasol: Take action, HC tells state govt

Court observes that there is an organised cultivation of cannabis in Kullu, says NCB not equipped to handle the drug menace.

cities

Updated on Dec 05, 2017 02:52 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

CBI files status report in HC on Kotkhai custodial death

Bench asks CBI to expedite probe; three teams of 10 officials investigating school girl’s gangrape and murder in July.

cities

Updated on Dec 01, 2017 10:01 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Himachal SIT cooked up evidence in rape and murder of Kotkhai teen: CBI

Custodial torture resulted in death of the Nepalese national falsely implicated in case, says CBI’s chargesheet.

Widespread protests rocked the hill state after the rape and murder of the Class 10 student, whom the state media and locals gave the name Gudiya.(HT File Photo)

india news

Updated on Nov 28, 2017 10:22 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Beyond bars: Serving 5-yr jail term, IS sympathiser Abid now designs Khadi clothes

The Kanda jail authorities have initiated several steps to take prison inmates on the path of reform

india news

Updated on Nov 28, 2017 03:21 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Custodial death of Kotkhai rape, murder accused: CBI submits chargesheet against 8 cops

The body of a school girl was found in a forest of Halaila village and the medical examination confirmed she was raped before being murdered.

Protests rocked the hill-state after the brutal rape-murder of a school girl.(HT File)

india news

Updated on Nov 25, 2017 04:29 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Army colonel arrested for rape sent to 3-day police custody in Shimla

Police recorded victim’s statement who alleged that the accused forced her to drink alcohol before raping her.

Police personnel escorting the rape accused Army colonel after his medical check-up in Shimla on Thursday.(PTI)

cities

Updated on Nov 24, 2017 11:53 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan

Himachal Pradesh election panel to give report on VVPAT to ECI

The VVPAT is a mechanism to provide feedback to voters. It is a printer machine attached to electronic voting machines that help voters to verify their vote.

A total of 7,525 VVPAT machines were used in Himachal .(HT File)

india news

Updated on Nov 14, 2017 03:34 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Himachal Pradesh elections: Kotkhai case, a poll issue only for politicos

The women voter turnout in Theog, Chopal and Jubbal Kotkhai assembly segments remained low, with some citing domestic chores as the reason for staying home instead of coming out to vote.

Following the Kotkhai rape and murder case, it was expected that the issue of safety would lead women in these regions to come out in huge numbers to excercise their franchise.(HT File)

elections

Updated on Nov 12, 2017 10:48 AM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

First-time voters in Himachal come out for better job, educational opportunities

With almost 1.36 lakh first-time voters in the state, the election commission too had undertaken a number of drives to motivate them to exercise their franchise.

Students of IGMC Nursing College after casting their vote in Sanjauli on Thursday.(Deepak Sansta/HT)

elections

Updated on Nov 10, 2017 01:15 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

At 100, India’s first voter Shyam Negi keeps date with V-day

After voting for 29th time, Shyam Saran Negi says all should vote as it’s the citizen’s biggest right

Poll officials gave Negi a red carpet welcome with a traditional band playing in the background as he arrived at the polling booth, walking stick in hand.(HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Nov 09, 2017 08:37 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Himachal polls-2017: EC ropes in choppers, boats, mules to ferry poll material

In some stations, polling parties will have to trek more than 20 km. After all, every vote counts in an electoral democracy.

An employee on election duty checking electronic voting machines (EVM) before leaving for the poling station in Mandi on Tuesday.(Birbal Sharma/HT)

elections

Updated on Nov 08, 2017 04:22 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Himachal Pradesh’s senior citizens to vote for youth’s better future

Ironically enough, political parties are directing all their resources at wooing the youth, who have more 50% of the total vote share as opposed to senior citizens whose vote share is only 11.50%.

An inmate of Basantpur old-age home in Shimla.(HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Nov 06, 2017 04:13 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Basantpur (Sunni) | BySaurabh Chauhan, Basantpur (sunni)

In Shimla rural, its a battle between Virbhadra’s son and protege

Shimla rural which was carved out by merging Sunni-Bhajji part of Kumarsain and other part of Kasumpati assembly segments, first went to polls in 2012.

