Two killed, eight injured as truck rams into crowd in Indore; catches fire

BHOPAL: Two dead and eight injured after a truck ploughed into a crowd and multiple vehicles on Indores Airport Road on Monday evening. According to eyewitnesses, the truck struck several people and vehicles indiscriminately. One person died on the spot after his motorcycle became trapped under the truck and caught fire due to friction, which quickly spread and engulfed the truck itself. While the police claimed that the truck caught fire possibly due to multiple hits, unconfirmed reports suggested that angry residents may have set it afire. Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot to bring the blaze under control and carry out rescue operations. The injured were shifted to Bhatia and Geetanjali hospitals, with local residents also pitching in to help. Out of the eight injured, two are in critical condition. The truck, which was loaded with packaging material was actually destined for Polo Ground. It will be probed how it actually came speeding on the Airport-Bada Ganpati Road. The driver of the truck has been detained and the trucks owner too will be made a co-accused in the case, additional commissioner of police (ACP-Indore Law and Order) Amit Singh said. He also ruled out the possibility of the truck having been set ablaze by angry residents. The pattern of the fire in the trucks front portion suggests that the blaze could actually have been triggered due to multiple vehicle hits, he said. Ex Indore mayor and local BJP MLA Malini Gaur meeting injured at Bhatia hospital in Indore Authorities are probing the exact cause of the accident and working to ascertain the exact number of casualties. A senior police official said, It will also be probed how the truck entered the no-entry area. According to sources, the truck driver was possibly drunk while driving the heavy vehicle. He is being taken for a medical examination. Sources added that the magnitude of injuries to residents, suggests the possibility of the death toll expected to rise.

RSS-associated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh protests against farmers' issues across Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: The RSS-associated agrarian outfit Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) took to the streets across BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh on Monday over farmers related issues , particularly problems related to the distribution of fertilisers. According to an official statement from the BKS in Bhopal, the party conducted a protest at all district headquarters across state and submitted memorandums to the respective district administrations. The party has also addressed this issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh CM Dr Mohan Yadav. Since the last many days, the BKS office bearers, along with thousands of farmers have been raising farmers' issues, including those about electricity problems, fertilizer related woes, spurious pesticides and seeds related problems via memorandums submitted at tehsil levels. But with the government not paying attention, the protests happened at the district headquarters level followed by the submission of memorandums to the district administrations on Monday, the BKS statement added. The BKS protests across the state on a host of farmers issues, including the fertiliser supply-related problem, happened three days after the opposition Congress workers had reportedly forced the motorcade of union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to stop on the road in Satna district of Vindhya region. Chouhan subsequently stepped out of his car and met the Congress activists and farmers led by local MLA Siddharth Kushwaha and assured to take up the matter about the supply of fertilizers with the central government and the MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav. In the recent past, there have been reports about police using force on farmers lined up outside fertiliser supply centres in Rewa and Bhind districts. On Monday, there were reports about clashes between two groups of farmers outside a fertiliser distribution centre in Gwalior-Chambal regions Morena district, which reportedly resulted in injuries to at least three farmers. In Sheopur district of the same region, angered over the delay in distribution of fertilisers, farmers reportedly pelted stones outside one of the centres. While the RSS-associated BKS activists submitted memorandums across the state at individual district headquarters on Monday on a host of farmers issues, the farmer outfits national general secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra will be in Ujjain on Tuesday. Mishra will participate in a mega farmers tractors rally over the issue of building a permanent spiritual city in Ujjain ahead of Simhastha (Kumbh Fair) 2028 through land pooling of farmers' lands. Meanwhile, the states CM allayed the farmers' fears pertaining to the Land Pooling Act, ahead of the BKSs Tuesday protest in Ujjain. Our feeling is that we should communicate with everyone and think about the interests of all. The government is working to promote religious tourism by working on security arrangements, better management and permanent structures in Maha Kumbh. The government is taking all the farmers along, the CM said.

Owaisi questions FIR lodged against Imam from Bihar for staying at MP mosque without informing police

BHOPAL: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has questioned the booking of an FIR against an Imam (a religious leader who leads prayers in the mosque) hailing from Bihar by police in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradeshs Khandwa district for staying at a mosque without informing cops. Article 19 of the Constitution renders a fundamental right to every citizen of the country (to move freely throughout the Indian territory and reside or settle anywhere in the country). The Khandwa district police superintendent needs to tell which is bigger, Article 19 of Indias Constitution or Section 223 of BNS? The Imam from Bihar has been booked in Khandwa (MP) by police only because he is a Muslim, Owaisi said. Back on September 9, an FIR u/s 223 of the BNS (which deals with the offence of disobedience to a duly promulgated order by a public servant) was lodged at the Khalwa police station of the communally sensitive Khandwa district of southwestern MP. The two men booked in the matter included Haji Hanif Khan Kharkalan (the caretaker of the mosque in Kharkalan village) and Akhtar Raza (an Imam from Kishanganj, Bihar). The local police lodged the case as the mosques caretaker allowed the Imam from Bihar to stay in the mosque for around a month, without informing the local police. According to the Khandwa district police superintendent Manoj Rai, As a part of the prohibitory orders imposed in the district under Section 163 BNSS, the owner/caretaker of any building needs to inform the administration/police before renting out the building or allowing anyone from outside to stay in the building. But, neither the mosques caretaker nor the Imam from Kishanganj (Bihar) informed the police, due to which the duo has been booked under Section 223 BNS. As per Khandwa district police sources, the Kharkalan village under Khalwa police station is a communally sensitive village, where a case was registered against a few men for shouting religiously provocative and abusive slogans during the Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi procession recently, outside the house of a family from the other community. Many residents of the village had told the police that ever since the religious leader from Kishanganj (Bihar) had started staying in a part of the mosque, communal tension had been growing in the village.

Bhagwat: Nation remains on path of development, proves predictions wrong

BHOPAL: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that India is steadily moving forward on the path of development, defying global predictions made at the time of Independence. India has defied predictions of failure by drawing strength from the trinity of Gyan, Karma and Bhakti (knowledge, action and devotion) that has been handed down through faiths and communities, Bhagwat said in Indore, while releasing Parikrama Kripa Saar, a book by former union minister and Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Prahlad Singh Patel based on his Narmada Parikrama Yatra three decades ago. He recalled how global leaders, including former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, had predicted that India would not survive as a unified nation after the end of British rule. However, India proved them wrong by remaining united and resilient, he said. He noted that while Churchill believed India would collapse into division and chaos, it is now England itself that faces internal challenges, while India continues to progress and stay united. Bhagwat added that though the country had been divided in the past, it is now on the path to restoring unity and collective strength. He underlined that India had led the world for nearly 3,000 years without suppressing other nations or erasing identities. Despite leadership, our country never conquered or converted. There were continuous dialogue and respect for diversity, something missing in todays world, he said. The RSS chief also emphasised environmental conservation as central to sustainable growth. The event drew a prominent gathering, including MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar and other senior ministers and BJP leaders.

Madhya Pradesh government committed to 27% OBC quota, CM Yadav tells delegation

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said his government is committed to 27 percent reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state. A delegation of the OBC Mahasabha met Yadav at his residence on Saturday evening and submitted a memorandum listing various demands of the community, a government release said. The CM assured the delegation that rights of the OBC community would be protected, it said. The Centre has approved caste-based census to prepare basic data of all communities. The issue of OBC reservation is pending before the Supreme Court, with regular hearings scheduled to begin from September 23. The government will abide by the court's decision, the release quoted him as saying. CM Yadav has assured that his government is committed to 27 percent reservation, OBC Mahasabha's national core committee member Lokendra Gurjar told PTI . Currently OBCs are getting 14 percent reservation in MP. We want this figure to go up to 27 percent, he said. Gurjar, who is one of the petitioners in the case related to OBC quota being heard by the Supreme Court, was part of a delegation of members of his outfit, other petitioners, lawyers, etc, that met the CM. Earlier on Saturday, a meeting chaired by Advocate General Prashant Singh here resolved that the state government, through Solicitor General and Attorney General along with lawyers proposed by the OBC community, would present the case effectively in the apex court. Yadav had met stakeholders on the issue on August 28 as well and said all political parties are unanimous about 27 per cent OBC quota. The previous Congress government in MP under Kamal Nath, which was in power from December 2018 to March 2020, had raised the quota for OBCs from 14 to 27 percent through an ordinance. However, it got caught up in legal tangles. OBCs comprise 51.8 percent of Madhya Pradesh's population. Since 2003, all BJP chief ministers, namely Uma Bharti, Babulal Gaur, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Mohan Yadav, have been from the OBC segment.

Most reservoirs become ineffective due to sedimentation, says study

NEW DELHI: Most of the dams in the country are facing severe siltation, which reduces their effectiveness in flood control and water storage, a new study by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) has said, highlighting that Himalayan and Indo-Gangetic plain rivers are classified as highly vulnerable and require immediate attention. The study analysed data from the Central Water Commissions recent report, Compendium on Sedimentation of Reservoirs in India, and found that a majority of the dams have lost over 50% of their total reservoir capacity. By 2050, 10 reservoirs in east-flowing rivers and 7 in west-flowing rivers are projected to surpass 50% storage capacity loss, posing a severe threat to water security, said the study, Sedimentation-induced vulnerabilities of large reservoirs in India, published in the journal Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment. Researchers Uma Madhuri Mogili and Somil Swarnkar from the IISER, Bhopal looked at nearly 370 large reservoirs capacity of over 100 million cubic metresin seven regions, including the Himalayan and Indo-Gangetic plains. Most of the analysed reservoirs were found to have become operational between 1939 and 1991. East-flowing rivers beyond Godavari, having nearly 160reservoirs, are a critical zone in meeting south Indias agricultural and industrial water needs, the researchers added. However, west-flowing rivers up to the Narmada were noted to have fewer, but larger reservoirs. According to the research, several reservoirs in the Himalayan and Indo-Gangetic plains rivers are classified as high or very high vulnerability, requiring immediate attention and management interventions. The limited number of reservoirs on rivers in the Himalayan region and Indo-Gangetic plains highlight terrain-related challenges in mountains in the former and a heavy reliance on natural river flows in the latter, the study said.

Illegal houses of two rape accused razed in M.P. under security

Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh told The Hindu that the houses were built on illegally encroached government land and that the families of the two men were living there on rent.

Vivekanand in the Parliament of Worlds Religions at Chicago

(11-27thSeptember, 1893) By Er.Rajesh Pathak, Bhopal In the history wherever missionaries went to spread Christianity and, as also, to pave the way for their ruling overlords at home intending to lay control over its[foreign land] power and its resources, they[missionaries] and a section of scholars inspired by them invented a theory which world knows as [] The post Vivekanand in the Parliament of Worlds Religions at Chicago appeared first on Northlines .

Number of women pilots in India rising, says Scindia; calls it 'revolutionary change'

While developed countries like the US and Europe have relatively fewer women pilots, 15 per cent of pilots in India are women, the Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia said. He was speaking here at an event after laying the foundation stone of a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra building and distributing passbooks to 38 girls under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Speaking about the upcoming Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, he said residents of Morena and Sheopur districts, as well as those in neighbouring Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, earlier had to travel to Gwalior, Guna, Bhopal or Delhi for passport services.

Drugs, chemicals worth over Rs 5 crore seized in Madhya Pradesh; two held

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh police seized a major haul of drugs, associated chemicals and related processing equipment, collectively worth over Rs 5 crore in Agar-Malwa district on Friday evening. While two men identified as Ishwar Malviya and Daulat Singh Anjana were detained by the police from Agar-Barod Road from the two cars, which concealed the drug Ketamine, associated chemical and related manufacturing/processing equipment, the prime suspect, Rahul Anjana, who is reportedly a local BJP leader, managed to escape. Meanwhile, acting in the matter, the ruling BJP has expelled absconding suspect Rahul Anjana from the party. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a police team checked two cars near Ganesh Gaushala on the Agar-Barod Road and found a major haul of drugs, chemicals and equipment inside. The seizure included 9.25 kg of the drug Ketamine valued at over Rs 4.62 crore, 12.1 kg of ammonium chloride powder, 35 litres of isopropyl alcohol worth Rs 25 lakh and six grams of MD drug worth around Rs 18,000. Equipment being taken for the possible manufacturing of synthetic drugs was seized. The entire seizure was reportedly worth more than Rs 5 crore, which makes it perhaps the biggest drug and associated seizure ever in Agar-Malwa district. While the two men, Ishwar Malviya and Daulat Singh Anjana, have already been arrested and booked under the provisions of the NDPS Act, raids are being conducted to nab the absconding prime suspect, Rahul Anjana, who is reportedly the BJPs Tanodiya Mandal vice-president and also the son of a village sarpanch, Sevaram Anjana. Ongoing police investigations based on the absconding prime suspects mobile phone data analysis and also scrutiny of his financial transactions have revealed the possibility of major transactions between him and drug suppliers. Our teams are continuously working on the case. Samples of the seized drug and chemicals have been sent for detailed analysis to the state forensic lab, which will help us determine the actual purpose of taking the drug, chemicals and processing equipment in the car. One of the cars is owned by the absconding prime suspect Rahul Anjana, Agar-Malwa district police superintendent Vinod Singh told TNIE on Saturday. Meanwhile, according to the latest reports from the western MP district, Rahul Anjana has been expelled from the BJP following the development.

Meet Salonee Dangore - From Track And Field To Playing In The Women's Caribbean Premier League

Ramesh Bhatia Cricket Foundation: Securing a spot in an overseas T20 league is a rare feat for an uncapped player, particularly for someone whos yet to feature in their own countrys premier franchise T20 competition. When such selections happen, they highlight a players exceptional potential and mark a significant leap in their professional trajectory. Salonee Dangores ongoing debut stint in the ongoing Womens Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) has been just that. The little-known leg-spinner, being the third player from India to play the WCPL this year after Shreyanka Patil and Shikha Pandey, brought a lot of attention and intrigue in equal measure. Though Salonee is yet to register herself in wicket-taking charts for the Trinbago Knight Riders, shes relishing the chance of being in the Caribbean and knowing more about it. It's going really well. I'm feeling really good here. Honestly, I was a little nervous. But I converted it into excitement and it felt really good as soon as I went to the Caribbean. Now it's going really well. We talk a lot with local Caribbean players. We get to know their stories, culture and it feels really good, said Salonee in a conversation with IANS, facilitated by FanCode, the official broadcaster of the WCPL. Shes also found good guidance from team mentor, legendary India fast bowler Jhulan Goswami and being in TKRs playing eleven with Shikha and Jess Jonassen, the players she closely observed as a net bowler stint with Delhi Capitals in the Womens Premier League (WPL). Jhulan di is also here and gives us a lot of inputs whenever we have practice sessions. Her experiences and Shikha di's experience has helped a lot. It feels amazingly good to be playing alongside them. In 2 years for DC as a net bowler, I had a lot of interactions with Shikha and Jess. Now I'm playing with them in the same eleven, so it feels really good. They take care of me and we talk a lot about cricket, so it feels really good. The learnings I took from DC was in tactical parts and their work ethics and seeing the things that make them legends of the games. I got to see and learn a lot from that stint. When there were games in WPL, we used to sit in the room and discuss about the matches like if I was playing, how I could have done things in this or that way. Same thing happened when I played my first match here. After a game was over, they gave me inputs on what I could have done and the things I can work on. So I applied all of that in the nets and that played a very important role in my time around them, she elaborated. The importance of power hitting in T20s during WPL gave Salonee a realisation about working hard on her batting skills. I started working on that and I have come here, so I want to bring the impact of my power hitting skills to the team. In Guyana, where the pitches are expected to be slow and turning, Dangore sees an opportunity to make a mark. That favours my bowling style. I have also thought that I want to be amongst the top wicket takers and somehow help my team to win the title, she said. Growing up in Indore, Salonee was immersed in athletics, competing in the 100m and 200m sprints and long jump. Her father works as a Telecom District Manager with BSNL, while her mother, Vibha, who had a passion for basketball, played a pivotal role in her sporting journey, as her won sporting ambitions never took off. Until 2015, Salonee had little interest in cricket and did not even know what leg-spin was till her mothers coach, Jose Chacko, a Sports and Youth Welfare Officer in Bhopal, suggested that she might find better prospects in cricket than athletics. At 16, Salonee made the switch from athletics to cricket, thus paving the way for a remarkable journey. My mothers coach said she is very active and if you put her in cricket, she will pick up the game quickly. So my mom thought let's switch her to cricket and so that's how it started, she recalls. When Salonee got the call for WCPL selection, it came as pleasant surprise to her family. Everyone was very happy because there was no hope and this opportunity came out of nowhere. My mother was very happy and a little emotional on hearing this, recalls Salonee. She was first enrolled at academy of former Ranji Trophy player Sunil Lahore, who spotted her potential to be a leg-spinner instead of a medium pacer. Further refining of her bowling came at the Ramesh Bhatia Cricket Foundation (RBCF), under coaches Sanjay Choubey and Himanshu Vairagi. In the beginning I wanted to become a medium pacer. But my coach told me to become a leg spinner. Then I joined RBCF academy and worked hard on my leg-spin and that's how it started. In the beginning, Salonee used to watch the legendary Shane Warnes videos in slow motion, so that she could copy his action. But Salonee considers herself very fortunate on getting guidance from former India spinner Narendra Hirwani for the last three years. I first met him three years ago because I used to play at MPCA, where he had come as a spin coach. So he saw my bowling and that's how we interacted. He has not only worked on my skills, but also worked on my mindset a lot. So I can say that I feel more confident while bowling and all these changes have happened because of him, she said. In search of better opportunities after not getting much game time in Madhya Pradesh in U16, U19 and senior levels, Salonee moved to Chhattisgarh before the 2024-25 domestic season (though she will be turning out for a new team in the upcoming season). Getting consistent game time with bat and ball there for Chhattisgarh meant she caught the attention of eagle-eyed WPL scouts and was then called upon as a net bowler for DC. It wont come as a surprise if the DC net bowling stint was a catalyst to Salonee getting WCPL deal. It has been a very good exposure because when you come to another country and play with top players, you get a lot of learnings in terms of how much advancements have happened in the game and how to prepare for matching up to that level. So it has been a very good experience so far. It has been a very good exposure because when you come to another country and play with top players, you get a lot of learnings in terms of how much advancements have happened in the game and how to prepare for matching up to that level, she said. Before coming to the Caribbean, Salonee had wise words of advice from Hirwani. He said You need to play fearless cricket and we don't want to prove anything. You are already there. Just express yourself freely while playing and enjoy. So it has been a very good experience so far. It has been a very good exposure because when you come to another country and play with top players, you get a lot of learnings in terms of how much advancements have happened in the game and how to prepare for matching up to that level, she said. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score From there, she became the leading wicket-taker in RCBs WPL 2024 win and played for India in both white-ball formats. Yes I saw her matches at that time. She hadnt represented India by then and because of her WCPL performance, she represented India. So to a very large extent, even I have some similar expectations. So this WCPL is a stepping stone towards my ultimate dream, concluded Salonee. Article Source: IANS

