It Feels Like Stepping Back In Time: Sachin, Yuvraj Reunite After Decade Ahead Of IML Opener
DY Patil Sports Academy: Two of India's greatest champions Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh are set to reunite on the field after a decade, donning the iconic blues once again. The legendary duo will lead the India Masters as they rekindle their fierce rivalry with Sri Lanka in the opening clash of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) at DY Patil Sports Academy on Saturday. A global cricketing icon with over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries, Sachin dominated every format of the game, yet he played just one T20I for India, making this a rare spectacle for fans to witness him in Indian colours in the shortest format once again. Yuvraj, meanwhile, excelled as a dynamic all-rounder in over 400 games, playing a crucial role in India's most significant victories, including the 2011 World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup. Their reunion for IML T20 2025 is a rare opportunity for fans to see two of Indias greatest match-winners come together and reignite their magic. Over the years, India and Sri Lanka have enthralled fans with their high-stakes encounters. The two teams have shared countless unforgettable battles, none more iconic than the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where Indias champions lifted the coveted trophy after 28 years. Cricket icon and captain of the India Masters Team, Tendulkar, commented ahead of the latest chapter of the rivalry and said, We had some unforgettable moments playing against Sri Lanka over the years, the 2011 World Cup being the most special amongst them. Stepping back onto the field after so many years, and facing a team that has been such a big part of our cricketing journey, makes this even more special. The International Masters League is about reigniting the passion for the game and giving fans a reason to cheer again. I cant wait to relive these rivalries, reunite with old teammates, and hopefully, put on a thrilling show for the fans in this inaugural edition. With champions like Sachin and Yuvraj, alongside the Pathan brothers, Irfan and Yusuf, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, and more, the tournament offers fans a rare opportunity to support their heroes in action once again. Excited by the notion of playing for the fans again, Yuvraj added, I cant wait to step back onto the field again. India versus Sri Lanka has always been a high-intensity, thrilling contest, and I know the fans are just as excited as we are. Playing alongside legends, and rekindling old rivalries, this is what the International Masters League is all about. With Sachin paaji leading us against Sanga and the Sri Lankan team, it feels like stepping back in time, but with the same passion for the game. The fans are in for a treat, and were ready to put on a fantastic show. Beginning February 22, the inaugural IML T20 2025 features six teams, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa, each boasting some of crickets biggest names. The competition will be staged across Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, and Raipur, with Raipur hosting the semi-finals and the final on March 16, where the champions will lift the trophy. Kartikey Mishra, India Masters team owner said, Bringing these legends together for the India Masters Team is a celebration of cricket and its rich legacy in our country. These players have given fans countless unforgettable moments, and IML T20 2025 is about reliving that magic on the field once again. Beyond the competition, seeing them back on the field under the Indian tricolour rekindles the passion and excitement that made these household names not only in India but around the world of cricket. Squads: India Masters: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Saurabh Tiwary, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh, Stuart Binny, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Naman Ojha, Abhimanyu Mithun, Dhawal Kulkarni, Rahul Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Vinay Kumar. Squads: Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Article Source: IANS
Dehydrated vulture rescued after flying across five states
White-rumped vulture N10 covered 3000 km in five months before being found weak in Chhattisgarh. Over a week ago, the vulture was found dehydrated in the jungle safari near Raipur. It is currently under observation, and once it regains its ideal weight, it will be released, Rithe said. Chhattisgarhs forest department plans
SC grants bail to Chhattisgarh Congress MLA accused of provoking violence at collectorate premises
RAIPUR: The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to Congress MLA from Bhilai Devendra Yadav, sent to jail in connection with arson and violence at Baloda Bazar collectorate premises on June 10 last year. Yadav was arrested by Chhattisgarh police on August 17, 2024, from his residence in Bhilai. He was accused of provoking the protestors and allegedly incited them leading to vandalism. He is expected to be released from the Raipur Central Jail by Friday evening. Following the decision of the Apex Court, former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Bhagel took to X-handle alleging that the Congress leader Yadav was jailed in a government conspiracy case. Baghel claimed it would be proved soon that the government had wrongly kept Yadav in jail for months. Due to incompetent government, the incident of arson at the offices of collector and superintendent of police in Baloda Bazar happened. Vishnu Deo Sai government and the home minister are responsible for it, Baghel stated. . . . . @Devendra_1925 Bhupesh Baghel (@bhupeshbaghel) February 20, 2025 However, BJP countered that Yadav has only got a bail but he has not been exonerated from the case. The Congress leader got bail only on technical grounds. The Satnami community and the people of the state will not forgive those accused involved in the conspiracy behind the violence in Baloda Bazar collectorate. Actually the entire Congress is on bail, said Anurag Agrawal, BJP spokesperson. Thousands of Satnami caste protestors agitated over desecration of their place of worship 'Jaitkhamb' near Girodhpuri turned violent, leading to setting the collectorate building and hundreds of vehicles in the premises on fire besides causing extensive damage to public property on June 10. As many as 186 accused involved in Baloda Bazar violence were then arrested. Later some got bail. Yadav, a two-time Congress MLA, also contested Lok Sabha polls last year from the Bilaspur seat.
Raipur police registered FIR over offensive posts targeting social activist, family on social media
RAIPUR: In a prompt action, the Raipur police lodged an FIR over a complaint of persistent mental distress caused by a series of offensive posts targeting a social activist for over a year through a social media platform X (earlier Twitter) created on a purported fictitious name. A resident of Raipur Kunal Shukla in his police complaint cited that a 55-year-old Nilesh Raichura has been routinely targeting him, his wife and daughter with disturbing filthy posts and offensive remarks. I initially ignored him. But he persisted in using abusive disgusting comments and began threatening me. I was scared as his unending aggression caused a long-drawn-out mental harassment. I was very concerned about the safety of my 11-year-old daughter. Left with no option, I had to approach the Raipur senior superintendent of police with my complaint seeking justice. I requested that the public decency and morality should be upheld. The police inquired into my grievances and after verification found it to be true, Shukla, who is also an RTI activist, said. Raichura, who resides in the neighbouring Dhamtari district, has created his profile X- handle in the name of Kathiawadi'. The Raipur police registered a case against Raichura under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 296 (performing obscene acts, comments or songs in public). Several social activists and netizens appreciated the move citing that the police having registered the case can set a good precedent for inculcating a sense of accountability for users on digital platforms.
Crypto currency scam: SC allows accused bail subject to Rs 35 lakh deposit
New Delhi, Feb 19: The Supreme Court has said granted bail to an accused in a crypto currency scam in Chhattisgarhs Raipur district on a security deposit of Rs 35 lakh within six months. A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan said the cases trial would take a long time and observed the man was accused of an economic offence in which about 2,000 investors lost their money. We are convinced that the appellant deserves to be [] The post Crypto currency scam: SC allows accused bail subject to Rs 35 lakh deposit appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IIM Raipur is accepting applications for its fully funded 4-year PhD program, aiming to nurture scholars with strong academic potential and global research aspirations. Applicants must have valid exam scores (GRE, GMAT, JRF, UGC NET, CAT) and meet specific educational qualifications. Selected candidates will receive financial support, including stipends, conference funding, and a laptop allowance. Apply by May 10, 2025.