Pramod Sharma and Vikramaditya.(HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Nov 06, 2017 02:14 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Sunni (Shimla) | BySaurabh Chauhan, Sunni (shimla)

Narendra Modi is no match for Vajpayee, says Virbhadra Singh

Campaigning in Shimla (rural) assembly segment, from where his son Vikramaditya Singh is making his electoral debut, Virbhadra Singh said, “Atal ji is a great personality. Modi is no match for him.”

CM Virbhadra Singh with his son Vikramaditya Singh in Shimla (rural) assembly segment on Saturday.(HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Nov 05, 2017 02:45 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Sunni (Shimla) | BySaurabh Chauhan

Campaign trail: Tikka Sahib follows in father’s footsteps

Warming up: Shuns royal airs for common touch as he makes debut in assembly segment Virbhadra nurtured

Vikramaditya Singh canvassing in rural Shimla on Friday.(HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Nov 04, 2017 12:36 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Himachal’s poorest candidate campaigns on borrowed Rs 1,000

Nand Kumar, a postgraduate in political science and a social activist, grows fruits and vegetables for a living.

Nand Kumar is being helped by his friends and relatives in the election campaign.(HT Photo)

elections

Updated on Nov 03, 2017 11:03 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan

BJP’S war room: Men who matter in Himachal Pradesh assembly elections

Here are the men who matter and the role they play for the BJP in Himachal Pradesh.

Clockwise from top left: Ram Lal, Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Mangal Pandey, Trilok Jamwal, Praveen Sharma and Pavan Rana.(HT Photos)

india news

Updated on Oct 30, 2017 09:03 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan

Himachal polls-2017: In CM Virbhadra Singh’s battlefield, 15 villages threaten to boycott polls

The villagers, demanding rehabilitation, said that they have been facing problems of air and noise pollution ever since the plant was set up in the area.

The villagers are enraged over the environmental and health hazard posed by a cement plant in the area.(HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Oct 29, 2017 04:13 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

With 43% votes, youth hold key in Himachal Pradesh polls but get only assurances

The BJP and Congress, however, have over two dozen candidates above the age of 60

BJP and Congress have fielded 10 candidates below the age of 40.(HT Representation)

india news

Updated on Oct 25, 2017 06:53 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Vidya Stokes files papers as Congress nominee from Theog

Soon after CM posts photos felicitating Vijay Pal on FB, Cong declares Deepak Rathore nominee but Stokes files papers as Cong nominee on Monday and Rathore as Independent

elections

Updated on Oct 23, 2017 06:54 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Your one vote will decide next 5 years, Preity Zinta tells Himachal voters

“Your one vote will decide the next five years,” Preity, 42, who hails from Jubbal in Shimla district, says in a 23-second video.

Kanagana Ranaut, Preity Zinta and Khali are urging citizens of Himachal Pradesh to get themselves registered.(HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Oct 16, 2017 04:24 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Virbhadra was interested in Theog, I’ve no issue with that: Vidya Stokes

Veteran Congress leader Vidya stokes has chosen to make an exit as Virbhadra looks to contest from Theog, which she represented for four decades.

india news

Updated on Oct 14, 2017 05:37 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Voter count goes down at country’s highest polling station

From 333 voters during 2012 assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, the country’s highest polling station, Hikkim, has only 46 voters this time.

Hikkim village in Himachal Pradesh is the country’s highest polling station.(Photo: Wikipedia)

india news

Updated on Oct 14, 2017 05:23 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Jolt to Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh as close relatives switch over to BJP

The CM wife’s brother Veer Vikram Sen and sister –in- law Vijay Jyoti Sen joined BJP.

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh.(HT File Photo)

india news

Updated on Oct 12, 2017 11:00 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan

Manali girl becomes first woman taxi driver in Himachal Pradesh

The 20-year-old took up taxi driving to sustain family’s livelihood after her father’s death.

