Heavy rainfall on Thursday dampened Dussehra celebrations across the national capital, drenching effigies of Ravan and leading to the cancellation of multiple major events, including those scheduled with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The sudden downpour disrupted the festive spirit.

PM Modi was set to attend the Raavan Dahan organized by the Indraprastha Ramleela Committee. However, rain forced organizers to cancel the event. Suresh Bindal, committee president, confirmed, “The prime minister could not attend due to the rain. The effigies were damaged but later ignited in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, and MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely.

Similarly, Amit Shah could not participate in the Keshav Ramleela Committee’s event at DDA Ground, Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura. BJP national general secretary Arun Singh took his place as the chief guest for the effigy burning. Ashok Goyal Devaraha, committee president, expressed optimism, stating they would extend an invitation to Shah for next year’s Dahan.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted significant rainfall across the city. By 5:30 pm, the area of Pitampura had recorded 17.5 mm of rainfall, Ridge bore 15.4 mm, and Mayur Vihar saw 9.5 mm. This heavy downpour caused considerable distress among the event organizers.

Organizers throughout Delhi faced challenges to protect the effigies from the rain. Members of the Adarsh Ramleela Committee in Ashok Vihar recounted their efforts, stating, “We tried to cover it with plastic, but most of it still got drenched. It seems Indra Dev wanted Ravan to drown rather than burn this year.”

At Pitampura’s Aryan Heritage Foundation, organizer Anil Garg lamented, “Around 10% of the effigy got drenched despite plastic covers. There was waterlogging, but we hope the Dahan goes well.” Efforts to dry out the effigies became a priority so that the show could go on despite the rain.

Likewise, in East Delhi, Nitin Gupta, treasurer of the Hanumant Dharmik Ramleela Committee, shared his concern, saying, “The rain came as a shock and delayed preparations. We are now using petrol and diesel to ensure the effigy catches fire.” The struggle to continue with Dussehra festivities illustrates the resilience of the organizers, who remain committed to sustaining cultural traditions even in adverse weather.

The Delhi Police arrested two wanted criminals, Akash Rajput and Mahipal, on Friday after an encounter in the Kapashera area. The police report detailed that both suspects are linked to foreign-based gangsters and are wanted for their involvement in serious crimes, including extortion and kidnapping.

Officials identified Rajput as a significant criminal with a ₹20,000 bounty placed by the Rajasthan Police. He faces multiple charges in Haryana, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. His notorious criminal record includes involvement in a July 2022 firing outside a hospital in Assandh, Karnal, orchestrated by the gangster Daler Kotia. Additionally, he is implicated in a July 2025 abduction case in Gujarat, where gang leader Kirit Singh Jhala demanded a staggering ₹100 crore ransom.

The police highlighted that Jhala recently allied with a syndicate of notorious gangsters known as Rohit Godara, Goldy Brar, and Virender Charan. This network exacerbates the ongoing issue of organized crime in the region. Mahipal, who had previously been arrested in the same Karnal firing case but released on bail, rejoined this criminal circle.

During the encounter in Kapashera, Rajput sustained a bullet injury to his lower body while trying to evade arrest. Police quickly transported him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their swift action prevented any further escalation of violence.

Authorities continue the investigation to uncover deeper connections and motives behind the gang’s operations. They assured the public that recent arrests will significantly impact the syndicate’s activities. Police urged citizens to remain vigilant as they combat organized crime across the city.

As the situation unfolds, the Delhi Police remain focused on dismantling intricate networks of gangsters operating in the capital and neighboring states. The force, with a history of efficient operations, expects to bring more criminals to justice while safeguarding the community.

On Thursday, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed swayamsevaks at the annual Vijayadashami function in Nagpur, marking the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary. He asserted that despite temptations to join politics, the RSS has remained committed to its core mission of ‘vyakti nirman’, which translates to character building.

Bhagwat shared insights drawn from the organization’s century-long journey, emphasizing that reforms in the global order require gradual implementation to prevent adverse consequences. He stated, “India must present a development model based on a holistic and integrated outlook, rooted in dharma, and offer it to the world.”

Delving into the essence of dharma, Bhagwat explained that it transcends mere worship and rituals. Instead, it connects all aspects of society, and social transformation stems from embodying values like integrity, selflessness, and social leadership. These principles guide the activities of RSS through its shakhas.

Highlighting the historical context, Bhagwat remarked, “Over the last 100 years, the RSS has been offered temptations and even invited to enter politics. But the Sangh has focused only on running shakhas and character-building.” He further emphasized that vyakti nirman is the sustainable path towards social change, founded on collective experience.

In discussing India’s cultural richness, Bhagwat pointed out the importance of embracing the country’s diversity of languages, faiths, lifestyles, and traditions. He affirmed that this pluralism is a strength, stating, “All communities, including those who adopted foreign religions, are part of the larger Indian identity.” He called for harmony and mutual respect while rejecting violence.

Taking a firm stance against communal discord, Bhagwat criticized hooliganism and stressed the necessity for law enforcement agencies to act impartially. He urged society, especially the youth, to remain vigilant, organized, and proactive in maintaining peace and harmony in their communities.

On the eve of Vijayadashami and Gandhi Jayanti, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This celebration symbolizes hope for peace and unity.

In his message, Lieutenant Governor Sinha addressed the people, stating, “On the joyous occasion of Vijayadashami, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all for their happiness, well-being and prosperity. Vijayadashami symbolizes the victory of good over evil and righteousness over unrighteousness. May this sacred festival inspire us to work for unity, peace and progress of the country while strengthening our spirit of harmony, brotherhood and oneness.”

In conjunction with Gandhi Jayanti, which commemorates the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Sinha paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation. He remarked, “I pay my heartfelt tribute to Bapu. This occasion prompts all of us to internalize his ideals of peace, non-violence, truth, tolerance, compassion and selfless service. Bapu dedicated his life to India’s freedom and social equity. His concept of Swadeshi emphasized self-reliance and promoting local production. I appeal to all to buy Swadeshi products and support local artisans and cottage industries.”

Sinha also urged citizens, “On this momentous day, let us pledge to follow the path of truth and non-violence, promote peace, and work for building a Viksit Bharat.”

In his own greetings, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed similar sentiments regarding Vijayadashami. He hailed it as a festival that underscores the triumph of good over evil. Abdullah stated, “Dussehra inspires people to uphold the values of truth, righteousness and justice under all circumstances. It conveys a timeless message of moral courage and harmony, vital for building a better society.”

Chief Minister Abdullah also emphasized the importance of Gandhi’s teachings on Gandhi Jayanti. He remarked, “Mahatma Gandhi’s timeless teachings of Satya, Ahimsa, peace, and humanity hold greater significance in today’s conflict-ridden world. Gandhi Ji waged an unwavering struggle against untouchability, caste discrimination, and inequality. His philosophy continues to inspire generations and remains a guiding light for building a tolerant, harmonious, and just society.”

Abdullah highlighted the need for people, particularly the youth, to embrace Gandhi’s ideals, calling them essential for fostering values of peace, communal harmony, and brotherhood. In this festive season, both leaders inspire the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to promote unity, celebrate victory over evil, and adhere to the principles of Mahatma Gandhi.