Chhattisgarh partners with petroleum firms to combat vehicular pollution
RAIPUR: In a strategic leap towards controlling air pollution, the Chhattisgarh government has partnered with leading petroleum companies in its clean air action plans. Emphasising the need for convenient and effective pollution monitoring, the state transport department in collaboration with petroleum companies has begun setting up Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres at petrol pumps across the state to prevent air quality from turning unhealthy. Following a directive issued by the chief minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai to combat vehicular pollution, the transport department secretary S Prakash chaired a high-level meeting engaging the chief managers from Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and Reliance Industries along with senior officials. The agreement with the petroleum companies promises to be a game-changer for air quality compliance, said additional transport commissioner D Ravishankar and further added that the Chhattisgarh government has begun exercise to regulate all sources of vehicular air emission and will swiftly initiate actions on vehicle solution besides the increased inspections with stricter measures. The petrol pumps will have PUC testing centres ensuring quick and hassle-free emission certification for the convenience of vehicle owners. The agreement is aligned with National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines and Central Government pollution control policies, marking a decisive step in Chhattisgarhs clean air initiative, the officer added. Soon the regulatory actions will further incorporate an analysis of the weekly report comprising AQI that communicates the level of air pollution in major towns and cities. There will be a steady review of the particulate matter concentration. The collective support by the leading petroleum companies underscores a strong public-private collaboration for environment sustainability, enhancing compliance and ensuring cleaner air. With the intensified action plan ahead, now the owners and travellers need to be aware of the regulations to prevent penalties. The authorities have decided to enforce stringent steps to ensure the vehicles comply with the emission norms and carry a valid PUC certificate.
First ever rehabilitation of black-fungus induced defect using dental implant
RAIPUR: In a ground-breaking achievement, a serious defect caused by rare black fungus (mucormycosis) infection has been successfully treated on the facial part (maxillofacial-oro-orbital) and rehabilitated using a dental implant by Dr Neeraj Chandrakar, a Raipur-based prosthodontist (dentist who specialises in replacing missing teeth and other parts of mouth). The accomplishment cited as a significant advancement emerges as a beacon of hope for patients who are suffering from such debilitating conditions. The patient under the treatment, with over a year of follow-up, has shown outstanding functional and aesthetic recovery reinforcing the foreseeable effectiveness of this method. Mucormycosis has been a critical health challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic. The oro-orbital defect caused by this black fungal infection can have severe consequences impacting functionality and appearance. The exceptional feat cited as a major breakthrough won appreciation from academicians and health professionals from different countries. Prof In-Sung Yeo from South Korea, Prof S. Koka from USA, Prof Koki and Pham Alisa from South Africa, Dr Stephanie from UK, Prof Frencheska Delucchi from Italy, Katerana Pantouli from Greece and many others commended the achievement of Dr Chandrakar as unique. This is the first of its kind successful rehabilitation treatment with dental implants, eulogised by professors and doctors from various countries, reflecting the growing optimism among the health professionals. The favourable outcome offers a new viable pathway to recovery, Dr Chandrakar told TNIE . The treatment of the patient commenced in the year 2022, taking more than 60 working hours to overcome multiple procedural challenges during appointments spread across a year, he added. The expert use of dental implants in rehabilitating cancer-related defects enabled the Raipur prosthodontist in overcoming the challenges. Highly advanced technology such as software-based surgical planning, 3D printing, computer-guided surgery, digital scanning and digital prosthetic fabrication was implemented to set the seat of success in treatment. The peculiarity in the given case lies in the use of dental implants, which have proven to be more predictable and reliable compared to customised periosteal (placed under the gum tissue but on top of the jawbone) implant. After more than a year of follow-up, the treatment stands out not just for its clinical success but also for its cost-effectiveness and less invasive nature, making it a more accessible option for patients. Traditional periosteal implants come with higher costs and complex surgical procedures. Highly advanced technology such as software-based surgical planning was implemented.
IIM Raipur Invites Applications For PhD Programme, Check Details
During the first and second years, a stipend of Rs 50,000 per month is provided.
Voting Begins for First Phase of Panchayat Elections in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH: The first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections started on Monday in 53 blocks across Chhattisgarh. People were seen casting their votes at polling stations, including in Nimora village. The Chhattisgarh Election Commission had earlier announced that the elections would take place in three phases from February 17, 20, and 23. The results will be declared on February 18, 21, and 24. Just a few days ago, on February 15, Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda congratulated Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and party workers for their victory in the Chhattisgarh civic polls. The BJP secured all 10 mayoral posts, along with chairperson positions in 35 municipal councils and 81 Nagar Panchayats. Nadda called this win historic, saying it showed people's trust in the government's welfare schemes under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. In a social media post, he praised the Chief Minister, BJP state president Kiran Deo, and all party workers for their efforts. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also expressed his joy, calling it a big day for BJP in Chhattisgarh. We have won all 10 seats with a huge margin. Congress has been completely wiped out in the civic polls. They didnt win even a single seat, he said, thanking voters for their support. The civic elections, held on February 11, covered 173 urban bodies, including 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipal councils, and 114 Nagar Panchayats. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai last week expressed confidence that the BJP would definitely win Chhattisgarh's Municipal Corporation Elections 2025. The votes will be counted the day after polling. For the first phase of voting on February 17, counting will take place on February 18. In places where voting takes place on February 20, the results will be counted on February 21. Similarly, after the third phase of polling on February 23, the votes will be counted the next day, February 24.
CRPF creates new operations base in Chhattisgarhs Maoist stronghold
Raipur/New Delhi, Feb 16: The CRPF has opened a new operations base in the heart of a strong Maoist corridor in Chhattisgarhs south Bastar region as part of its expanding footprint into core Left Wing Extremism-affected areas of the state. The forward operating base at Pujari Kanker in the Bijapur district was established on February 13 by the 196th and 205th CoBRA battalion of the force along with assistance from various other units of the paramilitary force deployed in [] The post CRPF creates new operations base in Chhattisgarhs Maoist stronghold appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BJP secures clean sweep in Chhattisgarh urban body elections
RAIPUR: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has swept the urban body elections in Chhattisgarh, winning all 10 mayoral seats and leaving the Congress without a single victory. The BJPs dominance in these polls further cements its electoral supremacy in the state, following its victories in the 2023 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Polling was conducted on 11th February using electronic voting machines (EVMs) across 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipal councils, and 114 nagar panchayats. According to state election officials, the BJP secured chairperson posts in 35 out of the 49 municipal councils, while the Congress won 8, the Aam Aadmi Party claimed 1, and independents won 5. The BJP also emerged as the leading force in the 114 nagar panchayats, winning 81. The Congress secured 22, the Bahujan Samaj Party won 1, and independents claimed victory in 10. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had repeatedly urged voters to support a triple-engine government at the national, state, and local levels to ensure uninterrupted development in Chhattisgarh. The BJP retains the trust of the people. Its a historic peoples mandate in our favour, Sai said. Our government will fulfil all promises of our manifesto Atal Vishwas Patra (released ahead of the elections), just as we are delivering on the pledges made under Modi ki Guarantee. Pankaj Jha, media advisor to the Chief Minister, echoed this sentiment: The voters have endorsed the leadership of the Sai government, its welfare initiatives, and policies. The BJP maintained a strong lead in all 10 municipal corporations from the moment vote counting began at 9 AM, while also securing major wins in most municipalities and nagar panchayats. Congress state president Deepak Baij acknowledged the partys poor performance, saying, The poll results were not as per our expectations. The party will introspect the results, and we accept the peoples decision.
