Odisha's Top Maoist Leader Wants To Pursue MA From Jail
Top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, currently in Odisha's Berhampur circle jail serving a life sentence, expressed his interest in pursuing MA in Public Administration through the Odisha State Open University (OSOU) this year, a prison official said.
Vigilance arrests Odisha sub-collector, OSPHWC DGM
BHUBANESWAR: The state Vigilance on Tuesday arrested two government officials including Kamakhyanagar sub-collector Narayan Chandra Nayak for allegedly possessing assets disproportionate to their known sources of income. Vigilance officials said the Kamakhyanagar sub-collector was arrested in the DA case after he was found in possession of assets to the tune of 130 per cent of his known sources of income. The assets of the OAS officer included two triple-storey buildings in Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak, one double-storey building in Bhadrak, 14 high-value plots, Rs 37.5 lakh deposit, Rs 1.48 lakh in cash, 366 gram gold and other household articles worth Rs 15.5 lakh. The deputy general manager (civil) of Odisha State Police Housing Welfare Corporation (OSPHWC) Subash Chandra Panda was found in possession of disproportionate assets to the tune of 303 per cent of his known sources of income. The assets of the officer posted at Berhampur division included two multi-storey buildings in Bhubaneswar, payment of Rs 66 lakh to a realtor to purchase a 4BHK flat at Kalinganagar, 870 gram gold, five high-value plots, deposits of over Rs 1.84 crore and Rs 13.47 lakh in cash. Investigation in both the cases is in progress, the officials said.
Couple gives away baby girl to AP couple due to poverty
BERHAMPUR: Battling acute poverty, a couple of Rayagada allegedly gave away their nine-day-old child to a family from Andhra Pradesh, in Nuapada Sahi village under Chandili police limits of the district. Even as the alleged baby sale incident in Balangir hogged the headlines, the Rayagada story has now come as another shocker. A notarised deed of adoption which facilitated the childs change of custody said it was carried out without any force, fraud, coercion and influence. The deed, however, was severely flawed. The natural mother Kumud Ganta (22) and her husband Rahul Dhanbadi (25), a driver by profession, allegedly gave away the newborn girl to a couple from Pedapenki village in Andhra Pradesh on November 11, nine days after her birth on November 3. On the day, the Rayagada district child Protection unit, along with social worker Satyapriya Pradhan visited the family and enquired about the incident. The child welfare committee (CWC) and the Women and Child Development (WCD) department also began a probe. We had information the baby was sold off. This, however, appears to be a case of illegal adoption caused by poverty. We are instructing the couple (from Andhra Pradesh) to present the child before the CWC. If the natural parents cannot take care of the baby, they must hand her over to the government, said Pradhan. Kumud claimed since her family does not have a ration card, it was deprived of PDS rice and other government benefits. The 22-year-old said acute poverty forced her to stay at her brothers house and buy rice from outside. My baby was not sold off. We gave her away because of our inability of raise the kid. The family adopted her, she said. Due to financial constraints, Rahul said, it was difficult on his part to manage the family with two children. Thats why I agreed to give away my newborn, he added. The source said, a woman of Kottapeta village in neighbouring AP came to know of Kumuds family and made the move for the alleged adoption. The woman frequents the Chandili area. When Kumud shared her familys hardships, the woman suggested they hand over the newborn to a childless relative of her. Accordingly, a deed of adoption was prepared in Rayagada. The natural parents of the infant and the couple from AP have been asked to be present before CWC on Wednesday.
Odisha Police trace lodge murder accused in prison of Kerala
BERHAMPUR: Nearly a year after the decomposed body of a 35-year-old woman was found in a lodge in Ganjams Baidyanathpur, Berhampur police has solved the murder mystery by tracing the accused in a jail of Kerala. Berhampur SP Sarvana Vivek M said the murder accused, Sameedmon AS (42), was lodged in a Kerala jail in connection with an NDPS case. A team of Baidyanathpur police brought Sameedmon on a two-day remand to Odisha on Monday. On Tuesday, the accused was taken to the lodge where he recreated the scene of the murder in presence of police. Sameedmon, a resident of Kerala, also revealed the chilling details of his crime. The SP said the body of Kamanapalli Krishna Veni of Visakhapatnam was found in the lodge in a decomposed state on November 25, 2023. On being questioned, the lodge manager said Veni accompanied by a man had booked the room two days back. When the man went missing without paying the rent, the lodge staff reached the room and found the woman lying dead on the bed. Subsequently, police sent the body for autopsy and registered a murder case basing on the circumstantial evidence. During investigation, police identified the man as Sameedmon but could not trace him. Last week, the cops came to know that the accused was lodged in a Kerala jail after being arrested in a NDPS case around four months back. A team of Baidyanathpur police then went to Kerala and brought Sameedmon to Odisha. The SP said Veni and the accused were divorced but living together. During mid-2023, the womans 19-year-old son from her first marriage was arrested by Visakhapatnam police in an NDPS case. Believing that her son was arrested because of Sameedmon, who was also involved in illegal drug trade, Veni used to fight with the accused regularly. Fearing that Veni might tell police about his involvement in drug trade, Sameedmon hatched a plan to eliminate her. The accused brought the woman to Berhampur on some pretext and killed her in the lodge. After committing the crime, he returned to Kerala and became involved in ganja trade till he was nabbed by police around four months back.
Odisha: Govt engineer arrested in disproportionate assets case
Berhampur: An engineer in Odishas Ganjam district was arrested on charges of possessing assets disproportionate to his known source of income, officials said Tuesday. The accused has been identified as Subash Chandra Panda, deputy general manager (civil) at the Odisha State Police Housing Welfare Corporations Berhampur division. According to the Vigilance departments statement, multi-storeyed buildings []
Mango kernel tragedy: One more succumbs at SCB MCH in Odisha
CUTTACK: One of the two tribal women undergoing treatment at SCB medical college and hospital here for organ failure due to consumption of mango kernel gruel, succumbed on Monday. The deceased was identified as Jita Majhi of Mandipanka village in Kandhamal district. Head of Medicine department Prof Dr Jayant Panda said, Despite our efforts, we could not save Jita who was undergoing haemodialysis with ventilator support. She passed away at 2.15 pm in the Medicine ICU of the hospital. Earlier, two persons died and six others fell seriously ill after consuming mango kernel gruel in Mandipanka village. Of the six, Jita and Tuni Majhi were undergoing treatment at MKCG medical college and hospital in Berhampur. The duo was shifted to SCB MCH after their condition deteriorated on November 2. Both had multi-organ failure involving liver and kidney and were slowly responding to treatment by a team of experts from Medicine and Hepatology departments besides the Critical Care unit of SCB MCH.
