PRSI Dehradun honors Chhattisgarhs Dy CM
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Dec 21: Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), Dehradun Chapter, honored Chhattisgarhs Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sharma, during the national convention in Raipur. On the occasion, the Deputy CM was presented with a symbol of Kedarnath, a Brahma Kamal cap and a booklet on Uttarakhands development. The PRSI national convention is being held in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, from December 20 to 23. Members of the Dehradun Chapter are actively participating in this grand event. PRSI [] The post PRSI Dehradun honors Chhattisgarhs Dy CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chhattisgarh: New Principal Secretary Appointed After RSS Meet
Raipur: Four days after a team of senior Rasthriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionaries held a marathon meeting with chief minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai here, the CMs office was recast with appointment of a new principal secretary to the CM late on Friday. A notification issued late on Friday evening said that 1997-batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre Subodh Kumar Singh was appointed principal secretary to chief minister on his return from the Central deputation. Mr Singh who was in the CMO of the former chief minister Raman Singh was serving as the additional secretary and financial advisor with the Ministry of Steel. The Chhattisgarh government had requested for his repatriation that the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved on Tuesday, official sources said here on Saturday. The CMO currently has three secretaries to CM. They are P Dayanand, 2006-batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, S Basavaraj, 2007-batch IAS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre and Rahul Bhagat, 2005-batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre. Mr Singh is scheduled to take charge of the CMO. Mr Singhs appointment comes in the wake of nearly half-a-dozen senior RSS functionaries holding a marathon meeting with Mr Sai at the latters official residence here late on Tuesday night to review the performance of the government and the ministers in the Sai ministry and decide measures to streamline the state administration, sources said. The team of RSS functionaries was headed by RSS saha- karyavah, sangathan (co-general secretary), Arun Kumar Singh. Sources said that the appointment of the new principal secretary to the chief minister indicated that a massive reshuffle in the bureaucracy and police is on the cards. A reshuffle in the Sai cabinet may also happen very soon, sources said.
RAIPUR: A constable who was deployed on duty in the Chhattisgarh police recruitment process in Rajnandgaon district, 80 km from Raipur, committed suicide on Saturday in an apparent attempt to bring out alleged covert plan to implicate only the lower rung staff in corrupt practices in the selection procedure. Anil Ratnakar, was reportedly among the 14 other constables, under some suspicious role over alleged dishonest dealings in the ongoing police recruitment process in the district. Ratnakar, who joined the state police service in the year 2021, was posted at Khairagarh and placed on duty during the procedure of enlisting candidates for the state police force. There are over 66000 candidates who have applied for the posts of around 630 constables in Rajnandgaon. His body was found hanging from a tree at Rampur village. Senior police officers, forensic team and dog squad reached the spot and have began probe. Ratnakar was on duty in the police recruitment process in Rajnandgaon. There seems to be data manipulation to benefit some candidates. We have already lodged an FIR regarding changes of data and our investigation has begun. The constable has written on his hand (palm) claiming that staff are being accused of wrongdoing while the responsible officials are being shielded. There will be actions against those found at fault. The available CCTV footage and the data manipulations are quite apparent (at some location) pointing something dubious during the recruitment process, Mohit Garg, Rajnandgaon district police chief, told this newspaper. The deceased jawan has tried to specify reason behind his suicide by writing small text on his palm. Ratnakar was very simple upright man and tragically died by suicide, said his grief-stricken family. The corruption in police recruitment in Rajnandgaon looks quite serious as content written by constable Anil Ratnakar before committing suicide suggests the workers are been implicated while officers are safeguarded. It means the officials are involved (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai ji, former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel stated on his micro-blog X-post and demanded high-level inquiry into it. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
No 7 pheres or band-baja, couple takes vow in the name of Constitution
RAIPUR: As members of Parliament clashed in both Houses on who respected the Constitution more, the issue was settled by a Scheduled Caste couple in a remote Chattisgarh village. Pratima and her beau, Yaman Lahre, entered into matrimony by taking an oath on the Preamble of the Constitution. They trusted the Constitution more than traditional marriage rituals. No mantras were chanted. They confirmed their marriage by exchanging garlands and circumambulated the image of the Constitutions architect, Dr BR Ambedkar. All this happened in Kapu village in Jashpur district of Chattisgarh, 350 km away from Raipur and far, far away from the clamour in Parliament House in Delhi. The couple hails from the Satnami community (a Scheduled Caaste) so they chose November 18, the birth anniversary of sect founder Guru Ghasidas, to get married. They made it clear they will not follow any Hindu marriage ritual: No mangal sutra, no vermillion mark on the brides forehead, no saat phere. Not even band baja. For their marriage vows, they recited the Preamble as they held a copy of the Constitution in their hands. We have made up our mind on organising such a marriage and taking oath on the Constitution. Not just our families, relatives but the community members too are happy with our decision as they attended the occasion extending their blessings. Our motive was also intended to avoid unnecessary expenditure, said Yaman Lahre and Pratima. Were they conveying a message to society? Ramesh Sharma, a local journalist said,Such marriage is quite inspiring to those who are planning a simple marriage without exorbitant expenses on ceremony. The couple underlined the notion that, as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi often advocates, the Constitution is a book of love containing thoughts and philosophies that work as uniting factors. A book of love Ramesh Sharma, a local journalist said such marriage is inspiring to those who are planning a simple marriage. The couple underlined the notion that, as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi often advocates, the Constitution is a book of love containing thoughts and philosophies that work as uniting factors.
Constitutionally bound: Couple marries by taking oath on Preamble, circling Ambedkar's photo
RAIPUR: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation. The preamble of our Constitution does set lofty standards indeed. And now a couple in Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district have sealed their allegiance with an oath on this very preamble. The unique marriage ceremony held at Kapu village in Jashpur, 350 km north-east of Raipur, even avoided the traditional Hindu marriage rituals like 7 pheres (around the sacred fire), no spiritual symbol mangal-sutra or vermilion powder on a bride's forehead and also without any band-baja. The couple belonging to the Satnami (scheduled caste) community chose the auspicious day of birth anniversary of Guru Ghasidas (founder of Satnam sect) on 18 November to solemnise their marriage. During the ceremony, the couple, both graduates, exchanged varmalas but there were no mantras chanted by a priest. Instead, they circled the image of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, and took their vows while reciting the Preamble, holding a copy of the Constitution in their hands. Such an exceptional marriage has led to talks and uplifting views in the region since the move is seen as a guiding light for others on avoiding to incur needless expenses on wedding rituals. We have made up our mind on organising such a marriage and taking oath on the Constitution. Not just our families, relatives but the community members too are happy with our decision as they attended the occasion extending their blessings. Our motive was also intended to avoid unnecessary expenditure, said Yaman Lahre and Pratima, the newly-wed couple. Such marriage is quite inspiring to those who are planning simple marriage without exorbitant expenses on ceremony or rituals. The couple underlined the notion, which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi often is seen advocating on the Constitution as a book of love containing thoughts and philosophies that work as uniting factors in the country, said Ramesh Sharma, a journalist from Pathalgaon in Jashpur, who attended the marriage. Initially, the couple was uncertain about how things would unfold, but they were later seen delighted as the wedding turned into a memorable occasion for their families and friends.
Ideology remains same: Jogis wife writes to Congress, proposes merger of party
RAIPUR: The regional outfit Janta Congress Chhattisgarh-J (JCC-J), floated by the first chief minister late Ajit Jogi in June 2016, owing to the declining political footprint across the state, has approached the Congress seeking a merger with the latter. JCC-J national president Dr Renu Jogi (wife of Ajit Jogi) has sent a proposal to state Congress president Deepak Baij expressing that the ideology of her party remains the same as that of the Congress and the core committee has unanimously taken a decision on merger. The proposal stated that all office-bearers of JCC-J are willing to join Congress unconditionally. We have received a proposal letter related to merging of JCC-J with Congress. There is a meeting of the Chhattisgarh PCC scheduled after December 25 and the discussions with senior party leaders will decide on it. The PCC has also received several applications by others seeking a return to the Congress party, said Baij. JCC-J that contested the 2018 Assembly polls with much fanfare and enthusiasm after forging an alliance with the BSP, had then won five seats with the BSP securing two. The party also then got its symbol allotted by the Election Commission of India. But in the 2023 Assembly elections, the party could not win a single seat. The challenging situation for JCC-J is not improving. Renu Jogi and son Amit couldnt fill the vacuum left by the former CM. The party leadership failed to keep its cadres together. Many senior leaders have already deserted the party before 2023 polls, according to a political observer.
Cgarh: Ajit Jogi-founded JCC (J) offers to join Congress, Pilot constitutes committee to review case
Raipur: The Janata Congress Chhattisgarh (JCC)(J), founded by former chief minister late Ajit Jogi, has offered to merge with the Congress. JCC(J) national president and Jogi widow Renu Jogi wrote a letter to the Chhattisgarh unit Congress president Deepak Baij urging him to consider her partys offer to merge with the Congress. The letter dated December 18 said that the partys core committee has unanimously decided to merge with the Congress since both the parties have similar ideologies. The letter signed by Ms Jogi, a former MLA, and her son and state party president Amit Jogi, also a former MLA, was also marked to AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC general secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh affairs Sachin Pilot and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Charan Das Mahant. Mr Pilot has constituted a committee to consider the application by the JCC (J), a senior Congress leader said on Thursday. Mr Pilot has constituted a seven-member committee to review the matter, veteran Congress leader and former deputy chief minister T S Singh Deo told this newspaper. He however refused to comment on the issue, saying that I have not been consulted on the matter so far. Hence, I cannot give my view on the issue. Former chief minister Mr Jogi had formed JCC (J) on June 21, 2016 by snapping his nearly four decade-old ties with the Congress. The move to float the region party followed the expulsion of Junior Jogi from Congress in the wake of allegation that the father-son duo was involved in the withdrawal of Congress nominee in Antagarh Assembly by-elections in Chhattisgarh in 2014, leading to victory of the BJP candidate. JCC (J) had entered into alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the 2018 Assembly polls and won seven seats. The party had however decided to stay away from the November, 2023 Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh.
Raipur-Ambikapur-Bilaspur Flight Service Launched; Fares Start At Rs 999
FlyBig Airliness Twin Otter aircraft, equipped with 19 seats, will be operating on this route, the government said in a statement.
RSS Holds Talks with CM on Chhattisgarh Ministry Reshuffle
Raipur: Nearly half-a-dozen senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionaries held a marathon meeting with chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai at the latters official residence here on Tuesday night, fueling speculations on a major reshuffle in state ministry and a complete overhaul of Chhattisgarh unit of BJP. The meeting which began at around six pm on Tuesday lasted nearly five hours, sangh sources said on Wednesday. The meeting had a 21-point agenda for discussion. The key agendas included functioning of the ministers in the Vishnu Deo Sai government, state administration, governance, and restructuring of state BJP post- organizational elections which are likely to end by the end of this year, a senior RSS functionary disclosed to this newspaper, unwilling to be quoted. In fact, the team of senior RSS functionaries have been camping in Raipur for the last four days to prepare the agenda for the meeting. They have been interacting with senior party leaders in the state to take stock of the political situation in the state. Prominent among the RSS functionaries who were closeted with the chief minister in a marathon meeting on Tuesday night included Arun Singh, Sah- Karyavah Sangthan mantri (co-general secretary), Deepak Bispute, Boudhik Pramukh (head of intellectual wing of RSS), Swapnil Kulkarni, Kshetriya Pracharak (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh), and Prem Singh Sidar, Saha- Kshetriya Pracharak (Jabalpur). Sources said that the meeting deliberated the functioning of the Vishnu Deo Sai ministry and the state administration. The meeting comes amid the rumblings in the state party over the functioning of some of the state ministers, reported slowing down of developmental works and the lack of coordination between the state party and the government, sources said. The meeting also discussed the election of president and other office bearers in the state party, scheduled to be held in the next couple of weeks. A major reshuffle in the state ministry is on the cards based on the inputs gathered by the RSS team. A massive shakeup in the state bureaucracy is also expected to improve the governance the RSS leader said.
Man dies after attempting to swallow live chick in superstitious ritual in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: In what is believed to have been driven by strong superstitions, a 35-year-old man in Chhattisgarh attempted to swallow a live chick as a way of expressing his gratitude after his wish of becoming a father was fulfilled. Anand Yadav, a resident of Chhindakalo village in Ambikapur district, died after the chick got stuck blocking the trachea (the windpipe), according to the doctor who carried out an autopsy. A 20-centimetre-long chick became stuck in a U-shape after possibly fluttering its wings, blocking not only the windpipe but also obstructing the oesophagus, the food pipe that connects the throat to the stomach, explained Dr Santu Bagh, Head of the Forensic Department at the Medical College Hospital in Ambikapur, approximately 350 km north of Raipur. The dead chick retrieved after the post-mortem will be handed over to the police. According to the deceased's family, Yadav had been longing for a child after 15 years of marriage. In an attempt to fulfil his wish, he sought the help of a woman who practised occult rituals and spells. He regularly visited her every Monday. Yadav reportedly was convinced that his wish to have fathered a son was owing to the superstitious beliefs he had been nurturing. He firmly claimed that owing to Jhar-phoonk (spell of sorcery) he became a father, said one of his relatives. A couple of days after the ceremonial Mundan (tonsuring for the first time as part of a ritual) of his son, he purchased a black chick for Rs 200. He swallowed the bird that got stuck making him badly strive with a gasp of pain as he struggled to breathe at his home. He fell unconscious and was rushed to the medical hospital where the doctors after examining declared him dead. Even the doctors were baffled by how deeply superstitious beliefs can influence the psyche of individuals who firmly adhere to unfounded convictions. One should never rely on and support irrational groundless beliefs. The people should turn to hospital or health professionals instead of seeking refuge from babas or witchcraft to cure diseases, said Dr Dinesh Mishra, ophthalmologist and anti-superstition activist. We have registered a case. Prima facie it appears to be a case of some superstitious belief and the man died after he swallowed a live chick leading to severe congestion. The police will investigate and track down those who mislead the people, Yogesh Patel, Ambikapur district police chief told TNIE .