Tendulkar to lead India, Sangakkara named SL captain for International Masters League
New Delhi, Feb 14: The iconic Sachin Tendulkar and legendary wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara will don the jersey once more, this time as the skippers of India and Sri Lanka in the inaugural International Masters League. The tournament is scheduled between February 22 to March 16 across Mumbai, Vadodara and Raipur. The India Masters squad, which was revealed here on Friday, will feature some renowned names such as multiple World Cup winner Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan and Ambati Rayudu [] The post Tendulkar to lead India, Sangakkara named SL captain for International Masters League appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
SC pulls up ED for using PMLA to keep accused in jail
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has pulled up the ED for using the Prevention of Money Laundering Act to keep an accused in jail and questioned if the provision was eing misused like the dowry law. A bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed on Wednesday while granting bail to Arun Pati Tripathi, a former excise officer from Chhattisgarh. The top court expressed surprise at how the accused was kept in custody if a court order taking cognisance of the complaint was quashed by the Chhattisgarh High Court. The concept of PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) cannot be that a person should remain in jail. If the tendency is to keep the person in jail, even after cognisance is quashed, what can be said? See what happened in 498A cases, PMLA also being misused like that? the bench asked. Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code protects married women from cruelty by their husbands and their relatives. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the Enforcement Directorate (ED), opposed the grant of bail, saying crooks could not get away on technical grounds. Raju submitted cognisance was quashed for lack of sanction and that it was irrelevant for bail. Expressing dismay, the bench said, It is shocking that the ED knows the cognisance was quashed, yet this was suppressed. We should summon the officers. The ED must come clean. What kind of signals are we giving? Order taking cognisance is quashed and the person is in custody, the top court bench said. The apex court was hearing an appeal of Tripathi, an Indian Telecom Services officer, challenging a Chhattisgarh High Court order denying him bail in connection with the high-profile liquor scam in the state. Tripathi, who served on deputation as special secretary and managing director of the Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited, was arrested after an ED investigation. The ED initiated the probe based on a predicate offence registered by the economic offences wing, Raipur, under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The federal agency alleged a criminal syndicate comprising senior government officials, private individuals, and political executives manipulated the state's excise policies to extort illegal earnings from the liquor trade.
Nagpur-Raipur Travels Bus Hijacked, Workers Robbed at Gunpoint
Nagpur/Raipur Passengers traveling in a private bus from Nagpur to Raipur fell victim to an armed robbery. As soon as the bus left Nagpur, unidentified assailants brandished firearms and carried out the crime, targeting mostly workers returning home. According to reports, the Jagirdar Travels private bus operates between Nagpur and Bilaspur, Madhya Pradesh. On [] The post Nagpur-Raipur Travels Bus Hijacked, Workers Robbed at Gunpoint appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
Chhattisgarh government suspends 23 hospitals in PMJAY over irregularities and frauds
RAIPUR: Taking stern action against 23 private hospitals, the Chhattisgarh government has suspended their registrations after a detailed scrutiny of their records and practices revealed gross violations and manipulations involving fraudulent claims under the Central governments Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). In a strict move to address fraudulent activities and irregularities, the state health department has terminated the licenses of 15 out of the 23 hospitals and multi-specialty clinics for one year, while the remaining hospitals have been suspended for 3-6 months. The inquiry and subsequent strong actions were initiated after receiving triggers from the National Anti-Fraud Unit created by the National Health Authority to monitor deceitful and unfair practices, particularly in suspicious medi-claims, while implementing the anti-fraud framework supported by state units. Five hospitals were also served warning notices by the health department after alleged fraudulent activities were detected in the health scheme. The inspections that uncovered significant inconsistencies and wrongdoings were conducted in private hospitals located in Raipur, Durg, and Bilaspur. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated the governments commitment to ensuring secure healthcare for the people and emphasized that any irregularity by hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Ayushman Swasthya Yojana would not be tolerated. Stringent action will be taken against those hospitals engaged in illegitimate activities and violating the norms of welfare schemes, said the CM. State Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal added that the government remains resolute in ensuring transparency with proper monitoring of the health schemes, so that deserving beneficiaries receive the proper access to the Ayushman scheme. During the scrutiny of several hospitals' records, many well-known multi-specialty hospitals and nursing homes failed to provide satisfactory explanations, and manipulations were found in the rates charged for treatment, as well as other insurance claims.
Bijapur encounter: How surprise attack from Maharashtra side led to massive crackdown on Naxals
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh police took Naxalites by surprise and succeeded in surrounding them by launching their operation in Bijapur district, during which 31 ultras were killed, from neighbouring Maharashtra, officials said on Tuesday. In one of the biggest strikes against Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, security forces gunned down 31 ultras , including 11 women, on a forested hill in the Indravati National Park area on Sunday. Two security personnel were also killed and as many others injured in the gunfight. We had inputs about the presence of cadres belonging to Telangana state committee, west Bastar division and national park area committee of Maoists in the remote jungles of Indravati National Park area for a meeting ahead of their Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC), a police official told PTI. Naxalites carry out the TCOC between March and June during which they step up their activities. Combat units of the Chhattisgarh police's District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF) and Bastar Fighters were mobilised from different directions in the area on February 7, the official said. To strategically utilise the element of surprise, some of the teams were mobilised into the Indravati National Park from the launch pads of Maharashtra police in the neighbouring state, he said. On Sunday morning, patrolling teams zeroed-in on a hill where the movement of Naxalites was spotted. The exchange of fire broke out at around 8 am as security forces started encircling the hill, the official said. Naxalites split into two groups amid the gunfight. While one group, apparently comprising cadres of Telangana state committee, started retreating, the other group remained engaged in the gun battle, he said. The patrolling teams entering from Maharashtra side appeared to have taken Naxalites by surprise as they did not anticipate the movement of forces from that direction and were outnumbered. The intermittent exchange of firing lasted till around 4 pm, the official said. The strategy to change the approach routes helped in achieving a major success in the operation as 31 Naxalites were neutralised, the official said. The encounter site is nearly 80 km away from the Bijapur district headquarters and 40 km inside Chhattisgarh from Maharashtra border. Security personnel covered around 100 km on foot during the three-day-long operation, he said. Following the gunfight, security forces brought the bodies of Maoists with the help of makeshift sling for about five km following which support for air transport was sought, he said. It was not possible for security forces to carry the 31 bodies on their shoulders while walking on foot for about 45 km as they were already tired, being out on the operation since February 7. So, while evacuating bodies of the martyred jawans and two injured personnel, we also decided to airlift the bodies of Naxalites, he said. Some jawans, mostly women commandos, who were suffering from dehydration were also airlifted to Bijapur, the official said. Twenty four firearms and a huge cache of explosives have been recovered from the encounter site, he said. Five of the 31 Naxalites killed have been identified as dreaded cadres, carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 25 lakh. Of the five, Hunga Karma, a divisional committee member of west Bastar division of Maoists, carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh, the official said. The west and south Bastar divisions of Maoists are their strongest formations in the region and in the last one year, several key cadres of the west Bastar division have been eliminated, the official said. Out of the 81 Naxalites gunned down in the state so far this year, 65 were killed in the Bastar division comprising seven districts, including Bijapur. Last year, 219 Naxalites were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh, according to police.