Berhampur cops perform babys last rites after parents refuse to claim body
Vigilance unearths assets worth crores during raids at properties of two government officials
BHUBANESWAR: Vigilance on Monday launched a vigorous campaign against corruption by launching searches at the property of two government officials over allegations of amassing disproportionate assets and caught red-handed a gynaecologist posted at Kalahandi district headquarters hospital for reportedly accepting bribe to carry out treatment of a pregnant woman. In the first instance, Odisha State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation Limited's (OPHWC) Berhampur division deputy general manager (civil engineer), Subhash Chandra Panda, was found in possession of 1 kg of gold and other assets worth crores during the Vigilance raids. Acting on a tip-off that Panda had amassed huge wealth by unfair means, the anti-corruption agency's officers launched simultaneous searches at the property linked to him earlier in the day. During the operation, he reportedly threw a bag containing Rs 10 lakh from his three-storeyed house in Bhubaneswar to his neighbour's terrace. The cash was recovered by the Vigilance officers. They also unearthed another Rs 3 lakh in cash from his house in the capital city. So far, Panda and his family members have been found in possession of 1 kg gold, a three-storeyed building spread over 4,000 sq/ft and a two-storeyed house in Bhubaneswar's Aiginia and Barimunda areas respectively. This apart, four high-value plots in the capital city were also found in his possession. The technical wing of the anti-corruption agency is assessing the value of Panda's immovable property to ascertain their market value. Vigilance also traced his two cars including one Benami four-wheeler. On the day, searches were carried out at Panda's houses in Aiginia and Barimunda, his rented accommodation and office chamber in Berhampur. Searches are continuing and more assets of him and his family members like bank and other deposits are expected to be further unearthed, said a Vigilance officer. In a related development, Kamakhyanagar sub-collector Narayan Chandra Nayak was found in possession of four buildings, 13 plots and other assets worth crores when Vigilance carried out simultaneous searches at his property over allegations of accumulating huge wealth by resorting to corrupt practices. Nayak and his family members were found in possession of a three-storeyed under-construction building spread over 4,800 sq/ft in the capital's Jharpada area and another two-storeyed under-construction building spread over 6,800 sq/ft in Bhadrak. He also owns a three-storeyed building in Bhadrak and 13 high-value plots including six in Bhubaneswar. Vigilance also traced gold ornaments weighing 250 gm and Rs 1.48 lakh cash from him. The valuation of Nayak's immovable assets is being carried out by the technical wing and his bank/insurance and other deposits are being ascertained, said the Vigilance officer. Vigilance on Monday carried out simultaneous searches at the property linked to Nayak across 10 locations in the state. Searches were carried out at his office chamber and government quarters in Kamakhyanagar, his parental house in Kapagaria village, houses of his relative and two associates in Bhadrak's Barunei, Joragadia and Dhalpur in Mayurbhanj district respectively. In the third development, Vigilance caught red handed Dr Ashok Kumar Dash, consultant obstetrics and gynaecology (clinical)-cum-joint director of Kalahandi district headquarters hospital while allegedly accepting Rs 6,000 bribe from the relative of a pregnant woman to carry out her pre-natal and post-natal treatment. After seizing the ill-gotten money from Dash, Vigilance carried out simultaneous searches at the property linked to him in four locations to ascertain if he had amassed disproportionate assets.
14 held for group clash in Berhampur
Odisha's Patapur police station selected as best in India
Berhampur: Patapur police station in Odisha's Ganjam district has been selected as one of the three best police stations in the country in 2024 by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), officials said. Union Home minister Amit Shah will hand over the trophy to the inspector-in-charge of the police station in the convention of the Director Generals of Police, scheduled to be held at Bhubaneswar from November 29 to December 1. Joint Director and conference secretary, Intelligence Bureau of the MHA, Samir S IIme has written a letter to Odisha Director General of Police, Y B Khurania about the selection of Patapur as the best police station in the country, they said. The ranking of police stations across the country is an annual exercise by the MHA, with the stations judged on the basis of over 150 different parameters like crime rate, investigation and disposal of cases, infrastructure, and delivery of public service. About 20 per cent of the total points are also based on feedback about the police station from citizens, they said. The main objective of the ranking was to improve the quality of policing and make the police stations as friendly. We are very happy as our police station stands as one of the three best police stations in the country. It could be possible due to the teamwork of the staff, said SP(Ganjam), Suvendu Kumar Patra. A team of the MHA had visited the 113-year-old Patapur police station on September 28 to assess its infrastructure facilities, said Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Aska. The team had also taken feedback from the public about the community policing and functioning of the station, officials said. Besides performance on detection, disposal of various crimes, enforcement, steps taken to prevent crimes, implementation of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS), the police station also has good infrastructure facilities like women and child desk, child-friendly corner, toilets, fire safety measures and open gym for the public.
Pregnant woman missing from Odisha's MKCG hospital
BERHAMPUR: The MKCG medical college and hospital (MKCG MCH), the referral hospital for 10 southern districts of Odisha often remains in news for the wrong reasons. After hitting headlines for ragging of MBBS students, the hospital is now under fire after a pregnant woman went missing from the labour ward of its Gynaecology department on November 11. Sasmita Behera (23) of Badabadangi village in Ganjam was referred to MKCG by doctors of Sorada hospital. Sasmita reached the hospital in an ambulance along with her family and an ASHA worker. However, the ambulance staff dropped Sasmita and the others at the hospital gate. After a hue and cry, she was taken inside and admitted to the Gynaecology department. While Ganjam CDMO Dr Bijay Kumar Panda ordered a probe into the incident, Sasmita who was reportedly admitted to the labour ward went missing. Head of Gynaecology department Prof Sanghamitra Mohapatra was directed to inquire under what circumstances did Sasmita leave the hospital. While Sasmita is yet to be traced, the authorities said the report of the probe into the incident is awaited. Amid the mystery surrounding Sasmitas disappearance, it is alleged she was taken to a private nursing home for delivery. While it is alleged brokers often deviate patients from the hospital to private healthcare centres, the facility is reeling under staff shortage. After promotion of former dean Prof Santosh Kumar Mishra as DMET, existing superintendent Prof Suchitra Dash is holding additional charge of dean since the last week of May.
Odisha: Three killed, 13 injured in separate road accidents
Bhubaneswar: In a tragic series of road mishaps across Odisha on Sunday, three people lost their lives, and more than 13 sustained severe injuries, underscoring growing concerns about road safety in the state. In Paradips Atharbanki, Mahendra Jena, a fish vendor, was killed when a speeding truck ran over him. Jena, who was on a bicycle heading to sell fish on the occasion of Chhadakhai, was fatally struck, leading to outrage among locals. Residents staged a road blockade, demanding restrictions on heavy vehicle movement in the area and compensation for the victims family. Another fatality occurred in Balasore when Kanhu Pradhan, a young man returning home from work, was hit by an unidentified vehicle near Indira Square in Basta. The vehicle fled the scene after the incident on National Highway 16. Police have recovered the body and initiated efforts to trace the absconding vehicle. The third incident claimed the life of a female tourist, Sarojini Behera, and left over 13 others injured when their vehicle overturned at Kendughati in Gajapati district under Mohana police limits. The group, traveling from Bhubaneswar to Koraputs Gupteswar, reportedly faced the accident due to reckless driving. The injured passengers were initially rushed to the Mohana Community Health Centre (CHC), with two critically injured individuals later transferred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment. The ill-fated vehicle was carrying 15 people, including the driver, at the time of the accident. Injured passengers cited rash driving as the cause. These incidents have once again drawn attention to the alarming rise in road accidents in Odisha. Authorities and citizens alike are calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
Ganjam Darshan falters as buses gather dust at depot
Berhampur: To attract more tourists to Ganjams scenic destinations, the district administration had introduced the Ganjam Darshan bus service, assigning its operations to the Berhampur Development Authority (BeDA). However, the project failed to roll out as anticipated and the brand-new buses have been gathering dust at the City Bus Depot in Haladiapadar near Berhampur. Initially []
Man held for duping youths on overseas jobs promise in Ganjam
BERHAMPUR: A 28-year-old man from Chikiti in Ganjam was arrested by Golanthara police for allegedly cheating unemployed youths by assuring them jobs abroad. Golanthara IIC Bibekananda Swain said Sunil Kumar Sahu of the Bhubaneswar unit of Protector of Emigrants (PoE) had on Thursday alleged that an institute at Pitapali village is cheating unemployed youths by promising them jobs abroad. A police team along with representatives of PoE reached the village and during the search, found that over 20 youths were appearing for an interview at the accused Sadi Sanmukh Raos Krithika Technical Training Institute. During probe, it was found that the youths were being interviewed for the post of welder in Turkey. The team discovered that the institute had collected money from the job aspirants without obtaining authorisation/immigration clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs. Police said Rao had founded a public charitable and technical trust and collected money from youths promising them jobs abroad. While Sanmukh was arrested, the youths duped by him were advised to lodge complaints with police. A case under sections 318 (4) and 143 (3) of BNS along with section 24 of Emigration Act was filed and investigation is on, said police.
