Cuttack: Two Arrested for Alleged 'Pro-Pakistan' Sloganeering

The duo are accused of promoting enmity between different communities with the intention of provoking hatred, disturbing public peace, and threatening religious harmony

One dead as ambulance rams into parked truck in Odisha's Jajpur

JAJPUR: A 28-year-old ambulance attendant died and two others sustained serious injuries when their ambulance crashed into a stationary truck on NH-16 near Rathia Chhak under Dharmasala police limits in Jajpur district on Friday night. The deceased was identified as Achutananda Barik of Dasarathapur in the district, who was working as the attendant of the ambulance. The injured included the ambulance driver and a relative of the patient. According to the police, the ambulance was returning to Dasarathapur after dropping off a patient at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The accident occurred when the ambulance driver lost control and the vehicle crashed into the rear end of a parked truck near Rathia Chhak. Upon receiving information, Chandikhole fire brigade personnel and police rescued the injured with assistance from locals. The injured were initially rushed to Dharmasala community health centre (CHC) and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as their condition deteriorated. Police seized both the damaged ambulance and the truck. The victims body was sent to Dharmasala CHC for postmortem. A case has been registered in connection with the incident and further investigation is underway.

One dead as ambulance crashes

Dharmasala: A person died and two others were seriously injured after an ambulance met with an accident early Saturday morning near Rathiya on National Highway 16 under Dharmasala police limits in Jajpur district. According to reports, the ambulance was returning from Cuttack after dropping off a patient when it crashed. The front portion of the []

Viksit Odisha to be the shining star of Viksit Bharat: CM Mohan Charan Majhi

BHUBANESWAR : Asserting that Odisha will be the growth engine in the countrys trajectory towards becoming a global economic powerhouse by 2047, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said people of the state aspire to see its economy soar to USD 1.5 trillion over the next 25 years. Addressing the 10th governing council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, Majhi said his government, which will complete one year on June 12, 2025, has laid the foundation for Samruddha Odisha, 2036 with a vision for a prosperous and empowered state. Our ambitious resolve is to build a prosperous, developed and proud Odisha - a Viksit Odisha that shines brightly within a Viksit Bharat. The people of Odisha aspire to see the states economy touch USD 500 billion by 2036 and soar to USD 1.5 trillion by 2047, the CM said. Odisha vision document to be released on June 12 The chief minister said his government has prepared an Odisha vision document with inputs from over 3.2 lakh people. Analysed using artificial intelligence, the document is a comprehensive, actionable and inclusive report and will be released by him on June 12, Majhi said, adding, he will personal ly moni tor i ts implementation. Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leveraging central assistance of Rs 73,000 crore for new railway projects, Rs 4,600 crore for national highway projects and another Rs 17,500 crore for projects which are to be sanctioned soon, Majhi said the state economy had shown a robust growth of 7.2 per cent in 2024-25. Our vision, which we have started working on, is to build world-class roads, railways and air connectivity with the support from the central government. We seek to leverage the states long coastline with port-based special economic zones, as a part of the global value chain, to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities, he added. The chief minister said his government is making all-out efforts to attract investment in textiles, garments, food processing and also new age industries for large-scale employment generation. The Make-in-Odisha conclave reinforced Odishas status as the leading investment destination in the eastern region. The state received 593 investment intents of Rs 16.73 lakh crore spread over 20 sectors with employment potential of 12.88 lakh. This surpassed the total value of investments received in the last three editions of the conclave, he informed. Expressing his governments commitment for rapid urbanisation from the current level of 17 per cent to 40 per cent by 2036 and 60 per cent by 2047, Majhi said Odisha plans to develop a metropolitan region of 7,000 sq km around Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Jatni, Cuttack, Paradip and Puri, with similar plans for other growth centres. I seek the support of the Government of India and my counterparts from other states in Odishas transformative journey towards Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat, Majhi said.

Two held in Odisha for making, sharing video supporting Pakistan

CUTTACK: CHAULIAGANJ police on Saturday arrested two persons for allegedly recording and circulating a video supporting Pakistan in a bid to incite hatred and create communal disharmony among the people. The accused have been identified as 27-year-old Sourav Sahoo of Sagar within Kanpur police limits and Goutam Lenka (28) of Mahanadi Vihar in Cuttack. Police said the duo, along with their associates had recently recorded a video in which Sourav could be seen shouting slogans of Pakistan Zindabad on the banks of Mahanadi river near Gandhipalli Gada. They then circulated it on various WhatsApp groups in a deliberate attempt to incite hatred and create disturbance among Hindus and Muslims during a time when there is already an ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. Given that Cuttack is a communally sensitive city, circulation of such a video is likely to incite communal disharmony and affect the law and order situation in both the state and across the country. The aforementioned act clearly demonstrates the malicious intent of the accused to outrage the religious feelings of a section of citizens. Their intention was to cause disorder and incite violence, said a senior police officer. Accordingly, basing on a written report of sub-inspector Nilanchal Jena of Chauliaganj police station, a case was registered under relevant sections of BNS Act 2023, and the accused were arrested. Two mobile phones have been seized from them. Further investigation is underway, the police officer added

Orissa HC slams CMC commissioner for flouting stay order on vending zone

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Friday slammed the commissioner of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Anam Charan Patra for flouting the stay order on the construction of vending zone adjacent to the boundary wall of the second campus of the Madhusudan Law University (MLU) coming up at Jobra here. Though the PIL was scheduled for next hearing on June 30, the vacation court took it up on the day after advocate Prasanna Kumar Nanda appearing on behalf of the petitioners - three MLU students Aroop Kumar Deo, Sarvani Sahoo and Ambika Prasad - made urgent mention and alleged that vending zone construction work was going on despite the courts interim stay order issued on May 20. On the courts special notice, Patra and Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo appeared through virtual mode. The IIC of Malgodown police station, Suprasanna Kumar Mallick, present at the spot, joined the platform of the court proceeding and also showed the live video footage of the construction work that involved covering some portion of the cabins with a galvanised iron roof. Patra, on his part, expressed helplessness and submitted that some hooligans have started construction work in violation of the interim order. Taking serious note of it, the bench of Justices SK Sahoo and MS Sahoo observed that it was apparent from the allegations regarding violation of the stay order were prima facie correct. The bench held the commissioner responsible saying it was his duty to ensure that there was no violation of the order. It is unfortunate that no steps have been taken immediately by the authorities concerned to prevent such activities and as stated by the Commissioner, CMC, hooligans have dared to violate the orders of this court, the bench observed. We are of the view that on the face of records, it appears that the CMC Commissioner has flouted the May 20, 2025 order of this court as the construction of shop rooms that was initiated by the CMC was directed to be stopped. The Commissioner is responsible for the acts of commission and omission those have happened after the orders were passed in his presence, the bench said and warned that it amounts to contempt of court. However, the bench directed Patra to file a detailed affidavit on steps taken to enforce stay order when the matter is taken up next on June 30, after he assured to take necessary steps to protect the entire area immediately by barbed wire fencing.

Residents of 2 Cuttack localities grapple with open garbage dumping

Two held for raising pro-Pakistan slogans in Cuttack

Cuttack: Odisha Police Saturday arrested two persons here for allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans. The two persons identified as Sourav Kumar Sahoo (27) and Goutam Lenka (28) of Chauliagunj area in the city, were accused of attempting to inflame ill feelings among different communities with the intent to incite hatred and create disturbances, thereby disrupting public []

HC chides CMC commissioner for flouting court's stay order on vending zone at Law Varsity

The Orissa High Court has warned the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) of contempt action for flouting a stay order on the construction of a vending zone near Madhusudan Law University. The CMC Commissioner assured the court to enforce the stay and prevent further construction.

Man wanted for job fraud of Rs one crore held on return from Cambodia

CUTTACK: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested a person for duping two engineers of Rs 1 crore and Rs 5 lakh on the promise of providing jobs, from Bhubaneswar. Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra said in 2018, the accused Bishnu Prasad Patnaik alias Biranchi Patnaik of Begunia in Khurda district had fled to Cambodia in 2022 and had been staying there since. He came to India this month and following a tip-off, was arrested, the DG said. Mishra said Patnaik had taken Rs 90 lakh from an aeronautical engineer on the promise of providing a job in British Airways and then Lufthansa Airways. He even created fake offer letters and appointment letters. In the second case, the accused had duped an electronics engineer to the tune of Rs 15 lakh for providing a lucrative job abroad. Initially, the two cases were registered at Gunupur police station and later the Crime Branch took over the investigation. During investigation, it is found that Patnaik introduced himself as a medical doctor, professor, engineer, and other false professions to the victims. The accused had created forged letters of offer and appointment under the names of international consultancy companies like HR Maxons and Lufthansa Technik, a reputed German aviation company. He also forged documents like address proof and driving licence to conceal his identity and whereabouts. While the investigation was in progress, the accused fled to Cambodia and purportedly created a fake passport to conceal his identity. A Look Out Circular was issued against him in 2019. To evade arrest, he had been staying in Cambodia since 2022 and claimed to have started an IT company there. Further investigation is on to identify more victims and possible accomplices of Patnaik, Mishra said.

Sans bus stop, people face hardships in Odisha's Jagatpur

CUTTACK: As if the commuting challenges werent harsh enough, the absence of a bus stop at Jagatpur Golei square has added to the woes of passengers who have to wait under the open sky to board buses to their respective localities. Every single day, hundreds of people use the Golei square route to travel to their respective destinations. Since there is no shed or a bus stop, they brave it all - the harsh summers, heavy rains or dust pollution, on a daily basis while waiting for buses. More so, in absence of a bus stop, commuters are often found scattered along the roadside blocking the narrow foothpath at any given point of time from morning to night. Restless due to the long waiting time, some passengers can be seen coming in the middle of the road looking for their buses which puts them at the risk of being knocked down by speeding vehicles. Also, with no designated place to stop, the drivers sometimes halt their buses far away from the spot on the NH-16 and Cuttack-Chandbali state highway forcing passengers, including senior citizens, to run to board a bus. Sometimes, the drivers even start moving the vehicles without checking if all passengers have safely boarded the bus. These issues happen on a daily basis but the district administration is yet to resolve the same. It is specifically difficult for us during the summer season as we have to wait for a long time under the scorching sun. During rains, if we are lucky, we find shelter either under a roadside tea stall or eatery or else we get drenched in the rain. The district administration must build a bus stop so that passengers can have a safe waiting space, said Khitis Kumar Sahu, a commuter. Contacted on the issue, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) mayor Subhas Singh said the civic body has no funds for constructing a bus stop. Meanwhile, joint commissioner, Road Safety and deputy commissioner, Transport, Central Zone Biranchi Narayan Adhikari who is in charge of Cuttack RTO, said they would study the issue within a few days and take necessary steps to build a bus stop.

