Five IEDs hidden by Maoists recovered in Aurangabad
Mock drill at SCRs Kacheguda, Raichur and Aurangabad stations
RANCHI: The security forces have recovered at least two lockers (Almirah) along with a huge cache of ammunition on the Jharkhand-Bihar border during an inter-state operation against the banned CPI (Maoist) being conducted in the Chakarbandha forests. According to Palamu SP Rishma Rameshan, all the landmines were hidden by the Maoists in a cave, which was to be used later, possibly to target the security forces. As of now, the security forces have also recovered two lockers, supposedly belonging to top Maoist Commander Sandeep Yadav, who carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh on his head. Sandeep Yadav died in 2023, said the SP. The lockers, which have been recovered from the jungles, were being used to hide the levy money extorted from the contractors and businessmen, she added. The security forces have recovered two lockers, supposedly belonging to top Maoist Commander Sandeep Yadav. According to the SP, lockers were found empty. Possibly, some close associate of Sandeep Yadav took the money out after his death. Prime facie, it appeared that the lockers were emptied by some very recently, she said. Notably, after Sandeep Yadav, Nitesh Yadav, having a bounty of Rs 15 lakh on his head, has taken over the command in the area. According to the information received, Palamu police had received information that the former top Maoist commander Sandeep Yadav and Maoist commander Nitesh Yadav, have hidden arms and ammunition at Pachrukhiya in Chakarbandha under Gaya district of Bihar. Following a tip-off received by Palamu SP, an inter-state operation was launched, headed by SP (Operations) Rakesh Kumar Singh. Besides Jharkhand Jaguar, Bihars STF, Palamu Police and Aurangabad Police were also involved in this operation, where more than half a dozen landmines and explosives were recovered from a mountain cave of Chakarbandha. Incidentally, the area where the operation is being conducted has the unified command of Jharkhand Bihar of the Maoists.
Bombay High Court takes suo motu notice of copy-pasted witness statements by the police
It was a dangerous practice that may, in certain cases, advantage the accused, and adversely impact the seriousness of genuine cases, the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court said
Doctor among 2 held in Bihar for NEET-UG 25 exam fraud
PATNA: The Samastipur Police in Bihar arrested two individuals, including an MBBS doctor, for impersonation and fraud during the NEET-UG examination conducted on Sunday. Three mobile phones, a car and Rs 50,000 in cash were recovered from their possession. Investigating officers are ascertaining whether the arrested have links with NEET-UG 2024 examination paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya, currently lodged in the Beur central jail near Patna. Mukhiya, who was carrying a bounty of Rs 3 lakh, was arrested from Patna last month. Sanjay Kumar Pandey, ASP, Samastipur, said that a police team detained two individuals who were sitting in a car parked outside an examination centre in Mohanpur. Police officials noticed that their mobile phones contained the admit cards of various candidates. During interrogation, the duo admitted to having replaced weak candidates with scholars (impersonators) in various examination centres in Samastipur and other places to enable them to score well and get admission to medical colleges. They would charge anything between Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. One of them introduced himself as Dr Ranjeet Kumar, a government doctor posted at Begusarai divisional jail, while his associate Rambabu Malik is a native of Darbhanga. ASP Pandey said, Their links with NEET-UG 2025 paper leak kingpin Sanjeev Mukhiya are being ascertained. The Bihar polices economic offences unit alerted all DMs and SPs to keep vigil at examination centres. Deputy Inspector General, EOU, Manavjeet Singh Dhillon said that S K Faiz was arrested from Araria on Sunday after it was established that he was collecting money from candidates to provide them with question papers for the NEET-UG 2025 examination. Faiz, a resident of Islam Nagar in Araria district, had created a Telegram channel to connect with candidates and ask for money in lieu of question papers. One Arvind Kumar, a native of Aurangabad district, was arrested in Odisha for his links to the NEET exam racket. How it unfolded May 4 10.30 PM: A car was spotted moving from one exam centre to another 10.35 PM : District police control room alerts police stations in the urban areas 10.55 PM : Two people travelling in the car spotted near Mohanpur bridge 10.57 PM: A police team rushes to the spot where car is parked 11 PM: Individuals in the car brought to police station for questioning 11.20 PM: Members of SIT quiz the detainees in police lock-up 2 PM to 5 PM: Exam conducted May 5 11 AM :Both accused produced before court, sent in 14-day judicial custody
TheIntegrated Child Development Services (ICDS Aurangabad) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 02 Creche Worker, Assistant Creche Worker posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official ICDS Aurangabad website. The last date to submit the application form is 17-05-2025.
