Two booth level officers engaged in SIR die in Madhya Pradesh, kin blame work pressure
BHOPAL: Two government teachers working as booth level officers under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls have died in two separate districts of Madhya Pradesh over the last 24 hours. The two have been identified as Ramakant Pandey and Sitaram Gond. While the authorities claimed that the two BLOs died due to health related issues, the bereaved families alleged that it was due to unbearable work pressure and fear of being suspended for not achieving the daily targets. Confirming the death of Ramakant Pandey, a teacher-cum-BLO from Satlapur area, who was assigned voter list revision task in Mandideep area, the sub divisional officer (SDO) and electoral registration officer of Raisens Bhojpur assembly segment Chandrashekhar Srivastava reportedly said that Pandey died on Friday night due to some illness. We are awaiting the autopsy, which will make the cause of death clear. Pandeys widow Rekha and other family members, however, alleged that excessive work pressure, including working late at nights, repeated orders to achieve unrealistic targets and fear of being suspended for dereliction of duty if the targets werent met, caused the death of the middle-aged teacher, who was posted at Tilakhedi primary school. Around 220 km away, in Damoh district, another middle-aged school teacher Sitaram Gond, who was tasked with enumeration duties in Ranjra and Kuda Kudan villages, suddenly fell ill on Thursday while getting the enumeration forms filled. He was first taken to the Damoh district hospital, but later referred by doctors to Jabalpur for advanced treatment in serious condition, where he breathed last during treatment on Friday night, an education department official said. The deceased teachers close relatives and friends claimed that he was under severe work pressure. He had only managed to complete 10-15% of work in the two villages assigned to him. Vadodara BLO assistant dies on duty amid rising SIR workload concerns; four deaths in four days across Gujarat Earlier, on Wednesday, another teacher-cum-BLO identified as Bhuwan Singh Chouhan, had died at his home in Alirajpur district, after slipping from the stairs in his house. He left behind his widow and eight children, only two of whom are married. While recounting his suspension for dereliction of duties on Tuesday, elder daughter Sangita and son Anil alleged that the stress after being suspended caused the death. His brother-in-law, who too is a teacher-cum-BLO, said, Unrealistic verbal targets have been set for us, completing enumeration of 100 voters in a single day. A large part of the population works as migrant labourers in the adjoining Gujarat, so its becoming difficult to track them and get the enumeration work done. Bhuwan Singh was suspended for not attending the training. How can he attend training while he was in the field to achieve the unwritten targets of completing enumeration tasks with 100 voters daily? He was under severe stress due to suspension and subsequent attachment to Ranapur tehsil in adjoining Jhabua district, which could have caused the killer mishap. According to SDM-Jhabua district Bhaskar Gachle, Bhuwan was suspended on the basis of a report by Nayab Tehsildar-Bori about the concerned BLO not doing the enumeration work properly. Prior to this, on November 11, a 50-year-old teacher-cum-BLO Udaybhan Sihare had allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a noose tied to a ventilator in the washroom of a primary school in Pandokhar of Datia district. My brother neither knew how to drive a motorcycle, nor did he know how to properly operate a mobile phone. He was unable to do the SIR related work properly and was under severe stress, owing to the fear of getting suspended. It perhaps provoked him to take the extreme step, the deceased teacher-cum-BLOs brother Dharmendra Sihare said. One more BLO dies by suicide in West Bengal, family alleges SIR-related stress
Difficult To Get Out: Jagdeep Dhankhar Warns Against Falling Into Narrative Chakravyuh
Jagdeep Dhankhar warns against falling into narrative chakravyuh at Manmohan Vaidyas book launch in Bhopal, urges India to rely on civilisational values amid global challenges.
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
In first public speech after resigning as VP, Dhankhar praises RSS philosophy
BHOPAL, Nov 21 : Jagdeep Dhankhar, who has maintained a low profile since stepping down exactly four months ago citing health reasons, made his first public address on Friday at a book launch, praising the RSS philosophy and vision of making a stronger nation. After his sudden mid-term resignation from office on July 21 this year, Dhankhar chose a politically significant platform for his re-emergence the launch of the book Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa (We and This World), authored [] The post In first public speech after resigning as VP, Dhankhar praises RSS philosophy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
In first public address after resignation, Dhankhar praises RSS with a cryptic reference to his past
BHOPAL: In his first public address since his surprise resignation as the countrys vice-president in July 2025, Jagdeep Dhankhar heaped praises on the RSS and made a cryptic reference to his recent past. Addressing a gathering at an RSS event in Bhopal on Friday evening, the former vice president said, I cannot skip my duty for catching the flight and friends. My recent past is proof of it. He made the remark when a man approached him during the event and reminded him about the timing of his return flight to Delhi. Dhankhar was the chief speaker at the launch of senior RSS leader Dr Manmohan Vaidyas book Hum Aur Yeh Vishwa. Praising the RSS, Dhankar said, We live in an age where perception dictates everything, no matter how much you deny it. We are in the era of information warfare; god forbid anyone gets caught in the trap of narrative. Once one gets caught in this chakravyuh (trap), it's very difficult to get out. Im not citing my own example. While criticising RSS bashers and praising the Sangh, Dhankhar claimed, It (RSS) works for humanity and the worlds welfare. This book is an eye-opener and dismantles the long propaganda and continuously propagated myths portraying the RSS as ultra-right and anti-minority. They have even gone to the extent of linking it to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The untenability of all this now stands fully exposed, but they are still sticking to it. The book explains the concept of Rashtriya Dharm . The RSS, the most stabilising force in Bharat, works for humanity and global welfare. Dr Pranab Mukherjee, who adorned the office of President and was one of the tallest statesmen of his time, went to Nagpur on July 1, 2018...look at the level of criticism then, the extremity of criticism, crossing all bounds, calling it blasphemous. And Pranab Da, by just one sentence, put that controversy to rest when he visited the birthplace of Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, he said. He (Mukherjee) wrote...I quote one sentence... Today I came here to pay my respect and homage to a great son of Mother India. Undoubtedly, what a powerful word he spoke, Dhankhar added. Earlier in the day, reacting to the absence of BJP leaders at Bhopal Airport to receive Dhankar, former chief minister and Congress MP Digvijaya Singh said, For them (BJP leaders), only those are important who are useful to them. Use and throw is BJPs hallmark. I cant say about the RSS, as he (Dhankhar) has come for the Sanghs programme only. It is unfortunate that no government minister came to receive Jagdeep Dhankhar, who fought a one-sided battle for the BJP-RSS in the Upper House of Parliament, at the Bhopal airport. In a way, this is a blatant violation of VIP protocol. Ideally, the Chief Minister should have received him, especially since Dhankhar had come to attend an RSS event. The point remains: BJP leaders have a singular approach- use and throw, even if the person is an RSS follower, Singh said in a post on X. The question is: the person whom the BJP appointed to the prestigious position of Vice-President cannot be ordinary. If Dhankhar was unworthy of that position, why was he appointed Vice-President? I had requested an appointment to meet the former vice-president to inquire about his well-being, but I have not yet received a response, Singh added.
Delhi police arrest Congress worker over misleading social media post on vote-chori
BHOPAL: A Congress worker Manjeet Ghoshi was arrested by Delhi Police from his village in Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning after he posted an old video of a protest in Rajasthan claiming that it was from a vote-chori protest in Bihar. According to informed sources in the Narsinghpur district police, a Delhi police team and a team from Rajasthan Police had come in connection with a tweet made by Ghoshi. Ghoshi had posted on the X, a video of a torch light procession which was actually taken out in September in Rajasthans Jhalawar district, demanding justice for the victims of a school tragedy. Posting the video three days after the Bihar assembly polls result, Ghoshi had falsely claimed that the visuals pertained to a procession by people, after the BJP came to power through vote chori (vote theft) in Bihar, informed sources said. While the Narsinghpur districts additional SP Sandeep Bhuria, confirmed the arrest by Delhi Police team, he was unable to divulge much about the case. The Congress workers brother Laxmikant said that Manjeet was taken in custody at around 7 am in connection with his recent post on X. My brother is associated with the Congress and he has been taken in custody by the Delhi police team in connection with a recent tweet (post on X), Manjeets elder brother Laxmikant told journalists. Angered over the arrest, the Congress workers led by the Narsinghpur district Congress president and former MLA Sunita Patel demonstrated outside the Narsinghpur district police superintendents office for two hours. Our worker Manjeet Ghoshis arrest in Narsinghpur district, based on a tweet, is against democratic rights. In protest against this dictatorship, the District Congress staged a sit-in protest outside the Superintendent of Police's office, the state Congress said in its official statement.
NCW to hold national consultation on condition of women prisoners on November 22
NEW DELHI: Women prisoners, constituting 4.3% of the total prison population, face systemic barriers including overcrowded facilities and inadequate health services. Concerned with their condition, the National Commission for Women (NCW) plans to hold a national consultation on laws governing women in Indian jails. The national consultation will be held on Saturday in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to identify urgent reforms needed to strengthen the rights, welfare, and dignity of women inmates across India. At the national consultation Laws Relating to Women in Prison experts, prison administrators, and policymakers will deliberate on critical reforms. The recommendations from the consultation will contribute to NCWs final report to the government of India. The flagship initiative is led by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar. Women constitute 4.3% of the prison population, yet in many states they continue to face significant systemic barriers, including overcrowded facilities, inadequate medical and mental-health services, lack of gender-sensitive infrastructure, poor hygiene, and heightened safety vulnerabilities, according to a statement by NCW. To ensure inclusivity and representation, NCW conducted eight regional consultations in Noida, Panaji, Aizawl, Patna, Bhopal, Patiala, Hyderabad, and Dehradun. These consultations generated over 300 expert recommendations, of which 205 key proposals will now be taken up at the national consultation. Deliberations will focus on key legislations including the Model Prison Act 2023, Prison Act 1894, Model Prison Manual 2016, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, and the Repatriation of Prisoners Act 2003. Core themes include gender-sensitive correctional systems, improved medical and mental-health support, rights of incarcerated mothers and their children, safe accommodation for transgender inmates, and humane treatment of foreign national prisoners. The NCW Chairperson will also lead several important initiatives aimed at strengthening womens safety and empowerment at the grassroots. She will meet Lieutenant Governor, Admiral Shri Devendra Kumar Joshi (Retd.), at Raj Bhavan to discuss ongoing initiatives and the future roadmap for strengthening womens welfare across the union territory. She will also hold a review meeting with the DGP, Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, and other police officials to assess existing safety mechanisms, enhance policing responses, and strengthen institutional coordination for womens safety. A gender sensitization workshop for police personnel is also in the cards. The idea is to enhance police awareness, sensitivity, and responsiveness in handling cases related to women. Rahatkar will also hold a high-level meeting with the Chief Secretary and senior officers and will review women-centric schemes. Also, a review of facilities and rehabilitation support at the historic Cellular Jail is also on the agenda.
17-Year-Old JEE Aspirant From Bhopal Dies After Falling From Ninth Floor In Kota
The student, identified as Ishan Paliwal, was living with his mother in the Jawahar Nagar area of Kota while attending a coaching institute
1st Indian-born cheetah gives birth to 5 cubs
BHOPAL: The first Indian-born cheetah, Mukhi, has given birth to five cubs at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, which was described as a breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiated three years ago. The 33-month-old Mukhi, who was the lone surviving among the four cubs born to Namibian cheetah Siyaya in March 2023, was abandoned by the mother after birth and she grew up in the care of vets and other staff at KNP. Union environment minister said on X: This is the first time in recent history that an Indian-born cheetah has reproduced, making it a landmark achievement for Project Cheetah. The mother and cubs are doing well. This is an unprecedented breakthrough for Indias cheetah reintroduction initiative. Both Mukhi and her Namibian mother Siyaya became mothers at nearly the same age in the national park located in Sheopur district. The Thursdays development in the ongoing cheetah re-introduction programme, assumes significance as KNP is now preparing to welcome eight cheetahs from Botswana.
MP faux pas: 3 dead teachers get 3 days to explain zero attendance
BHOPAL: Three government school teachers in Madhya Pradesh were recently sent show-cause notices for missing e-attendance. Theyll never respondbecause the teachers are dead. This unusual set of notices was reported in the Mauganj district, Madhya Pradesh. The families of Devta Deen Kol, who passed away in April 2023; Ramgarib Dipankar, who died on February 13, 2025; and Chotelal Saket, who passed in May 2025, were surprised to receive official reminders demanding that the deceased justify their zero attendance for October 2025. The officer signing the notices appeared to be highly committed to procedural compliance: the notices included a warning that unsatisfactory replies could result in salary deductions. The teachers were allotted three days to respond. This was part of a wider effort by the school education department to tighten monitoring under its newly introduced e-attendance system. More than 1,500 teachers in Rewa and Mauganj districts reportedly received notices for failing to mark their attendance on the mobile app. But the inclusion of teachers who had been dead for monthsand in one case, yearsquickly exposed a deeper problem in the system. For many in the community, the letters became a symbol of how easily technology can misfire when basic upkeep falls through. The district education officer of Rewa, Ram Raj Mishra, admitted the lapse but placed responsibility on school authorities. The letters were issued based on the data of teachers secured from the special portal containing the details of teachers. The lapse occurred because the data on the concerned portal wasnt updated by the principals of the concerned schools through the BEOs. Such cases are very few, and the process has been initiated for updating the records on the concerned portal, he said. Meanwhile, the department continues to issue stern warnings to teachers, who fail to mark their attendance, giving them three days to explain themselves. The incident has made one thing clear: in its rush to enforce accountability, administration forgot to put its own house in order. Dept yet to get its own house in order The department continues to issue stern warnings to teachers who fail to mark their attendance, giving them three days to explain themselves. The incident has made one thing clear: in its rush to enforce accountability, administration forgot to put its own houseand its digital recordsin order
5 Suspects Arrested, Publicly Paraded Day After Bhopal Cafe Vandalism
A day after a group of masked men armed with swords, rods, and sticks barged into a cafe in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, smashing furniture and glass, police arrested five suspects involved in the attack and later took them out in a public procession.
Al-Falah Founder, Brother Accused Of Cheating Bhopal Gas Tragedy Victims: Report
Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui was arrested and sent to 13-day custody of the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities at Al-Falah University.
IRCTC announces `Dazzling Dubai` tour for January 2026, check details
The 4 nights and 5 days package will take more than 150 passengers from cities such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Indore, Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore, an official statement said
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Madhya Pradesh issues notices to deceased teachers over e-attendance lapse
BHOPAL: In an outlandish development, the Madhya Pradesh school education department has issued notices even to dead teachers in Mauganj district, seeking an explanation for not marking their daily attendance through the e-attendance system. As part of efforts to ensure proper attendance of teachers through the e-attendance system at schools, the department recently issued notices to reportedly over 1,500 teachers in Rewa and Mauganj districts for not marking their e-attendance. Surprisingly, those who were issued notices included three teachers in Mauganj who had already died, Devta Deen Kol, who died in April 2023; Ramgarib Dipaknkar, who breathed his last on 13 February 2025; and Chotelal Saket, who passed away in May 2025. In the notices issued to the deceased teachers, the department sought their explanation for zero attendance, despite October 2025 having 17 working days. The teachers were given three days to file their replies, with the department cautioning that unsatisfactory responses could also lead to pay cuts. Blaming the principals of the concerned schools in Mauganj district for the lapse, Rewa district education officer Ram Raj Mishra said, The letters were issued based on the data of teachers secured from the special portal containing the details of teachers. The lapse happened as the data on the concerned portal wasnt updated by the concerned schools principals through the block education officers (BEOs). Such cases are very few and the process has been initiated for updating the records on the concerned portal. Importantly, the department has intensified monitoring under the newly implemented e-attendance system by sending stern cautions to teachers who are not regular at schools. Defaulter teachers are being given three days to explain why they were not marking their attendance on the mobile app. While the school education department has moved ahead with sternly implementing e-attendance to ensure accountability and improve the quality of education in schools, administrators appear to have overlooked the need to update teachers records digitally before issuing notices to alleged defaulters.