Odisha HC directs collector of Jajpur to stop mining in Balarampur PRF

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Friday directed Jajpur collector to ensure mining operations are stopped at the six black stone quarries leased out inside Balarampur Protected Reserve Forest (PRF) under Dharmasala tehsil in the district. The vacation bench of Justices SK Sahoo and MS Sahoo also directed the collector to file a detailed affidavit on the action taken to stop the extraction of black stone at the quarries which were leased out by an auction notice on September 17, 2021. The bench issued the direction after collector P Anvesha Reddy made submissions regarding action taken on the letter of the divisional forest officer (DFO), Cuttack on September 20, 2024, requesting to cancel permits for mining from the six black stone quarries. The quarries were verified and found to be operating inside Balarampur Protected Reserve Forest in violation of Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Reddy, who was present in virtual mode on the courts order, claimed that after receiving the letter from the DFO, steps have been taken to stop mining at all the six quarries. The mining officer, Jajpur, had issued letters to the leaseholders to stop extraction on October 9, 2024. But, Reddy failed to give any definite reply as to whether mining operations at the six quarries had been stopped or were still continuing. The court was hearing a PIL alleging inaction against the quarry operations over 28 acres inside the PRF area in violation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Pitabas Dash and three other residents of nearby villages filed the petition. Appearing on the petitioners behalf, senior advocate Subir Palit alleged that in spite of the DFOs communication to the collector, the quarrying operations are still continuing and resulting in extensive and massive pilferage of resources and government revenue on daily basis in addition to the damage to the environment and public health. The bench scheduled the matter for further consideration on June 24, directing the collector to file a detailed affidavit by then.

West Bengal man arrested for duping Odisha resident of Rs 73.62 lakh in digital arrest scam

Cuttack: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested a West Bengal native for his alleged involvement in duping a man of Rs 73.62 lakh by keeping him under digital arrest. The accused has been identified as Rohit Jaiswal of Howrah in West Bengal. Crime Branch officials said they had received a complaint from the victim, a resident of Paradip, last year that some cyber fraudsters, posing as CBI and Delhi Police officials, contacted him over WhatsApp, claiming that a parcel in his name had been confiscated by the Customs department in Delhi. They had further said that the parcel was to be dispatched to Sanghai in China, the complainant had stated. To prove that he was innocent, they had allegedly asked him to transfer Rs 73.62 lakh. On realising that it was a digital arrest scam, the victim had lodged a complaint. Police registered a case and began investigation. After analysing the transaction details and digital evidences, police tracked Jaiswal in West Bengal and arrested him.

Odisha Police tightens vigil to foil terror attack bids during Rath Yatra, hawk eye on coastal boundaries

BHUBANESWAR: Alarmed by the Pahalgam terror attack which killed around 26 people, Odisha Police has tightened vigilance to thwart any similar incident during the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri on June 27. Puri could be a target as at least half-a-million devotees, pilgrims and tourists throng the town during the nine-day festival. Director, Intelligence RP Koche has intimated the senior officers that Puris coastal boundary requires heightened vigilance during the chariot festival. This apart, security at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, a high risk (category-A monument), should be enhanced to prevent any attempts of saboteurs. In a letter to all SPs, DCPs, Cuttack and Rourkela railway SPs and others on Wednesday, Koche underlined that considering the heightened threat perception following the Pahalgam attack, security measures should be augmented during Rath Yatra to ensure a smooth and incident-free festival. He further stressed that Odishas porous coastline needs heightened vigilance, intensified marine patrolling and coordination with Indian Coast Guard and Navy personnel to thwart any infiltration bid. Any attempt by hostile/suspicious elements to take houses on rent should also be kept under a close watch. Regular verification of hotels and lodges should be carried out to identify and nab suspicious persons, the letter stated. Intelligence units should remain on high alert during Rath Yatra to gather information and monitor activities of potential threats and track any suspicious movement towards Puri. A multi-layered security approach is necessary for the chariot festival, including heightened vigilance, robust measures and Al-powered surveillance. Public awareness and cooperation are also crucial in ensuring a safe and secure event. Security coverage at railway stations, bus stands and other places of public gathering must be enhanced, it said. Odisha Police said Puri will remain under a thick blanket of security cover to ensure Rath Yatra festival passes off smoothly. The security personnel will be deployed at vantage points like inside and outside the temple, near the chariots, parking places, taxi/bus stands, restaurants, railway stations, nearest airport and others to keep a close vigil on the anti-social elements.

Free Government land of encroachments in three months: Odisha HC

CUTTACK: In a significant order, the Orissa High Court has directed the state government to make extensive enquiry on encroachments over government land by competent authorities and on confirmation, remove the infringements within three months. The court issued the direction by way of a guideline while disposing of a PIL recently. The division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman said, The state shall make an extensive enquiry and/or investigation in relation to an encroachment over the government land by engaging the competent authorities including the amin for relay and survey of the plots. If the land is found to have been encroached upon, the government should take steps to remove them invoking the provisions of Odisha Prevention of Land Encroachment Act, 1972. The removal of encroachments should not exceed beyond three months from the date of the report of the surveyor/amin or the other competent authority, the bench said. Kamala Singh, a social activist, filed the PIL alleging that the government is showing apathetic attitude in not taking any steps for removal of encroachments over one acre of government land (forest category) near Belpal under Badasahi tehsil in Mayurbhanj district. The alleged encroachments were in the form of a furniture manufacturing unit, an oil mill and parking of transport vehicles and tractors. Advocate Pravas Chandra Jena made submissions on the petitioners behalf. The bench observed, The issue appears to be larger in the perspective of the state, as the government land, without any authority of law or a grant issued by appropriate competent authority, cannot be permitted to be utilised and, therefore, it is the duty of the government to see that the land belonging to the government, which are to be used and utilised for a larger public interest or for public good remain unencumbered and the encroachers or the illegal occupants should not be permitted to remain thereupon. While the tehsildar, Badasahi, had issued eviction orders regarding the encroached land, an appeal filed by the encroachers against it was pending before the sub-collector, Baripada. Taking note of the May 12 order, the sub-collector on Thursday rejected the appeal and directed for immediate removal of the encroachments on the government land.

Five arrested for kidnapping, extortion of junior engineer in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur

JAGATSINGHPUR: Kujang police on Wednesday arrested five persons for allegedly kidnapping a junior engineer (JE) of the Rural Development department. Police said Rajiv Das (23), Sankar Mohapatra (36), Satya Prakash Pradhan (26), Sritam Behera (23) and Suraj Sahoo (29) abducted JE Manas Sahoo on May 16. Manas, a resident of Narasinghpur in Cuttack, is posted at the Rural Development section in Pankapal and stays in government quarters. Satya had connected with Manas on Facebook and after seeing him wearing gold ornaments, reportedly conspired with the other accused to kidnap and extort money and valuables from him, said police. As per their plan, Satya contacted the JE and claimed that he wanted to meet him for some official work. After Manas agreed, a car arrived near his quarters. In his complaint, the JE had claimed that while the car driver and another person were already inside the vehicle, two more individuals approached from behind and assaulted him. They forced him into the car at gunpoint. The assailants tore his shirt and recorded a video of his bare body reportedly to blackmail him. The car then proceeded towards Paradip via Rahama Bazaar in Tirtol. Near Rahama petrol pump, a fifth accomplice joined them. The miscreants then demanded `1 lakh from Manas and threatened him with dire consequences if he failed to comply. When the JE told them he had no money, they allegedly snatched a gold chain and finger ring from him. The accused reportedly warned Manas to arrange the money, saying they would contact him again for the payment and return his belongings afterwards. They then dropped him off near his quarters, following which he lodged a complaint with Kujang police. Kujang IIC Bansidhar Pradhan said police have seized the vehicle used in the crime and recovered the stolen gold ornaments from the accuseds possession.

Odisha police ASI caught while taking bribe, arrested

Bhubaneswar: Odisha vigilance officials Thursday arrested an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of police for taking Rs 5,000 bribe. A vigilance sleuth caught the ASI, posted at Tigiria police station in Cuttack district, while taking the money from a complainant in exchange for settling a dispute between him and a villager. Following the trap, simultaneous searches were []

Bank defaulter to walk free as Orissa High Court sets two-month cleaning condition for his bail

Cuttack: In an unusual order, the Orissa High Court has granted bail to a bank loan defaulter on the condition that she cleans the premises of a bank branch for two hours daily over two months. The order was issued Tuesday by a vacation bench of Justice SK Panigrahi, who directed city resident Manogyan Patnaik []

Elderly found dead in a pool of blood, son alleges murder

CUTTACK: A 75-year-old woman was found dead lying in a pool of blood inside her asbestos house at Anand Bazar within Barang police limits here on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Uttama Behera alias Basanti. Police said Basanti had been living separately from her children in Anand Bazar since a long time. On the day, one of her sons Akshay, who runs a bicycle repairing shop near her house, saw the door open and went inside only to find Basanti naked lying in a pool of blood. As per Akshay, she had sustained deep injuries on her head and blood stains were found all over the house. Suspecting that his mother might have been hacked to death, Akshay lodged a police complaint. Police rushed to the spot and launched an investigation with the help of sniffer dog and scientific team. On questioning the locals, they said Basanti suspected her neighbour had stolen her mobile phone and some cash from her house and they had a quarrel in this connection two days back. A murder case has been registered and further investigation is underway, said a senior police officer.

Handle all the grievances with sensitivity: CM Majhi to police

BHUBANESWAR : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday urged police to sensitively handle grievances of people who approach them, and ensure victims of crime a reprovided justice. Addressing the 17th Raising Day ceremony of Bhubaneswar- Cuttack Commissionerate Police, the chief minister asked the officers to act as friends of the citizens and express empathy while addressing their grievances. He underscored the importance of smart policing and public safety. Among all the police commissionerates in the country, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate has created its own unique identity by providing services to the public in an efficient , advanced, responsible and sensitive way. The last 11 months were eventful for the Commissionerate Police as many state, national and international programmes were held in Bhubaneswar. All these events passed off without any hitches from security point of view, said Majhi. The police force has made Odisha an efficient and exemplary host by working tirelessly to ensure that all important programmes are organised in a smooth and orderly manner, he added. DGP YB Khurania, Twin City police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh and others were present.

Woman, daughter held for involvement in ponzi scheme case, duping 34K investors of Rs 123 crore

BHUBANESWAR : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Crime Branch has arrested a mother-daughter duo from West Bengal for their alleged involvement in cheating around 34,000 investors of a whopping Rs 123 crore across six states of the country as well as neighbouring Bangladesh. The accused, Dwipika Bhanjo and her daughter Tandra, were arrested on Tuesday and produced in an OPID court in Cuttack on Wednesday. The agency had registered a case on May 28 last year basing on the complaint of one of the investors Manmohan Dora of Bhubaneswar. As per the complainant, Tusar Bhanjo, Dwipikas husband and director of Harit Krishi Nidhi limited, had lured him and hundreds of other depositors to invest in his company on the promise of receiving high returns like monthly interest of 11 per cent, and 4 per cent to 5 per cent extra commission for adding new members in the ponzi scheme. Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra said Tusar was arrested on June 4 last year. During investigation, police ascertained that Tusar and his family members were shareholders-cum-directors of Harit Krishi. Out of the total swindled amount, Rs 41 lakh and Rs 43.67 lakh were transferred to the bank accounts of Dwipika and Tandra respectively. However, the mother and daughter had been absconding since then, he added. Mishra also informed that proceedings have been initiated to confiscate Tusars flat in new Alipore and a plot in Paschim Medinipur. EOW said the accused had assured the investors of providing monthly salaries of Rs 4,000 on investment of Rs 4 lakh and Rs 8,000 on deposits of Rs 8 lakh. He used to organise meetings and promote the schemes on social media to attract investors. During investigation, EOW found out that Tusar had set up M/s Transvision Dream Multi Trade private limited registered with ROC in Cuttack in 2023. The same year, he started Harit Krishi Nidhi limited, which was incorporated with ROC in West Bengal. He had, however, opened offices of Harit Krishi in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Assam and other states in violation of the Nidhi rules. As per the rules, a Nidhi company cannot operate beyond the state of its incorporation, said the EOW. Tusar reportedly collected deposits from about 10,000 investors in Odisha and cheated them. He has also duped the investors in West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Tripura, Maharashtra and even Bangladesh. Sources said the money was reportedly siphoned off to Bangladesh and China.