Woman acquitted in ex-partners murder case shot dead by current live-in partner in Gwalior

BHOPAL: A 32-year-old woman, who had earlier spent four-and-a-half years in jail on charges of killing her former live-in partner but was later acquitted, was shot dead by her current partner in full public view in Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior on Friday. The victim, identified as Nandini Kewat, was allegedly fired at multiple times by her live-in partner Arvind Parihar (33) outside the Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior city, triggering panic in the area. Eyewitnesses said the accused remained seated by the roadside brandishing a country-made pistol and pointing it at bystanders. A police team led by CSP Nagendra Singh Sikarwar reached the spot and, after firing a tear gas shell, overpowered the armed accused without any harm to civilians. Another police team rushed Nandini to the JAH Trauma Centre, where she succumbed during treatment. Ensuring no harm to the public, our team professionally managed to nab the killer, who has been identified as Gwalior native Arvind Parihar, Gwalior SP Dharamvir Singh told TNIE . Preliminary probe has revealed that Arvind and Nandini, had been in a live-in relationship since 2022. He claimed to have married her in a temple in 2023, but the relationship soured after Nandini lodged multiple cases against him. In one such case in 2024, she accused him of attempting to crush her with a car, leading to his arrest and a three-month jail term before she retracted her statement. Investigators said Nandini had allegedly been pressurising Arvind to leave his wife and share his property with her, which may have led to the fatal attack. Before her relationship with Arvind, Nandini had been in live-in arrangements with other men, including Nimlesh Sen, who was murdered in Datia district in 2017. Nandini was jailed for the crime along with another partner, Firoz Khan, but was acquitted by a court in 2022 after spending over four years behind bars. Police said further interrogation of Arvind is underway.

Math Not Math-ing: Bhopals 90-Degree Bridge Actually Bends 118 Degrees

In view of the latest findings, the Madhya Pradesh government has sought time from the court to reconsider its decision against the firm it had blacklisted

Madhya Pradesh villagers biometric data misused to issue fake SIMs for national, international cyber frauds

BHOPAL: Villagers in Madhya Pradesh are increasingly falling prey to multi-layered rackets that misuse their identification details to source fake SIM cards, fueling inter-state and international cyber frauds run from countries like Cambodia and Thailand. Ongoing crackdown by the MP Police against rackets sourcing fake SIM cards to be used for cyber crimes across the country and abroad have stumbled upon an increasingly prevalent modus operandi of some SIM card point-of-sale (PoS) who are using identification details, particularly biometric data (especially thumb impression/fingerprint details) to issue SIM cards in bulk for use by the cyber fraud rackets. Our detailed investigations and analysis has revealed that in around 60% cases of fake SIM cards, the thumb impression/fingerprints of people aged particularly between 18 and 45 years, especially those from rural areas, have been used to supply SIM cards for use by cyber fraud rackets operating from Indian states, like Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, UP and Delhi, besides international cyber crime syndicates operating from South East Asian nations, particularly Cambodia and Thailand, superintendent of police (SP-Cyber Cell Bhopal) Pranay Nagwanshi told the TNIE on Friday. As per sources connected with the ongoing crackdown against the PoS indulgent in issuing fake SIM cards to cyber fraudsters, Villagers going to such PoS to get new SIM cards are often asked deliberately to give their thumb impressions on the thumb impression machines on the pretext that their thumb impressions arent getting properly scanned for verification purposes. While the impression is used just once to issue a SIM card to the concerned villager, the same impression, which was taken multiple times by the SIM card PoS, is then used to generate more SIM cards, which are handed over subsequently to local facilitators who supply them to cyber fraud rackets. The other most prevalent modus operandi is that many SIM card PoS are actually using men in rural areas, who in the lure of quick money are bringing their relatives and friends to the such PoS in the name of getting them registered for benefits under various government schemes and using their identification details, including fingerprints to generate fake SIM cards for cyber fraud syndicates. According to Nagwanshi, everyone who is giving fingerprint/thumb impressions on devices at SIM cards PoS, should be alert and question why the staff at the PoS is asking for the thumb impression/fingerprint scanning multiple times, to prevent their genuine ID details from being used to generate SIM cards for use by cyber fraudsters, including those indulging in Digital Arrests. These alarming revelations have been made during the ongoing Operation FAST (Forged-Activated-SIM-Termination) of the MP Police, which is being carried out across the state jointly by the state polices cyber cell and district police forces. The basis of Operation FAST is the detailed info provided to the MP Police by the Ministry of Home Affairs I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre). As per the data, as many as 6200 complaints from various states on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal were related to 7500 fake SIM cards issued by 3824 PoS across MP. Under the first phase of the Operation, which began 15 days back, the police have registered 50 FIRs against 94 SIM Card PoS and agents in 20 districts and 44 people have been arrested so far. As many as 100 fake SIM cards and seven thumb impression machines have also been seized. Similar operations are underway in the 35 remaining districts of the state based on the information given by the I4C. Were also working on regularly carrying out similar operations based on cyber fraud complaints being made directly to us in the state about mobile phone numbers being frequently used by cyber thugs, Nagwanshi added. In the next phase, we will probe the backward and forwards linkages of these notorious SIM card PoS, including the possibility of the cellular service providers staffs collusion with the tainted PoS and the facilitators getting bulk SIM cards for cyber fraud rackets from such point-of-sale contacts, he maintained. The hotspot districts so far The ongoing Operation FAST which, has so far covered 20 of the 55 districts in the state, has revealed that five districts, including Sidhi, Chhatarpur, Datia, Dindori and Shivpuri, have emerged as the prime hotspots of such SIM Card PoS, which are supplying fake SIM cards to cyber fraudsters. In each of these districts, more than 100 such SIM cards have been issued by the dubious PoS. Sidhi, which is located in the Vindhya region and is neighboured by Eastern UP, has emerged as the biggest such hotspot, with around 1000 such SIM cards having been issued by the dubious SIM Card PoS there, Nagwanshi said. This latest revelation means that the Vindhya region (which is neighboured by UP and Chhattisgarh both) is not just a fertile land of mule accounts (bank accounts used by criminals to receive, transfer or launder illegal money with or without the knowledge/complicity of the actual account holders), but also a hub for supply of fake SIM cards to cyber fraud rackets. In the past, there have been multiple cases of suspected hawala money, money meant for suspected terrorist and spying activities and money generated from cyber fraud, having been parked in mule accounts of people living in various parts of MPs Vindhya region, particularly Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Katni and Umaria districts. The second set of fake SIM cards hotspot districts, includes Gwalior, Indore, Damoh, Morena and Jabalpur districts.

Madhya Pradesh HC takes suo motu cognisance over deaths of newborns following rat bites in Indore hospital

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the recent deaths of two newborns following rat bites at the Neonatal ICU (NICU) of Indores MY Hospital. Taking cognisance of the newspaper reports, the HCs division bench in Indore, comprising Justices Vivek Rusia and Jai Kumar Pillai, issued on Wednesday, show cause notices to the states principal secretary, public health and family welfare, Indore divisional commissioner, Indore district collector, Indore police commissioner and MY Hospitals head. Based on news published in the daily papers, the shocking incident came to our knowledge, which required it to be taken up by way of suo-moto Public Interest Litigation. Two newborn babies died in the government-run Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, Indore, due to a rat bite. On the intervening night of August 31 and September 1, 2025, two infants admitted to the ICU of MY Hospital, Indore, were bitten by the rats, the HCs division bench mentioned in its two-page order. Prima facie, it appears to be a gross negligence on the part of the administration of MY Hospital, Indore, the HC mentioned in the order, while listing the matter for further hearing on September 15. The HC further asked the states additional advocate general to submit the states response before the Court, along with a copy of the autopsy reports of the two deceased infants. Importantly, two newborns, who hailed from Dhar and Dewas districts -- both suffering from congenital anomalies (defects prevailing since birth) were admitted at the MY Hospitals NICU and put on ventilator support . They were reportedly bitten by rats inside the intensive care facility of the hospitals pediatric surgery department in successive days. The two newborns died one after another on September 2 and September 3, but the MGM Medical College and MY Hospital top brass claimed that the deaths happened due to septicemia infections, which werent caused by rat bites. Meanwhile, the state-level probe panel formed to investigate the entire issue has reportedly found major lapses. According to informed sources, the probe has found that basic safety systems were not functioning adequately, and compulsory meetings of the Rodent Control Committee and the Infection Control Committee were not held for months together. In the wake of the probe, the MY Hospitals medical superintendent, Dr Ashok Yadav, has been sent on leave, while his charge has been assigned to Dr Basant Ningwal. Also, the probe has revealed that Dr Manoj Joshi (who was then officiating as the head of the pediatric surgery department) had failed to inform higher-ups or initiate immediate action, despite being fully aware of the entire incident. He has been suspended, while the pediatric surgery head of department, Dr Brajesh Lahoti, has been removed from his post.

MP: Bhopals 90-Degree Bridge Has A Turn Of 118-119 Degrees, Expert Tells MP High Court

90-degree Bhopal railway overbridge that became an object of ridicule at the national level has, in fact, a turn of 118-119 degrees, an expert has submitted before the Madhya Pradesh high court.

Bhopals 90-degree bridge has a turn of 118-119 degrees, expert tells High Court

In view of the latest findings, the Madhya Pradesh government has sought time from the court to reconsider its decision against a firm it had blacklisted in connection with the controversial structure

Bhopal's '90-degree' bridge has a turn of 118-119 degrees, expert tells HC

An expert's report to the Madhya Pradesh High Court revealed that the controversial Bhopal rail overbridge, criticized for its sharp turn, actually has a bend of 118-119 degrees, not the perceived 90 degrees. Consequently, the state government is reconsidering its blacklisting of the construction firm involved. The court has adjourned the hearing until September 17, pending further review.

Bhopal's '90-Degree' Bridge Has A 118-119 Degrees Turn: Expert Tells Court

A rail overbridge in Bhopal that has become a subject of memes and public outcry for its 90-degree structure has a turn of 118-119 degrees, an expert has told the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Bigg Boss 7 fame actor Ajaz Khan booked for spreading false information, glorifying gangster Salman Lala's death

BHOPAL: Bigg Boss 7 fame actor Ajaz Khan has been booked by Indore Police Crime for allegedly glorifying gangster Salman Lala and linking the latter's recent death with his religious identity. The actor recently posted a provocative video on social media, which not just glorified the gangster, but also gave communal colour to his death. The case has been registered u/s 196, 223, 353(1)(b) and 353(1)(c) of BNS, which deal with attempts to disturb communal harmony and promoting hatred/disharmony between religious groups through false information, Indore's additional DCP-Crime Rajesh Dandotiya said. The case has been registered on a complaint filed by Indore-resident Irshad Hakim, who supported his complaint along with screenshots and a video where Khan was seen claiming that Salman was killed due to his religion. In the video posted on Instagram, the actor could be seen saying, It's being said that Salman Lala got drowned in the pond, but I believe he was a good swimmer. A gangster who swam in the sea cannot die by drowning in a pond. He was killed because he was a Muslim. According to the ADCP-Crime, Such false statements can disturb communal harmony. The action has been initiated for spreading false information to glorify criminals on social media. The cops are carefully monitoring social media activity, particularly following inputs about the slain gangsters gang members over hacking social media accounts to post content glorifying Lala. A Class XI student recently reported to the police about her social media account having been hacked and turned into a Salman Lala fan page. Her personal posts were replaced with videos and photos glorifying the slain gangster. As per Crime Branch sources, around 60-70 social media accounts are under continuous monitoring of the dedicated social media monitoring team of the city police. The concerned accounts have been under the scanner as Salman Lala supportive posts are either being shared or liked by them. Last month, the gangster Salman Lala, who was on the run in a synthetic drug smuggling case, had reportedly died after drowning in a pond in Sehore district, while allegedly attempting to flee from a police team tailing him. The 25-year-old gangster was accused in more than 30 criminal cases.

In Bhopal 'Stone Pelting At Religious Procession' Row, CCTV Shows Accused Elsewhere

Bhopal's Arif Nagar turned into the epicentre of controversy on Monday. Allegations flew thick and fast: stones hurled at a Ganesh idol immersion procession, idols vandalised, and hurt sentiments sparking outrage.

65-year-old woman fights & kills an attacking jackal in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri

BHOPAL: A 65-year-old woman managed to kill a jackal which attacked her at Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh on Monday. The woman, Surajiya Bai Jatav, belonging to Barkhadi village in the Gwalior-Chambal region, has been admitted to Shivpuri district hospital for treatment. The woman had gone to the field to collect grass for her cattle when she was attacked by the jackal around 5 pm on Monday. The woman reportedly wrestled with the animal after none came to her rescue following repeated screams. She fought for nearly 30 minutes and eventually strangled the jackal to death with the help of her saree. When the jackal died, she too fell unconscious. It took several hours for her to regain consciousness. Her grandson Devendra Jatav said that when they reached the spot they found her lying unconscious with severe bleeding injuries and the jackal lying dead near her. Immediately, we rushed her to the Shivpuri district hospital, he added. According to doctors attending to the elderly woman, she has sustained 18 gashes (bite wounds) all over her body. Anti-rabies injections have been administered and she is being monitored by the doctors. One of the senior doctors overseeing the treatment at the Shivpuri hospital said that with 18 bite wounds, she has been placed under Category-2 of animal bite cases. We hope that the wounds will completely heal in the next 7-10 days and with her current situation being stable, she may be discharged from the hospital in 3-5 days, a doctor said. Surajiya Bai who has lost husband and elder son due to illnesses in the past, lives with younger son Badri and the family is dependent on four bighas of land. But Surajiya Bai is not the first one from her family to have battled a jackal. Around six months go, her brother-in-law Latura Jatav, successfully saved his family from an attacking jackal and killed the animal. But he died three months later due to rabies related complications. Meanwhile, the state forest department has provided an initial assistance of Rs 1000. The department has assured to bear the cost of her treatment.

Madhya Pradesh government approves promoting vehicle scrapping under RVSF to control air pollution

BHOPAL: In a bid to control air pollution, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to promote the scrapping of vehicles under the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF). The state cabinet meeting, chaired by CM Mohan Yadav on Tuesday,approved a 50% rebate in motor vehicle tax on new non-transport and new transport vehicles registered against a Certificate of Deposit issued for scrapping BS-I and earlier emission standard vehicles. It also includes medium/heavy goods and passenger vehicles manufactured under BS-II norms, subject to conditions. Currently, there are around 99,000 BS-I and BS-II category vehicles on the roads in MP. Providing a 50 per cent rebate in motor vehicle tax will result in a financial impact of Rs 100 crore. Importantly, during 202425, the state granted tax rebates of nearly Rs 17.05 crore on 1,563 new vehicle registrations. Its noteworthy that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will provide special assistance of Rs 200 crore to Madhya Pradesh to promote scrapping of vehicles through the Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF). For controlling air pollution in India, the Bharat Stage (BS-I) emission norms were first introduced in April 2000. As per Tuesdays state cabinet decision, the motor vehicle tax rebate will be granted only when the new vehicle is purchased in the name of the same person, in whose name the Certificate of Deposit (issued for scrapping the BS-I and BS-II vehicles) is held at the time. The Certificate of Deposit will serve as the essential and sufficient document to claim incentives and benefits on the purchase of a new vehicle. The validity of this certificate will be three years from the date of issue. The Certificate of Deposit will be electronically tradable. Transfer of the certificate to each new owner will be done on the trading platform as per Form 2D. Once the certificate is used, it will be marked as cancelled in the vehicle database by the respective Regional Transport Office or dealer that has granted the benefit to the certificate holder. The rebate in motor vehicle tax will only be available if the new vehicle is registered in Madhya Pradesh against a Certificate of Deposit issued by an RVSF located within the state. If the certificate has been issued by an RVSF situated outside Madhya Pradesh, the tax rebate will not be applicable. The rebate will be provided only when the new vehicle belongs to the same category as the scrapped vehicle. For vehicles with lifetime tax already deposited, a one-time 50% rebate in motor vehicle tax will be granted for both transport and non-transport categories. For vehicles on which tax is collected on a monthly/quarterly/annual basis, a 50% rebate will be given for up to eight years. The concessions notified under the Transport Departments notification dated September 8, 2022 will not apply to vehicles availing tax rebate under this notification.

