Jan 21, 2019
Police in Nepal are searching for five missing followers of a spiritual leader who is believed by devotees to be a reincarnation of Buddha
KATHMANDU, Nepal — Police in Nepal are searching for five missing followers of a spiritual leader who is believed by devotees to be a reincarnation of Buddha, officials said Monday.
Ram Bahadur Bamjan, also known as Buddha Boy, became famous in southern Nepal in 2005 when many believed he was able to meditate without moving for months while sitting beneath a tree with no food or water. He remains popular despite accusations of sexually and physically assaulting his followers.
Uma Prasad Chaturbedi of Nepal's Central Investigation Bureau said police raided three of Bamjan's camps and are keeping him under strict surveillance as they search for the five missing people.
Chaturbedi said jungle areas near the camps were dug up after they received information that bodies might be buried there, but none was found.
The families of the five missing followers have filed cases with the authorities seeking to find them.
Bamjan has thousands of followers who visit him in his camps, believing he is a reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in southwestern Nepal roughly 2,500 years ago and became revered as the Buddha. Buddhist scholars have been skeptical of the claims.
India's impressive show in archery at Asiad continues with Kumkum Mohod and Dhiraj Bommadevara delivering yet another medal.
Asian Games 2026, October 2 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 14th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across various sports.
Vladimir Putin highlighted significant potential for economic collaboration with India, particularly in transport and shipping corridors. He expressed readiness for joint maritime initiatives following successful pilot voyages with China and South Korea. Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, discussions about alternative trade routes to the Indian Ocean are gaining traction to mitigate regional transit risks.
Vladimir Putin highlighted significant potential for economic collaboration with India, particularly in transport and shipping corridors. He expressed readiness for joint maritime initiatives following successful pilot voyages with China and South Korea. Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts towards resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and mutual understanding. Meanwhile, discussions about alternative trade routes to the Indian Ocean are gaining traction to mitigate regional transit risks.
The recent botched execution of a woman in Tennessee raises serious concerns about capital punishment methods. Many states in the US utilize lethal injection, but other methods like nitrogen inhalation and firing squads are also authorized. Some executions have been painfully prolonged or poorly executed, leading to public outcry. States often respond to issues by pausing or changing methods, yet transparency remains lacking.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed the state attorney general’s office to take over the investigation into allegations that a woman was gang raped at a Cornell University fraternity house in 2024. The move follows renewed scrutiny after a civil lawsuit, with Cornell also launching an independent review of how it handled the allegations.
Asian Games 2026 Medal Tally: India climbed to seventh place in the Asian Games 2026 medal tally after winning its 11th gold medal on Friday. The Indian women’s recurve archery team made history by defeating South Korea in the final to secure a maiden gold in the event. India’s tally now stands at 67 medals, including 11 gold, 23 silver and 33 bronze.
A Tennessee execution failed after Christa Pike remained alive despite receiving two doses of pentobarbital, breathing and making sounds for more than an hour before being taken to hospital in critical condition. The botched execution prompted Governor Bill Lee to order a review and postpone another execution scheduled for later this year.
Donald Trump and JD Vance are ramping up campaigning in Republican-leaning states ahead of the November 3 midterms, as GOP leaders try to boost turnout and enthusiasm amid concerns over the economy, affordability and the Iran war. Trump has promised a near-daily campaign sprint, while Republicans are also targeting races in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and other states that have become more competitive.
India's economic growth is projected to slow to 5.5-6% in the second half of 2026-27. This slowdown follows a robust growth of 7-7.5% in the first half of the financial year. Combined capital expenditure growth is expected to moderate significantly from 13.2% to around 4% in the latter months. Additionally, the central government's capital expenditure growth will weaken due to a declining fiscal position.
Cockroach Janta Party plans to initiate a nationwide protest starting in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The movement aims to highlight the perceived undermining of the electoral process and the right to vote. Party spokespersons emphasize the necessity of ensuring a level playing field for the youth of India. They anticipate a peaceful protest while expecting full cooperation from the Mumbai Police.