Orissa HC stays vending zone construction near MS Law University second campus

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has issued a stay on construction of a vending zone adjacent to the boundary wall of the second campus of Madhusudan Law University coming up at Jobra in the city. The vacation court issued the interim stay order on Tuesday on a PIL seeking intervention against the ongoing construction of the vending zone undertaken by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) near the main gate at the northern side boundary wall. In the petition filed by two students of the university, Sravani Sahoo and Aroop Kumar Deo contended that if the vending zone is allowed to be constructed, there would be road congestion leading to traffic problems, waterlogging, noise and other pollution. It would hamper study atmosphere and disrupt campus activities. The court had earlier issued notice to the CMC commissioner and director, municipal administration on April 22. But no one appeared on behalf of the respondents when the matter was taken up on Tuesday. CMC commissioner Anam Charan Patra appeared through virtual mode later in the day on the courts direction and sought some time to file counter affidavit. Taking note of petitioners counsel Prasanna Kumar Nandas submission, the vacation bench of Justice SK Sahoo and Justice MS Sahoo scheduled the matter for hearing in the week commencing from June 30. As an interim measure, it is directed that there shall be stay of construction work of vending zone in front of/adjacent to the boundary wall of 2nd campus of Madhusudan Law University till the next date. Status quo with respect to the proposed construction as on date shall be maintained by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, the bench ordered. Nanda submitted that the construction of the vending zone is progressing fast even after issuance of the courts notice, and if it is not stopped immediately, it would put the students, the local people as well as the university into various problems. Advocate Purusottam Chuli appeared on behalf of the university. Madhusudan Law University located at Station Bazar offers 5-year integrated LLB, 3-year LLB and LLM courses. Presently, it has a roll strength of 1,020 students. According to the petition, the universitys second campus has been planned to have a womens hostel with 300 odd seats, classrooms for 5-year integrated LLB course, gymnasium-cum-auditorium and guest house. This apart, the university plans beatification of the land outside of the boundary walls of the second campus by landscaping and plantation.

Wife best person to be the legal guardian of husband in coma: Orissa HC

CUTTACK: In a significant order, the Orissa High Court has ruled that a wife is the best person to be appointed legal guardian of her husband if the latter is in a comatose or vegetative condition in the absence of specific and comprehensive legislation governing such situations. The ruling was given considering the case of a woman whose husband, a businessman, despite all treatment efforts, has remained in a vegetative state following multiorgan failure since February 2, 2024. Petitioner Epari Sushma had approached the court seeking to be appointed as legal guardian of her husband, Suresh Kumar Epari, to act on his behalf in all matters including legal, commercial, statutory, and financial transactions as there was no specific statutory provision for the appointment of a guardian to care for individuals in a bedridden or vegetative condition. Sureshs multiple enterprises and business obligations require regular execution of sale deeds, payments to contractors, suppliers, employees, and the remittance of applicable taxes, particularly in relation to an ongoing apartment construction project. While disposing of the petition, Justice SK Panigrahi said that in the absence of specific and comprehensive legislation governing the appointment of guardians or representatives for individuals in a comatose or vegetative state, the judiciary has frequently been confronted with complex situations concerning the management and administration of properties owned by such incapacitated persons. The silence of the statute cannot become a justification for denial of relief when the life, dignity and welfare of an incapacitated person are at stake. In such exceptional situations, the court must rise above procedural formalities and act in furtherance of justice by invoking its constitutional jurisdiction in a manner that safeguards the rights of the most vulnerable, the court said. Justice Panigrahi observed that recognising the wife as the guardian of her husband in a comatose or vegetative condition is not only consistent with statutory principles and constitutional values but also resonates deeply with cultural ethos and time-honoured traditions that venerate the marital bond as one of unity, duty, and mutual guardianship. Accordingly, Justice Panigrahi appointed Epari Sushma as the legal guardian and representative of Suresh Kumar Epari with full authority to manage all his personal, financial, legal, medical, and business matters, including compliance with statutory obligations. All relevant authorities, banks, and regulatory bodies are directed to recognise the petitioners authority for all purposes. The petitioner shall maintain accurate records of all transactions and actions taken on behalf of Mr. Epari and shall submit a detailed report to any regulatory authority as and when they demand for compliance, the order uploaded on May 14 said.

Seven, including a juvenile, held for abduction in Odisha

CUTTACK: Commissionerate Police have arrested seven persons including a juvenile, for their alleged involvement in abducting a 31-year-old man. The accused are MP Dibyajyoti, Budhadeba Basu, Rajesh Das, Raja Nayak, Prasanta Nayak, Ranjit Nayak and a juvenile. The victim, Soumya Ranjan Behera, has been successfully rescued. Briefing mediapersons, DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said the abduction was masterminded by Rajesh. He, along with his accomplices had plotted the abduction to recover around Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh which they had invested in Soumyas stock trading firm. Das and his aides planned the abduction after they failed to recover the money from Soumya, the DCP said. Based on the complaint filed by the victims mother on Sunday, a special team led by ACP Amitabh Mahapatra was formed and the accused were arrested. Soumya was rescued within 12 hours of receiving the complaint from Badahat area in Kendrapara. He was subjected to both mental and physical torture by the accused, the DCP said.

Odisha: HSC supplementary exam to be conducted from July 1 to 10

CUTTACK: The Board of Secondary Education (BSE), Odisha on Tuesday announced that the High School Certificate (HSC) supplementary examination for both regular and ex-regular students will be conducted from July 1 to 10. As per the official notification, examinations for first, second and third language will be held on July 1, 7 and 10 respectively. Similarly, examination for social science, mathematics and general science will be conducted on July 2, 4 and 9 respectively. Both regular and ex-regular examinations will be conducted simultaneously in the same sitting from 9 am to 11.30 am. The question papers for both regular and ex-regular examinations will also be same. However, extra time of 15 minutes will be allowed for mathematics examination, the notification stated. The examinees will have to appear the test for 100 marks including 50 marks objective and 50 marks subjective questions in each subject. There will be 50 marks of objective type questions which are to be answered on the OMR answer sheet. The examinees will have to answer the 50 marks subjective type questions on the answer sheets attached to the questions, the BSE added.

Multilevel parking facility may ease traffic congestion in Cuttack: Experts

Investors kidnap stock trader after losing money in market downturn, arrested

Bhubaneswar: A group of investors allegedly abducted a stock market trader from Odishas Cuttack after he failed to repay them their money, police said. The stock market trader, identified as Soumya Ranjan Behera (31), was rescued from Kendrapara town Monday after a 12-hour-long operation. All seven kidnappers have also been arrested, they said. Police Commissioner []

Ten Orissa HC judges to sit in vacation benches

CUTTACK: Ten judges will hold sittings over vacation benches of the Orissa High Court during the summer vacation which started on Monday. The high court has issued a notification on the benches that will function during the summer vacation from May 19 to June 16. According to the notice issued by the Registrar (Judicial), the vacation courts will function from 11 am to 3 pm on May 20, 23, 27, 30, June 3, 4, 10 and 13. The judges assigned to the vacation benches include Justices SK Sahoo, MS Sahoo, KR Mohapatra, V Narasingh, BP Satapathy, MS Raman, AK Mohapatra, SK Mishra, AC Behera and Gourishankar Satapathy. The judges will preside over four division and seven single judge benches. The notice said, Only the cases involving urgency, which cannot wait till reopening of the court shall be listed before the vacation benches. For listing of the urgent cases, mention memos shall be filed by dropping them by the Drop Box kept in the office of the Deputy Registrar (Judicial) before 11 am to 12 noon one day before the sitting of the vacation benches. The writ and civil matters as well as criminal matters (other than bail applications filed from May 14 onwards will be listed on the ground of urgency. Fresh unlisted bail applications (both bail and anticipatory bail) shall be listed chronologically irrespective of date of filing, the notice said.

Investor duped of Rs 7.68 lakh in fake stock scheme in Odisha, one arrested

CUTTACK: The Cyber Crime and Economic Offence police on Sunday arrested a 40-year-old man for allegedly duping a Cuttack resident of over Rs 7.68 lakh by luring him to invest in fake stock market schemes. The accused, Amulya Kumar Sahoo is a native of Saintala village within Chandbali police limits. He was nabbed from Bhadrak. Briefing mediapersons, DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said the victim had lodged a complaint on January 5 alleging that he had been cheated by an online group posing as stock brokers under the name Allianz Global Investors. As per the complainant, the fraudsters asked him to join a WhatsApp group in November last year and persuaded him to create a VIP trading account via a mobile application named Trade Genius. Eventually, they lured him to transfer around Rs 7.68 lakh in six transactions between November and December. On realising that he had been cheated, the complainant reported the matter to the NCRP and Cyber police station, Cuttack. Detailed investigation based on inputs by telecom operators and banks led to the arrest of the accused, the DCP said. Further probe revealed Sahoo had created mule bank accounts to facilitate the fraudulent transactions. Efforts are underway to nab the other persons involved in the racket, Dnyandeo said.

Two engineers from Maharashtra drown in Odisha's Kathajodi River

CUTTACK: Two engineers, both natives of Maharashtra, drowned in Kathajodi river here on Sunday afternoon. The duo Rutikes Matal (25) and Rutik Brijne (25) were engaged by the L&T India in the ongoing expansion work of SCB medical college and hospital campus. They had gone to the river along with two others for bathing. While Rutikes and Rutik entered the river near CDA Sector-11, their two companions stayed back on the banks. Unfortunately, both Rutikes and Rutik slipped into the deep waters and drowned. On noticing them drowning, their companions raised alarm for help. They immediately informed the officials of L&T company, who in turn informed the fire services personnel. A team of fire-fighters from Bidanasi and Cuttack immediately rushed to the spot and started a search operation to trace the missing youths. By the time of filing this report, Rutikes body had been recovered from the river while Rutik was still missing.

Body of Maharashtra engineer who drowned in Odisha river recovered

Police said the body of a young engineer from Maharashtra, who went missing while bathing in a river in Odishas Cuttack, was recovered on Monday morning. Four engineers working with a private ...