Bhopal's Beggar-Free Push Falters As Numbers Rise Instead

Bhopal's Collector admitted the campaign against begging has slowed recently but said a renewed drive will begin after festivals to address the issue

ED searches in Delhi, MP in bank loan fraud case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in Delhi and Madhya Pradesh concerning a money laundering investigation tied to an alleged Rs 273 crore bank loan fraud involving Era Housing and Developers India Private Ltd. Ten premises were searched, including one in Bhopal, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

CBI arrests two including managing director of Indore-based company in Rs 183 crore fake bank guarantee scam

BHOPAL: In connection with the Rs 183.21 crore fake bank guarantee scam case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two persons including the managing director of an Indore-based company. Mahesh Kumbhani, the managing director of Teerth Gopicon Limited, and Gaurav Dhakad were arrested by the CBI on Monday. The duo will be produced before the special CBI court on Tuesday. The two arrests came three months after the central investigation agency arrested three men from Kolkata in the same cases. In June, the CBI had arrested three men, including Govind Chandra Hansda, a senior manager of the Punjab National Bank and Mohd Firoz Khan in connection with the Rs 183.21 crore crore fake bank guarantee scam-related cases. Earlier, acting on the directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the CBI had registered three cases pertaining to the major financial fraud involving the submission of eight forged bank guarantees by the Indore-based Teerth Gopicon Limited, an Indore-based company to get Rs 974 crore worth contracts from the MP Jal Nigam Limited (MPJNL). Back in 2023, the company secured three irrigation projects in Chhatarpur, Sagar and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh, with a total value of Rs 974 crore. To support these contracts, the company submitted eight fake bank guarantees worth Rs 183.21 crore. On the strength of these forged guarantees, it also received approximately Rs 85 crore as mobilization advances from MPJNL. During the initial verification, MPJNL received fraudulent email responses impersonating the official domain of Punjab National Bank (PNB), falsely confirming the authenticity of the bank guarantees. Relying on these false confirmations, MPJNL awarded three contracts worth Rs 974 crore to Teerth Gopicon Limited.

Old FIR Surfaces As Bhopal Cops Probe Alleged Stone-Pelting During Ganesh Immersion

Police records show that Abdul Halim, now named among the accused, had filed a First Information Report (FIR) about a month ago against the present complainant, Charan Singh Kushwaha, at the same police station.

Tension erupts in Bhopal after alleged stone pelting at Ganesh idol immersion procession

BHOPAL : Tension gripped a part of Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal on Monday night, following allegations of stone pelting on a Lord Ganesh idol immersion procession. The incident happened when the Lord Ganesh idol installed by the Hindu Ekta Navyuvak Ganesh Utsav Samiti in Nishatpura Colony was being taken in a procession for immersion at the Khatlapura Ghat. The Samitis head, Monu Kushwah, alleged that at around 9.30 pm, while the procession was passing through the sensitive Arif Nagar locality, some men pelted stones at the procession and the idol from behind a place of worship. Angered over the incident, those forming the procession jammed the road near DIG Bunglow crossing in protest against the alleged incident. Heavy police force from at least ten police stations was rushed to the concerned area to prevent the situation from worsening any further. Hindu Utsav Samiti president Chandrashekhar Tiwari alleged that the stone pelting in the Arif Nagar locality damaged the idol, which was being taken for immersion. At a time when some identical incidents have happened elsewhere in the state, why didnt the authorities and police ensure proper security arrangements? Why was our idol immersion procession attacked? Have we ever pelted stones on any Muharram procession? We demand immediate action against those involved in the incident, if suitable action isnt initiated, then retaliatory action will follow, which might necessitate imposition of curfew, Tiwari said. Bhopal police commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra said the situation is under control and a heavy police force has been deployed in the concerned area. A case has been registered against unidentified accused and investigations are underway to ascertain whether the procession was actually pelted with stones or not. Notably, the incident in Bhopal happened just a day after alleged stone pelting outside a Ganesh Puja pandal in a village in southwestern Madhya Pradeshs Burhanpur district. While three to four villagers were hurt in that incident, at least seven persons have been arrested by the Lalbag Police in Burhanpur district in connection with the Sunday night incident. Due to Sundays lunar eclipse, the Ganesh idols at many places across the state were immersed on Monday.

Kachra Cafe: Bhopals unique spot to turn trash into treasure

Bhopal has now joined the movement with its own Kachra Cafe, a creative hub that turns trash into treats. The post Kachra Cafe: Bhopals unique spot to turn trash into treasure appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .

Head constable suspended for cane-charging farmers waiting outside fertiliser distribution centre in Bhind

BHOPAL:Farmers waiting for their turn to get their share of fertilisers at a government fertiliser distribution centre were lathi-charged by a cop in Bhind district of Madhya Pradeshs Gwalior-Chambal region on Monday. The video of the incident that went viral showed a cop assaulting farmers lined up outside a cooperative society office in the Lahar area of Bhind district. According to the farmers, the cop cane-charged them without any reason, causing injuries to three to four farmers. Notably, the fertiliser distribution process had resumed at the concerned centre after three days of holiday. Followingly, the Bhind district police superintendent Dr Asit Yadav, ordered the suspension of the head constable Ramraj Singh Gurjar. A departmental probe has been ordered against the head constable and a report is sought within seven days. The incident happened just six days after farmers, queuing up for fertilisers, were reportedly lathi-charged in Rewa district of eastern MP. Importantly, Bhind district is the same district, where third-time BJP MLA Narendra Singh Kushwah had indulged in a noisy and abusive brawl with the district collector at the latters residence, allegedly over the fertilizers issue. As per official sources within the government, Bhind district is among those districts of MP, where fertiliser crisis continues to prevail. Not just the non-BJP parties and farmers' outfits, but the Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) -- the RSS-associated farmers' outfit -- has also protested in Bhind in the recent past over the mismanagement of fertiliser distribution. Last week, the states CM Dr Mohan Yadav had chaired a high-level meeting over the issue in Bhopal. At the meeting, the CM directed that the district administration in all districts should make necessary arrangements regarding the distribution of fertilizers in the districts. If there is chaos regarding fertiliser distribution in the districts, then the District Collector will be responsible for it, the CM had maintained. While ensuring proper distribution of the available fertilisers, keep in constant dialogue and contact with the representatives of the farmers' organisations. Representatives of the farmers' organisation should also be included in the fertiliser distribution system. Intensive review of fertilizer availability in the districts should be done, the CM had directed last week. Also, share the information about the stock of fertiliser available in the district with the public representatives, this will help in making the farmers aware of the actual status of fertilizer availability in the district. The district administration should compulsorily conduct surprise verification and monitoring of double lock, PACS and private sales centres. If additional sales centres are required, their operation should be started immediately, the CM had also directed. While maintaining that there was no shortage of fertilisers for the Kharif 2025 season, the officials informed the meeting about the action taken so far against those indulging in black marketing, illegal storage-transportation of fertilisers as well as spurious fertilisers. 53 FIRs were registered and action was taken for 88 license cancellations, 102 license suspensions and 406 sales bans, the officials informed in the meeting.

Senior journalist Sankarshan Thakur, dies at 63

Sankarshan Thakur, the editor of the Telegraph died on Monday after a prolonged illness. He was 63. The Press Club of India in its condolence message said, Weve lost a fearless voice in journalism. His sharp political analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth will be deeply missed, the Press Club added. In this time of sorrow, the Press Club of India stands with his family, friends, and all who feel the weight of this loss. Senior journalist and editor of The Telegraph newspaper, Sankarshan Thakur passed away today. He was 63. Weve lost a fearless voice in journalism. His sharp political analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth will be deeply missed. In this time of sorrow, the Press pic.twitter.com/HzmrpXYlrQ Press Club of India (@PCITweets) September 8, 2025 In an X post, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated, His sharp reporting, bold political commentary, and elegant writing style leave an enduring legacy. Thakur began his career as a journalist for the Ananda Bazar Patrika group's Sunday magazine and was skilled at ground reporting in Bihar and Kashmir. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday said that a liberal, democratic, secular and pluralistic India had lost one of its strongest defenders with the death of Thakur. Thakur reported on several events such as the Bhopal gas tragedy, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassination and the Sri Lankan civil war, the Scroll reported. A chronicler of Bihars politics, Thakurs well known books include Making of Laloo Yadav, The Unmaking of Bihar,Single Man: The Life And Times of Nitish Kumar of BiharandThe Brothers Bihari, The Hindu noted.

Obnoxious gas leak kills three workers at lubricant factory in MP's Pithampur Industrial Area

BHOPAL:Three workers were choked to death while cleaning a gas chamber at a lubricant factory in Pithampur Industrial Area of western Madhya Pradeshs Dhar district on Sunday evening. The three deceased workers have been identified as Sunil (35), Deepak (30) and Jagdish. All three are residents of the Pithampur industrial town. Another worker whose condition is serious has been admitted to the MY Hospital in the neighbouring Indore district. The mishap took place when the four labourers went into a gas chamber one by one for cleaning purposes. The sudden release of obnoxious gas in the chamber made them unconscious. All the workers were subsequently rushed by the factory management to the MY Hospital in Indore, where three workers were declared brought dead by the doctors. Notably, the factory administration didnt report about the mishap to the local Bagdun police station. Our team is at the concerned factory and action will be taken against the factory management for not informing about the mishap to the local police. Based on the autopsy report from Indores MY Hospital, further action will be taken, Dhar district police superintendent Manoj Singh told TNIE.

Masked men break into MP Congress chief Jitu Patwaris home, neighbouring houses targeted too

BHOPAL: Exposing the state of security in Madhya Pradeshs commercial capital Indore, five to six masked men reportedly broke into the house of state Congress president Jitu Patwari on Friday-Saturday intervening night. The unidentified men first cut the power supply to Patwaris house in the Bijalpur area (to ensure that the CCTV cameras were disabled), then broke into the part of the house that housed the former MP ministers office. They subsequently broke the drawers and lockers in Patwaris office, but surprisingly left behind mobile phones and valuables, raising the possibility of the entire incident not being of any typical robbery, but something much bigger than it. Not only did they strike at the office section of Patwaris house in the residential locality under Rajendra Nagar area, but they also targeted two to three neighbouring houses, including the house of Nagar Panchayat CMO Rajkumar Thakur and MP Electricity Board (MPEB) officer Narendra Dubeys residence, during their two-and-a-half-hour movement in the area. While the masked men had ensured that their movements werent captured in the CCTV cameras at Patwaris house, their furtive movement was captured by cameras installed outside the house of Thakur and Dubey. When the residents of those houses (which were intruded upon by the masked men) woke up in the morning, they found their window nets cut. Sources in the Indore police suspect that the Bank Tanda gang could be involved, as a spate of robberies in Rajendra Nagar, Tejaji Nagar and Rau areas of western Indore, have been committed in the past by the members of the same gang. While many of the members of the gang have been nabbed in the past, some of them are reportedly out on bail and might have become active again in the same areas, an Indore police officer suspected.

NDTV Exclusive: Madhya Pradesh Government Labs Under Scanner Over Wrong Test Reports

On a humid morning in Bhopal's JP District Hospital, a young mother named Sangeeta sat anxiously outside the pathology lab, clutching the frail hand of her six-year-old son

Tableau on love jihad in Ganesh procession triggers tension in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain

BHOPAL: A tableau based on the theme of Love Jihad, forming part of a Lord Ganesh Sawari procession, sparked tension in the Mahidpur town of Madhya Pradeshs Ujjain district on Friday. Members of the minority community objected to the tableau forming part of the procession. They were particularly unhappy over effigies having been made to sport a skull cap, beard and burqa and termed it as offensive to their religious sentiments. The sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), while assuring taking care of their concerns, asked them to submit a formal application about it. The situation was normalised by the administration and police, but just when the procession was passing near the Moti Masjid, some youths pelted stones. The concerned Ganesh Sawari procession was around 500 meters away when some youths, who were hiding their faces, pelted stones close to the police posse escorting the procession, Ujjain district police superintendent Pradeep Sharma said. Swinging into action, the police used mild force and controlled the situation from worsening further. Also, to prevent further escalation, police conducted a flag march and additional forces were deployed in sensitive areas. The situation is peaceful and under total control. Those who pelted stones have been identified and a process is underway to register an FIR in the matter, Sharma told the TNIE .

Technical snag forces AI Express flights emergency landing in Indore, all 161 passengers safe

BHOPAL: A New Delhi-Indore Air India Express flight reportedly made an emergency landing at the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore following a technical snag in the engine on Friday morning. With 161 passengers on board, the flight IX-1028 aircraft landed safely at 9.54 am, just a short while after the aircrafts pilot had alerted the Indore Air Traffic Control (ATC) about a technical snag in the engine and sought permission to make an emergency landing at the airport. All 161 passengers on board were reported safe. The pilot made a 'PAN-PAN' call to indicate a non-life-threatening emergency, but the aircraft landed safely at the airport with a delay of 20 minutes, an official told PTI . 'PAN-PAN' is an internationally valid signal used in maritime and air radio communication. In aviation, it indicates an urgent situation that requires assistance but is not immediately life-threatening. When a pilot sends a 'PAN-PAN' signal, it means that the crew needs immediate help from ATC or 'ground service'. As soon as the ATC got the alert from the planes cockpit about a technical snag and consequently permitted the emergency landing, emergency teams, including fire brigade vehicles, ambulances and CISF personnel, were rushed to the runway to deal with any emergency. As per informed sources at the Indore Airport, the concerned Air India plane has been parked at Bay-02, where a team of technical experts are looking into the fault. This latest emergency happened five days after an Air India flight (AI-2913) from New Delhi to Indore, reportedly returned to the national capital shortly after take off on August 31, after its pilots received an engine fire alert. Prior to it, in July, an IndiGo flight (6E 813) from Goa to Indore had reportedly made an emergency landing after the pilot received an undercarriage warning related to the landing gear system. The Airbus A320, carrying 140 passengers, landed safely though nearly 45 minutes behind schedule.

Madhya Pradesh LoP Umang Singhar sparks political row with tribals are not Hindus statement

BHOPAL: Nine days after the Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari kicked up a political row with his women in MP consume more alcohol than anywhere else in the country claim, now the leader of opposition of the state, Umang Singhar, has triggered a fresh controversy by saying, Tribals are not Hindus. Addressing events in Chhindwara district, including a meeting of the Tribal Development Council and the National Karamdar Puja programme, the LoP in the Vidhan Sabha accused the BJP and RSS of attempting to impose Hindu identity on tribal communities. I have said this many times in the past that tribals are not Hindus. This is my belief as well as the sentiment of the tribal society. We have our own customs, culture and way of life. If we worship crops, trees and nature, why should the BJP and RSS have any problem? Singhar said. The fourth-time Congress MLA further said, history shows that the adivasis (tribals) are the original inhabitants of the country. The RSS and BJP were attempting to stop tribals from following their traditions. The LoPs remarks drew sharp criticism from a host of BJP leaders, including Union Minister of State for tribal affairs, DD Uikey. Singhars statements are dangerous for social harmony and unity. He is attempting to divide society through such utterances. He needs to apologise. State BJPs general secretary (organisation) Hitanand Sharma also slammed Singhars statements. The public has fully understood that by following the British policy of divide and rule, the Congress is engaged in breaking the country. Importantly, MP has the largest population of scheduled tribes in India, with more than 21% of the states population being from different tribes, including the Bhil tribe to which Umang Singhar belongs. Out of the 230 assembly seats in the state, 47 are ST-reserved seats. The LoPs statement of tribals not being Hindus, is likely to fuel tribals Vs non-tribals politics in the coming days in the state. Singhar is the second top state Congress leader to have triggered political controversy with his statements in the last few days. Back on August 25, the state Congress president Jitu Patwari too had kicked up a row by claiming that women in Madhya Pradesh consume more alcohol than anywhere else in the country.

Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi, MP government over deaths of newborns bitten by rats in Indore hospital

BHOPAL: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday condemned as horrific, inhuman and insensitive the deaths of two newborns bitten by rats in the Neonatal ICU of Indores MY Hospital, Madhya Pradeshs largest government facility. Rahul took to X on the issue on Thursday. In Indore, two newborn babies died due to rat bites in MPs largest government hospital. This incident is so horrific, inhuman and insensitive that even hearing about it sends shivers down the spine. Children have been snatched from mothers laps, simply because the government failed to fulfil its most basic responsibility. The health sector has been deliberately handed over to private hands, where treatment is only for the rich and for the poor, the government hospitals are no longer life-saving, but have become dens of death. The administration, as always says, there will be an investigation, but the question is, when you cant even ensure the safety of newborn children, what right do you have to run the government? PM Modi and the MP CM should hang their heads in shame. Your government has stripped millions of poor people in the country of their right to health, and now children are being snatched from their mothers laps. Modiji, this voice is rising on behalf of those lakhs of parents, who are today victims of governmental negligence. What will be your response? We will not remain silent. This fight is for the rights of every poor person, every family, every child, Gandhi posted on X on Thursday. Newborn bitten by rats in Indores MY hospital dies; nurses suspended, State HRC orders probe Back in Indore on Thursday, the Madhya Pradesh commissioner for public health and medical education Tarun Rathi, reportedly held meetings with the top officials of MGM Medical College and the MY Hospital. He also reportedly visited the MY Hospital and took stock of the situation at the paediatric unit. Rathis visit to Indore happened hours after the states CM Dr Mohan Yadav had announced a high-level probe into the entire episode of the biting of two newborns by rats at the NICU of the MY Hospital. Two newborns both baby girls who were on ventilator support for treatment of congenital anomalies at the MY Hospitals NICU, were bitten in the shoulder and fingers by rats on Sunday and Monday. Both newborns died on Tuesday and Wednesday. The MGM Medical College and MY Hospital administration have asserted that both deaths were caused by septicemia infection, which was unlikely to have been caused by abrasive injuries caused by rats at the NICU. The MGM Medical College (MY Hospital is its tertiary care hospital) has so far suspended two nurses, removed the nursing superintendent from her post and issued show cause notices to multiple staff, including the head of the paediatric surgery department in the matter and also slapped a Rs one lakh fine on the pest control company. Two newborns bitten by rats in Indores MY hospital dies, probe ordered A high-level committee comprising five doctors and a nursing officer has been constituted to probe the entire issue related to the ingress of rats in the NICU. The committee has been asked by the MGM Medical College to submit its report in seven days. Meanwhile, the State Human Rights Commission has ordered a probe into the entire issue and sought a report from the hospitals medical superintendent within a week. Indores MY Hospital, where the tragic deaths of two newborns occurred, is Madhya Pradeshs largest state-run medical facility and among the biggest government hospitals in central India.

Bhopal Diary | DFO alleges Congress MLA asked for money

Divisional forest officer (DFO), Neha Srivastava posted in a tribal-dominated district of MP, has written to top bosses of the forest department, alleging that the local Congress MLA Anubha Munjare demanded Rs 2 to Rs 3 lakh as illicit monetary gratification from her. Not only did the legislator demand money from the DFO, but she also used intemperate and derogatory language about the forest department official as well as her family, she complained. The forest department has subsequently constituted a committee headed by an official of the rank of additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) to probe the matter. MP plans Ujjain-Indore-Pithampur metro corridor The Madhya Pradesh government is planning a metro rail corridor between the holy city of Ujjain and the industrial town of Pithampur via Indore. The state cabinet meeting, chaired by CM Dr Mohan Yadav, has recently approved consultancy fees of `9 lakh per km (plus GST) for the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) has been assigned the consultancy work for the project. In the first phase, the metro line will cover Shri Mahakaleshwar Ujjain to Luv Kush Square in Indore, and in the second phase, it will extend from Luv Kush Square to Pithampur, according to officials. Men Vs Women Kabaddi match triggers debate A Kabaddi match between men and women was organised in the Niwari district on National Sports Day (August 29) triggered a political controversy. The opposition Congress strongly objected to the match, saying that it amounted to indiscipline and questioned whether the match was held with the consent of the parents. Amid the controversy, the consent letters of the parents emerged. The ruling BJP, however, slammed the Congress for dragging sports into politics. Interestingly, the female players selected for the match had no problems with it. They said that they regularly practiced with male players at the district and state levels. Anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com

Two newborns bitten by rats in Indores MY hospital dies, probe ordered

BHOPAL : Both newborn babies who were allegedly bitten by rats inside the Neonatal Surgical Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Indores Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital have succumbed to their injuries and pre-existing medical conditions. While the first infant died on Tuesday , the second baby girl, who was on ventilator support, passed away on Wednesday afternoon. According to hospital authorities, the second newborn, whose parents hail from the neighbouring Dewas district, was suffering from congenital anomalies similar to the first child, who was from Dhar district. The baby girl who died around 1 pm on Wednesday was born with congenital intestinal anomalies. A successful surgical intervention was carried out, after which she was admitted to the NICU. However, her condition deteriorated over the past three to four days, necessitating ventilator support two days ago, said Dr. Jitendra Verma, Deputy Medical Superintendent, MY Hospital. Verma further said that the infant had abrasions on two fingers, suspected to be caused by a rat bite. Her condition worsened due to an uncontrolled septicaemic infection that spread throughout the body, he added. The infants body was handed over to her parents, Rehana and her husband, who declined a post-mortem examination. The tragic deaths come in the wake of reports that both newborns were bitten by rats on successive days, Sunday and Monday while undergoing treatment at the NICU. In a related development, Indore police have not been able to trace the parents of the first newborn, who passed away on Tuesday. Our teams visited the village in Dhar district, but were unable to locate the parents, a senior police officer said. The child was reportedly abandoned at the hospital during treatment. In the wake of the incident, the MGM Medical College, which oversees MY Hospital, has initiated administrative action. Two nurses have been suspended, the nursing superintendent has been removed, and show-cause notices have been issued to several staff members, including the head of the Paediatric Surgery Department. Additionally, a fine of Rs 1 lakh has been imposed on the pest control agency contracted by the hospital. A high-level committee comprising five doctors and a nursing officer has been formed to investigate the ingress of rodents into the NICU. The committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh State Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the matter and sought a detailed report from the hospitals medical superintendent within a week. The State Government, through the Commissioner of Public Health and Medical Education, has also sought an explanation from the medical superintendent. MY Hospital is the largest government-run hospital in Madhya Pradesh and one of the most prominent tertiary care centres in central India. According to sources, rodent infestation within the hospital premises had been reported earlier, raising concerns over persistent lapses in sanitation and hospital maintenance.

Newborn bitten by rats in Indores MY hospital dies; nurses suspended, State HRC orders probe

BHOPAL: One of the two newborns who were reportedly bitten by rats on successive days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Madhya Pradeshs largest state government hospital, Indores MY Hospital, died during treatment on Tuesday. The low-birth-weight (LBW) baby girl, who weighed only 1.2 kg and had critically low hemoglobin levels, pulmonary complications, and other congenital anomalies, was on ventilator support. Two newborns were bitten by rats on the shoulder and fingers. Both were under treatment by the pediatric surgery department. According to doctors, the baby girl, who was around 57 days old and hailed from the adjoining Khargone district, had been abandoned at the hospital by her parents. She was in a moribund state and on ventilator support. The baby died due to septicemia, but the rat bite wasnt the cause, as the wound was too small, said Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria, Dean of MGM Medical College. The other child has undergone surgery and is currently stable on ventilator support, Dr. Ghanghoria added. Importantly, while the deceased baby girl was from Khargone district, the other newborn, a baby boy hails from the neighboring Dewas district. While maintaining that the rat menace had been present in the ICU facility for only the past 45 days, Dr. Ghanghoria detailed a series of actions taken in response. Two nursing officers, Akansha Benjamin and Shweta Chauhan who failed to inform the hospital administration despite having spotted rats in the ICU over the past few days, have been suspended, he said. Show-cause notices have also been issued to Head Nurse Kalawati Balavi, Pediatric ICU In-charge Praveena Singh, and the Head of the Pediatric Surgery Department, Dr. Manoj Joshi. Further action will be based on their responses and the findings of the ongoing investigation. Additionally, Nursing Superintendent Margret Joseph has been removed from her position and replaced by Dayawati Dayal. A fine of Rs1 lakh has been imposed on the company responsible for pest control, which has also been asked to explain why its services should not be terminated. The ongoing probe suggests that flooding near the hospital building due to recent heavy rains may have triggered the rat infestation. A high-level inquiry committee, comprising five doctors and a nursing officer, has been constituted by the Medical College. The committee has been asked to submit its report within a week, Dr. Ghanghoria said. Maharaja Yeshwantrao (MY) Hospital, which is not only the largest government hospital in Madhya Pradesh but also one of the biggest public-sector hospitals in central India, is affiliated with the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College in Indore. Meanwhile, in a related development, the Madhya Pradesh State Human Rights Commission has directed the MY Hospital Medical Superintendent to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report within a week.

Indian Railways rolls out biometric sign-on system for TTEs

NEW DELHI: In a first, Indian Railways has introduced a new biometric sign-on and sign-off system for its ticket checking staff, marking a significant step towards modernising railway operations and enhancing accountability. The first digital TTE lobby of Indian Railways also became operational at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction under the East Central Railway on August 29 this year. According to the Railways, this innovative system has already been successfully implemented in the Banaras Division of Northern Railway, Sonpur Division in East Central Railway, Ratlam Division in Western Railway, and TTE lobbies at CSMT, Pune and Solapur in Central Railway. It is also operational in Malda Division in Eastern Railway, Mysore Division in South Western Railway, Bhopal in West Central Railway, and Madurai, Palghat, Trichy in Southern Railway, along with the Kota Lobby in West Central Railway. Additionally, it is being phased in across various divisions of the North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, and North Western Railway zones. The Jammu Division of Northern Railway is set to roll out the system shortly. ED I&P, Railways Ministry, Dileep Kumar said, The new system integrates biometric authentication with the Ticket Examiner (TTE) Lobby system, allowing staff to authenticate themselves using an Aadhaar-enabled biometric device. This ensures a tamper-proof, transparent, and privacy-compliant attendance process that accurately records working hours and duty status in real time. He outlined the objectives of the biometric system, stating that authentic attendance will ensure that attendance records are accurate and verifiable. He said that the system will also provide real-time data on staff availability and duty status, allowing for more efficient management. He further mentioned that the system also offers effective monitoring of working hours and lobby operations. He added that the system integrates with Hand Held Terminals (HHTs) and duty rosters for streamlined staff deployment. Detailing the initiative, Kumar said that the implementation of this system is a testament to Indian Railways commitment to improving efficiency and transparency. The biometric sign-on/off system will not only streamline staff deployment but also significantly enhance the overall efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the ticket checking staff, ultimately improving the experience for all passengers, he said.

Madhya Pradesh High Court judge recuses from illegal mining case, states BJP MLA attempted to contact him

BHOPAL: A Madhya Pradesh High Court judge hearing a writ petition, alleging illegal mining in the central Indian state, has withdrawn from hearing the case, stating that a ruling BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak attempted to contact him regarding the matter. Importantly, a petition was filed by Ashutosh Dixit (Mundwara-Katni resident) in the HC, in which the petitioner had stated that he had complained to the states Economic Offence Wing (EOW) about rampant illegal mining in Sihora and Gosalpur areas of Jabalpur district, besides Katni district. The petitioner had stated that the petition had to be filed in the HC, as no action was being taken by the EOW on the complaint. During the hearing of the petition, the EOW informed the HCs single bench that the complaint was made by the petitioner against M/S Nirmala Minerals and Anand Mining Corporation. Both companies are allegedly related to mining baron-turned-BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak, who was a minister in one of the previous BJP regimes led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. During the hearing of the petition, intervenor applications were filed by Anand Mining Corporation and Nirmala Minerals (Sanjay Pathaks mother, Nirmala Pathak and son, Yash Pathak, were directors in the respective companies) through one Varun Kumar Gautam. While perusing the intervenor applications on Monday, the HC judge Justice Vishal Mishra, stated, Sanjay Pathak has made an attempt to call me to have a discussion regarding this particular matter, there, Im not inclined to entertain this writ petition. Let the matter be placed before the Hon'ble Chief Justice for listing the matter before the appropriate Bench for consideration. Taking to X over the issue, the opposition Congresss state chief Jitu Patwari wrote, Chief Minister Sir, the truth is now out in the open as evidence! You may pretend to be Dhritrashtra! Sanjay has understood the Mahabharata of corruption! Importantly, Sanjay Pathak is the fourth-time MLA from Vijayraghavgarh constituency of Katni district. Prior to him, his father Satyendra Pathak represented the same seat in the Vidhan Sabha as Congress legislator and was a minister in the Digvijaya Singh-led erstwhile Congress government. Counted among one of the richest politicians in the state, Sanjay Pathak quit the Vidhan Sabha and the Congress in 2014 and joined the BJP, before winning from Vijayraghavgarh in 2015 as the saffron partys candidate. He was a minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government between 2016 and 2018. He won the 2018 and 2023 elections from the same seat on the BJP ticket.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauds NCERT for modules on partition horrors, Op Sindoor

NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday lauded the National Council for Educational Research and Technology (NCERT) for its recent modules on the horrors of partition as well as Operation Sindoor. Taking part in a function held to mark the 65th Foundation Day of NCERT at its campus in Aurobindo Marg, Pradhan said, NCERTs efforts to highlight Operation Sindoor through a new module is appreciable. A similar effort has been made with the partition horrors. This also deserves much appreciation. Should the country forget about the horrors that happened? If we do not know what has happened in the past and connect it with our present, then we will remain misguided in the future. We will be confused in the future, he said. The module released for classes VI to VIII on August 15 resulted in a war of words between the Congress and the BJP. It generated much controversy as it held Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Congress and Viceroy Lord Mountbatten responsible for the partition. Pradhan called for the introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the Education system and the need to integrate digitalisation into it. He repeatedly lauded NCERT for the role they have played and continues to play in nation-building through their textbooks. NCERT books are the ones that everyone goes for any reference, the Minister said. He launched several new initiatives, including: Newly constructed entrance complex of the NCERT campus Primers in Hindi, Sanskrit, Ho-Hindi, and Koya, developed by the Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru, and NCERT PM eVidya mobile application for accessing all key digital and broadcast initiatives PM eVidya DTH TV Channel No. 35 for Bal Vatika Virtual Reality labs at four schools, including Ajmer, Bhopal, and Bhubaneswar DIKSHA 2.0 with structured lessons and AI tools like Read Aloud, Closed Captioning, and translation of text into 12 languages Prashast 2.0 , enhancing mobile and web platforms for early identification of children with disabilities Kitab Ek Padhe Anek , to create Universal Design of Learning-based accessible digital and printed textbooks for inclusive classrooms, especially for divyangjan students and children from disadvantaged groups Utkal Jananinkarag Sujogya Santana , a book on 100 great personalities of Odisha who contributed to modern Odishas development and the National Freedom Movement Handbook on vocational education for key functionaries

40-year-old widow found murdered inside trunk in Madhya Pradesh, relatives under suspicion

BHOPAL: A 40-year-old widow, Anita Chowdhary, who had been missing since August 28, was found murdered inside a trunk at her house in Maihar district of Madhya Pradesh, police said. She earned a living by selling vermillion and other religious items outside the famous Goddess Sharada Temple in Maihar city. With her house in Maharaja Nagar-Andhra Tola being locked from outside, neighbours and relatives, including her two brothers, who live in Maihar, were searching for her outside. On Sunday evening, the neighbours complained of an intolerable stench emanating from the closed house, after which the locked door was broken. The stench emanated from a trunk inside the house. On opening the truck, the partially decomposed body of the missing woman was found inside, Maihar district police superintendent Sudhir Agrawal told the TNIE on Monday. Based on circumstantial evidence and associated probe, the matter seems prima facie a murder. Some cell phone numbers have been found at the spot, which may play a key role in working out the murder case. Were probing all possible angles and possibilities in the case, including the involvement of some close relative in the killing, the SP-Maihar said. Cops are also investigating the possibility of the accused (who could be more than one) having sexually assaulted her before executing the murder and then having decamped with her money earned from the shop near the famous temple. Importantly, Anitas husband had died around 15 years back. She has two sons, who work in Mumbai and a daughter who lives with an aunt in Rajasthan. Her two brothers also live in Maihar city. It was her elder brother, Santosh Chowdhary, who had actually lodged a missing person complaint with the local police recently.

Madhya Pradesh: Rodents bite fingers of two newborns at neonatal ICU of Indores MY Hospital

BHOPAL: Rodents have exposed the state of affairs at the Maharaja Yeshwant Rao (MY) Hospital in Indore Madhya Pradeshs largest government hospital, which is also counted among one of the largest public sector hospitals of central India. Two newborns were bitten by rats at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the premier government hospital in successive days Sunday and Monday. NICU is a specialized unit, which provides intensive care for premature, critically ill or low-birth-weight newborns. Such newborns often require advanced medical equipment, round-the-clock monitoring by skilled doctors and nurses and specialized treatments to help with breathing, feeding and other health complications, as they recover and grow stronger. As per informed sources at the hospital, the two newborns were shifted to the NICU within two-three days of birth. While the first incident was spotted on Sunday, the second incident of rodents having bitten the fingers in the hand of the newborn was noticed on Monday, prompting the doctors to start the necessary treatment of the two newborns already being treated for congenital anomalies (health complications existing since birth). While admitting to both the incidents, the hospitals medical superintendent Dr Ashok Yadav, who was in Bhopal for official reasons on Monday, said that both the newborns were safe and recovering well. Both the newborns were admitted at the neonatal ICU for congenital anomalies (health complications existing since birth). Theyve been shifted to another facility under continuous supervision and care. Well soon carry out an extensive pest control drive in the entire hospital, hospitals medical superintendent Dr Ashok Yadav told TNIE over phone. Importantly, the last pest control drive was reportedly carried out at the hospital five years back. According to hospital sources, bringing food to the hospital (even outside the intensive care units) often compounds to the menace of rodents. The incident sparked political outrage with the principal opposition party, Congress, targeting the government over the issue. The incidents have exposed the alarming state of public healthcare under the BJP government. It is a serious issue and a matter of concern. Even kids are not safe in the MPs largest state government hospital, state Congress spokesperson Dr Amit Chaurasia said. As per sources, while parents of the two newborns werent informed about the incidents to prevent panic, both the newborns are under constant observation of doctors and nursing staff. Sources added that a big rodent has been spotted often at the NICU (located on the first floor) and also been captured in a video. Menace of rodents isnt new to state government hospitals in MP, but it has largely been confined to dead bodies, instead of living patients. Back in June 2023, the ear of the body of a 50-year-old man was found nibbled inside the deep freezer of the mortuary at the state governments Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal. Prior to it in May 2023, the nose and hand of a 70-year-old mans body (he died in an accident) was found nibbled by rats inside the mortuary of the Vidisha District Hospital. Also, back in January 2023, an eye of the two dead men, whose bodies were kept in the deep freezer of the mortuary at Sagar District Hospital, were reportedly found nibbled by rats.

