Elephant herd kills four in a day as villagers panic in Jharkhands Ramgarh
RANCHI: A herd of wild elephants went on a rampage in the Ghatto OP area of Jharkhands Ramgarh district, around 40 km from the state capital Ranchi, killing at least four people, including two women, within a few hours between Tuesday and Wednesday. The back-to-back attacks by the herd, which is said to comprise 42 elephants, triggered widespread panic among residents of several villages in the area. Those killed have been identified as Amit Rajwar (33), Amul Mahto (35), Parvati Devi (40) and Savitri Devi (45). The first incident took place around 4 pm on Tuesday near the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker in West Bokaro. According to local accounts, a group of people from nearby areas had gathered to get a glimpse of the herd, which was resting by the roadside. Some of them moved closer to take selfies and photographs, during which one of the elephants attacked Amit Rajwar, killing him on the spot. Amit Rajwar was killed by an elephant which, according to eyewitnesses, repeatedly slammed him to the ground with its trunk. The incident triggered panic, leading to the blockage of the RamgarhKedla main road. Several drivers of heavy vehicles plying on the stretch reportedly abandoned their vehicles and fled to save their lives. Family members of the deceased said Amit Rajwar, who worked at Sarubera Colliery, had returned home to Ichakadih after duty and later went to the Ara Number Four Feeder Breaker to see the herd of elephants. Later in the night, the elephants again entered a residential area along Ara Kata Road Number 4. Hearing loud trumpet sounds, residents rushed out of their houses and began fleeing. During the chaos, two women, Parvati Devi and Savitri Devi, were trampled to death by the elephants. The rampage did not stop there. The herd also attacked a young man, Amul Mahto, who was riding a motorcycle, and crushed him to death. Forest Ranger Bateshwar Paswans confirmed that four people, including two women, died in the elephant attacks. Lakshmi, the daughter-in-law of Parvati Devi, said the family panicked after hearing the elephants. We got scared of the elephant trumpets and everyone started running towards the road. My mother-in-law was left behind, and the elephants trampled her to death, she said. Another local resident said the elephants knocked down their mud house and injured her parents. All the family members started running out through the back door after the elephants entered the village making loud noises. My parents stood near the gate to prevent the elephants from entering the house, but the elephants knocked down the mud house along with the gate, injuring my parents, said Pari, daughter of the injured couple. On Wednesday, enraged villagers blocked the R-4 road, alleging negligence on the part of the forest department. Despite all information about the movement of elephants, neither timely patrolling was done nor were villagers alerted, said one resident, requesting anonymity. In view of the seriousness of the situation, police personnel have been deployed in the area. According to officials, a herd of 42 elephants is currently active in the region, moving through the forests of Mandu, Ghatto and Kuju. The herd has reportedly split into three separate groups.
Two women among five trampled to death by wild elephants in Jharkhand
RAMGARH/RANCHI: Five people, including two women, were trampled to death by wild elephants in separate incidents in Jharkhand over the past 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday. In Ramgarh district, three people died at Sirka forest area, while a 36-year-old person was killed at Jidu village in Ranchi's Angara, on Tuesday night, they said. Some of the deceased are yet to be identified. Two quick response teams (QRTs) and forest guards are tracking the movement of elephant herds in the area, said Nitish Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer, Ramgarh. On Tuesday afternoon, Amit Kumar Rajwar (32), was trampled to death in Ramgarh when he approached a herd of eight wild elephants to capture a video and take selfies, Kumar said. As many as 42 jumbos, divided in herds, are roaming the forests along the border areas of Ramgarh and Bokaro districts, he said. Gautam Kumar Rajwar, officer-in-charge of Angara police station, said a person named Sanicharwa Munda died during the course of treatment, while two injured, including a woman, are being treated in hospital.