Odisha: Todays pics

Odissi dancers perform at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar Rescue personnel search Kathajodi River in Cuttack after an engineer drowned, another went missing while bathing

Odisha: Engineer drowns, another goes missing while bathing in river

Bhubaneswar: An engineer drowned and another went missing while bathing in Kathajodi river in Cuttack Sunday afternoon, police said. The incident took place when four persons, working with a private construction company engaged for renovation work of SCB Medical College and Hospital campus, went to the river around 3pm, they said. One of the engineers []

Orissa HC to monitor installation of vital equipment in SCBMCH

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Friday decided to monitor progress of installation of MRI and CT scan machines along with other high-end equipment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) here. The division bench of Justices SK Sahoo and V Narasingh directed the superintendent of SCBMCH to file affidavits regarding status of operation of the MRI machine for neurosurgery department and CT scan machine for the radiodiagnosis department when the matter is taken up next on June 19. The bench also directed the superintendent to file by then an affidavit on status of operation of visual perimeter for ophthalmology department. The court was hearing a PIL on delay in installation of much required equipment in SCBMCH. The bench sought the affidavits after Senior Advocate Bibhu Prasad Tripathy representing the Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd (OSMCL) informed the Court about status of status of procurement of the equipment. On the basis of written instructions, Tripathy informed that the purchase order for the 3T MRI machine and two Slice CT scan machines was issued on January 29, 2025, and the timeline for supply of the machines to SCBMCH is by end of May. The ophthalmology department at SCBMCH has received the recognition of Regional Eye Institute. But the visual perimeter machine has not been functioning for the past five years as it needs repair or replacement. This machine is an essential tool for assessing the visual field of patients, particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as glaucoma. Appearing in virtual mode Dr Goutam Satapathy, superintendent of SCBMCH, stated that the purchase order for procurement of visual perimeter was issued on January 29, 2025, and the machine has already been supplied. The machine has not only reached, but also has been made functional, he added. The bench further directed the OSMCL managing director Dr Poma Tudu to file by June 19 an affidavit relating to the status of procurement of two echocardiogram machines for patient care at the department of cardiology. The court was also informed that the purchase order for 14 ultra-brief electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) machines for Mental Health Institute of SCBMCH will be issued by May 17, 2025 and timeline for supply will be third week of August. Tudu, who was present through virtual mode, assured the court that the procurement of such machines will be expedited.

Techie from Odisha's Cuttack helps victims of cyber fraud cope with trauma

BHUBANESWAR: The emotional and financial aftereffects of cyber fraud on victims can be overwhelming. Cuttack-based IT professional Swati Das has been on a mission to help such victims come out of the trauma for the last three years, by equipping them with coping mechanisms. She has been volunteering for Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police for counselling people falling prey to cyber crimes in Bhubaneswar. Such crimes can lead to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), said the 32-year-old IT professional. Working from home since 2023, Swati has been associated with various cybercrime awareness programmes organised by the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police. Cyber crimes disrupt peoples psychological and emotional well-being. In many instances, victims develop loss of trust, PTSD, frustration and even suicidal tendencies. Lack of social support in such situations aggravates victims distress and to counter this, healthy coping strategies should be provided to them, said Swati. She has conducted cyber awareness and mental wellness workshops in various schools, colleges and private/government organisations and advised more than 1,000 participants including students on coping mechanisms that can be used to deal with the trauma of facing a digital attack. Swati is the only woman volunteer for Commissionerate Polices cyber crime awareness programmes that the latter has been organising regularly since the last three years. She has been trained in mental health counselling by the IT firm she is employed with under its Supporting Mental Health initiative. Since 2023, Swati has visited more than 50 educational institutions in Bhubaneswar to create awareness among youths on cyber crimes and provide psychological counselling to the ones who have been victims of such frauds. She has also been counselling victims of online crimes at the Cyber Crime and Economic Offence police station in the Capital City. During counselling sessions, I noticed that many victims are extremely traumatised due to the huge financial loss they faced at the hands of cyber fraudsters. Some even lost their life-long savings to scammers, she said. Swati added that during counselling sessions, victims are also reluctant to share their ordeal after going through honey-trapping or deepfakes. To assist such victims, it is pivotal to first make them comfortable, express empathy, and apprise them that theirs is not an isolated incident. The negative consequences of cyber crimes on mental health can be reduced to a great extent by using effective coping mechanisms like reaching out for social support, taking part in stress-relieving activities and availing mental health services, she added. Addiction to social media, she said, has led to mental and physical health issues, particularly after the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. Users addicted to social media are experiencing psychological consequences like stress as they also come across disturbing content. This may have a significant negative influence on peoples relationships, sense of security, and general well-being, she said. A safe digital environment and awareness among people on side effects of over-consumption of social media is the need of the hour, she suggested.

Fire breaks out at biscuit factory in Odishas Cuttack

Cuttack: A fire broke out in a biscuit factory in Jagatpur Industrial area in Odishas Cuttack district Saturday, a fire officer said. Though most of the properties at the biscuit factory were damaged in the blaze but there was no loss of life, said assistant fire officer Sanjiv Kumar Behera. He said the fire could []

Orissa HC stays two provisions of Mission Shaktis restructuring till July 4

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has extended the stay order on implementation of two provisions in the new guidelines issued for restructuring of Mission Shakti till July 4. The department of Mission Shakti had issued the new guidelines to all district collectors on January 22, 2025. The collectors were asked to carry out the restructuring process in their respective districts and complete it within four months. Initially, Baitarani Mission Shakti Federation of Keonjhar filed a petition challenging the legal validity of two provisions (5.10 and 5.11) of the guidelines on April 15. Acting on it, the court issued the stay order on the two provisions on April 17. Subsequently, as many as 39 more petitions were filed by Mission Shakti federations in different districts and were listed when the matter was taken up for hearing on Thursday. While a counter affidavit to the first petition was filed by the state government, the single judge bench of Justice Sashikanta Mishra posted all the 40 petitions to July 4 for analogous hearing and extended till then the stay order on the two provisions of the new guidelines. The provision 5.10 says, No member can be an office-bearer (OB) for two consecutive terms. The provision 5.11 reads, In any Executive Committee (EC) at any Community Institution Level (CLF, GPLF, BLF and DLF), only one member from a family shall be eligible to become the member of EC. Other family members, members of extended families or close relatives of such family shall not be eligible to become EC member of the same Community Institution. In the counter affidavit filed on Thursday, the state government claimed that the comprehensive restructuring process would lead to 1.24 million new office-bearers at the SHG level and 1.15 million executive committee members at the CLF level assuming leadership positions. Overall, more than 3.5 million women members across various institutional levels will get the opportunity to hold leadership roles in SHGs and their federations, the government claimed.

NGT panel to investigate illegal felling of over five acres trees in Tangi forest

CUTTACK: Alleged illegal felling of trees over an area of five acres by two private parties within Badapari Demarcated Protected Forest (DPF) under Tangi tehsil in Khurda district has come under the National Green Tribunal (NGT) scanner. A two-member fact-finding committee has been constituted on May 15 and asked to submit report within four weeks. The committee includes the Khurda district collector and divisional forest officer. Giri Gobardhan Forest Committee president Gopala Charan Palatasingh had alleged that the two private persons were illegally felling trees and setting fire to the forest within the protected forest area demarcated by pillars under the garb of ownership over it. The petition claimed that the forest committee is a registered society mandated to protect forest consisting of villagers of Badapari, Bhobara, and Nuagaon under Tangi tehsil. Advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy made submissions on the petitioners behalf in virtual mode. The NGTs east zone bench comprising B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) said, Considering the allegations made, we deem it appropriate to constitute a fact-finding committee to visit the site in question and thereafter submit a fact finding report on affidavit within four weeks. Khordha collector shall be the nodal office for all logistic purposes and filing the fact-finding report, the bench directed while posting the matter to July 28. The bench also issued notices to the additional chief secretary state Forest & Environment department, Odisha Biodiversity Board, secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and deputy director general of forests (integrated regional office-Bhubaneswar). All the respondents shall file their counter affidavits within four weeks, the order said. According to the NGT order, the petition said the illegal felling of trees were done in parts of the protected forest area having dense vegetation and habitat of wild animals such as sambar, rabbit, khuranga, peacocks, deer, wildboar, jungle cats, pangolin, elephants and various types of snakes and birds. The forest in question is also a treasure of medicinal plants and the local healers use those herbs to cure different types of diseases, hence, the site is equally important from the perspective of biodiversity, the petition claimed.

Orissa HC grants bail to Maoist leader Panda, says cannot keep a person in confinement indefinitely

CUTTACK: A person cannot be kept in confinement for an indefinite period on the assurance that one day the trial would be concluded, the Orissa High Court has ruled while granting bail to Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda in one of the several cases pending against him. The case was registered against him at Tarasingi police station in Ganjam district in 2008. The 56-year-old Maoist leader had sought bail in the case registered against him on charges of attacking with deadly weapons along with co-accused persons and setting fire to an office and furniture by hurling bombs and exchange of fire. A trial court had convicted Panda for waging war against the nation and sentenced him to imprisonment for life on May 18, 2019. He had filed a criminal appeal against the trial court judgement on July 16, 2019. It is still pending in the high court. While granting bail to Panda in the Tarasingi case on Tuesday, Justice Satapathy said, No doubt, the allegation against the petitioner (Panda) is grave and serious, but the prosecution is unable to produce any convincing evidence till today to justify the further detention of the petitioner in custody. Only 16 of the 54 charge-sheeted witnesses have been examined till today and the trial is yet to be concluded. Out of 16 witnesses examined so far, none has supported the prosecution case, Justice Satapathy observed. In the aforesaid facts and circumstance and after having considered the rival submissions and trial having not concluded even after more than 10 years custody of the petitioner, this court without expressing any view on merits admits the petitioner to bail, Justice Satapathy said and granted bail on furnishing bail bonds of Rs 50,000 with two solvent sureties each for the like amount to the satisfaction of the trial court of the case on such terms and conditions as it deems fit and proper. Panda was arrested first from a house in Berhampur by state police on July 18, 2014 and has since been in jail. Several Maoist-related cases across many districts are pending against him.

Vigilance raids on Dharmasala ABDO unearth assets worth crores of rupees

JAJPUR: Odisha Vigilance on Thursday launched simultaneous raids at seven locations linked to additional block development officer (ABDO) of Dharmasala Asit Kumar Patra and found him to be in possession of three multi-storey buildings, five high-value plots and other assets worth of crores of rupees which are disproportionate to his known sources of income. Acting on the allegations that Patra had accumulated disproportionate assets, Vigilance teams comprising eight deputy SPs, nine inspectors and other supporting staff carried out the searches at the ABDOs office room and residential quarters at Dharmasala, native place at Sundarimuhan in Jajpur, apartment in Cuttack, relatives house at Sanabasanta near Akhuapada in Bhadrak and another location in Bhubaneswar. Officials of the anti-corruption agency unearthed Patras three multi-storey buildings, five high-value plots and a shopping complex in Jajpur Road area besides a two-BHK flat in Cuttack. Additionally, the ABDO was found in possession of gold ornaments weighing approximately 200 gram, bank deposits of over Rs 65 lakh, Rs 1.85 lakh cash and two two-wheelers. During the raids, Vigilance officials have reportedly stumbled upon several important documents including bank passbooks and bonds of Patra. The searches are currently underway and further details regarding the seizure and valuation of assets are awaited.

