News / Author / Maria Khan

Maria Khan

Senior Correspondent, Hindustan Times. Reports on district administration, health, civic issues, and environmental concerns in Noida and Greater Noida. Graduated from MJP Rohilkhand University in 2015 and started career in journalism in 2016, at The Times of India, UP West (Bareilly, Rampur, Moradabad and Sambhal) where reported on a range of issues including crime and politics till November 2021. Working with Hindustan Times since June, 2023.

Articles by Maria Khan

Noida: Mobile thief held after shootout

The suspect worked as a delivery boy for a quick e-commerce company and allegedly used to steal mobile phones

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a serial offender, specialising in mobile thefts across the National Capital Region, targeting unsuspecting victims and snatching phones , a senior official said. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 22, 2024 05:56 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Playschool director arrested for installing ‘spy camera’ in staff washroom

During interrogation, the director admitted to ordering the installation of the hidden camera, which he procured from an online site for ₹2,200 in April 2024. He admitted that the camera was used for live monitoring but claimed it did not record any footage

Police said the same teacher had previously found another damaged spy camera the same day and handed it over to the school administration for investigation, but no response was received in this regard either. (REpresentational image only)

Noida

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 06:42 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Noida police bust fake insurance renewal scam; four arrested

The suspects were allegedly running a fake call centre for past two months, deceiving policyholders with false promises of renewals and discounts

The suspects would call policyholders for policy renewals and if policyholders resisted, they resorted to threats, claiming it would result in financial recovery actions. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 05:40 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Noida: Police nab suspect for ‘provocative’ video on UP CM Yogi Adityanath

The suspect, identified as Sheikh Ataul (40), a resident of Delhi who hails from Malda, West Bengal, was apprehended near Sector 37 bus stand in Noida.

Gautam Budh Nagar police, however, said the suspect has no prior criminal record but investigations are ongoing to determine whether he is part of a larger network. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 04:55 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: 86 farmers get bail at the CJM court

Though eight farmers were released on bail last week, 128 others remain in judicial custody despite the bail orders, as they are yet to fulfil the condition of furnishing a ₹20,000 surety each

Around 150 farmers led by Sheoraj Singh of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Lokshakti on Tuesday gathered outside Jewar police station, demanding immediate release of the arrested farmers. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 18, 2024 05:30 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Schools in Gautam Budh Nagar to start at 9am amid cold wave

The district inspector of schools has instructed all school principals to strictly adhere to the revised timings and prioritise student safety

The directive, issued by the district inspector of schools (DIOS) Dharmveer Singh on Monday, applies to schools affiliated with the UP Board, CBSE, ICSE, and IB Board. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 07:28 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Greater Noida: Woman kills husband with male friend’s help, held

She alleged that her husband was an alcoholic and would often abuse her, leading to growing resentment between them

Police said that the duo was apprehended using technical surveillance and intelligence—Mamta from Peripheral bridge and Bahadur near JIMS hospital—and the knife was recovered from a drain near Sirsa roundabout. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 05:58 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: Violence at freshers’ party, two bouncers arrested for assaulting student

The incident took place on December 14, but it triggered widespread outrage among the academic community after a video of the alleged incident was widely shared on social media

According to police, during the freshers’ party, a dispute arose between some students and the bouncers. The argument quickly escalated into violence, with bouncers physically assaulting a student. (HT Photos)

Noida

Updated on Dec 17, 2024 05:46 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida: Honeytrap, extortion gang busted, five arrested

The victim had visited dating websites and shared his contact details on various platforms and later, he received photos of women and calls from one of them

The suspects used to lure victims with fake photos and establish contact via WhatsApp. Once the victim agreed to meet, they were coerced into secluded locations where the women would accuse them of misconduct and threaten a legal action unless a ransom was paid. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 15, 2024 05:56 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida: Traffic woes at Char Murti, Shahberi Road may end soon

The construction of the underpass at “Kisan Chowk” (Char Murti Chowk) has witnessed delays despite its announcement in 2022