Cold wave grips north, east India; Kolkata records seasons lowest, Kashmir below freezing point
Residents across parts of north and eastern India woke up to biting cold on Saturday, with temperatures dipping well below normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In Kolkata, the mercury plunged to 14.5 degrees Celsius, the coldest morning this season and 2.1 degrees below normal. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to hover around 26 degrees Celsius, with misty and foggy conditions likely in the evening. Other parts of Gangetic West Bengal are also experiencing a gradual temperature drop, which IMD forecasts will continue over the next 24 hours. Cold wave conditions gripped Jharkhand, with Gumla recording the states lowest temperature at 3 degrees Celsius. A yellow alert for cold wave has been issued for 11 districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Lohardaga, Simdega, Ranchi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Khunti, Latehar, and Gumla till 8.30 am on Sunday. Minimum temperatures ranged from 3 degrees in Gumla to 10.1 degrees in Ranchi, with north-westerly winds contributing to the fall in mercury. Officials expect temperatures to drop by up to 2 degrees more over the next 48 hours before rising slightly. Meanwhile, in Kashmir, night temperatures plunged well below the freezing point, with Srinagar recording a low of minus 4.1 degrees Celsius. Shopian was the coldest place at minus 6.4 degrees, followed by Pahalgam at minus 4.4 degrees. Other towns such as Qazigund, Kupwara, Kokernag, Gulmarg, and Konibal recorded minimums ranging from minus 0.2 to minus 5.2 degrees. A thick layer of fog engulfed parts of the valley, and the meteorological department has forecast generally cloudy but dry weather on December 6-7, with light snowfall at isolated higher reaches possible on December 8. No respite from toxic air in Delhi The air quality in the national capital remained in the 'very poor' category on Saturday morning, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 9 am settled at 335. According to the Central Pollution Control Board Sameer App, 36 monitoring stations across the capital also reported very poor air, with Mundka recording the worst levels at 387. According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is classified good, 51 and 100 satisfactory, 101 and 200 moderate, 201 and 300 poor, 301 and 400 very poor, and 401 and 500 severe. Delhi's air quality has swung sharply through the week, the city recorded an AQI of 279 on Sunday, 304 on Monday, rose sharply to 372 on Tuesday, and stood at 342 on Wednesday. The city's AQI remained in the very poor category on Thursday with a reading of 304, and 327 on Friday. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature settled at 6.8 degree Celsius, 2.7 degree Celsius below normal, with morning humidity at 95 per cent. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature may reach 24 degree Celsius under a partly cloudy sky. (With inputs from PTI)
Jharkhand migrants denied five months' wages in Cameroon, seek urgent government intervention
RANCHI: Five migrant workers from Hazaribagh and Giridih districts of Jharkhand are stranded in Cameroon after not being paid their wages for the past five months. In a video message sent to their families, the workers said they have run out of money and are facing serious difficulties in managing accommodation and food. In the video, the stranded workers described their plight and appealed for their immediate repatriation to India. Speaking to TNIE , one of the migrants said that despite repeated requests, they have been denied their wages by the company they were working for. We have been running from pillar to post to get our hard-earned money. We contacted the company management, they said that the outsource company will pay your wages, and when we asked the outsource company for it, they said that they dont have the money to pay us, asking us to stop the work, said Sunil Mahto, one of the migrants stranded in Cameroon. According to Mahto, after the outsourcing company asked them to stop working on 19 November, they have been sitting idle in a foreign country and struggling for food and accommodation. Mahto said they reached Cameroon in MarchApril for livelihood opportunities but have been denied their wages, which he described as very painful. They had been working for Kalpataru Project International Limited and were hired by the outsourcing firm, Shubhra Engineering Services and Sales Limited, based in Kerala. We were told in India that we will be working from the company, but after reaching there, we found that we have been hired by the outsource company. When we demanded an agreement letter in India, we were told that it will be provided to us only after reaching the site, said Mahto. He added that officials of the outsourcing company are now not picking up their phone calls. Mahto said they were hired to lay power transmission lines in the central African country. When contacted, officials in the State Migrant Control Room said they have sought documents of the five migrants and are taking up the issue with the Indian Embassy in Cameroon to arrange for their safe return. The stranded migrant workers have been identified as Sunil Mahato, Sukar Mahato, Chandrashekhar Kumar and Deelo Mahato, all residents of Bishnugarh (Unchaghana) in Hazaribagh, and Dilchand Mahato, a resident of Dumri in Giridih district. Earlier, as many as 48 workers from Giridih, Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts were stranded in Tunisia for six months under extremely difficult conditions. In a video message on 30 October, those workers had sought help from the Indian government for their safe return. They were finally brought home after government intervention.