Odisha's Dongria tribals forced to consume tamarind seed gruel amid food scarcity
BERHAMPUR: As the mango kernel deaths in Kandhamal district continue to trigger political debate, not far away in Rayagada, similar consumption practices in the absence of adequate availability of foodgrains continue under the radar. Tribals of the district, mostly Dongrias residing in Niyamgiri hill, consume gruel made of tamarind seeds and the stem (centrepiece) of the Salap tree (Caryata urens). Says Sonali Nissaka (25), a Dongria woman of Niyamgiri Hill, consumption of gruel made of different seeds and stems is not a choice but a compulsion for her and others from her community. The Dongrias, she said, used to subsist on forest produce and shifting cultivation while a few also work as daily wage labourers. However, now the forest produce has dwindled and shifting cultivation ended. With no work back home, members of the particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) are migrating to other states. Social worker Bijay Das said the government, be it Central or state spend crores of rupees on welfare schemes of PVTGs, but condition of the PVTGs has not improved which forces them to depend on inedible There is no work available. We somehow manage with the PDS rice. Our lean period is from August to November. During this phase, work is not available due to rains and people have no money to buy rice once the PDS stock runs out, he said. In a bid to tide over such crisis, the tribals take to gruel made of seeds, he added. Kalamu Kadraka (60) of Kurli village, one of the 120 villages on Niyamgiri hill, said PDS rice is distributed among the beneficiaries once every two or three months in the area. Every beneficiary is given five kg rice per month. Is it enough for even two square meals? Kalamu questioned. This deprivation, the tribals say, prompts Dongrias to collect stems of Salap from the forest. They dry the stems and grind it properly. The powder is then put in an earthen pot to which water is added to make the gruel. Dr S Padhy who was posted in the area as a medical officer said, Salap stems are inedible and may cause stomach disorder and diarrhoea. The Dongrias were made aware of it but the practice continues, he said. However, sarpanch of Kurli panchayat Subardini Wadaka denied consumption of gruel made of Salap stems directly. He claimed the powder is a nutrient and is mixed with food like rice, maize and millet. He, however, kept mum on execution of welfare schemes and employment opportunities in the area. An official of Kalyansingpur block, on condition of anonymity, said the state government releases funds for executing welfare schemes on time but the utilisation leaves a lot to be desired. Consumption of gruel and water from springs is common among villagers of Niyamgiri but the administration has always presented a rosy picture of the area and its inhabitants. Since 2016, the officer said, Rs 66.24 crore has been spent by Dongria Kondh Development Authority on welfare schemes in the villages but the tribals still live in penury. Two decades, Rayagada too had witnessed deaths due to consumption of mango kernel gruel. Though, no such incident has been reported from the district of late, gruel made of Salap stem poses a grave risk for the Dongrias, the official added.
Odisha: Servitors among six arrested for theft at Tara Tarini temple
Berhampur: Four servitors were among the six persons arrested in connection with the theft of ornaments and cash from the revered Tara Tarini temple in Odishas Ganjam district, police said Friday. Silver ornaments worth Rs 10 lakh were stolen from the temple, a Shakta Pith located on a hilltop in Purushottampur, November 4. Among the []
Servitors among 6 arrested for theft at famed Odisha temple
Berhampur: Four servitors were among the six persons arrested in connection with the theft of ornaments and cash from the revered Tara Tarini temple in Odisha's Ganjam district, police said on Friday. Silver ornaments worth Rs 10 lakh were stolen from the temple, a 'Shakta Pith' located on a hilltop in Purushottampur, on November 4. Among the items stolen were the crowns of the deities, a ceremonial umbrella and masks of the deities, according to police. The accused were identified as Amulya Rana (28), Bikash Rana (20), Rabin Kumar Rana of Gobindapur and Goutam Rana of Pratapur -- all servitors of the temple. The other two are the night watchmen of the temple, Kalia Dash (35) and Balaram Nayak (45) of Raipur. A cutter machine was seized from Kalia, while some electrical equipment was found with Balaram. A total of Rs 39,000 in cash was recovered from Amulya and Rabin, said SDPO (Purushottampur) Rajani Kanta Samal. He said the stolen silver ornaments could not be recovered from the accused persons. We are trying to recover the silver ornaments of the deities, he added. Samal said the investigation was continuing to find the other persons involved in the theft. The accused entered the temple by breaking the locks of the entrance gate. Besides stealing the silver ornaments, they had also taken cash from the 'hundi' or the donation box of the temple, police said. The matter came to light on the next morning. An investigation was started after the temple's managing committee lodged a police complaint. CCTV cameras have been installed at the temple following the theft.
Odisha government asks DGP to probe assault on Sikkim man
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has asked Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania to investigate the allegation against a traffic personnel of assaulting a native of Sikkim in Gopalpur. In a notification on Wednesday, the Home department requested the DGP to take necessary action in connection with the incident and submit an action taken report within 15 days. Khurania was also asked to consider the matter as extremely urgent. On November 3, Yogesh Sherpa (34), a differently-abled man from Sikkim, was allegedly assaulted by traffic personnel in Gopalpur. Taking cognisance of the matter, the chief ministers office (CMO) of Sikkim requested Odisha government to direct its officials, who are investigating the incident, to forward a report of the action initiated by them. The Sikkim government intervention came after Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA), a tribal organisation, wrote to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and drew his attention towards the alleged assault on Sherpa. The DSA said Sherpa, who runs a momo stall in Balugaon, had visited Gopalpur with his friends for sightseeing when he was reportedly beaten up by the traffic personnel. He suffered serious injuries in the assault. On November 4, Berhampur police had refuted the allegation and said Sherpa in an inebriated state was travelling with a man on a two-wheeler. They avoided a routine vehicle check conducted by local traffic personnel at Sunda Chowk. After travelling some distance, Sherpa became unconscious due to excessive drinking and was admitted to MKCG medical college and hospital in Berhampur. He was later shifted to AIIMS in Bhubaneswar, said police. Following the allegation of assault, an additional SP-ranked officer was directed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.
12-year-old drowns while trying to save three siblings
BERHAMPUR: A 12-year-old girl died while attempting to save her three siblings from drowning in the village pond at Chikili village within Khallikote police limits on Thursday. The deceased is Jelina Pradhan. Sources said Jelina along with her sisters Selina (10), Elina (8) and Srihari (9) had gone to the village pond for bathing when the trio slipped deeper into the water body. Hearing their screams, Jelina jumped to their rescue and with much difficulty managed to bring them out in an unconscious state. Locals had gathered at the spot by that time but none remembered to rescue Jelina. By the time they realised she had not come out of the pond, her body was found floating. The four kids were rushed to the local hospital where Jelina was declared dead. Her sisters were shifted to Khallikote hospital and their condition is stated to be stable. On being informed, police reached the spot and sent the body for postmortem. An unnatural death case was registered in this connection.
