FP The publishers permit sharing of the e-paper's pdf on WhatsApp and other social media platforms Vol. XLI No. 224 | INDORE | MONDAY | JANUARY 20, 2025 | Pages 14 ` 3 | Regd. No. Indore MP/ICD 216/2024-2026 | RNI No. 38281/83 FREE www.freepressjournal.in fp Briefs GUWAHATI FIR against Rahul Gandhi An FIR has been registered against Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his 'fighting against Indian state' remark. The FIR has been registered against Rahul Gandhi at the Pan Bazar Police Station in Guwahati. The complaint was filed by Monjit Chetia, who accused the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha of overstepping the boundaries of permissible free speech. This FIR is under sections 152 and 197(1)d of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertain to actions that endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India. ESTD-1983 iii QUALITY @ VALUE EDITIONS: INDORE UJJAIN PRESS PUNE BHOPAL NASHIK MAHAKUMBH | PM Modi speaks to Yogi Adityanath to enquire about the situation and the collateral damage Fire ravages tents, no lives lost Tragedy averted MUMBAI E-paper ‘Under Control’ rayagraj Zone Additional DGP Bhanu Bhaskar told PTI that the blaze has been extinguished and the situation is under control. "...People have been evacuated and the fire has been brought under control. No casualty was reported in the incident. The situation is normal here and losses are being quantified," he said. P Biswajeet Banerjee PRAYAGRAJ A major fire broke out in Sector 19, under the Shastri Bridge, during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Sunday, severely damaging over 200 tents and completely destroying nearly 20 of them. The fire, which erupted around 4:15 PM, caused panic and chaos, but fortunately, no casualties were reported. The flames spread rapidly, fueled by the explosion of several LPG cylinders within the area. Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have originated from the Gita Press tent. Eyewitnesses recall seeing a burst of flames before the fire quickly engulfed nearby tents. The authorities acted swiftly, with over 50 fire tenders deployed to control the situation, and the blaze was extinguished within 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading further. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was already present at the Mahakumbh, rushed to the site immediately upon hearing the news. He supervised the rescue efforts, ensuring the safety of the devotees and helping to manage the relief operations. ADG Prayagraj Zone Bhanu Bhaskar confirmed that an LPG cylinder explosion was likely the trigger for the fire. “The quick response from the fire services and local volun- Monalisa’s fame forces her return to Maheshwar Biswajeet Banerjee MAHAKUMBH NAGAR Firefighters try to douse a fire that broke out in tents during Maha Kumbh teers prevented further damage,” Bhaskar stated. Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mander also addressed the situation, highlighting the efficient response of emergency teams. “The fire was reported around 4:30 PM, and the fire brigade and police teams were on-site almost immediately. In addition to the Gita Press tent, 10 Prayagwal tents were destroyed. Thankfully, no injuries were reported,” Mander said. 4Continued on | P8 The fire that broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela should be taken cognizance of immediately and seriously and it should be ensured that such an accident does not happen in future nAkhilesh Yadav, SP chief YOGI VISITS SPOT PM Modi speaks to CM Yogi rime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take stock of the situation after a fire gutted several tents in Sector 19 of the Mahakumbh venue in Prayagraj. No one was in- P jured in the incident. PM Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath also discussed fire-control arrangements at the venue to prevent a repeat of such an incident. The Uttar Pradesh CM has sent senior officials to the site to assess the situation. ttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Prayagraj to review the preparations ahead of Mauni Amawasya, also reached the spot and directed authorities to take steps to avoid any such incident in future, the officials said. U In the heart of Mahakumbh's spiritual vibrance, an unlikely figure has emerged as a viral sensation. Monalisa, a young garland seller from Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, captivated the internet with her striking features and serene demeanor, transforming her into an unexpected star. However, the unintended fame overwhelmed her, forcing her family to send her back home. STAR AMID THE CROWD onalisa arrived at Mahakumbh with her family to sell garlands, a humble service for millions of pilgrims visiting the sacred Triveni Sangam. Yet, it wasn’t the garlands but her dusky complexion, amber eyes, and Mona Lisa-like smile that stole the spotlight. Videos of her quickly spread across social media, earning her widespread admiration and M comparisons to the iconic painting. Visitors flocked to Sector-7, where Monalisa’s stall was located, eager to snap selfies and record videos with her. “Her grace and calmness in the bustling environment made her stand out,” said one devotee. THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF FAME onalisa’s sudden popularity, however, came at a cost. The constant crowd disrupted her ability to sell garlands. “People surrounded her all the time, asking for pictures and videos. It became impossible for her to work,” said her father, who decided to send her back to Maheshwar for her peace of mind. Her two sisters remain at Mahakumbh, continuing the family’s work, but Monalisa’s departure has sparked a conversation about the pressures of viral fame. M 4Continued on | P8