Ranchi Diary | Desi Magur is the state fish of Jharkhand
In a move aimed at protecting local aquatic life, the Jharkhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has officially declared Desi Magur (Clarias magur) as the State Fish. The decision is in line with the recommendations from ICARNational Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICARNBFGR), which identified the Clarias magur as an emblematic species deserving of state recognition. Native to Jharkhands rivers, ponds, and wetlands, the hardy, air-breathing catfish is expected to help promote sustainable aquaculture. Man impersonates Soren to call Karnataka Dy CM The Chief Ministers Office in Jharkhand has filed an FIR after an unidentified man, who posed as Chief Minister Hemant Soren and called Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his wife on November 15, around 9.50 pm. The complaint, filed by CMs personal secretary Jai Prasad, states that the same number had previously been used to harass former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The CMO has condemned the act as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the CMs image and mislead VIPs. Congress talent hunt for spokespersons in state The Jharkhand Congress is set to begin a state-wide talent hunt to recruit spokespersons at the state and regional levels. The partys National Media Talent Hunt initiative looks to find people who are committed to the partys ideals, understand the Constitution well, are politically aware, and can communicate effectively. For the exercise, the state has been divided into seven zonesPalamu, Kolhan; Deoghar-Dumka-Jamtara; Sahibganj-Godda-Pakur; Ramgarh-Chatra-Koderma-Hazaribagh; Bokaro-Dhanbad-Giridih; and South Chotanagpur. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
24 injured as two buses collide in Jharkhands Dhanbad
DHANBAD: At least 24 people were injured after two buses collided in Jharkhands Dhanbad district, police said on Tuesday. The condition of six of the injured is reported to be critical, officials added. The accident occurred near the Chali Bangla flyover under the Rajganj police station limits at around 11.30 pm on Monday. Around 100 devotees were travelling in one of the buses to attend a religious festival in Bokaro from the Nala and Kundihi areas of Jamtara district, when another speeding bus rammed into it, a police officer said. The injured were admitted to Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH). Traffic movement on the KolkataDelhi lane of the Grand Trunk Road was briefly affected due to the collision, the officer added.
As many as 48 migrant workers from Jharkhand's Giridih, Bokaro, and Hazaribagh districts are reportedly stranded in North African country, Tunisia, facing dire conditions for three months. They've appealed to the Indian government for assistance in returning home through a video message.
48 Jharkhand migrant workers stranded in Tunisia for three months; seek government intervention
RANCHI: As many as 48 migrant workers from Jharkhands Giridih, Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts have allegedly been stranded in the African country of Tunisia for the past three months under extremely difficult conditions. Through a video message, these workers have sought help from the Indian government for their safe return to their homes. In the video message, the workers informed that their salaries have been withheld for the last six months and that they are starving as they have no food to eat. They appealed to the Indian government for their speedy return and payment of their pending wages. According to the migrant workers, they were told that they would be working as company employees, but after landing in Tunisia, they discovered that it was a contractual job. Moreover, they were informed that they would have to work only eight hours a day, but were made to work for over 12 hours daily. When we opposed, they started threatening that we will be put in jails and will never be able to return to our country, said one of the migrant workers, Amardeep Choudhary. They alleged that they have been duped by Prem Power Constructions. Now, we want to return home somehow, but the company is not letting us go, they said in the video message. They further alleged that they were not receiving proper payment for their work. Social activist Sikandar Ali, who works for the cause of migrant labourers, has demanded immediate intervention from the central and state governments in this matter. According to Sikandar Ali, the problem of migrant workers stranded abroad is not new, as many have fallen prey to fraudulent activities in the past. He also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return and to focus on creating employment opportunities in the state so that workers do not have to migrate for livelihood. Those stranded in Tunisia include nine workers from Vishnugarh in Hazaribagh, 14 from Bagodar, Sariya, Pirtand and Giridih blocks of Giridih district, and 15 from Chandrapura, Gomia and Petarwar areas of Bokaro. Among these workers are Amardeep Choudhary, Nandlal Mahato, Ajay Kumar, Gurucharan Mahato, Lalu Karmali and Sunil Tudu. Notably, a few months ago, several workers from Jharkhand were stranded in Niger, South Africa, some of whom reportedly remain unaccounted for.