Noida

Updated on Dec 15, 2024 05:50 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

NGT orders immediate halt on illegal constructions in Noida, Greater Noida

The petitioner had highlighted rampant violations of environmental laws in 56 villages of Greater Noida and 18 villages of Noida

The order, issued on December 9, came in response to a petition filed by Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former municipal councillor Rajendra Tyagi, who, in March 2024, apprised the tribunal that rampant illegal constructions are taking place in Noida and Greater Noida. (HT Photos)

Noida

Updated on Dec 14, 2024 05:54 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

15 shelter homes set up for winters in Greater Noida, Noida

The Greater Noida authority has established eight new night shelters at strategic locations across the city, said officials on Friday whereas the Noida authority has set up seven such shelter homes

Noida

Updated on Dec 14, 2024 05:52 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

SP leaders denied access to jailed farmers; party slams BJP for stifling democracy

The delegation was stopped by police near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida on Thursday while on its way to Luksar jail to meet incarcerated farmer leaders

The delegation, comprising prominent SP leaders Naresh Uttam Patel and Harendra Malik, Sudhir Bhati, Fakir Chand Nagar, Gajraj Nagar, Sunil Chaudhary, Veer Singh Yadav, Inder Pradhan, Mahendra Nagar, metropolitan president Ashray Gupta, Sunil Devta, Narendra Nagar, Sudhir Tomar, and Rambir Yadav, later met farmer families and assured them of the party’s unwavering support in their fight for justice. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 13, 2024 06:26 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Greater Noida to allot land to 615 farmers from seven villages

As per the directives of the chief secretary and the revenue council chairman, the authority has started the process to allocate residential plots to 615 farmers from villages of Saini, Sirsa, Patwadi, Thapkheda, Ghaghola, Roza Yakubpur, and Itahera

A 16-member delegation of the Samajwadi Party (SP), including prominent leaders Naresh Uttam Patel, Harendra Malik, Lalji Verma and Kamal Akhtar, were on Thursday stopped by the police from meeting farmers lodged in Luksar jail. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 13, 2024 06:24 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida: Delay in releasing jailed leaders spark outrage among farmer groups

Over the past three days, 20 individuals were released from jail. Currently, 129 farmers remain lodged in Luksar jail, said jail superintendent of police Brajesh Kumar

Noida

Updated on Dec 12, 2024 08:54 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

SP delegation to visit jailed farmers today; Congress leaders turned back midway

Deepak Bhati, district president of Congress, said their delegation led by three MPs travelled from Delhi to Noida via the DND Flyway with the intention of visiting Luksar jail to meet the arrested farmers. However, they were stopped at Pari Chowk by a police team

The three Congress MPs (in garlands) were turned away from Pari Chowk while on their way to Luksar jail. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 12, 2024 08:36 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

2 cow shelters in Greater Noida to produce biofuel

NG Ravi, CEO, Greater Noida authority, has asked the public health department to develop these shelters as self-funded entities through the installation of dung-based gas plants

The Pauvari plant will have a daily processing capacity of 50 tons, with an estimated cost of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>17 crore to be borne by the executing company. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 11, 2024 07:10 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Gautam Budh Nagar: Lawyers abstain from work for protesting farmers

Joining the protests, lawyers demanded justice for people whose land was acquired by the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway authorities

Noida

Updated on Dec 11, 2024 07:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: Farmers seek admin permission to meet jailed leaders

Farmers highlighted the spike in unrest in the region following arrests of farmers, including prominent leaders like Sukhveer Khalifa and Rupesh Verma, detained recently during protests

Urging the administration and the government to halt arrests, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha stressed that farmers’ protests in Gautam Budh Nagar should not be linked to other national movements but as region specific issues. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 10, 2024 06:28 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Gautam Budh Nagar: Light rain brings chill, cold wave not far away

On Monday, the IMD recorded the minimum temperature in Gautam Budh Nagar at 8.7 degrees Celsius (°C) and the maximum at 21.4°C. Both are normal for this time of the year