Chhattisgarh HC Allows Termination of Minor Rape Survivor's Pregnancy
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has granted permission for the medical termination of a 20-week-old pregnancy of a 17-year-old rape survivor who is also a sickle cell anemia patient. The decision was delivered by Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi, who noted that forcing the minor to continue the pregnancy could have severe physical, mental, and psychological consequences for both the victim and the fetus. The case pertains to the sexual exploitation of the minor by the accused, who is now under arrest. The survivor had approached the court seeking termination of her pregnancy, citing concerns for her health and well-being. The court directed the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Balodabazar-Bhatapara to assess the feasibility of the procedure. The CMHO's medical report indicated that the survivor was over 20 weeks pregnant and severely anemic due to sickle cell disease. The report recommended termination of the pregnancy following treatment for anemia. In its judgment, the court highlighted the survivor's young age, the trauma of sexual assault, and her socio-economic challenges. Justice Chandravanshi emphasized that denying her the option to terminate the pregnancy would violate her liberty and bodily autonomy. The court's ruling underscores the significance of protecting the rights and well-being of survivors in such cases.
Modi govt has taken concrete steps to promote organic farming: Shah
RAIPUR, Dec 16: Union Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the Narendra Modi government has taken concrete steps to promote organic farming as organic products are not only beneficial for health but also favourable for the environment and fertility of land. The Union Home and Cooperation minister was speaking at the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between National Cooperatives Organic Ltd (NCOL), the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Chhattisgarh government here. The Chhattisgarh government signed an MoU with [] The post Modi govt has taken concrete steps to promote organic farming: Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
RAIPUR: Union home minister Amit Shah expressing his sentiments with the families of jawans killed in Maoist attacks and civilians affected by violence in the strife-torn region of Chhattisgarhs Bastar, had assured them of steady support from the Centre and the state government. During the second day of his visit to Bastar on Monday, Shah interacted with the families affected by Maoist violence and sympathised with them over the immense suffering they had to endure during the virtual battle against the left wing extremists continuing in the conflict-ridden zone. No one can compensate for the losses of loved ones in Maoist violence but we surely stand firm to support them and come out with some regulations to address the grievances of the families of martyrs and those affected by naxal brutality, the home minister asserted in his address. What all happened in the last 40 years shouldn't get repeated in future and the only solution is to eliminate the Maoists. For this Chhattisgarh government remains committed. Success of the strong anti-Maoist campaign will ensure there will be no bloodshed in the land of Bastar after 31 March 2026, he added. He cited the Shahid Smarak Amar Vatika memorial in Bastar gives an inspiration that a life is meant for the welfare of others and highlighted how over the past one year, a well-planned renewed strategy has significantly curtailed the influence of Maoists across the Bastar region where simultaneous developmental activities continue. Never much huge expanse secured free from the sway of Maoists as seen in the last one year. This is owing to the perfect strategy adopted in Chhattisgarh after the change of regime in the state. Our efforts are focused on three fronts: encouraging Maoist rebels to surrender, arresting those involved in violence and responding firmly to those threatening lives. Those who choose the path of violence are being dealt with in their own language, Shah stated. Shah appreciated the state government's initiative to dedicate one day every week at the office of Bastar Inspector General of police to look into and address the grievances of the affected families. He suggested that district collectors should also participate in the initiative to make the support system more effective and comprehensive. The statues of slain security personnel will be installed in their villages in honour of their memory and preserve the legacy for future generations. We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring the well-being of all affected families. Their interests will remain safeguarded, Shah added.
Comprehensive rehab plan for surrendered extremists, victims of militancy: Amit shah
Raipur: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday indicated that the Centre is coming up with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for the surrendered Maoists and the families of victims of extremism. The Union ministries of home, tribal affairs, and rural development are working in unison to provide comprehensive assistance to these families, reaffirming the government's commitment to their rehabilitation and progress, he said while addressing the families of jawans, slain in encounters with Maoists, and kin of the victims of Naxal violence in Jagdalpur in Bastar in the state. Mr Shah earlier on Sunday addressed the former rebels hailing from the states of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Assam in Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar in Chhattisgarh. He said that over 9,000 militants in the North East region have laid down their arms and joined the mainstream from 2019 to 2024. He further said that many Maoists have given up arms and joined the mainstream. The Union home minister on Monday paid tributes to the jawans, martyred in encounters with Maoists, at the Shaheed Smarak in Jagdalpur. He vowed to root out Naxalism in Chhattisgarh and declared that After March 31, 2026, not a single drop of blood will be shed in the name of Naxalism in the sacred land of Maa Danteswari (referring to Bastar). The Chhattisgarh government is focused on three key fronts to make the state Naxal free: welcoming those who surrender, apprehend those who persist in violence, and punishing the Naxals who are determined to harm innocent lives, he said. Lauding the Chhattisgarh government for effectively dealing with the Maoist menace, he said that The achievements of the past year in combating Naxalism in Chhattisgarh are unprecedented. Never before has such a vast area been liberated from Naxal influence in a single year, nor have such significant numbers of Maoists been neutralized, arrested, or surrendered. As many as 287 Naxals were neutralized, approximately 1,000 were arrested, and 837 surrendered in Chhattisgarh in the past one year. He commended the Vishnu Deo Sai government for executing a highly effective and well-coordinated strategy in this effort. He said that the campaign for a Naxal-free India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is gaining significant support from the affected families.
Home Minister Amit Shah presents Presidents Colour to the Chhattisgarh Police in Raipur
New Delhi, December 15: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah presented the prestigious Presidents Colour to the Chhattisgarh Police in Raipur today, marking the first day of his visit to the state. The ceremony was graced by several prominent dignitaries, including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister [] The post Home Minister Amit Shah presents Presidents Colour to the Chhattisgarh Police in Raipur appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .
Chhattisgarh: Amit Shah Reiterates to End Naxalism by March 2026
Raipur: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated his assertion that Naxalism would be wiped out in the country by the end of March 2026. Addressing the closing ceremony of Bastar Olympics 2024, the first of its kind sports event organized in the Naxal-infested region, in Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar, in Chhattisgarh, Mr Shah said that both the state government and the Centre were committed to eradicating Maoist menace in the country by March 2026. If Chhattisgarh is free of Naxals, then the country will also be free of Naxals. There is no doubt that Chhattisgarh will eradicate Maoist menace completely (by March 2026), Mr Shah, who arrived here on Saturday night on a three-day visit to the state, said. Mr Shah is scheduled to spend two days in Bastar to take stock of Leftwing extremism situation in the region, besides interacting with the security forces engaged in counterinsurgency. He described the successful conduct of the sports event, the Bastar Olympics 2024, in which tribal women, children, youth, elderly persons and even the surrendered Maoists had participated in large numbers as the beginning of the process of the normalization in the region. The successful conduct of Bastar Olympics 2024 has signaled that Bastar is changing. I will declare that Bastar has already changed when I inaugurate Bastar Olympics 2026, he asserted. Mr Shah said that the counterinsurgency measures being undertaken in Bastar in the last one year had dealt severe blow to the Leftwing extremism in the region. As many as 287 Maoists were killed, 992 Naxals arrested and 833 ultras have surrendered in Bastar in the last one year. Maoists have now two options left with them, either to surrender or be dealt with severely by security forces, he said. Exhorting the ultras to lay down their arms and join the mainstream, he said that I assure the Maoists that their rehabilitation in society is our responsibility when they surrender. The closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2024 was marked by the wheelchair race by the victims of the Naxal violence which rendered them incapacitated. Earlier in the morning, Mr Shah presented the prestigious Presidents Colour to the Chhattisgarh police here. In his address on the occasion, Mr Shah lauded the Chhattisgarh police as one of the finest forces in the country. Receiving the Presidents Colour during its silver jubilee year (Chhattisgarh was formed on November one, 2,000) is a testament to the forces relentless hard work, commitment, bravery, and deep connection with the public, Mr Shah said. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai was present on both the occasions.
Two Women Killed After Falling From Train in Odisha's Ganjam
Bhubaneswar: A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at Surla Road railway station in Odisha's Ganjam district on Sunday, as two women lost their lives after falling from a moving train. The victims, identified as Parvati Gouda and Jhunu Gouda, were residents of Jagannathpur village in the Chikiti block of Ganjam district. Both worked as cooks (pachikas) at a local school in their village. According to reports, the two women were traveling to Bhubaneswar to participate in a rally organised by the Pachika Sangha. During their journey, they attempted to board the Palasa-Cuttack DMU train at Surla Road railway station. Tragically, one of them slipped while trying to board the train during its brief halt. In a desperate effort to rescue her, the other woman also lost her footing. Both women fell onto the tracks and were fatally struck by the moving train. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel quickly arrived at the scene and recovered the bodies. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances leading to the accident. The incident has cast a shadow of grief over Jagannathpur village, with locals expressing deep sorrow at the loss of two well-known community members. This tragic event once again highlights the critical need for enhanced safety awareness at railway stations. Despite repeated advisories from railway authorities warning passengers against boarding or disembarking from moving trains, such incidents continue to claim lives, said CB Singh, a local resident. Earlier this year, another incident occurred near Rairakhol in Odisha, when a young boy from Berhampur accidentally slipped from the Durg-Puri train while traveling with his family from Raipur to Bhubaneswar. The boy fell off the train at night and was stranded in a forested area until he was rescued by RPF personnel the following morning. Fortunately, he survived the ordeal and received medical attention at a nearby hospital.
Setback for Uttarakhand as approval for state assembly project revoked
DEHRADUN: In a significant blow to Uttarakhand, the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has withdrawn its in-principle approval for the establishment of the state assembly, secretariat, and departmental headquarters in the Raipur area of Dehradun, which currently serves as the temporary capital. The Uttarakhand government must now draft a new proposal after the cancellation of its earlier initiative from 2016. Official sources report that the state had already deposited over Rs 24 crore with the central government in anticipation of the project. The central government halted the project, citing prolonged indecision and inadequate coordination among various government departments. An official statement remarked, The lack of cohesive planning has hindered progress, necessitating a fresh proposal from the state. The plan to construct an assembly and secretariat in Dehradun dates back to 2012 when the Uttarakhand government identified 59.90 hectares of land in the Raipur area. In 2016, the state deposited approximately 8.50 crore as Net Present Value (NPV) with the central government, which then granted in-principle approval for the project. According to Vinod Kumar Suman, the nodal officer for the initiative and Secretary of Revenue for the Uttarakhand government, The proposal for the land transfer has been restructured. It will soon be uploaded onto the portal. Following that, decisions regarding the subsequent processes will be made at the appropriate levels. Revenue Department sources revealed, In this context, Rs 15 crore has been deposited into the Government of Indias CAMPA fund for the proposed new assembly site under the Elephant Corridor (Wildlife Mitigation Plan). Additionally, further amounts have been deposited under various heads. In total, over Rs 24 crore has been provided to the central government on behalf of the state. Despite this substantial financial contribution, the central governments rejection of the proposal marks a considerable setback for the state government. Bharat Singh, a local resident of Thano, shared his concerns, saying, The suspension of land transactions has severely affected business activities in this region. The decision also faces opposition from state activists following the declaration of Gairsain as the summer capital of Uttarakhand. Substantial funds have already been invested in developing the assembly building in Gairsain. Critics argue that the proposed budget for a new assembly building in Dehradun, which is expected to reach hundreds of crores, is an unnecessary expenditure.
Article 370s Abrogation Completed Sardar Patels Mission: Amit Shah
SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed Sardar Sahabs unfinished work, and by abrogating Article 370, unified Kashmir with India forever. Shah said this while presenting the prestigious Presidents Colour to the Chhattisgarh Police in Raipur today, marking the first day of his [] The post Article 370s Abrogation Completed Sardar Patels Mission: Amit Shah appeared first on Kashmir Life .
RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday conferred the Chhattisgarh police with the prestigious Presidents Colour award at the Raipur police parade ground in recognition of 24 years of exemplary service and unwavering dedication to the nation. Shah took the occasion to reiterate his appeal for the Maoists to surrender, relinquish violence, join the mainstream of the society and contribute towards the development of the country. He said that the Chhattisgarh state with the most attractive surrender policy in the country would rehabilitate the Maoists. Chhattisgarh police have earned the privileged decoration of 'President award' in appreciation for their courage, indomitable resilience and sacrifices made by the security personnel in the line of duty, particularly in countering the persistent challenges on the Maoist front in hilly, difficult terrain. Such special honour has been bestowed upon select police forces across the country. During the occasion, Shah assured the people of the state that the BJP government is committed to getting rid of Maoists by 31 March 2026. Their elimination in the state will mark the end of (outlawed) Maoists in the country. The Chhattisgarh police with the pledge moved ahead with immense success in the battle against the Left Wing Extremists (LWE), he said. In the last year, 287 Maoist cadres have been neutralised, 992 arrested and 837 surrendered, he added. Shah stated that the figures show how the fight against the LWE was expedited with the change of government in Chhattisgarh. I congratulate Chhattisgarh police who in coordination with the central paramilitary forces surpassed all other states and even outdid its own record during the last year in its preparation to hit a final nail in the coffin of Maoists, the home minister said. The Presidents Colour honour is a testament to the courage, discipline, and patriotism of the Chhattisgarh police, CM Vishnu Deo Sai said during the award function. Later in the evening, Shah attended the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics 2024 which he cited as a ray of hope for the seven Maoists-affected districts of the Bastar division in coming years. Such sports events will script a success story for the Bastar region, which is changing for the better. The constructive energy of Bastar Olympics will prevent lakhs of youths from taking a wrong path in life and connect them with nation-building activities, he added. Eight teams including a group of players of 318 surrendered Maoists participated in the Bastar Olympics. Around 2900 youths took part in the regional sports event. The entire country knows that of the medals India won in any sports competition, half of it was secured by our tribal youths. So, the beginning of such sports activity (Bastar Olympic) will in coming years pave the way for youngsters of Bastar to the worlds sports arena, Shah said. The Union Home Minister will have an overnight stay in Bastar. On Monday he is scheduled to review the strategies on the LWE. 70% dip in J&K, NE & Naxal violence in 10 yrs, says Shah
Centre, Chattisgarh committed to end Naxalism by March 2026: Shah
Raipur, Dec 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government were committed to eradicate the menace of Naxalism from the state before March 31, 2026. When Chhattisgarh becomes free of Naxalism, the entire country will get rid of the menace, Shah said addressing the Presidents Police Colour Award [] The post Centre, Chattisgarh committed to end Naxalism by March 2026: Shah appeared first on Northlines .
Government committed to end Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026: Amit Shah
When Chhattisgarh becomes free of Naxalism, the entire country will get rid of the menace, Amit Shah said addressing the President's Police Colour Award function at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur.
Will end Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026: Amit Shah
Raipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday reiterated the governments resolve to rid Chhattisgarh of Maoism by March 31, 2026, and hailed the state polices efforts in curbing Left-wing extremism over the past year. Speaking at an event here to mark the Presidents Colour Award to Chhattisgarh Police, Shah appealed to Maoists to join 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 .
Centre, Chhattisgarh committed to end Naxalism by 2026: Amit Shah
Raipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government were committed to end the menace of Naxalism from the state before March 31, 2026. , https://t.co/BJ07wTzA7C Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 15, 2024 When Chhattisgarh becomes free of Naxalism, the entire country will get rid of the menace, Shah said addressing the President's Police Colour Award function at the police parade ground here. He said the Chhattisgarh police have made a significant achievement in the fight against Naxalism in the last one year. Shah also hailed the Chhattisgarh government's rehabilitation policy for Naxalites and appealed to them to quit violence and join the mainstream. The President's Colour is not just an award, it is a symbol of service, dedication and sacrifice and it reminds of the countless challenges that police have to deal with, he said. Shah expressed confidence that the Chhattisgarh police will discharge their responsibilities and will never step back from their duty. I am confident that from tomorrow the jawans of Chhattisgarh police will come out with the President's insignia on their uniforms and their morale will increase manifold, Shah said. The state leadership, the chief minister, the home minister of the state have taken a pledge and the Government of India is also committed to your pledge. Together, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh before March 31, 2026, he said. When Chhattisgarh becomes Naxal free, the entire country will get rid of the menace, the Union minister said. The Chhattisgarh police have secured a significant achievement in the fight against Naxalism in the last one year...287 Naxalites were neutralised, 1,000 arrested and 837 surrendered in the last one year in the state. The Chhattsigarh police along with various security forces of the country have done the work of putting the last nail in the coffin of Naxalism in the last one year, he said. For the first time in four decades, the death toll of civilians and security forces in Naxal violence has been brought down to less than 100. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naxalism has been curbed in the entire country in 10 years, Shah said. The Union minister also appealed to Naxalites to quit violence and join the mainstream. I would like to appeal to Naxalites that our state government which has made a very good surrender policy and therefore they should quit violence. They should join the mainstream, move ahead on the path of development and also contribute to the development of Chhattisgarh, he said.
Maoist Leader Among Seven Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
Raipur: Maoists west bureau secretary P Mohan Rao alias Ramchandra who carried a bounty of Rs 25 lakh was among seven ultras who were gunned down in an encounter with the security forces in south Abujhmad under Narayanpur district in south Bastar in Chhattisgarh on December 12, police said on Saturday. All the seven slain Naxals who included two women have been identified, Bastar police said on Saturday. One of the deceased ultra has been identified as Maoists west bureau secretary P Mohan Rao who was also member of Odisha state committee of outlawed CPI (Maoist), Bastar police said. He had a BTech degree, according to the Bastar police. The other six slain Naxals have been identified as Raini alias Romila Madkam who carried a reward of Rs five lakh on her head and militia members Somari Ayam, Gudsa Kuchha, Rainu Poyam, Kamlesh and Motu who carried a bounty of Rs two lakh each. Eight weapons including two Barrel Grenade Launchers (BGLs), two numbers of 303 rifles, two numbers of 12 bore rifles and two numbers of country made rifles had been recovered at the encounter site. The massive anti-Naxal operation involving around 1,000 security personnel was launched in Kolhaja-Dondarbeda jungle in south Abujhmad on December 12 following intelligence inputs on the presence of senior Maoist leaders of Bastar, Maharashtra and Odisha in the area, police said. Meanwhile, Bastar range inspector general of police P Sunderraj on Saturday announced that two of the seven districts in Bastar division have witnessed no Naxal incidents in the last one year indicating that they have become free of Maoist influence. Two districts in Bastar division, Bastar and Kondagaon, have not witnessed any Naxal incident in the last one year. They have become free of Maoist influence, Mr Sunderraj told this newspaper. Significantly, Chandameta in Bastar district was once considered a Maoist stronghold. The other five districts in Bastar division are Dantewada, Sukma, Narayanpur, Kanker and Bijapur.
Shah to Visit Chhattisgarh for Counterinsurgency Review
Raipur: Union home minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive here late on Saturday night on a 3-day visit to Chhattisgarh to review counterinsurgency strategy. Mr Shah is scheduled to spend two days in Leftwing extremism-hit Bastar where he is scheduled to interact with the surrendered Naxals. and visit There are talks going on in the security circle that Mr Shah is most likely to visit the Maoist hotbed during his stay in Bastar. His visit to the Naxal stronghold has however not been officially confirmed. Minute-to-minute programme (of Mr Shah in Bastar) is yet to be received (by us), Bastar range inspector general of police P Sunderraj said on Saturday. The Union minister is scheduled to land at Raipur airport at 11 pm on Saturday and spend the night in a private resort here amid tight security, official sources said. Mr Shah is scheduled to leave for Bastar on Sunday afternoon. He would attend the closing ceremony of the ongoing Bastar Olympics in which the local tribes including the surrendered Naxals took part. He would take stock of the Leftwing insurgency situation in Bastar and the counterinsurgency measures being undertaken by the security personnel and is also scheduled to interact with the surrendered Naxals and jawans during his stay in Bastar. On the second day of his visit to Bastar on Monday, Mr Shah is scheduled to meet the families of jawans martyred in the Maoist attack in Bastar. He is scheduled to review anti-Naxal strategy at a high-level official meeting in Raipur before winding up his Chhattisgarh tour on Monday evening.
Mourning and Forgiveness for Manipur Events Held Nationwide
Hyderabad: In solidarity and hope for peace in Manipur, Mourning and Forgiveness for Manipur events were organised in the city and several other places across the country. People conducted multi-faith prayers and meditation sessions, sang peace songs, exhibited paintings and appealed for normalcy in the violence-ridden state. According to a statement, in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, over a hundred people representing Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and spiritual groups like Iskcon, Sanamahi, Divine Life Society and Brahmakumaris gathered to pray for the people who lost their lives in the conflict in Manipur and expressed concern for the pain and sufferings of the survivors. The interfaith gathering launched the Manipur Peace Fund, with one rupee a day donation, dedicated to educating the younger generation in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Similar events were organised in Madurai (Tamil Nadu), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Ranipur, Sheopur, Sihora and Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Khordha (Odisha), Tinsukia and Dhubri (Assam), Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh), New Delhi and elsewhere.
RAIPUR: The tribal habitats tucked deep inside the remote areas cited as Maoist strongholds in Bastar, south Chhattisgarh, the villagers have a reason to cheer as their region saw lights reaching their place for the first time through solar power after independence. Amid the ongoing aggressive anti-Maoist operations with the renewed strategy targeting the rebels, the Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) simultaneously lights up the lives of tribals in several non-electrified gram panchayats for the first time in 78 years of independence across the Maoist hotbed in districts of Bastar where they never had access to electricity. Remaining deprived of basic infrastructure like power supply lines and distribution transformer, the remote inhabited tribal villages are now powered through off-grid system like solar power in the Maoist epicentre ushered in a new ray of hope for the local communities. Many villages are getting freedom from darkness. CREDA is providing solar-powered appliances such as lights, fans, high mast lighting pole, for drinking and irrigation purposes. Its a transformational step towards development in the remote Bastar region, asserted Vishnu Deo Sai, chief minister. Solar television is the new intervention in these tribal villages where for the first time people saw various programmes on national broadcaster Doordarshan. Children from the worst affected Puvarti, the native village of top Maoist leader Hidma, Tekalgudiyum, and Silger have watched educator programmes and cartoons. Our primary focus remains to cover those villages that are in and around the 5 km radius of the newly established security camps in the worst affected Bastar region. The surveys have initially found 95 such villages and many of these panchayats are not connected with grid electricity. They have not seen electricity at all. So, we are providing solar home lights, solar high mast lighting, solar television, solar irrigation pumps besides community lighting facility. Over 80 percent of these panchayats have been covered by solar power and we are gradually moving forward, Rajesh Singh Rana, chief executive officer, CREDA, told this newspaper. Studying at night for students is now very much convenient with the help of solar lights. The educational programmes on Doordarshan are valuable to the youths, said Nuppo Hadma in Puvarti The villagers said they never thought of having TVs in their villages. It now brings a feeling of being connected to the world, they expressed with delight. CREDA is successfully carrying out its welfare mission in the worst Maoist-affected districts like Sukma, Narayanpur, Bijapur and Dantewada, Rana added. The initiative is a part of the state government's Niyad Nellanar (meaning Your Own Village) yojana of the Chhattisgarh government to promote development and extend the benefits of welfare schemes to the remotest villages.
REQUIRED A WELL RENOWNED COMPANY REQUIRED FEMALES FOR THE FOLLOWING POSTS 1. HR 2. ACCOUNT. 3. COMPUTER OPERATOR 4. RECEPTIONIST 5. CALLERS TIME 12 PM TO 4 PM. (12TH DEC. TO 16 DEC.) SALARY 30,000 TO 60,000 BOTH EXPERIENCED & FRESHERS CAN APPLY VENUE BAHU PLAZA JAMMU. CONTACT NO. 7889719730 F.M SMART SCHOOL RAKH RAIPUR BELICHARANA SATWARI REQUIRE 1) PRINCIPAL 2) TEACHERS WITH GOOD EXPERIENCE BA, BSC, MSC, BED FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, AND ENGLISH ETC. 3)BUS DRIVER EXPERIENCED. SALARY NEGOTIABLE [] The post EMPLOYMENT (13-12-2024) appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Forces Gun Down 7 Maoists in Bastar
Raipur: The security forces on Thursday gunned down nearly seven Maoists in an encounter in south Abujhmad under Narayanpur district in Bastar. The encounter comes just days ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shahs visit to the Leftwing extremism-hit region. Shah is scheduled to visit Bastar on December 15 and will likely spend a night at a security camp in Maoist hotbed to interact with the jawans. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in his post on X, said, An anti-Naxal operation was going on in which our security forces succeeded in killing seven Naxals. I salute their courage. A senior police officer monitoring the counterinsurgency operation said that the encounter took place at around 3 am in the forest of south Abujhmad. Bodies of seven Maoists have so far been recovered. Encounter and search operations were going on. More casualties among the Maoists are not ruled out, the police officer told this newspaper requesting not to be quoted. According to the officer, a joint team of around 1,000 security personnel, mobilised from four districts of Narayanpur, Dantewada, Kondagaon and Bastar, launched a search operation in the jungles of south Abujhmad following specific intelligence inputs on the presence of some senior Maoist leaders along with a large number of armed Maoist cadres in the area, preparing for a major attack on the forces. The encounter took place in the forest along the borders of Narayanpur and Dantewada districts. Security personnel drawn from the district reserve guard (DRG), the tribal counterinsurgency force of Chhattisgarh police, Special Task Force (STF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) took part in the joint search operation. A huge cache of weapons was seized at the encounter site, police said. This was the fourth major counterinsurgency operation in Abujhmad, a 4,000 sq km un-surveyed forested area extending from Bastar in Chhattisgarh to Gadchiroli in Maharashtra.