Close shave for passengers on Tapaswini Express as goods train derails in Jharkhand
RANCHI: Rail traffic on the HatiaRourkela section was disrupted on Wednesday after a goods train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro derailed near Kanarowan railway station in Jharkhand's Simdega. At least 10 wagons went off the tracks. Of the 10 derailed wagons, five to seven bogies were reported to be completely damaged. The accident also damaged approximately 100 metres of both up and down lines. The Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express was traveling directly behind the freight train at the time of the accident. Due to the alertness of railway personnel, the train was stopped at Tati station, averting a major loss of life. Although no casualties have been reported, the railways has suffered losses estimated in crores of rupees. The track, sleepers, overhead power lines, and signal systems were severely damaged. The exact cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained. According to officials, the incident took place at around 10:13 am on Wednesday near the northern cabin of Kanaroan railway station under Bano police station area. A freight train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro suddenly derailed between poles 524/29 and 524/36. After receiving information about the accident, RPF and GRP teams rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, establishing security. No one is allowed to approach the accident site. Senior officials, including the DRM, at Hatia Railway Division also reached the spot and assessed the situation. Work to remove debris and repair the track was subsequently initiated on a war footing. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager at Ranchi Rail Division Shuchi Singh said that the operation of approximately 11 trains has been affected due to the incident. However, alternative arrangements have been made to ensure that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Every effort is being made to ensure the safe arrival of passengers to their destinations, she said. According to railway officials, technical teams are working continuously, and if everything goes as planned, the track repairs will be completed within 10 to 12 hours. Partial train operations are expected to resume by late evening. Meanwhile, all train services on the Bano-Rourkela section have been suspended, diverted or short-terminated after the incident. Many passenger trains have been stranded at various stations. The Tapaswini Express was terminated at Tati station and sent back to Rourkela in Odisha. According to officials, about 1,300 passengers were travelling on that train. Buses were arranged for passengers at Rourkela station to bring them to Hatia, they said. The Hatia-Rourkela passenger and Hatia-Sanki-Hatia passenger have been cancelled for Wednesday, while the Hatia-Jharsuguda MEMU train has been short-terminated. At least nine trains, including the Sambalpur-Gorakhpur Maurya Express (15027), Visakhapatnam-Banaras Express (18523), Sir M Visvesvaraya Bengaluru Terminal-Hatia Express (12836) and Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (13351), were diverted.
IRB jawan shot dead in Jharkhand's Bokaro
BOKARO: An Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan was allegedly shot dead by a man over a minor dispute in Jharkhand's Bokaro district, police said on Tuesday. The deceased jawan has been identified as Ajay Yadav (25), a resident of Yaduvansh Nagar in Adarsh Colony under the jurisdiction of Chas police station. According to the police, Yadav was posted in Giridih district and had returned to his hometown in Chas during Chhath Puja holiday. The incident took place on Monday evening. An argument broke out between the jawan and a youth named Balram Tiwari over some issue. The verbal spat soon escalated into a scuffle. Balram initially left the scene. After some time, he returned with a pistol and fired three rounds at the jawan's stomach, Chas Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Praveen Kumar Singh said. He said Yadav was rushed to Bokaro General Hospital (BGH), where doctors declared him brought dead. The SDPO added that an FIR has been lodged and that the police are investigating the case. They were also conducting raids at multiple locations to arrest the accused and his accomplices.