When Kerala police went on a Gujarat road trip to pick up cyber fraudster
This one began with a hush-hush of easy money and ended with a high-stakes manhunt across blistering highways and the bustling alleys of Surat. When a resident of Kizhakkambalam in Ernakulam recently reported the loss of Rs 7.8 lakh in an online trading scam, it appeared to be just another cybercrime. But what followed was a covert operation straight out of a crime thriller. A special investigation team (SIT), guided by Ernakulam Rural Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena, swung into action. What followed were false identities, undercover disguises, and a stakeout that culminated in the dramatic arrest of a seasoned fraudster 34-year-old Gujarat native Reeten Hakkani. Thadiyittaparambu Station House Officer P J Kuriakose recalls the case:The victim came into contact with the accused through social media and was lured with promises of high returns from online trading. After gaining his trust, the accused asked him to invest through an app. Between February 17 and 7 March, the victim transferred Rs 7.8 lakh to multiple bank accounts. However, when he attempted to withdraw the displayed profits, the accused demanded a commission. This prompted the victim to file a complaint, Kuriakose says. The SIT traced the money trail to banks in Aurangabad and Surat. Senior Civil Police Officer K K Shibu, who was part of the team, notes that the funds were eventually withdrawn using a cheque in Surat. After freezing the bank accounts involved, the team quickly left for Gujarat. We chose to travel in our own vehicle. It was essential for the operation, as we needed the vehicle for local travel in Surat and to bring the accused back, says Shibu. Driving such a long distance in the scorching heat, with temperatures touching nearly 42 degrees in some places, was quite exhausting. Once in Surat, we also had to conceal the Kerala state registration number of our vehicle to avoid alerting the accused. We would park the vehicle in discreet locations, or cover the number plates with cloth or dry leaves to maintain our cover. Police officers with Reteen (centre) Officers visited the bank concerned to collect Reteens address. But the documents used to open the account turned out to be fake, including a counterfeit Aadhaar. Further investigation revealed that the accused had opened multiple accounts in Surat using fake documents, which posed the first major challenge, says Shibu. The breakthrough came when a bank manager, familiar with the locality, offered to help. He provided us with bank ID cards and suggested we pose as audit officers, says Shibu. Thats how we located the suspects luxury flat. Disguised as bank staff conducting KYC verifications, we visited the flat. But there, we found only his mother, who refused to provide any contact details. Then came a filmy twist when Reeten himself contacted Shibu via WhatsApp, having found the latters mobile number on a notice regarding the freezing of his and his mothers bank accounts. I told him I could help reactivate his mothers account at a cost. To earn his trust, I demanded a bribe, Shibu smiles. He offered Rs 1 lakh. I told him I wanted a heftier sum. He then claimed only Rs 2.54 lakh was left in the account, and offered the whole amount. I pretended as if I didnt trust him and asked for a bank statement to verify his claim. He agreed to visit the bank and get the necessary document. Officers were split to positions in and around the bank for surveillance. Reeten did arrive at the bank, but he hesitated to enter the bank. Like an ace criminal, he suspected a trap. As if he could smell police presence in the area. Reteen attempted to flee on a motorcyle as a plainclothes officer approached him. We intercepted after a brief chase and took him into custody, says Shibu. During the return journey to Kerala, Reeten refused to cooperate or eat. He even offered a bribe of up to Rs 15 lakh. He promised that the money would be arranged by a bhai in Mumbai, says Shibu. Grilling revealed that Reetens younger brother was the mastermind behind the scam, operating through a fraudulent trading app called Alice Blue from Ludhiana, Punjab. The police are now tracking three more individuals linked to this cyber fraud network. Time for another road trip.
Police search HC bench building in Aurangabad after bomb threat email
The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar received a bomb threat via email on Tuesday, prompting an immediate police search. Teams including sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads were deployed to thoroughly inspect the court building, gardens, and parking areas. The investigation is ongoing after the High Court administration alerted the authorities.