Noida

Updated on Dec 10, 2024 06:26 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Greater Noida to host 3-day flower festival in February

Officials said that the festival is designed to be a community-driven event, with active participation encouraged from horticulture experts, organisations, societies, companies, and residents

The flower show related suggestions can be sent to the authority’s horticulture department officials, Natholi Singh (director of horticulture) at 9205691109 or Pawan Kumar, the manager, on 8800300036. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 08, 2024 06:12 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Resolve farmers’ land related issues on priority: UP chief secy

The chief secretary has directed the authorities to prepare comprehensive lists of farmers and ensure that they receive their due benefits without delay

The chief secretary, accompanied by director general of police (DGP) Prashant Kumar, was presiding over the meeting participated by officials of the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (Yeida), along with police and district administration officials at the Greater Noida authority office. (HT Photos)

Noida

Updated on Dec 08, 2024 06:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

GB Nagar DM directs officials to strengthen power supply grid

Gautam Budh Nagar is enhancing electricity supply for critical services, deploying extra manpower, and implementing contingency plans for emergencies.

The administration has engaged power agencies, outsourcing firms, and meter-reading agencies to ensure seamless coordination, officials said. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 07, 2024 09:17 PM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

GB Nagar DM directs officials to strengthen power supply grid

Gautam Budh Nagar administration enhances electricity supply measures for critical facilities, deploying extra staff and contingency plans to ensure reliability.

Noida

Updated on Dec 07, 2024 09:17 PM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Greater Noida: Pond revamp halted midway; residents contend with foul smell, dug-up area

Spanning approximately 25-30 acres, these ponds were part of a clean-up and fencing project initiated by local authorities. However, the work was reportedly abandoned midway, leaving the area in a hazardous and unhygienic condition

Noida

Updated on Dec 05, 2024 06:02 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Greater Noida: 123 farmers released, protest leaders reject govt’s new committee

Rejecting the committee outright, farmer representatives said past experiences with similar committees have taught them that it was futile to expect any tangible results from such panels

The farmers were released after farmer leader Rakesh Tikait’s son Gaurav Tikait refused to engage in any negotiations with officials, stating unequivocally that discussions would only commence once all arrested and detained farmers were released. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 05, 2024 06:00 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Greater Noida

Noida: District forest officer seeks Hindon river restoration plan from irrigation department

The directions from the green tribunal came on December 15, 2023, while hearing a petition filed by a Noida resident seeking measures to combat pollution in river Hindon

The irrigation department’s plan is expected to align with sustainable development goals and focus on pollution mitigation, floodplain protection, and aesthetic improvements along the riverfront. (Representational image)

Noida

Updated on Dec 04, 2024 05:04 AM IST

ByMaria Khan, Noida

Gautam Budh Nagar: Schools to hold monthly environ meetings

To instil environmental consciousness among students and encourage their active participation in green initiatives, these committees will have to hold monthly meetings

The schools in the Gautam Budh Nagar district are required to act promptly to set up these committees, with accountability measures in place for non-compliance. (Representational image)

Noida

Updated on Dec 03, 2024 06:30 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

One-time settlement scheme for defaulting consumers to begin Jan 31: PVVNL Noida

The district has over 350,000 electricity consumers of which 190,000 have not paid their bills since September 30, 2024

The OTS scheme, covering arrears accumulated until September 30, will be implemented in three phases. To enrol, consumers must pay at least 30% of their total outstanding bill during registration. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 03, 2024 06:16 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

Clash, firing over construction contract in Dadri; 10 held

The altercation sparked off after a clash erupted between a 12-member group of one Sumit Bhati and an eight-member group of Vishal

The incident left one person Rahul, a resident of Maycha, injured. He already has charges slapped against him in a murder attempt case filed under Indian Penal Code. (HT Photo)

Noida

Updated on Dec 01, 2024 06:08 AM IST

ByMaria Khan

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Maria Khan

The suspect worked as a delivery boy for a quick e-commerce company and allegedly used to steal mobile phones

During interrogation, the director admitted to ordering the installation of the hidden camera, which he procured from an online site for ₹2,200 in April 2024. He admitted that the camera was used for live monitoring but claimed it did not record any footage

The suspects were allegedly running a fake call centre for past two months, deceiving policyholders with false promises of renewals and discounts

The suspect, identified as Sheikh Ataul (40), a resident of Delhi who hails from Malda, West Bengal, was apprehended near Sector 37 bus stand in Noida.