Three killed, four injured as speeding car crashes into truck in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district
GUNA: Three persons were killed and four others injured when their speeding car rammed into a truck in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, a police official said. The incident took place around 3 am near village Bajranggarh on Guna-Aron road, the official said. The victims were coming to Guna from Aron to attend a wedding when their car hit a truck moving ahead of it, the official said. The crash was so severe that three occupants of the car died on the spot, the official said. Police had to use a gas cutter to pull out those trapped inside, the official said. Of the four injured persons, two are in serious condition. They have been referred to Bhopal for treatment, he said. More details about the accident are awaited.
Brave cop killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist encounter
BHOPAL: A young inspector of Madhya Pradeshs elite anti-Naxal Hawk Force died after being hit by multiple bullets during a gun battle with armed Naxal cadres in the Kanghurra jungles of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday morning. Ashish Sharma, a decorated officer who had received two gallantry medals from the central government and formed the core of many critical Hawk Force operations, was struck by bullets fired by Naxal cadres near the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh around 8.30 am. Even after taking heavy fire, Sharma continued to lead his team. Bleeding from multiple wounds, he kept firing at the cadres hiding behind thick forest cover until he collapsed. His injuries were severe, with bullet wounds to his shoulder, abdomen, thigh and hands. He was rushed to the Dongargarh community health centre in Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon district, but he died despite doctors efforts to save him. We also had the helicopter ambulance ready to airlift him for life-saving treatment at a specialised centre, but he couldnt survive. Weve lost a brave inspector, who formed the core of our most crucial operations and had been awarded an out-of-turn promotion from sub-inspector to inspector this year only due to his key role in the February 19 encounter in the Raunda forests of Balaghat district, which had resulted in the elimination of four hardcore women naxal cadres, special DG (anti-naxal operations) Pankaj Srivastava told TNIE. At the time of the encounter, multiple joint combing and search operations were underway in the dense forests along the three-state border. The teams were acting on specific inputs about the movement of 1315 armed Naxal cadres in the area. The gun battle broke out early Wednesday, and combing operations are still in progress. Search operations after the incident led the cops to massive blood stains, backpacks and other materials, based on which massive damage (including possibly casualty) to the outlaws cannot be ruled out, Srivastava added. Sharma was a native of Gadarwara in Narsinghpur district and had joined the Madhya Pradesh Police as a sub-inspector nine years ago. He was promoted earlier this year in recognition of his outstanding service. According to reports from Narsinghpur, he was to be married in January 2026. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav condoled the death, saying, He displayed unprecedented valour and courage during the joint operation by the police forces of the three states in the jungles of Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon district. His supreme sacrifice in the national campaign to wipe out Naxalism will remain unforgettable. Struck by Naxals bullets, he fought till the end Ashish Sharma, a decorated officer who had received two gallantry medals from the central government and formed the core of many critical Hawk Force operations, was struck by bullets fired by Naxal cadres near the tri-junction of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh around 8.30 am. Even after taking heavy fire, Sharma continued to lead his team. Bleeding from multiple wounds, he kept firing at the cadres hiding behind thick forest cover until he collapsed.
Masked men, armed with swords and sticks, vandalise Bhopal cafe; four detained
According to the police, the incident took place around 7.10 p.m. on November 18 when several men entered the Magic Spot Cafe in the capital citys Misrod area and began damaging the open cafes infrastructure
Caught On Camera: Masked Group Armed With Swords And Bats Storms Bhopal Cafe
The sudden violence triggered panic, with customers escaping through side exits or ducking behind tables to avoid being hit.
Hawk Force inspector killed in encounter with Naxals in Chhattisgarh forests
BHOPAL: Inspector Ashish Sharma of the Madhya Pradesh Polices elite anti-Naxal unit, the Hawk Force, was killed in action during an early-morning encounter with armed Naxal cadres in the dense forests near the MPChhattisgarhMaharashtra tri-junction on Wednesday. Sharma, around 40 and a decorated officer with two gallantry medals, sustained fatal bullet injuries in the thigh and abdomen while leading the Hawk Force team in a coordinated operation with Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra police. The gunfight broke out around 8.30 am after the combined forces, acting on specific intelligence, moved into a heavily forested area in Chhattisgarh territory where a large Naxal group had been sighted. A senior MP police officer told TNIE that Sharma was rushed to the Community Health Centre in Dongargarh, Rajnandgaon district. Despite all efforts by doctors, he succumbed to excessive bleeding, the officer said. An air ambulance had been arranged to shift him to a specialised facility, but he died before evacuation. Sharma, posted in Balaghat district, was known for his valour and operational leadership. He had received an out-of-turn promotion earlier this year after spearheading a successful anti-Naxal operation that led to the elimination of three hardcore women Naxal cadres in the Raunda forests of Balaghat in February 2025.
A national-level shooter was allegedly harassed by a conductor on a BhopalPune bus. After she attempted to file a complaint, the driver and conductor fled, leaving passengers stranded for hours in the cold. Police have registered a case and ...
National-level shooter molested in Pune-bound bus, conductor on run
BHOPAL: High drama unfolded on board a private bus in Madhya Pradeshs commercial capital Indore on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, after a national-level woman shooter accused the conductor of touching her inappropriately. According to Indore police sources, the shooter, who hails from Pune, was in Bhopal recently for a national level shooting competition. She boarded the private bus from the MP capital on Monday to return to Pune via Indore. The shooter, aged around 30 years, alleged that the conductor touched her inappropriately under the pretext of enquiring about her ticket. When the bus was stopped by the routine night police patrolling party in Indores Rajendra Nagar, the shooter created a ruckus, accusing the conductor of misconduct. Fearing police action, the bus driver and the conductor fled from the vehicle leaving all the passengers stranded on the road. The bus had reached Indore at around 1.30 am and after the issue cropped up, the Rajendra Nagar police found an alternative driver and conductor, who finally drove the bus for the onward journey. When the police asked for a written complaint, she said she would consult family and get back, Additional DCP-Indore Crime Branch Rajesh Dandotiya told this newspaper. The shooter, however, was yet to report the matter to police, till the filing of this news report on Tuesday evening. The bus left for its further journey after around an hour and halfs delay at around 3.15 am. The incident took place 25 days after two players of the Australia women cricket team present in the city for ICC Women ODI World Cup matches, were allegedly stalked and molested in broad daylight by a notorious man Aqeel, while they were walking to a popular cafe from the Radisson Blu hotel. The duo was previously involved in many other criminal cases. They were arrested a day later by the Indore Police.
Nine luxury properties in Dubai attached by ED in Rs 1266.63 crore Madhya Pradesh bank fraud case
Bhopal: As many as nine luxurious foreign immovable properties in Dubai have been attached provisionally by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a Rs 1266.63 crore fraud case committed by Madhya Pradesh branch of the State Bank of India (SBI). The attached properties are in the form of apartment and commercial spaces, having a worth of Rs 51.70 crore. The concerned luxurious foreign assets are located in Centurion Residence Dubai Investment Park Second, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Liwa Heights (Al Thanyah Fifth), Business Bay, and World Trade Centre Residences. During the course of investigation, the properties were found to be acquired out of Proceeds of Crime (POC) generated in connection with the bank fraud case. The wrongful loss to the tune of Rs 1266.63 crore was caused to the SBI by M/s Advantage Overseas Private Limited (AOPL), its directors, guarantors and related persons including its main director/significant beneficial owner, Shrikant Bhasi. ED probe revealed that Shrikant Bhasi, who exercised strategic control over AOPL and its associated entities, had acquired the said foreign properties in Dubai. These properties were later deliberately gifted to his daughter through gift deeds executed in 20222023, without any consideration to hide the POC. The properties were acquired from funds generated by AOPL and its group entities through illegal merchanting trade transactions, diversion of bank funds, fabrication of documents, circular trading, and layering of illicit proceeds. The investigation further revealed that 12 Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) amounting to USD 200 million (approx. Rs.1266.63 Crore) were devolved upon SBI between AprilMay 2018 after AOPL failed to fulfil the mandatory margin requirements and could not infuse funds at the time of LC rollover. Due to depletion of Fixed Deposit margins and the companys failure to honour its obligations, the Bank was compelled to make payments to overseas suppliers, resulting in substantial loss to the public sector bank. These devolved LCs constitute a major component of the POC, which were subsequently layered and laundered through related entities and used for acquiring foreign assets. ED investigation has also uncovered a network of domestic and foreign entities used for layering, diversion of funds, and acquisition of assets in India and abroad. Further investigations are underway.
Four including two Madhya Pradesh cops arrested in hawala case
BHOPAL: Four including a deputy police superintendent and a constable have been arrested in connection with the infamous Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money loot case by cops in Seoni district. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to 15, including 13 Madhya Pradesh police personnel. Taking the ongoing probe into the high-profile case ahead, the special investigation team (SIT) made four arrests on Tuesday, including Pankaj Mishra who is a deputy SP posted in Hawk Force-Balaghat, Jabalpur crime branch constable Pramod Soni and two private persons, Panju Giri Goswami (Katni district) and Virendra Dixit (Jabalpur district). The arrested men were produced before a local court in Seoni later, after which the court sent them into two days police remand. While confirming the development, the inspector general of police (IG-Jabalpur Zone) Pramod Verma said, the four fresh arrests have been made in the case, based on sustained probe by the SIT. If need arises, well seek extension of remand of the arrested men. Among the four arrested on Monday, Virendra Dixit is the close relative of sub divisional officer of police (SDOP) Pooja Pandey, who was among the 11 cops arrested and suspended in the case last month, while Goswami is a Katni-based businessman. Panju Puri Goswami is a small-time businessman from Katni, who is suspected to have been involved in hawala business. The ongoing probe suggests an organised collusion between all the cops posted in Seoni, Balaghat and Jabalpur along with the private players. It was the anti-naxal Hawk Force deputy SP Pankaj Mishra only, who informed his batchmate SDOP Pooja Pandey about the car carrying the hawala money on October 8-9 night, after which the vehicle was intercepted. The collusion between the two batchmate cops doesnt end at mere information about the car carrying the hawala money, but is much more than that, a police officer forming part of the SIT probe told TNIE on Tuesday. On the intervening night of October 8-9, a team of Seoni district police had intercepted a car, carrying Rs 2.96 crore alleged hawala money belonging to a trader, from Katni to Maharashtra. The police team led by SDOP-Bandol circle Pooja Pandey and Bandol police station in-charge Arpit Bhairam, detained the occupant of the car, Nagpur resident Sohan Parmar. But instead of following the due procedure of seizure, the vehicle was released on October 9 morning, without the requisite action. Out of the unduly seized Rs 2.96 crore, the police team pocketed over Rs 1.5 crore .
Two women naxals surrender in five days in MP, Chhattisgarh
BHOPAL: The surrender of two wanted female naxal cadres in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh within five days earlier this month may prove crucial to the ongoing operations aimed at eliminating left-wing extremism (LWE) from Madhya Pradesh by March 2026. On 1 November, a 22-year-old naxal cadre identified as Sunita, who carried a bounty of Rs 14 lakh on her head and was armed with an INSAS rifle, surrendered before the police in Balaghat district of MP. Five days later, on 6 November, another wanted female naxal, identified as Kamla Sodi alias Taruna, who carried a bounty of Rs 17 lakh on her head, surrendered before the police in Chhattisgarhs Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district. Both women, who hail from Chhattisgarh, had been active in the dense forests of Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the tri-junction of Balaghat (MP), Gondia (Maharashtra) and Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), which forms the core of the CPI (Maoist) Maharashtra-MP-Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone. According to sources, the two surrendered cadres possess vital information about 40-50 armed naxals, around half of them women, currently operating across three to four dalams (armed groups) of the CPI (Maoist) in MPs Balaghat and Mandla districts. Credible sources connected to MP Polices anti-naxal operations said information given by Sunita has put a stamp of approval on intelligence regarding the presence of a highly dangerous group of 11-12 armed cadres led by central committee member (CCM) Ramder in MP and neighbouring jungles since early 2015. Aged around 58 years, Ramder was actually assigned the responsibility of heading the MMC zone by 2024-end and has been active since early 2025 in the region. It has now been revealed that the same group had killed the 25-year-old youth Devendra Yadav, on the suspicion of being a police informer in Balaghat district in September, sources claimed. Following Sunitas surrender, the group headed by Ramder had at least four female cadres left. Sunita was one of the two bodyguards of the groups head. A few months back, we had got evidence about the presence of Ramder in the jungles of Balaghat, but it has been fully confirmed after Sunitas surrender. Her questioning has revealed that the group led by Ramderwhose other bodyguard has been identified as Sagar, is equipped with INSAS and AK-47 assault rifles, besides an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL). The Madhya Pradesh Police are now preparing to question the other surrendered cadre, Taruna, in Chhattisgarh. Sources in the police forces of both states said they are in constant touch with each other regarding Tarunas questioning in connection with the three to four armed naxal groups active in the jungles of Balaghat and Mandla. Taruna was part of that group which had lost three female cadres and one male cadre in the gun-battle with police in June this year in the Pachama Dadar forests of Balaghat district. All those four naxals carried bounties of Rs 14 lakh each. Taruna had managed to escape from that gun-battle and her questioning will be crucial for gathering credible and latest inputs about the movement of the outlaws forming part of Darrekhasa Area Committee, Malajkhand Area Committee and Tanda Area Committee, which have long been active in Balaghat and Mandla districts, sources claimed. Importantly, the June 2025 encounter not only resulted in the elimination of the four wanted cadres but also led to the recovery of a truck full of arms and ammunition. It further helped MPs anti-naxal security apparatus penetrate the groups stronghold in Pachama Dadar, considered unbreachable for nearly three-and-a-half decades. Sunitas questioning has also brought to light possible unrest among women cadres within the three to four dalams operating in the region, stemming from growing sexual exploitation by senior members. They are being forced to work as coolies and cooks and very often subjected to sexual exploitation. Earlier, they had no option but to remain in the group, as they feared being killed by the group in case of breaking away. But the series of encounters of big naxal commanders in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and MP, are believed to have encouraged them to surrender and join the mainstream. Even Sunita, whose naxal cadre father made her join the outlaws in Chhattisgarh in 2022, has been subjected to sexual exploitation and also insulted by group leader Ramder, while alleging her of being in sexual relationship with a fellow male cadre, sources said.