Thane man sentenced to seven years in jail for kidnapping minor, court drops rape charges
THANE: A court in Maharashtra's Thane district has convicted a 47-year-old man for kidnapping a minor girl and sentenced him to 7 years in jail. Additional Sessions Judge (Kalyan) P R Ashturkar, however, dropped rape charges pressed against Deepak, alias Ganesh Bhanudas Bhuktar, citing lack of evidence. A copy of the order passed on April 8 was made available on Friday. Ambernath resident Bhuktar was booked in March 2018 after being accused of kidnapping the 13-year-old girl and taking her to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, then Aurangabad. Judge Ashturkar held that the minor's lack of consent or resistance was irrelevant in a kidnapping case. The court also said that Bhuktar had secretly given her a phone, which was indicative of malicious intent. The kidnapping charge has been proved beyond reasonable doubt, the court held. However, the court found the rape allegations lacked specific and clear evidence. It said the girl and her mother failed to provide any specific details regarding the alleged sexual assault, including date, time, or place. Furthermore, the medical evidence did not support forceful sexual assault, the court said, acquitting Bhuktar of rape charges under the Indian Penal Code (IP) and Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court then convicted Bhuktar of kidnapping and sentenced him to seven years in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 on him. Additional Public Prosecutor Sachin Kulkarni said six prosecution witnesses, including the teenager and her mother, were examined during the trial.
Aurangzebs tomb row: Maha BJP leaders demand to rename Khuldabad to Ratnapur
Members of the ruling party in Maharashtra have demanded to rename Khuldabad, where the Mughal emperor Aurangzebs tomb is located, to Ratnapur. Khuldabad, which is located 30 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), has been at the centre of political controversy after far-right politicians, including Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat, have raised intense demands Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Human teeth not a dangerous weapon: HC after woman alleges being bitten by sister-in-law
MUMBAI: Human teeth cannot be considered as a dangerous weapon which would cause serious harm, the Bombay High Court said quashing an FIR filed on a woman's complaint against her in-laws, wherein she alleged her sister-in-law bit her. The complainant's medical certificates show there was only simple hurt caused by teeth marks, Justices Vibha Kankanwadi and Sanjay Deshmukh of the HC's Aurangabad bench said in the order on April 4. As per the FIR lodged in April 2020 on the woman's complaint, during a scuffle, one of her sisters-in-law bit her, thus causing her harm with a dangerous weapon. The accused were booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for causing harm with dangerous weapons, hurting someone and causing injury. The court in its order said, Human teeth cannot be said to be a dangerous weapon. It allowed a petition filed by the accused and quashed the FIR. Under section 324 of the Indian Penal Code (causing hurt using a dangerous weapon), the hurt should be by means of an instrument that is likely to cause death or serious harm, the HC said. The medical certificates of the complainant in the present case show there was only simple hurt caused by teeth marks, the court said. It would be an abuse of the process of law to make the accused face trial when the offence under section 324 is not made out, the HC said and quashed the FIR. The court noted there appears to be a property dispute between the accused and the complainant.
Khultabad town, housing Aurangzeb tomb, to be renamed as Ratnapur: Minister Sanjay Shirsat
CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Maharashtra minister Sanjay Shirsat has said the name of Khultabad town, where the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is located, will be changed to Ratnapur. The minister for social justice, some other state leaders and right-wing outfits have been demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb from Khultabad, located around 25 km from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city. The graves of Aurangzeb, his son Azam Shah, Nizam Asaf Jah and many others are located in the area. Last month, Shirsat said there was no place in Maharashtra for the grave of Aurangzeb, the cruel emperor who tortured and executed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Speaking to reporters here over the weekend, Shirsat said Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was earlier known as Khadki, and later renamed as Aurangabad. Likewise, Khultabad was earlier known as Ratnapur. Names of many places were changed during the reign of Aurangzeb. We are going to change the name of Khultabad to Ratnapur, the Shiv Sena leader said. We are conducting a process of changing the names of all those places having 'bad' (like Auranga'bad') in their names. Ratnapur was changed to Khultabad during Aurangzeb's rule, the guardian minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district said. The government is positive about making a memorial there (in Khultabad) which will showcase the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj, Shirsat said. INTERVIEW | Ignorance about historical Aurangzeb, anti-Muslim hate undergird calls to destroy his tomb: Audrey Truschke
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Graveyard gate torched in Bihar's Aurangabad, police boost security ahead of Ram Navami
PATNA: Tension gripped Aurangabad town in Bihar after unidentified miscreants damaged a structure and set fire to the entrance gate of a graveyard at Navadih under the town police limits late on Saturday. The district administration deployed additional armed police personnel in the locality as a precautionary measure. Police said unidentified anti-socials barged into the graveyard and damaged part of a structure. They later vandalised the main entrance gate and set it ablaze, allegedly to provoke members of the Muslim community. However, the situation was brought under control due to the timely intervention of senior district officials. Ambarish Rahul, superintendent of police (SP), Aurangabad, said, Additional police force has been deployed in the sensitive pockets of the town. Processions will be taken out in the town on the occasion of Ram Navami, he said, adding that security has been beefed up ahead of the religious event. He said a meeting with members of the peace committee was held under the leadership of sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Sadar, Sanjay Kumar Pandey. Those present at the meeting appreciated the restraint maintained by members of the minority community. SDPO Pandey said the identity of those involved in the incident was being ascertained. Nobody will be spared whosoever they may be, he added. Police also staged a flag march in the town to instil confidence among residents.