Class VIII dropout poses as doctor, conducts surgeries in Berhampur clinic
BERHAMPUR: Utpal Balas humble academic background did not prevent him from posing as a doctor and even treating patients for various ailments. Utpal, a resident of Tinna Netajipalli village in Hoogly district of West Bengal failed in Class VIII and never pursued his academic endeavours further. But he opened a clinic at Mitra Street in Berhampur city where he treated patients. Utpal was caught during a raid on the clinic on Thursday. Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M said Utpal worked as a waiter at a hotel in Visakhapatnam from 2016 to 2019. He then came to Berhampur where he took a house on rent at Rampa Street and opened his clinic called Krissha Piles Clinic. Another board on the clinic reads Sexual Health Clinic and Gupta Roga Chikitsalaya. The boards mention that Utpal is a Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BMS). Saravana said Utpal had been treating people for ailments like piles and others. He also conducted surgeries for piles and pustules. He said recently one Jashya Muthamajhi (23) of Kandhamal had come to the clinic for treatment of piles. Utpal took Rs 12,000 from Jashya for treatment. Even as Jashya was not cured, Utpal sought Rs 12,000 more from him. Jashya smelled foul and lodged a complaint with police following which a raid was conducted at the clinic and Utpal arrested. The SP said along with the sign boards, surgery equipment were also seized from the clinic. Interestingly, Utpals clinic was located at a stones throw from the district health office.
Tension at MKCG hospital over maternal death
Berhampur: Tension ran high Wednesday at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital here in Ganjam district over medical negligence following the death of a woman after childbirth allegedly due to infusion of wrong group of blood and a lack of timely treatment. The deceased was identified as Suneli Nayak, 24, wife of Prashant Nayak, a []
Court in Odisha issues warrant against former MP Rao, five others
BERHAMPUR: A court in Rayagada on Tuesday issued non-bailable warrants (NBW) against six persons including district BJD president and former MP N Bhaskar Rao in connection with the sensational murder of tribal leader and trustee of Maa Majhighariani temple Bhagirathi Mandangi nearly 14 years back. The court of SDJM Barsha Das issued the NBWs for the arrest of Rao, a former Rajya Sabha member, and five others while hearing a petition filed by Bhagirathis brother Jagannath Mandangi. Bhagirathi was murdered on December 15, 2010. His charred body with hands and legs tied was found floating in a dam in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier in 2021 and 2023, the Adivashi Mahasangha of Rayagada had intensified agitation demanding speedy and impartial inquiry in the murder case. Bhagirathis family and president of Adivashi Mahasangha Appalaswamy Kadraka had also demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They had alleged that police failed to bring the culprits into the ambit of investigation as they were members of BJD, which was the ruling party then. They also claimed that Bhagirathi was murdered as he detected and raised voice against irregularities in the temple management. Following the outcry, the then Odisha government had ordered a Crime Branch probe into the murder. However, no progress was made in the investigation. Aggrieved over the inordinate delay in probe, Jagannath filed the petition in Rayagada SDJM court in February this year. The petitioners counsel Samuel Tandi said the court issued the NBWs on the basis of evidence and statements of the witnesses. The case has been filed under sections 302, 201 and 34 of IPC. Despite repeated attempts, Rao was not available for comment.
Human skeleton found in abandoned stone quarry in Odisha's Balasore
The skeleton has been recovered from a long abandoned stone quarry in a remote hilltop Berhampur area in Nilagiri subdivision, an officer said
Human skeleton found in abandoned stone quarry in Odishas Balasore
Balasore: The Odisha Police has seized a human skeleton from an abandoned stone quarry at Tiakata village in Balasore district, an officer said Monday. The skeleton has been recovered from a long abandoned stone quarry in a remote hilltop Berhampur area in Nilagiri subdivision on Sunday, he said. The police came to know about the []
Berhampur SP's social media post using emojis to cover up faces of accused goes viral
As many as 2,952 users have liked it, while 925 have reposted and 218 commented on the post by the time
Berhampur SPs social media post using emojis to cover up faces of accused goes viral
Berhampur: A recent social media post by the Superintendent of Police, Berhampur has gone viral as he used different emojis to cover the faces of the accused persons arrested in an assault case. The post includes the faces of the four accused who have been covered with emojis portraying different emotions like one is pleading, []
Berhampur SPs humorous post covering accuseds face with emojis gets 1m views
The Berhampur Police in Odisha have gone viral for their humorous approach to arrest announcements on social media. Instead of blurring the faces of accused individuals, the police have opted to use emojis, adding a playful twist to their posts and garnering positive attention from the public.
Odisha: Revenue matters to be reviewed by RDC every quarter
BERHAMPUR: The office of revenue divisional commissioner (south) will host an annual zonal conference of revenue officers and conduct quarterly review of revenue matters. Revenue minister Suresh Pujari, who took stock of revenue matters at a state-level meeting, attended by the additional chief secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department Deoranjan Kumar Singh, senior officials of the department and all RDCs and district officials concerned, asked officials to undertake pro-people initiatives like expeditious settlement of homestead land claims, ensuring actual possession, addressing PMAY and related land issues, provisioning of land to industries and other stakeholders. He also stressed the protection of government land and use of technology to address faster disposal of revenue cases, earnest steps for redressal of grievances and regular review of all revenue offices.