Madhya Pradesh HC grants relief to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in defamation case
BHOPAL: TMC MP and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee has been granted relief by the Madhya Pradesh High Court in a defamation case filed against him in 2021 by former Madhya Pradesh BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. A single-judge bench of the MP High Court in Jabalpur has stayed the arrest warrant issued against Banerjee by the Bhopal MP/MLA cases Court for non-appearance in during the trial of the defamation case. While staying the arrest warrant on Monday, Justice Pramod Kumar Agarwal of HCs principal bench in Jabalpur, also issued notices to all parties in the case, including the complainant in the defamation case, former Indore-III MLA Akash Vijayvargiya. Akash Vijayvargiya is the son of Kailash Vijayvargiya, the former BJP national general secretary and senior most cabinet minister in Dr Mohan Yadav-led MP government. The matter will next be heard by the MP High Court on December 8. Back in November 2020, while addressing a public meeting in Kolkata, Banerjee, the TMC MP from Diamond Harbour seat, had allegedly referred to then MP BJP MLA Akash Vijayvargiya, as a goon. Taking objection, Akash had lodged a defamation complaint in April 2021. The MP/MLA Court in Bhopal began hearing the case from May 1, 2021. But owing to Banerjees continued non-appearance before the court in the case, the Bhopal special court had issued the arrest warrant against him for the August 11 and August 26 hearings in the case. The TMC MP subsequently moved the MP High Court against the arrest warrants issued against him by the special Bhopal courts judge, Judicial Magistrate Tathagat Yagnik. While hearing Banerjees petition, the HC reserved the order on November 12 and granted him relief on Monday, by staying the execution of the arrest warrant issued by the Bhopal court. The HC also issued notice to the respondents, including the complainant in the defamation case Akash Vijayvargiya and posted the matter for next hearing on December 8. In the High Court, Banerjees counsel argued that the statement made by the TMC MP at the public rally in Kolkata in November 2020, was misinterpreted and sensationalised for filing the defamation case. While seeking stay on the arrest warrant, the petitioners counsel argued that he was a sitting MP and there was no possibility of him absconding. He had filed an application with the MP-MLA Court seeking exemption from personal appearance, but the Bhopal court did not consider the application and issued an arrest warrant.
Youth murdered following verbal spat over Bihar poll results in Madhya Pradesh
BHOPAL: A youth from Bihar, working as a labourer in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district, was allegedly murdered by two men following a verbal spat over the assembly polls results of their home state. Acting in the matter, the Guna district police arrested both the accused, identified as the youth's uncle Toofani (35), and coworker Rajesh (29) within an hour. All the three men, including the deceased and two accused, hail from Sheohar district of Bihar. The duo allegedly murdered 22-year-old Shankar Manjhi near under-construction buildings on Sunday late night. Primary investigations based on the questioning of the arrested duo have revealed that all three men, Shankar, Toofani and Rajesh worked together at the construction site of governments under-construction quarters in Gunas Cantt police station area. They lived there with other labourers and had a late night party on Sunday. All three of them consumed liquor and later indulged in verbal spat over the recent assembly polls results of Bihar. While Toofani and Rajesh were JD(U) supporters, Shankar was an RJD backer. The verbal altercation reportedly turned violent after Toofani and Rajesh made some unsavoury comment about Bihars former deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav. Shankar was assaulted by Rajesh and Toofani. The duo put his face in mud, which resulted in the youngster getting choked to death. We got the information about an unidentified body lying near the under construction residential quarters. The police team rushed to the spot and recovered the body. Subsequent investigations led us to the accused duo within an hour only, Guna district police superintendent Ankit Soni. Ongoing probe based on the quizzing of the arrested duo has revealed that it was a verbal spat between them over the recent assembly poll results in Bihar, which turned violent, resulting in the murder, Soni added.
BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh police on Sunday arrested Hamud Ahmad Siddiqui, brother of Al-Falah University founder-chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, in connection with three cases lodged over two decades ago. Hamud was arrested by the Mhow Police from Hyderabad on Sunday and later taken to Indore. According to police, 50-year-old Hamud has been accused in four cases: one dating back to 1988, which pertained to rioting and attempted murder, and three cases on alleged investment fraud registered in 2000. The police said the arrest was part of a special drive to nab wanted criminals who have been on the run for years. ...In 1996, he (Humud) operated an investment firm with the help of his wife and another person. The firm secured investments from individuals with the promise of 20% returns. He ran the firm for two years but then fled from Mhow without returning the investors money, said Indore Rural district police superintendent Yangchen Dolkar Bhutia. In 2000, three cases under Section 420 IPC were registered at Mhow police station against Hamud on complaints by investors who allegedly lost investments to the tune of Rs 40 lakh-plus, she added. The Al-Falah Fincom Investment Private Limited, which was operated by Hamud as its managing director along with his wife and another person in the late 1990s, is accused of duping investors to the tune of Rs 40 lakh plus. Im sure the sum may be much higher, which will be revealed as the investigation progresses, she claimed. According to police, in 2019, a bounty of Rs 10,000 was placed on his arrest. In 2019, a reward of Rs 10,000 was declared on his arrest, but he remained untraced. Were currently running a special drive to nab all those wanted criminals who have been on the run for years. Hamuds arrest from Hyderabad is part of that drive, Bhutia said. She, however, added that Hamuds brother, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, wasnt named in any of the cases registered in Mhow in 1988 and 2000. Jawad Ahmad was summoned by the Delhi Police earlier today in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Faridabad terror module case and the two cases registered against Al-Falah University for alleged forgery and cheating. According to Parvez Ahmad, an advocate based in Mhow town of Indore district, it was Jawad Ahmad who had originally started an investment firm in Mhow in the early 1990s under the name Al-Falah Investment, which operated from the family's ancestral home in Kayastha Mohalla. While Jawad left Mhow and shifted to Delhi, his brother Hamud opened a new investment firm, Al-Fahad, which allegedly indulged in multiple cases of investment fraud. Abdul Khalid, who was an employee at Al-Fahad, was later arrested in the investment fraud case after he started his own firm. But Hamud remained at large for more than two decades, police said. Delhi police summons Al Falah University chairman in terror module, forgery probes
Madhya Pradesh Min Inder Singh Parmar apologises for terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a 'British Agent'
BHOPAL: Enthused by the landslide poll win in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Friday evening said that the victory set the groundwork for a similar performance in neighbouring West Bengal. Just a day later, Inder Singh Parmar, a minister of the BJP regime in Madhya Pradesh, has triggered political controversy by terming Raja Ram Mohan Roy a British Agent. Roy, a 17th and 18th century social reformer, is highly respected across Bengal and is widely considered the Father of the Bengal Renaissance. Addressing the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Diwas program to mark the birth anniversary of legendary tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda in native Agar Malwa district on Saturday, the minister claimed that Roy acted as a British agent, who worked to divide Indian society on caste lines. Britishers were working at changing the religious faith and identities of people in India through promotion of English education. It was in that direction that many Indians had been turned into social reformers by the British, one of whom was Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a British agent. He worked to divide Indian society along caste lines, Parmar said. Adding in the same vein, the MP higher education minister said, it was tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, who broke the vicious cycle of religious conversion and saved the tribal society. Reacting sharply to the ministers controversial remark on Roy, the state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta termed the development as shameful. The minister seems to have a deep understanding of history. He needs to also tell whether Roys role in abolition of Sati too was part of British brokerage. Those who once were themselves the agents of the British are now terming social reformers as British agents, Gupta said, mocking the minister. With his statements having triggered a political storm, the MP minister (who reportedly has a strong RSS background), apologised for his remarks on Sunday morning. I am sorry and sad for what I said about the great social reformer Raja Ram Mohan Roy. I have deep regard for him, I mistakenly made the statement. This isnt the first time that the present higher education minister and former school education minister of the BJP-ruled state has hit the headlines with his controversial statements. In September 2024, while addressing the annual convocation of the Barkatullah University in Bhopal, the same minister had kicked up a row by claiming that the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama didnt discover the sea route to India, but merely followed an Indian sea merchant Chandan into India. He also claimed that it wasnt Christopher Columbus, but Indian sailor Vasulun, who couldve actually discovered America. Parmar hadnt stopped there, but said that while its written that the first Olympic Games were held around 2800 years back which meant that stadiums and spirit of sports started from there only. But past archaeological excavations in Gujarats Rann of Kutch have unearthed the remains of two big stadiums which were 5500 years old. This means that our ancestors knew in detail about sports and built big stadiums thousands of years before the modern Olympic Games started.
BHOPAL: Alleging that the Bihar election assembly election results were unfair and unacceptable, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh drew parallels between the recent polls and elections in Russia, China and North Korea, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband Robert Vadra called for a re-election. The results of Bihar are akin to the elections of North Korea, Russia and China, as the votes have gone to a single party largely, Singh said while talking to journalists in his home district Guna on Sunday. Names of 62 lakh voters were deleted from the list and 20 lakh new names were added. But the details of whose names were added and whose were deleted has never been shared with us, Singh said. The septuagenarian politicians fraud allegations on Sunday comes just two days after he had made somewhat similar statements. Even I was there in Bihar (during the poll campaigning). We could very well sense a neck-to-neck contest between the two blocs. The only point of discussions at that time in Bihar was about AIMIM and Prashant Kishores Jan Suraj Party (JSP) performance, whose votes will either of them cut more. Im of the firm view that if the NDA wins the polls with more than 140 seats, then it will be due to manipulated EVMs and manipulated voter lists, Singh had said on Friday. Around 290 km away in Indore, the Congress national general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadras husband Robert Vadra termed the election results unfair and unacceptable. People of Bihar arent happy with the results, whatever happened there occurred with Election Commissions help. No one can accept this result. Elections should be held again in Bihar and Rahul Ji (Rahul Gandhi) will meet the youth and fight for democracy. Politicians from both, the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh, had played a key role in their respective parties campaign in Bihar during the last one month. Among them the MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav, had campaigned in 25 assembly constituencies in ten districts, out of which the NDA candidates won in at least 20 seats, which meant a strike rate of 80%. Former MP BJP president and second-time MP from Khajuraho seat, VD Sharma was assigned the task of coordinating on 19 seats, out of which the BJP candidates on 17, meaning a strike rate of 89.50%. It was particularly significant, as he had been assigned the seats in the politically crucial Patna and Begusarai regions, with Begusarai particularly being known for getting polarized on caste lines.
Butterfly that mimics dry leaf may become Madhya Pradeshs next 'state butterfly'
pBHOPAL: A tropical Asian butterfly, famed for its extraordinary ability to camouflage itself as a dry or dead leaf, may soon be declared tiger-cheetah state Madhya Pradeshs state butterfly. The countrys tiger-cheetah-leopard-wolf and gharial state Madhya Pradesh may soon notify the Orange Oakleaf variety as its state butterfly. If the state forest departments proposal to declare Kallima inachus as the states butterfly materialises, the Orange Oakleaf will become the central Indian states official state butterfly. Confirming that a proposal has been sent recently to the state government, MPs Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife), Subhranjan Sen, said once the proposal is cleared, MP will join the select league of states which already have their state butterflies. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly is particularly found in the dense forests of the Satpura Mountain Range. Its declaration as the states butterfly will render momentum to focussed efforts on butterfly conservation, Sen told TNIE on Sunday. At least ten states and Union Territories in the country have granted state butterfly status to unique genres of butterflies. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttarakhand, which notified their state butterflies between 2016 and 2023. Once MP notifies the Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly, it will become perhaps the first state in central India to do so. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly flies in the Himalayas at low elevations, from Jammu and Kashmir to Garhwal and Kumaon, and across West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. It is also found in central and peninsular India, including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It flies along the central Indian highlands to Pachmarhi and Amarkantak in the Satpura Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh. Its wings are shaped like a leaf when in a closed position. When the wings are closed, only the cryptic underside markings are visible. The resemblance to a dried leafa masqueradeis extremely realistic and gives the genus its common names, the oakleaf or dead leaf. Butterflies occupy a key position in ecosystem stability by acting as pollinators, helping plants reproduce and being a critical part of the food web or chain also, rendering a food source for predators like birds and bats. They are also vital environmental indicators, as their sensitivity to changes in their habitat signals the overall health of an ecosystem, the PCCF-Wildlife said. Notification of a state butterfly by the forest- and wildlife-rich state will also promote focussed research on various butterflies in MP, which is already considered home to 150 to 175 butterfly varieties.
10th-Pass Watches Videos, Reads And Becomes 'Counterfeiting Expert'. Arrested
In an operation straight out of a crime thriller, police in Bhopal have busted what appears to be a full-fledged fake-currency factory being operated from a house by a 21-year-old man who trained himself by watching YouTube videos.
Digital tribal museum in Chhattisgarh sparks pride, connection among youth
RAIPUR: The countrys first digital tribal museum has begun evoking a deep sense of pride and historical connection among tribal youths, women, academicians and tourists. Indias first digital tribal museum, set up in New Raipur, the new capital city of Chhattisgarh, is generating excitement across communities. The recently inaugurated Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial & Digital Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum, opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has quickly become a major attraction. The museum features life-sized sculptures and vivid representations of tribal freedom fighters and their resistance against the British Empire. It serves as an inspiring source for tribal youth and local communities who may be unaware of their rich history. Divided into 17 immersive sections, the museum employs sound, light and digital projections to transport visitors into the world of Chhattisgarhs indigenous communities. Each display, whether showcasing village life, crafts or heroic resistance, offers a visual feast filled with colour and movement that captivates both casual tourists and serious researchers. For local villagers, these exhibits evoke a deep sense of pride and connection. Our ancestors stories of resistance against British colonialism inspire us, said Mahendra Netam, a tribal youth from the Sarguja region who now works as a bike taxi driver in Raipur. He stood in front of an exhibit depicting the 1857 tribal uprisings that swept through central India, where Adivasi leaders like Gend Singh and Veer Narayan Singh bravely fought against British oppression. In addition to documenting tribal resistance history, another section of the museum highlights the daily lives of tribal people, including their cultural practices, food, household chores and last rites. In one corner, a group of women gathered around a display showcasing the transformation of tribal households, from using fuelwood and clay stoves to adopting LPG cooking. The women observed the plaque with intrigued expressions, reflecting on their own changing lifestyles. These types of cooking vessels are still used in our village, said Sinita Goud, a young mother holding her infant, her eyes lighting up with recognition as she pointed to the gleaming bronze vessels. For many, the museum represents more than just an archive; it serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It celebrates resilience, adaptation and identity. By digitally documenting tribal history, everyday life and resistance movements, the museum ensures that the stories of Chhattisgarhs indigenous people are not only preserved but also retold in their own vibrant, proud and enduring voice. The museum was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 November. So far, over one lakh visitors have visited it since then. India is home to several museums dedicated to tribal history and culture. A prominent example is the State Tribal Museum in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, which focuses on tribal life in both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Other significant sites include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Museum in Ranchi (Jharkhand), dedicated to tribal freedom fighters; the Tribal Museum in Silvassa (Dadra & Nagar Haveli), showcasing local life; and the Tribal Research & Training Institute Museum in Pune, which preserves Maharashtras tribal heritage.