Estranged parents can go to any extent to put ego over child welfare: Bombay HC
MUMBAI: Parents embroiled in matrimonial disputes can go to any extent to satisfy their ego, the Bombay High Court has said dismissing a petition filed by a woman seeking only her name to be mentioned as parent in the child's birth record. Neither of the parents can exercise any right in respect of their child's birth record, Justices Mangesh Patil and Y G Khobragade of the HC's Aurangabad bench said in the March 28 order while deprecating such petitions. The petition is a classic example of how a matrimonial dispute is a genesis for multiple litigations, the HC said and imposed a cost of Rs 5,000 on the petitioner, noting the plea was a sheer abuse of the process and waste of the court's precious time. The 38-year-old woman had filed the petition, seeking a direction to the Aurangabad municipal authorities to record her name in the birth record of her child as a single parent and issue a birth certificate with only her name. The woman in her plea claimed her estranged husband was addicted to certain vices and had never even seen the face of his child. The high court, however, said that just because the father is addicted to vices, the mother cannot insist as a right to be mentioned as a single parent in the child's birth certificate. Neither of the parents can exercise any right in respect of the child's birth record, it said. The bench in its order said the present petition was a classic example of how a matrimonial dispute is the genesis for multiple litigations. This demonstrates to what extent parents, embroiled in a matrimonial dispute, can go to satisfy their ego, the HC said. It is quite evident that the woman, in order to satisfy her own ego, is not even bothered about the child's interests, the court said, adding the welfare of the child is of paramount importance. The relief being claimed, clearly demonstrates that she can go to the extent of treating her child as if it is a property in respect of which she can claim some rights, ignoring the interest and welfare of the child, the bench said in the order. The woman was undermining the child's interest by seeking to mention only her name in the birth record, it said. While dismissing the petition, the HC said it has no manner of doubt that the same was a sheer abuse of the process and waste of precious time of the court.
65-Year-Old Man Beheaded, Torso Burnt During 'Black Magic' In Bihar: Cops
A 65-year-old man was allegedly killed and his torso was burnt in a 'Holika Dahan' fire as part of 'black magic' rituals in Bihar's Aurangabad district, a police officer said.
65-year-old man beheaded, torso burnt as part of black magic rituals in Bihar's Aurangabad
AURANGABAD: A 65-year-old man was allegedly killed and his torso was burnt in a 'Holika Dahan' fire as part of 'black magic' rituals in Bihar's Aurangabad district, a police officer said. The deceased has been identified as Yugual Yadav (65), he said. Police have arrested four persons, including a relative of a 'tantric' in connection with the incident, the officer said on Friday, adding that the tantric is absconding. Aurangabad Superintendent of Police (SP) Ambrish Rahul told reporters on Friday, Madanpur police station on March 13 received a missing complaint about Yugal Yadav, a resident of Gulab Bigha village. A case was registered and a special investigation team was formed by the police to trace him. During the investigation, officials came to know about the discovery of human bones from the ashes of a Holika Dahan fire in the neighbouring village of Banger. Officials inspected the site and found charred human bones and Yugal's slippers from there. A dog squad was immediately deployed which took the investigators to the house of Ramashish Rikyasan a 'tantric. While Ramashish was not present at the house, his relative, Dharmendra, was taken into custody as he gave conflicting statements about the whereabouts of the former, said the SP. During interrogation, Dharmendra confessed that he and others had kidnapped and beheaded Yugal as a part of black magic rituals. His torso was then burnt in the Holika Dahan fire. Based on Dharmendra's statement, police recovered the victim's severed head from a nearby field, said the SP. The official said Ramashish Rikyasan had conducted the ritual on behalf of Sudhir Paswan, who was seeking a child. Dharmendra also admitted that the group had earlier sacrificed a teenager, whose body was dumped in a well in the same locality. A total of four people, including Sudhir Paswan, Dharmendra and two others, have been arrested, police said. A minor boy has also been taken into custody in connection with the incident, police said. Police have seized the weapon of offence and sent the recovered human bones for scientific tests, including DNA examination, said the SP. A manhunt has been launched to nab tantric Ramashish Rikyasan, he added.