Ashwini Vaishnaw open to new laws on social media accountability & AI governance
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and Information & Broadcasting, while addressing questions on AI governance and development in Parliament, highlighted the critical challenges posed by the emerging AI landscape, social media accountability, and the need for robust legal frameworks. The Minister underlined the importance of balancing freedom of speech with the responsibility to combat fake news and ensure accurate narratives in the digital age. It is a major challenge that societies across the world are facingthe accountability of social media, particularly in the context of fake news and the creation of fake narratives, Vaishnaw remarked. He emphasised that establishing societal and legal accountability requires a significant consensus. These are the issues where freedom of speech comes on one hand and accountability and having a proper real news network getting created, on the other hand. These are things which need to be debated and if the house agrees and if there is a consensus in the entire society we can come up with the new law, he added. The Union Minister also addressed concerns about privacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, sharing details of proactive measures taken by the government to develop indigenous tools and technologies. He said that under the AI Mission, one of the key pillars isApplication Development, focusing on innovations that align with Indias unique requirements. To address the emerging landscape of AI, we have initiatedeight projects aimed at creating tools and technologies within the country he added in a press release. The 'Safe & Trusted AI' Pillar has selected various projects aimed at addressing key issues in AI development and governance. These include IIT Jodhpur's project on 'Machine Unlearning' to improve generative foundation models, IIT Roorkee's work on synthetic data generation to mitigate bias in datasets and machine learning pipelines, and the National Institute of Technology Raipur's AI bias mitigation strategy for healthcare systems. Additionally, DIAT Pune and Mindgraph Technology Pvt. Ltd. are collaborating on an explainable AI framework for security, while IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, IIT Dharwad, and the Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) are focused on privacy-preserving machine learning models. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and TEC are developing an AI governance testing framework for large language models, and IIIT Delhi and TEC are working on an AI ethical certification framework to assess AI model fairness. Lastly, Civic Data Labs is creating 'ParakhAI,' an open-source framework for participatory algorithmic auditing. Ethical issues in AI are a global concern, and India is committed to addressing these challenges through robust debate and responsible innovation. The tools developed under these projects will ensure that India stays at the forefront of ethical AI development, Vaishnaw explained. The Minister also highlighted Indias global leadership in AI. India is one of the leading countries in shaping global thought on AI governance. Last year, India became the chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)and held the Summit this year, and Indias voice continues to hold significant weight in discussions with international bodies, including the OECD and United Nations, he said.
Seven Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur
RAIPUR: At least seven cadres of outlawed CPI (Maoist) in uniform were gunned down by security forces in a fierce encounter along the inter-district borders of Narayanpur-Dantewada in Abujhmad area, south Chhattisgarh on Thursday. Based on specific input about the presence of Maoists in the south Abujhmad (meaning unfamiliar land) region, a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) left on the planned anti-Maoist search operation on 10 November. As the search campaign moved ahead, an encounter resulted at around 3 am on November 12 after the Maoists opened fire on the forces who came close to their location. So far, seven bodies of Maoists have been recovered from the encounter site during a search operation, said a police officer in Bastar. The Maoists clustered together in the area were stated to be surrounded by the forces. The officer added that the intermittent exchange of fire continued even as the troops have intensified their search operations in the region and further details are awaited. The recovered bodies of the Maoists are yet to be identified. This year, as many as 214 bodies of Maoists have been recovered so far after security forces neutralised them in separate encounters across the conflict-ridden south Bastar zone. Dantewada and Narayanpur are among the seven Maoist-affected districts in the Bastar range. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah scheduled to visit Bastar on a two-day trip from 15 December, had earlier reiterated 'the fight against the Maoists is in its final stage' while declaring that the country will be free from the Maoist problem by March 2026.
Chhattisgarh: BJP leader killed by Maoists in Bastar
Manjhi was the eighth BJP leader to have been killed by Maoists in the state in the past one year. (AFP PHOTO / Noah SEELAM) Manjhi was the eighth BJP leader to have been killed by Maoists in the state in the past one year. (AFP PHOTO / Noah SEELAM) Raipur: A BJP leader was abducted and then killed by Maoists in Bijapur district under south Bastar in Chhattisgarh, police said on Wednesday. Mando Ram Kodium was abducted from his village of Somnapalli by a group of armed Maoists late on Tuesday. His body was found near the village on Wednesday, police said. Maoists brutally killed him by slitting his throat, police said. The Indravati National Park area committee of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) has claimed responsibility for his killing. A leaflet found near his body said that he was given the death punishment for spying for the police. This was the third killing of a BJP leader in Bijapur district in the last one week. Two ex-sarpanches belonging to BJP were earlier killed by Maoists in two separate incidents. In another incident, two jawans were on Wednesday injured and a Maoist was gunned down in an encounter in Bijapur district. The encounter took place in Munga forest under Gangaloor area at around 11 am, a senior police officer of Bastar said. Acting on intelligence inputs on the presence of senior Maoist leaders such as divisional committee (DVC) member Dinesh Modium, Maoists company number two commander Bella and the local militia platoon commander Kamlu along with around 40 Naxals in the forest, a security team of district reserve guard (DRG) was sent to the area to launch a search operation, the police officer said. The Maoists ambushed the security party leading to an encounter between them. Body of a Naxal along with a nine mm pistol and explosives was recovered at the encounter site. The two jawans suffered minor injuries and are out of danger now, police said.
Man, arrested for allegedly sending hoax bomb alert to IndiGo flight, turns out to be...
A man was arrested by Raipur police for allegedly sending hoax alert to IndiGo flight, headed from Nagpur to Kolkata last month.
Third Eye: Report card, best dad ever, and prominent neighbours
Chhattisgarh's BJP government will release its one-year report card. BJP president JP Nadda will release it in Raipur on December 13. MP Manoj Tiwari proudly displayed a 'Best Dad Ever' badge. He received it from his daughter's playschool. NCP's Sunetra Pawar got the 11 Janpath bungalow. Her neighbors are Sonia Gandhi and Sharad Pawar.
Maoists kill BJP worker in fifth murder of civilian in a week in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district
RAIPUR: A group of Maoists killed a BJP worker Kudiam Mado, 35, on suspicion of being a police informer at Somanpalli village in strife-torn Bijapur district, about 400 km south of Raipur on Wednesday. The deceased was dragged out of his house by the Maoists and strangled to death, stated the police who reached the village after being alerted by locals. The cadres of the banned outfit left a pamphlet at the site of the crime claiming to be the Maoist national park area committee and accused Mado of being a police informer. Security forces have launched a search operation in the area to track down the assailants. By killing innocent people in villages, the Naxalites are calling it a peoples revolution. It is a cowardly act. Neither do they have any ideology nor any plan for peoples welfare. They are only making their own lives secure, said Vijay Sharma, the state home minister. Meanwhile, a Maoist in uniform was killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces at Munga in Bijapur, south Bastar. In the last week, the Maoists have killed five tribal civilians in Bijapur. Two sarpanchs, one of them associated with the ruling BJP, were killed by the Maoists last Thursday. Two women including an Anganwadi assistant were strangled to death, both suspected of being police informers in Bijapur, a couple of days ago. The police suspect the role of a small action team of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in these incidents. Ahead of the upcoming polls in the three-tier panchayats, the killing of civilians by Maoists is seen as an attempt to create an environment of terror among the local villagers. Bijapur is among the seven Maoist-affected districts in the conflict-ridden Bastar zone.
Man held for bomb scare is an IB officer
An Intelligence Bureau officer caused a bomb scare on a Nagpur-Kolkata flight, forcing an emergency landing in Raipur. The officer, Animesh Mandal, claimed a 'personal asset' informed him about the bomb. A search revealed nothing. Mandal was arrested and refused bail, stating he'd only reveal his source to Modi or Trump.
Thieves rob Rs 1.28 lakh from theatre after night screening of 'Pushpa-2' in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: As the success of Allu Arjuns blockbuster Pushpa-2 continues, two opportunistic thieves robbed Rs 1.28 lakh from a cinema theatre at Bhilai city after the late-night screening of the film. Two masked robbers reached Mukta theatre on a motorbike, and held the lone security guard on duty Nohar Dewangan at knife point at around 3 AM. The guard was thrashed by them, locked in a room and the keys snatched from him. The duo grabbed the collections from the locker and fled. They even stole the surveillance equipmentclosed-circuit TV cameras and digital video recorder (DVR) that records the footage, evidently not leaving any visible trace of their acts inside the theatre. The probe is underway. We got some specific inputs that hopefully should help the police that have launched a manhunt to nab the robbers who escaped with Rs 1.28 lakh, Jitendra Shukla, Durg district police chief told The New Indian Express. As elsewhere, the Pushpa-2 is also going strong in a packed single-screen Mukta theatre where the tickets sold online in advance were also available on counters. According to the owner of Mukta Theatre, the amount of Rs 1.28 lakh was obtained from the tickets purchased by cinema-goers from the counters for the last show and the cash was kept in the locker of the theatre. The amount was to be deposited in the bank the following day. The incident of theft came to light after the theatre staff arrived in the morning, found the guard locked in a room and alerted the manager. The police were informed and the case was registered.
Chhattisgarh: IB Officer Behind False Bomb Alert on Flight, Say Police
Raipur: A passenger on the November 14 Nagpur-Kolkata flight who raised a false alarm about a bomb in the aircraft, leading to its emergency landing at Raipur airport, was an officer of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), police said on Tuesday. Confirming to Deccan Chronicle that the passenger, Animesh Mandal, was an IB officer, Santosh Singh, senior superintendent of police, Raipur district, said: Mandal was interrogated by a joint team of police and the IB officials before his arrest. He cooked up the bomb story, Police said that Mandal, 44, was interrogated before his arrest and it was found that he was an IB officer. Mandal, one of the 193 passengers on board the plane, had alerted the crew about a bomb. Following its emergency landing at the Raipur airport, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the bomb detection and disposal squad and Chhattisgarh police entered the plane and evacuated the passengers. They later searched the plane and found that there was no bomb. Mandal, a resident of Nagpur, was arrested under section 351(4) (criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication, or having taken the precaution to conceal the name or abode of the person from whom the threat comes) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the provisions of the Suppression of the Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982. He was subsequently sent to judicial custody.
NIT-Andhra Pradesh signs MoUs with IIM-V, NIT-Manipur and Raipur for academic collaboration
NIT-Andhra Pradesh signs MoUs with IIM-V, NIT-Manipur and Raipur for academic collaborationThe Hindu
Indian Railways Approves Rs.509-Cr for Two Major Flyover Projects in Odisha
Indian Railways has sanctioned Rs.509 crore for the construction of two major rail flyovers in Odisha's Cuttack and Rayagada districts. These projects aim to enhance operational efficiency and address congestion on critical railway routes. In Cuttack district, a 10.89-km rail flyover connecting Rajathgarh, Radhakishorepur, and Machhapur railway stations will be built at an estimated cost of Rs.268.92 crore. This project will facilitate simultaneous train movements, reducing delays caused by cross-traffic at these key junctions. In addition, a Rs.240-crore project for a 5.5-km rail flyover on the Raipur-Vizianagaram line under the Waltair division of East Coast Railway (ECoR) has been approved. The flyover will streamline train traffic along the Singapore Road-Rayagada section, known for its capacity constraints and bottlenecks. A railways statement highlighted the seamless merging of trains with the loop line at Singapur Road, enhancing operations on this energy, mineral, and cement corridor. These flyovers will significantly improve train operations in the Khurda Road and Waltair divisions, resolving traffic bottlenecks at major junctions, a senior railway official said. The new infrastructure will provide dedicated paths for trains coming from different directions, ensuring smoother operations, reduced travel times, and an improved passenger experience. In another development, significant yard restructuring work is underway at Bhadrak railway station to boost train management and operational efficiency. This project, coupled with ongoing construction of a third railway line in the Bhadrak-Ranital section, will minimize train delays and enhance overall service quality. Non-interlocking work will be executed to ensure smooth train passage at Bhadrak station. MORE.... Rajya Sabha Discusses Bill to Modernize 100-Year-Old Boiler Act Rajya Sabha: Opposition Takea Up Move-Notice for Removal of RS Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar
Man arrested for false bomb alert on IndiGo flight from Nagpur to Kolkata turns out to be IB officer
RAIPUR: A man arrested for allegedly sharing a bogus bomb alert on an IndiGo flight from Nagpur to Kolkata last month has turned out to be an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer. Police, however, justified his arrest claiming he provided false information that forced the flight with 187 passengers onboard to make an emergency landing. Animesh Mandal (44) is a deputy superintendent-rank IB official posted in Nagpur and he was innocent, his lawyer Faizal Rizvi told reporters here two days ago. On November 14, Mandal allegedly told the crew of the IndiGo flight after it took off that there was a bomb on the plane. The flight was diverted to Raipur, but after a thorough search upon landing, the information was found to be baseless. Mandal was arrested by Raipur Police under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 351 (4) (criminal intimidation by anonymous communication) and provisions of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982. As per advocate Rizvi, after Mandal boarded the flight, he got information from his source about a bomb. Why did the police not disclose immediately that he is an IB official, the lawyer asked, talking to reporters here. Raipur Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Singh said on Tuesday that police informed the IB immediately after he was detained, and he was arrested only after a joint team of local police and IB interrogated him and found the input shared by him to be fake. Hence, he was arrested as per the law, Singh told PTI. Mandal's act created panic, endangering the lives of passengers and crew members, he said. Advocate Rizvi, meanwhile, claimed that a person charged under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act can be tried only by a special court, and there is no such designated court in Chhattisgarh. His client will move the High Court which has inherent powers to hear such cases, and seek bail, the lawyer said.