BHOPAL: The ongoing investigation into the November 10 Delhi blastFaridabad terror module case has now extended to the Mhow town in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district. Investigators from Delhi are reportedly in constant touch with the local police to gather information about the past of Al-Falah Universitys founder and chairman, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, who originally hails from Mhows Kayastha Mohalla. A senior officer of the Madhya Pradesh Police confirmed to TNIE on Thursday that Delhi investigators are coordinating with the Mhow police to collect background details about Siddiqui and his family. The multi-storeyed ancestral house in Kayastha Mohalla, which still stands tall, once belonged to Mhows former Shahar Qazi, Mohd Hamid Siddiqui, Jawads late father. Jawad is the eldest of two sons from the clerics first wife. According to local police sources, Jawads younger brother was allegedly involved in multiple cases of investment fraud registered in Mhow around the year 2000. Jaish terror module was planning blasts in six cities on Babri demolition anniversary, reveals probe Jawads brother had floated an investment firm that attracted large sums from local residents, both Hindus and Muslims, by promising abnormally high returns. After several fraud cases were registered and small investors began confronting the family to recover their money, the family left Mhow in 2001, a senior local police source told TNIE on Thursday. While Jawads brother faced charges related to investment fraud, one of his stepbrothers was accused in a murder case that occurred during a Muslim religious procession around 20082009. The stepbrother was arrested and jailed but was later acquitted, reportedly after a compromise was reached with the complainants. Residents of Mhows Kayastha Mohalla recall Jawad as a well-read and meritorious student in the 1990s. He completed his B.Tech from the Shri Govindram Seksaria Institute of Technology and Science (SGSITS) in Indore. He (Jawad) was a brilliant student who also ran coaching classes in Mhow during his youth. I still remember him participating in, and winning, a quiz show on Doordarshan while he was in college, said a local resident who requested anonymity.
When children as art spoke volumes
The children of today will make the India of tomorrow - Jawaharlal Nehru. A nation that understands the value of childhood also ensures its future. Throughout history, artists have depicted childhood to explore varied themes. The image of a child in art has conveyed far stronger messages than those with a hundred painted adults. As we celebrate Childrens Day, heres a look at some impactful artworks. The Fearless Girl This little girl, standing tall and confident, is one of the most powerful symbols of women empowerment. Located in New York City before the Stock Exchange, this 4-feet-high girl, sculpted in bronze, carries a plaque that states, Know the power of women in leadership. SHE makes a difference. When the statue was first installed at Wall Street in 2017, it took the city by storm. Fearless Girl by Kristen Visbal, with her hands on her hips and her chin up, was placed facing the iconic Charging Bull, a day before International Womens Day, to send out the message of gender diversity in the workplace and to persuade companies to recruit women not only as employees but also to their boards. The sculpture was meant to be displayed only for a week, but as her popularity grew rapidly, she continued to remain for the whole year, until someone raised an outcry loud enough to warrant relocation. The Charging Bull sculptor Arturo Di Modica complained to the city officials that the placement of the Fearless Girl created an impression that she was an opposing force to the Bull and completely changed the context. He found it insulting and his protests eventually led to her being shifted to the current location. A plaque with footprints was left behind where she once stood, to facilitate photo seekers. One of the most influential images today, that embodies the resilience of women through the simple posture of a child, was carefully planned by her creator Visbal who had this to say: I made sure to keep her features soft. Shes not defiant, shes brave, proud and strong, not belligerent. The Problem We All Live With The Problem We All Live With, a painting from 1964 by American artist Norman Rockwell, simply depicts a little girl going to school. What could be profound about that? Why is the painting considered iconic? The 1960s wasnt just another period and the child wasnt just another girl going to school. She was six-year-old Ruby Bridges, the first African- American child to attend an all-white public school in 1960, during the school desegregation crisis. Although her father was initially reluctant, her mother was determined to send her to school even with all the violent threats against her, so that it would be a step forward for all African-American children. US Marshalls escorted her for days and according to a former Federal Marshall, She showed a lot of courage. She never cried. She didnt whimper. She just marched along like a little soldier, and were all very very proud of her. And this, despite all the shouting and jeering from the crowds. Rockwell immortalised this moment in his painting, framed to show the heads of the police officers cropped at the shoulders, while focusing only on the brave little girl. On the wall behind her, slurs and a splattered tomato are visible. The artist was also not spared with many accusing him of being a race traitor. When the former US President Barack Obama installed this defining image of the Civil Rights Movement, in the White House in 2011, he told Ruby Bridges, I think its fair to say that if it hadnt been for you guys, I might not be here and we wouldnt be looking at this together. The Girl With The Balloon Here is how the graffiti of a child reaching out for a red, heart-shaped balloon by street artist Banksy, rose to become an art history icon. It appeared as a series of stencil murals around London from 2002, with the accompanying message - There is always hope. The balloon was not a mere toy. It was a metaphor for innocence and dreams, and the prayer of hope. The image became so sought-after that pop stars sported tattoos of it and the Eiffel Tower displayed it as a projected image. In 2018, a framed copy was auctioned at Sothebys and just after the bidding closed, it spontaneously shredded, to everyones shock. Banksy admitted that he had planted a mechanical device in the frame and even gave it a new name: Love Is In The Bin! The Crying Boy This baby boy created quite a scare in the 1980s when mass-produced prints of him, by Italian artist Giovanni Bragolin, were labelled as bearing a dreadful curse. It was found that when houses with a copy of the painting burned down, the painting remained intact. Once the tabloids started reporting this as claims by a firefighter, the belief in the curse spread. Stories of the boy having died in a fire and his spirit being trapped in the painting soon circulated. The case was investigated and it was discovered that the prints were treated with varnish that was fire retardant and when the string that held the painting burned, it resulted in the painting falling face down and thus, remained unaffected. The Unforgettable Face of Tragedy Not all images of children symbolise hope and strength. Some of them will always remain as lessons in history. This haunting photograph from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and its aftermath, will forever shake the collective conscience of the country for generations. The chemical leak that killed almost 22,000 people is a dark blot on humanity and this image serves as a reminder of what human greed and indifference can do to the world.
Bhopal Model Death: Boyfriend Charged Under 'Love Jihad' Law
Following the death of 27-year-old model and social media influencer Khushboo Ahirwar, popularly known as 'Diamond Girl', police have registered an FIR against her live-in partner, Qasim Hussain, based on statements by her family.
MPs Ladli Behna scheme: monthly assistance hiked to Rs 1,500
BHOPAL: The Mukhya Mantri Ladli Behna Scheme, the initiative credited as the game-changer for the BJP in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, saw a major boost on Wednesday as the monthly financial assistance for economically weaker women was increased from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500. At a state-level event held in Seoni district, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav transferred Rs 1,857 crore through a single click into the bank accounts of over 1.26 crore women beneficiaries across the state, representing the enhanced monthly instalment of Rs 1,500. Wednesdays transfer marked the 30th instalment since the schemes launch in June 2023 by then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and the 23rd instalment under the current CM, Dr Yadav. This scheme has not only changed the lives of our sisters but also changed my own perspective. Listening to their stories shows the real impact of good policy and intent. Some sisters have started small businesses, others are funding their childrens education, while some are learning new skills. This scheme has transformed not just lives but the future of Madhya Pradesh, Dr Yadav said at the event. Marking the completion of two years of his government next month, the Chief Minister also announced plans to provide employment opportunities offering up to Rs 5,000 per month to Ladli Behna members in various industries. Originally launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Jabalpur in June 2023, the scheme initially offered Rs 1,000 per month, which was increased to Rs 1,250 in September 2023, just ahead of the Assembly elections. However, beneficiaries had to wait 26 months for the next increase to Rs 1,500, announced this week. In line with the BJPs 2023 election promise, the financial assistance under the scheme will be gradually increased to Rs 3,000 per month by 2028, when the next Assembly elections are due. So far, over Rs 44,917 crore has been transferred into the accounts of women beneficiaries between June 2023 and October 2025, of which Rs 34,921 crore has been credited during Dr Yadavs tenure, from January 2024 to October 2025. The Rs 250 increase, initially scheduled for Bhai Dooj last month, was delayed due to administrative and budgetary reasons but was finally disbursed on Wednesday. Between 2023 and 2025, the government also released special festival assistance of Rs 250 on Raksha Bandhan each year for scheme beneficiaries. With the latest increase taking nearly two years to implement, it remains to be seen how the state government will phase in the remaining hikes to reach the promised Rs 3,000 monthly assistance by 2028.
Bhopal Model Death: Post-Mortem Reveals Pregnancy, Family Alleges Murder
A 21-year-old model, Khushboo Verma (Ahirwar), was found dead under suspicious circumstances early Monday morning, sending shockwaves through Bhopal's fashion circuit.
2024 Asia Cup winner Vishnu Raghunathan among two Navy kayakers killed in road mishap in Bhopal
BHOPAL: An early morning killer road mishap claimed the lives of two talented Indian Navy kayakers, including the Asia Cup gold medallist Vishnu Raghunathan in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal. Both the kayakers hailed from Kerala. The mishap happened in Bhopals Parwalia area on Sunday morning, when the duo identified as chief petty officer and 2024 Asia Cup gold medallist Vishnu Raghunathan (27) and petty officer Ananth Krishnan (18), were riding a motorcycle to Bhopals Boat Club for being part of an ongoing training camp. The duo was in Bhopal for the training camp of their naval unit and 18-year-old Ananth Krishnan had joined the Navy recently. According to local police sources, the accident happened when the speeding vehicle (possibly a truck) rammed into the motorcycle on the main road near Raksha Vihar Colony. Among the two naval kayakers, Vishnu Raghunathan was a national kayaking champion, who had won the gold medal in the 1000 m K-2 class at the 2024 Asia Cup in Hong Kong. He was counted among the brightest kayaking prospects for the country. The two critically injured kayakers were rushed to the hospital where Vishnu died just after admission, while Ananth succumbed to injuries during treatment some hours later. The forensic teams of the local police, have found blood stains at the accident spot and seized two helmets and a broken pole from there. The motorcycle used by the two kayakers was badly mangled. Primary investigations suggest that the two kayakers were dragged up to around 20-25 meters by the killer heavy vehicle. After lodging a case in the matter, the local police are examining the CCTV grabs from the cameras installed near the Defence Colony, to trace the heavy vehicle and the driver. Shocked by the two deaths, all kayaking-canoeing clubs across MP cancelled their practice sessions on Monday.
Bhopal Model Khushboo Dies Under Suspicious Conditions, Family Accuses Boyfriend Qasim Of Murder
Khushboo Ahirwar died while travelling in a bus under mysterious circumstances. Her family has accused her boyfriend of pressuring her for religious conversion and beating her.
Workshop for uploading waqf documents on UMEED portal organized in Deoband
Bhopal: An important training workshop of uploading Waqf documents on the UMEED portal process was organized under the auspices of Jamiat Ulama Saharanpur at Jamia Zainab lil-Banaat in Deoband on Wednesday. The event witnessed the participation of around 300 individuals, including Mutawallis (trustees), organizational heads, members and volunteers. A Press release said two professional trainers; 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 .
Asia Cup Gold-Medallist Kayaker And Fellow Navy Athlete Killed In Bhopal Road Crash
Chief Petty Officer Vishnu Raghunathan and Petty Officer Ananth Krishnan died in a hit-and-run in Bhopal while heading to Boat Club.
BHOPAL: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's recent visit to a Congress training camp in Madhya Pradesh's Pachmarhi has made headlines for an unusual reason: Gandhi complied with the camp's late-arrival punishment of 10 push-ups. Following his precedent, all other late-commers leaders also complied with the push-up punishment. Informed sources recollected that Gandhi had arrived late for the training session on Saturday. The concerned training wings head Sachin Rao informed Gandhi that latecomers have to face punishment. In a light-hearted manner, a curious Gandhi asked Rao, about what punishment was earned by him. Rao then told the Rae Bareli MP that he needed to do at least ten push-ups as punishment. Gandhi promptly complied and completed the punishment. Not just did Gandhi do the push-ups, but also sat with the district and city unit chiefs on the floor, stressing on the principle of team-building and discipline within the party. Gandhi reportedly also demonstrated the skills of Jujitsu (Japanese martial art) which help tighten ones grips on the ground. The session concluded, with Gandhi joining the district and city unit chiefs and their families at a special dinner. Importantly, the MP Congresss ongoing training camp in Pachmarhi (Narmadapuram) is part of the focussed Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan which aims to rebuild the grand old partys organisation across the BJP-ruled state. While the former Congress national president attended the meeting of MP Congress leaders and later addressed the training session of district and city unit Congress heads on Saturday, he was taken on a jungle safari in Pachmarhi with other leaders on Sunday, before flying back to join the last day of campaign in assembly poll bound Bihar. Talking to journalists before returning from Pachmarhi, Gandhi raised the issue of vote-theft and special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls again. Vote theft has not just happened in Haryana, but also in Maharashtra, MP and Chhattisgarh. Weve more evidence about it, which we will continue to make public gradually. The SIR is an institutionalised system to cover up the vote-theft, Gandhi told journalists at Pachmarhi before returning from there. Earlier, while addressing the state Congress leaders and the training session of district and city Congress heads from MP, Gandhi had on Saturday stressed upon the need for strengthening the organisation, clarity of ideology and direct connect and dialogue with the people, which were necessary for making the party prepared fully for the 2028 assembly polls battle in MP. Meanwhile, ruling BJP leaders mocked Gandhi's short trip to MPs hill tourism hot spot, away from the heat and dust of poll bound Bihar. Addressing a poll rally in the eastern state, MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav said, At a time when the poll fever in Bihar is at its peak, the LoP Rahul Gandhi is on holiday at hill station in MP. Its just like a groom running away from the marriage, while a fully decorated wedding horse awaits to take him to the marriage. Sharing a video of Gandhi relishing the jungle safari on a roofless vehicle in the dense hilly forests of Pachmarhi on Sunday, BJPs national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla posted on X (formerly twitter), LoP means Leader of Paryatan and partying for Rahul Gandhi. Even as Bihar polls are on, he is enjoying jungle safari in Pachmarhi. This shows his priorities, when they lose elections, they will blame the EVM and do a power-point presentation of H-Files (holiday files).
MHA, National Judicial Academy host national meet on new criminal laws in Bhopal
A national conference on India's new criminal laws concluded in Bhopal. The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Judicial Academy hosted the event. Training for over 1.5 million police officers and thousands of judicial and prosecution officers is complete. The new laws aim for a decolonized, victim-centric, and technology-enabled justice system. Focus is now on sustained adoption and continuous improvement.