Bihar: Five Naxals arrested in Aurangabad district
Patna: Five Naxals belonging to the banned outfit Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP) were arrested by Bihar Police in Aurangabad district on Tuesday, officials said. A cache of arms and ammunition, including three 315-bore rifles, a country-made rifle, 13 cartridges, a walkie-talkie set, seven camouflage uniforms and several other incriminating items were seized from their Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bihar: 13-yr-old Dalit girl refuses to play Holi, killed in accident
A 13-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly killed while playing Holi after she refused to entertain casteist remarks. The incident occurred in Bihars Aurangabad district. The three accused have been identified as Ranjay Kumar alias Sunny Singh, Vinod Singh and Sanjay Singh. Ranjay Kumar is the son of former Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) district president Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Eight Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal members surrender to police in Nagpur violence case
Eight members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal voluntarily surrendered to the Kotwali police on Wednesday in connection with the Nagpur violence case. The Nagpur police had previously filed FIRs against them for allegedly offending religious sentiments. These arrests were linked to their involvement in a protest calling for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad. Following their surrender, the police took the accused into custody and presented them before the court. Earlier in the day, police arrested a Minorities Democratic Party' leader Fahim Shamim Khan for his alleged involvement in the violence. He was remanded to custody until March 21. He had been arrested for allegedly leading a protest outside a Nagpur police station on Monday after VHP workers staged an agitation for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, which triggered violence. Khan's name is mentioned along with that of 50 others in one of six FIRs registered so far in connection with the violent clashes that left several police personnel injured. Police are investigating whether Khan played any role in instigating the riots, an official said on Wednesday. Nagpur violence: FIR reveals accused molested woman cop, made obscene gestures Violence had erupted in central Nagpur's Chitnis Park in the Mahal area on Monday, with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. As many as 34 police personnel were injured in the violence.
Congress appoints Dalit leader Rajesh Kumar as Bihar unit chief
PATNA: In a significant development ahead of Bihar assembly election, Congress appointed a Dalit leader, Rajesh Kumar as president of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC), replacing Akhilesh Prasad Singh, who was holding the post since 2022. A decision to hand over the baton to Rajesh Kumar, a two term MLA from Kutumba in Aurangabad district, was taken at a meeting of partys general secretaries and in-charge of states, presided over by president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was also present at the meeting. Rajesh Kumars appointment as the new Bihar president is seen as the partys new strategy for the upcoming assembly elections due in October-November this year. A senior Congress leader said, The party wants to focus on Dalit votes in the upcoming assembly election in the state. The leader on the condition of anonymity revealed that Akhilesh Prasad Singh comes from Upper Caste Bhumihar, a dominant caste in Bihar while Rajesh Kumar is a non-controversial face and belonged to the Scheduled Caste, which constitutes about 19.65 per cent of the states population. Moreover, Congress has already roped in a young leader Kanhaiya Kumar, also a Bhumihar, in Bihar politics. In this context, the question of inviting the wrath of Upper Caste Bhumihar for removing Akhilesh as the state chief of the party does not arise, the leader asserted. A notification about the appointment of a new president of Congress in Bihar was issued by partys general secretary K C Venugopal on Tuesday. The development comes amid Palayan Roko, Naukri Do padyatra launched by the Congress partys students and youth wings. The state-wide padyatra is jointly led by AICC Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru and NSUI national in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar. Sources in the Congress said that Akhilesh was maintaining a distance ever since Allavaru was made in-charge of Bihar and Kanhaiya was entrusted a new assignment in Bihar. Akhilesh is also considered close to RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who was not in favour of entry of Kanhaiya in Bihar politics. Though Akhilesh joined the padyatra launched from Mahatma Gandhis Bhitiharwa Ashram in West Champaran district on March 16, he was found conspicuous by his absence at a press conference of Allavaru and Kanhaiya at Sadaquat Ashram to announce the proposed Palayan Roko, Naukri Do programme. Allavaru has already warned of stern action against party leaders and workers engaged in promoting factionalism within the party. Rajesh Kumars appointment as the state president is a case in point.