IB Officer Arrested Over Indigo Flight Bomb Alert Sparks Investigation Scrutiny
Nagpur:As per TV9 reports,a startling twist has emerged in the case of a false bomb alert on an Indigo Nagpur-Kolkata flight, as the arrested individual, identified as Animesh Mandal, is reportedly an officer with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). This revelation has raised serious questions about the investigation conducted by the Raipur police. The Incident: The [] The post IB Officer Arrested Over Indigo Flight Bomb Alert Sparks Investigation Scrutiny appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Forest Department mitigated the ecological challenges and effectively addressed human-wildlife conflicts by creating an Eco-Tourism Centre, Van Chetna Kendra, as a sustainable model that now attracts visitors and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country and abroad. The eco-tourism destination at Mangata in the Rajnandgaon Forest Division, about 100 km from Raipur, is seen as a singular concept conceptualised by the then Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh in the year 2015. The undertaking also supports community well-being and forested socio-economic development in the region. Mangata, a 387-hectare forest block, is uniquely bordered by stone quarries, with a national highway and a railway track (route) in its vicinity, adding to its ecological pressures. The area is home to spotted deer, wild boars, hares, and various reptile species. Before 2015, the region experienced frequent human-wildlife confrontations, with wild animals damaging crops and causing discontent among farmers. The annual compensation that the forest department paid was Rs 10 to 15 lakhs. Water scarcity during summers led to accidental wildlife deaths. Dev Lal Sahu, former Sarpanch of Mangata, said, Frequent crop damage by wild animals caused resentment among farmers, prompting us to seek a lasting solution from the government. The Van Chetna Kendra ensured a balance between wildlife protection and the well-being of the local population with infrastructural development and by augmenting essential facilities, along with fencing the area. Besides addressing ecological concerns, the eco-tourism centre created a good scope for self-sufficiency by generating employment and encouraging entrepreneurship among local unemployed youths. The vision nurtured by the state government focuses on environmental sustainability and community development, said V. Sreenivasa Rao (IFS), PCCF & HoFF. Van Chetna Kendra introduced a range of facilities designed to attract visitors and nature lovers, and support wildlife. The site features accommodations such as tent houses, tree houses, stone houses, and mud houses, along with a childrens garden (Bal Udyan), an open theatre for environmental education, and a waterfall viewpoint. With thousands of tourists arriving annually at Mangata, three well-planned trails have been developed to enhance visitors experiences. Solar-powered tube wells, a stop dam, and a reservoir have been constructed to ensure year-round water availability in the region. A little-known Mangata before 2015 is now attracting wildlife and nature enthusiasts from India and abroad. The move has improved local livelihoods, empowering youth and women even from the neighbouring villages. With around 150 resorts, the region witnesses good economic growth, said Meera Sahu, Mangata Sarpanch. With this success, the state forest department is considering replicating such an eco-tourism model across Chhattisgarh.
Railways sanctions Rs 509 crore for flyovers in Cuttack and Rayagada districts
BHUBANESWAR: In a major step towards improving the operational efficiency of railways in the state, the ministry of Railways has sanctioned Rs 509 crore for the construction of two major flyovers in Cuttack and Rayagada districts. East Coast Railway (ECoR) officials said the initiative is part of the broader Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor (EMCC) Scheme, aimed at improving train movements and alleviating traffic congestion across key railway lines. A 10.89 km rail flyover connecting Raj Athagarh, Radhakishorepur and Machhapur stations will be constructed in Cuttack district at an investment of around Rs 268.92 crore to facilitate simultaneous train movements on the stretch without the delays caused by cross-traffic. Similarly, a 5.50 km rail flyover will be constructed at Singapur road station in Rayagada district to address traffic congestion on the Raipur-Vizianagaram rail line. This development will allow uninterrupted train movement in and out of the station. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 239.83 crore, officials said. The Railways has also taken up a yard restructuring work at Bhadrak railway station to enhance operational efficiency and improve train management at the key hub in the railway network of the ECoR zone. The modernisation project will not only increase the stations handling capacity but will also ensure more streamlined, efficient services for passengers and goods traffic, the officials added.
Army to unveil Lt Radha Mohan Nareshs memorial
KOLLAM: The Indian Army will unveil a statue and memorial in honour of Second Lieutenant Radha Mohan Naresh, a brave hero from Karunagappally who sacrificed his life during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The statue has been built on revenue land near the Ashramam Maidan in Kollam, with the unveiling ceremony set for 10:30 am on Tuesday. Senior Army officers, local representatives, and the family members of Lt Naresh are expected to attend the event. Following the unveiling, a silent prayer and wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the memorial, which also highlights Nareshs military service. The ceremony will be led by the Pangode military station commander, with Nareshs siblings - Dr Gopi Mohan Naresh, Praveen Naresh and Sreekala Rani -- in attendance alongside officials from the District Soldier Welfare Board, Kollam corporation, and the district administration, as well as a representative from the Jat Regiment. We reached out to the governor and the chief minister for their participation, but unfortunately, we couldnt secure their appointments. Therefore, the Pangode military station commander will lead the ceremony, said Krishna Moorthy, Defence PRO, Thiruvananthapuram. The Army acquired the land from the revenue department, with the Pangode military station overseeing the memorials completion.The Army requested permission from the Kollam corporation to construct the statue in Ashramam Maidan. Without hesitation, we granted it. Its a proud moment for us. Though no representative from the corporation has formally been invited, we will attend to pay our respects, said Deputy Mayor Kollam Madhu. Lt Naresh, a member of the 9th Jat Regiment, was martyred in battle at Raipur Crossing on the Munawar Tawi River during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. At the age of 21, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 9th Jat Battalion. Nareshs unit was deployed in the Chhamb sector under the 10th Infantry Divisions operational control. On December 10, 1971, his platoon was assigned to defend the Raipur Crossing, where the Pakistani Army launched a major offensive. Naresh led his platoon from the front in a valiant effort to hold the position until reinforcements arrived. Despite being severely wounded by gunfire, he continued his mission until he succumbed to his injuries.
Chhattisgarh intensifies identification of Bangladeshi infiltrators
Raipur : The Chhattisgarh government has intensified its efforts to identify and deport the Bangladeshi infiltrators in the state. As many as 850 Bangladeshi infiltrators have been identified in the state in the last one year and steps have been taken to deport them, deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma said here on Monday. According to him, 500 Bangladeshi infiltrators were found to staying in different parts of Bastar in the state and they have been deported Similarly, 350 such illegal immigrants have been found to be staying in Kawardha district in the state and steps have been initiated to deport them. Mr Sharma said that 46 Bangladeshi infiltrators have been identified in Kondagaon under Bastar division and arrested. The government has begun the process of deporting them. Mr Sharma indicated that the police was working on the inputs on the infiltration of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in some other districts such as Durg in the state. They will be identified and arrested soon, he said. Mr Sharma exhorted the Maoists to lay down arms and join the mainstream of the society. He indicated that chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai may make some major announcements to end Leftwing extremism in Bastar in the state during the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics, scheduled to end on December 15. Union home minister Amit Shah is scheduled to attend the occasion.
Truck Stranded in Odishas Gazalbadi Ghat Triggers 3-Day Jam
Bhubaneswar: A truck carrying rice from Visakhapatnam to Raipur found itself stranded in Odishas rugged Gazalbadi ghat area, triggering a massive three-day traffic jam that left travelers frustrated and locals distressed. The trouble began when the truck driver relied on Google Maps, which guided the vehicle down a narrow, dilapidated road. Unable to navigate the rough terrain, the truck broke down, blocking the route and causing severe traffic congestion. We followed the GPS directions, which brought us here, but our vehicle broke down. We arere stuck with limited network coverage, making it hard to call for help. said the trucks helper. Despite being alerted, authorities struggled to clear the truck due to the challenging road conditions. As a result, travellers have faced hours of delay, detours, and mounting frustration, while local residents continue to grapple with the disruption. Efforts to resolve the situation were ongoing, though the truck remained stranded at the time of reporting.
Raipur-Vizianagaram Line Gets Rs 240 Cr Funds
Visakhapatnam: The Railway Board has sanctioned Rs 240 crore for the Raipur-Vizianagaram line in the Waltair Division. The project encompasses the construction of a 5.5 km flyover that will facilitate the traffic flow on the Raipur-Vizianagaram line, enabling it to connect seamlessly with the loop line at Singapur Road. This crucial upgrade is part of the Energy, Mineral, and Cement Corridor of Indian Railways, aimed at increasing overall traffic capacity and ensuring smooth train movements across this heavily trafficked area. By alleviating congestion in the Koraput-Rayagada-Singapur Road section, which has been a persistent operational hurdle for the Waltair Division. The project is expected to enhance the efficiency of train operations in the Koraput-Rayagada area. This project signifies a substantial advancement in overcoming the infrastructure challenges along the Raipur-Vizianagaram line and will positively impact freight and passenger train services, stated DRM Waltair Manoj Kumar Sahoo. It will enable more fluid traffic movement and strengthen the capacity of one of the region's most vital railway corridors, he added.
Chhattisgarh man ends life after alleging forced conversion; four held
Dhamtari: A 30-year-old man committed suicide, alleging in a social media post that his wife and in-laws were forcing him to undergo religious conversion, police said on Monday. The police have arrested four persons, including the man's wife, in connection with the death, they said. Linesh Sahu was found hanging from the ceiling at his house in Potiadih village under Arjuni police station limits on the morning of December 7, an official said. Investigations revealed that Sahu had updated his status on WhatsApp before committing suicide and had written he was disturbed because of his wife and in-laws as they were forcing him to undergo religious conversion, he said. Sahu had also shared the status message with his brother-in-law at 3.43 am on December 7, he said. I am fed up with my wife. She harassed me a lot to change my religion. When I got to my in-law's place, her mother and two sisters also harassed me to change my religion, saying they would later convince my mother and father (to change their religion), the man wrote on his WhatsApp status. According to the police, Sahu married his wife Karuna, a resident of Raipur, in September last year. The official said the police have arrested Karuna (27), her parents Rajkumar (54) and Gauri Sahu (48), her sister Kiran Sahu (31) for abetment of suicide. Efforts are on to trace Karuna's younger sister, Kanishka Sahu, he said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Maoists kill another woman in Bijapur district
RAIPUR: After an Anganwadi assistant was killed at Basaguda in an edgy Bijapur, the Maoists strangled another woman to death in the same district, police said on Sunday. The Maoists abducted Sukra (40) along with her husband Ramaiyya Yalam on Saturday evening, accusing the woman of being an informer for Telangana police. She was strangled with a rope and the body dumped 3 km away from her Laded village. Her husband was brutally beaten and asked to leave. The Maoists later killed Sukra whose body was recovered by the police on Sunday, said a police officer. On Saturday, Anganwadi worker Lakshmi Padam (45), a widow, was killed in Timmapur village of Bijapur by unidentified Maoists who issued a pamphlet claiming the responsibility of killing her on suspicion of being a police informer. The police suspect the role of a small action team of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in the killing of two women. Maoists abduct, murder two former sarpanchs in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district
Chhattisgarh: Shah may spend night in Naxal stronghold
Raipur : Union home minister Amit Shah is most likely to spend a night at the Maoist core area in Bastar during his proposed three-day visit to Chhattisgarh, commencing on December 13. He will be the first Union home minister to spend a night in the Naxal stronghold, if he does so. Details of Mr Shahs visit to Bastar is yet to be announced officially for security reasons, a senior police officer said here on Saturday. Sources said that Mr Shah is most likely to spend a night at a forward base of security forces, set up in the core area of Maoists by the security personnel to use it as a landing point to neutralize influence of Maoists in the three to four km area surrounding it. Deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who holds home portfolio, on Saturday indicated that the Union home minister will visit an area even farther from Puwarti village, the native place of dreaded Maoist Hidma who is said to have taken charge of protecting the red base in Bastar after being promoted to the position of Central Committee (CC) member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist). He once headed the battalion number one of the Maoists. Asked if Mr Shah will visit Puwarti during his upcoming Bastar tour, Mr Sharma said, He (Mr Shah) will even go farther from that place. Puwarti village under Jagargunda in Sukma district in south Bastar has produced no less than two dozen hardcore Maoists who have been deployed for the security of Hidma. The surrounding villages have yielded no less than 200 hardcore Maoists. Security forces established a forward base in Puwarti a couple of months ago to neutralize the influence of Maoists in the area. In January this year, a forward base was set up in Tekalgudam, barely three km from Puwarti. Maoists attacked the forward base the day it was opened. Three jawans and two Naxals were killed in the encounter that followed the Maoist attack. Sources said that Mr Shah may have dinner with the jawans and family members of the security personnel slain in encounters with the Maoists at the forward base where he is likely to spend a night. The Union minister is also scheduled to attend the concluding ceremony of Bastar Olympics as chief guest in Jagdalpur during his visit to Bastar. He is also scheduled to attend a high-level meeting of senior officers of security establishments in Raipur to review the counterinsurgency strategy during his visit to the state, sources said. Mr Shah had earlier declared that the country will be free of Leftwing extremism by March 2026. In the current year so far, 207 Maoists have been killed in encounters in Bastar.