Bhopal Metro Station Row Hits Madhya Pradesh Ahead of Rollout
The digging work on the road began on Saturday
Rahul Gandhi rallies Congress in Madhya Pradesh, urges brave fight against BJP for 2028
BHOPAL: Amid a hectic Bihar Assembly election campaign, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi took time off on Saturday to address the Madhya Pradesh Congress units training camp for newly appointed district and city chiefs at the hill station of Pachmarhi. The former Congress president spoke to leaders appointed under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan, an organisational restructuring initiative launched by him from Bhopal in June. Gandhi emphasised the need to strengthen the organisation, ensure ideological clarity, and build a direct connect with the public to prepare for the 2028 Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh. The address and his preceding meeting with senior state leaders came as the Election Commission of India began a Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in the state. @RahulGandhi / pic.twitter.com/bSBlciPmTO MP Congress (@INCMP) November 8, 2025 According to party sources, Gandhi urged the Congress leadership at all levels to battle the BJP bravely, saying such determination was key to forming a Congress government in 2028. At the training session, Gandhi reportedly said the Congress had been losing elections in Madhya Pradesh by narrow margins. Weve to fight the elections bravely, which alone could result in the formation of a Congress government in MP, he said. He urged district and city chiefs to work inclusively, strengthen the organisation at the grassroots, and raise the issues of ordinary citizensparticularly farmersmore assertively. Before addressing the camp, Gandhi chaired a meeting with senior state leaders, including MPCC chief Jitu Patwari, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, former minister Kamleshwar Patel, and former Union minister Arun Yadav. His 19-hour stay in Pachmarhis assumed significance as he had reportedly expressed displeasure two months ago over some appointments made under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan in the BJP-ruled state. Sources said the meeting covered organisational issues and political challenges in the BJP-ruled state, with one senior leader stressing the need for key decisions to be made by consensus. After the session, Gandhi was expected to dine with district and city unit chiefs and their families before returning to Bihar on Sunday morning to resume campaigning. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge is also expected to address the training camp soon. Earlier on Saturday, before flying to Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi posted on X a video showing children being served mid-day meals on scrap paper at a government school in Sheopur districts Vijaypur block. Im going to Madhya Pradesh today. Ever since I saw that children are being served mid-day meals in newspapers, my heart has been shattered. These are the same innocent children on whose dreams the future of the country rests, and they arent even getting a plate of meal with dignity, the Congress MP wrote. Over 20 years of BJP government, and theyve even stolen the childrens plate their development is just an illusion. The PM and CM should be ashamed over this, Indias future is in a pitiable state, he added. Meanwhile, mocking Gandhis visit to Pachmarhi, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said at a poll rally in Bihar, One can very well understand the condition of Congress and Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, as one of their star campaigners Rahul Gandhi has preferred to escape the poll battleground to be on a pleasure trip in the hills of our state. Its like a groom running away while the decorated horse is ready to take him to marriage.
Price of Digital progress: Indias growing E-Waste crisis
Rising environmental danger threatens to poison our future By Raju Kumar BHOPAL: E-waste or electronic waste has emerged as one of the fastest-growing environmental threats of our time. The increasing number of electronic devices in modern life has undoubtedly made daily living more convenient, but once these gadgets become obsolete or fall [] The post Price of Digital progress: Indias growing E-Waste crisis appeared first on Northlines .
NIA files fresh chargesheet in Bhopal terror conspiracy case
The case was originally registered in May 2023 by the Bhopal Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), based on information that HuT members were clandestinely recruiting Muslim youths in Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India to overthrow the democratically elected Union government and establish a Sharia-based Caliphate, the NIA said.
BHOPAL: The World Cup winning feat of the talented 22-year-old pace bowler Kranti Gaud has rekindled her suspended police constable father's hopes of being reinstated. Kranti was felicitated by her home states chief minister Mohan Yadav at a function in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal on Friday, along with her parents Munna Singh Gaud and Neelam Singh Gaud, besides coach Rajeev Birthare. The occasion also saw the MP CM promising that he would initiate the process of reinstating Kranti's father as per the existing rules. Ive come to know about your familys difficulties, there is provision of appeal to the state government. We will certainly work for the reinstatement of your father as per the existing rules, the CM assured Kranti and her parents. Back in 2012, Krantis father was suspended from service due to an incident reportedly during the election process. Since then, the family has had to face many hardships resulting in Krantis elder brothers working as labourers and bus conductors to ensure the livelihood of the family comprising six children, of whom she is the youngest. A native of Ghuwara village of Chhatarpur district in MPs Bundelkhand region, Kranti has been leading the Indian teams pace attack since July and performed particularly well during the tour of England. Addressing the event where Kranti also interacted with girls from the Madhya Pradesh Sports Academy, the CM announced that she will be honoured on November 15 in Jabalpur during the state-level function celebrating tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda Jayanti. He also announced the construction of a new cricket stadium in Krantis home district Chhatarpur to support players practice and development.
BHOPAL: Around 4,000 newly recruited Madhya Pradesh police constables undergoing training at eight centres have been directed to read chapters from the 'Bhagavad Gita' every evening during the Hindu month of Margashirsha. Additional Director General of Police (Training) Raja Babu Singh maintained that the initiative aims to guide trainee constables toward leading righteous and disciplined lives. It will help the newly recruited strike a balance between intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ). At a time when a young student is getting killed by on-duty constables in Bhopal, reading chapters of the Bhagavad Gita will certainly have a positive effect on the lives of the newly recruited cops, the ADG (Training) told the TNIE on Friday. The Margashirsha month which started from Thursday, as per scriptures is the month of Lord Krishna. He himself says in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita that Masaanam Margashirshoham, meaning I am Margashirsha among months. The superintendent of police (SPs) of all police training schools have been asked to make the recruits undergoing training there, to read one chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, if possible, before the meditation at night throughout the holy month of Margashirsha. Reading the Bhagavad Gita will help the recruits the art of living a spartan life, he added. Notably, the directive comes four months after the ADG (Training) had encouraged recruits to recite verses from Goswami Tulsidass Ramcharitmanas, believing it would instil discipline and ethical clarity among them. The opposition Congress, however, has criticised the move, calling it an attempt to radicalise and saffronise the police force. In a democratic country like India, each and every individual is at liberty to follow their religion and faith. What has been directed by the ADG-Training is an attempt to radicalise the police force in MP. Its not in line with the spirit of our countrys Constitution, state Congress spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta said, while slamming the state polices training wings head. The ruling BJP has defended the ADG-Trainings decision and criticised the Congress for opposing the initiative. Its shocking that people of one political party are terming the Bhagavad Gita as communal. The ancient book is revered by people across the world for its content about lifes philosophy and not religion, but the Congress seems to be determined to communalise it. ADG (Training) Raja Babu Singhs focus on the Bhagavad Gita isnt new. While being posted as the ADG of Gwalior Range some years back, he had distributed Bhagavad Gita copies among jail inmates and initiated similar reading sessions. Singh is not only focusing on making the young recruits recite the chapters from the Bhagavad Gita every evening till December 4 at the eight PTS. He also plans to hold three days of Heartfulness Meditation sessions between December 19 and 21, marking World Meditation Day on December 21. Sessions will be conducted at heritage and historical sites such as Upper Lake (Bhopal), Rajwada (Indore), Dhuandhar Falls (Jabalpur), Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain), and Khajuraho Temples (Chhatarpur). The programme will be open to all citizens and led by 76 trained Heartfulness instructors within police ranks across 55 districts, with zero cost to the department.
Cellecor Gadgets Limited , one of Indias fastest growing consumer electronics and lifestyle technology companies, today announced a strong performance for the half year ended September 30, 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand across its product portfolio and increasing adoption in Tier II and Tier III markets. Cellecor half yearly report The Company recorded: Net Sales of INR 641.5 crore, a 50.7% increase over H1 FY24-25 (INR 425.7 crore) PAT of INR 19.6 crore , reflecting a 35.2% YoY growth compared to INR 14.5 crore in the same period last year EBITDA of INR 34.1 crore , up 34.8% YoY from INR 25.3 crore in H1 FY24-25 The results reflect growing nationwide demand for feature-rich, design-led gadgets at accessible price points. The company continues to deepen its presence in high-opportunity retail markets while expanding its product portfolio across audio, smart accessories and personal technology categories. Cellecor has expanded to a total of 8 Exclusive Brand Stores across India including Delhi, Bhopal, Mizoram, Leh Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sasaram (Bihar), Nanded (Maharashtra), and Barnala (Punjab). These stores serve as immersive experience hubs and deepen access to the brand in high-potential consumption markets. Business Highlights H1 FY26 Continued retail expansion across Tier II and Tier III cities High consumer uptake across categories like TV and home appliances Enhanced brand visibility through marketing and channel investments Positive operational momentum heading into the festive quarter " Our performance in H1 underscores the trust consumers place in our brand and the strength of our value-plus product strategy , said Ravi Agarwal, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Cellecor Gadgets Limited . " Our strategy is anchored in democratizing smart gadgets by making premium product experiences affordable and widely available. Looking ahead, we see strong headroom for growth driven by retail expansion, product innovation and rising aspirations across emerging markets . Cellecor enters the second half of FY26 positioned to capture emerging demand across Indias rapidly evolving consumer-tech landscape. About Cellecor Gadgets Limited Cellecor Gadgets Limited's journey in the electronics device business, and selling products under its own brand, including Smart TVs, Smart Gadgets, Wearables, Mobile Phones, Home and Kitchen Appliances, and more, outsourced from various electronic assemblers and manufacturers, started in 2012 as M/s Unity Communications-its founder Mr. Ravi Agarwals proprietorship firm. The company is promoted and managed with an enduring, sustainable business strategy, wherein the company aims to synergistically amalgamate business potential embedded in the ever-growing demand for electronic products with a modern business approach of sourcing, producing, and marketing with the objective of providing quality products at affordable prices. Today, Cellecor Gadgets Ltd. is a leading name in the consumer electronics industry, known for its innovative and cutting-edge technology. With a commitment to making happiness affordable, Cellecor offers a diverse range of products, including mobile phones, smart TVs, speakers, neckbands, TWS, soundbars, smartwatches, washing machines, and many more. The securities of the Company are listed on the NSE EMERGE (SME Platform of National Stock Exchange of India Limited) with Scrip Code: CELLECOR www.cellecor.com .
MP busts interstate antelope poaching racket with Mumbai links
BHOPAL: From a religious gathering in Bhopal in 2022 to group/coalition poaching in the jungles of MadhyaPradesh from 2023 and from the use of high-end SUVs and MUVs to the modified expensive guns of foreign make -- the disclosures about a recently busted inter-state gang of antelope species poachers are getting bigger. Ten months long investigations by Madhya Pradesh's specialised anti-wildlife crime wing has led to the busting of an inter-state antelopes poaching racket -- which is turning out to be much bigger than imagined. Four men mostly hailing from rich and influential families of Mumbai, have been arrested by the state's tiger strike force (STSF) between December 2024 and October 2025. The latest accused to be arrested is Sabah Antulay, a commerce graduate from the University of Mumbai, who was currently working in the customer service section of a prominent airline company of the Middle East in the Maharashtra capital. Ongoing investigations, particularly based on Sabah's quizzing, has revealed the strong possibility of him being the gang's key link with rich and influential people of Mumbai and neighbourhood, to whom meat and skinbof antelopes poached in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh is believed to have been supplied. The three other arrested men, Johar Hussain, Imtiyaz Khan and Salman, who also hail from Mumbai, were arrested from Kishanganj area of Indore district in December 2024. The STSF had then seized around 65 kg meat of poached blackbucks and chinkara antelope species. The antelopes were poached by the gang members in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh with the help of local contacts spread across the central Indian state, including Bhopal. The gang members met with their key contacts in MP capital during a major religious gathering on the outskirts of the city in 2022. It is from there that there network started spreading its tentacles in the wildlife species rich state since 2023, a source forming part of the ongoing probe confided to the TNIE . Since then the high-end modified foreign made airguns and rifles, mostly of foreign make, including a Swedish make gun (each of whose prices ran into lakhs of rupees) were used by gang in the bush-hunting in MP. Not just high end guns, but expensive MUVs and SUVs were used by the gang members for coalition/group poaching of antelopes and subsequent transporting of the poached blackbucks, chinkara and sambars. They were trained in precision shooting by a Bhopal-based national level shooter, who is now on the run. Our target is now to trace and nab the gang members based in MP, the source connected with the ongoing investigations revealed. As the investigations make headway skeletons are tumbling out of the cupboard. Though initial probe suggested that the meat of poached antelopes from MP was consumed and supplied in Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, inputs based on Sabah's recent questioning has raised the possibility of the meat having been supplied to other states and even being routed to the Middle East. Digital evidences seized so far suggests that the gang members were running closed groups on secure social media platforms, first to share inputs on tracking of the locations of antelopes species, then poach them and route the meat to the rich and influential customers. One group or coalition often poached 4-5 antelopes in a day. While they went for bush hunting in the jungles of MP, seized evidence suggests that they also flew for game hunting in African countries. Their foreign links also need to be proved, the informed sources said.
Suspended MP doctor emerges as mastermind in inter-state fake currency racket busted in Maharashtra
BHOPAL: A suspended government doctor has emerged as the alleged mastermind behind an inter-state Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) racket busted in Maharashtras Malegaon, where two men, including a Muslim cleric from Madhya Pradesh, were arrested recently. Ongoing interrogation of arrested duo, Mohd Zubair (an Imam of mosque in MPs Khandwa district) and his aide Nazir Akram Ansari, both hailing from southwestern MPs Burhanpur district, has revealed that Prateek Navlakhe, a suspended government doctor in the same district, was supplying the FICN to Zubair and aide. The ongoing quizzing of the arrested duo strongly suggests that it was the suspended doctor in Burhanpur (MP), who supplied them the FICN. Were now making efforts to track Navlakhe, who is absconding, a senior police officer forming part of the special investigation team (SIT) of MP police probing the case told TNIE on Tuesday. Only Navlekhes arrest will help the police in tracking the source, where the FICNs were printed. The two arrested men, including the mosques Imam are merely couriers who were operating for Navlakhe and those who actually printed the FICN. There could be many more couriers of the racket elsewhere in the country, the SIT source added. Like the mosques Imam Mohd Zubair, accused in six cases of robbery and investment frauds before being booked by Maharashtra and MP police in separate cases of FICN recently, Navlakhe too was accused in multiple cases of financial fraud since 2022. Back in 2022, Navlakhe, who was posted at the Burhanpur district hospital, was accused of opening an account in a private bank in the name of the hospital's peon and then parking around Rs 24 lakh. The account was closed after withdrawing the entire money. Two years back, Navlakhe was suspended after he sold hospitals equipment worth Rs 25 lakh as scrap. He was reportedly suspended after that. He was also suspected to be involved reportedly in hawala business, cricket betting and human trafficking. It was while being lodged in Khandwa jail that the suspended doctor met with Mohd Zubair, who was lodged there in multiple cases of robbery and investment frauds. The MP polices SIT suspect that it was at the Khandwa jail only that Navlakhe convinced Zubair to become part of his network of FICN supply racket. Importantly, FICN in the denomination of Rs 500 notes, totalling around Rs 30 lakh have been seized by the Maharashtra police and the MP police from the arrested duo in Malegaon on October 30 and later from the room of Zubair in the Imambara in Pethia village of Khandwa district on November 2.
Dutch national arrested from Gwalior Airport for possessing GPS device sans permission
BHOPAL: A Dutch national has been arrested from the Gwalior Airport in Madhya Pradesh, for possessing a Global Positioning System (GPS) device sans permission of relevant authorities. Identified as Slightenhorst Remco, the Dutch national was detained at the Gwalior Airport, before he was to board the flight to Delhi on Monday evening. The CISF personnel during frisking found a GPS device in his possession. When he was asked to present the necessary documentary permission of requisite authorities for the GPS device, the Dutch tourist failed to furnish it. The matter was subsequently informed to the Maharajpura police and the foreign national was arrested. A case was subsequently registered under Section 42(3)(d) of The Telecommunications Act 2023, circle SP (CSP-Gwalior) Nagendra Singh Sikarwar said on Tuesday. The GPS device found during the CISF frisking was a Garmin GPS receiver, whose usage is banned in India, sans permission from the Department of Telecommunications. The arrested Dutch national was a part of a tourist group which had travelled across multiple destinations across India during the last few weeks. He along with other members of the group had attended a wedding function in Gwalior recently and was about to fly to Delhi on Monday evening, as his visa was slated to expire on November 5.
