The family was returning from Kashi Vishwanath darshan when the driver fell asleep and crashed into a parked truck; two young children survived.

A journalist and his wife were killed in a horrific road accident in Mirzapur early Sunday morning while returning from Kashi Vishwanath temple darshan. The crash occurred when the driver of their rented Artiga car allegedly dozed off and rammed into a truck parked on the roadside.

The deceased were identified as Vikas (35) and his wife Sonam (31), residents of Katni in Madhya Pradesh. Vikas worked as a media professional. The couple had travelled to Varanasi with their two young sons — Shivansh (4) and Rudra (one-and-a-half years old) — for darshan at the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Four others in the car, including the driver, were seriously injured. The two children, however, escaped unhurt.

How the Accident Happened

The accident took place around 2 am on the Hanumana-bound lane in the Drumandganj police station area. The car was travelling at high speed when the driver lost control and hit the stationary truck.

The impact was so severe that the car was completely mangled, trapping the occupants inside. The truck's driver fled the scene, police said.

Local residents alerted the police, who arrived at the spot and used gas cutters to extract the bodies and the injured from the wreckage.

Saksham Tamrakar (17), the brother-in-law of deceased Vikas, recounted the events. "We left Varanasi around 10 pm and stopped at Singh Dhaba around midnight for dinner. After a short rest, we continued the journey. About 15-20 minutes later, I fell asleep. The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital," he said.

Injured Shifted to Hospital

The injured — driver Heeralal (23), Himanshu Tamrakar (27), Saksham Tamrakar (17) and Radha (40) — all residents of Satna, were initially taken to Lalganj Community Health Centre. After primary treatment, they were referred to a better facility.

The Lalganj area officer and Drumandganj police station in-charge were present at the scene to oversee the relief and rescue operations.

Police have taken possession of the damaged car and the truck. A search is underway for the truck driver who fled the spot. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.

This accident is the latest in a series of road fatalities in Uttar Pradesh involving vehicles returning from religious pilgrimages, raising fresh concerns over night travel safety and driver fatigue on state highways.

PM Modi Offers Prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Amid Grand Roadshow

Varanasi roadshow and temple darshan mark key leg of PM's two-day visit to constituency

Roadshow Kicks Off with Massive Turnout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a vibrant 14-km roadshow in Varanasi on Wednesday morning, drawing huge crowds of BJP workers and locals along the route. The procession started from Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) and wound through Lahartara, Kachahri, Ambedkar Chauraha, Chaukaghat, Teliyabag, Lahurabir, and Maidagin before reaching Kashi Vishwanath Dham. Supporters showered flowers on the convoy and danced to drum beats and traditional instruments, creating a festive atmosphere despite the morning heat.

This marks the second day of Modi's two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency—his 54th trip to Varanasi over the past 11 years and the first in 2026. His last visit was in November 2025. Initial reports from the ground indicate the crowds spilled onto streets, waving flags and chanting slogans.

Priests Welcome PM with Ceremonial Fanfare

At the temple entrance around 9:50 AM, 108 young priests, known as Batuks, gave PM Modi a traditional welcome with conch blowing and damru beats. He responded with folded hands, greeting everyone warmly. Inside, five priests led by chief priest Pandit Om Prakash Mishra performed rituals, adorning him with a garland as he offered prayers and darshan.

Modi also waved a trident during the proceedings and interacted briefly with children and other devotees in the temple premises. Local sources described the scene as charged with devotion, with the PM acknowledging supporters throughout.

Temple Visit Highlights Devotional Sequence

The darshan wrapped up smoothly by late morning, with visuals showing Modi navigating the temple corridors amid chants. Earlier, at 9:52 AM, he was seen waving to the crowd post-rituals. Party workers outside kept the energy high, though security was tight along the route.

This visit underscores Modi's deep connect with Varanasi, a city he has represented since 2014. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath hold immense cultural significance here, drawing millions annually.