Sad to see people eat mango kernel in state that topped NFSA implementation 2 years ago: Naveen
Bhubaneswar/Berhampur: Intensifying his attack on the BJP government in Odisha, BJD president and former CM Naveen Patnaik Friday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of two women who lost their lives after consuming mango kernel. He called it too sad to witness such tragedies in a state that had topped the list for successfully implementing []
11 get life for 11-year-old murder
Berhampur: A court in Ganjam district Thursday sentenced 11 people to life imprisonment for killing a 31-year-old history-sheeter in Gosaninuagaon area about 11 years ago. The District and Sessions Court Judge, Rupashree Choudhury, awarded life imprisonment to the accused persons involved in the muchhyped Shanti Mishra murder case which took place January 29, 2013, after []
Odisha RDC launches probe into Kandhamal mango kernel deaths amid opposition allegations
BERHAMPUR: Amid a war of words between BJP and Opposition parties over deaths of two women due to consumption of mango kernel gruel in Kandhamal district, RDC (South) Roopa Roshan Sahoo along with collector Amrit Ruturaj started a probe into the incident on Wednesday. Sahoo visited Mandipanka village on the day and interacted with the families of the two who died and those who are undergoing treatment. The RDC said she will visit the village again on November 11 as part of the probe. On Tuesday, Ruturaj had also visited the village. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had ordered a probe by the RDC into the incident after allegations by the Opposition that tribals in the district are not being given rice under National Food Security Act. While the two women died on November 1, six others were hospitalised after consuming the mango kernel gruel in the village under Daringbadi block. Two of the six women were shifted to SCB Medical College and hospital in Cuttack after their condition worsened. The rest four, undergoing treatment at MKCG medical college and hospital at Berhampur are recovering, claimed dean and superintendent Prof Suchitra Dash. Despite the incident hogging headlines, several women of the village said they continue to consume gruel made of mango kernel and bamboo shoots. Though they did not wish to be named, several of them alleged they have not received PDS rice for the last three months. The women alleged in some families which have as many as seven members, 20 kg of PDS rice is not adequate owing to which several villagers depend on mango kernel and bamboo shoot gruel for sustenance. They further alleged the women from the village have applied for the Subhadra scheme but are yet to receive the benefit. Meanwhile,the district administration has swung into action and is conducting awareness programmes in the area. Anganwadi and ASHA workers led by Daringbadi CDPO Sandhyarani Panda have been visiting villages in the block and advising residents to desist from consuming mango kernel gruel. PDS rice distribution delay linked to wheat distribution indecision in Odisha
Burglars break into Odisha's Tara Tarini temple, make away with ornaments worth lakhs
BERHAMPUR: Unidentified miscreants broke into Tara Tarini temple complex and decamped with ornaments worth lakhs of rupees at Purushottampur in Ganjam district late on Tuesday night. The silver crown of the deity and a ceremonial umbrella were found stolen, executive officer of the temple board TK Reddy said. The anti-socials reportedly broke the locks of the donation box but couldnt loot the money kept inside it. The theft came to light when servitors reached the temple in the morning and found the locks of the main gate and the metal grills broken. The shrine was closed at 10 pm on Tuesday. Later, police reached the spot and began investigation. The head priest of the temple said the miscreants decamped with various silver ornaments and other valuables. Reddy said the temple lacks CCTV surveillance as they were removed during renovation works. During a meeting last month, the temple board had decided to re-install the CCTV cameras after completion of renovation works. But the cameras hadnt been installed. The security guard was on duty when the loot took place but as he keeps roaming on the premises, the miscreants managed to sneak in when he was not present near the main gate, he added. Police said investigation is underway and a manhunt launched to nab the burglars. Meanwhile, concerned over the frequent loot incidents in the area, locals called for a high-level inquiry into the matter. A fact-finding team of the BJD comprising former MP Chandrasekhar Sahu, former MLAs Bikram Panda and Suryamani Baidya, Ganjam BJD unit president Ramesh Chandra Choupatnaik and others reached the shrine to take stock of the incident and prepare a report.
CRUT revises speed limit of reckless Mo Buses, warns of strict against overspeeding
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to check rash driving, the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) on Wednesday revised the speed limits of Mo Buses with Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra warning strict action against drivers found to be overspeeding. Mahapatra said in cities, Mo Buses will be allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 40 km/hr. On highways, the buses can travel up to 50 km/hr. The decision to revise the speed limits came a few days after a woman suffered serious injuries when a Mo Bus hit her in Chandrasekharpur area here. Interestingly, CRUT recently conducted an internal audit to check the driving ethics of its drivers and found out that Mo Buses were involved in 139 accidents in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Puri and Berhampur in the last one year. CRUT operates Mo Buses in these six cities. In fact, seven persons were killed in road accidents involving Mo Buses in the last two years. In many instances, overspeeding by Mo Bus drivers was found to be the reason behind the accidents. Sources said after the audit, CRUT decided to reduce the speed limit of its buses and the same was proposed to the state government. Mo Bus drivers have been asked to travel at a speed of 35 km/hr at the places where metro rail or other construction works are underway to ensure safety of passengers as well as commuters. Around 475 buses ply in the six cities and each of them is equipped with a speed governor. Earlier, Mo Buses were allowed to travel at 50 km/hr in the city area and 60 km/hr on highways as per the speed limits set by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Apart from overspeeding, CRUT has also planned to curb drunk driving. We have 20 breath analysers. The Transport department has been requested to provide another 20 such devices to check drunk driving, said a CRUT official. Sources said in the last one year, CRUT detected 12 instances of drunk driving and approached the regional transport offices (RTOs) concerned to suspend the licenses of the erring drivers.
Silver ornaments worth Rs 10 lakh looted from Odishas Tara Tarini temple
Berhampur: Silver ornaments worth nearly Rs 10 lakh were looted from Tara Tarini temple, a famous Shakti shrine, in Odishas Ganjam district, police said Wednesday. The jewellery looted from the hilltop temple in Purusottampur includes the crowns of the deities, ceremonial umbrellas and masks of the deities. Though the miscreants attempted to loot the main []
Daha reservoir to be renovated soon for Rs 62 crore, says MLA
BERHAMPUR: The Daha reservoir in Bhanjanagar town of Ganjam district would soon be renovated at a cost of Rs 62 crore, said Bhanjanagar MLA Pradyumna Kumar Nayak. He said while Rs 56 crore will be spent on desilting the reservoir, the rest of the amount will be utilised for constructing a road on its side. A detailed project report (DPR) for the renovation project would soon be prepared. After the road on the side of the reservoir is constructed, it would facilitate a shorter route to connect Bhanjanagar with Kandhamal district. The hill near the reservoir would also be developed. Nayak visited Aurobinda Pitha and addressed a gathering near Daha reservoir. Later, at a meeting of the Irrigation department, assistant executive engineer P Behera said the reservoir was constructed in 1972 and after its renovation, its water storage capacity would increase and it would benefit farmers of the area. Recently, Aska MP, Anita Subhadarshini and Sorada MLA Nilamani Bisoi have urged the Centre and state government to renovate Sorada reservoir. The reservoir is vital for irrigating farmland in Ganjam district.
Two women die, six in critical condition after consuming mango kernel dishes in Odisha
The women experienced severe stomach pain and discomfort after consuming the mango kernel dishes. Initially treated at the local Godapur Community Health Centre (CHC), they were later transferred to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur when their conditions worsened
Family ostracised over land in Ganjam village
BERHAMPUR: Even as people across Ganjam celebrate Durga Puja with pomp and fervour, a family from Laudigaon within Golanthara police limits in the district, is leading a miserable life after being ostracised by for not parting with its land. The family of 17 including two school children were ostracised by a kangaroo court of the village committee on August 23. The family was meted out the treatment as it did not agree to part with its ancestral land. S Mahesh, the head of the family, said he and the others used to earn a livelihood by plucking kewda flowers from the land. This apart, a few members of the family worked as daily wagers at nearby places including IISER. The familys ordeal started when a few villagers tried to take over the land forcibly. The matted reached Golanthara police which managed to settle the issue by asking the two sides to reach a compromise. Maheshs family thought the worse was over. But the village committee, in a meeting, barred the family from the village. The diktat issued at the kangaroo court meant that the family was barred from buying essentials from shops and collect water from tubewells in the village. Even the children were barred from taking tuitions in the village. The committee also warned the villagers they would be imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 if they remained in contact with the family. Further the committee asked kewda bhati (processing units) not to buy flowers from the family. As if this was not enough, contractors were asked not to engage any member of the family in any work being undertaken at IISER. We showed the letter of compromise to shopkeepers, bhati owners and others but in vain, said Mahesh. The village has around 250 households and that of Mahesh is at the end of it. Fetching water from other villages is a tough task for us, said Maheshs daughter Garriamma. On Friday, the family was summoned to Golanthara police station on the direction of higher-ups. But as Mahesh and his family reached the police station, they were told that the IIC was out on patrolling duty. Refuting the familys allegations, village head Naidu N Dileshu said no family has been ostracised from the village. If shopkeepers are not selling essentials to the family, it could be due to a dispute, he said . Relentless harassment The family's ordeal started when some villagers tried to take over the land forcibly Police managed to convince both the parties to reach a compromise Yet the harassment of the family continues
In Berhampur city, Odisha, Prashant Kumar Nayak has installed a life-size silicone statue of his wife, Kiran, who died during the COVID pandemic. Created by a Bengaluru-based sculptor over a year, the statue aims to fill the void for the family, particularly their three children.