Bijapur encounter: Naxalites caught unawares as cops struck from Maharashtra side
Raipur, Feb 11: Chhattisgarh police took Naxalites by surprise and succeeded in surrounding them by launching their operation in Bijapur district, during which 31 ultras were killed, from neighbouring Maharashtra, officials said on Tuesday. In one of the biggest strikes against Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, security forces gunned down 31 ultras, including 11 women, on a forested hill in the Indravati National Park area on Sunday. Two security personnel were also killed and as many others injured in the gunfight. We [] The post Bijapur encounter: Naxalites caught unawares as cops struck from Maharashtra side appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Raipur Diary | Advancing towards digital governance
In a major step towards digital transformation and transparent governance, the Chhattisgarh government has announced the full-scale implementation of the E-office system across all government departments. The initiative is deemed to strengthen efficiency, accountability and transparency in administration and meet the state governments commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. So far, 16 department head offices have been integrated and the district-level rollout is progressing swiftly. The system will allow real-time tracking of files, enhanced decision-making and make the governance smarter. Bipolar contest and minorities in urban polls After the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chhattisgarh is once again preparing for another election -- the urban body polls. This election is expected to be a contest primarily between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress. The participation of minorities in the electoral process are not usually seen as encouraging despite their assumed role in playing unspecified determining, though small, in the fortunes of political parties. The Congress has given 7.38% of its tickets to Muslim candidates and the BJPs share for Muslim faces is barely 0.73%. No licensed conductors, HC seeks response The Chhattisgarh HC is hearing a PIL regarding thousands of registered passenger buses operating without licensed conductors, compromising safety. Of the 68,396 registered passenger buses, only a few have hired licensed conductors. This is against the provisions of the law and the safety of passengers. There are elderly citizens, children, women, ailing and other passengers whose safety and convenient journey remain essential. The role of license conductor has been described in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rule. It remains the responsibility of the state to ensure no passenger buses operate on the road without a licensed conductor. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Chhattisgarh urban body polls: Women voters outnumber men
RAIPUR : The voters in Chhattisgarh will elect new members for the 3,206 wards of the urban bodies going to the polls on Tuesday. Out of the 44.74 lakh total urban voters, female electorates, with over 22.73 lakh, outnumber men, who have a strength of little over 22 lakh. Interestingly, the female voters, with their sizeable strength, are also likely to play a significant role in the elections in 8 out of the 10 municipal corporation polls. There are 970 candidates in the fray for the posts of Mayor and Chairperson, and 9,452 candidates for corporators across the state. The urban body elections in 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipalities, and 114 nagar panchayats are scheduled for 11th February, with the counting of votes set for 15th February. Chhattisgarh has also done better in womens political participation. The state Assembly has among the highest percentage of women MLAs in the country, with 21.11 percent of the total lawmakers, and 19 legislators in the 90-member House. With women playing a significant role in the elections, political parties believe they have a strong impact on the overall poll results. Consequently, parties are attempting to woo them by focusing on issues that affect them. Chhattisgarh has always seen a consistent rise in the number of women contestants, and the BJP always supports higher women representation in politics and their empowerment, said Kritika Jain, a BJP candidate contesting for the post of corporator in the Raipur municipal corporation. The polls for the civic bodies will be conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs). There are 5,992 polling centers for the urban body elections. In addition to the corporators, there will be a direct election of mayors in municipal corporations and chairpersons of municipal bodies by the people. The entire process of both the urban and 3-tier panchayat polls will be completed by February 24.
SGPC dismisses Giani Harpreet Singh as Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar
CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) dismissed Jathedar (High Priest) of Takht Damdama Sahib, Giani Harpreet Singh from service. He was dismissed after the executive committee of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee accepted the report of the investigation panel formed in this regard. Sharing information over it, SGPC secretary Partap Singh said that this decision has been taken 'unanimously' based on the report of the investigation panel. Only three members registered their dissenting note in this regard, while the remaining members of the SGPC executive committee who attended the meeting agreed to the dismissal of Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, he said. He also added that the investigation has proven the allegations against Singh and the action has been taken by the executive committee in regards to the honour and dignity of the Takht that has been hurt. Three SGPC executive members Paramjit Singh Raipur, Jaswant Singh Purain, and Amrik Singh walked out of the meeting in protest, allegeing that the decision was politically motivated. They claimed that the majority of executive members belonging to the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) influenced the decision. Partap Singh said that the executive committee has for the time being assigned the services of the Jathedar to Giani Jagtar Singh, the Head Granthi of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, in place of Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh. On December 16 last year, a complaint was filed by Gurpreet Singh of Muktsar in which he alleged misconduct by Giani Harpreet Singh. An SGPC panel, comprising senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk, general secretary Sher Singh Mandwala and executive member Daljit Singh Bhinder was formed to investigate the allegations. Singhs services were initially suspended for a fortnight, which was later extended for a month. The SGPC panels report found him guilty of the allegations, leading to his termination. Singh had earlier said that he might be dismissed from service and Akali Dal did not want to comply with the decision of Akal Takht which was issued on December 2 last year for party reorganisation. Along with this, in the executive meeting, a decision was also made to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the family of Satnam Singh, who died of a fall while performing service of Nishan Sahibs attire at Gurdwara Sri Kandh Sahib in Batala. Apart from this, matters related to various Gurdwaras, educational institutions, trust departments and other works related to the SGPC were discussed and simplified.
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31 Maoists killed, 2 injured in Bijapur encounter
Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Feb 9 (UNI): At least 31 Maoists were killed and two others injured in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district here on Sunday morning, police said. Bastar Inspector General of Police (IG) P Sundar Raj also confirmed the death of 31 Maoists in the encounter. The encounter broke out in [] The post 31 Maoists killed, 2 injured in Bijapur encounter appeared first on Northlines .
Cgarh: 31 Naxals, 2 jawans killed in Bijapur encounter, huge cache of automatic weapons recovered
The two injured jawans were airlifted to Raipur for better medical treatment and they were said to be out of danger now
Nagpurs fugitive land mafia Ahmed Jiwani arrested by Indore police
Nagpur: In a major breakthrough, Indore Police have arrested wanted land mafia Ahmed Jiwani, a 50,000 rewardee, for his involvement in multi-crore fraud cases. The accused had been on the run, evading arrest in Nagpur, Hyderabad, Nashik, Delhi, Mumbai and Sharjah, before being caught. Jiwani has allegedly orchestrated massive land scams in Nagpur, Raipur (Chhattisgarh), [] The post Nagpurs fugitive land mafia Ahmed Jiwani arrested by Indore police appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
12 Naxals, two cops killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
RAIPUR: Twelve Naxalites of banned outfit CPI (Maoist) were gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh's strife-torn Bijapur district, about 400 km south of Raipur on Sunday, said the police. Two security personnel were killed and two others were injured in the face-off, they said. Both were airlifted by chopper from the encounter site to Raipur for immediate medical attention and are stated to be out of danger. The gunfight took place at a forest in the Indravati National Park area in the morning when a joint team of personnel from different security forces was out on an anti-Naxalite operation, a senior police official said. As per preliminary information, 12 Naxalites were killed in the gunfight. Bodies of all of them have been recovered, he said. Two security personnel, one belonging to the state police's District Reserve Guard and the other from the Special Task Force, were killed in the gunfight and two others suffered injuries, the official said. Based on specific information about the presence of armed Maoists at the national park region of Bijapur district, a joint team of security forces comprising District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Special Task Force (STF) left on anti-Maoist operation on Saturday, said a police officer who further added that the casualty count of the red rebels may rise further. Efforts are on to retrieve the bodies of the deceased security personnel and evacuate the injured jawans, he said. The recovered bodies of the cadres of left-wing extremists are yet to be identified. Reinforcement has been rushed to the area and the search operation for Maoists has been intensified in the region, which is long considered to be their safe shelter. On February 1, the forces killed eight Maoists in Bijapur. This year, 62 bodies of Maoists have been recovered in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh. A large cache of weapons and explosives were also recovered from the scene. The series of encounters against the left-wing extremists remains a part of the renewed strategy to free the Chhattisgarh state from the influence of the outlawed Maoist. Bijapur remains one of the worst Maoist-affected districts in Bastar and being cited as an epicentre of left-wing extremists in south Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh urban body polls: Congress fields more Muslim candidates than BJP
RAIPUR: The participation of minorities in the electoral process are not usually seen as encouraging despite their assumed role in playing unspecified determining, may be small, in the fortune of political parties. Chhattisgarh is yet again into the season of polls after the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. And the poll-battle in the upcoming urban body is likely to be bipolar with a direct fight between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress across the state. The political parties are seen in the middle of the campaign after the distribution of tickets in which the minorities apparently got a better share from Congress than the BJP. Out of the 542 wards going to polls for electing the Corporations in the Chhattisgarh urban bodies, the Congress has given tickets to 40 Muslim candidates while only four from the community get tickets of the saffron party. The urban body elections in 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipalities, and 114 nagar panchayats are scheduled for 11th February, with the counting of votes set for 15th February. In Raipur municipal corporation, among the 70 wards, the BJP has not given any ticket to Muslim while the opposition has selected five seats for Muslims. Overall, the Congress has given tickets to nine candidates in Bilaspur, five in Raipur, seven in Ambikapur, two in Chirmiri, two in Durg, three in Jagdalpur, three in Rajnandgaon, two in Raigarh and one in Dhamtari. The BJP has fielded one candidate belonging to Muslim community each in Bilaspur, Durg, Ambikapur and Raigarh to contest for election for a Corporator. The Congress has given 7.38 per cent of its tickets to Muslim candidates and the BJPs share for Muslim faces is 0.73 per cent. It remains to be seen how the caste and winnability factors of the Muslim candidates as calculated by respective parties are going to turn the table on their rivals with allegations and appeals. BJP's manifesto titles 'Atal Vishwas Patra' was recently released by the Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai while the Congress president Deepak Baij unveiled the partys 34 promises in its manifesto, titled Jan Ghoshna Patra.