20-year-old Ravina lives with her mother and two younger siblings in Manali.(HT Photo)

india news

Updated on Oct 12, 2017 05:39 PM IST

Hindustan Times, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan, Shimla

Kotkhai rape-murder: Himachal HC pulls up CBI, gives two weeks to file detailed status report

On August 17, the CBI was directed to complete the probe in two weeks. But the investigation was not completed and the agency moved an application seeking extension of time.

The Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma observed that the CBI should tell the court about its actual progress.

india news

Updated on Oct 12, 2017 11:43 AM IST

HindustanTimes, Shimla | BySaurabh Chauhan

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Saurabh Chauhan

Saurabh Chauhan is a correspondent reporting from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, covering Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Agriculture. Previously reported from Mohali (Punjab), Shimla (HP) and covered Political, Civil Admin, Finance beats.

Jai Ram Thakur was named the BJP legislature party leader in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday --- which effectively makes him the state’s next chief minister.

Of these, one MLA from the Congress, six from the BJP and one from the CPM are facing serious criminal cases against them.

Sources said the firm, Epitome Corporation Ltd, had sublet the task to local firms who did not have power backups.

Snow experienced in Narkanda, Manali, Rohtang, Kullu, Kinnaur, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti.

Court observes that there is an organised cultivation of cannabis in Kullu, says NCB not equipped to handle the drug menace.

Bench asks CBI to expedite probe; three teams of 10 officials investigating school girl’s gangrape and murder in July.

Custodial torture resulted in death of the Nepalese national falsely implicated in case, says CBI’s chargesheet.

The Kanda jail authorities have initiated several steps to take prison inmates on the path of reform

The body of a school girl was found in a forest of Halaila village and the medical examination confirmed she was raped before being murdered.

Police recorded victim’s statement who alleged that the accused forced her to drink alcohol before raping her.

The VVPAT is a mechanism to provide feedback to voters. It is a printer machine attached to electronic voting machines that help voters to verify their vote.

The women voter turnout in Theog, Chopal and Jubbal Kotkhai assembly segments remained low, with some citing domestic chores as the reason for staying home instead of coming out to vote.

With almost 1.36 lakh first-time voters in the state, the election commission too had undertaken a number of drives to motivate them to exercise their franchise.

After voting for 29th time, Shyam Saran Negi says all should vote as it’s the citizen’s biggest right

In some stations, polling parties will have to trek more than 20 km. After all, every vote counts in an electoral democracy.

Ironically enough, political parties are directing all their resources at wooing the youth, who have more 50% of the total vote share as opposed to senior citizens whose vote share is only 11.50%.

Shimla rural which was carved out by merging Sunni-Bhajji part of Kumarsain and other part of Kasumpati assembly segments, first went to polls in 2012.

Campaigning in Shimla (rural) assembly segment, from where his son Vikramaditya Singh is making his electoral debut, Virbhadra Singh said, “Atal ji is a great personality. Modi is no match for him.”

Warming up: Shuns royal airs for common touch as he makes debut in assembly segment Virbhadra nurtured

Nand Kumar, a postgraduate in political science and a social activist, grows fruits and vegetables for a living.

Here are the men who matter and the role they play for the BJP in Himachal Pradesh.

The villagers, demanding rehabilitation, said that they have been facing problems of air and noise pollution ever since the plant was set up in the area.

The BJP and Congress, however, have over two dozen candidates above the age of 60

Soon after CM posts photos felicitating Vijay Pal on FB, Cong declares Deepak Rathore nominee but Stokes files papers as Cong nominee on Monday and Rathore as Independent

“Your one vote will decide the next five years,” Preity, 42, who hails from Jubbal in Shimla district, says in a 23-second video.

Veteran Congress leader Vidya stokes has chosen to make an exit as Virbhadra looks to contest from Theog, which she represented for four decades.

From 333 voters during 2012 assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh, the country’s highest polling station, Hikkim, has only 46 voters this time.

The CM wife’s brother Veer Vikram Sen and sister –in- law Vijay Jyoti Sen joined BJP.

The 20-year-old took up taxi driving to sustain family’s livelihood after her father’s death.

On August 17, the CBI was directed to complete the probe in two weeks. But the investigation was not completed and the agency moved an application seeking extension of time.

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