Author: theokhlatimes

As temperatures soar to blistering heights in Delhi and across northern India, the scorching summer spares no one: Humans and wildlife alike are pushed to their limits. For human beings, the heat demands constant vigilance, hydration, and access to shade. Yet animals, often overlooked, endure the same harsh conditions. Stray dogs pant in the streets, their tongues hanging as they search for shelter under sparse trees or abandoned carts. Cattle and birds, too, suffer under the oppressive sun, instinctively drawn to shrinking water sources and fleeting patches of shade. In such searing conditions, protecting these vulnerable creatures becomes a shared…

Read More

The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to give an immediate stay on the demolition of alleged illegal constructions in Batla House Khasra number 279. ALSO READ: JUST IN Eerie night for Batla House as demolition deadline ends, but glimmer of hope rises at dawn The request for an urgent stay was denied despite mounting concerns from residents and political representatives. The division bench noted that a single-judge bench had already granted interim relief to several individuals in the area who had filed separate petitions. Batla House matter is now set to be heard on June 11 in HC This…

Read More

Batla House residents are living in fear of bulldozers, according to neighbours on Monday. They said in meanwhile amid the intense stress, one resident suffered a fatal heart attack as Batla House demolition deadline nears, according to neighbours. Social activist Md Tahir told the OT that as the July 11 deadline approaches, residents are in shock. He said that amid the tense atmosphere, a 55-year-old neighbour died of a heart attack yesterday. According to him, the deceased had been under intense stress ever since the eviction notice was issued for Muradi Road in the Batla House demolition drive. “He was…

Read More

After #ArrestAarfaKhanam trends on X (formerly Twitter), Okhla leader and Supreme Court Advocate Aarfa Khanam issued an apology on Saturday. However, a complaint has been filed against her for hurting sentiments on X. The storm online started over her Eid-Al-Adha post, which she later deleted. But the screenshot of her post went literally viral, with many sharing it and demanding strict action against her for hurting sentiments. In a video message released a few minutes ago, she wrote: “On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, a post was shared from my X account, which had no intention of hurting the sentiments of…

Read More

Eid-Ul-Adha 2025 is to be celebrated across India prepare tomorrow, Saturday, June 7, 2025, with joy, devotion, and unity. Marking the profound story of sacrifice and faith, this festival will be observed with special prayers, heartfelt gatherings, and acts of charity. In Okhla, preparations are in full swing. Like every year local mosques are expected to witness large congregations of Muslims offering the special Eid-Ul-Adha namaz. Eid-Ul-Adha: Prayer timings in various mosques across Okhla Markaz Jamaat-E-Islami Hind, Abul Fazal Enclave 7.30 AM Masjid Bilal D Block Abul Fazal Enclave 7.00 AM Ramzani Masjid B-Block Abul Fazal Enclave 6.30 AM Masjid…

Read More

Eid-ul-Adha: Do’s and Don’ts every Okhla resident must know. Two days before Eid-ul-Adha, which falls on June 6, the Jamia Nagar SHO, along with community leaders, was seen on Thursday proactively engaging with local Imams and residents to ensure that everything goes smoothly. In a video that recently surfaced, the SHO was seen standing outside Zakir Nagar’s main mosque. He appealed to the Imam to inform residents during Friday prayers to maintain cleanliness, avoid causing public inconvenience, and follow civic norms — especially regarding sacrificial practices, public prayer, and waste disposal. Later, the SHO also visited Batla House Jama Masjid…

Read More

Batla House not celebrating Eid-Ul-Adha over demolition threat. It’s that time of year again when Muslims gear up for Eid-ul-Adha and streets come alive with the bleating of goats, markets buzz with excitement, and homes brim with festive preparations. But in Batla House, particularly in Khasra number 279, a heavy silence hangs in the air. The usual joy has been replaced by a somber mood, as fear and uncertainty overshadow the spirit of the festival. Residents say they won’t be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid 2025) Residents here say they won’t be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid 2025) this year, as a cloud of…

Read More

Bulldozer panic spreads in Batla House after DDA officials visited Khasra 279 on Wednesday to conduct a structural survey, according to residents. Social activist Md Sagheer, who was present during the visit, said the officials were accompanied by local police and were also measuring the height of buildings. “Their visit has caused anxiety among residents, especially with Eid-ul-Adha just a few days away. The reason for the visit appears to take survey of the buildings,” said Sagheer while airing the event live. The Supreme Court on Monday declined for now to interfere with the demolition notices issued to the properties…

Read More

Dr Shaban Ahmad, PhD graduate under the supervision of Dr Khalid Raza, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, Jamia Millia Islamia, has been selected as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The position offers an annual salary of 5,93,000 DKK (₹ 77 lakh), inclusive of full healthcare, and generous funding for conferences and collaborative research. Dr Shaban Ahmad placement testament to Jamia’s growing global research footprint “This prestigious international placement is a significant testament to Jamia’s growing global research footprint. In parallel, he has also been selected as a…

Read More

Batla House Demolition: Since May 29, when the Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea challenging the proposed demolition of certain allegedly illegal properties on Muradi Road in Delhi’s Batla House, a tense anticipation has gripped the neighborhood. For around more than 40 residents of Khasra number 279 — who had knocked on the doors of the apex court seeking a stay on the demolition — it was a sleepless Sunday night. Anxiously awaiting the outcome of Monday’s hearing, many spent the night in prayer, discussion, or simply staring at the walls of homes that now hang in the balance,…

Read More