At least four people lost their lives, and four others were injured in a collision between a truck and a vehicle carrying Kumbh devotees in Sonbhadra. The accident occurred around 6:30 AM when they were returning to Raipur, Chhattisgarh, after visiting Prayagraj. The injured are receiving medical treatment.
Congress, BJP spar over Mahakumbh holy dip invitation by Chhattisgarh speaker
RAIPUR: The invitation extended by Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh to all the state legislators for a joint trip to Mahakumbh was turned down by the leader of the opposition Charandas Mahant. Singh in his letter to every MLA including the chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai asked them to accompany in the Prayagraj trip for a holy dip planned on February 13. He said that its going to be a unique occasion to experience Sanatan democratic traditions by attending religious and cultural events at Triveni Sangam. He also stated that the Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Satish Mahana too has invited all MLAs from Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha to visit Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. CM Vishnu Deo Sai said,Mahakumbh as a rare and auspicious occurrence after 144 years. We all want to be a part of it. Pankaj Jha, media advisor to the chief minister said, The invitation by the Chhattisgarh Speaker inviting all MLAs for a holy dip at Mahakumbh is appreciable and commendable. The leader of opposition Mahant ji shouldn't be obstinate. As this is not a political matter the Congress legislators are not bound to follow his directive. The Congress MLAs should instead listen to their inner conscience and go along with. Howver, the Congress countered that participation in Mahakumbh is a matter of personal belief. Over fifty percent of our legislators have already taken a holy dip at Prayagraj and why should the Congress leaders visit at the behest of the Speaker. For us the religious belief is based on ones own credence and the Congressmen don't go for a showoff on faith, said Sushil Anand Shukla, chairman of Congress media cell. Earlier CM Sai initially planned to take along his cabinet team and others to Mahakumbh mela but owing to the ongoing model code of conduct imposed in the state ahead of urban body polls, the Speaker now has taken the responsibility, the Congress spokesperson added. Shukla further said that the religious trip expenses shouldn't be covered by the government spending or sponsorship since then such acts will be deemed as sinful. The expenses to bear the cost of a sacred visit to Mahakumbh should be from ones own expenses and every MLA is capable of it.
Video: Drunk Russian Woman's Car Hits Scooty At Midnight In Raipur, Then This Happens
A drunk Russian woman in Chhattisgarh's Raipur created a ruckus on the road after her car collided with a scooter, injuring three men.
Chhattisgarh High Court hears PIL on buses operating without licensed conductors
RAIPUR: Terming it a serious issue, the Chhattisgarh High Court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding thousands of registered passenger buses operating without licensed conductors, compromising safety. The petitioner, Vinesh Chopda, a journalist, filed a PIL stating that out of the 68,396 registered passenger buses operating in Chhattisgarh, only a few have hired licensed conductors. Passenger buses in big numbers are moving without licensed conductors on board. This is against the provisions of the law and the safety of passengers, the public and even the driver. There are elderly citizens, children, women, ailing and other passengers whose safety and convenient journey remain essential, the petitioner added. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal sharing the the petitioner's concern asked the state government to respond in four weeks. The petitioner in the PIL has projected the issue of passenger buses/stage carriages being operated without conductor/license conductor in the state. The role of license conductor has been described in the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 and Central Motor Vehicle Rule. No other person can act as conductor except the licensed one given the safety of the public at large, the court pointed out in its order and issued the notice. Section 29 of The Motor Vehicles Act, states that only people with a valid conductor's licence can work as a bus conductor and it's illegal for anyone to hire or let someone without this licence work as a bus conductor. The petitioner pleaded for the courts directive to the state, the flying squad of the transport department and to check points to ensure that no passenger bus/ stage carriage shall operate on the road without a licensed conductor. Under the Right to Information, we came to know that there are only 21 licensed conductors out of 16321 buses in the capital Raipur and 41 licensed conductors for 5992 buses in Raigarh. When these two major districts have such a pathetic prevailing situation, one can understand the situation in the entire state, said Rishab Bisen, the petitioners counsel.
Saints role vital in protecting Indias culture and unity: Shah
RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said Indias saints played a significant role in preserving the countrys culture, unity and knowledge. Speaking at the First Samadhi Mahotsav of Jain seer Acharya Vidyasagar Mahamuniraj in Dongargarh town of Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon district, Shah said Jain monks worked towards uniting the country. Post-independence, when the country and the government began getting influenced by western thoughts, Acharya Vidyasagar continued to protect the Indian culture, religion and languages, Shah said, adding the seers messages, discourses and writings are a precious heritage for the Jain community as well as the entire nation. The saint tradition of our country is very rich. Whenever the need arose, it played a role in protecting the countrys culture. During the period of slavery, they kept the nations consciousness alive through their spirit of devotion, he said. Shah said Acharya Vidyasagar was a yug purush who started a new idea and era. He inspired many people to take care of the countrys cottage industries and employment. He promoted godhan (cattle), charkha (spinning wheel), handloom and local employment, the minister said.
Drunk Russian Woman Was Sitting On Driver's Lap Moments Before Crash In Raipur, 3 Injured | Video
The drunk Russian woman was reportedly sitting on the driver's lap, which caused him to crash the vehicle on a scooter carrying three young men. They were hospitalised in critical condition.