Transforming Jharkhand: Central Govt's Development Initiatives Under PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to drive India's infrastructure transformation, recently flagging off three new Vande Bharat Express trains, connecting Jharkhand with major cities across the country. On September 15, PM Modi virtually launched these modern trains from Tatanagar, extending India's semi-high-speed rail network. The newly introduced routesTatanagar-Patna, Deoghar-Varanasi, and Tatanagar-Berhampurwill significantly enhance both intra- and inter-state connectivity. The Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express will complete the journey in approximately seven hours, running six days a week. Additionally, the Deoghar-Varanasi route, connecting two major pilgrimage centers, is expected to boost religious tourism and improve Jharkhand's railway infrastructure. These infrastructure projects reflect the Central Government's dedication to improving Jharkhands connectivity, industry, and overall development. While the state government under Hemant Soren's leadership has faced challenges in fully capitalizing on these advancements, the BJP is positioning itself to spearhead Jharkhands journey toward greater prosperity. Expanding Railway Connectivity The Modi government has been pivotal in enhancing Jharkhands railway network. The introduction of Vande Bharat Express trains on routes such as Ranchi-Patna and Ranchi-Howrah has reduced travel time, facilitating business, education, and personal travel. Key projects like the Ranchi-Lohardaga-Tori railway line renovation and electrification have boosted efficiency in both freight and passenger services. Modernizing railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has further positioned Jharkhand as a future logistics and transit hub. Airport Development: Elevating Jharkhands Connectivity The 2022 inauguration of Deoghar Airport was a significant achievement, linking Jharkhand to India's aviation network and supporting religious tourism. Upcoming projects such as Bokaro and Dumka airports are expected to further integrate the state into national and international flight routes, creating jobs and boosting the economy. Sahibganj Multi-Modal Terminal: Strengthening Trade Inaugurated in 2019 under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, the Sahibganj Multi-Modal Terminal has bolstered cargo movement by connecting waterways, rail, and road networks. Situated along the Ganga River, this terminal has made transporting goods between Jharkhand, Varanasi, Haldia, and Nepal more efficient. The expansion of its cargo capacity from 30 lakh to 55 lakh tons underscores the government's long-term vision for Jharkhands role as a strategic hub for trade and exports. Industrial Growth and Economic Development Jharkhand's abundant resources have played a key role in the Central Governments drive for industrial growth. Initiatives like LPG bottling plants in Bokaro and Barhi have boosted local energy production and created job opportunities. The Sindri Nano Urea Plant addresses a crucial gap in the agricultural sector by reducing dependence on urea imports, benefiting farmers in Jharkhand and surrounding regions. The state's integration into major industrial frameworks like the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor is set to accelerate industrial development and lower transportation costs, strengthening Jharkhand's economic foundation. Advancements in Education and Healthcare The Modi government's commitment to social development extends to improving education and healthcare in Jharkhand. Programs like Eklavya Model Residential Schools offer quality education to tribal children, helping bridge the gap in educational access in rural areas. PM SHRI Schools have modernized numerous schools, providing students with enhanced infrastructure, smart classrooms, and computer labs. Healthcare access has significantly improved with the establishment of AIIMS Deoghar, providing advanced medical services that previously required travel to distant cities. The Ayushman Bharat Scheme has provided free healthcare to millions, while Jan Aushadhi Kendras offer affordable medicines to the underprivileged. Empowering Tribal Communities Prime Minister Modis government has prioritized the empowerment of tribal communities through dedicated schemes in education, healthcare, and economic development. Projects like the construction of Birsa Munda Smriti Park and the GI tag recognition of Hazaribagh's Sohrai and Khovar art celebrate Jharkhand's rich cultural heritage. Improvements in housing, roads, and infrastructure in tribal areas have further uplifted marginalized populations. A Vision for Jharkhands Future With the BJP positioning itself as a leader for Jharkhand's future, the Central Government's development initiatives provide a clear roadmap for progress. The people of Jharkhand, having experienced the benefits of the Centre's policies, are poised to welcome a new era of growth and self-reliance under the leadership of the BJP. From Varanasi to Agra in 7-hrs: All You Need to Know About New VandeBharat Train PM Modi Flags Off Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: THESE Routes to Cover Key Destinations Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express: Travel in Just 8 Hours Details Here
65-year-old gang-raped by neighbours in Medchal
Hyderabad :A 65-year-old was allegedly gang-raped by three men on Thursday night, Medchal police said on Friday.According to ACP Shanker Reddy, the woman and the suspected accused were neighbours. On Thursday night, the accused had reportedly called the woman to one Venkata Rao's house for cooking. Later in the night, all the four consumed alcohol and the victim fell asleep. On Friday morning, the victim woke up and noticed she was bleeding. When she reached out to the police, they started an investigation. The ACP said that Venkata Rao, 30, confessed to the crime, but denied the presence of the others. However, the victim claimed there were three people involved, but the role of the other two has not been established yet, according to the ACP. A preliminary medical examination of the victim's health has benefits done and further investigation is underway. Two Arrested for Transporting Ganja via Hyderabad Hyderabad : The Rajendranagar special operations team and Dundigal police arrested two persons while transporting 86 kg of dry ganja from Odisha to Delhi via Hyderabad, near ORR Exit No. 5, Dundigal, on Friday. The arrested accused were identified as Sunindra Kumar Singh of Odisha, the transporter and Laxmi, of Malkangiri. Amit Agarwal of Delhi, main supplier Raju from Berhampur and Shiva, another transporter, are absconding, police said. DCA Seizes Steroids Worth Rs 2 Lakh in Koti Hyderabad : The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Friday raided Rakesh Distributor in Koti and seized 22 varieties of steroids that the establishment was storing, including androgen and anabolic steroids, worth 2 lakh. The police booked cases against owner Rakesh Kanodia. The DCA also raided Srikanth Neurocentre at Miyapur which was found operating a medical shop without a drug licence. Officials seized 31 varieties of medicines valued 1.01 lakh. Youth Attacked During Ganesha Fete Hyderabad :In an attempted hate crime, 26-year-old Panikara Sai a.k.a. Moksh Yadav was attacked with a knife while operating a DJ system during the recent Ganesh immersion procession. The accused, Mahesh, bore a grudge against Sai as his sister, Manasa, had married the victim against her familys wishes about a year ago. They both belong to the same caste, police said. Following the attack, Sai was rushed to a private Hospital in Keesara, where he received four stitches and was later discharged. Meanwhile, police apprehended Mahesh. Manasa filed a complaint with the Ghatkesar police prompting them to register a case of attempted murder.
Seven students from a state-run engineering college in Berhampur, Odisha, were expelled from their hostel for cooking beef, an activity restricted on the premises. The college authorities took action after an inquiry and informed the parents. A penalty was also imposed on one student.
Odisha: Seven students expelled from college hostel for allegedly cooking beef
Berhampur: Seven students of a state-run engineering college in Odisha's Berhampur district were expelled from their hostel for allegedly cooking beef, a estricted activity on the premises, an official said on Monday. Parala Maharaja Engineering College authorities issued an order on Thursday, stating that the seven boarders of two hostels were expelled for being involved in estrictive activities. One of the seven students was imposed a penalty of Rs 2,000. The college authorities also conveyed the decision to the parents of the students, he said. According to the official, the expelled students cooked beef in their hostel room on Wednesday, violating the rules and the code of conduct of the institution. A section of college students drew the attention of the principal of the institution about the incident. The action was taken against the students after an inquiry, the official said. Activists of Bajrang Dal and VHP have demanded strong action against the erring students. Keeping in view of the situation, a tem of police personnel was deployed near the college campus and hostels to avoid any untoward incident.