AI Delhi-Bengaluru Flight Diverted to Bhopal After Tech Snag
The aircraft, operating as flight AI2487, landed safely at Bhopal, where it is undergoing precautionary checks
Bus and car plunge into gorge in Indore, three dead and 13 injured
BHOPAL: Three passengers, including two women from Indore and a young man from eastern Uttar Pradeshs Deoria district, died after a bus and a car plunged into a gorge following a collision in the hilly Bheru Ghat area of Indores Mhow subdivision. The accident occurred on Monday night around 10 pm and left at least 13 others injured. They are receiving treatment at hospitals in Mhow and Indore. The deceased have been identified as Padma Bai (45) and Anita Rao (40), both residents of Indore, and 25-year-old Rahul from Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh. Among the 13 injured were four women and two teenagers. They hail from Indore and Khandwa districts of Madhya Pradesh, Mainpuri (UP), as well as Pune and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra and Surat (Gujarat). According to sources, the bus, which was travelling from Omkareshwar (Khandwa) to Indore, was carrying 3540 passengers. Many injured passengers trapped inside the bus were reportedly rescued after breaking the window glass. The mishap is believed to have occurred due to possible drunken driving by the bus driver. Condoling the deaths, the states Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who is also the guardian minister of Indore district, announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each from the CM Discretionary Fund to the three bereaved families. The state government will also cover the treatment costs of the 13 injured passengers at Mhow Civil Hospital and MY Hospital, Indore.
Madhya Pradesh announces Rs one crore reward for World Cup-winning pacer Kranti Goud
BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Monday announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore for Kranti Goud, the Chhatarpur native pacer who played a key role in Indias ICC Womens ODI World Cup triumph on Sunday night . Yesterday (Sunday), our daughters created a sensation in world cricket. We announce awarding Rs one crore to MPs daughter Kranti Goud for the historic feat, Yadav announced in Bhopal. Kranti, a native of Ghuwara village in Chhatarpur district, partnered with Renuka Singh Thakur to open the bowling for India in the final against South Africa, continuing the successful pairing from earlier matches in her first World Cup appearance. Celebrations erupted in her village after Indias win, with residents dancing to drum beats and lighting fireworks through the night. Villagers had gathered around a large LED screen at the village square to cheer for their local hero. The youngest of six siblings, Krantis rise has been remarkable amid hardship. Her father, a police constable, was suspended years ago, forcing her brothers to work as daily wage labourers and a bus conductor to support the family. Remembering her sister, Roshni, She (Kranti) started by playing in front of the house, she loved cricket and watched matches along with her brothers. She studied till Class IX, at her first tournament, where she was the player of the match. Our parents told her to study, but she loved playing. Initially playing with boys in local matches, Krantis raw pace caught the eye of Rajiv Bilthare, coach and secretary of the Chhatarpur District Cricket Association, who honed her fitness and technique. Training at the Chhatarpur Academy, she soon broke into the Madhya Pradesh senior womens team, helping them clinch their first-ever domestic one-day title in 2024 with her pace and lower-order batting. Her domestic success earned her a Rs 10 lakh contract with UP Warriorz in the 2025 Womens Premier League. Later, she was selected for Indias senior team for the England tour, where she impressed with 6 wickets for 52 runs at Chester-le-Street. From heartbreak to history: India brings home their first-ever Women's World Cup
Air India DelhiBengaluru flight diverted to Bhopal after midair snag, second incident on same day
NEW DELHI: An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru carrying 172 passengers was diverted to Bhopal on Monday evening following a suspected technical issue, the second such diversion involving the airline on the same day. Flight AI 2487, an A320 Neo aircraft, departed from Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport at 6.47 pm but was diverted to Bhopals Raja Bhoj Airport after a snag was detected midair. An emergency was declared around 7.30 pm to ensure a safe landing, and the aircraft touched down smoothly. Air India confirmed the incident in a statement, saying, Flight AI2487 operating from Delhi to Bengaluru on November 3 was diverted to Bhopal due to a suspected technical issue. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing precautionary checks, which require extended time for rectification. Our ground team at Bhopal has been providing immediate assistance and support to passengers. Every effort is being made to fly them to their destination at the earliest, it added.
Delhi-Bengaluru Air India Flight Diverted To Bhopal Due To Technical Snag
An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru with 172 persons on board was diverted to Bhopal due to a technical snag and made a safe landing under emergency conditions at the Raja Bhoj Airport here on Monday night, an official said.
Bengaluru-Bound Air India Flight Diverted To Bhopal Due To Technical Snag
Air India flight AI 2487 from New Delhi to Bengaluru was diverted to Bhopal due to a technical snag; all 172 on board landed safely.
Delhi-Bengaluru Air India flight diverted to Bhopal after technical snag
Bhopal: An Air India flight from Delhi to Bengaluru with 172 persons on board was diverted to Bhopal due to a technical snag and made a safe landing under emergency conditions at the Raja Bhoj Airport here on Monday night, an official said. The flight (AIC 2487, A320 Neo, VT-EXO) was diverted to Bhopal airport 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 .
Bhopal Diary | Digvijaya all praise for song by Fadnavis wife
Former Chief Minister and Congress MP Digvijaya Singh recently heaped praise on Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis wife Amruta for her new devotional song Koi Bole Ram Ram, Koi Khudaye. Sharing a video of the song on social media, the Congress veteran wrote, Thank you, Amruta Fadnavis ji. I heard the Shabad sung by you on the words of Guru Nanak ji. It felt very good. Amruta, a former banking professional, who remains in the public spotlight in her signature style for one reason or another, had released the devotional song on October 24. Within a few days of the release, it garnered more than a staggering 4.6 million views. Unified exam on UPSC lines for govt jobs A single unified examination on the lines of the exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) nationally is being planned by the Madhya Pradesh government for recruitment to various government posts, CM Mohan Yadav announced recently. The aim of a single entrance exam is to avoid multiple exams conducted for different government positions, which delay the recruitment process. Yadav added that new recruitments will begin soon and that two lakh new posts will be created. Further, to expedite police recruitment, a separate board is being set up, through which as many as 20,000 posts will be filled up. BJP veteran Paras Jain bids adieu to politics Two years after he was denied the BJP ticket from the Ujjain North seat, six-time former MLA and ex-minister Paras Jain recently announced his decision to quit electoral politics. While making the announcement, the BJP veteran noted that there is a huge difference between elections of the past and the present era. He said reaching 75 years of age was possibly behind the denial of ticket to him in the 2023 elections. While vowing to stay loyal to the BJP, Jain said the party should always take grassroots-level workers along and not forget senior leaders. Having won six elections between 1990 and 2018, Jain had held key portfolios in successive BJP governments. Anuraag Singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com
Top woman Naxal surrenders in MPs Balaghat; result of Shahs stern warning to ultras, says CM
BHOPAL, Nov 2: A woman Naxalite carrying a reward of Rs 14 lakh on her head surrendered in Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh, a police official said on Sunday. Sunita laid down arms on November 1 before Rupendra Dhurve, assistant commander of Hawk Force, a specialised anti-Naxal unit of the MP police, he added. Sunita was an armed guard of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) Central Committee member and NMC Zone in charge Ramder. She was carrying a bounty [] The post Top woman Naxal surrenders in MPs Balaghat; result of Shahs stern warning to ultras, says CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Suspected inter-state fake currency racket busted in Maharashtra; two arrested
BHOPAL: A suspected inter-state fake Indian currency notes (FICN) racket has been uncovered with the arrest of two men in Maharashtras Malegaon town and the recovery of counterfeit notes worth nearly Rs 29 lakh from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Around Rs 10 lakh in fake Rs 500 notes was seized from the possession of Zubair Ansari and Nazim Ansari, both residents of Burhanpur district in Madhya Pradesh, when they were arrested in Malegaon on October 30. Following the arrests, Madhya Pradesh Police searched a mosque-cum-madrasa in Pethia village of Khandwa district, where Zubair had been working as a Hafiz, and recovered an additional Rs 19.78 lakh in counterfeit currency on Sunday. From recent news reports we came to know about the arrest of the two men in Maharashtra. The residents of Pethia village told the local police in Jawar, about one of the arrested men, Zubair working as a Hafiz at the local mosque for the last three months. Subsequently, a police team started on Sunday, searching the room in the mosque-cum-madrasa, where Zubair lived. The search has so far led to the recovery of counterfeit Indian currency notes totalling over Rs 19 lakh. The seized FICN is in the denomination of Rs 500 notes, Khandwa district police superintendent Manoj Rai told the TNIE on Sunday. We are sending a team to Malegaon (Maharashtra) also to bring Zubair on remand to Khandwa for questioning. A case pertaining to the FICN is being registered at Jawar police station, Rai added. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Zubair had been employed at the mosque in Pethia for the past three months, earning Rs 12,000 per month. He had been away from the village since October 26, reportedly to visit an ailing family member in Burhanpur and to collect donations for mosque construction. Sources said Zubair had earlier worked as a Hafiz at another mosque in Khandwa district. Investigators are now probing whether the two men were part of a larger network distributing fake currency across state borders.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launches Viksit Madhya Pradesh@2047 vision document
BHOPAL: Chief Minister Mohan Yadav marked Madhya Pradeshs 70 th Foundation Day by launching the Viksit Madhya Pradesh@2047 Vision Document on Saturday. We are not only celebrating the states achievements on Foundation Day, but also marking the beginning of the next 25 years of progress. The past two years have laid the foundation for a developed and self-reliant MP. The state has made remarkable achievements in industrial growth, job creation, investment promotion, and infrastructure building. This momentum will establish Madhya Pradesh as one of the leading industrial centres of India, the CM said, addressing the vision document ceremony in Bhopal. At the same event, the CM announced development of Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, which will cover parts of western and southwestern MPs Khandwa and Dewas districts a dream which remained unrealised for nearly four decades. Yadav also launched the Wash on Wheels mobile app developed by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. Also, agreements were signed for the Ujjain Airport Development project, which will usher in a full-fledged airport in the religious city of Ujjain. It will be the fourth airport in MP, after Rewa, Satna and Datia districts in the last two years. The new airport will benefit pilgrims visiting Ujjain. Once the Ujjain airport becomes functional, MP will have a total of nine airports. The CM also launched the MP e-Seva Portal, providing all government services to citizens on one platform simply and transparently, and the Invest MP 3.0 Portal, which simplifies digital investment and industrial services. He also inaugurated the Wash on Wheels mobile app, linking sanitation services with new technology. While detailing the vision document, the states chief secretary, Anurag Jain, said that suggestions for the document were gathered from every district and panchayat, with special support from the NITI Aayog. The three key pillars of a developed Madhya Pradesh are happiness, prosperity, and culture. The state is emphasising 'Make in Madhya Pradesh' to promote employment and industry. Farmers are being connected with new technologies; 97% of farmers digital registries are complete - the highest in the country. Three AI cities will be developed in the state as part of expanding the service sector. Madhya Pradesh will be the first state in India where the entire government is accessible on one screen. From today, citizens can access 500 online government services through the MP e-Seva Portal, with 1,750 more services to be added soon, Jain said. The 70th Foundation Day also saw MP reportedly becoming the first state to launch intra-state air services. Several key and innovative initiatives, including thePM Shri Aerial Tourism Helicopter Service, Digi Yatra, Flybrary, Kids Play Zone, and the upgraded CAT-II ILS system, were launched by the CM from the Raja Bhoj International Airport in Bhopal. In the initial phase, the PM Shri Aerial Tourism Helicopter Service will operate in three major tourism sectors - IndoreUjjainOmkareshwar, BhopalMadaiPachmarhi, and JabalpurBandhavgarhKanha. This service will allow tourists to cover multiple destinations in less time, while also promoting rural and semi-urban employment, homestay businesses, and local product marketing. The initiative will also open new opportunities for helicopter charter companies, tourism agencies, guides, and womens self-help groups. The service will be operated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, strengthening air connectivity between tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh. Operations will run five days a week in each sector. Sector-1: Managed by M/s Trans Bharat Aviation, Sectors-2 and 3: Managed by M/s Jet Serve Aviation Pvt. Ltd. Each helicopter will have at least six passenger seats. On Saturday only, the CM flagged off six mobile medical units (MMUs) as part of the central governments Dharti Aaba Janajatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. The CM emphasised, These MMUs will ensure that no resident of tribal villages is deprived of medical facilities. Health care will reach villages that have no government health centres or hospitals within a 10-kilometre radius. The units will provide free medical consultations, medicine distribution, maternal and child care, immunisation, creation of Ayushman Bharat Health IDs, physiotherapy using modern equipment, screening for sickle cell anaemia, diabetes and other pathological tests.
Deaths from Sub-standard drugs: Painful price of policy failure
Lessons from Chhindwara: Health governance needs accountability By Raju Kumar BHOPAL: The Chhindwara cough syrup tragedy has once again exposed the deep cracks in Madhya Pradeshs health systemespecially in the quality control and supply chain of medicines. Dozens of children lost their lives, and the investigation revealed that the cough syrup administered to them [] The post Deaths from Sub-standard drugs: Painful price of policy failure appeared first on Northlines .
BHOPAL: Society has accepted the RSS as the organisation which works for the nations unity, security, culture and development. It cannot be banned as a few leader wishes for it, RSS national general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Saturday. Reacting to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharges call to ban the RSS in the country, Hosabale said, Entire society recognises the Sangh as the organisation which works for the unity, security, culture and development of the country. Three times in the past, the RSS was banned, but everyone knows what happened later. Before making any such demand, politicians should learn lessons from past experiences. On the 150 th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday, the Congress national president had reiterated that the RSS should be banned in the country, stating that even Sardar Patel had banned the participation of government employees in RSS's activities. Talking to journalists in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) on the concluding day of the three-day RSS national executive meeting on Saturday, the RSS general secretary, when questioned about the changing dynamics of RSS-BJP ties post 2014, said, Weve stated our stand on the issue of relations between the RSS and BJP, maybe 50,000 times in the past 50 years. Sanghs Swayamsevaks are in every party, but their numbers are more in the BJP, because unlike the other parties, the BJP doesnt restrict the entry of Sangh Swayamsevaks within its fold. RSS is an organisation of people, and it has kept on raising contemporary national and social issues with governments and individuals within the governments, irrespective of who is in power. Its up to the other side to decide whether to keep doors shut or open them for our Swayamsevaks. Countrys former President Pranab Mukerjee wasnt a Swayamsevak, but we had good ties with him, which is why he attended our event in Nagpur. But when the Swayamsevaks are themselves running the government, then naturally our coordination with the government is better. Dynamics havent changed after 2014, they (BJP) are ghar ke log (from the same family), so the bhaichara (brotherhood) prevails, Hosabale maintained. Raising concern over the issue of Demographic Imbalance, the RSS top functionary said, A population policy is needed to address the problem of demographic imbalance; its up to the government to swiftly formulate the policy. Infiltration, religious conversion and high rate of population growth in some communities are primarily behind the rising threat of democratic imbalance. He particularly mentioned about religious conversion of Sikhs in Punjab, which needed to be dealt with adequately. While maintaining that the situation in West Bengal wasnt part of the agenda at the three-day RSS All India executive body meeting in Jabalpur, he, however, added that a resolution was passed about Bengal in the last meeting. The situation is actually bad in Bengal, particularly after the last election. Hatred and conflicts have risen there, especially due to the political leadership and the CM there. Keeping a border state violent and unstable isnt good for the country. Our Swayamsevaks are regularly working in Bengal for national unity and social harmony there. While making it clear that no discussions happened at the three-day conclave about Bihar elections, Hosabale said, We always appeal for cent voting. We also appeal that voters should exercise their franchise based on national and social issues, rather than voting based on caste, money or promises of freebies by political parties. On the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, he said, The refining of voter lists isnt happening for the first time; it happens at regular intervals and is essential. There should be no opposition to it; those having objections to the SIR methodology should approach the ECI in the matter. While informing that the Manipur situation was discussed at the meeting chaired by the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS general secretary said, The situation in the bordering state is improving. The centre has taken steps, including the Prime Minister being there despite inclement weather. The Swayamsevaks have worked on the ground there for two years. Like the people of the state, we also want a popular government there; we sincerely hope the government will work in that direction at the appropriate time. While welcoming the surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said that the government needs to deal with the concerns of those areas in a very sensitive manner. He further informed that the three-day meeting also discussed the issue of the rising menace of drug abuse among youngsters, spanning from schools and universities to hostels, including IIMs and IITs, particularly in the bordering states. The three-day meeting, which was attended by 397 out of the 407 delegates from across the country, was the brainstorming of the second-highest decision-making body of the RSS. The three-day meeting largely focused on the Sanghs activities and events in the organisations centenary year, including its ongoing and coming initiatives to connect the RSSs Panch Parivartan to every nook and cranny of the country. Around 80,000 Hindu Sammelans will be held (45,000 in rural areas and the remaining 35,000 in urban clusters). Grih Sampark Abhiyan to connect door-to-door with families, besides Samajik Sadbhav meeting at block level, and meetings of prominent citizens and intellectuals will be held at the district level nationally. On the last day of the meeting, the RSS also released statements on the 150th year of the birth of Birsa Munda, the 350th year of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and 150 years of the composition of the national song Vande Mataram.