Curfew In Parts Of Nagpur After Violence Amid Aurangzeb Tomb Row
A curfew has been imposed in several areas of Nagpur after violence broke out over a call to move the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb out of Maharashtra. The 17th-century emperor's tomb is in Aurangabad, now known as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Severe groundwater contamination detected in over 30,000 rural wards in Bihar: Report
PATNA: Bihar is grappling with severe groundwater contamination, with 30,207 rural wards exposed to unsafe drinking water that poses serious health risks, according to a new report. The report, which was recently tabled in the assembly as part of the Bihar Economic Survey (2024-25), highlighted the presence of arsenic in groundwater in 4,709 such wards, fluoride in 3,789 wards and iron in 21,709 wards. Around 26 per cent of the rural wards in 31 districts, out of a total of 38, have groundwater sources affected by arsenic, fluoride and iron contamination beyond permissible limits, the state's Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) said in the study. The affected wards are located in Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Lakhisarai, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Khagara, Munger, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria and Kishanganj districts. We are aware of the fact. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the state government has decided to make rural Bihar 'hand pump-free' and provide safe drinking water to people in the rural areas under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED Minister Niraj Kumar Singh told PTI. The government is also implementing multi-village schemes (MVS) to improve water quality in the state, he said. Under the 'Har Ghar Nal ka Jal' scheme, PHED is providing safe drinking water to 83.76 lakh families in rural areas, he said, adding, potable water is also being made available to families in the 30,207 rural wards where the contamination is high. The state government is already working on a plan to use river water for drinking purposes. In September 2024, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of a Rs 1,347-crore project for the supply of water from Sone river for drinking purposes in Aurangabad, Dehri and Sasaram cities after necessary treatment, the minister said. The scheme will use the water of Son river, ending the dependence of these cities on groundwater, he said. The project is likely to be completed in two years. In 2023, the CM dedicated the ambitious Ganga Water Supply Scheme (GWSS) or the 'Ganga Jal Apoorti Yojana' to the people of Gaya, Rajgir and Nawada. Under the scheme, people in these districts are provided an uninterrupted supply of clean and safe drinking water, Singh said. Dr Manoj Kumar, a leading gastroenterologist in Bihar, told PTI, The high level of chemical contamination in groundwater is certainly a matter of concern. The authorities must identify the source of contamination and take appropriate steps. Besides, camps should also be organised in the affected wards on a regular basis to make people aware of the adverse effects of consumption of contaminated groundwater. The authorities should come out with standardisation and classification of the quality of water used for drinking purposes. Kumar said drinking water quality standards should describe the quality parameters. Water may contain many harmful constituents, yet there are no recognised and accepted standards for drinking water in the country. The type of contaminant and its health effects vary depending on the water source, he said. The health impacts of water contamination can vary from a bout of stomach infection to terminal illnesses like cancer, Kumar said. The methods of purification depend on specific contaminants in a person's water source. Therefore, detailed water quality standards must be introduced by the authorities concerned, he added.
Everyone sensitive about own caste and community, not of others: High Court
The Bombay High Court's Aurangabad bench quashed a case against Devendra Patil for allegedly insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, emphasizing that not every social media comment requires a reaction. The court stressed mutual respect among communities and advocated for more refined forms of dissent, noting that provocative posts should not invite unwarranted responses.
Bihar YouTuber slaps passenger on moving train for reel, RPF cracks down
A YouTuber from Bihar slapped a random passenger on a moving train at the Anugraha Narayan Road railway station in Aurangabad for online fame. The action triggered huge anger among the public, prompting authorities to take immediate cognizance of the matter. The culprit, identified as Ritesh Kumar, extended his arm from the platform position to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Varanasi Aurangabad Highway Tollway raises USD 316.3 mn through dollar bond
NEW DELHI, Feb 26:Varanasi Aurangabad NH-2 Tollway Private Limited (VAH) on Wednesday said it has raised USD 316.3 million (about Rs 2,750 crore) by issuing dollar-denominated bonds. VAH, a Roadis entity, is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the 192 km Varanasi-Aurangabad highway and its expansion to six lanes. According to the company statement, the bonds carry a coupon rate of 5.90 per cent and will mature in about nine years. The funds raised will be used for [] The post Varanasi Aurangabad Highway Tollway raises USD 316.3 mn through dollar bond appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Lucknow Diary: BJPs Dalit outreach plan for Assembly polls
BJPs Dalit outreach plan for Assembly polls With UP Assembly polls scheduled for 2027, political parties have started charting out priorities. The ruling BJP, along with RSS, is working out a new outreach plan focused on Dalits, to check an apparent shift of disenchanted SC vote bank from BSP to rival camps, particularly the SP and Congress. The plan envisages visits of BJP functionaries and ABVP members to degree colleges, universities, engineering and medical colleges to meet Dalit students in groups or individually and convince them about the social justice measures undertaken by Modi government at the Centre and Yogi government in UP. SBSP to contest over 10 seats in Bihar The Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), led by Yogi minister OP Rajbhar, is preparing to contest over 20 seats in Bihar, where Assembly polls are set to take place in later this year. Rajbhar, a BJP ally, claims to have completed the groundwork on nearly 29 seats. He is set to demand a fair share from the BJP and JD(U) in the state where his party has been active for the past few years. Sources said SBSP has zeroed down on assembly seats across 28 districts, including Sasaram, West Champaran, Nawada, Nalanda, Gaya, Aurangabad and Bettiah. Dalit groom assaulted, marriage party returned A Dalit groom bore the brunt of caste discrimination when a group of 40 upper caste men attacked his marriage procession for passing through their locality and playing DJ music in Bulandshahr. While the groom was pulled down from the horse, the baratis (wedding guests) were beaten up and forced to return. Six of them sustained head injuries in the incident. An FIR has been filed against 30 identified and some unknown people under relevant sections of BNS which included sections 191 (2) (rioting), 126 (2) (preventing someone from moving freely), 324 (4) (mischief), and 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt).
