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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 8:56:24 pm

Man gets death for minor’s rape, murder

Mumbai | Nashik: A Nashik Special Fast Track Court has awarded the death sentence to a 25-year old man who was convicted last week for luring a 4-year-old girl with a chocolate, kidnapping, raping and murdering her, here on Friday. Terming the case as the ‘rarest of rare’ crimes, the Special Judge K. D. Paldewar – who had found Vijay Sanjay Khairnar guilty of kidnap, sexual assault and murdering the child on Sep. 30 but reserved the verdict after the final arguments on Oct. 7 – pronounced the...

Man gets death for minor’s rape, murder

Mumbai | Nashik: A Nashik Special Fast Track Court has awarded the death sentence to a 25-year old man who was convicted last week for luring a 4-year-old girl with a chocolate, kidnapping, raping and murdering her, here on Friday. Terming the case as the ‘rarest of rare’ crimes, the Special Judge K. D. Paldewar – who had found Vijay Sanjay Khairnar guilty of kidnap, sexual assault and murdering the child on Sep. 30 but reserved the verdict after the final arguments on Oct. 7 – pronounced the capital punishment today. He also slapped a fine of Rs 10 lakhs as compensation to the victim’s family, hailing from Dongrale village before a packed courtroom where the villagers, the victim’s family and others were present. Emerging from the courtroom after the verdict, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told the media that “the Court had considered the gravity of the crime and the circumstantial evidence establishing Khairnar’s involvement” while deciding the sentence. The Court did not take into account the convict’s poverty – he was a daily wager – or illiteracy as grounds for leniency, added the ace criminal lawyer. It was on Nov. 16, 2025 in Dongrale village of Malegaon taluka when Khairnar lured the little girl on the promise of giving her a chocolate and took her to a desolate spot to carry out his devious plans. Betraying the trust of the child who used to call him ‘dada’ (elder brother) due to their acquaintance, Khairnar sexually assaulted her, killed her and abandoned her before decamping from there. A few hours later, the child’s body was found dumped in a nullah and the police were summoned. As details of the gruesome crime tumbled out and spread, it ignited widespread public outrage all over the state. The police swung into action, formed several probe teams and managed to track down Khairnar from his hideout within a few hours. Considering the sensitivity of the crime, the strong emotions plus the mass furore it created, the state government assigned the case to a fast-track court, assigned Nikam as the SPP and the matter was heard speedily. The SPP aggressively led the prosecution, arguing in the court that in view of the gravity of the crime, the circumstances leading to it and other aspects, it warranted the severest punishment – death – for Khairnar, irrespective of his age or financial status. The Dongrale villagers stood in solidarity with the victim’s family and they raised a chorus for quick investigations, an expeditious trial and slapping the death penalty on the convict to serve as a strong deterrent to potential offenders. As per the Indian law, the trial court’s verdict will now go to the Bombay High Court for confirmation. Political leaders from different parties hailed the court verdict and said “justice has finally been done to the victim’s family”.

Yoga for Healthy Ageing: More Than Just Exercise

Writer: Shweta Goyal
Shweta Goyal
Jun 26
3 min read

Yoga is no longer merely India's cultural heritage; it has become a global movement for health and well-being.

In today's fast-paced world, when stress, depression, anxiety and lifestyle-related diseases are increasing day by day, yoga has emerged not only as a physical practice but also as a path to mental and spiritual well-being.


This year, the 12th International Day of Yoga was observed with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. The theme conveys a message that yoga offers a holistic approach to health, balance and self-realisation. Yoga is no longer merely a part of India's cultural heritage. It has gained global acceptance as a comprehensive system for physical and mental well-being. The observance of Yoga Day on June 21 in more than 170 countries demonstrates how yoga has transcended national, cultural and religious boundaries.


The regular practice of yoga disciplines not only the body but also the mind, intellect and spirit. It is a simple yet profound way of maintaining physical health, controlling stress and preserving inner balance.


This ancient Indian knowledge system has established itself as a reliable wellness practice even in the modern scientific era. When the proposal for International Yoga Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 with the support of 177 countries, it became evident that yoga had evolved into a global movement promoting health and well-being.


Today, yoga represents far more than exercise. It is increasingly viewed as a pathway to a healthy lifestyle, mental stability and spiritual growth.


The practices of yoga postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) are among the most natural and accessible methods for maintaining physical and mental health. Yoga is not limited to physical postures alone. It is a science of balanced living developed by ancient sages. Modern research increasingly supports its role in stress reduction, blood pressure management, improved respiratory function, stronger immunity and better mental health.


Some commonly practised yoga postures offer a range of physical and mental health benefits. Bhujangasana helps improve lung capacity, strengthen the spine and reduce stress, while Ustrasana supports digestion, heart health and relief from back pain. Sarvangasana promotes better blood circulation and supports thyroid function, whereas Halasana aids digestion, weight management and relaxation. Trikonasana improves balance, immunity and muscle strength, while Tadasana supports posture, digestion and respiratory health. Dhanurasana strengthens the back and abdomen and helps reduce stress, while Padangusthasana promotes relaxation and may contribute to better sleep, blood pressure management and digestive health.


Pranayama, or controlled breathing exercises, is an integral part of yoga and plays an important role in strengthening the respiratory system and promoting mental well-being. Practices such as Anulom-Vilom help maintain mental calm, while Kapalbhati supports blood circulation, nervous system function and respiratory health. Bhastrika strengthens the lungs and heart and helps manage stress, whereas Bhramari promotes relaxation and may help reduce anxiety and insomnia. Ujjayi is known to improve concentration and support cardiovascular health, while Udgeeth helps enhance memory, supports the nervous system and relieves stress. The objective of these practices is to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms and improve its ability to resist disease.


During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turned to yoga for physical and emotional support, highlighting the importance of respiratory health, immunity and mental resilience. For today's younger generation, often caught in a fast-paced lifestyle, yoga offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and restore balance.


Yoga gurus often describe yoga not merely as a health practice but as an art of living. It helps establish harmony between the body, mind and spirit while encouraging self-discipline, restraint, tolerance and inner peace.


Modern medical science increasingly acknowledges the benefits of yoga. Countries across America, Europe, Japan and Australia are adopting yoga as a complementary therapeutic practice for conditions such as stress, depression, high blood pressure, asthma, obesity, sleep disorders, thyroid conditions and diabetes. Yoga not only helps prevent disease but also contributes to personal growth and overall well-being.


True peace and balance in society begin with individuals who are calm and balanced within themselves. For this reason, yoga is not merely a personal practice but a positive force for social and global well-being. The need today is to move beyond celebrating yoga on a single day and make it part of everyday life. Regular practice can improve physical health, strengthen mental well-being and help individuals lead more balanced lives.


As the world marks International Yoga Day, the message remains simple: yoga is not just a practice for one day but a lifelong path to health, balance and well-being.


(The writer is an educationist active in the field of teaching for more than 18 years.)

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