Coverage of central schemes only 3 per cent in Cuttack: Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati

CUTTACK: Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati on Thursday called upon the officials of the Cuttack administration and public representatives to work in coordination to ensure the successful implementation of various development and social welfare schemes of the central and state governments. Reviewing the progress of implementation of the schemes in the district during a meeting at the collectorate here, the Governor emphasised on creating awareness among people about the schemes and how they can avail their benefits. Kambhampati also held discussion with the bank officials to know if they were providing loans under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), and directed them to create awareness among the people about the various insurance schemes of the government like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. Among others, the meeting was attended by Cuttack collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde and DCP Jagmohan Meena. Briefing mediapersons after the meeting, the Governor stated that the implementation of welfare schemes of the central government in the district was only three per cent. The objective is to achieve 100 per cent scheme implementation. There is a manpower shortage in the police department, Health department and the Jal Jeevan Mission which needs to be addressed to achieve 100 pc scheme implementation, he added. People are not even aware about the popular insurance schemes of the Government of India like PMSBY which is available for poor people at Rs 20 premium per annum insuring life against accident, and PMJJBY, a life insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh. Hence, there is a need to create awareness among the people about these schemes, the Governor said. In the afternoon, he held discussions with the citizens committee, peace committee and members of Bar associations at the Special Circuit House here regarding the improvement and overall development work in the city. The Governor also interacted with the beneficiaries of the Mudra Yojana at the Maritime Museum. He visited the homes of Pushpalata Sasmal of Gopalsahi in Bidanasi area, a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and Maina Sahu of Sana Munduli, a beneficiary of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural).

Odisha vigilance finds additional BDO owns four buildings, five plots

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha vigilance Thursday unearthed disproportionate assets including four buildings, five plots, and deposits worth Rs 65 lakh of an additional block development officer (ABDO). On suspicion that the ABDO possesses assets disproportionate to his known sources of income, vigilance teams launched search operations at seven places in Jajpur, Cuttack, Bhadrak and Khurda districts, []

District Court Cuttack Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 03 Senior Clerk, Stenographer and Other Posts

District Court Cuttack Recruitment 2025 Notification out! District Court Cuttack Recruitment 2025 for 03 posts of Senior Clerk, Stenographer and Other. Candidates Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in interview on 20-05-2025. For detailed information please visit District Court Cuttack official website, cuttack.dcourts.gov.in.

Odisha teachers protest government move allowing MPs, MLAs to recommend transfers, cite fears of politicisation

BHUBANESWAR/CUTTACK: A day after the Odisha government allowed MPs and MLAs to recommend transfer of 15 teachers in this academic year, school teachers have protested the move. Teachers under the aegis of the Odisha unit of School Teachers Federation of India (STFI), in a release, said while the governments intention may be to streamline the transfer process and address local concerns, they fear that the move could lead to politicisation of the transfer process. Political influence might override genuine needs and merit-based considerations. Such a policy has the potential to compromise transparency and fairness. Moreover, this approach fails to address the plight of thousands of teachers who have been serving far from their home districts for years, they said. As per the 2016 Government of Odisha guidelines, a teacher becomes eligible for transfer only after completing 15 years of service. Stating that the rule has proven to be complex, rigid and unjust for many of them, the STFI Odisha members demanded that it be revised making teachers eligible for transfer after five years of service. They also raised concern over lack of transfer policy for teachers of aided and new aided schools in Odisha. There are over 4,000 such schools where teachers draw salaries from the state exchequer but have no system in place for transfers. A large number of these educators are compelled to work in distant locations, away from their families, without any hope of relocation, they said. Other than ensuring that it remains transparent and free from political interference, the teachers urged the government to frame a structured transfer policy for those working in aided and new aided schools. We believe a rational, uniform and humane transfer policy is essential not only for the welfare of teachers but also for the overall quality of education in our state, they mentioned in the release. On Tuesday, the state government officially allowed MPs and MLAs to recommend up to 15 cases of transfer of teachers including both elementary and secondary schools in their area during the current educational year. The MPs and MLAs will have to submit this recommendation to the district collectors from May 15 to June 15. The recommendations will be disposed of by the district level transfer committee (DLTC), a letter written by Girish Chandra Singh, joint secretary in the School and Mass Education department, to director of Secondary Education and director of Elementary Education said.

NGT calls for ATR from OSPCB on legacy waste in Bargarh town by May 20

CUTTACK: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday directed the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) to submit an action taken report (ATR) by May 20, after the latter filed an affidavit indicating status of compliance of the March 23, 2023 order on legacy wastes left dumped for the past 10 to 15 years in Bargarh town. Member secretary, OSPCB Uma Nanduri filed the affidavit along with the report of latest inspection conducted at the legacy waste dump site on March 21, 2025. The report stated that only about 20,000 metric tonne of the legacy waste had been bio-mined out of around 51,476 metric tonne from the dumping site. As ordered by the NGT, the dump site is secured by a boundary wall of approximately 15 feet height on all sides, it added. The Tribunal had directed the Bargarh Municipality to ensure complete treatment of legacy waste through bio-mining/micro composting centres/material recovery facilities by December 31, 2023. On the day of the visit it was observed that the un-segregated municipal solid waste was being dumped haphazardly on the banks of Jeera river at various locations. It was also observed that the untreated urban waste water was being discharged directly into Jeera river at various points, the inspection report said. The NGTs East Zone bench in Kolkata was hearing a petition seeking criminal proceedings against the authorities concerned for non-compliance of orders the Tribunal had issued on March 23, 2023. Taking the affidavit on record, the bench comprising Justice B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) observed that the OSPCB, which is the regulatory authority, was expected to file an ATR along with the status report. Accordingly, the bench posted the matter to May 20 with a direction to OSPCB to file the ATR by then. Ramakanta Rout and six other residents of Purushotam Nagar in ward no 15 under Bargarh Municipality area had first filed a petition alleging that garbage of around 51,000 metric tonne had been lying dumped at a site near their locality for several years. The Tribunal had disposed of the petition with a set of directions on March 23, 2023. The petitioners, however, returned with another plea after an inspection report of the OSPCB on January 8, 2025 stated that none of the NGTs orders had been complied with. Advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy made submissions on behalf of the petitioners. The legacy waste dump sites had resulted in huge damage to the environment and posed health hazards for the people residing in the nearby areas.

Plan to expand Cuttack ring road into six-lane corridor

Odisha: Carrying explosives on bike proves fatal; two killed, one hurt

JAJPUR: Two fishermen were killed while another suffered critical injuries after the explosives they were carrying on a motorcycle reportedly went off near Kunjia market in Chhatia Bazaar within Bayree police limits here on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as Rama Pingua of Khaira Mundasahi and Mantu Patra of Chanditala under Badachana block. The injured is Nepali Purty of Khaira Mundasahi. Police sources said Rama, Mantu and Nepali, all in their late thirties, were friends. The trio reportedly used to catch fish from water bodies with explosives. They were travelling on a bike to catch fish when the explosives they were carrying accidentally went off near Kunjia market at around 4.30 pm. While Rama and Mantu were killed instantly, Nepali suffered grievous injuries in the incident. Hearing the loud sound, locals rushed to the spot and recovered the mutilated bodies of Rama and Mantu. Nepali was found lying a few feet away from the spot with critical injuries. Their damaged motorcycle was also found near the site. On being informed, Bayree police reached the spot and rushed Nepali to Badachana community health centre. He was later shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack as his condition was critical. Police have launched an investigation into the incident with the help of a scientific team. Locals suspect that the bikers were carrying explosive items with them to catch fish from a water body and those went off accidentally leading to the mishap. Police said a probe is underway to determine the exact circumstances which led to the explosion. A case has been registered in this connection. We are trying to ascertain the motive of the bikers in carrying the explosive items, said an officer of Bayree police station. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves in the area.

Odisha: Twin city students shine in CBSE exams, toppers grab above 99 per cent

BHUBANESWAR: Students from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack delivered stellar performance in the Class X and XII CBSE Board exams, the results of which were announced on Tuesday. KIIT International School in Bhubaneswar announced that all 112 students from Class X and 265 students from Class XII cleared the exams. Seven students from SEN Globe in the campus also scored about 70 per cent in Class X, officials of the school said. Uswastee Ubika Patsani from the school scored 99 per cent in Class X, and Trisha Rath from the school secured 99.4 per cent in Class XII humanities. Founder of KIIT and KISS Achyuta Samanta congratulated the students and their families for their outstanding performance, dedication, and perseverance, on the occasion. Similarly, Sai International School and Sai Residential School in the capital city also recorded 100 per cent result in both the exams. Aahana Parija from the Sai International School secured 99.2 per cent in Class X, while Dhiraj Dhanuka from the school scored 98.9 per cent in XII commerce. Archit Agarwal topped the residential wing with 97.2 per cent in Class X. SAI International Education Group chairperson Silpi Sahoo said these results are not mere percentages-they are hard work of the students, tireless guidance of mentors and unwavering faith and support of the parents. Mothers Public School in Unit-I in Bhubaneswar also registered cent per cent results. Aarush Ayushman scored a phenomenal 99.4 per cent in Class X, while Amaan Kumar Nayak from Science stream scored the highest 98.20 per cent in Class XII. In DPS Kalinga, Jayadita Pratihari topped Class X with 98.4 per cent, while Snehasis Das from science stream topped XII with 97.4 per cent. Many students from the school scored a perfect 100 in mathematics, general science, social science, sanskrit, Hindi, Odia, French, and information technology. Students of DAV Pokhariput and DAV Kalinga Nagar in the city also fared well in the exam. Sambartika Dash from DAV Pokhariput secured 99.4 per cent in Class X. In LR DAV Public School, Cuttack, Shreyas Sarangi secured 98.8 per cent in Class X, while Shreyan Khuntia secured 96 per cent in XII. St Xaviers High School at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack also secured good results. OAVs excel The Class X pass percentage of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas has increased to 91.8 pc this year compared to 82.2 pc in 2024. At least 1,062 students scored more than 90 pc of marks with Kabya Ranjan Majhi of OAV Pallasgadia topping the list by securing 99.4 pc. In Class XII (science), the pass percentage reached 72.05 pc compared to 63.19 pc in the previous year. Om Prasad Sahoo of OAV Khaprakhol, Balangir, topped among all OAV students by securing 97.4 pc. In Class XII (commerce), the pass percentage was 77.6 pc this year which is a remarkable increase from 44.24 pc of 2024. Madhusmita Behera of OAV Rengali, Sambalpur, topped among all OAV (commerce) students by securing 94.6 pc.

Cuttack Intellectuals Rally Against Government Apathy

In a remarkable show of solidarity, intellectuals and civic leaders from across Cuttack have come together, voicing collective concern over what they termed as persistent government apathy towards the citys development.