Vulture mounted with camera, transmitter spotted in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-affected Kanker
RAIPUR: A vulture with a small electronic device containing a camera and transmitter mounted on its back was discovered wandering in the core Maoist-affected area of Bhanupratapur in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. Its presence has raised concern and curiosity among locals and security forces. Forest department officials acknowledged that a vulture equipped with a fixed camera had never been spotted in the disturbed Bastar region before, this likely led to confusion and concern among locals. The officials later shared with TNIE that the vulture, an endangered species listed under Schedule 1, is part of a research project conducted by the Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC) in Pinjore, Haryana. The BNHS based in Andheri (Mumbai) has 10 white-rumped vultures and one among them fitted with camera and trackers was released and observed as they forage in other areas. These vultures are colony animals but this solitary flight may be in search of a suitable habitat, as it entered into Chhattisgarh region from Mumbai. The vulture need not be disturbed and remains under our close observations. It will be rescued only if the bird is seen in stress or any threat. The joint project by VCBC and BNHS works in the field of vulture conservation and propagation as their population has been dwindling, Alok Bajpai, (IFS) divisional forest officer (DFO) Kanker told the TNIE . The locals spotted the vulture at the office of the electricity board at Bhanupratapur and someone alerted the forest department. Catching sight of a vulture with an attached electronic gadget or camera for the first time, and venturing into such a sensitive area to witness an armed conflict between the forces and the Maoists created much curiosity and some disquiet. Initially, the speculations were rife that the vulture was used for some surveillance or spying, said Vijay Pandey, a senior journalist based in Kanker. Meanwhile, after coming through a long flight the vulture has a tendency to stay in some particular place for 2-3 nights and get some rest before continuing its flight. The bird owing to its scavenger habit has been given some non-vegetarian meal by our team that is on alert and keeping a close watch, said the Kanker DFO. The vulture had some nesting sites at Kutumsar caves in Indravati national park in Bastar region, so the wildlife experts also believe the bird might possibly proceed to that area.
Labourer injured in Naxalite-planted IED blast at Chhattisgarh mine
NARAYANPUR: A labourer was injured when a pressure improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off at a mining site in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Wednesday, police said. The incident took place in the morning at the Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine under Chhote Dongar police station limits, located nearly 350 km from the state capital Raipur, a senior police official said. The injured labourer was shifted to a hospital in Chhote Dongar, he said. Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) has been allotted the iron ore mine in Aamdai Ghati, and Naxalites have been opposing the project for a long time. In November 2023, two labourers were killed in a similar incident of blast at the Aamdai Ghati iron ore mine
Disgruntled BJP, Congress leaders form 'Dukhi Aatma Party' ahead of Chhattisgarh urban body polls
RAIPUR: In an unusual political move, disgruntled leaders from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress have joined forces to form a new political group, the Dukhi Aatma Party (Distressed Soul Party), after being denied tickets to contest the upcoming urban body elections. Aggrieved members, including several turncoats, have resigned from their respective parties and decided to field candidates in all 15 wards of the Devkar Nagar Panchayat in Bemetara district, about 80 km from Raipur. They argue that deserving candidates, who had long served their parties, have been sidelined in favour of newcomers. A senior local politician, Suresh Sihore, has been unanimously elected as the president of the newly formed party. The group has been holding routine meetings and carrying out silent campaigns to mobilise support for their candidates. Congress releases 'chargesheet' against BJP ahead of Chhattisgarh urban body polls We will contest in all 15 wards under whatever symbol our group gets for the forthcoming polls for corporator and chairperson of the Devkar Nagar Panchayat. I am contesting from Ward No. 6. Our move will have a ripple effect in other urban areas, said Vimlesh Dwivedi, a former Congress corporator from 2014 to 2019 and now a disillusioned member of the Dukhi Aatma Party. Dwivedi further stated that only those who are self-motivated, socially recognised, and genuinely capable of contesting the elections will be fielded as candidates. The names of candidates for all 15 wards have been nearly finalised. The urban body elections across 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipalities, and 114 nagar panchayats are scheduled for 11th February, with the counting of votes set for 15th February.
Healthy counter to Maoist menace in Dantewada
RAIPUR: In what is seen as a major relief to the tribal inhabitants of Potali, in the Maoist-affected Kuakonda block of Chhattisgarhs Dantewada district, a healthcare centre built in 2003, has finally become functional after two decades. South Bastar, witnessing a consistent decline in areas seen as the strongholds of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), has created good scope for Potali, where the services of the sub-health centre are resumed for the local adivasi community. It was stalled earlier owing to Maoist violence. It was the state governments endeavour to ensure sustainable resilient health services reach every tribal pockets that Potali sub-health centre was re-built after the Maoists destroyed it. There was also an apparent threat after the work started to begin on the health centre, Mayank Chaturvedi, a Dantewada collector said. The collector added that the efforts of the district administration, health department, collaboration from local communities, and consultation services from the World Health Organisation (WHO) helped realise the goal. The WHO appreciated the remarkable achievement and cited it as a significant milestone in improving health services in the challenging region. The projects accomplishment is seen as a model of how dedicated efforts can deliver essential healthcare even in the most challenging environments. The governments decision in the year 2021 to develop Potali as an Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Center, supported by the WHO India, signalled a turning point. However, the construction faced setbacks in 2023 after the deadly Maoist attack when 10 security personnel and a civilian were killed after a powerful IED explosion hit their vehicle. The incident halted the health service plan. Originally built in 2003, the sub-Health Centre at Potali could not begin its operations due to persistent threats from Maoists, forcing villagers to depend on a temporary health centre located far away some 10 km or more. The situation was particularly difficult for women, who endured many challenges in accessing healthcare services, a government spokesperson stated. With the successful commencement of much-needed health services, it has now been transformed into an Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centre with technical assistance from WHO India, support from the Centres Aspirational Block Programme, and the state governments Niyaad Nellnar scheme. The newly functional facility now caters to the healthcare needs of over 2,500 residents from three nearby villages, providing services like a six-bedded ward and consultations from qualified medical personnel, including a community health officer, a rural health officer, and 26 Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers. The sub-health centre at Potali officially became operational on January 1 this year. We have been waiting for such a health centre facility close to our area for several years. Its a big relief, especially for the women for medical treatment, said Lalita Mandvi, a local sarpanch.
Over 190 People Fall Ill Due To Food Poisoning at Mass Wedding in Rajasthan's Udaipur
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Omprakash Raipuriya said that most of those who fell ill were women and children with weak immunity.
RSS-affiliated magazines to be kept in Chhattisgarh jails to reform inmates
RAIPUR: The Jail department in the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh has decided to add the Panchjanya (in Hindi) and the Organiser (in English), so-called mouthpieces of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the libraries for inmates. The prison libraries in the state were stated to have collections of books and publications on diverse subjects. During a recent inspection, state Director General (Jail) Himanshu Gupta found that libraries in jails do not have the weekly Panchjanya and Organiser. He instructions officials to make the magazines available in all 33 state prisons. Chhattisgarh has five central, 20 district jails and eight sub jails. The DG believes the decision could be a good move towards reforming prisoners, giving them right guidance, improving their learning and helping mental growth. It will encourage inmates to rehabilitate themselves in mainstream society after their release, the senior officer said. Jail administrations claimed the step will also create awareness among prisoners about Sanatan Indian culture and patriotism. According to a senior officer, a prison library usually purchases newspapers, magazines and books every month. On an average, for every 50 inmates there is one newspaper and a magazine available in the prison library. However, the Congress, questioning the decision, stated that people of the country no longer wish to read the divisive thoughts and hateful agenda promoted by the RSS-linked publications Panchjanya and Organiser. RSS is the ideological mentor of the BJP. And the ruling BJP in Chhattisgarh will misuse public money in the name of arranging the two weekly magazines in every jail, Sushil Anand Shukla of the Congress said. The Panchjanya, launched in 1948, and the Organiser, founded in 1947, were not considered for Chhattisgarh prison libraries during the earlier 15-year BJP regime under Raman Singh.