IMA protests against C'garh govts decision to withdraw case lodged against Gau Sewa Aayog chief
RAIPUR: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has come out strongly against the BJP governments move to withdraw the case registered against the Chhattisgarh Rajya Gau Sewa Aayog chairperson Bisheshar Patel for his alleged physical and verbal abuse against an orthopedic surgeon in Kawardha district. Patel has been recently appointed as the head of theGau SewaAayog by the state government. In March 2019, Dr Suryakant Bharti was manhandled by Patel in a hospital at Kawardha, which happens to be the home district of Vijay Sharma, state home minister. I was physically assaulted and Patel also hurled casteist slurs against me. Now the state government has recommended before the court to withdraw the case registered against him citing it as a political incident. This is shocking. Kawardha district and sessions court is already hearing the case and I appeared during its cross-examinations but Patel is avoiding to attend the proceedings, Dr Bharti told The New Indian Express. He also claimed that now he is subjected to various pressures to support the withdrawal of the case against the Gau Sewa Aayog chief. Now no lawyer in Kawardha is willing to take up my case. The advocate earlier fighting my case has also withdrawn citing that he is empaneled with the government body. But I remain firm not to surrender, the doctor said. The IMA Kawardha district president Dr K P Jangde expressing concerns asked, how can any act of violence against doctors in hospital or medical premises be justified. The government has a prerogative to appoint anyone as chairperson of Gau Sewa Aayog. But how can a process be initiated to withdraw the cases registered against Patel. There shouldn't be any politics involved and the law should take its own course, said Dr Jangde. The case under IPC section 294 (obscene acts in any public place to the annoyance of others), section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), section 506 (criminal intimidation), SC-ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act besides certain clauses of Chhattisgarh Medicare Service Persons (prevention of violence and damage to property) Act were registered against Patel. I believe the state government has the sagacity to take the best course of action on it within the scope of the law, said Dr Vimal Chopda, state coordinator BJP medical front (Chikitsa Prakoshth). Dr Bharti and Kawardha IMA approached the Raipur branch seeking intervention. We hope for justice. IMA Raipur branch has written to the chief minister, health minister, chief secretary urging them to take back the initiated process of withdrawal of the case lodged against Patel, Dr Jangde said.
Chhattisgarh: Sai May Go for Ministry Reshuffle Soon
Raipur: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai is most likely to reshuffle and expand his ministry in the near future. His meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi a couple of days ago has fueled the speculations in the ruling BJP circle here that he would soon reshuffle and expand his ministry. Sources in the chief ministers office (CMO) said that Mr Sai held discussions with Mr Shah on various issues relating to the state including the ministry reshuffle. The issue of the ministry reshuffle has figured prominently in the meeting, sources disclosed to this newspaper on Friday. Sources said that Mr Sai may drop at least three ministers in his cabinet and induct at least five new faces in his ministry. Sources said that a former minister is likely to be inducted in the state cabinet. Two cabinet berths were vacant after Mr Sai formed his ministry. The number of vacant berths increased to three when Brij Mohan Agrawal, who was a member of Sai cabinet, resigned from the house after being elected to Lok Sabha in the last polls. The proposed reshuffle and expansion of the Sai ministry may take into consideration the factors of regional balance and caste, sources said. Sources said that performances of some ministers were found to be not up to the expectations of the chief minister and hence, the axe may fall on them in the upcoming reshuffle and expansion of the state ministry. Lobbying for a berth in the Sai ministry by several BJP MLAs have begun with the party leaders sparing no efforts to pull the right strings in the party for this. Former minister Ajay Chandrakar is said to be prominent among the ministerial aspirants.
18 killed in three separate accidents in Uttar Pradesh
KANNAUJ: In three separate accidents, 18 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit and Chitrakoot districts on Friday, police said. In Pilibhit, six people were killed in the accident which happened on the Pilibhit-Tanakpur road in Neora police station area, they said. A car carrying 11 people tried to overtake another vehicle when it lost control, crashed into a tree and then fell into a ditch, they added. Rescue operations lasted over an hour and a half, involving the use of a bulldozer to remove a fallen tree that had trapped the car following which passengers were extricated and rushed to a nearby hospital, said Superintendent of Police (Pilibhit) Avinash Kumar Pandey told PTI Videos. The deceased were identified as Munni (65), Manzoor Ahmed (60), Bahiuddin (55), Sharif Ahmed (60), Sahe Alam (35), and Rakim (11), the SP said. Three of the injured were referred to a more advanced medical centre, while two were discharged after receiving initial treatment, he added. Neora SHO, Roopa Bisht said the victims, residents of Jamour village in Uttarakhand's Khatima district, were returning from a post-wedding ritual in Pilibhit's Chandoi village, where Anwar and Husna Bibi had tied the knot. In the second accident, six people were killed in Chitrakoot after the car they were travelling in collided head-on with a truck in the Raipura Police Station area, police said. The incident happened around 5. 30 am in the Raipura Police Station area. The Bolero was coming from Prayagraj while the truck from Raipura, Superintendent of Police Arun Kumar Singh said. The injured are undergoing treatment at a local hospital and will be referred to the district hospital for further care, the SP added. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also directed district officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure proper assistance to those affected. Further legal proceedings are underway in both cases, according to the police. On the Agra- Lucknow Expressway, eight people died and about a dozen passengers were injured when their bus collided with a water tanker. The accident occurred around 2 pm in Sakrawa area here when the bus was en route Delhi from Lucknow , Kannauj Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand said. Eight passengers died in the accident and around a dozen injured passengers are receiving treatment at the Saifai Medical College, near Etawah district, he said. Other passengers, who were not injured, were sent to their destinations in another bus, he added. State Minister for Jal Shakti Swatantra Dev Singh, who was passing by at the time of the accident, stopped his convoy to assist in rescuing the injured and ensuring their transportation to the hospital. Senior police and administrative officials have reached the spot and they have been instructed to provide the best of medical treatment to the injured, Singh told PTI. It's an unfortunate incident. We need to be more careful on roads and adhere to traffic rules, safety measures, he added. Citing his interaction with the injured passengers, the minister said that the bus driver was apparently drowsy and that may have led to the crash.
Maoists abduct, murder two former sarpanchs in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district
RAIPUR: Ahead of elections to the three-tier panchayats in Chhattisgarh, Maoists allegedly killed two former sarpanchs -- one of them associated with the ruling BJP -- in separate incidents in of Bijapur district, police said on Thursday. The two were abducted before they were killed. Police identified them as Suklu Parsa, who was with the BJPs Kisan Morcha in Bhairamgarh block, and Sukram Avlam, former sarpanch of Kader village. In their pamphlets, the Maoists claimed that both acted as police informers and helped the police in setting up a security base camp. Bhairamgarh area committee of Maoists claimed the responsibility for killing Parsa. The Maoists also threatened BJP workers in the area with dire consequences and asked them to quit the party, an official said. The killing of former sarpanchs is an attempt to create an environment of terror among the local people as the Maoists now failed to target the security forces, said a senior police officer in Bastar. Maoists have killed at least 55 people this year in the Bastar division comprising seven districts, including Bijapur, according to police. Civilian casualties in left-wing extremist-affected areas still remain a major concern. Attacks on soft targets like unarmed villagers, local peoples representatives and public properties have been the usual modus operandi of the banned Maoist outfits, guerrilla warfare experts say. District Reserve Guard head constable Birendra Kumar Sori was killed in an exchange of fire with Maoists in Abujhmad region of Narayanpur district on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Chhattisgarh for three days beginning December 14 to review the law and order situation in the state and interact with surrendered Naxals and locals.
Chhattisgarh: Jawan slain in Naxal ambush in Bastar
Manjhi was the eighth BJP leader to have been killed by Maoists in the state in the past one year. (AFP PHOTO / Noah SEELAM) Manjhi was the eighth BJP leader to have been killed by Maoists in the state in the past one year. (AFP PHOTO / Noah SEELAM) Raipur : A head constable of district reserve guard (DRG), an exclusive tribal counterinsurgency wing of Chhattisgarh police, was killed in an encounter with Maoists in Abujhmad area under Narayanpur district in south Bastar in the state late on Wednesday evening. A joint security team comprising personnel of DRG and Border Security force (BSF) launched search operation in Kohkameta area in Abujhmad following intelligence tip off on the presence of armed Maoists including a member of the Central Committee (CC) of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in the forest late on Wednesday afternoon. A fierce encounter took place between them in the forest that lasted nearly six hours leading to killing of DRG head constable Birendra Kumar Sori (36). In another development, two ex-sarpanches including a BJP functionary were killed by Maoists in Bijapur district under south Bastar. The slain BJP leader has been identified as Suklu Farsa, the block-level head of the BJP farmers wing in Bhairamgarh. Farsa was a former sarpanch of Aadwada-Biriyabhumi village in 2004-09. He was abducted by a group of Maoists when he was attending a family function in his village and his body was found on the outskirts of the village on Thursday morning, police said. The Maoists left a note near his body claiming responsibility for his killing. The other slain ex-sarpanch has been identified as Sukram Avlam, the former sarpanch of Kaderh village in Bijapur district. He was abducted by Maoists from his village of Shantinagar under Bijapur block and his body was recovered on the outskirts of the village on Thursday morning.
RITES Wins Rs 148-Crore Contract From IIM Raipur
IIM Raipur has appointed RITES as project management consultant for developing the second phase of its campus.
Shooters planned Salman Khans murder before targeting Baba Siddique: Report
The shooters involved in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique reportedly had plans to assassinate actor Salman Khan before targeting Siddique, India Today TV reported, citing sources. This revelation came to light during the questioning of the accused in connection with the high-profile murder case. Baba Siddique was shot dead on October 12 outside the Bandra East office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique. Three assailants fired at him, hitting him twice in the chest. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, he was declared brought dead. Sources told India Today TV that during interrogation, the accused disclosed Salman Khan was initially on their hit list. However, they were unable to carry out their plan due to the actors robust security arrangements. Authorities are continuing investigations into the motives and network of the accused. Shah Rukh Khan death threat: Mumbai police detain lawyer from Raipur On April 14, two bike-borne assailants, identified as Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, opened fire outside Salman Khan's Bandra residence late at night. The shooters were later arrested in Gujarat, and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the incident. In recent months, Salman Khan has faced repeated threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with several individuals issuing threats in the gang's name. Last month, a man claiming to be Lawrence Bishnoi's brother threatened the actor, demanding he visit a temple to apologise for killing a blackbuck or pay a ransom of Rs 5 crore. In October, a vegetable seller from Jamshedpur was arrested for threatening Khan and demanding Rs 5 crore. Days later, the actor received another death threat from an unknown individual, demanding a Rs 2 crore ransom. Additionally, Mumbai Police arrested a 20-year-old man from Noida for making a threat call to the actor. In response to the escalating threats, Salman Khan has been provided Y+ security. A strong police presence has been stationed outside his residence, and Mumbai Police have installed AI-powered high-resolution CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition technology to enhance his safety. Security tightened at Salman Khan's residence after new death threats
DRG head constable killed during encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: A head constable of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was killed in an exchange of fire with the outlawed Maoists in Abujhmad region of Narayanpur district, about 400 km south of Raipur on Wednesday. According to the Bastar police, based on specific inputs, a joint team of Border Security Force (BSF) and DRG left on an anti-Maoist search operation along the border area of Sonpur-Kohkameta on Tuesday. On Wednesday at around 1 PM, there ensued intermittent gunfights between the joint team of forces and the Maoists in the Abujhmad region. During the fierce gun battle, a head constable Birendra Kumar Sori, 36, sustained serious injuries and died on the spot, said a police officer in Bastar. Sori, a native of Kanker district, joined the Narayanpur district police force in the year 2010 and received an out-of-turn promotion to a rank of a head constable owing to his courage and brave work in operations against the left-wing extremists. The search operation and the campaign against the Maoists continues in the area. Further details are awaited, he added. Narayanpur is among the seven Maoist-affected districts in the conflict zone of Bastar, south Chhattisgarh.
Sacked woman judge turns advocate, fights her case in Chhattisgarh HC, gets reinstated
RAIPUR: Akanksha Bhardwaj, a 34-year-old civil judge appointed in December 2013, successfully challenged her termination in the Chhattisgarh High Court and has now resumed her duties at the Mahasamund District Court. While serving as a Civil Judge in Ambikapur, Bhardwaj lodged a complaint against her senior colleague, alleging inappropriate behavior during her visits to seek guidance on judicial matters. Initially, the complaint was filed orally and later submitted in writing to higher authorities, the complaint led the High Court to form an internal complaints committee. However, the committee's report, submitted in April 2016, concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated. Following the committee's findings, the Standing Committee under the Chhattisgarh High Court rules recommended Bhardwaj's termination in February 2017. The termination order was challenged by Bhardwaj, who filed a writ petition and represented herself in court as a lawyer. She argued that her dismissal violated the safeguards provided under Article 311 of the Constitution, which protects civil servants from arbitrary dismissal, removal, or demotion. In an earlier ruling, the High Court had set aside Bhardwaj's termination on technical grounds, stating that the Standing Committee was not competent to recommend the termination of her service. The court noted that Bhardwaj had remained on probation until January 31, 2017. However, her further claims that the termination was the result of biased proceedings initiated by the then Ambikapur District Judge, combined with the internal complaints committee's report, were dismissed by the court. After overturning her termination, Bhardwaj received a fresh posting order and has resumed her role in the judiciary at the Mahasamund District Court.