Jharkhand has three major enemies JMM, Congress and RJD: PM Modi
RANCHI: While addressing a 'Parivartan Yatra' at Jamshedpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Jharkhand has three major enemies: Congress, JMM and RJD. PM Modi had earlier announced 6 rallies in Jharkhand ahead of the assembly polls. The PM attacked the ruling alliance in the speech. RJD is taking revenge over the formation of Jharkhand and it is an open fact that the Congress hates Jharkhand. These people may go to any extent in greed of power and money, said Modi. The PM alleged JMM of supporting Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators. Do you know why it happened? Because the ghost of Congress has entered into the JMM, and when the ghost of Congress enters into any party, appeasement becomes the only agenda of that party, said Modi. For this, first they sacrifice the interests of Dalits, tribals and backward society, the same is happening with JMM, he added. He added that although the JMM was established on the basis of tribal votes, today they are standing with Congress, who have snatched the forest land of tribals. Do you know that there is only one most dishonest party and family in this country? It is the Congress Party and the Congress family; all the streams of corruption originated from there only, he added. PM Modi said that Jharkhand was created with big dreams, but all these dreams got sacrificed to corruption. JMM people also get training from there. All of them have come from the Congress School of Corruption, said Modi. PM Modi landed at Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi on Sunday morning. He flagged off 6 Vande Bharat trains virtually from the airport. Due to heavy rains in Jamshedpur, PM Modi cancelled his trip to Tatanagar railway station, so he virtually flagged off the trains from Ranchi. PMs road show which was scheduled on Jamshedpurs Bishtupur Main Road was also cancelled due to the incessant rain. Later, however, the PM left for Jamshedpur from Ranchi via road. The Vande Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi will run between Berhampur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Howrah-Gaya, Dumka-Howrah and Howrah-Bhagalpur. These trains will enhance religious tourism in the region by offering quicker transportation to pilgrimage destinations such as Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar (Jharkhand), Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Kalighat, and Belur Math in Kolkata (West Bengal).
Odisha To Amend Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960 To Curb Cruelty to Animal
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move aimed at addressing animal welfare and boosting the state's agricultural economy, Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced plans to amend the Orissa Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1960, during the 'Monsoon Meet,' organised by the Union ministry of animal husbandry and dairying. The proposed amendments are expected to make the act more robust in curbing animal cruelty and ensuring better protection for livestock. Majhi's remarks come as part of the broader vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on improving the lives of small farmers through enhanced animal husbandry, improved animal health, pisciculture, and beekeeping at the village level. Odisha is laying the groundwork for transformative changes, despite the new government being in its infancy, Majhi said, highlighting a roadmap that targets both immediate and long-term sectoral growth across the state. Among the key initiatives unveiled was the Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana, a five-year plan with a budget allocation of Rs 1,423.47 crore. This comprehensive scheme is designed to elevate milk production in the state through various support mechanisms, including subsidized calf feed, increased livestock insurance, and the strengthening of dairy cooperatives. Majhi also emphasised Odishas partnership with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), which is set to enhance milk production and fortify state-run cooperatives. Plans include the establishment of a cutting-edge vaccine production unit in Berhampur and a feed analytical laboratory in Bhubaneswar, reflecting the state's commitment to building a resilient dairy industry. In the poultry and small animal sectors, the Prani Sampad Samrudhhi Yojana will soon be launched to promote sustainable livestock farming. Additionally, a Small Animal Breeding Policy is being formulated to stimulate growth in this segment, underscoring Odisha's holistic approach to animal husbandry. Further demonstrating the states commitment to animal welfare, Majhi introduced the GOMATA Yojana (Goal for Management And Treatment of Animals), which aims to improve livestock health through mobile veterinary clinics. He also unveiled the Mukhyamantri Prani Kalyan Yojana, a scheme focused on the compassionate treatment of stray animals, highlighting Odishas focus on both economic and ethical advancements in animal care. Majhi stressed the critical role of animal husbandry and dairy sectors in ensuring India's food security and rural development, pointing out their importance in providing essential nutrients like milk, meat, eggs, and fish. As Odisha approaches its centenary in 2036, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example, aligning our goals with the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, Majhi stated. The Monsoon Meet, a first-of-its-kind event held in Odisha, was attended by key figures, including Union minister for fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with state ministers S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian, as well as senior officials from 15 states. This gathering marked a pivotal moment in discussing future strategies to integrate animal welfare with agricultural development, aligning with India's broader vision for sustainable growth.
PM Modi to Launch Three New Vande Bharat Trains in Jharkhand on September 15
On September 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off three new Vande Bharat Express trains, enhancing connectivity across several regions. These trains will connect Tatanagar to Patna, Deoghar to Varanasi, and Tatanagar to Berhampur, improving travel options for passengers in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. The Vande Bharat trains, designed for long-distance journeys, are known for their efficiency and speed. As electric multiple units, they aim to reduce travel time and provide a smoother experience compared to other trains like the Rajdhani Express. BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed that PM Modi will visit Jamshedpur on September 15 to inaugurate the new services. Along with this, the Prime Minister will also deposit the first installment of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana into the accounts of over 1 lakh beneficiaries. These new Vande Bharat trains will operate six days a week. The Tatanagar-Patna Express is expected to complete its journey in approximately seven hours, with departures scheduled at 6 a.m. from Tatanagar and 3 p.m. from Patna. The Deoghar-Varanasi service will strengthen connections between two key pilgrimage sites, while the Tatanagar-Berhampur train will enhance travel options for passengers in Odisha. This launch follows the recent expansion of Vande Bharat services to other regions, including routes connecting Meerut to Lucknow, Madurai to Bengaluru, and Chennai to Nagercoil. Indore-Jabalpur Express Derails Near Jabalpur, No Injuries Reported These Trains Will Be Cancelled or Rescheduled at Bengaluru Cantonment Station India, US Launch 'Yudh Abhyas' 2024 Joint Military Exercise in Rajasthan
Odisha's unemployment rate at 3.9%, situation worse in urban areas: Govt
Odisha had an unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent, which was higher than the national average of 3.2 per cent, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain told the assembly on Friday. In a written reply to BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo, Swain said Odisha was in the 21st position among all states and Union Territories in the unemployment rate as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23 conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). While the unemployment rate in the state's rural areas was 3.6 per cent, it was 6.2 per cent in the urban areas, he said. There were 11,04,229 youths -- 3,86,699 females and 7,17,530 males, who registered themselves with different employment exchanges in the state till May 31, 2024, he added. The highest number of 1,37,986 people registered at the special employment exchange for SC/ST. A total of 57,855 people registered with the employment exchange in Puri, followed by 54,001 people with the exchange in Berhampur in .
Latest reports from Ganjam said the local Berhampur division superintendent Pradip Panigrahi was placed under suspension after two persons died due to the consumption of spurious country liquor
Odisha: 4 killed, 13 injured as tanker overturns on tea stall after colliding with bus
Berhampur: Four people were killed and 13 others injured as a tanker overturned on a roadside tea stall after a head-on collision with a bus in Odisha's Ganjam district on Thursday morning, police said. The accident happened on National Highway 59 at Samarjhola near Hinjili, they said. The bus was on the way from Bhawanipatna to Berhampur, while the tanker was going towards Aska when the accident happened, they added. One person on the bus was killed, and the other three deceased were people sitting at the tea stall, police said. Those injured were admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital, officials said. The condition of two persons was stated to be critical, they said. We have confirmed four deaths so far, Superintendent of Police Jagmohan Meena said. The deceased are yet to be identified, he said. A police team and firefighters were clearing the highway to open it for traffic, he said.