Odisha to enrol more cadets to strengthen NCC

BHUBANESWAR: At a time when Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called upon youths to volunteer for the states civil defence wing, the Higher Education department has plans to increase the NCC enrolment in public colleges and universities. The Odisha NCC Directorate currently has an approximate strength of 63,149 cadets, primarily drawn from educational institutions. According to reports, DG, NCC Lt Gen Gurbir Pal Singh during his visit to Odisha this year had revealed plans for expansion of NCC by another 12,618 cadets. Official sources said the state unit has now planned to expand it further by 20,000 cadets. Currently, the state NCC is deficient by five per cent of the authorised enrolment and to meet the deficiency, the vice-chancellors of all public universities have been asked to assist in improving the enrolment. Officials said the Higher Education department has proposed to form a club comprising a lawyer, an activist, a psychologist, among others, who would visit higher educational institutions in aspirational districts like Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur to give pep talks or motivational talks to students and encourage them to join NCC. This apart, vice-chancellors have been asked to direct colleges affiliated to them to allow NCC to conduct camps for cadets. NCC conducts 88 camps from April to December. While, there are three NCC group headquarters at Cuttack, Berhampur and Sambalpur, a new NCC group headquarters has come up in Koraput. It has already been decided to set up three training centres for NCC in Cuttack and Sambalpur on over 5 acre of land each and on 10 acre land in Berhampur. Under the revised syllabus for UG in alignment with the National Education Policy-2020, NCC is being offered as an elective to students. On Sunday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called upon youths to join the states civil defence units. Currently, there are 12 civil defence units in the state and chief minister has directed for formation of more if required. Higher Education minister Suryabanshi Suraj, too, had called for the enrolment of more cadets in NCC.

Odisha to experience intense heat, humidity till May 16: IMD

BHUBANESWAR: Heat and humidity seared the state on Monday, with temperatures in many parts of the state crossing 40 degrees Celsius. Sambalpur recorded the highest day temperature of 42.9 degrees Celsius, followed by Jharsuguda 42.2 degrees C, Balangir 42.1 degrees C and Boudh 42 degrees C. Day temperature in Sambalpur was above normal by 1.5 degrees C, Jharsuguda 0.7 degrees C and Balangir 0.2 degrees C. Twin cities Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 40.4 degrees C and 40 degrees C respectively. The day temperature was above normal by 2.9 degrees C in the state capital and 2.7 degrees C in neighbouring Cuttack. Citizens experienced blistering conditions due to the combination of heat and humidity. The regional met office said coastal districts recorded high humidity levels on the day. While humidity in Puri stood at 83 per cent, Balasore recorded 81 per cent, Paradip 80 per cent and Gopalpur 76 per cent. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 62 per cent humidity each on the day. Though the regional met office has withdrawn the heatwave warning for Odisha this week due to the anticipated thunderstorm activity, hot and humid weather conditions are expected to prevail in parts of the state, including coastal districts, till Friday. Some places including the coastal districts are experiencing high humidity due to the moisture carrying southerly and south-easterly winds blowing towards the state. The interior districts are witnessing hot weather because of the warm and dry north-westerly winds, said the regional met office. Meanwhile, the met office has forecast light to moderate rain or thundershower activity in southern districts as well as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore and Bhadrak on Tuesday. Similarly, thundershower may occur in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam and Nabarangpur on Wednesday.

Justice DK Shripad sworn in, strength of judges in Odisha HC goes up to 19

CUTTACK: Justice Dixit Krishna Shripad was sworn in as a judge of the Orissa High Court on Monday. With his joining, the strength of judges in the Orissa High Court has gone up to 19 against sanctioned 27 posts. The Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Justice) had issued notification of his transfer on May 1 following recommendation by the Supreme Court collegium. Chief Justice Harish Tandon administered the oath of office to Justice Shripad at a simple ceremony on the premises of the high court in presence of all other judges. Justice Shripad was functioning as judge in Karnataka High Court from February 14, 2018 before his transfer. Born on July 20, 1964, he had started practice as a lawyer in Karnataka High Court and Madras High Court in 1989 and specialised in law of writs, election laws and service laws. He also worked as a part-time lecturer in a law college in Bengaluru for a few years. He served as assistant solicitor general of India from 2014 and appeared for the Central government till his elevation as judge of Karnataka High Court in 2018. He was first appointed as additional judge of Karnataka High Court on February 14, 2018 and subsequently permanent judge on January 7, 2020.

Garbage crisis plagues different areas of Cuttack

Justice Dixit Krishna Shripad takes oath as judge of Orissa High Court

Bhubaneswar: Justice Dixit Krishna Shripad was sworn in as judge of the Orissa High Court (HC) at a ceremony held on the court premises in Cuttack Monday. High Court Chief Justice Harish Tandon administered the oath of office to Justice Shripad, who was transferred from the Karnataka High Court to the Orissa HC May 1. []

Dacoity behind youths murder in Odisha's Baranga, five held

CUTTACK: Two days after a 23-year-old youth was beaten to death near Basulei temple within Baranga police limits, police on Sunday arrested five members of a dacoity gang for their alleged involvement in the crime. Police said the accused - Babu Prasad Sahu (27), Sunil Yadav (23), Sujit Behera (20), Gagan Kumar Das (26) and Soumya Ranjan Das (25), all belong to Cuttack. The deceased is SK Rahil of Dewan Bazar within Lalbag police limits. The accused had also torched the vehicle Rahil and his friends were travelling in. Briefing mediapersons, DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said the accused killed Rahil as he resisted their dacoity bid. The incident had occurred on Friday at around 4 am. SK Rahil along with his two friends - Md Sahil and Lalu - was going in a car when the accused intercepted them on the Puri canal road with the intention to rob them. The trio, suspecting their motive, initially managed to escape but the latter placed a wooden plank embedded with nails on the road as a result of which the cars tyres got punctured. In a desperate attempt to save their lives and property, the trio came out of the car and ran towards Mundali. While Md Sahil and Lalu managed to escape, Sk Rahil was caught by the accused, Dnyandeo said. They then tried to snatch Rahils purse containing cash, and mobile phone, along with other belongings kept in the car. When Rahil resisted, the accused beat him with wooden sticks and steel pipes, resulting in his death on the spot. After that, the accused set the car afire and fled the spot, the DCP said. Investigation revealed the anti-socials have been involved in many dacoity cases in Athagarh, Badamba, Banki and Cuttack, he said adding, efforts are on to nab the others involved in the crime.

Cuttack corporators unhappy with panel report on desilting work, call it misleading

CUTTACK: Even as the sanitation committee constituted by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has submitted report on the progress of desilting work in the city, the deadline of which was April 30, local corporators alleged it is a mere eyewash. As per sources, the corporation had constituted the sanitation committee after drawing flak from the local residents for its failure to clear waterlogging following a heavy downpour on April 15. Locals had alleged the situation worsened because of clogged drains. To review the desilting work in the city which was being handled by three manpower agencies, the CMC constituted the sanitation committee comprising two executive engineers, junior engineers, ward officer and sanitary inspectors, and asked them to submit the report by April 30. Though the committee submitted the report by the scheduled deadline, local corporators, unconvinced by the findings, alleged it was submitted without proper verification or inspection. It is ridiculous that the civic body wanted a report on the progress of drain desilting work only before the onset of monsoon. As per the terms and conditions of the tender, the three outsourcing agencies should conduct desilting operations twice a month. But, the agencies are not cleaning the drains even once in six months. Constituting a committee and seeking report on progress of drain desilting work is nothing but to show undue favour and safeguard the three agencies under the guise of taking action against them, alleged corporator of ward no 26, Gagan Ojha. CMC mayor Subhas Singh admitted the report clearly points towards the negligence of the outsourcing agencies in carrying out the desilting work. As per the report, 30 to 40 drains are yet to be desilted and cleaned. The CMC will carry out the desilting works of these drains in cooperation with the local corporators and steps will be taken to deduct the cost of expenditure incurred towards cleaning the left-out drains while passing the bills for payment to the three agencies, he said.

Orissa HC quashes order upholding transfer of non-govt aided college employees

CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has set aside a single judges order that had endorsed the transfer order of a ministerial staff of a non-government aided college issued by the director of higher education and dismissed a petition which challenged it. The division bench of Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice MS Raman held that the ministerial staff of non-government aided colleges cannot be transferred to another institution. The high court was hearing an appeal filed by a junior clerk of Dhamnagar College in Bhadrak district who was transferred to Naami College in the same district. The petitioner filed the appeal after the single judge dismissed his petition on March 20, 2025 with categorical finding that the moment such transfer was necessitated by an administrative exigency, the high court should be slow and circumspect in interfering with such administrative order. According to the petition, the DHE had issued a circular to principals of all non-government aided colleges on April 16, 2022, stipulating that the employees who are in receipt of grant-in-aid are not transferable from one institution to another. The division bench observed, Since a decision is taken by the Higher Education department that the employees of the non-government colleges who receive grant-in-aid cannot be transferred from one institution to another, it does not invite any interpretative tool to be used to restrict its applicability to inter-revenue district and not intra-revenue district.

Congress takes out Tricolour rally in Odisha

CUTTACK: The Congress on Saturday took out a Tricolour rally to honour and boost the morale of the Indian military forces which has been actively tackling the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Holding a 1,500-feet-long Indian Flag, Congress members took out the rally from Buxi Bazaar, passing through Pension Lane, Tinikonia Bagicha and Dargha Bazaar and ended at Gourishankar Park. It was led by Barabati-Cuttack MLA Sofia Firdous. OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das said, Now at this critical moment of the country, the Congress party is with the countrymen. Everyone should stand together regardless of party affiliation, considering the current situation of our country. Among others, AICC general secretary Ajay Kumar Lallu, former OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak, former MP Ramachandra Khuntia and former MLA Mohammed Moquim took part in the rally.

Orissa HC Lok Adalat settles 92 cases with Rs 7.5 crore disbursement

CUTTACK: The National Lok Adalat held in the Orissa High Court on Saturday finsalised Rs 7.45 crore as settlement amount in pending insurance cases. Seven sitting judges including Justices SK Sahoo, SK Panigrahi, AK Mohapatra, V Narasingh, BP Satapathy, MS Raman and SK Mishra presided over the Lok Adalat benches. Of the 795 cases placed before the benches, 92 were finalised. Of the 92 cases, 88 were insurance claims. The rest cases related to matrimonial, service and electricity matters, a high court legal services committee release said. Meanwhile, the district-level Lok Adalats disposed of 1,92,003 pending cases, while finalising Rs 130.8 crore as settlements. The Lok Adalats were held in all districts. The disposed cases included 6,634 pre-litigation disputes. The disposed/settled cases included 1,69,382 related to revenue and other ancillary matters. Other matters related to 11,632 criminal, 1,518 civil, 597 motor accident claims and 475 matrimonial disputes.

Preservation of judicial records important for research, says CJ Harish Tandon

CUTTACK: Preservation of fragile judicial records is crucial as it helps in research and shapes history, said Chief Justice of Orissa High Court Harish Tandon on Saturday. Addressing the foundation day of the Centre for Judicial Archives here, the Chief Justice said the centre has the potential to become an epicentre of research for the entire country. He also inaugurated an exhibition hall dedicated to Utkal Gourab Madhusudan Das in the first floor of the centre. Retired professor of history, Calcutta University, Prof Arun Bandopadhyay stressed the importance of judgments in compiling the historical events. The invaluable repository of records at the Centre would help in pursuing research activities, he added. Member of Centre for Judicial Archives Committee, Justice Sashikanta Mishra said a total 71,503 fragile records have been received by the Centre from the Orissa High Court and district courts of the state of which 5,173 files have been scientifically conserved. Till date, about 1,151 files have been digitised. A total 30,465 records have been provisionally catalogued and about 222 Persian files descriptively catalogued, he added. The book The Judicial History of Odisha Vol II was released later in the day during a separate function at the Judicial Academy. The first volume of Judicial History of Odisha released earlier covered the ancient and medieval periods of history in the context of evolution of the judicial system in the state. The second volume intends to trace the evolution of the judicial system of Odisha corresponding to the time period from 1757 to 1916. The Centre for Judicial Archives was set up in 2022 to document the rich judicial history of Odisha by preserving the old fragile records.