Minister Rammohan Naidu who is in Bhopal cancelled his official programmes to come back to Srikakulam district to console the families of deceased persons
BHOPAL: Fifth-time sitting BJP MP Ganesh Singh lost his cool and slapped a crane operator after the hydraulic box in the crane boarded by Singh for garlanding the Dr BR Ambedkar statue, got stuck with a jerk mid-air. The incident took place at a program marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Satna district of BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh on Friday. The video of the incident shot at Satnas Semaria Chowk has gone viral all over social media platforms. Importantly, the crane reportedly belonged to the Satna Municipal Corporation. Singh climbed into the cranes hydraulic box to garland Dr BR Ambedkars statue. While he was coming down after garlanding the statue, the crane got stuck with a jolt, giving a tough time to the LS member. The crane remained stuck mid-air for a short time, but on restarting, it moved unevenly, creating an imbalance and consequently annoying Singh. A visibly annoyed Singh caught hold of the crane operator and slapped him a scene which was recorded on a phone by some resident. The crane operator who was slapped by the MP is reportedly a muster roll employee in the Satna Municipal Corporation. Meanwhile, the opposition Congress slammed the Satna MP over the incident. The incident has once again publicly exposed the arrogance of BJP leaders. Slapping of the Municipal Corporation worker by the conceited BJP MP not just exposes the arrogance of the BJP leader, but also proves that the BJP is no longer for the people; instead, it works for its own pride, State Congress spokesperson Abhinav Baroliya said.
Drone tech can help contain crop loss, promote biodiversity and soil health
V. P. Chaudhary Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal, spoke on the various aspects of drone application in agriculture at a workshop in UAS-Dharwad
Bhopal youngster on official company tour to Thailand dies after drowning in sea at Phuket
BHOPAL:A Bhopal-based youngster, Ankit Sahu, who was on a company trip, died after drowning in the sea in Phuket (Thailand). Ankit Sahu worked with BL Lifesciences, a prominent medical device company, went to Thailand as a part of the company's official tour. Ankits friend Nikesh was rescued safely. Former Madhya Pradesh minister and ninth-time BJP MLA from Rehli (Sagar) shared the sad news on social media on Thursday. Upon receiving this extremely sad news, Chandrakant Sahu (Ankits relative), a resident of Garhakota (Sagar), contacted me and informed me about the entire situation. Understanding the family's concern and pain, I immediately discussed the situation with the Chief Minister's Office and high-level administrative officials and requested them to expedite the process of bringing the body back to India. The former minister further mentioned that Neeraj Mandloi, the additional chief secretary (ACS) at the CMO, demonstrating sensitivity, coordinated with the Thai Embassy in Delhi and an Indian Embassy official in Thailand. With their cooperation, the bodys post-mortem will be completed on Saturday, and all arrangements have been made to bring Ankits body to India and hand it over to his family on November 1. The prompt cooperation of the administrative officials was commendable during this entire difficult time. I pray to God to grant peace to the soul of late Ankit Sahu and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this unbearable grief, Bhargava posted.
Bhopal DSP Booked for Stealing Cash, Mobile from Friend
Ms. Tiwari who found her money and mobile phone missing in her home recently had gone through the CCTV footage and noticed her friend Raghuvamsi taking the cash and mobile phone
Acting woman DySP in MP on run after stealing Rs 2 lakh cash, mobile from her friends home
BHOPAL: The Bhopal police are in search for an officiating female deputy superintendent of police (DySP) Kalpana Raghuvanshi, accused of stealing a cell phone and Rs 2 lakh cash from her close friend's home in Mahalaxmi Parisar residential colony. Her friend, the complainant, is employed at an insurance company. A case has been registered at the Jahangirabad police station of Bhopal against Raghuvanshi. The complainant alleged that on returning to the main room after taking a bath, she couldnt find the cell phone put on charge and a handbag containing Rs 2 lakh cash. The incident allegedly took place a month back. She added that the houses door was slightly open and her daughter was studying in the other room. On checking the CCTV footage, it was found that DySP Kalpana Raghuvanshi, who has been her friend for the last six years, entered and exited the house in a short time. According to sources privy to the ongoing police probe, the CCTV grab showed the DySP holding a bundle of currency notes while leaving the premises. After seeing the CCTV grabs, the complainant reported the matter to the Jahangirabad police station. A case of theft was subsequently registered against the acting DySP. While the cell phone has been recovered, the DySP remains untraceable along with Rs 2 lakh cash. According to additional superintendent of police (ASP) Bittu Sharma, Raghuvanshi has been served a notice; she is absconding. Meanwhile, sources at the state PHQ told TNIE that the concerned acting DySP is already facing a departmental probe for undue absence from duty for around a year and is likely to be demoted back to an inspectors post. Importantly, this is the third incident due to which the state police have been in the news for the wrong reasons in recent times. Earlier this month, 11 police personnel posted in Seoni district, including a woman sub-divisional officer police (SDOP) and a sub-inspector, were arrested for allegedly looting suspected hawala money. During the same period, two police constables posted at Bhopals Piplani police station were arrested for murdering an engineering student in Bhopals Indrapuri area.
Bhopal Cop Caught On Camera Stealing Cash, Phone From Friends House | Video
The police officer allegedly entered the house and took away Rs 2 lakh in cash along with another mobile phone from her handbag
Two accused in BJP leader's murder injured, arrested after encounter in Madhya Pradesh
BHOPAL: Around 15 hours after BJP leader Nilesh Rajak was shot dead in broad daylight, the two accused, Akram Khan and Prince Joseph, were injured and arrested following a brief gun battle with police in the Kajrwara area of Katni district early Wednesday. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Santosh Dehriya, the encounter occurred around 2.30 am after a high-speed chase based on specific intelligence inputs. Both accused sustained bullet injuries and were apprehended following retaliatory fire by the police. A high-speed chase of the duo ensued, during which the two men fired on the police. The police team responded identically, resulting in four rounds of fire. Both accused sustained serious injuries and were subsequently arrested. They were later referred to the adjoining Jabalpur for treatment in police custody, Dehriya said. Multiple police teams were constituted to track and nab the accused, who had allegedly shot dead Nilesh Rajak (30) near a nationalised bank branch in Kaimor town of Katni district at around 11 am on Tuesday. Formerly associated with the Bajrang Dal and currently a ruling BJP leader, Nilesh Rajak was considered close to local BJP MLA and former MP minister Sanjay Pathak. Hours after the broad daylight killing, Pathak had said that the angry residents and family members of Nilesh Rajak wanted Yogi Adityanath government-style justice in the matter. Yogi Waala Nyaya Chahiya (We want a Yogi Adityanath government like justice), the BJP workers and residents accompanying Pathak had raised slogans in Kaimor town on Tuesday. The murder is suspected to have stemmed from a month-and-a-half-old dispute between Akram and Nilesh, which had earlier led both sides to file counter FIRs at the Kaimor police station. The former minister alleged that about a month and a half ago, Akram had threatened to kill Rajak inside the police station, but the local police failed to take any action. Based on the demands of the bereaved family, the SP of Katni district, Abhinay Vishwakarma, had suspended local police station in charge Arvind Chaubey and a head constable in the matter and attached them to the district police lines. Just around an hour after the killing, Nelson Joseph, the father of one of the accused, Prince Joseph, had died by suicide at his house.
Prime accused involved in brutal killing of farmer in MP's Guna district arrested
BHOPAL:More than 50 hours after the brutal killing of a middle-aged farmer and assault of his two daughters in Guna district, the Madhya Pradesh Police arrested the prime accused, an expelled BJP leader, Mahendra Nagar, and his two close relatives on Tuesday evening. Mahendra Nagar, Harish, and Jitendra Nagar were arrested hours after the declaration of a bounty of Rs 10,000 each on the arrest of 13 absconding accused. Confirming the three fresh arrests in the case, a senior MP police officer told TNIE that with the recent arrests, the total arrests now stand at 4, which also include Mahendras brother, Hukum Singh. The 10 other accused on the run include Mahendras wife and two sons, besides two other female members of the extended family. Meanwhile, the local administration also freed large tracts of forest land encroached by Nagar and aides in multiple villages of the Fatehgarh police station area of Guna district on Tuesday. Farmer brutally murdered, daughters assaulted by BJP leader in MP's Guna over land dispute Earlier, on Monday evening, the ruling BJPs Guna district unit chief, Dharmendra Sikarwar, had expelled Mahendra Nagar from the party following the Sunday afternoons barbaric incident. On Sunday afternoon, horrific savagery had unfolded in Ganeshpura village of Guna district, when the BJPs local booth committee chief, Mahendra Nagar, along with relatives and aides, brutally murdered middle-aged farmer Ramswaroop Dhakad over a dispute about six bighas of land in adjoining Baran district of Rajasthan. Mahendra, along with aides, broke the limbs of the farmer before running an MUV and a tractor over him. To ensure that he didnt survive, the gun-wielding men accompanying the BJP leader didnt allow the villagers to take Ramswaroop to the hospital. When Ramswaroops two teenage daughters (aged 16 and 17 years) tried to save their father, Mahendra and aides assaulted them, tore their clothes, and even opened fire while being seated over them to scare villagers away. A critically wounded Ramswaroop died later at the Guna district hospital. Mahendra Nagar already faces five criminal cases, including rape, loot, and forgery. Not only had Mahendra Nagar encroached forest land and forced villagers to sell their lands to him at throwaway prices, but had even illegally erected electric poles to supply electricity from Guna district of MP to neighbouring Rajasthan. The poles were removed by the local administration on Tuesday.
BJP leader shot dead by two men on bike in MP's Katni, father of one of the accused dies by suicide
BHOPAL: A ruling BJP leader, who was formerly associated with the Bajrang Dal was shot dead by two motorbike-borne men in broad daylight in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh. In a related development, after a short while following the broad daylight murder, the father of one of the accused men allegedly died by suicide at his house in the same district. The incident happened near a nationalised banks branch in Kaimor town under Vijayraghavgarh tehsil of Katni district at around 11 am, when the local BJP leader Nilesh Rajak (30) was driving his motorbike to the market. Suddenly, two masked men riding another motorcycle came from behind and shot Rajak from close range in the chest. The young BJP leader fell on the ground and died. The entire broad daylight killing was captured in the CCTV camera installed near the spot. Subsequent police probe revealed that Rajak, who was close to former MP minister and local BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak, had a violent brawl with a local youth, Akram Khan (already facing three cases) in August and both sides had lodged counter FIRs against each other at Kaimor police station. A detailed probe by multiple teams of the police established that Akram Khan and his aide, Prince Joseph, were involved in the sensational killing. Meanwhile, in a related development, Princes father Nelson Joseph, on coming to know about sons alleged involvement in the BJP leaders killing, rushed to his home and locked himself in a room. He was later found hanging to death in the room. As per the police, prime facie Nelson died by suicide, possibly on coming to know about his sons role in the killing. Meanwhile, the local MLA and former MP minister Sanjay Pathak blamed the local police for the killing. A month and half back, a girl had complained to Nilesh Rajak about Akram often stalking and troubling her. Nilesh had then stopped Akram near DAV and raised the issue when Akram had threatened to kill him. Even at the Kaimor police station, Akram had threatened to kill Nilesh. But instead of acting against Akram, the local police had lodged a case against Nilesh. The family members of Nilesh have alleged that Akram had protection from the local police, Pathak said. Pathak further demanded action in the matter on the lines of the action by the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh. The people of the town want that both the accused be gunned down in an encounter by police and bulldozer action against the illegal houses of the accused men. All those who protected Akram, including the local police, should also be booked. We want Yogi Waalaa Nyay (action on the lines of the Yogi Adityanath government). Angered over the incident, the family of the murdered BJP leader refused to get the bodys autopsy done till the killers were arrested. The accused have been identified and efforts are being made to arrest them. Multiple teams are working on the case. The local police station in charge, Arvind Jain has been suspended and attached to the district police lines. Anyone else whose negligence is found will also face action, Katni district police superintendent Abhinay Vishwakarma said.
Pune techie arrested by Anti-Terrorism Squad over suspected link with Al-Qaeda
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Monday, arrested a 33-year-old software engineer, identified as Zubair Hangargekar, from Punes Kondhwa area for his alleged links with Pakistan-based Al-Qaeda and involvement in the radicalisation of youth. According to ATS officials, Zubir Hangargekar, who had been under surveillance for nearly a month, was taken into custody early on Monday and produced before a special UAPA court, which remanded him to police custody till November 4. Mr Hangargekar has been booked under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Hangargekar is a B Tech graduate, software tester ,and database developer working with a Kalyaninagar-based IT firm, hails from Solapur and lives in Pune with his wife and two children. ATS teams tracked him down to Pune Railway Station upon his return from an event in Chennai. Hewas detained along with his associates in Pune.They were in Chennai to attend a social function. The ATS official say, the arrest is connected to an ongoing investigation stemming from raids conducted on October 9 across multiple locations in Pune, during which 19 laptops and 40 mobile phones were seized for forensic analysis. The searches had hinted at the existence of a wider terror network involving radicalised individuals. The ATS said the investigation into Hangargekars activities is underway, and more arrests could follow as digital evidence from seized devices is analysed. A senior ATS officer said searches at Hangargekars residence led to the recovery of incriminating Al-Qaeda literature and digital material used for radicalisation. The officer added that investigators are probing whether the accused was in contact with Al-Qaeda operatives or members of other extremist organisations, and what he intended to do with the material in his possession. The arrest follows a series of recent operations targeting radical networks in India. Earlier this month, two individuals, Md Adnan Khan alias Abu Muharib (19) from Delhi and Adnan Khan alias Abu Mohammad (20) from Bhopal, were arrested in an Islamic State (IS)-related case. Investigations revealed that the duo had been radicalised online and were reporting to a handler based in Syria, indicating the continued online resurgence of global terror groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda. As per intelligence officials, while these groups lack strong physical bases in India, their digital outreach and radicalisation efforts have intensified, with India-focused operations allegedly coordinated from Syria.