Though eight farmers were released on bail last week, 128 others remain in judicial custody despite the bail orders, as they are yet to fulfil the condition of furnishing a ₹20,000 surety each

The district inspector of schools has instructed all school principals to strictly adhere to the revised timings and prioritise student safety

She alleged that her husband was an alcoholic and would often abuse her, leading to growing resentment between them

The incident took place on December 14, but it triggered widespread outrage among the academic community after a video of the alleged incident was widely shared on social media

The victim had visited dating websites and shared his contact details on various platforms and later, he received photos of women and calls from one of them

The construction of the underpass at “Kisan Chowk” (Char Murti Chowk) has witnessed delays despite its announcement in 2022

The petitioner had highlighted rampant violations of environmental laws in 56 villages of Greater Noida and 18 villages of Noida

The Greater Noida authority has established eight new night shelters at strategic locations across the city, said officials on Friday whereas the Noida authority has set up seven such shelter homes

The delegation was stopped by police near Pari Chowk in Greater Noida on Thursday while on its way to Luksar jail to meet incarcerated farmer leaders

As per the directives of the chief secretary and the revenue council chairman, the authority has started the process to allocate residential plots to 615 farmers from villages of Saini, Sirsa, Patwadi, Thapkheda, Ghaghola, Roza Yakubpur, and Itahera

Over the past three days, 20 individuals were released from jail. Currently, 129 farmers remain lodged in Luksar jail, said jail superintendent of police Brajesh Kumar

Deepak Bhati, district president of Congress, said their delegation led by three MPs travelled from Delhi to Noida via the DND Flyway with the intention of visiting Luksar jail to meet the arrested farmers. However, they were stopped at Pari Chowk by a police team

NG Ravi, CEO, Greater Noida authority, has asked the public health department to develop these shelters as self-funded entities through the installation of dung-based gas plants

Joining the protests, lawyers demanded justice for people whose land was acquired by the Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway authorities

Farmers highlighted the spike in unrest in the region following arrests of farmers, including prominent leaders like Sukhveer Khalifa and Rupesh Verma, detained recently during protests

On Monday, the IMD recorded the minimum temperature in Gautam Budh Nagar at 8.7 degrees Celsius (°C) and the maximum at 21.4°C. Both are normal for this time of the year

Officials said that the festival is designed to be a community-driven event, with active participation encouraged from horticulture experts, organisations, societies, companies, and residents

The chief secretary has directed the authorities to prepare comprehensive lists of farmers and ensure that they receive their due benefits without delay

Gautam Budh Nagar is enhancing electricity supply for critical services, deploying extra manpower, and implementing contingency plans for emergencies.

Gautam Budh Nagar administration enhances electricity supply measures for critical facilities, deploying extra staff and contingency plans to ensure reliability.

Spanning approximately 25-30 acres, these ponds were part of a clean-up and fencing project initiated by local authorities. However, the work was reportedly abandoned midway, leaving the area in a hazardous and unhygienic condition

Rejecting the committee outright, farmer representatives said past experiences with similar committees have taught them that it was futile to expect any tangible results from such panels

The directions from the green tribunal came on December 15, 2023, while hearing a petition filed by a Noida resident seeking measures to combat pollution in river Hindon

To instil environmental consciousness among students and encourage their active participation in green initiatives, these committees will have to hold monthly meetings

The district has over 350,000 electricity consumers of which 190,000 have not paid their bills since September 30, 2024

The altercation sparked off after a clash erupted between a 12-member group of one Sumit Bhati and an eight-member group of Vishal

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