OSPCB directed by NGT to recover Rs 1.20 crore EC from railway contractor

CUTTACK: The National Green Tribunal (NGT)s East Zone Bench in Kolkata has directed the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) ) to recover Rs 1.20 crore environmental compensation (EC) from a contractor engaged in construction of earth bed for the Bhadrak-Nirgundi third line railway project for illegal extraction and utilising of morrum. The bench comprising B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) in a recent order asked OSPCB to take action for recovery of the assessed compensation in accordance with law after giving full opportunity of hearing to the contractor. The bench passed the order after a committee recommended imposition of environmental compensation for illegal extraction of morrum and utilising it in the project work. The tribunal had constituted the committee to ascertain veracity of allegations of illegal extraction of minor minerals in Tangi-Choudwar tehsil area. A petition was filed by Srikant Kumar Pakal and three other residents of the area. The contractor took the plea that many other parties who were engaged by the Railway over a period of time to construct the same work - Bhadrak-Nergundi third line project had used the same methods, but only his name was singled out. But the bench said that the enquiry report said that the firm was a habitual offender in the matter of illegal excavation of earth and morrum for use in project construction.

Early monsoon onset in Kerala, yet Odisha arrival still not clear

BHUBANESWAR: Even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said the southwest monsoon is likely to set over early in Kerala on May 27, its progress to Odisha in time is still not clear. The monsoon normally arrives in Odisha around June 12. Last year, monsoon had reached the state on June 8, which was earlier than usual. However, the arrival of monsoon has always been tricky. It had reached the state on June 22 in 2023, June 16 in 2022, June 10 in 2021, June 11 in 2020 and on June 21 in 2019. Usually, the monsoon reaches Odisha 10 to 12 days after entering Kerala. However, it is too early to predict if the monsoon will arrive the state early, on time or will get delayed, said director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, Manorama Mohanty. If any supportive weather system forms over the Bay of Bengal, then it may assist the advancement of monsoon towards the state before its scheduled arrival, she added. Weather experts said this time, the ocean-atmospheric conditions are in favour of early arrival and on-time advancement of monsoon over the country. Odisha comes under the core monsoon zone and normally receives 1,150 mm rainfall between June and September. Meanwhile, some places in Odisha experienced hot and humid weather on Saturday. The regional met office has forecast heatwave and, hot and humid weather in parts of the state in the next four days. Heatwave is likely to occur in Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balangir, Boudh and Sundargarh districts and hot and humid conditions may prevail in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh and three other districts on Sunday. Parts of the state will experience heatwave as well as hot and humid weather as warm and dry northwesterly winds continue to blow towards the state, said Manorama Mohanty. On the day, at least 16 places recorded 40 degree Celsius or more. Sambalpur was the hottest at 42.7 deg C, followed by Hirakud 41.7 deg C. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 40.2 deg C and 39.4 deg C respectively.

Two Jkhand natives faked as railway staff, manned PH

PARADIP: The arrest of two Jharkhand natives for impersonating as railway staff has sparked concern as the duo was found manning a passenger halt (PH), a critical safety breach, on the Cuttack-Paradip line Wednesday last. Raj Kumar Purty and Charan Bodra, not only manned the PH but also flagged trains. They have been charged with impersonation, forgery and endangering railway safety. Purty, 30, is a resident of Banahamtu under West Singhbhum district. Twenty-year-old Bodra is from Kaisa in the same district. They were arrested by the Government Railway Police (GRP) following the intervention of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). When a team led by IIC of RPF, Paradip Mithelesh Kumar visited Bagadia passenger halt, Purty was in the station masters uniform and signalling trains with a green flag, raising suspicion. Bodra was in the uniform of a token porter. Questioned, both failed to produce any legitimate joining letter or authorisation, and showed ID cards suspected to be forged. The duo claimed to hail from Jharkhand but had been staying at a lodge in Jatni and commuting to Bagadia PH to perform unauthorised duties, including flagging trains, GRP officials said. Purtys backpack had a train arrival and departure register of East Coast Railway, railway dak register of Khurda Road, a file titled Proposal for Staff Canteen, fake identity card of assistant station master issued in 2023, two fake station master identity cards issued in 2025, a red and a green signal flag. GRP sources said Purty confessed to be part of a job racket run by Santosh Kumar Patra, a native of Bihar. The module allegedly extorted money from unemployed youths by promising them jobs in the railways. They even assigned them duties at isolated stations across Bihar, Jharkhand and other states to avoid detection. He admitted to cheating many youths since 2023 with fake appointment letters. Bodra, appointed in a similar fashion as a porter on May 2, was trained by Purty to show flags, an action that posed serious risk to train operations. Both used forged documents, seals and railway items to deceive job seekers. They too had received money in advance. Kumar lodged an FIR with GRP, Cuttack and handed over both the accused. IIC of GRP Cuttack Jyoti Prakash Nayak confirmed a case has been registered under sections 319(2),336(3)&(5) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and section 153 of the Railway Act.

JSW Steels Odisha plans under cloud as SC strikes down takeover of BPSL

BHUBANESWAR: With the Supreme Court rejecting JSW Steels resolution plan for Bhushan Power and Steel Ltd (BPSL), the companys expansion plans in Odisha along with the state governments steel march through big ticket investments may just have hit a roadblock. In the immediate instant, the BPSL development could cast a cloud on JSW Steels Rs 2 lakh crore investment plans in the state. The steel major had acquired the debt-laden BPSL for Rs 19,700 crore in 2019 after the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved its insolvency resolution plan. However, the SC set it aside, terming it illegal and in violation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). JSW has a number of key projects in the state - the biggest being the proposed 13.2 million tonne per annum (MTPA) steel plant at Paradip with an estimated investment of Rs 65,000 crore. Although major clearances have been obtained and groundwork complete, the project is moving at a rather slow pace. The company had also announced an integrated EV and battery manufacturing project at Naraj in Cuttack involving Rs 40,000 crore. A green energy facility in Kandhamal with a proposed outlay of Rs 40,000 crore has also been planned. However, a 5 MTPA steel plant proposed at Keonjhar worth Rs 35,000 crore has now assumed primacy since it is the home of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the government is very keen to get it on rails. After the BPSL setback, JSW Steel may go back to the drawing board and rework its plans. The state government, on its part, must see that investor confidence is not impacted, said an industry insider. Apart from new projects, JSW Steel had also planned expansion of BPSL from 4.5 MTPA to 10 MTPA and proposed Paradip plants capacity from 13.2 MTPA to 24 MTPA for which an MoU has already been signed. After acquiring BPSL, JSW had ramped up its crude steel output from 2.9 MTPA to around 4.5 MTPA and provided direct or indirect employment to around 20,000 people. With BPSLs fate hanging in the balance, JSW could face production cuts, dent in cash flow and challenges in debt servicing. The company could revisit its strategy, sources said. Additional chief secretary of Industries department Hemant Sharma said the government is committed to protect industrialisation interests of the state and will support any early resolution in the matter. The company in a recent regulatory filing stated that it is reviewing the order and will determine its future course of action. Meanwhile, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) has reviewed the SC order with all the lenders and is expected to take a decision in the matter soon. JSW Steels existing assets in Odisha include two cement plants, a power plant, a 300-km slurry pipeline and a port terminal at Paradip. It had also acquired Ind-Barath Energy (Utkal) Ltd in Jharsuguda in 2022.

NGT directs chief secretary to institute inquiry into 2024 Chandan Jatra blast

CUTTACK: The major firecracker explosion in which 17 persons died and 25 sustained severe injuries during the Chandan Jatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri on May 29 last year is back in focus with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordering a probe into the grave security lapse that caused it. The NGTs East Zone was hearing a petition seeking direction to the authorities to take steps to prohibit bursting of crackers during the rituals of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Sanjay Kumar Nayak, a resident of Aska in Ganjam district, filed the petition. Advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy argued on behalf of the petitioner in virtual mode. In the order uploaded on Thursday, the bench comprising B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Vijay Kulkarni (Expert Member) said, We dispose of the petition with a direction to the chief secretary, government of Odisha, to institute an inquiry into the incident and take appropriate action against those found guilty of gross negligence and lapse in taking proper security steps to prevent the occurrence of the incident in question. For future, it is directed that no explosives of any kind shall be permitted in such religious functions where the swell of the crowd is not just in thousands but in several lakhs and even a small lapse can result in loss of lives of lakhs of people. One cannot rule out that such an incident can even be triggered by ill-intentioned and anti-social elements using more lethal explosives other than mere firecrackers, the bench added. The bench observed, from the affidavit of the Puri collector, it was seen that no one noticed crackers being taken in a trolley and stacked at Dasa Tutha on the northwest corner of the Narendra tank without taking permission from the competent authority. During the Chandan Jatra on May 29, 2024, one cracker after being ignited lost its direction and hit the stack of crackers kept at Dasa Tutha. Thus all the crackers got lit resulting in a huge explosion. This clearly shows that there was gross dereliction of duty on the part of the district administration including the police authorities, the bench observed. The bench also observed, In the instant case, it was stacking of firecrackers but one cannot rule out the possibility that it could have been something even more lethal resulting in a massive explosion causing extensive damage to the Lord Jagannath Temple itself and loss of human life on a large scale.

22 years on, Cuttack Municipal Corporation does not have an environment wing

CUTTACK: Twenty-two years have passed since formation of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), but the civic body is yet to have a separate environment wing to look into the citys beautification and plantation activities or take steps to check pollution. The Cuttack municipality was upgraded to a municipal corporation in 2003. Accordingly, as per rule 124 of the Odisha Municipal Corporation Act 2003, every corporation must have an environment officer to perform duties assigned to him by the commissioner in accordance with the resolution of the corporation concerning the overall ecology of the area under its jurisdiction, and shall be responsible for complying with the directions of the government to protect the environment from pollution. However, 22 years have passed but the corporation has not taken any step to form a separate environment wing of its own even as its counterpart in Bhubaneswar has one. In such a situation, the sanitation wing has since been in charge of managing the citys environment issues till date. Concerned over the same, some city-based environmental activists opined that it was high time the civic body had an environment wing of its own. In the absence of an environment officer, pollution scenario in the city is getting worse with every passing day. While there is no check on old vehicles which significantly contribute to carbon emission, dumping of garbage into water bodies have become a cause of concern, they added. CMC Commissioner Anam Charan Patra and mayor Subhas Singh could not be reached for their comments.

District and Sessions Judge Cuttack Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 03 Stenographer, Senior Clerk and More Posts

District and Sessions Judge Cuttack Recruitment 2025 for 03 posts of Stenographer, Senior Clerk and More. Candidates with Retired Staff Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in on 20-05-2025. For detailed information please visit District and Sessions Judge Cuttack official website, cuttack.dcourts.gov.in.