Next: Ganga Expressway Inauguration

Post-temple, PM Modi headed by road to the airport alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. They're en route to Hardoi for the inauguration of the 594-km Ganga Expressway, linking Meerut to Prayagraj. Officials confirmed the event as a major infra push, expected to boost connectivity and cut travel times.

The expressway project, long in the works, aligns with the government's focus on eastern UP development. Ground reports suggest it could transform logistics in the region.

Crowd Response Reflects Strong Support

Locals turned out in force despite the midweek timing, lining streets from BLW onwards. At Varanasi station earlier, the roadshow had already pulled massive crowds, per visuals around 10:29 AM. BJP cadres led the celebrations, but ordinary devotees joined in, highlighting the event's broad appeal.

No major disruptions were reported, though traffic diversions were in place till noon.

Visits Boost Local Economy, Infra Focus

Such high-profile stops invariably energize Varanasi's tourism and trader economy. The PM's itinerary reflects priorities like spiritual heritage alongside projects such as the expressway. Sources familiar with the matter said planning for the roadshow began days ago, ensuring smooth logistics.

As Modi wraps up in Hardoi, eyes will be on any announcements tied to UP's growth. For now, the Kashi Vishwanath darshan stands out as a poignant moment in his packed schedule.

PM Modi Kicks Off Kashi Visit with Mega Women's Rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi Tuesday afternoon for a two-day stay, set to address thousands of women at 4 pm while launching projects worth over ₹6,300 crore, marking his 54th trip to the temple city in 11 years.

Warm Guest House Welcome

Prime Minister Modi touched down at Varanasi airport around 1:40 pm, chopper straight to Bareka Guest House from there. Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath greeted him on arrival, along with a quick lunch and chats with party leaders. Local traffic in Lahurabir got halted briefly earlier as top BJP figures rolled in, barricades up and crowds held back.

Women's Rally Gathers Steam

By 4 pm, Modi heads to BLW Ground for the big women's public meeting, expecting 25,000 to 40,000 attendees—44 women on stage alone. Initial reports point to discussions around the stalled Nari Shakti Vandan Amendment Act, with the PM likely seeking input from the crowd. BJP sources say he'll highlight women's issues amid Bengal polls buzz, where local Bengali women blew conch shells at Chausathi Ghat this morning in celebration of their side's expected wins.

₹6,332 Cr Projects Lineup

Key moment: foundation stones and inaugurations for 163 development works totaling ₹6,332 crore. Standouts include the Signature Bridge and a super speciality hospital upgrade at Kabirchaura Divisional Hospital, plus UP's first Sowa-Rigpa herbal treatment center. Officials note these push infrastructure and health access in Kashi, with more details during the rally speech.

BJP Brass in Full Force

BJP national president Nitin Nabin landed too, post-Rudrabhishek at Kashi Vishwanath Temple around 2:55 pm—"Har Har Mahadev" chants echoing as Yogi, deputies Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, plus state chief Pankaj Chaudhary joined. Nabin's now at Hotel Rivatas for leader huddles. Deputy CMs and others like MoS Ravindra Jaiswal are on ground, city spruced up with five welcome points marked out.

Kashi's Familiar PM Pulse

This marks Modi's first 2026 Varanasi swing, last one November 2025. The city's decked in festivity despite heatwave grip—temps crossed 42°C lately, though slight relief eyed post-April 28. Ground reports show smooth chopper hops from airport to helipad, then rally site, with party workers managing the buzz.

Beyond the Main Event

Preparations ran smooth Tuesday morning, Pankaj Chaudhary at the airport early. Bengali women's Ghat event added cultural flavor, conches and slogans for Bengal election hopes. Varanasi's alive with security and anticipation, tying into broader UP momentum like recent women's Jan Akrosh rallies CM Yogi joined.

Forward, Modi's itinerary hints at temple visits and more local engagements Wednesday, as Kashi watches its MP deliver on promises amid sweltering April days.