Jharkhand's Kurmi community warns to boycott Ghatshila by-polls if denied ST-status
RANCHI: The Kurmi community has threatened to boycott the by-poll and abstain from voting if the central and state governments do not come forward to negotiate the Kurmi community's three-point demands within 15 days. Their three-point demands include, ST-status, government recognition of the Sarna religion, and inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule. Notably, the Kurmi community has long demanded inclusion in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST) and recognition of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, with their push intensifying in recent years. The first major protest began in 2022 and continued for nine days. Recently on September 20, they had launched a statewide Rail Teka Dahar Chheka (Train and Road Blocked) Movement across Jharkhand to press their long-standing demand for ST status, disrupting several trains passing through the state. Protesters had also taken to the tracks at stations including Muri, Tatisilwai, and Mesra, adjacent to the capital, Ranchi. Similar blockades were seen in Bokaro and Giridih, where protesters took control of smaller railway stations, in some places as early as 4:00 am. According to Kurmi activist Amit Mahto, the decision has been taken in the interest of the community's rights and privileges. 'This is a fight for our identity': Jharkhand tribals to rally against Kurmi ST push This time, candidates in Ghatsila will have to work hard to garner votes, as 30,000 to 40,000 members of the Kurmi community will abstain from voting, said Amit Mahto. If the government initiates negotiations on the three-point demands within 15 days, they will reconsider the boycott, he added. Mahto informed that an awareness campaign is being launched regarding the three demands to make everyone in the community aware of their rights. So far, the campaign has been conducted in 93 villages, he said. A meeting of the Kurmi community has also been called in Ghatsila on October 26, where leaders of the community will gather and urge the government to fulfill their demands, said Mahto. According to the agitating leaders, the Kurmi community was listed among the aboriginal tribes under notification no. 550 in 1913 during the British era. However, when the Centre notified ST lists on September 6, 1950, Kurmis were put placed in the list of other backward castes (OBC) in Bihar, Bengal, and Odisha.
Jharkhand bypoll: Ghatsila to witness three-cornered contest with JLKM fielding candidate
The JLKM was said to have played a spoilsport for national alliances, including the NDA in several seats, particularly in Bokaro, Ramgarh, Gomia, Dhanbad and Giridih belt of the state, in the 2024 Assembly polls
Cloudy Skies to Cover 14 Jharkhand Districts from October 16
Ranchi, October 15 (Daily Kiran): The weather department has forecast partly cloudy skies over 14 districts of Jharkhand on Thursday and Friday. According to the Meteorological Department, the districts likely to experience partial cloud cover include Ranchi, Ramgarh, Khunti, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Gumla, Dhanbad, Koderma, and Lohardaga in central Jharkhand, along with Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, and ... Read more Cloudy Skies to Cover 14 Jharkhand Districts from October 16
Jharkhand: Huge cache of arms and ammunitions recovered from Maoist hideout
RANCHI: Security forces have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from a Maoist hideout during a search operation conducted in the border areas of Bokaro and Hazaribagh. The operation was carried out by a joint team of Jharkhand Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The recovered items include two SLR rifles, magazines, a large number of cartridges, backpacks, clothing, and various daily-use items. This recovery is considered crucial in foiling a major Maoist conspiracy. The operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs indicating that a group of Maoists was camping in the dense forest and plotting a significant strike in the region. Hazaribagh SP Anjani Anjan confirmed that the operation was based on intelligence suggesting that some members of the Maoist organization were active in the forest area bordering Bokaro and Hazaribagh. To verify the information, a joint operation by the CRPF and district police was immediately launched in the region. During the search, weapons and other items were recovered from a hideout in the forest, said the SP. He also highlighted the crucial role played by the CRPF in the operation. According to the SP, the recovered weapons indicate that the Maoists were planning a major incident. Their plot was foiled due to the prompt and coordinated action of the police, he added. Following the recovery, security forces have intensified combing operations in the region. Additional personnel have been deployed in the forest areas to monitor possible Maoist movements, and continuous patrolling is being conducted along the border areas. The SP further informed that this campaign against Maoists is part of a statewide strategy that will be further intensified in the coming days. This joint operation by the Jharkhand Police and CRPF has boosted the morale of security forces in the area, and a sense of relief is being felt among the general public, he said. Notably, the recovery comes amid heightened security across Jharkhand as the CPI (Maoist) observe a Resistance Week from October 8 to 14, protesting the recent killings of several cadres in police encounters. Intelligence agencies had warned that Maoists might attempt to retaliate during this period.