Bihar: Labourer beaten to death for entering Shiv temple to drink water
In yet another incidence of mob violence, a 28-year-old Muslim man identified as Waseem was brutally beaten by a group of seven people within Shiva temple premises in Bihars Aurangabad district. The assault left Waseem in critical injuries that ultimately led to his death The incident reportedly unfolded when Waseem entered the temple premises to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Woman kept chained in parents' house for two months rescued in Maharashtra's Jalna
JALNA: The police have rescued a woman held captive by her parents, who kept her chained inside their house for two months in a remote village in Jalna district, an official said on Tuesday. The police acted on Monday following directions of the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court on a complaint by the woman's husband, the official said. He said the woman, Shahnaz alias Sonal, was rescued from her parents' house in Alapur village in Bhokardan tehsil, where they had allegedly kept her chained for two months. According to the police, the woman, who is in her 20s, had an interfaith marriage, and the couple had a three-year-old son. Police said she went to visit her parents with the child two months ago. Upset about the interfaith marriage, the parents refused to allow her to return to her husband and kept her chained in the house, where they lived in isolation. The official said despite repeated attempts, the husband was unable to bring her back and was denied entry into the house, following which he moved the court. He said a police team raided the house, rescued Shahnaz and her son, and handed them over to the husband through a government lawyer. The official said a case has not been registered against the parents so far, and action will be taken if the woman lodges a complaint.
Party hopping begins, two from JD(U) join Congress in Bihar
PATNA : Party-hopping has picked up in Bihar as the assembly election draws near, charging the states political atmosphere. Leaders have begun switching sides in the hope of contesting the election representing parties of their choice. The parties embrace them with open arms to encash their caste identities and winnability factors. On Tuesday, two senior leaders of the ruling Janata Dal (United) --Ali Anwar, former Rajya Sabha member and Bhagirath Manjhi, son of Bihars Mountain Man Dasarath Manjhi joined the Congress. In addition, Manoj Prajapati, state president of Akhil Bharatiya Prajapati Kumbhkar Sangh, along with other leaders, joined the grand old party. Ali Anwar is an influential Pasmanda community leader. Pasmandas form the lions share among the backward Muslim votes. He is a two-term Rajya Sabha member and All-India Pasmanda Muslim Samaj president. The Congress is trying to strengthen its support base among backward Muslims and Dalits through Ali Anwar and Dasarath Manjhi, political analyst Pramod Kumar said. On Saturday, state RJD vice president Shobha Kushwaha joined Chief Minister Nitish Kumars JD (U) along with a large number of supporters. The party hopes her entry will help consolidate the Luv-Kush (Kurmi-Koeri) vote base. Shobhas induction comes when the RJD is trying hard to make inroads into the Kushwaha vote bank. In the last Lok Sabha polls, it had fielded three Kushwaha candidates. It appointed Abhay Kushwaha, who won the election from Aurangabad, as its parliamentary party leader in the Lok Sabha. Shobha was also a member of the Bihar State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights. A prominent leader of the Dhanuk caste (listed as EBC in Bihar), Ajay Rai from Bhagalpur, also joined JD (U) on the occasion. The JD (U) claimed he supported former poll strategist Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party. Recently, former JD (U) vice president Mangani Lal Mandal was inducted into the RJD by party leader Tejashwi Yadav. With the help of Mandal, Tejashwi is trying to woo the EBC vote bank. The EBC support is considered crucial for getting and retaining power in Bihar. This has been Nitishs core vote bank for the last 20 years. In the previous Lok Sabha elections, he had inducted Mukesh Sahni into the alliance to make inroads into the Mallah vote bank. Mandals influence is believed to be in Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur and Muzaffarpur of north Bihar. He has been an MLA and MP from Jhanjharpur. This time, RJD celebrated former chief minister Karpoori Thakurs birth anniversary in Madhubani districts Phulparas on Friday, considered as the Karmabhhomi of Thakur, who was also from the EBC category. In the 2020 assembly election, the grand alliance could not perform well in Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani and Muzaffarpur. While the RJD won 11, Congress and CPI (M) won a seat each in Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.