Over 6.16 lakh ineligible beneficiaries found availing free ration in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: Its not just the below poverty line (BPL) people who are taking free ration from the Public Distribution System (PDS) shops in Madhya Pradesh. Even well-to-do individuals are taking free ration by posing as members of BPL families across the central Indian state. The e-KYC (electronic know your customer) updating of beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA)-Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) across the state has revealed that more than 6.16 lakh beneficiaries drawing free ration across the state, actually hail from well-to-do families. As per the ongoing e-KYC drive process earlier this month, a total of over 5.27 crore people were enrolled as beneficiaries under NFSA across the state, out of which more than 6.16 lakh have been identified as ineligible for free ration as they belong to well to do families. The top five districts with the highest number of ineligible beneficiaries are Bhind (50,619), Barwani (33,633), Khargone (29,909), Rewa (26,053), and Morena (25,230). Out of these five districts having the maximum number of ineligible beneficiaries drawing free ration from the PDS shops, Bhind and Morena are part of the Gwalior-Chambal region, the two neighbouring districts of Barwani and Khargone are part of the tribal dominated southwestern MP, while Rewa district is located in the Vindhya region, which neighbours Uttar Pradesh. Even the Madhya Pradesh capital, Bhopal, has 13,033 such beneficiaries. One village, Nalkheda, which is located in Berasia tehsil of the state capital, has 200-plus such people, whove received notices from the government, as to why their E-ration cards shouldnt be scrapped as they are ineligible for benefits under the scheme. One such family in Nalkheda village of Bhopal, actually owns a big house and not one, but two cars, but still figures in the list of those eligible for drawing free ration under the scheme focusing on free rice, wheat and sugar distribution for the impoverished lot. The government has already started the process of removing such ineligible beneficiaries from the list of those eligible for free ration under the NFSA, official sources said.

Ugandan national caught with cocaine and crystal meth worth Rs 2.2 crore in Bhopal

BHOPAL: Continuing its crackdown on narcotics smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a Ugandan woman from a Mumbai-bound train at Bhopal railway station, seizing drugs worth 2.2 crore. Acting on its own intelligence inputs, DRI officials tracked and apprehended the Ugandan woman, who was travelling from Delhi to Mumbai, at Bhopal Junction on Thursday. The woman was located in one of the air-conditioned coaches of the long-distance train. A thorough search operation was conducted, which led to the recovery of four white plastic packets containing 368.9 grams of crystalline methamphetamine and two packets containing 147.4 grams of cocaine. The substances tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine using the NDPS Field Test Kit, as confirmed by the DRI's official statement. The seized drugs, valued at over 2.2 crore in the international market, were confiscated under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The Ugandan national was arrested, and investigations are underway to uncover the trafficking network behind the operation. The drugs were reportedly intended for delivery in Mumbai. This operation marks the third significant narcotics bust by the DRI in Madhya Pradesh within the past 12 days. Earlier, on August 16, DRI officials, in coordination with law enforcement agencies from multiple states, dismantled an inter-state Mephedrone production and smuggling ring, seizing 62 kg of contraband worth 92 crore in the international market. Seven individuals were arrested in connection with the case. On August 20, DRI Indore officials, with the assistance of the Railway Protection Force, intercepted two passengers at Bhopal railway station carrying around 25 kg of Thailand-origin hydroponic weed, valued at 25 crore. This was part of a wider pan-India crackdown, leading to the seizure of 72 kg of ganja and the arrest of the syndicates mastermind and five associates.

Ugandan national caught with cocaine and crystal meth worth 2.2 crore in Bhopal

BHOPAL: Continuing its crackdown on narcotics smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a Ugandan woman from a Mumbai-bound train at Bhopal railway station, seizing drugs worth 2.2 crore. Acting on its own intelligence inputs, DRI officials tracked and apprehended the Ugandan woman, who was travelling from Delhi to Mumbai, at Bhopal Junction on Thursday. The woman was located in one of the air-conditioned coaches of the long-distance train. A thorough search operation was conducted, which led to the recovery of four white plastic packets containing 368.9 grams of crystalline methamphetamine and two packets containing 147.4 grams of cocaine. The substances tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine using the NDPS Field Test Kit, as confirmed by the DRI's official statement. The seized drugs, valued at over 2.2 crore in the international market, were confiscated under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The Ugandan national was arrested, and investigations are underway to uncover the trafficking network behind the operation. The drugs were reportedly intended for delivery in Mumbai. This operation marks the third significant narcotics bust by the DRI in Madhya Pradesh within the past 12 days. Earlier, on August 16, DRI officials, in coordination with law enforcement agencies from multiple states, dismantled an inter-state Mephedrone production and smuggling ring, seizing 62 kg of contraband worth 92 crore in the international market. Seven individuals were arrested in connection with the case. On August 20, DRI Indore officials, with the assistance of the Railway Protection Force, intercepted two passengers at Bhopal railway station carrying around 25 kg of Thailand-origin hydroponic weed, valued at 25 crore. This was part of a wider pan-India crackdown, leading to the seizure of 72 kg of ganja and the arrest of the syndicates mastermind and five associates.

Jab We Met re-run in real life: Young MP woman leaves home to marry lover, returns with another man

BHOPAL: Back in 2007, Bollywood movie 'Jab We Met' starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor sent cash registers ringing at the box office. 17 years after 'Jab We Met,' an eerie rerun of the movie has been reported in real life from 'Mini-Mumbai' Indore. A 22-year-old Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student Shraddha Tiwari (who resides in MIG area of Madhya Pradeshs commercial capital Indore) left home to marry her lover Sarthak. But to her utter shock, Sarthak didnt turn up at the Indore railway station and instead informed that he didnt want to marry her. Heartbroken, Shraddha boarded a train, without knowing where to go. She detrained few hours later at Ratlam station coincidentally the same station of western Madhya Pradesh, which featured in a similar situation in the 2007 movie. At the Ratlam station, Shraddhas life took a piquant turn, as she met Karandeep -- an electrician who worked at her college in Indore. Spotting her sitting alone, Karandeep went to her and came to know about the entire sequence of events which happened with her. He first advised her to return home and inform parents in Indore. But in no mood to return, Shraddha told Karandeep about having left home to get married, she would either marry or not stay alive. After his repeated attempts to convince her to return home failed, Karandeep proposed to marry her and Shraddha accepted the proposal. The duo subsequently travelled to the historically famous town Maheshwar in Khargone district and married there at a temple. From there they travelled to Mandsaur. Unable to find his daughter, Shraddhas father Anil Tiwari, had, meanwhile, announced Rs 51,000 reward for anyone giving clinching information about her. The family even performed the superstitious practice of hanging daughters picture upside down, which was performed two months earlier by the Raghuvanshi family of Indore for finding their missing newly married daughter Sonam Raghuvanshi, who ultimately turned out to be the mastermind of husband Raja Raghuvanshis honeymoon killing in Meghalaya. Five days after she left home, Shraddha rang her father from Mandsaur on Thursday and informed about being safe in Mandsaur. A relieved father Anil Tiwari in Indore, subsequently asked her to stay back at night at a hotel in Mandsaur and return home the next morning. However, with none of the hotels in Mandsaur ready to give her and Karandeep a room, Anil transferred money to Karandeep to buy the train tickets to Indore. Both Shraddha and Karandeep returned to Indore on Friday and went to the MIG police station, where Shraddha recorded her statement and stated that she had married Karandeep in Maheshwar. According to a senior Indore police officer, Shraddhas father was initially reluctant to accept the marriage, saying that his daughter was not mentally stable. But after the photographs of the marriage were presented, the family finally decided to accept the wedding. This eerie saga resembling the 2007 Hindi movie, happened less than a week after Archana Tiwari, a young advocate preparing for the civil judge exams in Indore suddenly went missing from train on way to home town Katni and was found two weeks later on India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh. Police probe later revealed that with the help of a male friend, she had masterminded her mysterious disappearance to travel to Nepal to evade the marriage proposal of her family.

Delhi Zoo shut for visitors after painted storks test positive for bird flu

Samples from the two dead birds were sent to the National Institute for High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal on August 27. They tested positive for H5N1 on August 28, they said

RRC WCR apprentice recruitment 2025 opens for 2865 posts; check direct link to apply online

RRC WCR apprentice recruitment 2025: The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC), West Central Railway (WCR), has announced 2865 apprentice vacancies under Notification No. 01/2025. Eligible candidates with 10th and ITI qualifications can apply online from August 30, 2025, to September 29, 2025. Vacancies span Jabalpur, Bhopal, Kota, and other units. Selection will be based on a merit list from 10th and ITI marks. The application process is fully online via the official WCR website.

Indore councillor Anwar Qadri, accused of funding men to trap and convert women, surrenders

BHOPAL: Anwar Qadri, a Congress corporator from Ward No. 58 of the Indore Municipal Corporation, who had been absconding for over two months, surrendered before a local court in Indore on Friday. He is accused of funding members of the minority community to target, sexually assault, and religiously convert women from another community. Qadri, also known as Anwar Dacoit, had been evading arrest since June after a case was registered against him at Banganga Police Station, based on statements from two arrested men who alleged that he had paid them 3 lakh to trap and exploit women. The allegations include rape, forced religious conversion, and involvement in immoral trafficking. To evade capture, Qadri had altered his appearance, shaving his beard and moustache, and was dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, possibly to impersonate an advocate. Upon surrender, the court remanded him to eight days of police custody. During this period, the police intend to interrogate him regarding his whereabouts during his time in hiding and identify those who may have assisted him. According to Additional DCP (Crime), Indore Police, Rajesh Dandotiya, Qadris surrender came as a result of sustained police pressure, continuous raids, and the threat of property attachment. He had only two options, surrender before the police or the court. He chose the latter, Dandotiya said. While being escorted from court, Qadri was reportedly attacked by a few individuals, suspected to be advocates. Earlier, Qadris daughter was arrested from Delhi for allegedly aiding her father in evading arrest. His surrender came after a reward of 40,000 was announced for information leading to his capture. The case originated in June when two men were arrested for allegedly raping and attempting to convert women. Their confessional statements led to Qadri being named in the case and going underground.

Against Party Line: BJP To MLA After Clash With Top District Official

Three days after sparking outrage by nearly assaulting Madhya Pradesh's Bhind Collector Sanjeev Srivastava, BJP MLA Narendra Singh Kushwaha was summoned to Bhopal and sternly reprimanded by the party leadership.

MP government take action against 1,404 lakhpati families for availing free ration

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government has initiated action against at least 1,404 lakhpati families with annual income in excess of lakhs of rupees, but have reportedly been receiving free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in the Guna district. The scheme is intended for families below the poverty line (BPL). These families, now categorised as suspicious beneficiaries by the authorities, have been given 15 days to explain why their E Ration Cards should not be cancelled. The beneficiaries include 1,098 families with annual incomes of over `6 lakh each. The list also includes 301 families whose members are listed as directors in registered companies, and at least five families whose annual business turnover exceeds `25 lakh. The ongoing probe has revealed that most of these suspicious beneficiaries reside in the urban areas of the Guna district. One such family resides in Ward No. 18 of Guna town, and its head is a foodgrain merchant with a turnover exceeding `25 lakh. The four-member family had been taking free rations in the name of the businessmans wife from the Indira Gandhi Sahkari Upbhokta Bhandar. Another family with a similar turnover lives in Chachauda town and has been getting free ration as a BPL family under the PMGKAY. In the Ahirkhedi area of Raghogarh, a six-member affluent family has been getting free ration. Another family in the same area was availing itself of the benefits until this June. A five-member Bamori family with an annual income of `6 lakh and a female beneficiary from a family with business income exceeding `25 lakh are also on the list. The Guna district supply officer Awadhesh Pandey said, All these well-to-do families were getting free ration. Notices have been issued to them, and their replies are sought within 15 days. After expiry of the stipulated time period, their names will be removed from the list of the free ration beneficiary BPL families. The list was prepared based on details shared by the Income Tax Department, the Ministry of Company Affairs, and the Central Board for Indirect Tax and Customs. Guna of the Gwalior-Chambal region is among three districts (including Shivpuri and Ashok Nagar) that are part of the Guna Lok Sabha constituency, represented by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who said, There can be no crime bigger than stealing the foodgrain meant for the poor families.

BJP MLA Narendra Singh Kushwah tries to hit Bhind collector during spat

BHOPAL: High-voltage drama unfolded in Madhya Pradeshs Bhind district on Wednesday when ruling BJP MLA Narendra Singh Kushwah engaged in a noisy and abusive confrontation with District Collector Sanjeev Srivastava at the latters official residence. The incident, caught on camera, occurred after Kushwah, a three-time MLA from the Bhind seat, arrived at the collectors residence accompanied by a group of farmers. They were reportedly there to protest the shortage of fertilisers, with each farmer receiving only two bags. When the collector did not come out to meet him, Kushwah forcibly entered the residence along with his supporters. I will make the public enter your house today, the BJP legislator declared as he entered. Upon seeing the MLA inside, Collector Srivastava emerged, leading to a heated exchange between the two. The confrontation escalated after the collector warned Kushwah to stay within limits and stated that illegal sand mining would not be tolerated in the district. In a fit of rage, Kushwah labelled the district collector a chor (thief) and was seen on camera raising his hand as if to slap Srivastava. Throughout the heated exchange, the MLA used abusive language and urged the accompanying farmers and supporters to chant slogans such as Bhind collector chor hai (Bhind collector is a thief). The situation intensified as Kushwah and his supporters staged a dharna outside the collectors bungalow, demanding the immediate removal of Srivastava. They set up a tent, sound system, and air coolers, vowing not to end the protest until their demand was met. Supporters continued to chant slogans accusing the collector of corruption. Senior police and administrative officials, including SP Bhind Asit Yadav, rushed to the scene but were unable to defuse the situation. It was only after phone calls from a senior state minister and the Chief Ministers office that Kushwah finally ended the dharna, according to sources in Bhopal. Kushwah later accused the Bhind district collector of corruption and mismanagement, alleging that farmers were being deprived of essential supplies and that corruption was rampant in every department. Kushwah has a long political history in Bhind, having won the MLA seat on a BJP ticket in 2003 and 2013. He lost the 1998 and 2008 elections as a BJP candidate and contested the 2018 election as an SP candidate after being denied a BJP ticket, finishing third. He returned to the BJP ahead of the 2023 polls and won the seat in a three-cornered contest against Congress and BSP candidates by over 14,000 votes.

If we open third eye, bullies wont be able to stand: Shivraj Chouhan urges swadeshi push amid US tariff threats

BHOPAL: As the United States prepares to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan issued a strong warning on Tuesday, declaring, Those bullying us will not be able to stand anywhere if we open our third eye. Speaking at the 64th All India Wheat and Barley Research Workers' Meet in Gwalior, the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister emphasised the government's unwavering commitment to protecting farmers' interests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that the interests of our farmers will not be compromised, no matter how powerful any Dada (global power) may be, he said. Chouhan reiterated Indias traditional values, highlighting its vision of global unity and peace. Since ancient times, India has seen the world as one family. But that does not mean we will bow to any pressure. We will take our own decisions. No global power can dictate terms to us. It is our self-respect that drives the nation forward, he asserted. Urging the people of India to embrace the Swadeshi spirit in their daily lives, Chouhan said, Let us pledge to use Made-in-India products for the rest of our lives. Swadeshi will create jobs, strengthen our economy, and ensure that profits stay within the country. He noted that India is already the worlds fourth-largest economy. We must soon become the third and, eventually, the largest. We have already overtaken those who once ruled us. With Swadeshi, we will surpass others too, he added. Issuing a stern warning, Chouhan said, Some powers are trying to boss us around, but if we open the third eye, they wont be able to stand. The minister also expressed disappointment over the lack of seriousness shown by certain state governments towards the wheat and barley research meet. Some states have failed to send appropriate representatives. I want to be briefed about all such states. I will raise this with the respective chief ministers and write to them directly. Highlighting the importance of agriculture, Chouhan said, Farming is the backbone of our economy, and the farmer is its soul. Sending junior officers to such important events is not acceptable. He also invited state agriculture ministers to the upcoming two-day Rabi Conference scheduled for 1415 September in Delhi. I especially invite Madhya Pradeshs agriculture minister Aidal Singh Kansana to attend, he said.