Woman swept away in drain as heavy rain lashes parts of Jharkhand; IMD says more showers in store
RANCHI: A 50-year-old woman was swept away in an overflowing drain in Jharkhand's Dumka district as heavy rain lashed parts of the state, officials said on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department(IMD) has issued an orange alert for the districts of Garhwa, Palamu and Chatra, as several parts of the state are pounded by rain, officials said on Thursday. A yellow alert has also been issued for Latehar, Hazaribag, Bokaro, Koderma, Giridih, and Dhanbad till October 4, an official said on Thursday. The Dumka incident happened when the victim, identified as Savitri Devi, stepped out of her home at Gilanpada locality in Dumka town Wednesday night. While wading in knee-deep water, she slipped into a drain, about 50 meters away from her home, and swept away, said Officer-in-Charge of Town Police Station Jagarnath Dhan. She probably could not judge the distance between the drain and her home due to waterlogging, he said. Her body was recovered and sent for post-mortem examination. On Wednesday, heavy rain lashed several districts such as Koderma, Chatra, Hazaribag and Ranchi. The state capital and various other areas of the state continued to witness showers on Thursday, when the Dusshera festival will be celebrated. Light to moderate rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places is likely on October 2. The state may witness light to moderate rainfall at most places and heavy to very heavy showers at isolated places tomorrow. Heavy rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places on October 4, said Abhishek Anand, the in-charge of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre. Apart from this, isolated thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds up to 40 km per hour are likely to occur across the state till October 6. A yellow alert has been issued for Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, Ranchi, Khunti, West Singhbhum, Bokaro, Seraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, Ramgarh, and Dhanbad till October 3, according to the bulletin issued by the IMD. The IMD said the temperature is expected to decrease by 3-5 degrees Celsius in the next three days.
Ranchi Diary | Vatican-themed puja pandal sparks row
A Vatican-inspired Durga Puja pandal in Ranchi has triggered controversy after the VHP and the BJP objected to its design, alleging that it hurt Hindu sentiments. The pandal, set up by RR Sporting Club, featured tall pillars, domes, and sculptures resembling European cathedrals. Inside, above the platform housing the Durga idol, framed portraits of Jesus, Mary, and other Christian figures were displayed. Visuals of the pandal went viral on social media, prompting criticism from Hindu organisations. Following the backlash, the organisers announced modifications to the structure. They removed crosses from statues and replaced Christian images with depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses. Jharkhand gears up to become an IT hub Jharkhand is on its way to becoming an IT hub as efforts are being made to facilitate top global tech companies, including Google, Wipro, and TCS, setting up offices in Ranchi. The state government has initiated preparations and started the process of identifying 100 acres of land for this purpose. It has also implemented the IT Policy 2025, which offers tax incentives and improved infrastructure to IT companies for investment. According to government sources, discussions are underway with Infosys and Tech Mahindra. The government aims to develop Ranchi into an IT hub similar to Bengaluru and Pune. Fine for driving a car without helmet The Bokaro RTO issued a Rs 1,000 fine to a car driver for not wearing a helmet. Anand Kumar Singh, a resident of Jhumri Tilaiya in Koderma, received a message link on his mobile phone from the Bokaro RTO on August 20. Upon opening the link, he found that a Rs 1,000 fine had been imposed on his vehicle number JH 09 BB 5161 (a car) for not wearing a helmet. It was found that the fine was issued due to a technical fault. Bokaro Traffic DSP Vidya Shankar attributed it to a mechanical error, adding that the concerned officials had been notified. The matter is expected to be resolved soon. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
NIA chargesheets key accused in 2024 Jharkhand Naxal attack on security forces
The National Investigation Agency has chargesheeted Abhijeet Koda, a CPI (Maoist) cadre, for his involvement in a 2024 attack on security forces in Jharkhand. Koda, identified as a courier for senior Maoist leaders, supported the outfit's expansion and criminal activities. The case originated from a February 2023 search operation in Bokaro where Naxals engaged forces in a firefight before escaping.