4 dead, 13 injured as tanker overturns after colliding with bus in Odisha
Four people were killed and 13 others injured as a tanker overturned on a roadside tea stall after a head-on collision with a bus in Odisha's Ganjam district on Thursday morning, police said. The accident happened on National Highway 59 at Samarjhola near Hinjili, they said. The bus was on the way from Bhawanipatna to Berhampur, while the tanker was going towards Aska when the accident happened, they added. One person on the bus was killed, and the other three deceased were people sitting at the tea stall, police said. Those injured were admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital, officials said. The condition of two persons was stated to be critical, they said. We have confirmed four deaths so far, Superintendent of Police Jagmohan Meena said. The deceased are yet to be identified, he said. A police team and firefighters were clearing the highway to open it for traffic, he said.
14 fall ill after consuming country liquor in Odisha's Ganjam
Berhampur: At least 14 people fell ill after allegedly consuming 'spurious' liquor in Odisha's Ganjam district, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place at Moundpur village in Chikita area late on Monday night. All the affected persons hailed from Karbalua village. They had consumed country liquor. Some of them complained of uneasiness and severe vomiting. They were rushed to the community health centre at Chikiti. Later 14 of them were shifted to the MKCH Medical College Hospital here. While 12 people were being treated at the medicine ward, two had been admitted to the ICU, police said. Excise Commissioner Narasingha Bhol and Ganjam district collector Dibyajyoti Parida visited the hospital. Some people have been arrested on charges of selling illicit liquor. Samples of the liquor have been collected and sent for laboratory test, the district collector said. The excise commissioner said stringent action to be taken against the people undertaking illegal liquor business in the area. A joint action team comprising police and excise department officials to be set up to intensify raids on the illegal liquor joints in the district, Bhol said. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati has demanded a complete ban on the sale of country liquor in rural areas.
Odisha Engineer With His Transgender Wife Kills Father for Denial of ATM
Bhubaneswar: A man and his transgender wife allegedly killed their father after the victim reportedly denied giving his ATM card to them. The incident was reported on Monday from Ayodhya Nagar under Baidyanathpur police limits in Odishas Berhampur city. The deceased was identified as Gariba Bandhu Panda (74), a retired Odisha government employee. The accused were identified as Sandip and his wife Shriya. According to police, Gariba Bandhus son Sandip, an engineer by profession, was staying in Mumbai. His wife left him after she discovered that he was in a relationship with a transgender. Sandip and his transgender wife Shriya recently shifted to Odisha and were staying with Gariba Bandhu for the last few months. According to Berhampur Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the accused and his transgender wife assaulted their father after the latter denied giving them his ATM card. Fumed over the denial, the duo banged Gariba Bandhus head against the wall leaving him critically injured on August 14. Seeing that Gariba Bandhu was in a pool of blood, they took him to MKCG Medical College and Hospital on August 16 where doctors declared him dead, the SDPO informed. In order to escape police action, the accused attempted to give the murder an accident angle, the SDPO said. The police arrested the two accused and forwarded them to court. Further investigation into the matter was underway.
Cops unravel twisted case of deceit; 2 minors rescued
KAKINADA : Rajamahendravaram Police has arrested a 29-year-old man from Korukkupet in Tamil Nadu and rescued to minor girls whom the accused had kidnapped, officials said on Monday. East Godavari district superintendent of police (SP) D. Narsimha Kishore said the accused Maroju Venkatesh is a native of Pedamanapuram village in Dathirajeru mandal, Vizianagaram district. Venkatesh was nabbed with the help of Railway Police after he was seen in a train near Korukkupet, Kishore said. The police seized a bag from him which resembled a Railway ticket collectors (TC) bag. It contained empty receipt books, a fake Railway TC identity card, three cell phones and Rs 69,200 in cash. The accused had targeted the daughters of a woman from Berhampur in Odisha, who had separated from her husband and was residing in Dowleswaram for the past eight years. She had two daughters aged 15 and 14 and an eight-year-old son. The accused, along with another 17-year-old girl, rented a portion in the building where the woman and her children were staying. Venkatesh claimed to be a ticket collector and introduced himself to them. Venkatesh said he was transferred to Rajamahendravaram. Venkatesh maintained good relations with all his neighbours, especially the woman. Venkatesh would take the woman and her children out to shopping malls, the Godavari Ghats and hotels. He won the woman's trust and took her to Vijayawada for employment in the Railways. She was kept in a lodge on July 10. On July 21, he took her son to Vijawayada and told the woman that he would admit her two daughters in a hostel there. Meanwhile, Venkatesh sent his minor companion to Visakhapatnam, promising her marriage. When the victim-woman called him, his phone was switched off on July 28. Soon, she found her daughters and the accused were all missing and so she lodged a complaint with Dowleswaram Police. The SP formed four teams to nab the accused. SP Kishore said each team went to a different place, covering Vijayawada, Guntur, Kurnool, Nellore, Hyderabad and Vizianagaram. They posted the two girls and the accused's photos on social media. Fearing arrest, Venkatesh changed his location daily, one day in Rajamahendravaram, the next in Nellore and then in Guntur and so on. Venkatesh told the woman's two girl children that their mother killed their father and was sent to jail for it. He promised to protect the girls. After hearing Venkatesh, the girls surrendered themselves to him. He took a house on rent in Nellore. He even tied up the two girls on occasions. He withdrew `2 lakhs from the womans account, making use of a mobile phone he got from the girls. He used to show different pictures and reels to the girls and impress the girls. The SP said Dowleswaram Police registered a case against the accused under sections 137(2), 143(5), 144(1), 64(2(m), 65 (1) under Bharat Nyaya Samhita, 2023, and section 5 R/w (6) under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The two girls were sent to Rajamahendravaram Government Hospital for medical check up and the child protection officer was directed to look after the safety and welfare of the two girls. The accused was produced before the third additional judicial magistrate. The Investigation was transferred to the women's safety police in-charge DSP K.Venkateswara Rao.
AP police detects two missing girls
Kakinada: The police claim to have identified the whereabouts of two girls who were missing from their home. Police said on Sunday that the accused Maroju Venkatesh, with whom the girls were visiting various places in recent days, would be arrested and brought to Rajamhendravaram along with the two girls on Monday. According to South Zone DSP, Ambika Prasad, the girls mother had separated from her husband and shifted the familys stay to Dowleswaram in East Godavari district from Berhampur in Odisha some eight years ago. The daughters, aged 15 and 14, were studying at a college in Kakinada and staying in a hostel. They came to the Dowleswaram home in May for the summer vacations. Meanwhile, the family got close to Venkatesh, who claimed to be a TT with the Railways and took a house on rent in the vicinity. Venkatesh took the two girls, their mother and some others to Araku in June and later to Tirupati and Vijayawada for pilgrimage. He later took the two girls to their hostel on July 22. However, the mother got to know that the girls did not reach the hostel. She made a police complaint. East Godavari SP Narasimha Kishore led the investigations through several cities. His phone was last traced to Guntur area, police said, adding the arrests would be made soon.