MP woman branded over 50 times with hot knife in dowry torture, alleges police complaint

BHOPAL: A woman who married just six months ago was allegedly held at gunpoint and branded with a hot knife at least 50 times by her husband inside their home in southwestern Madhya Pradeshs Barwani district. A case has been registered against the womans husband, but he and his family claim the wounds were self-inflicted. Alleging horrific torture by her husband, the young woman, identified as Khushboo, said he has disliked her since their marriage in February 2025 and has been repeatedly demanding dowry. Narrating the events on Tuesday, the woman said the episode happened on Sunday night in the Anjad area of Barwani district. Her husband, Dilip Pipliya, first beat her, then dragged her into the kitchen and locked her inside. He tied her hands and legs, before lighting the gas stove and heating a knife on the flame. Dilip then put a country-made pistol to her head and branded her with the hot knife on her hands, back, and hip. About 50 branding marks were visible on the young womans body. She first told her in-laws, who live on the first floor of the house, about the horrific act, but they dismissed the matter, alleging she had self-inflicted the injuries. Khushboo, who hails from the adjoining Khargone district, returned to her parents home with her brother on Tuesday morning. She and her parents then reported the matter to the Mengaon police station in Khargone district. She was subsequently taken to Khargone district hospital for a medical examination. Following this, a case was registered at the Jaitpura police station. Confirming the development, Khargone district police superintendent Dharmaraj Meena said, A case of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, wrongful restraint, and cruelty by a husband has been registered at Jaitpura police station in Khargone district against the womans husband, Dilip, under sections 115(2), 118, 126, and 85 of the BNS. The investigation will be transferred to Anjad police station in Barwani district, as the alleged incident occurred there. The woman is currently under treatment at Khargone district hospital. The woman and her parents also alleged that while she was returning to Khargone district, her husband and his associates arrived in two vehicles and threatened to kill her and her parents if she reported the matter to the police and did not return to Barwani. However, her husband, Dilip, and his in-laws have denied all allegations, claiming instead that she self-inflicted the wounds.

MP Police introduces QR codes for complaints to ensure peaceful Ganesh Utsav, Eid Milad in Khandwa

BHOPAL : Eyeing to ensure incident free and peaceful Ganesh Utsav and Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi, the police have introduced a QR Code-based quick response system in the communally sensitive Khandwa district of southwestern Madhya Pradesh. Standees bearing QR codes and images of Lord Ganesh will be on prominent display at all the Ganesh Puja pandals across the communally sensitive Khandwa city. Anyone who is facing problems of any kind can just scan the QR codes from the standees at the respective Puja Pandal. Scanning of the QR code will generate a Google Form, which can be duly filled by citizens along with details of the issues being faced by them and their cell-phone number, Khandwa district police superintendent Manoj Rai told TNIE on Tuesday. A dedicated team of the district police's cyber cell, which has been tasked with round-the-clock operation of the QR code-based security system during the entire ten-day festival, will connect each of the complaints (received through the QR code-based system) to the respective police station, followed by a quick police response to the concerned Puja Pandal. There will be at least 126 big Ganesh Utsav pandals in the 3 to 5 km city limits of Khandwa, all of which will be covered by the new system, which will start functioning with the beginning of Ganesh Utsav on Wednesday and continue till Anant Chaturdashi-Ganesh Visarjan on September 6. We'll ensure that each of the grievances received from the Puja Pandals is addressed within a maximum of five minutes by our round-the-clock patrolling teams, particularly in three urban police station areas, including Kotwali, Padam Nagar and Moghat Road, Rai said. Located in the southwestern part of Madhya Pradesh and neighboured by Maharashtra, the Khandwa district has long been counted among the most communally sensitive districts of the central Indian state. Festivals like Ganesh Utsav and Durga Puja have often witnessed communal tension and clashes in the past. The district has also been a fertile base for the activities of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) outfit. The district, which is part of the Indore Rural Police Range, is also among the top five districts in the state, that have reported maximum cases under the MP Freedom of Religion Act 2021, about religious conversion of girls and women through force, lure of marriage or money. The QR code-based system will have special focus on girl and women security as well as ensuring that the ten-days Ganesh Utsav as well as Eid-Milad-Un-Nabi (which falls on September 4-5) pass off peacefully, the SP-Khandwa added.

5 years after Kamal Nath-led Congress government in MP was toppled, a podcast interview revives debates on its cause

BHOPAL: Almost five and half years after Jyotiraditya Scindia and his 22 loyalist MLAs switched sides and toppled the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in Madhya Pradesh, a podcast interview has revived the debate around what actually caused the fall of the 15-month-old regime. What sparked the debate is the statements made by former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and current Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh during a podcast interview with a senior journalist. The Congress had returned to power in Madhya Pradesh after 15 years under the leadership of former Union minister and then state party chief Kamal Nath in December 2018. The government, which relied on the support of seven MLAs four independents, two from the BSP and one from the SP lasted 15 months before 22 Congress legislators loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia resigned from the party and the Vidhan Sabha to join the BJP. On 20 March 2020, Nath resigned, paving the way for the BJP's return to power. During a podcast interview on Saturday, Digvijaya Singh said that despite his sustained efforts to save the government, the Congress regime collapsed due to a personal clash between Scindia and Nath. There was no ideological clash, but instead clash of personalities (between Nath and Scindia), he claimed. Im often blamed for the fall of the Congress government in 2020, but the truth is that I continuously worked to save the government. I had even timely warned about the possibility of such a crisis (fall of government), Singh said. I met an industrialist who enjoys good relations with both the leaders (Nath and Scindia) and told him about the possibility of the government falling. A luncheon meeting was arranged at that industrialists house, where all three of us (Nath, Scindia and me) were present. I tried my best to ensure that the crisis was averted, he said. At that meeting some issues pertaining to the Gwalior-Chambal region were raised. It was agreed that whatever issues pertaining to that region were raised, would be addressed as per our (my and Scindias) joint wish-list. A joint wish-list pertaining to the Gwalior-Chambal region signed by me and Scindia was submitted the next day only, but nothing actually happened to address the issues and concerns mentioned in that wish-list. Had those issues been addressed (by Nath as CM), maybe the government wouldnt have fallen, he claimed. Just a day later, Kamal Nath took to X to respond to the statements. Recently, there has been rhetoric regarding the fall of the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh in 2020, which was under my leadership. I just want to say that there is no benefit in digging up old matters. But its true that, apart from personal ambitions, Jyotiraditya Scindia felt that the government was being run by Digvijaya Singh. In the same resentment, he broke away the Congress MLAs and toppled our government, he wrote in an X post on Sunday. 2020 Kamal Nath (@OfficeOfKNath) August 24, 2025 Meanwhile, BJP took the opportunity to deny its involvement in toppling the Congress regime. Today, Kamal Nath has admitted that the government headed by him was actually being run by Digvijaya Singh. He (Singh) first ruined the state, then the Congress and finally Kamal Naths political career. Naths social media post has also established that the allegations about BJP having toppled Naths government too were false. Greetings to Nath for finally speaking the truth that his government fell due to Digvijaya Singh and other Congress leaders, state BJP spokesperson Ajay Singh Yadav said. Yadav too is a former Congress leader, who quit the grand old party to join the BJP in 2023. The latest controversy over the fall of the Congress regime surfaced on the same day the partys national leadership met 71 newly appointed district committee presidents in the national capital. While the meeting was held in New Delhi, Congress workers from Indore reportedly staged a protest outside against the appointment of former MLA Vipin Vankhede as Indore Rural district Congress chief.

Ladli Behna scheme workers in industries to receive Rs 5,000 monthly from MP government: CM Mohan Yadav

BHOPAL: Women enrolled under the Mukhya Mantri Ladli Behna Scheme who take up employment in industries will now receive 5,000 per month from the Madhya Pradesh government, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced on Sunday. Speaking at the inauguration of the new state office of Laghu Udyog Bharti (a national industry body associated with the RSS) in Bhopal, Yadav clarified that this revised support will replace the existing 1,500 or 3,000 monthly benefits for those who opt to work in job-oriented industries. Beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Scheme who begin working in industries will receive 5,000 monthly from the state government. Additionally, industrialists will provide up to 8,000 per month, ensuring these women earn a total of 12,000 to 13,000 per month, the CM said. Launched in June 2023 under former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Ladli Behna Scheme currently provides 1,500 per month to over 1.28 crore economically disadvantaged women across the state. The ruling BJP had promised in its 2023 Assembly poll manifesto to gradually raise this amount to 3,000 per month by 2028. At the same event, CM Yadav emphasised the governments commitment to removing hurdles in establishing small industries. He announced that all necessary permissions for MSMEs would be issued under a time-bound action plan. Industrialists establishing employment-generating industries will be incentivised. Subsidies will also be offered for opening new ITIs, polytechnic institutions, and engineering colleges, in line with policy provisions, he said. Highlighting the states push towards innovation, the chief minister also mentioned plans to set up research and study centres of Indian and foreign institutions at IIT Indore. He reiterated that the government stands firmly behind small industries and that revitalising them is essential for strengthening the states economy.

Retired DySP tied up and assaulted by wife and sons over post-retirement benefits in MP

BHOPAL: In a shocking incident, a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) was allegedly tied up and assaulted by his wife and two sons in a bid to obtain his post-retirement financial benefits, in Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh. The incident is believed to have taken place on 20 August at the residence of 62-year-old retired DySP Pratipal Singh Yadav in Chandavani village, under the jurisdiction of Bhonti police station. However, it only came to light after a video of the assault went viral on social media on Saturday. In the video, Yadav is seen wearing only underwear, with his legs tied with a rope while one of his sons restrains him to prevent escape. His wife, two sons, and another unidentified youth are also seen in the video, ensuring he remains confined. Confirming the incident, Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP, Pichhore) Prashant Sharma said that preliminary investigations revealed Yadav had retired a few months ago, with his last posting in neighbouring Sheopur district. Our probe has confirmed that the retired DySP, Pratipal Singh Yadav, was tied up by his wife Maya Yadav and sons Akash and Abhas Yadav. They assaulted him while he was held captive and later fled with his bank ATM card. A case of robbery and wrongful confinement has been registered against the accused, and a search is underway to locate them, Sharma said on Sunday. Yadav had reportedly been estranged from his wife and sons for the past 15 years. While he has been living in Madhya Pradesh, his wife and two sons reside in Jhansi district of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Their daughter is currently pursuing an MBBS degree in Gorakhpur. Following his retirement, Yadav received 20 lakh from his provident fund, while a further 33 lakh in post-retirement benefits is still pending. His wife and sons allegedly attempted to forcibly take him to Jhansi to access the funds. Failing to do so despite assaulting him on 20 August, they fled the village in Shivpuri district with his ATM card.

Youth crushed to death by Ganesh Idol in MP; poor road conditions blamed

BHOPAL: A 24-year-old youth from Khandwa district tragically died after being crushed by a brand-new Ganesh idol, which reportedly toppled due to pothole-ridden roads in Burhanpur district, southwestern Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday night. The fatal incident occurred in the Lalbagh area of Burhanpur city when members of the Hatkeshwar Ganesh Mandal, based in neighbouring Khandwa district, were transporting a newly crafted 12-foot-high Ganesh idol for installation during the upcoming Ganpati Puja festival. The idol was being carried on a tempo trolley when it lost balance on a poorly maintained stretch of road near Tulsi Mall. It toppled onto 24-year-old Shashank Joshi, believed to be associated with the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Khandwa. Shashank was critically injured after being crushed under the collapsed idol. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The incident sparked outrage among locals, who blamed the authorities for failing to maintain the roads, leading to the tragedy. Om Azad, a local spokesperson of the Hindu Mahasabha, directly held the administration and municipal corporation responsible for the accident caused by dangerous road conditions. Upon learning of the incident, Burhanpur Circle SP Gaurav Patil rushed to the scene and managed to pacify the angry crowd. The post-mortem was conducted during the night, and Shashanks last rites were performed in his native Khandwa district on Sunday. Additional SP (Burhanpur) A.S. Kanesh and Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Veer Singh Chauhan were present at the hospital overnight to ensure the situation remained under control. Meanwhile, the damaged idol, meant for installation in Khandwa, was immersed in the Tapti River in Burhanpur on Sunday. Following the incident, the Burhanpur district administration reportedly sealed the Samrat Maurya Art workshop, where the Ganesh idol had been made. Around 40 idols, worth over 10 lakh, were stored there for delivery to various Puja pandals in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. According to official sources, the administration had capped the maximum height for Ganesh idols at 10 feet, but the workshop allegedly created idols ranging between 12 and 18 feet. Most of these were meant for pandals in neighbouring Maharashtra, where Ganesh Utsav is one of the most celebrated festivals. However, Sarita Maurya, head of the Samrat Maurya Art workshop, defended her team, stating, The idol was properly packed and handed over to the organisers. The mishap occurred due to poor road conditions, not any fault of the workshop. This was not the first incident of its kind in Burhanpur. Just two days earlier, another newly made Ganesh idol had collapsed due to poor road conditions on Ichhapur Road. Following that, authorities began patchwork repairs on the damaged roads. The incident also revived memories of a similar mishap in Gwalior in September 2024, when a 22-foot idol collapsed due to potholes on Shinde ki ChhawaniNawab Sahab ka Kuwa Road. That incident injured two people, including a woman, just hours before the idol was to be installed at a local Ganesh Puja mandal in Khallasipura. These recurring accidents have renewed public anger and raised serious questions about civic negligence ahead of one of Indias most important festivals.

Good News for Passengers: Bhopal-Lucknow Vande Bharat to launch soon, set to cut travel time by...

The train proposed to run between Bhopal and Lucknow is slated to be unveiled with 20 coaches. It is likely to be flagged off in the month of October.

1000 injured in ritualistic stone fight between two riverside villages in MP

BHOPAL: A centuries-old tradition rooted in a mythological love story resulted in injuries to around 1,000 residents of two riverside villages in MPs Pandhurna on Saturday. As has been customary, the famous Gotmar Fair was held on the banks of the Jam River on Bhadrapada Amavasya. The fair, linked to the mythological tale on the killing of two young lovers, saw residents of Pandhurna and Sawargaon villages indulge in the ritualistic battle of stones. It reportedly resulted in injuries to around 1,000 people in total. Two critically injured villagers, identified as Nilesh Janrao and Jyotiram Uike, have been rushed to hospitals in Nagpur. Knowing well that the fair, like the previous years, will result in injuries to a large number of people, the local authorities had created six temporary health centres, where 58 doctors and 200 medical/paramedical staff have been deployed. Although the Pandhurna district collector, Ajay Deo Sharma, had imposed prohibitory orders and deployed over 600 police personnel across the riverside fair area, the battle of stones still resulted in injuries. The fair began with the worship of Chandi Mata in the Jam river. As part of the ritual, residents of Sawargaon carried a freshly cut Palash tree from the forest and planted it in the middle of the river, marking it as their sacred flag. They subsequently defended the tree as their daughter, while Pandhurna, seen as the boys side, launched a barrage of stones to seize it. The clash continued until the flag broke, after which both sides united in worship, closing the circle of violence and faith. The fair has its origin in a 400-year-old legend about a youth from Pandhurna and a girl from Sawargaon trying to elope. As the couple reached the Jam river, villagers hurled stones to stop them killing them in the process. The tradition has not just resulted in injuries but also claimed few lives. Since 1955, at least 13 people, including three from one family have reportedly died in it.

Nitin Gadkari announces corridor to link four tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh

Nitin Gadkari announced a Rs 5,500-crore four-lane corridor connecting Madhya Pradesh's Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna, and Pench tiger reserves to boost tourism and the state's economy. Additionally, a Rs 15,000-crore 255-km greenfield highway between Bhopal and Jabalpur is planned, with construction expected to begin by next April or May following land acquisition.

MP govt to launch campaign portraying Lord Krishna as rebel, not butter thief; opposition cries foul

BHOPAL: Already working on developing the Sri Krishna Patheya a religious tourism circuit connecting places related with Lord Krishnas life the Dr Mohan Yadav government is now set to launch a public awareness campaign to educate people that the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu was a rebel and not a makhanchor (butter thief). Lovingly referring to Lord Krishna as Makhanchor (butter thief) has been a practice among storytellers, bhajan singers and religious preachers since generations. Hailing from the ancient city Ujjain where Lord Krishna and elder brother Balram are traditionally believed to have studied Vedas Madhya Pradesh chief minister Dr Mohan Yadav has objected to the popular title of Makhanchor for Lord Krishna. While calling the popular title as misleading, the CM argued on the festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, that Krishna's childhood act of breaking butter pots (Matki Fod) was actually a stand of rebellion against his maternal uncle Kansas exploitation. There were thousands of cows in Gokul, and butter from there went to Kansas house. Krishna told his fellow cowherds: eat your butter, break the pot, but dont let it reach our enemy. This was not theft but a message of resistance. Krishnas leela is about love and protest against injustice, not about stealing, he said. Why will Krishna -- who was born in a prosperous family of Nana Baba that housed thousands of cattle and abundant milk, ghee and butter -- ever need to steal. He was a rebel and not a butter thief, Yadav said recently. After the CMs remarks, the states culture department is working now on a public awareness campaign that will portray Krishna as a rebel and not a butter thief. While confirming the move and the launch of a public outreach campaign by the state culture department, the CMs cultural advisor Sriram Tiwari said, The campaign will focus on educating the people that the act of butter-pot breaking was rebellion against Kansas cruelty and not any theft. The Hindu seers have also agreed with us to drop the butter-thief tag. Knowing well that Kansa was the enemy, Krishna by eating the butter or breaking the pots, ensured that butter stayed in the village and didnt reach Kansa, Tiwari maintained. For making the campaign a success, the department is working at roping in storytellers, priests and religious preachers. Leader of Opposition and fourth time Congress MLA Umang Singhar, however, has accused the CM and his government of unnecessarily fiddling with Hindu mythology just to garner political mileage. The CM wants to change the Krishna Leela as per himself. We also believe that Lord Krishna never stole butter. The CM should better tell people how he stole the peoples mandate for forming his government.