Farmer brutally murdered, daughters assaulted by BJP leader in MP's Guna over land dispute
BHOPAL: In a horrific incident on Sunday, a 40-year-old farmer was brutally beaten to death, allegedly by local BJP leader Mahendra Nagar and his aides in Ganeshpura village of Madhya Pradesh's Guna district. The farmer, identified as Ramswaroop Dhakad, was first mercilessly beaten with sticks and rods and was then allegedly run over by an MUV on Sunday afternoon. The brutality, reportedly linked to a dispute over six bighas of land in the adjoining Baran district of Rajasthan, did not end there. The accused men, armed with guns, allegedly prevented anyone in the village from taking the gravely injured farmer to the hospital for nearly an hour, ensuring his death. While villagers remained silent spectators out of fear of the gun-toting men accompanying Nagar, the farmer's daughters, who rushed to save him, were also assaulted and humiliated. When I went to save my father, they pushed me down, sat on me, tore my clothes, and fired shots to scare us. My mother and father were going to the fields when Mahendra, Harish, and Gautam attacked them. Then they ran over my father with the Thar. He screamed, but no one dared to help, as the attackers were armed with guns, recounted the murdered farmers daughter. According to locals, Mahendra Nagar the BJPs local booth committee chief and a former office-bearer of the party's farmers wing in Guna district has long run a reign of terror in Ganeshpura village under the Fatehgarh police station area. He has been grabbing land for years. At least 25 farmers have sold their land at throwaway prices and left the village. Those who dared to resist were either assaulted or driven out. Ramswaroop refused to surrender to Nagars terror and held on to his ten bighas of land in Ganeshpura, while his relatives lived in the adjoining Pachlavada village in Rajasthan. That defiance finally cost him his life, a villager said on condition of anonymity. Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOPBamori) Vivek Asthana confirmed the incident and said a long-running land feud between the deceased farmer and a relative of the local BJP leader was the motive behind the brutal murder. Ramswaroop Dhakad had a dispute with Kanhaiya Nagar over six bighas of land in adjoining Rajasthan. Kanhaiya, a resident of Pachlavada, is a relative of Mahendra. It was this long-running land feud that actually triggered Sundays incident. Mahendra, Kanhaiya, and 1314 others, including some women, attacked Ramswaroop. He sustained multiple fractures all over his body. His daughters, too were assaulted. All of them were taken to the Guna district hospital, but doctors could not save Ramswaroop, Asthana said. A case has been registered against 14 persons, including Mahendra Nagar, his sons Nitesh and Devendra, wife Kamlesh Bai Nagar, nephew Jitendra, and two other women from the Nagar family, under multiple BNS sections related to murder, criminal conspiracy, assault, and outraging the modesty of women. One of the accused, Hukum Singh, Mahendras elder brother, has been arrested, while raids are underway to nab the absconding accused. Meanwhile, Guna district BJP president Dharmendra Sikarwar, while confirming Nagars association with the party, has sought his immediate expulsion. Mahendra Nagar is a party worker and the local booth chief. We have written to senior party leaders seeking his immediate removal, Sikarwar said. According to informed sources, Mahendra Nagar was among the Congress workers who joined the BJP in 2020, after Jyotiraditya Scindia and 22 loyalist MLAs quit the party, toppling the Kamal Nath-led government. Guna is one of three districts in the Gwalior-Chambal region that make up the Guna Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister and BJPs former national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiyya's remarks over the alleged stalking-sexual harassment of Australian women cricketers in Indore on October 23 have triggered controversy. This day, when a local court in Indore sent 28-year-old Aqeel Khan into 15-day judicial custody at Indore District Jail, Vijayvargiya, the senior-most cabinet minister in the Dr Mohan Yadav-led BJP government, said, The October 23 incident was a lesson for all concerned, for us as well as the cricket players. Instead of focusing entirely on security lapses, the 69-year-old minister said, When we go abroad, we inform the local administration and security personnel. This incident is a lesson for all, for us as well as the players. I think this will remind the players that in the future, one should inform security personnel or local administration before leaving, as there is a huge craze for cricket players here. Cricket and players have the same craze in India, which Soccer enjoys in England. I have seen football players clothes being torn at a hotel. We were staying at the hotel and having coffee. So many young men came over. Someone was asking for autographs from a famous player. A girl even kissed him. He was a very famous football player from England. The MP minister further said, At times, the players dont realise their popularity. They should be careful. Vijayvargiyas statements drew sharp criticism from the Congress. His (Vijayvargiyas) statement is unfortunate. Its such a disgusting statement, which I cant repeat here. At a time when the incident has damaged Indias reputation globally, a responsible minister and BJP politician is making such statements, which actually reflect his mindset. Instead of accepting and regretting the failure of local police in providing adequate security to the cricket players, he is blaming the players for the incident, which is really disgusting. CA confirms two women cricketers 'touched inappropriately' in Indore, BCCI secretary Saikia condemns incident This isnt the first time that Vijayvargiya has kicked up a political row with his public utterances. A few weeks back, he had made controversial remarks, mocking at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for kissing MP sister Priyanka Gandhi, publicly. The ministers remarks had then triggered widespread protests from the Congress across the state. Earlier in June, while addressing an event in native Indore, he had kicked up another controversy by saying that he didnt like girls and women wearing skimpy clothes. Also in 2022, while addressing a Hanuman Jayanti event, Vijayvargiya had said, I won't lie on Hanuman Jayanti... but girls these days wear such filthy clothes... We call women goddesses, but they don't appear that way... They look like Shurpanakha (a demoness from Hindu mythology). God has given you a beautiful body; at least wear decent clothes. Teach your children values. Meanwhile, the district administration and police might also invoke the National Security Act (NSA) against Aqeel Khan, given his past criminal history of being accused in ten cases of loot, robbery, theft, drug peddling, possession of illegal arms and attempt to murder. He had spent many years at the Bherugarh Central Jail in Ujjain in a criminal case and came out of jail just a few months back. The Indore Police are now also searching for the local resident, who had actually helped the two Aussie cricketers on October 23, by noting the accuseds vehicle details. Once tracked, he will be felicitated by the authorities. Two Australian women cricketers molested in Indore; accused arrested
He Sacrificed Everything But The Shroud
Kamran Hamid Bhat The afternoon Sun was harsher than usual today its fierce warmth pricking my tender skin, burning quietly through the surface of my body. One could not expect anything more of Bhopal, after all, a city in which the sun always appears determined to burn the flesh to ashes? I was not [] The post He Sacrificed Everything But The Shroud appeared first on Northlines .
Hijab at the doorstep of Church!
By Er Rajesh Pathak, Bhopal Affiliated with a Church, Sister Ritas Public School is there in Kochi of Kerala state. It is along with Hindu and Christian students that there are 100 Muslim girls also study in the school. The other day, a Muslim girl came to the school wearing hijab. Management objected to the [] The post Hijab at the doorstep of Church! appeared first on Northlines .
Two Australian women cricketers stalked, molested in Indore; accused held
BHOPAL: In a shocking incident, two Australian women cricketers visiting India for the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup were allegedly stalked and molested by a motorcycle-borne man in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Acting on the matter, the Indore Police, after registering an FIR on the complaint of the Australian teams security manager, Danny Simmons, tracked and nabbed the accused Aqeel, a resident of Khajrana area, on Friday evening. The incident happened just a day after the Aussie team defeated the English team at Indores Holkar Stadium by six wickets in the ongoing Women's World Cup match. According to Indore Police sources, the incident happened at around 11 am on October 23, while the two players were jogging from the Radisson Blu Hotel where they were staying to a popular caf located in the vicinity. The accused youth, who was driving a motorcycle without a helmet, stalked the two players who were jogging to the caf. The accused, who was wearing a white shirt and a black cap, followed the duo. He first tried to grab one of them and drove off. He didnt stop there but came from behind again and grabbed the other woman cricketer. Shocked by the unruly approach, the duo resisted the conduct to protect their privacy. They sent a distress signal to the teams security manager, Danny Simmons, over the phone through the live location of the place. One of the cricketers then called the teams security manager to inform about the incident, after which the manager rushed to the spot in a car to help the duo. By the time the teams security manager reached the spot, a resident man had come to the two cricketers rescue. He had already noted the registration number of the bike driven by the accused and rang the police about it. The matter was later reported to Indore Police by Simmons with the help of MP Cricket Associations chief administrative officer (CAO) Rohit Pandit, following which an FIR was lodged at the citys MIG Police Station on October 23. The FIR was lodged under BNS Sections 74 and 78, which deal with stalking and outraging a woman's modesty through assault or use of criminal force. With the help of the CCTV grabs and other evidence, the accused was tracked and arrested in less than a day, by October 24 (Friday) evening, additional DCP (ADCP-Crime) Rajesh Dandotiya told TNIE on Saturday. Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is on in the case, police said.
According to officials, the Lucknow-Bhopal expressway will be built along the lines of the Yamuna Expressway, and plans are in place to connect it from Lucknow to Kanpur via the two-lane highway and expressway.
Two cops sounded alarm, but MP failed to take action on carbide guns
Two alert police officers in Gwalior and Bhopal filed FIRs days before Diwali after spotting illegal carbide gun sales, but these warnings went unheeded. Despite these early actions, the dangerous weapons continued to be sold openly and online, leading to a dark Diwali tragedy with hundreds injured. A subsequent crackdown seized numerous guns and explosives.
MP authorities ignored 2023 warning on carbide guns, leading to Diwali eye injury crisis
BHOPAL: Had the authorities in Madhya Pradesh acted ahead of Deepawali, based on the findings of a 2023 research on Vision-threatening ocular injury secondary to calcium carbide gun use in Indian children and young adults, the major health catastrophe caused by the low-priced guns might have been averted. The 2023 research findings were based on case studies of five young males in southwestern MPs Khargone district, who reported carbide gun-induced ocular injuries. While two of the males were from rural areas, three others were from urban localities, who bought the carbide guns due to their low cost compared to other firecrackers. One of the males even made the gun at home, following freely available online videos. The guns worked as expected initially, but then malfunctioned, prompting users to peep inside to view the sparking - either through the front opening of the barrel or by opening the carbide loading valve door at the rear. Accidentally, the acetylene gas in the barrel ignited, causing a blast and spraying residual calcium hydroxide, which resulted in ocular injury. All patients suffered monocular injuries, including eyelid edema, conjunctival congestion, corneal opacification, and limbal ischemia, with vision loss ranging from 6/36 to no light perception. Improper handling, easy availability, low cost, and lack of awareness of risks contributed to the incident. The study, conducted by researchers from the National Institute for Research in Environment and ICMR National Institute for Research in Environment in 2023, recommended generating public awareness and imposing restrictions on the unlicensed sale of carbide guns and raw materials. A senior police official in Madhya Pradesh admitted that authorities failed to anticipate the risk. The carbide guns arent new; they were largely used by farmers to scare monkeys and by firecracker professionals in marriages, particularly in rural areas. However, owing to their low priceRs 100150 per gunand easy making via online videos, people were attracted to them this Deepawali. The farmers and firecracker professionals using the guns for many years are well versed in handling them, including not peeping into the guns when there is a delay in fire. But this didnt happen with teenagers and children, who bought or made them following online content, which actually caused the catastrophe, the official added. MP cracks down on carbide guns after 300 injured, mostly children, teenagers
MP cracks down on carbide guns after 300 injured, mostly children, teenagers
BHOPAL: Authorities in various parts of Madhya Pradesh have initiated a crackdown against carbide guns. Collectors in at least four major districts Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Sagar districts having issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS, banning the assembling, sale and use of the guns which have so far inflicted injuries of varied magnitude to eyes of around 300 people, mostly children and teenagers across the state. According to the Bhopal district collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, So far six FIRs have been registered against those involved in assembling and selling such guns. As many as 55 such guns have been seized from sellers, who dont have the proper license from the authorities to sell crackers. Action is being taken against the offenders under BNS and Explosive Substance Act. Also, adequate treatment is being ensured to all those who have suffered injuries due to such guns. As the festival season is still continuing raids are being conducted across the district to ensure action against all those involved in making and selling those guns. Were also writing to the e-Commerce portals and social media platforms to stop promoting the making and sale of such carbide guns, Singh added. Out of the 36 patients who have been admitted over the last four days at state governments Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal, due to injuries caused by blast and rupture of the guns, ten have suffered serious damage in eyes. All ten people have suffered damage in one eye, were ensuring that best surgical intervention can save their eyes. If need arises, well fly them to most advanced centres anywhere in the country, the Bhopal collector added. In Gwalior district, meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against one person, involved in manufacture and sale of the guns and he has been arrested, the district police superintendent Dharamveer Singh said. According to reports coming from various parts of the state, so far around 300 persons, mostly kids and teenagers, who have sustained injuries due to the carbide guns have been hospitalised. Out of them, more than 150-170 have suffered significant damage to their eyes. Out of the 36 patients admitted at Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal, surgeries have already been performed to treat the damage caused to eyes by the gun. Some other patients have also been admitted at AIIMS Bhopal and other hospitals of the state capital. While over 150 patients have reportedly been administered treatment at various hospitals in Bhopal, 50-plus persons have suffered eye injuries in adjoining Vidisha, more than 20 in Gwalior, 13 in Sagar, 15 in Ujjain and 11 in Shivpuri district. Most children hurt by the carbide gun explosions are aged between seven and 15 years. Doctors treating the victims warn that several children may even suffer permanent vision loss.
Two ISIS Operatives Held in Delhi, Bhopal; Plastic Bombs, Molotov Cocktails Recovered
Delhi Police foil major terror plot during festive season; duo planned strikes at malls, parks under guidance of Syria-based handler
MP: Over 300 suffer eye injuries after using 'carbide guns' during Diwali celebrations
Diwali celebrations saw over 300 people sustain eye injuries. Carbide guns, used to scare animals, were fired during festivities. Most injuries occurred in Bhopal and nearby districts. Around 50 cases were reported from Gwalior and Jabalpur. Thirty individuals are in serious condition and risk losing sight. Authorities are reviewing the situation and have admitted children to hospitals.
From CA Aspirant To ISIS Operative: 20-Year-Old Man Arrested In Bhopal
A 20-year-old man from Bhopal has been arrested for having alleged links with an Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired terror module.
2 Suspected ISIS Operatives Arrested in Delhi for Planning Terror Attack
New Delhi, Oct 24: The Delhi Police on Friday arrested two suspected ISIS operatives who were allegedly planning a terror attack in a crowded area of the national capital, officials said. The suspects, both named Adnan and residents of Bhopal, were arrested following a coordinated operation between Delhi and Madhya Pradesh police, based on specific [] The post 2 Suspected ISIS Operatives Arrested in Delhi for Planning Terror Attack appeared first on Northlines .
