Latest news with #Raziya
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre in state of neglect, footfall slumps
Kochi: The Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre, once a vibrant destination that drew domestic and international visitors in large numbers with its engaging farm tourism activities and a scenic appeal, is now in a state of neglect. Abandoned huts, a ruined children's park, deteriorating tin-roofed structures and a defunct Vanchi Island reflect the overall decline, dealing a telling blow to tourism sector in the district. Climatic conditions and govt apathy are pointed out as the main reasons. Located around 14km from the city centre, Njarakkal Aqua Tourism Centre — set up by Matsyafed in 2010 — was a popular hangout spot for Kochi residents, who enjoyed speedboat rides through fish farms, often witnessing leap of fish close to the boats. The daily footfall has dipped from 500 to around 50. At present, the tourism centre mainly offers limited boating facilities — two pedal boats, three rowboats and a solar-powered engine boat. The entry fee is Rs 150, which covers two boat rides and the use of recreational fishing hooks. Visitors used to enjoy the unique fish-leap experience, which too has lost its charm due to a sharp decline in fish population. Damaged bunds around the farm area have also made it difficult to operate speedboats safely. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How To Write Faster for Work (Find Out Now) Grammarly Learn More Undo The centre once featured small huts built in the middle of water, where visitors could enjoy food and relax. Today, all four huts are in a dilapidated state and the service has been discontinued. Although a floating hut was introduced a year ago, it too is damaged now. The children's park is overrun by vegetation. The wooden log bridge connecting the main entrance to the eco-tourism centre is also in a ruined state. The walkway surrounding the farmhouse is no longer usable and visitors are greeted by piles of debris and construction waste left behind following the demolition of small buildings within the centre. "We used to visit this place often. Today we came with family expecting the same charm, but it turned out to be a huge disappointment — there's nothing left to enjoy. No wonder visitors have stopped coming," said Edavanakkad native Raziya. A staff member admitted that footfall halved during Covid and has continued to decline. "There is no attraction left for families, especially those with children. Meanwhile, a nearby private facility offering free boat rides and a toddy shop is drawing away visitors," he said. The food outlet run by Souparnika Swayam Sahaya Sangham is also struggling. "Earlier, over 300 people dined here daily. Now, it's barely 25," said a staff member. Theft of fish by locals is another concern. The authorities recently lodged a police complaint and a probe is under way. The farm primarily cultivates Poomeen (milkfish), Thirutha (grey mullet) and Karimeen (green chromide). It earned Rs 21 lakh in fish sales last financial year. Farm authorities attribute the structures' condition to the area's harsh climatic conditions and lack of govt funding. "The huts were damaged due to flooding from high tide. They need to be rebuilt at a higher elevation. Vanchi Island was also destroyed by high tides. The bunds surrounding the farm are collapsing gradually due to weak soil, which also prevents us from operating speedboats at full speed, as it could further damage them. Reconstructing the bunds alone will require crores," said an official source. A senior Matsyafed official said a Rs 30-crore project is planned across three aqua tourism centres in the state, including Njarakkal. "With this fund, we expect to fully revamp the facilities there," the official added.
Khaleej Times
22-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
Dubai expat killed by wife in India; case solved after body found in bag with flight tag
A Dubai-based driver visiting home in India was allegedly murdered by his wife and her lover, who dismembered his body and dumped it in a suitcase 55km away, unaware that an airport baggage tag on the bag would lead police straight to them. The victim, 38-year-old Naushad Ahmad, had returned to his village in Uttar Pradesh just 10 days earlier, police told Khaleej Times. On Sunday morning, a farmer discovered an abandoned trolley bag in his field. Police found human remains inside, cut in two and wrapped in plastic and sackcloth. The suitcase still had a barcode from Naushad's recent international flight. That small detail helped police identify the body and trace the murder back to his home in Deoria district. Suspicion at home At Naushad's residence in Bhatouli village, his wife Raziya Sultana told officers he had gone out the previous night and not returned. But her story fell apart when police found bloodstains and another bloodied suitcase in her house. Under questioning, Raziya confessed to killing her husband with the help of her nephew, Rumaan, with whom she was reportedly having an affair. 'He had become an obstacle,' she allegedly told investigators. Police said the murder was premeditated. On Saturday night, Raziya allegedly drugged Naushad. Once he was unconscious, she called Rumaan. Together, they strangled him and tried to fit his body into a small suitcase. When that didn't work, they cut his body in two and packed it into the larger trolley bag, the same one Naushad had brought back from Dubai. Raziya is believed to have overlooked the travel barcode while disposing of the suitcase. Investigators said this lapse proved critical in identifying the victim and cracking the case. Official account According to a report shared with Khaleej Times by Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Prashant Kumar, the murder came to light after Dial 112 received a call around on April 20, reporting an abandoned bag in a wheat field in Pakdi Chhapar village. Senior officers, along with a dog squad, forensic team, and surveillance unit, reached the site and started an investigation. "The body was later identified as Naushad Ahmad. A search of his home led to the recovery of a bloodstained trolley bag, bed linen, a pillow, and the suspected murder weapons. His mobile phone was also found at the scene," the report said. "Raziya Sultana, also known as Sheeba, was taken into custody and confessed during interrogation. She admitted to killing her husband with the help of her nephew Rumaan and his friend Himanshu. "The two men allegedly assisted her in disposing of the body in Tarkulwa. A case has been registered at Mail police station based on a complaint filed by Naushad's sister-in-law. The two co-accused are currently absconding," the report added. Weapons recovered Police said they have recovered an axe, a cleaver, and other sharp tools believed to have been used in the killing. A SIM card was also found near the dumped suitcase. According to police, Rumaan and Himanshu, both part-time drivers, used an SUV to transport the body to the field. A manhunt is underway to apprehend them. At the time of the murder, Naushad's six-year-old daughter, Atifa, was asleep in another room. According to reports, his elderly father, who lives in a separate part of the house was unaware of what had happened that night. Neighbours say Naushad had discovered his wife's relationship with Rumaan during a visit last year. A community meeting had followed, and Raziya had agreed to end the affair. But after Naushad returned to Dubai, the relationship reportedly resumed.