Bhopal Diary | Ex-ministers dancing avatar on Janmashtami

The Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Sagar district saw two separate events being hosted by rival politicians within the ruling BJP Jyotiraditya Scindia-loyalist minister Govind Singh Rajput and Shivraj Singh Chouhan-ally former minister Bhupendra Singh. While Rajput marked the occasion at a grand event at his family hotel, Singh organised an opulent Janmashtami celebrations at the Rudraksh Dham. Here, the former minister seemed to have stolen the show with his graceful moves as he danced passionately to the tunes of Krishna bhajans before joining the chorus of the voices. The festive occasion thus witnessed to grand ceremonies by BJP leaders in Sagar, however bitter rivals they may be. Dog become centre of attraction at Cong rally A stray dog uncannily became the newsmaker at the Congresss protests over farmers issues in the partys crumbled citadel Chhindwara district on Tuesday. State Congress leaders, including party chief Jitu Patwari, leader of opposition Umang Singhar and former MP Nakul Nath rode tractors to reach the district collectorate to meet the collector on farmers issues, particularly shortage of fertilisers. But when the collector Sheelendra Singh reportedly didnt meet them, LoP Umang Singhar lifted a stray dog in his arms, after which the memorandum was tied to the canines neck. The tribal- dominated district had remained a Kamal Nath-bastion until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. MP achieves highest ever exports of Rs 66,218 crore Madhya Pradesh has achieved its highest-ever exports valuing at Rs 66,218 crore in 2024-25. The 6% growth in exports has been attributed mainly to increased exports of pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and soy-based products. As per Federation of Indian Export Organisations, the highest ever exports have improved the central Indian states national export ranking from 15th to 11th. Western MPs tribal-dominated Dhar district stood first in terms of exports with Rs 17,830 crore, followed by adjoining Indore with exports valued at RsB 13,500 crore. Anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com

D link surfaces in inter-state synthetic drug cartel in MP

BHOPAL: Bhopal finds itself at the centre of a massive synthetic drug racket, this time with alleged links to the underworld. Investigators say the illegal mephedrone factory uncovered last week on the outskirts may have been controlled by Salim Dola Ismail, a trusted aide of Iqbal Mirchi, the right-hand man of Indias most wanted criminal Dawood Ibrahim. Salim Dola, believed to be operating from Turkey, is suspected of running the cartel through his network across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. His nephew, Mustafa Kubbawala, against whom Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice, is said to be his key aide. The operation, code-named Crystal Break, was carried out by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) along with police teams from Maharashtra and Gujarat. On August 16, they raided a unit in Jagdishpur village near Bhopal, seizing 61 kg of liquid mephedrone worth `92 crore, more than 541 kg of chemicals, and a complete set of processing machines. Seven people have been arrested. Among them, Abdul Faisal Qureshi, a pharmacy diploma holder from Ashok Nagar, and his associate, Razzaq Khan from Vidisha, were running the factory. A cartel member caught in Basti, Uttar Pradesh, handled raw material supplies from Mumbai. Two suppliers and a transporter were nabbed in Mumbai, while a Surat-based hawala operator was caught arranging funds. Preliminary probe revealed that funds were being transferred from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal via hawala channels for funding the cartels manufacturing facility. A close associate of the cartel was also apprehended in Surat. This was the sixth mephedrone factory busted by the DRI in the past year, and the second near Bhopal in 10 months. In October 2024, a unit in the Bagroda Industrial Area was found with 907 kg of mephedrone worth Rs 1,814 crore.

Young Muslim man from MP offers to donate his kidney for Hindu preacher

BHOPAL: In Madhya Pradeshs Narmadapuram district, a 26-year-old Muslim youth has offered to donate one of his kidneys to Hindu preacher Premanand Govind Sharan Premanand Ji Maharaj, calling it his contribution to communal harmony. The Vrindavan-based saint, belonging to the Radha Vallabh Sampradaya, has been suffering from polycystic kidney disease for nearly two decades. With both kidneys failing some 1819 years ago, he has survived on regular dialysis. Yet, at 56, he continues his daily spiritual practices, including the famous night padyatras, drawing admiration for his faith and resilience. Moved by his life and message, Arif Khan Chishti, an online consultant and legal documenter from Itarsi, wrote to the District Collector and the saint on August 20, offering his kidney. I saw a reel where Maharaj Ji spoke about Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Ajmeri and Amir Khusrow with such respect. It struck me that he was working for brotherhood at a time when hatred is easily fanned. His long life is essential for keeping that spirit alive, Chishti said. He follows the Sufi tradition. He first consulted with his wife about the donation. I lost my mother in 2023, which nearly made me virtually lifeless. I was married a year back and have consulted my better half before writing to the authorities, offering to donate my kidney to ensure a long life and well-being of the Hindu religious preacher. My life is not bigger than the life of a spiritual guru who is working at promoting community amity and unity in the country, Chishti said.

MP Drug Traffickers' Rs 100 Crore Mansion Razed

High value properties, including a three-storey 30-room mansion built over an area of around 15,000 sq ft in Bhopal, of a family accused of drug trafficking, have been razed to ground after being termed as encroachment of government land.

Either perform or perish: Congress district chiefs put on 6-month probation in MP

BHOPAL: As the Congress works for rebuilding its organisation till the village level in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh, where it faced drubbing in 2023 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a six months deadline has been set for the 71 newly appointed district presidents for the task. There is no scope for any complacency, as every newly appointed district president will have to start with constituting partys committees at gram panchayat and ward levels, besides appointing heads at block, sector and mandals. Entire work will have to be completed within six months, MP Congresss media wing head and former minister Mukesh Naik told this newspaper on Thursday. Only those who live up to these parameters in six months will continue and those whose performance isnt found satisfactory will have to make way for someone better. This is to ensure proper accountability with the key organisational post in each district, Naik added. The district Congress committee chiefs are scheduled to be in Delhi on August 24, where they will be introduced to the partys top leadership who will spell out the detailed roadmap of tasks ahead for them. The 71 DCC chiefs were appointed last week, based on the report of the AICC-appointed observers in each district under the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan launched in the state by pary Rahul Gandhi in June. As per state Congress sources, the work of rebuilding the Congress in districts will also include working in villages with those who lost the previous gram panchayat polls, despite having polled significant number of votes. The party has also started working at finding the dedicated people for being made booth level agents (BLAs). Our target is to build an army of the most dependable and dedicated BLAs at least a year before the next assembly polls and then press them into door-to-door voter physical verification exercise to prevent any possibility of vote theft by the BJP, a state Congress leader said. Work cut out for them Every new district president will have to start with constituting partys committees at gram panchayat and ward levels, besides appointing heads at block, sector and mandals. Entire work will have to be completed within six months. Only those who live up to these parameters in six months will continue.

Unwilling to marry man of familys choice, woman lawyer planned mysterious disappearance from train

BHOPAL : Unwilling to buckle under family pressure to marry the man of their choice, a Madhya Pradesh-based young advocate, Archana Tiwari, who aspired to become a civil judge, masterminded her own disappearance from on board a train on August 7. 12 days after she disappeared and went underground in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu with the help of a close friend, Saransh Jokchand, who wanted to make a big in drone business, and Saransh's alleged fraudster friend Tejindar Singh, the 29-year-old advocate has been found near the Indo-Nepal border in UP's Lakhimpur district and brought to Bhopal on Wednesday. On August 7, the young advocate, who was travelling from her workplace in Indore to home city Katni for Raksha Bandhan in the B3 coach of the 18233 Indore-Bilaspur Narmada Express train didnt reach home on August 8, after which a missing persons complaint was filed by her family at the government railway police (GRP-Katni). The investigation was transferred the next day to the GRP-Rani Kamlapati station of Bhopal. With Archana's bag and some other things being found on her train's seat, the GRP police first started working on the theory of the woman having fallen from the train, despite its chances being low in the crowded AC-3 compartment. More than 2000 CCTV footage from over 500 cameras were examined in detail between Indore and Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh). Our teams comprising more than 70 personnel were deployed in the dense forest areas in central MP, where using drones and state forest department staff, extensive combing was done, police superintendent (GRP-Bhopal) Rahul Kumar Lodha said in Bhopal on Wednesday An SDERF team searched in an area of around 32 km in river Narmada, but found nothing incriminating, after which possibility of a mishap with Archana was ruled out. It consequently broadened the purview of our investigations, focussing more on digital and electronic methodology-based investigations, he said. Based on the call detail record (CDR) and Internet Protocol Detail Record (IDPR), it was found that Archana had been in contact with an Indore-based drone business startup operator Saransh Jokchand, since January. Related investigations also revealed that she and Saransh were in touch with one Tejindar Singh (who was residing in Itarsi-Narmadapuram), possibly via Saransh. But, before Tejindar could be grilled in detail by the GRP-Bhopal, a team of Delhi police arrested him from Itarsi in connection with a fraud case. Connecting the dots in the matter pertaining to the sensational disappearance, the GRP-Bhopal reached Delhi and grilled Tejinder in Delhi police custody, where he spilled the beans and admitted to his role in first embarking the Narmada Express train from Narmadapuram railway station on August 7 as planned by Archana and Saransh and then helping the young advocate deboard the train at Itarsi railway station, Lodha said. Knowing well about the nook and cranny of Itarsi railway station, Tejindar helped Archana deboard the train and get out of the station through blind spots, which werent within the peripheral vision of the CCTV cameras, he added. Subsequent investigations revealed that after detraining at Itarsi, Archana along with Saransh, went by road to his hometown Shujalpur, in Shajapur district in a car. Archana and Saransh then returned to Indore, but realizing that the matter was becoming big in the media, they decided to get out of MP. They went to southwestern MP's Burhanpur district and then reached Hyderabad, where they stayed for two days. But with the matter becoming bigger every passing day, it was decided that Archana would go to Nepal and get underground in Kathmandu with the help of Saranshs business client. The duo Archana and Saransh travelled from Hyderabad to Jodhpur to Delhi and then entered Nepal via road based on Saranshs ID on August 14. In Nepal, the young advocate planned to live for a few months as Sapna (her other name) and then return to pursue her preparations for the judicial services exam. Though, based on CDRs, Saransh had been questioned initially by the cops, the questioning of Tejinder in Delhi polices custody in the national capital, actually helped the GRP-Bhopal in establishing Saranshs actual role in the case. Saransh was picked up for questioning again on August 17, after which he narrated the entire saga about Archana's mysterious disappearance for staying away from marriage and focusing on judicial services exams preparations. It was Saransh who finally helped police in connecting Archana over phone in Nepal and convinced her to fly back from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi in Nepal and then reach the Indo-Nepal border in UP's Lakhimpur Kheri district on Tuesday. She was brought by the GRP-Bhopal team to MP capital on Wednesday morning by flight. Questioning of Archana (a former student leader), her close friend Saransh and Tejindar revealed that she didnt want to get married with a Patwari (revenue department staff) on familys wishes and wanted instead to focus on preparations to achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a civil judge. It was owing to it only that she masterminded the entire mysterious disappearance, believing that in many cases of missing persons complaints, the victim often remained untraced, Lodha said. She left her bag and some other belongings on the train seat during the journey to home city Katni and then threw her mobile phone in the jungles of Midghat in central MP to create an impression that she fell from the train and will never be traced, Lodha said. While entire plot was masterminded by Archana, the travel plans and other aspects were finalized by Saransh and Tejindar. Though weve spent 10-12 days with more than 70 cops working round the clock in the sensational case, Archana being a major, nothing untoward has happened to her, no criminal case can be made against her. We will still seek additional legal opinion to further decide in the matter, Lodha maintained. Importantly, investigations suggest that Archana had planned her August 7 mysterious disappearance from the train on August 5, along with Saransh and Tejindar at a dhaba in central MPs Harda district, where she had gone for arguing a legal case. Out of the two SIM cards being used by her, she shut one of her SIM cards much before the August 7 rail journey and in the middle of the train journey, threw her cell-phone in the Midghat jungles of central MP to give credence to her missing person plot. Saransh, on the other hand, kept his cell phone on aeroplane mode right since returning to Indore with Archana from Shujalpur on August 9. He then purchased a new phone, got a new number in his labourer fathers name and used it till he left Archana in Nepal and returned to Indore on August 15, just to ensure that the last location of his original phone remained in Indore only.

20 months after assembly polls defeat Congress alleges vote theft in 27 seats in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: More than 20 months after the Congress suffered one of its worst poll defeats against the ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh, the main opposition party alleged on Tuesday vote theft in at least 27 seats during the 2023 assembly elections in the central Indian state. Leader of opposition Umang Singhar, while sharing data-based graphics of the 2023 assembly polls with journalists, said the Congress lost to the BJP by very narrow margins in at least 27 constituencies. The narrow winning margins on these seats were less than the number of voters added on each of those seats in two months preceding the elections, which suggests that the BJP may have been given an unethical advantage on these seats, Singhar alleged. While the victory margin of BJP candidates on the 27 seats ranged between 28 votes and 15,671 votes, the number of voters added in the voter list on those seats in two months before the polls spanned between 3308 and 23,519 votes. The 27 seats, included Surkhi in Sagar district where Jyotiraditya Scindia-loyalist minister Govind Singh Rajput won by 2178 votes. As many as 8994 voters were added to the voter list in the same seat in two months before the elections. The Alirajpur-ST seat of western MP, which was wrested by BJPs Nagarsingh Chouhan (another minister in the present Dr Mohan Yadav government) saw Chouhan winning by a margin of 3723 votes on the seat, where 3975 voters were added in two months ahead of elections. Further, another minister of the current state government, Nirmala Bhuria, wrested the Petlawad-ST seat of western MPs Jhabua district by 5647 votes. As many as 7041 voters were added to the voter list of the same constituency within two months before the polls. In the Shajapur seat of western MP, the BJP candidate Arun Bhimawad won by a slender margin of 28 votes from the seat where 6134 voters were added within two months ahead of polls. Importantly, 18 of the same 27 seats were won by the Congress in the 2018 elections. The current LoP, Singhar, who was the forest minister in the 15-month-long Kamal Nath government, claimed that in seven months between January 5 and August 2, 2023, the total number of voters in Madhya Pradesh increased by about 4.64 lakh, while in just two months between August 2 and October 4, there was an unexpected rise of 16.05 lakh electors. Taking these figures into account means that 26,000 voters were added daily between August 2 and October 4, 2023 in the state, Singhar claimed. While alleging large-scale irregularities in the voter list, including abnormal increase in the number of voters, and duplicate entries, Singhar said the Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission had issued an order on December 2, 2022, directing the removal of 8,51,564 fake/duplicate entries in the voter list but no district officer made the deletion report public. He claimed the relevant data was not made available even through the Right to Information route. The Congress MLA demanded that the Election Commission freeze the final voter list, get signatures of all political parties on the published roll and avoid any changes till the completion of elections. Singhar asked the EC to release complete data on voters in 'machine-readable format' and provide CVS (file format) instead of PDF images so that independent scrutiny of the list can be done. Responding to the LoPs vote theft allegations on 27 seats in the 2023 elections, MP minister Vishwas Sarang, questioned why did the Congress take 20 long months to wake from the slumber on the issue. According to the law, the poll results can be challenged/complaint made within 45 days of the declaration of the election results and even after the declaration of the election, up to 10 days before the last date of nomination, then where was Congress? Objection to the election can be made only through an election petition, not by holding a press conference. Congress, which falsely invokes the Constitution, neither follows constitutional arrangements nor respects constitutional institutions. There is a clear legal provision for every objection or correction related to the voter list. Under the Representation of People Act 1951, every citizen and political party can lodge an objection if they see any discrepancy in the list. The Election Commission revises the voter list every year. The Congress and its leaders who are making false allegations now, should tell the people of Madhya Pradesh about when they complain about discrepancies in the voter list, Sarang questioned. The assembly polls were held in a single phase in MP on November 17, 2023. The BJP scored a massive 163-66 seats, upsetting the calculations of most poll pundits.