Odisha Government Forms Three-member Probe Panel on Cuttack Bridge Collapse

The mishap took place on Saturday evening at the construction site of a new bridge over the Kathajodi river in Cuttacks Khannagar locality. According to officials, a prefabricated concrete slab was being hoisted by a crane when the machine reportedly malfunctioned, causing the slab to fall and crush five workers, including an engineer and two labourers

Odisha Government To Extend Bhubaneswar Metro To SCB Medical College In Cuttack With Centre's Support

Three killed, others injured in Cuttack bridge collapse at Khannagar during construction work

Odisha Unveils Sahayog Initiative To Deliver Welfare Schemes Directly To Urban Poor

The initiative will be rolled out in 44 urban areas across eight districtsKhurda, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Ganjam, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanjin its first phase.

NIA Questions Odisha Family That Narrowly Escaped Terror Attack in Pahalgam

A three-member NIA team questioned the family upon their return to Cuttack. Ranjits wife had reportedly sustained multiple injuries during the incident. Sources revealed that the family provided crucial information regarding four terrorists they claimed to have seen during the attack.

Two Police Personnel Killed, One Injured As Truck Rams PCR Van In Odisha

The PCR van, attached to the CRRI Police Station in Cuttack, was on routine patrol around 4:30 am when the collision took place

Graham Staines' murder: Bajrang Dal activist's aide released from prison on grounds of 'good behaviour'

KEONJHAR: Mahendra Hembram, one of the convicts in the 1999 high-profile triple murder case of Australian Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons, was released from Keonjhar jail in Odisha on Wednesday after serving 25 years. Now 50 years old, Hembram was released from prison on the grounds of good behaviour during his incarceration. Hembram has been released following a decision by the State Sentence Review Board. The prison directorate informed about it in a letter on Tuesday. He has been released after 25 years because of good behaviour in accordance with the rules, said Jailer Manaswini Naik. Jail authorities gave Hembram a cordial farewell, garlanding him as a 'mark of recognition for his good conduct' during his prison term. An official said Hembram was handed over a bank passbook, where his earnings from prison labour had been deposited. I spent 25 years in jail after being falsely implicated in an incident related to religious conversion. Today, I have been released, Hembram told reporters outside the jail. Hembram and Bajrang Dal leader Dara Singh, alias Rabindra Pal Singh, were convicted of the brutal murders of Staines and his sons -Philip (10) and Timothy (6) -who were burned alive by a mob led by Singh on the night of January 21, 1999. A mob led by Singh attacked Staines and his sons while they slept in their station wagon and then set the vehicle on fire. When they tried to escape, the mob, armed with lathis, prevented them from getting out, leading to their deaths. Their skeletal remains were later recovered. Staines and his wife Gladys worked with the Mayurbhanj Evangelical Missionary organisation and cared for leprosy patients. A total of 14 persons, including Singh and Hembram, were accused in the gruesome case. However, 12 of them were acquitted, while Singh and Hembram were sentenced to life imprisonment. Hembram, hailing from Manoharpur village, was arrested in 1999, while Dara Singh was picked up on January 31, 2000, by then Mayurbhanj SP Y B Khurania, who is now the DGP. Initially kept as an undertrial prisoner at Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar, Hembram was sentenced to life imprisonment on September 22, 2003. Over the years, Hembram was incarcerated in several facilities, including Jharpada, Jamujhari Open Air Jail (Bhubaneswar), and jails in Cuttack, Berhampur, Baripada, Anandpur Sub-Jail, before being transferred to Keonjhar Jail on September 28, 2011. He remained there until his release. During the trial at the CBI court in Bhubaneswar on February 1, 2002, Hembram reportedly lost mental composure and declared himself the sole culprit and claimed that others were innocent. Trial started on March 1, 2001 at the District and Sessions Court in Khurda, which was designated as a CBI court. Evidence against Dara Singh was confirmed when one of the accused persons, Dayanidhi Patra, told the trial court that he was present when he (Dara Singh) set fire to the vehicle. The trial concluded on August 18, 2003, with Judge Mahendra Patnaik sentencing Dara Singh and 12 others, while acquitting Anirudha Dandapat, alias Andha Nayak, for lack of evidence. On September 22, 2003, the court awarded Dara Singh the death penalty and sentenced 12 others to life imprisonment. However, in 2005, the Orissa High Court commuted Singh's death sentence to life imprisonment, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court. Dara Singh, currently serving a life sentence, filed a mercy petition in the Supreme Court in August 2024 seeking release. Another mercy plea was also submitted to the President of India. Meanwhile, on March 19, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the Odisha government to take a decision on the remission plea of a epenting Ravindra Pal alias Dara Singh, who continues to serve his sentence for the murders of Staines and his sons.

Train services resumes on Cuttack-Nergundi rail section in Odisha after derailment

Trains resumed normal movement at reduced speeds as restoration work continued, and speed limits will be gradually increased as the situation stabilises

1 killed, 30 hurt as train derails in Odisha; reports suggest track defect in maintenance work area

A derailment of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express near Cuttack resulted in one death and over 30 injuries. The incident occurred on Sunday due to suspected track defects during maintenance work. Compensation has been announced for victims, and rescue efforts are underway. The derailment follows Odisha's major railway disaster in June 2023, which had higher casualties.

One killed as train derails in Odisha

In Odisha's Cuttack district, eleven coaches of the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed, causing one death and three injuries. The accident affected services on the Howrah-Chennai route, diverting 21 trains. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed no casualties from Assam and that the injured are out of danger. Investigation is ongoing.

Bengaluru-Kamakhya Superfast Express train derails in Odishas Cuttack, no casualties reported

Eleven Coaches Of Bengaluru-Kamakhya Superfast Express Derail In Odisha's Cuttack

7 injured as Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derails in Odisha

Cuttack, Mar 30: Seven people were injured as an express train derailed in Odishas Cuttack district on Sunday, officials said. Eleven coaches of the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed at Nirgundi near Manguli at 11.54 am, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the East Coast Railway Ashok Kumar Mishra said. Odisha Fire Service Director-General Sudhansu Sarangi said seven injured people have been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital. The maximum number of injured persons should not be more than [] The post 7 injured as Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derails in Odisha appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Express Train Derails In Odisha's Cuttack

Eleven coaches of the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed at Nirgundi near Manguli at 11.54 am.

SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya express train derails in Odishas Cuttack

Bhubaneswar: An express train derailed in Odishas Cuttack district on Sunday, an official said. Eleven coaches of the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed at Nirgundi near Manguli at 11.54 am, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the East Coast Railway Ashok Kumar Mishra said. There is no injury or casualty reported till now, he said. 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 .

11 coaches of Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derail in Odisha (VIDEO)

Eleven coaches of Bengaluru-Kamakhya Express derailed near Nirgundi railway station in Cuttacks Choudwar here on Sunday.

Silver for the goddess | Why Cuttacks GI-tagged Tarakasi art form is facing a precarious future

March is when the Rupa Tarakasi craftsmen of Cuttack begin work for Durga Puja, but the artisans of this 500-year-old art form are struggling to stay afloat

Former Union Minister, veteran BJP leader Dr Debendra Pradhan passes away at 84

BHUBANESWAR: Veteran BJP leader and former Union Minister Dr Debendra Pradhan passed away on Monday in New Delhi after a brief illness. Dr Pradhan was 84 and is survived by his wife and two sons. He breathed his last at the official residence of his son Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Born on July 16, 1941, Dr Pradhan got his MBBS degree from SCB Medical College, Cuttack in 1966. He started his career as a medical officer from Talcher. He, however, quit the government service to pursue social services and agriculture. One of the major pillars in building BJP organisation in Odisha, Dr Pradhan, joined the saffron party in 1983. He was appointed as president of the party's Talcher Mandal the same year, a post which he held till 1985. Dr Pradhan entered electoral politics in 1984. The party nominated him from the Deogarh Lok Sabha seat, which he lost.He was assigned the job of president of the undivided Dhenkanal district in 1985. He was elected as BJP's state president for two consecutive terms from 1988 to 1993. His third term as state unit president was from 1995 to 1997. A close associate of BJP veteran Kushabhau Thakre, Dr Pradhan,after two defeats in 1991 and 1996,tasted electoral success in 1998 from Deogarh parliamentary constituency. The same year, he became the Surface Transport Minister in the cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He again won the 1991 election from Deogarh and went on become Union Minister of Surface Transport and Agriculture in the Vajpayee government. Dr Pradhan was national vice president of BJP from 2001-02. His electoral politics came to an end after he lost the 2004 Assembly election to Pallahara. He, however, continued to guide the party as a Marg Darshak. Condolences started pouring in after the news of Dr Pradhan's demise broke.Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to the mortal remains of Dr Pradhan at the residence of Dharmendra Pradhan. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had paid a visit to Dr Pradhan on Sunday. Majhi who returned from the national capital last night, in his condolence message, said he is deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the former Union Minister. He was a popular leader and a skilled parliamentarian who dedicated his life to serving the nation and the state of Odisha. As the president of the state BJP, he played a crucial role in the rise of the party in Odisha. His contributions to the development of the state and the welfare of its people will always be remembered, the CM said. The country and the state have lost a distinguished public servant. His dedication to the well-being of the people and the development of the state will always be cherished, he said. I extend my deepest condolences to his son, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and the entire family. May God give them the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace, Majhi said.

Eminent Odia Poet Ramakanta Rath Passes Away at 91

Born in Cuttack on December 13, 1933, Raths life was a harmonious blend of administrative excellence and creative brilliance

Outrage in Odishas Cuttack after man allegedly electrocutes stray dog to death

A man in Cuttack electrocuted a stray dog with an electric fence, triggering outrage. Authorities cut his power, and an investigation is underway

Odisha STA deputy commissioner under Vigilance scanner for amassing disproportionate assets

BHUBANESWAR: State Transport Authority's (STA) deputy commissioner, Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, has come under the Vigilance scanner for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. On receiving allegations against Mohanty of accumulating huge wealth through illegal means, the anti-corruption agency on Thursday carried out simultaneous searches at his property. Searches were conducted at Mohanty's house in the capital city's Maitri Vihar, a 4-BHK flat in Raghunathpur, and an under-construction five-storey building in the Gobinda Prasad area here. Searches were also carried out at his house in Khurda's Tangi area, a farmhouse at Kusupalla in Nayagarh district, an office in Cuttack, his relative's house in Puri, a petrol pump in the capital's Malipada, and an under-construction building in Puri's Balikhand. So far, Mohanty and his family members have been found in possession of Rs 15 lakh cash, three gold biscuits, and other ornaments. Searches are continuing to ascertain the details of the immovable and movable assets accumulated by Pradeep Mohanty. Further action will be initiated accordingly, said a Vigilance officer.

26th Sub-Junior National Fencing Cship trials from March 8

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 1: The Fencing Association of India will host the 26th Sub-Junior National Fencing Championship (Boys & Girls) at Cuttack, Odisha, from March 27 to 30. To select the J&K team for this prestigious event, the J&K Fencing Association (JKFA) will conduct selection trials on March 8 and 9 at the Indoor Fencing Hall, MA Stadium Jammu. The trials are open to all eligible fencers born on or after 1st January 2011. Participants must bring a [] The post 26th Sub-Junior National Fencing Cship trials from March 8 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Advanced AI Cameras to Enhance Security in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack

Currently, Bhubaneswar, designated as a smart city, has about 1,000 CCTV cameras at key junctions.