No water supply: Tribal students yet to access school inaugurated by PM Modi in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: Two months after the inauguration of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) by PM Narendra Modi in Jashpur, the home district of the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, the building premises didn't have a supply or any installation of potable water facility for students. The Eklavya School built at a cost of over Rs 40 crore at Pathalgaon, about 350 km north-east of Raipur, consequently remains closed owing to the non-availability of water. The EMRS is meant to impart quality education to Scheduled Tribe children in remote areas. PM Modi virtually inaugurated the EMRS on October 2 virtually through a video conference and the residential school secured admissions of over 300 tribal students. Now these students have been shifted to nearby two villages for their schooling as the EMRS remained non-operational after the inauguration. The officials of the education department expressing concern stated that the agency engaged with the EMRS project didn't undertake the initial essential groundwork. The construction agency didn't do the requisite preliminary works, so the Eklavya School is facing a severe water crisis, said Vedanand Arya, Pathalgaon block education officer. Digging of three borewells in the premises didn't provide any relief and owing to the non-availability of sufficient water, the 300 admitted students have not been shifted in the EMRS. Chirruram Bhagat, former sarpanch and a parent, informed that there is no arrangement of water for the students or staff even in the girls' and boys' hostels of the residential school. All the students who got admission are eagerly awaiting for EMRS to start functioning. The school has not become operational despite the PM inaugurated it, he said. Harjeet Singh Bhatiya, BJP Mandal (Pathalgaon-rural) president admitted that there remains a persisting problem at the EMRS even after two months. The students enrolled here are facing a lot of problems. We have brought the issue to the knowledge of our Chief Minister seeking his intervention. He has assured the problem will be resolved soon, the BJP leader said. Apparently owing to the gross negligence committed by the construction agency, the big residential school building intended for the education of tribal students was rendered purposeless, said Ramesh Sharma, a journalist based in Pathalgaon. Usually, before the launch of any project, the land and water level indicator or availability should be properly surveyed, tested and evaluated, he added.
How Chhattisgarh forest dept safeguarded a migrated tiger for eight months?
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh forest department executed every bit of its efforts to safeguard a lone male tiger in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary that was spotted for the first time in decades in the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Baloda Bazar division, around 80 km from Raipur. The big cat was spotted in March rekindling hopes of restoring the tiger population in the area, marking a significant conservation milestone. Chhattisgarh has struggled in its Save the Tiger mission over the past decade, but the presence of this tiger spurred the department to implement robust protective measures. The tiger migrated here from some other regionmaybe from Andhra, Odisha or Chhattisgarhs Udanti-Sitanadi tiger reserve. We monitored its movements and safe management, implementing a comprehensive range of methodologies aligned with the National Tiger Conservation Authoritys (NTCA) monitoring protocols. Our operation used state-of-the-art thermal drones to keep an eye on the tigers movements in dense jungle and during the night hours, said Mayank Agrawal, divisional forest officer (DFO-Baloda Bazar). To ensure the tigers safety, the department adhered to the National Tiger Conservation Authoritys (NTCA) monitoring protocols and employed advanced methods such as thermal drones to monitor the tigers movements in the dense forest, especially during the night. Camera traps were strategically deployed at critical locations such as tri-junctions and frequently used trails to capture images of the tiger. In one instance, a camera trap captured a poacher accompanied by dogs in the tiger-occupied area. He was arrested with the stringent anti-poaching measures in place across all forest reserves, Agrawal added. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology played a crucial role in analysing maps and tracking the tigers movements. Surveys of animal and human trails, riverbeds and waterholes were conducted to collect evidence such as pug marks, scat and scrape marks instrumental in mapping the tigers movement patterns. Scat analysis provided insights into its dietary habits, helping us understand its proximity to human settlements. The awareness drives and educational programmes were organised to inform local communities about tiger behaviour and safety measures, reducing the risks of human-tiger conflict, the DFO informed. Last week, the tiger ventured close to Kasdol town in Baloda Bazar district. The forest department acted swiftly, rescued the animal and relocated it to the recently notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, ensuring its continued protection in a safer habitat.
Labourer killed, another hurt by hot fly ash in Chhattisgarh
Raigarh: A labourer was killed and his colleague was severely injured after hot fly ash fell on them at a steel plant in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district, the police said on Sunday.The incident took place on Saturday night, an official said. Ashok Kumar Kewat (39) and Deepak Yadav (40) were working in the Lime & Dolo Plant of Jindal Steel and Power Limited in Patrapali village under Kotraroad police station limits when hot fly ash suddenly fell on them, causing serious burns. They were rushed to Jindal Fortis hospital where doctors declared Kewat brought dead, the official said. Yadav has been shifted to Raipur city for better treatment. An accidental death report has been registered and a probe is underway into the incident, he added.
Chhattisgarh govt gives nod to 15K houses under Central scheme for surrendered Maoists
RAIPUR: The ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh has extended the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme to include surrendered Maoists and victims of violence in Left-Wing Extremism affected areas. This move, part of the states rehabilitation policy, aims to integrate these individuals into mainstream society while providing them with much-needed housing and security. The proposal, which was first approved by the Centre, will see the construction of 15,000 houses under the PMAY-G scheme. CM Vishnu Deo Sai described it as a significant step towards rehabilitating surrendered Maoists and victims of violence in conflict-ridden regions. The initiative will be a major step to let the surrendered Maoists living in the LWE affected areas and such families who are victims of violence join the mainstream. The 15,000 units to be built under the PMAY-G are not just houses but a symbol of dignity and security for them. Our government is swiftly implementing the scheme with complete transparency, Deo said. Amid the renewed strategy to free the conflict-ridden Bastar region from the influence of the outlawed Maoists, CM reiterated his governments commitment to improving the lives of those affected by Maoist violence. His Deputy Vijay Sharma stated that the families whose names were not there or missing in the socio-economic caste census 2011 and Awas Plus scheme 2018 will be specially included.
Chhattisgarh: Tiger relocated successfully after 8-months operation
Raipur : After eight months of tracking it in a forest in east Chhattisgarh, forest officials rescued a tiger and relocated to a reserve a couple of days ago. The tiger was saved from a poacher and a possible attack by villagers by forest field staff during the period. The operation, believed to be the longest to rescue a tiger in the wild for relocation, is being billed as a milestone in the conservation. The tiger was spotted in Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary in east Chhattisgarh eight months ago. This was the first time in a decade a tiger was sighted in the reserve forest. It was yet to be ascertained from where the tiger came, Mayank Agrawal, divisional forest officer (DFO), Balodabazar forest division, told Deccan Chronicle on Saturday. It took eight months to rescue and relocate the big cat to Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla tiger reserve in north Chhattisgarh, said Agrawal, whose Balodabazar division falls under Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary. According to Agrawal, the forest staff drew up a comprehensive range of methodologies aligned with the tiger monitoring protocols prescribed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to track the big cat. The operation leveraged modern technology, such as thermal drones to track the tiger, particularly in dense forests at night. Camera traps were strategically deployed to capture images of the tiger. These traps helped identify the tiger by capturing side-flank images of the tiger, which were then matched against NTCAs centralized data. In one instance, a camera trap captured a poacher accompanied by dogs in the area. We located the poacher within 24 hours, foiling the threat to the life of the big cat, Agrawal said. In another instance, the tiger was spotted moving close to human habitations in the forest. Officials launched an awareness campaign in the surrounding villages to teach people to be safe and make them aware of the compensation for tiger kills, to prevent them from resorting to retaliatory action. The tigers movement was constantly monitored during the period by collecting evidence such as pug marks, scat, scrape marks and signs of kills, Agarwal said. When the time was ripe, officials tranquilized the tiger using dart guns, checked its health and released in the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla tiger reserve.
Union govt approves PMAY-G houses for surrendered naxals, LWE area victims in Chhatisgarh
RAIPUR: The ruling BJP government in Chhattisgarh has announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme to include surrendered Maoists and victims of violence in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas. This move, part of the states rehabilitation policy, aims to integrate these individuals into mainstream society while providing them with much-needed housing and security. The proposal, which was first approved by the Centre, will see the construction of 15,000 houses under the PMAY-G welfare scheme. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai welcomed the move, describing it as a significant step towards rehabilitating surrendered Maoists and victims of violence in conflict-ridden regions. The move will be a major step to let the surrendered Maoists living in the LWE affected areas and such families who are victims of violence join the mainstream. The 15000 units to be built under the PMAY-G are not just houses but a symbol of dignity and security for them. Our government is swiftly implementing the scheme with complete transparency and is going to be a revolutionary step towards ensuring peace and harmony, said the chief minister. Unemployed youths personate as Maoists in Chhattisgarh, surrender to access benefits, sent to jail Amid the renewed strategy to free the conflict-ridden Bastar region from the influence of the outlawed Maoists, CM Sai asserted that his governments commitment to improving the lives of those affected by Maoist violence, with a strong focus on development, peace, and security of citizens in LWE-affected areas. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also holds the home department portfolio, stated that families whose names were missing from the 2011 socio-economic caste census or the 2018 Awas Plus scheme will be specially included under this initiative. The list of PMAY-G beneficiaries will be provided by the superintendent of police and the chief executive officer of the concerned district. A survey and verification process will follow, with the district panchayat identifying the land for the beneficiaries, said Sharma. This announcement comes amid an ongoing anti-Maoist campaign in Bastar, where 789 Maoists have surrendered and 787 rebels have been arrested so far this year. The Chhattisgarh BJP government has reiterated its commitment to continuing the battle against the Maoists until they are eradicated. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in August, set a deadline for eliminating the Maoists by March 2026, as part of a revised plan aimed at launching a final assault on the rebels. Recently, Shah urged youth cadres of the banned left-wing group to renounce violence and rejoin society.
Chhattisgarh Gangsters Use Social Media to Flaunt Criminal Image, 36 Held
Raipur: A new trend has emerged in the gangdom of Chhattisgarh with the gangsters taking to social media to enhance their criminal profile by cultivating an image of a hardcore outlaw. The criminals were seen posting videos on social media in which they were spotted wearing costumes of gangsters resembling the Bollywood movie villains while flaunting firearms and daggers to create an image of a hardcore criminal with an objective to terrorise common people. A new trend has emerged in the pattern of crimes in Chhattisgarh. The criminals were seen taking to social media to create an image of a hardcore outlaw to promote their terror business, a senior police officer told this newspaper here on Friday. These criminals were seen in the videos sporting weird hairdos and painting their faces to disfigure them with marks while flaunting knives and pistols in their hands to appear as an authentic dreaded gangster, the police officer said. As many as three dozen people have so far been arrested in Raipur for creating nuisances on social media by posting videos to project them as fearless outlaws, senior superintendent of police (SSP), Raipur district, Santosh Singh told this newspaper. They have been arrested under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Most of them are drug addicts and have criminal records including serious offences such as stabbing, extortion, illicit liquor trading, and terrorising people, he added. These social media terrors narrate their past criminal activities in their videos to create an image of an authentic dreaded gangster and even were seen in the clips daring the police to curb their unlawful activities. The videos also include clips of violent actions of Bollywood movies involving famous villain characters. According to the cyber cell police dealing with the cases, such social media nuisance creators are found to hail from humble family backgrounds and semi-literates. They appear to be on drugs while making the reels of theirs, a police officer said. The trend of criminals taking to social media to terrorise people has now been curbed considerably after police began taking action in such matters, he added.
Raipur Diary: City gears up to deploy 100 e-buses
Clean air: Raipur gears up to deploy 100 e-buses The state capital will soon deploy 100 e-buses, making the journey comfortable and affordable besides combating environment pollution. The preparation is underway to introduce electric feeder buses under the PM E-Bus Sewa in Raipur. The Central governments share of Rs 8.60 crore, states Rs 5.73 crore, and Rs 12.90 crore for requisite Behind the Metre power infrastructure and charging stations have already been approved. The Raipur Urban Public Service Society executing and monitoring the project accords a top priority to the plan. The e-buses will help ease transport issues for people in an environmentally friendly way. NMDC strategic move for faster decision-making To drive NMDCs vision 2030 of achieving a 100 million tone production capacity, the Transformation and Innovation vertical was introduced in the Navratna organisation as a dedicated department to foster innovation, enhance adaptability and enable faster decision-making. The mining giant operates two iron-ore complexes in Dantewada (south Chhattisgarh). The move is expected to provide solutions to existing challenges and enable the nations largest iron-ore enterprise to navigate the evolving ecosystem of the mining industry. Constitution campaign on ahead of local polls Ahead of urban bodies, three-tier panchayats polls likely in January-February next year, both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are trying to reach out to the masses through Constitution. The celebration to commemorate the 75 year of adoption of the Constitution opens up scope for both the rival parties alleging against each other of having acted against the letter and spirit of the Constitution. The BJP moves out to observe among the people under the campaign Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan, while Congress has launched the statewide campaign Sanvidhan Raksha Abhiyaan from November 26 to January 26, 2025. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Chhattisgarh Cabinet approves board exams for class 5 and 8
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh cabinet has decided to reintroduce board exams for Class five and Class eight in the state. The move aims to improve the education standard of students in the government-run schools in the state, sources said on Wednesday. The state cabinet, presided over by chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai here late on Tuesday evening, authorised School Education Department to Centralize examinations for Class 5 and Class 8 across the state, a spokesman of the state government said. The state government had done away with the board exams for Class five and Class eight in 2010-11. It has been decided to reintroduce the board exams for Class five and Class eight to improve the education standard of the school students, sources said. The cabinet also endorsed withdrawal of 54 cases related purely to political movements, as recommended by the Cabinet sub-committee, from the courts in the public interest, the spokesman said. In a move to ensure the availability of advanced seeds to farmers in Chhattisgarh at reasonable price, the cabinet approved the proposal to procure seeds directly from the Central nodal seed agencies, empaneled by the Union government. The state cabinet has decided to amend the rules of the Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation for the purpose.