Chhattisgarh BJP govt failed to meet peoples expectations: Cong; ruling party rejects charges
RAIPUR, Feb 2: The opposition Congress in Chhattisgarh on Sunday claimed that the BJP had failed to meet peoples expectations over the past year, a charge the ruling party rejected. All sections of society are disappointed with the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government, state Congress chief Deepak Baij claimed while releasing a chargesheet at a []
Congress releases 'chargesheet' against BJP ahead of Chhattisgarh urban body polls
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) on Sunday released a 25-point 'chargesheet' against the ruling BJP government, highlighting alleged corruption, poor governance, failure to keep promises, deteriorating law and order situation. The move comes ahead of the upcoming local body elections in the state. The state PCC president Deepak Baij, while unveiling the chargesheet, questioned the leadership of the CM Vishnu Deo Sai during the last one year, claiming that the government lacked direction and was being controlled remotely. The present government is a puppet and remote-controlled. Nobody knows if the Chhattisgarh government is controlled from Delhi or Nagpur or even from Bihar! Who is at the helm of affairsthe CM, two deputy chief ministers or a prominent BJP minister considering himself as no less than a CM. It seems the state has many super CMs, said Baij, taking a dig at the BJP government. He further said that the Congress would expose the BJP government's failures before the public during the election campaigns. , pic.twitter.com/lUdcoUblcN INC Chhattisgarh (@INCChhattisgarh) February 2, 2025 The BJP however dismissed the allegations, stating the Congress has already been rejected by the people in both Assembly and Lok Sabha polls owing to their bad governance and several scams witnessed during its five-year rule. The chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that his government has gained the people's trust during the last one year as they are fulfilling the promises made under Modis guarantee. He expressed confidence that voters will ensure a triple engine government in the forthcoming urban body polls. The urban bodies polls in Chhattisgarh will be held in a single phase on February 11, with vote counting scheduled for February 15. The elections, to be conducted by Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), will be held in 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipalities and 114 nagar panchayats.
Four jawans fall sick during anti- Naxal operation in Dantewada jungle
Raipur: Four jawans including a woman have fallen sick during an anti- Naxal operation in a jungle in Dantewada district in south Bastar in Chhattisgarh, police said on Thursday. A woman commando of Danteswari Fighters, a women counterinsurgency wing of Chhattisgarh police, suffered serious injuries when she accidentally slipped while passing over a mound in the forest, a senior district police officer said. The woman commando however joined the anti-Naxal operation despite her injury, the police officer said. The four jawans including a woman have fallen sick due to sudden weather change. A woman commando suffered injury after she slipped over a mound. All of them were removed out of the forest by other jawans and taken to a nearby camp. They were airlifted by a chopper to Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar, for treatment. All of them are stable now, the police officer said. Meanwhile, nine hardcore Maoists carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 52 lakh surrendered before the police in Sukma under south Bastar in Chhattisgarh, according to Sukma district superintendent of police Kiran Chavan. Of the surrendered Naxals, four were of the commander rank in the Maoist cadre and two others, a couple, were members of the Maoists battalion number one.
Gariaband encounter puts spotlight on 3 major tiger reserves in Central India
Raipur: The recent encounter between the security forces and Maoists in a forest in Gariaband district in Chhattisgarh has put spotlight on three major tiger reserves in Central India affected by the Naxal menace. The Maoists red corridor, developed over the years, passes through these three tiger reserves hitting hard the conservation in these famous wildlife sanctuaries. The three tiger reserves are Udanti Sitanadi and Indravati in Chhattisgarh and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Of them, the Indravati Tiger Reserve (ITR) in Bijapur district in south Bastar is the worst affected by the Leftwing extremism. Around 40-50 percent of the 2,799.08 sq km-ITR has remained inaccessible (for the forest staff) due to the Leftwing extremism issue, affecting conservation. The tiger estimation exercise during the census of the big cat could not be carried out due to this, ITR field director Sandeep Balaga told this newspaper on Wednesday. The core area of the reserve, spanning 1,258.37, is considered critical tiger habitat. Major impediment before the tiger estimation exercise is threat by the Maoists not to install cameras, used for camera traps during tiger estimation, particularly in the reserve forests, known to be Maoist strongholds. Maoists fear that installation of cameras in the reserve will help security forces monitor their movements. Around eight to ten tigers have been spotted in the reserve, the forest officer said. The reserve is known for its diverse wildlife and bird species, including the endangered species like wild buffalos and hill mynas. The two species, significantly, are declared state animal and state bird respectively by the Chhattisgarh government for their preservation. One range alone in the reserve is estimated to house 12-15 wild buffalos. Sources said that the inaccessibility to the core areas has led to massive illicit felling of teak trees in the reserve. No wonder, the fame of ITR being the largest teak wood forest in the country has become the thing of past now due to the large-scale timber smuggling. Wildlife conservation is also seriously hit in Udanti Sitanadi tiger reserve due to the Leftwing extremism. Sixteen Maoists including a Central Committee (CC) member carrying Rs one crore bounty were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kuljhadghat forest under the tiger reserve on January 21. All the eight ranges in the 1,854 sq km-reserve are affected by the Leftwing extremism to varied extents. The Maoist movements restrict foot patrolling, and the night patrolling. This patrolling gap has thus created is filled by the timber smugglers and poachers, deputy director of the reserve Varun Jain told this newspaper. According to him, 30 percent area of the reserve has remained inaccessible to the forest staff due to the menace affecting the conservation. Notified as a tiger reserve in 2009, no tiger has been spotted in the wildlife sanctuary since 2023. In the famous Kanha National Park, which is home to over 145 tigers, Maoists have been able to create base in some forested area, but they use the base as their silent zone for hideout when they face pressure by the security forces in neighbouring Chhattisgarh, a senior forest officer of the reserve told this newspaper, unwilling to be quoted.
Raipur Diary: New record created on paddy procurement
New record created on paddy procurement Rice Bowl Chhattisgarh reached its highest achievement in the ongoing paddy procurement on Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the state, breaking its own previous record of 144.92 lakh metric tons (LMT). During the current Kharif marketing year 2024-25, the state government has already procured over 146 LMT paddy. The state government hopes the estimated target of 160 LMT will be met. Total registered paddy growers this year are 27.78 lakh. The paddy procurement process that began on November 14 last year is carried out through cooperative societies and will continue till January 31. Advance tech-driven steelmaking TechCatalyst, a two-day conference and exhibition attended by over 175 global delegates, over 60 distinguished speakers and 50 leading companies was aimed at exploring the transformative role of technology in shaping the future of steelmaking. Held at Jindal Steel and Power unit at Raigarh plant about 200 km from Raipur, there were live exhibits showcasing technologies like AI, digital twins, IoT and robotic. Expert-led sessions on fields like workforce empowerment, green steel innovations, supply chain optimisation among others were attended by leading organisations. State explores FDI chances with US, Russia Chhattisgarh has paved the way for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) opportunities, with CM Vishnu Deo Sai holding separate discussions with US Consul General Mike Hankey and Consul General of the Russian Federation Ivan Y Fetisov on investment possibilities in sectors such as health, education, Information Technology (IT), and tourism. Russia has expressed its interest in investing in the defence sector. Chhattisgarh attracted `6,000 crore in investments through various industrial proposals by leading companies focusing on plastic, textile, IT, and food processing sectors. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Man Wrongly Linked to Saif Ali Khan Attack Says Life in Disarray After Detention
Raipur: The man who was detained by the railway protection force (RPF) at Durg Junction in Chhattisgarh on January 18 on suspicion of being involved in the recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in the latters Bandra house said that his life has turned topsy turvy after being made a suspect in the high-profile case. Akash Kailash Kanojia (31), a resident of Colaba in Mumbai, said that he has suffered a series of setbacks in his personal and professional lives after his photographs were widely circulated in the Television news channels and other media outlets as being a suspect in the attack on Mr Khan. I was terminated from my job and my prospective brides family cancelled the marriage after I was declared a suspect in the attack on the actor, he told the media. My life is now in complete disarray, he said. Kanojia was picked up from the general coach of the Jnaneswari Express at Durg Junction by the RPF while travelling from Mumbai to Bilaspur on January 18 following an alert by the investigators in the case. He was later taken to Raipur where a police team from Mumbai interrogated him regarding the incident. The suspect in the case was released from police detention on January 19 after the alleged attacker Shariful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested at Thane in Maharashtra. I was to travel to Nehla (around 50 km from Bilaspur) to visit my ailing grandmother and meet my prospective bride and her family, he said. He said that his mother was shocked to learn that he was a suspect in the case and asked him to immediately return home when he contacted her after being released. His grandmother later called him to inform that his prospective in-laws had refused to go ahead with the marriage proposal, according to him. Another shock awaited him as his employer asked him not to report to duty since he did not want to deal with a person who landed in legal trouble, he said. There was no need to circulate my photograph in the media as being a suspect in the case despite my pleadings of being innocent, he said. He was working as a driver with a tour operator in Mumbai. Kanojia, accused in a drug-related case and a theft case, is considering moving the court seeking to take down his photograph on the internet as being the suspect in the actors attack case.