Dabur Chyawanprash special CSR Initiative at Mysore
Mysore: Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps provide protection against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many Rasayana herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects. Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses. The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet. Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids. Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost ones immunity needs through changing weather cycles. Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.
MLC Satish Chavan returns to Ajit Pawar-led NCP
Shirdi: Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Satish Chavan on Saturday returned to the Nationalist Congress Party led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar after a brief stint with the rival NCP (SP). Chavan went over to the NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar in October 2024 after the Ajit Pawar group expelled him for six years for anti-party activities. He rejoined the NCP in the presence of Ajit Pawar and other leaders here as the party revoked his expulsion, NCP sources said. Chavan was among five NCP MLCs who had sided with Ajit when he rebelled against his uncle and split the NCP in 2023. After switching his loyalties to the Sharad Pawar faction last year, he contested on its ticket from Vaijapur in the state assembly elections but lost. Chavan is a three-time MLC from the Aurangabad graduates constituency.
Maoist leader Vikas arrested in Aurangabad district, Bihar
PATNA: A top-ranking Maoist leader, Rahul Yadav, alias Vikas Ji and Bakra Vikas, has been arrested in the Maoist-infested Aurangabad district of Bihar. Police confirmed that he was wanted in connection with 23 cases of Maoist activities across Aurangabad and its adjoining districts. Acting on a tip-off, a police team set up a trap near an automobile showroom on the Rafiganj-Shivganj road, within the jurisdiction of Rafiganj police station, and arrested Vikas. He is believed to be the regional commander of CPI-Maoist, a banned Naxal outfit in Bihar. Vikas, originally from Tulsi Bigha village under Aati police station, had been active in the areas of Gaya, Aurangabad, and Nawada districts. Several cases were pending against him at police stations in Guraru, Tikari, Barachatti, Bazirganj, Fatehpur, Koch, and Mufassil in Gaya district. Additionally, cases had been lodged against him at Sirdala and Rajauli police stations in neighbouring Nawada district, as well as Goh, Rafiganj, and Deo police stations in Aurangabad district. During the search operation, police did not find any illegal weapons with Vikas. Aurangabad Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Amit Kumar stated, The arrest of Vikas is significant as he was attempting to revive the banned outfit in Aurangabad and its adjoining districts. He added that raids were ongoing to apprehend Vikas's accomplices. Recently, police recovered a large quantity of explosives during a search operation in Chhkarbandha forest. Authorities have launched a special drive against Maoist activities in the Magadh region.
Bihar police foil major Naxal operation; seize huge quantity of explosives, raw materials
PATNA: Bihar police foiled a major operation of the Maoists in Bihar's Gaya district following the recovery of a large quantity of landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and raw materials during a special drive launched against the red rebels in the wake of the recent attack on security forces in Chattisgarh on Monday. At least eight security personnel and a civilian were killed in an IED blast in the Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. A special team of central armed police and the special task force (STF) of the state police cordoned off Tarchua locality, a part of Chhakarbandha forest in Gaya district in the early hours of Wednesday after being tipped off that the area was being used by Maoists as their safe haven. A cave-like corner of Chhakarbandha forest was being used for making IEDs and landmines. The huge stock of explosives and raw materials for manufacturing high-quality IEDs indicated that the Maoists had planned to carry out a Chhattisgarh-type operation in Bihar's Chhakrbandha forest, close to the Jharkhand border. This is for the first time when such a quantity of explosives has been seized, sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Imamganj, Amit Kumar said. The seized articles include four cylinders each weighing four kg, two cylinders each weighing two kg, five pressure cookers each weighing 12 kg, steel containers weighing 10 kg, 44 pieces of tiffin bomb, 20 pieces of tin cutter and 20 pieces of hammer among others. Landmines and IEDs were also recovered from the spot. Police officials associated with the operation said that the area was being used for manufacturing illegal weapons and IEDs despite frequent raids launched by the security forces. The topography of the area which comes under the Dumaria block of the district makes the task of the security forces difficult, they revealed. In October last year, the security personnel had recovered 320 detonators and electric wire besides explosive in huge quantity during an operation in Langurahi and Pachrukhiya forests in Gaya district. The IEDs were meant for blowing up vehicles carrying security personnel during anti-Naxal operations in the district. Gaya, Aurangabad, Lakhisarai, Jamui and Munger are among the five worst Maoist-hit districts in the state.