Madhya Pradesh approves new civil services leave rules with expanded benefits, modern provisions

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Tuesday approved the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Leave) Rules 2025, aligning the states leave regulations with those of the central government. The new rules which will replace the 1977 leave rules, to suit present-day requirements, include key provisions like eligibility for maternity leave for surrogate/commissioning mothers, academic cadre employees eligible for 10 days earned leave annually, 15 days paternity leave for adoption cases, child care leave extended to single male employees, half-pay leave to be credited in advance (10 days each on January 1 and July 1) and maximum limit of earned leave raised from 120 to 180 days. Further the new rules entail a simplified process for leave applications by seriously ill/divyang employees, allowing submission by family members and delegation of powers for leave approval. The new rules will have a negligible additional financial impact on the state exchequer, MP minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said while informing about Tuesdays state cabinet meeting decisions. Chaired by the CM Dr Mohan Yadav, the Tuesdays cabinet meeting approved the establishment of an Electronic Manufacturing Cluster at Bandikhedi village in state capital Bhopals Berasia tehsil, under the centres EMC 2.0 project. The cluster will promote the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector with world-class infrastructure and Common Facility Centres (CFCs). For the project, 210.21 acres of land has been allocated and in-principle approval for a project cost of Rs 371.95 crore granted, including Rs 146.63 crore as the centres share and Rs 225.32 crore as the states share. The EMC 2.0 scheme will play a key role in realising the vision of Digital India and Make in India, besides providing upgraded technical infrastructure, common facilities and a strong base for the electronics industry. The project will encourage new investment, create employment, increase government revenue through taxes, strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem and accelerate innovation and economic growth. The state cabinet approved the establishment of five new government Ayurvedic Medical Colleges and Wellness Centres in Narmadapuram, Morena, Balaghat, Shahdol and Sagar district, along with 1,570 posts (715 regular and 855 outsourced). This will mean that each division in the state has one Ayurvedic Medical College, strengthening Ayurveda-based healthcare and the wellness industry. The colleges will be funded under the National AYUSH Mission, with an allocation of Rs 350 crore (Rs 70 crore for each college) in a 60:40 ratio between the centre and the state. Each campus will include a college building, a 100-bed hospital, hostels for boys and girls, residential quarters and a pharmacy building as per prescribed standards. Aiming to promote reading, cultural and literary activities and providing well-equipped study centres in all urban local bodies, the cabinet approved the Geeta Bhavan scheme. The scheme will run from 2025-26 to 2029-30. The state government will provide financial support for construction, expansion and maintenance of Geeta Bhavans. Ownership will remain with the state, while new Geeta Bhavans will also be developed under PPP models such as Hybrid Annuity Model and Service Fee-based Model. The cabinet meeting also decided to provide scholarships for 12 months instead of the current 10 months system, for mess facilities in tribal hostels operated under the Tribal Welfare Department. The scholarships, based on student attendance, currently stand at Rs 1,650 per month for boys and Rs 1,700 per month for girls. Also, 70 years after its establishment, the Gandhi Medical College (GMC) in Bhopal will have Department of Endocrinology, along with 20 new posts including Professor (1), Associate Professor (1), Senior Residents (2), Junior Residents (2), Senior Nursing Officers (2) and Nursing Officers (12). One dietician will also be appointed on an outsourced basis. This will strengthen super-specialty health services, improve diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders, expand medical education and research, and promote innovation in endocrinology.

Class XII student held for attempting to set guest teacher ablaze in Madhya Pradeshs Narsinghpur

BHOPAL: A Class XII student in Madhya Pradeshs Narsinghpur district reportedly poured petrol on a young female guest teacher from his former school and attempted to set her ablaze, police said. Primary police investigations have revealed that the teenager had developed a one-sided love for the teacher and had some noisy tiff with her on August 15. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, when the 18-year-old boy entered the guest teachers home, poured petrol on her, and attempted to set her ablaze with a cigarette lighter. The 26-year-old female guest teacher of the government school of excellence in Narsinghpur town suffered around 20 percent burns (in the legs) and has been hospitalised, while the accused teenager has been detained by police and booked u/s 124 BNS, which pertains to voluntarily causing grievous hurt with acid, etc. According to Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP-Narsinghpur) Manoj Gupta, the teenager and the guest teacher knew each other for the last 2-3 years and the boy seemed to have developed a one-sided love for her. On August 15, the guest teacher had participated in an event, due to which the teenager was angry with her and possibly attempted the extreme step due to it only three days later, Gupta said. Importantly, the Class XII student had studied in the same government school of excellence in Narsinghpur town till Class IX and was possibly expelled for disciplinary reasons, after which he was pursuing studies at a school in a rural area. The Narsinghpur district, where the incident happened on Monday, is the same district, where an 18-year-old female student was brutally murdered by her 21-year-old one-sided lover in the district hospital premises in full public view in June this year.

MP to have statewide Geeta Bhavans to promote culture and spirituality

Bhopal: In a significant decision aimed at deepening cultural roots and expanding access to spiritual education, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction of Geeta Bhavans across all urban local bodies in the state. The initiative, which carries a budgetary provision of Rs 100 crore, will be implemented over the next five years. 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 .

Second illegal mephedrone factory busted on Bhopals outskirts in major DRI operation

BHOPAL: Are the outskirts of Madhya Pradesh's capital turning into a fertile ground for the illegal manufacturing of synthetic drugs? A major drug cartel, reportedly operated by an overseas handler with key operatives active across multiple states, has been busted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) with the arrest of seven individuals from four different states. At the centre of the cartel was an illicit Mephedrone drug manufacturing unit operating from Jagdishpur (Islampur) village, on the outskirts of Bhopal. The factory, which was busted on Saturday, is the second illegal synthetic drug manufacturing unit to be dismantled in the vicinity of the MP capital within ten months. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the DRI, working in coordination with police forces from multiple states, including Mumbai and Surat, raided the clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility as part of a focused and coordinated operation code-named Operation Crystal Break. The operation commenced on Saturday with the search of the illegal factory located in Jagdishpur (Islamnagar) village of Huzur Tehsil in Bhopal district. It led to the seizure of 61.20 kg of liquid Mephedrone, valued at 92 crore in the illicit market. Additionally, 541.53 kg of raw materials were recovered, including Methylene Dichloride, Acetone, Monomethylamine (MMA), Hydrochloric Acid (HCL), and 2-Bromo, along with a full set of drug-processing equipment, according to an official statement from the DRI released on Monday. The secluded factory had been deliberately concealed from all sides to avoid detection. Two individuals, including the chemist responsible for producing the Mephedrone, were arrested on-site while engaged in the illegal manufacturing process. The initial raid was swiftly followed by operations in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, which helped unearth the full extent of the inter-state drug cartel. A key operative was arrested in Basti district, eastern Uttar Pradesh, responsible for overseeing the supply of raw materials from Bhiwandi (Mumbai) to Bhopal. Two suppliers who had illegally provided the chemicals were apprehended in Mumbai, along with a logistics handler responsible for transporting the raw materials to the Bhopal facility. Preliminary investigations revealed that funding for the cartels operations was being routed through hawala channels from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal. A close associate of the cartel managing the funds transfer was also apprehended in Surat. All seven arrested individuals have confessed to their respective roles in the illicit Mephedrone manufacturing racket, allegedly operating under instructions from an overseas kingpin involved in coordinating the synthetic drug trade across India. Mephedrone, a psychotropic substance listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, is considered a serious threat to public health due to its psychoactive properties and effects similar to those of cocaine and amphetamines. This is the sixth clandestine Mephedrone factory dismantled by the DRI in the past year across India and the second such facility uncovered by central agencies in Bhopals outskirts in the last ten months. In October 2024, the largest illegal synthetic drug factory in the country was busted in the Bagroda Industrial Area near Bhopal, during a joint operation by the Gujarat Police Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi. That raid led to the seizure of 907.09 kg of Mephedrone (in both solid and liquid forms), reportedly worth 1,814 crore in the international market. The facility had the capacity to produce 25 kg of Mephedrone daily, with an estimated street value of around 50 crore per day.

MP: Mohan Calls on PM, Invites Him to Launch Bhopal Metro Rail Service

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Safe Disposal of Bhopal Gas Tragedys Residues May Begin in October

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Madhya Pradesh: Rain-related mishaps claim five lives in 24 hours in Khandwa, Bhopal and Indore

BHOPAL: At least five lives were claimed in separate rain-related incidents across Madhya Pradesh as rains have once again begun intensifying after a short-lived lull. One youth drowned in the river Narmada in Khandwa district, and another in a canal in Bhopal in the last 24 hours. Three labourers, aged between 20 and 55 years were buried alive, while the fourth was one was critically wounded after an under-construction wall collapsed in Indore district on Monday afternoon. 23-year-old software engineer Ramkrishna Birla drowned while bathing with friends from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in the river Narmada at Omkareshwar in southwestern MPs Khandwa district on Sunday. When sustained rescue operations failed to show results, Birlas family had announced Rs 21,000 for the successful search of their son. After nearly 27 hours, multiple teams of divers and local residents found his body trapped in the deep waters at the same Ghat where he had drowned. In Bhopal, 27-year-old software engineer Krishna Singh reportedly died while bathing with friends in the Kajlikheda canal of Kolar area on Sunday evening. His body was recovered by rescue teams late on Sunday night. Currently working with a company in Nagpur, Singh couldnt come home for Raksha Bandhan, but as promised to his sister, he arrived in the MP capital for delayed Raksha Bandhan celebrations on August 15. He was scheduled to return to Nagpur on Monday, but the killer mishap claimed his life too soon. In Indore, on Monday afternoon, an under-construction wall collapsed amid heavy rains in Bijalpur (Rau) area, reportedly burying three labourers alive. The three deceased labourers, all hailing from Indore district, have been identified as Rameshwar (55), Gautam Rathore (25) and Titu (20). Another labourer identified as Sohan was injured in the same mishap.

10 ex-legislators, 6 MLAs get new roles in MP Congress

BHOPAL: Six MLAs, 10 former legislators some of them former ministers now have a new assignment in hand; rebuilding the Congress in respective districts of Madhya Pradesh. Two and half months after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched the ambitious Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan from Bhopal on June 3, the grand old party released its long-awaited list of district chiefs on Saturday. The 71 newly-appointed district party chiefs include six present MLAs; among them, former ministers Jaivardhan Singh as chief of Guna district and Omkar Singh Markam (Dindori) have been named. While 21 presidents have been reappointed, out of the total 71 district chiefs, 36 or 51% are from reserved categories, women and minorities includingm 12 OBC, 10 ST, eight SC, four women, and two from minority communities. While the appointments are aimed at reviving the state organisation after a dismal show in the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, protests and resignations have been reported against the decision.

Paving the self-hitting course

By Er. Rajesh Pathak, Bhopal Strict provisions incorporated in WTO compelled the countries to pave escape route out of it. And this culminated into the form of different mutual trade agreements. As one being Free Trade Agreement(FTA), under which the member countries impose least or no tariff on each other. Second comes the Custom-Union [] The post Paving the self-hitting course appeared first on Northlines .

Protests erupt in MP as Congress appoints 71 new district presidents, including six MLAs, three ex-ministers

BHOPAL: The Congress partys attempt to revive its organisation in Madhya Pradesh has been overshadowed by widespread protests and resignations, after the appointment of 71 new district presidents triggered anger among leaders and workers across the state. Six sitting MLAs and ten former legislators, including three former ministers, have been given the responsibility of rebuilding the party in their respective districts of BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh. The appointments were made nearly two and a half months after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched the partys Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan from Bhopal on 3 June. The long-awaited list of new district presidents was released on Saturday. The 71 newly appointed chiefs include six sitting MLAs, among them former ministers Jaivardhan Singh, who has been made chief of his native Guna district, and Omkar Singh Markam, who has been appointed in Dindori district. Other sitting MLAs given responsibility are Mahesh Parmar (Ujjain Rural), Sanjay Uikey (Balaghat), Devendra Patel (Raisen) and Siddharth Kushwah (Satna Rural). Jaivardhan Singh, a third-time MLA, is the son of former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh. Omkar Singh Markam, a four-time tribal MLA, was earlier in the race for the posts of state party president and Leader of Opposition. Ten former MLAs have also been appointed district presidents, including Mukesh Patel (Alirajpur), Vipin Vankhede (Indore Rural), Kunwar Saurabh Singh (Katni), Dr Ashok Marskole (Mandla), Sunita Patel (Narsinghpur), former minister Priyavrat Singh (Rajgarh), Harsh Vijay Gahlot (Ratlam Rural), Nilay Daga (Betul), Sanjay Yadav (Jabalpur Rural) and Jatan Uikey (Pandhurna). Among the new appointees are four women, including ex-MLA Sunita Patel, and two Muslims, Arif Iqbal Siddiqui (Satna Urban) and Anis Khan (Panna). Of the 71 chiefs, 21 have been reappointed. More than half (51%) belong to reserved categories, women or minorities, including 12 OBCs, 10 STs, 8 SCs, 4 women and 2 Muslims. While the appointments are aimed at reviving the organisation after the partys poor performance in the 2023 Vidhan Sabha and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they have led to strong protests. In Guna district, the home turf of former CM Digvijaya Singh, supporters of his son Jaivardhan Singh burnt effigies of state party president Jitu Patwari in Raghogarh, calling the appointment a clear attempt to sideline him to district-level politics. In tribal-dominated Dindori, party leader Ajay Sahu announced on social media that effigies of Jitu Patwari would be burnt across all blocks of the district to protest against the politically downsizing of Omkar Singh Markam. Another Congress leader in the district, Rajesh Marawi, said: A leader who was being seen by the tribal community as future CM of the state, has been downsized as district party chief, this is shocking. In Bhopal, the reappointment of Praveen Saxena has sparked resentment. Former district president Monu Saxena, who was also a contender, criticised the decision on social media, accusing the leadership of ignoring Rahul Gandhis call for fresh organisation-building. In Indore, new city unit president Chintu Chouksey and rural unit president Vipin Wankhede are facing opposition. Former womens wing chief Sakshi Shukla Daga expressed her anger online, while divisional spokesperson Sunny Rajpal resigned from his post. Dissatisfaction has also emerged in Ujjain (Rural), where supporters are opposing the appointment of sitting MLA Mahesh Parmar, and in Satna, where workers are unhappy over the appointment of local MLA Siddharth Kushwaha as Satna Rural chief. The dissent has been accompanied by a series of resignations. In Burhanpur, Hemant Patil, district spokesperson and president of the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Cell, stepped down in protest. Supporters of former state party chief and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav reportedly held a closed-door meeting in the same district after being denied representation. In Dewas, Gautam Bantu Gurjar, considered close to state party chief Jitu Patwari, quit the party after being denied appointment as Dewas Rural unit chief. Although the appointments were finalised under the supervision of Rahul Gandhi, party insiders claim former CM Kamal Nath still retains a strong hold, with around ten of his loyalists finding place among the new district presidents. Would you like me to also rewrite this in a crisper version for print (around 500600 words) while keeping all quotes and essential details, or do you prefer this longer, more detailed flow for now?

'We did it': Bhopal woman secures Harvard admission, her family's teary celebration caught on camera will move you

The video has captured the attention of the internet, showing how an entire ecosystem is needed to make dreams come true and the overwhelming feeling when these goals are realised.

'Bhopal To Harvard': Indian Student's Emotional Family Reaction To Admission Goes Viral

The video has since captured the internet's attention, showcasing how it takes an entire ecosystem to build dreams and the sweet release when those goals are realised.

In A First, Bhopal Civic Body To Implant Microchips In Stray Dogs To Identify Sterilized Canines

The move comes amid raging controversy over the recent order by the supreme court for relocation of stray dogs to shelters in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) with animal rights activists opposing such a move: Reports

Cong cheated India by giving 80 pc Indus river water to Pak, but PM Modi suspended treaty: Chouhan

BHOPAL, Aug 13: Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday accused the Congress of cheating the country by giving 80 per cent water of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab rivers to Pakistan, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam attack. A day after the Pahalgam terror attack claimed 26 lives on April 22, India took a series of punitive measures against Pakistan that included putting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) of 1960 in abeyance. [] The post Cong cheated India by giving 80 pc Indus river water to Pak, but PM Modi suspended treaty: Chouhan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Chlorine gas leaks from Bhopal factory; situation under control

Bhopal: Panic gripped an industrial area in Bhopal on Wednesday after chlorine gas leaked from a factory, officials said. There are no reports of any inconvenience to people, and the situation is under control, Deputy Superintendent of Police Aditi Bhavsar, told PTI Videos. VIDEO | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Gas leak reported in Bhopals Govindpura Industrial 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 .

Man who killed transgender lover, her son dies by suicide at hotel in MP's Satna

BHOPAL: A 30-year-old manwho was on the run after killing a young transgender Kajal Kinnar and her 12-year-old adopted son Dev in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur districtallegedly died by suicide at a hotel in Madhya Pradeshs Satna district on Monday. The youth identified as Akash Vishwakarma was found hanging to death inside the room of Siddhartha Hotel, where he had checked in on Sunday night only. According to Satna district police sources, Akash, who hailed from UPs Kanpur district only, had first checked in at the hotel in Kolgawan area of Satna district on Saturday, but checked out on Sunday evening. He, however, returned to the hotel on failing to catch the train and checked in again at the same room on Sunday night, where he was found dead on Monday morning. A suicide note purportedly written by him was recovered by the police. The note mentioned Akash having killed two people in Kanpur, including the one (Kajal Kinnar) whom he loved. It was mentioned in the note that he killed the duo as they were blackmailing him. While confirming the incident, the Deputy Inspector General of police (DIG-Rewa Range) Rajesh Singh Chandel told TNIE that the suicide note points towards a love angle in the matter. Back on Saturday-Sunday intervening night, the bodies of a 25-year-old transgender Kajal Kinnar and her 12-year-old adopted son Dev (who was her maternal cousin also) were discovered in their residence in the Hanumant Vihar area of Khadepur in UPs Kanpur district on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. While Devs body was found on the floor, Kajals body was recovered from the neighbouring Diwan (sofabed).