Elephant-calf rescued from 25-foot deep well in Jharkhand
RANCHI: An elephant and its calf, which had fallen into a 25-foot deep well while crossing farmland in Ramgarh on Thursday morning, were safely rescued by forest officials. After over two hours of effort, the pair were freed with the help of a JCB machine, allowing them to walk back into the jungle. It took us around two hours to rescue the elephant and its calf by creating a slope down to the bottom of the well with the help of a JCB machine. Finally, the elephant and its calf were rescued and led back into the jungle, said Ramgarh Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nitish Kumar. The DFO added that the elephant and calf might have separated from a herd of 42 wild elephants roaming the region for the past few weeks. The herd has since moved to Bokaro after crossing Ramgarhs borders, he said. Now, efforts will be made to reunite this elephant and its calf with the herd, the DFO stated. Elephant-calf falls into well, rescue operation underway in Jharkhand Earlier in the morning, the elephant and its calf were spotted in the 25-foot deep well at Hesapoda village in Parsadih forest under Gola police station in Ramgarh. Upon receiving information about the incident, forest officials rushed to the site and began rescue operations. According to villagers, the well, approximately 25 feet deep, was dug under the MNREGA scheme on the land of Dinaram Manjhi. Dense bushes surrounding the well likely caused the elephants not to notice it and fall straight in. Both elephants survived, possibly due to the shallow water in the well. However, due to the depth, they were unable to escape on their own.
Elephant-calf falls into well, rescue operation underway in Jharkhand
RANCHI: An elephant and its calf fell into a 25-feet deep well while crossing farmland at Hesapoda village in Parsadih forest under Gola police station in Ramgarh on Thursday. After being informed about the incident, forest officials rushed to the spot, and a rescue operation was launched. According to forest officials, both the mother elephant and its calf are safe, and efforts are underway to rescue them. A rescue operation is being planned using a JCB machine and other equipment, said one of the forest officials. They have appealed to villagers to maintain a distance from the spot, avoid crowding, and cooperate with the forest officials during the rescue. Forest officers said the elephants fell into the well during the night. Villagers informed them on Thursday morning, and the rescue team was dispatched immediately. A herd of 42 wild elephants has been roaming the area for the past week. The herd has now moved towards the Bokaro forest range. We suspect the elephant and its calf were part of the herd and fell into the well while moving to Bokaro, said Ramgarh DFO. The well is in an open area without any protective barrier. Since the well is covered with bushes, it was not visible to the elephants. Villagers reported that the well, dug under the MNREGA scheme on the land of Dinaram Manjhi, is approximately 25 feet deep. Dense bushes around it may have caused the elephants to fall in without noticing it. Both elephants survived, possibly due to the shallow water in the well. However, because of the depth, they are unable to get out on their own. The Forest Department has appealed to villagers to maintain a safe distance, cooperate in the rescue efforts, and avoid crowding.