Chhattisgarh NEET PG 2024 counselling schedule revised, check details here
The Directorate of Medical Education, Raipur, revised the Chhattisgarh NEET PG 2024 counselling schedule. Round 1 admissions end on November 30, 2024. Round 2 choice filling runs from December 11-15, with results on December 17. Mop-up Round results are due January 16, 2025. No further registrations or new merit lists will be issued.
Tiger reaching close to city in Chhattisgarh gets rescued, released into reserve core area
RAIPUR: A lonely tiger on Wednesday morning reached very close to Kasdol city, some 90 km east of Raipur, creating tense moments for the Chhattisgarh state forest department that deployed drones to stalk the wild big cat, chased after and finally rescued it using tranquilliser darts. We got information at around 7 am about the tiger moving towards Kasdol town. This tiger actually moved out from Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary via Kot village. Our two separate teams planned swift movement from different directions of the identified location. There were two doctors pressed into action besides the dronesboth normal and thermal that finally tracked the tiger with real-time images. Scores of people along with our team were following the route covered by the solitary yellow-brown coat-striped wild animal. Our concern was to ensure both the tiger and the people should remain safe. Our doctor team that fortunately came close to the tiger, succeeded in tranquillising and rescued it, Mayank Agrawal, divisional forest officer, Barnawapara sanctuary in Baloda Bazar district told The New Indian Express. Tiger rescued by the forest dept team The tiger was first spotted in Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary in March this year. We were monitoring the movement of this tiger regularly for the last 8 months. This was the only tiger that was present in our Barnawapara sanctuary and migrated here in March from another regionmay be Andhra or Odisha or Chhattisgarhs Udanti-Sitanadi tiger reserve, the DFO added. The tiger, weighing over 250 kg, was carried by the forest team and released into the core area of the recently notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, some 300 km away from the spot where the migrating wild animal was rescued. CM Vishnu Deo Sai praised the successful rescue operation, citing it as a significant achievement towards wildlife conservation in the state.
Bail granted to 2 convicts in two-decade-old murder case of Chhattisgarh NCP leader
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday suspended the life imprisonment of two convicts in the 2003 murder case of Nationalist Congress Party leader Ram Avatar Jaggi in Chhattisgarhs Raipur. Jaggi, the treasurer of the NCP headed by late Vidya Charan Shukla in Chhattisgarh, was fatally shot on June 4 while driving. The murder occurred 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 .
Chhattisgarh by-poll: Ruling BJP retains Raipur City (south) assembly seat
RAIPUR: The ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh retained Raipur City (South) Assembly by poll, winning by a margin of 46167 votes against the Congress. Former BJP MP Sunil Soni secured 89220 votes and defeated his nearest rival Congress Akash Sharma who got 43053 votes. Soni maintained a consistent lead when the counting of votes began. The by-election was held in the constituency on November 13. The voter turnout was 50.50 per cent. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai congratulating Soni cited the victory as historic and stated that the result indicates approval by the electorates on the achievements of the BJP government in the state in the past 11 months. The strength of BJP in the 90-member House remained at 54 with this victory. The Congress has 35 MLAs and the remaining one legislator is from Gondwana Gantantra Party. TheRaipur City (South) assemblyseat fell vacant after a senior BJP leader Brijmohan Agrawal, an eight-time MLA, got elected as a member of parliament from the Raipur Lok Sabha seat. The assembly segment has female voters with over 1.37 lakh outnumbered men having strength of 1.33 lakh.
Chhattisgarh Bypoll Result: BJP Retains Raipur City South Assembly Seat
BJP candidate Sunil Kumar Soni has won the Raipur City South assembly bypoll by 46,167 votes
Chhattisgarh bypoll: BJP's Sunil Soni leading by 20,629 votes in Raipur City South seat
BJP candidate Sunil Kumar Soni is leading by over 20,000 votes against Congress rival Akash Sharma in the Raipur City South assembly bypoll after the 10th round of counting. The bypoll was necessitated after BJP's Brijmohan Agrawal resigned, following his election to Lok Sabha.
Chhattisgarh bypoll results 2024: BJP candidate leading in Raipur City South
BJP's Mr. Soni was leading by a margin of 785 votes against Congress candidate Mr. Sharma after the first round of counting
Gain Bitcoin ponzi scam: CBI questions audit company employee for 4 hours
RAIPUR, Nov 22: The CBI questioned Gaurav Mehta, an audit company employee, over nearly four hours for the second consecutive day on Friday in connection with its probe into the Rs 6,600-crore Gain Bitcoin ponzi scam case here, officials said. The agency is probing the case on orders of the Supreme Court, with three FIRs registered in October, while many others in states were also taken up by it, they said. The company Variable Tech Pvt Ltd, Late Amit Bhardwaj, [] The post Gain Bitcoin ponzi scam: CBI questions audit company employee for 4 hours appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, as chief guest, addressing the Conference on Good Governance, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Grievance Redressal (DARPG) Govt of India and the Govt of Chhattisgarh, at Raipur on Friday. The post Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, as chief guest, addressing the Conference on Good Governance, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Grievance Redressal (DARPG) Govt of India and the Govt of Chhattisgarh, at Raipur on Friday. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Governance Reforms Focus On Ease Of Living, Transparency: Dr Jitendra
RAIPUR, Nov 22: At the 2-day Conference on Good Governance here, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated that the governance reforms introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi focus on ease of loving and transparency. The Union Minister emphasized the governments commitment to simplifying governance, enhancing public service delivery, and [] The post Governance Reforms Focus On Ease Of Living, Transparency: Dr Jitendra appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
10 Naxalites killed in encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district
Raipur: At least ten cadres of banned outfit CPI (Maoist) were gunned down in an exchange of fire with the security forces at hilly forested terrain of Bhandarpadar-Korajuguda-Nagaram in an edgy district of Sukma, about 500 km south of Raipur on Friday. On a specific tip-off about the presence of rebels belonging to the Konta and Kistaram Area Committee of Maoist acquired yesterday at the given locations in Sukma region, a joint team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) left on the planned operation. A fierce encounter ensued between the forces and the Maoist cadres. During the search operation so far ten bodies of Maoists have been recovered from the area, said a police officer in Bastar. Reinforcement has been sent to the region and the search operation further intensified. The gunfight still continues in the area. The recovered bodies are yet to be identified, the officer added. Three automatic weaponsAK-47, assault rifle INSAS and Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) besides other ammunition were also been recovered from the encounter site. There has been no report of any security personnel sustaining injuries in the gun battle. This year, so far 207 bodies of Maoists have been recovered after they were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters across the conflict-ridden south Bastar zone. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, expressing happiness over the success of the security forces, said his government is working on a zero-tolerance policy against the Maoists. Our governments top priority remains to ensure development, peace and security of citizens in Bastar, the CM added. The series of encounters against the left-wing extremists remain a part of the strategy to free the conflict-ridden Bastar zone from the influence of the outlawed Maoists. Sukma is among the seven Maoist-affected districts in the Bastar range.
The Directorate of Medical Education, Raipur, has released the Round 1 provisional seat allotment result for Chhattisgarh NEET PG Counselling 2024. Registered candidates can check their results on the official website, cgdme.admissions.nic.in. The Round 1 admission process will take place from November 22 to 28, 2024, and Round 2 registration starts on December 6, 2024.
Chhattisgarhs Bastar Medical College take cadaveric oath to offer respect to bodies amid shortage
RAIPUR: While the medical colleges are known to face a shortage of human bodies or cadavers for academic and research aims or to acquire anatomical knowledge, the situation seems more pressing for the Baliram Kashyap Memorial Medical College in tribal-dominated Bastar, south Chhattisgarh. The government medical college, running low on getting cadavers, had organised a singular occasion where the body is treated with respect and dignity of the highest order by the fresh batch of candidates admitted in the MBBS course and the concerned department academics, citing it as First Anatomy teacher. The anatomy department professors in the medical college along with the students took oath ahead of the beginning of the academic session of the first year had solemnly pledged to treat the cadavers with respect, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, use the knowledge acquired for better service of the society and expressed gratitude to the body and its family for the act cited as Living After Death. Its a Cadaveric Oath taken by the new MBBS batch students of 2024. The practice is undertaken prior to the commencing of anatomy dissection, which is essential for the first-year medical students. They swear statements affirming to respect and maintain confidentiality of cadavers (embalmed human body) regards it as the First Teacher in their career path of MBBS, Dr Bithika Nel Kumar, Associate Professor and HOD (Department of Anatomy) told this newspaper. Its a known fact that medical students cannot acquire skill or gain a better understanding just by going through theories. We have a shortage of cadavers in remote areas like Bastar apparently owing to the lack of awareness and cultural reasons. So, such practice helps to facilitate public awareness through conveying virtuous messages by taking an oath. The people gradually become conscious to realise about the noble act of body donation, the HOD said. The professors in the medical college of Bastar believe that for the anatomy classes, there cannot be any applied alternative to cadavers for the students during their learning as they need to get the feel of dissecting the actual human body. The Union Home Ministry for health too realised the shortage of cadavers and in July this year asked the states to encourage people to donate dead bodies on deaths happening outside hospitals.
Man Who Issued Death Threat To Shah Rukh Khan Tracked Actor's Movements Online
Raipur-based lawyer Faizan Khan, who was arrested in connection with the extortion-cum-death threat to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, had scoured online to get sensitive security details of the actor and his family members, revealed probe.
A river in spate: growing up Muslim in a syncretic world
Syeda Saiyidain Hameeds memoir offers remarkable lessons from an Indian past of communal amity, reminding readers of other writers like Zarina Bhatty and Hameeda Akhtar Husain Raipuri who wrote candid stories about themselves and others who broke many glass ceilings
ED, CBI step up probe against Bitcoin Ponzi scam suspect
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have intensified their investigations against Gaurav Mehta, a suspect in a Bitcoin Ponzi scam, following allegations that politicians may have been involved in using cryptocurrency to influence Maharashtra assembly polls. The ED searched Mehta's residence in Raipur and seized computers and digital devices. The CBI summoned him to appear before investigators. The ED is probing Mehta's potential links to politicians, politically exposed persons, and bureaucrats as part of its money laundering probe. The allegations came after BJP released purported voice notes suggesting that Congress and NCP leaders were attempting to use cryptocurrency for election campaigning. Both parties denied the claims, calling the voice notes fake.
Sule, Patole initiate legal action against BJPs bitcoin fraud accusation
Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Supriya Sule and Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Tuesday denied the allegations of Bitcoin misappropriation. They have initiated legal action against former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Ravindranath Patil and the BJP for making the false accusations on the eve of voting for Maharashtra Assembly elections 2024. Mr. Patil accused them of misappropriating Bitcoins from a 2019 cryptocurrency fraud case and using the same to fund the ongoing Maharashtra assembly elections. Mr. Patil on Tuesday alleged that former Pune police commissioner Amitabh Gupta and former deputy commissioner of police Bhagyashri Nautake, who was handling the cybercrime investigations, were involved in the misappropriation of Bitcoins at the behest of Ms. Sule and Mr. Patole. He also named one Gaurav Mehta, an employee of an audit firm. Mehta sent me some voice notes he had received on WhatsApp. There were three audio messages from Supriya Sule where she asks for cash in exchange for bitcoins. She also says that he (Gaurav Mehta) does not need to worry about inquiry, they will handle it when they come to power, Mr. Patil said. The former IPS officer also alleged that he received few more audio clips from Mr. Mehta, which were the alleged conversations between Mr. Gupta and Mr. Patole, who was asking why there was a delay in cash conversion and the former Pune police commissioner assuring the Congress leader that four crypto wallets had been created and the transactions were done from these wallets. The BJP immediately sought explanation from Ms. Sule, Mr. Patole and their parties on the allegations. The party also posted four audio clips on its official X account. Denying the allegations, Ms. Sule said, All this is conjecture and innuendo. I am ready for a public forum debate with any BJP representative at a time and date of their choice. Mr. Patole also denied the allegations. The BJP in connivance with the media has attempted to defame me and my party by making false accusations. As the fourth pillar of democracy, the media should have reported BJPs allegations responsibly. It is unfortunate that few people are mischievously trying to defame us on BJPs instruction. In such a situation, I have no other option than to take legal action, he said. Advocate Ravi Jadhav, general secretary of Maharashtra Congress, has filed the complaint on behalf of the Congress leader against Mr. Patil and the BJP with the ECI and the cyber crime police station. Some reports indicated that the audio clips were generated using Artificial Intelligence. However, NCP leader Ajit Pawar said that he has worked closely with Mr. Patole in the past and Ms. Sule is his sister, so he recognise their voice. The audio clip has their voices, I can figure out from their tone. An inquiry will be done and everything will be clear, he said. After the allegations surfaced, the Enforcement Directorate also swung in action and conducted searches at the Raipur premises of Gaurav Mehta, who is accused of collecting bitcoins worth around Rs.6,600 from his investors by promising them 10 per cent monthly returns. The ED is probing the money laundering aspect in connection with the police cases filed in Maharashtra and Delhi.
Maharashtra Bitcoin Scam: ED Raids Premises Of Audit Company Employee In Raipur
The house of Gaurav Mehta in Chhattisgarhs capital city Raipur is being covered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Maharashtra bitcoin case: ED raids premises of Gaurav Mehta
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at Gaurav Mehta's Raipur premises. The searches were part of a money laundering probe linked to bitcoin transactions. Mehta is accused of collecting funds worth 6,600 crore in bitcoin. He allegedly lured investors with promises of monthly returns. The investigation is linked to complaints filed in Maharashtra and Delhi.