Chaiwala gets BJP ticket for Raigarh mayoral seat election in Chhattisgarh urban body polls
RAIPUR: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded 46-year-old Jeevardhan Chauhan, a tea-seller by occupation, as its candidate for the reserved Scheduled Caste (SC) mayoral seat in the upcoming elections for Raigarh Municipal Corporation in Chhattisgarh. The decision is believed to be a strategic move, leveraging the popular Chaiwala narrative associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who once sold tea at a railway station in Vadnagar. Chauhan, a senior party worker with 29 years of experience in the BJP, continues to run his tea stall despite holding various positions within the party in Raigarh, including serving as an alderman. His candidacy has drawn widespread attention, with BJP leaders highlighting it as a testament to the party's inclusivity and connection with the common people. The decision reflects why the BJP is known as a party with a difference. Jeevardhan Chauhans leadership, experience, and accessibility will benefit the people of Raigarh. The term Chaiwala is not just a campaign slogan but a symbol of empowerment. This move will not only help in Raigarh but also strengthen the partys presence across urban bodies going to polls, said Pankaj Jha, media advisor to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Expressing gratitude for his nomination, Chauhan said, I come from a poor family and understand the needs of common people. I have been running my tea-stall in Raigarh for the past 27 years. I am honoured that the party found me capable of contesting for the mayoral seat. We will fight and win with the support of the people. However, the opposition Congress dismissed the BJPs move as political propaganda aimed at masking its shortcomings ahead of the elections. This is nothing more than an attempt to rebrand their candidate as a Chaiwala like Narendra Modi. It is a symbolic strategy that does not address real issues, said Sushil Anand Shukla, chairman of the Congress media cell. The urban body elections in Chhattisgarh will be held in one phase on February 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 15. The polls, conducted through Electronic Voting Machines, will cover 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipalities, and 114 nagar panchayats.
Chhattisgarh tribal artist Pandi Ram Mandavi honoured with Padma Shri award
RAIPUR: Among the legends of Bastar in south Chhattisgarh, Pandi Ram Mandavi, 68, is the third individual from the region to be honoured with the countrys prestigious Padma Shri award. He was bestowed with the fourth-highest civilian award for his extraordinary accomplishment in the field of wood craftsmanship and traditional musical instruments. Mandavi, a member of the Gond Muria tribe, is a native of Maoist-affected Narayanpur district, about 400 km south of Raipur. Hemchand Manjhi, 70, who has been a traditional medicine practitioner for the past 50 years and Anup Ranjan Pandey, 55, a creator of Bastar Band, a motley crew of musicians drawn from local tribal communities are the earlier recipients. Mandavi is the third from Bastar among the Padma honourees. Pandi Ram Mandavi Mandavi has not just preserved the cultural heritage of Bastar for the past five decades but also given it a new identity. His distinct contribution remains in the creation of a bamboo Bastar flute popularly cited as Sulur. He is also credited for taking creative activity and artwork at the national and global level through the notable embossed paintings, sculptures and other fine art craft on wooden panels. The tribal artist was barely 12 years old when he began learning the art from his ancestors and with his passion and skill, Mandavi took the artwork and culture of Chhattisgarhs Bastar region to a newer height. As a cultural ambassador, the Muria wood carver Mandavi has exhibited his masterpiece art in more than eight countries. Twelve years ago, he was bestowed with the prestigious J Swaminathan Puraskaram award by the Kerala governments Lalithalaka Akademi. Through his consistent endeavour and workshops, he has gone ahead to take the tradition to new generations by training over a thousand artisans. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai extended his compliment to Pandi Ram Mandavi for being honoured with the esteemed Padma Shri. Being selected for Padma Shri is an occasion of pride for Chhattisgarh. He has given a new identity to the Bastars cultural heritage safeguarding it with his exceptional talent, CM Sai said in a statement posted on X. His tribal community hopes that with such recognition for Mandavi, the government will extend support and facilitate secured markets for wooden arts and products from Bastar. Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) January 25, 2025 Padma Awards: 139 eminent personalities, unsung heroes chosen for 2025
India tops Commonwealth nations in cancer cases: Lancet
NEW DELHI : Cancer incidence rates in India are substantially higher than any other Commonwealth nation, which saw an increase in cancer diagnosis by 35% between 2008 and 2018, according to a recent paper in Lancet Oncology. In India, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, with lung and breast cancers being the most common. Also, what is worrying is that the number of cancer cases in India is expected to rise at a rate that will surpass global averages from 1.39 million in 2020 to 1.57 million by 2025, said co-author of the paper, Dr Bhawna Sirohi. Almost 40% of cancer cases in India are due to rampant tobacco use, which significantly elevates the risk of lung, oral, and throat cancers. In comparison, she said that factors like poor diet and lack of physical activity cause 10% of cases. Cancer incidence rates in India are substantially higher than in many other Commonwealth nations, indicating major differences in health outcomes caused by a variety of socioeconomic factors, Dr Sirohi, who is the Medical Director of Vedanta Medical Research Foundation, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. The paper in the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth said that cancer diagnoses in the 56 Commonwealth nations increased by 35% between 2008 and 2018, a cause for alarm. Highlighting the high incidences of cancer in the 56-member Commonwealth countries, which includes large countries like Australia, Canada, highly-populated countries like India, and small countries like Barbados and Brunei, the paper suggested a comprehensive roadmap to combat it. The authors suggested establishing a Commonwealth cancer observatory to standardise and harmonise data on cancer trends, treatment, and outcomes, enhancing data-driven policymaking, implementing digital cancer registries, strengthening regional cancer care networks, and increasing financial and policy support. The recommendations also outline strategies for sustainable funding, including taxes on harmful products, expanded health budgets, and international support to ensure equitable access to essential cancer services. The Commonwealth Roadmap for Cancer emphasises that comprehensive cancer control scaling up may result in significant economic returns estimated at $12 for every $1 invested via improved health outcomes and enhanced productivity, she said. Governments can justify initial investments in cancer control by presenting them as critical elements to economic development, highlighting the potential for significant savings in healthcare costs, increased labour participation, and improved citizens quality of life, she said.
Telangana Maoist Leader Damodar Dead or Alive?
Raipur : Confusion prevails over reported death of top Telangana Maoist leader Damodar alias Bade Chokha Rao with two purported press releases issued by the Naxals making contradictory claims over the issue. Two days after security forces recovered bodies of 12 Maoists including seven women slain in the encounter in Pujari Kanker area under south Bastar in Chhattisgarh, Maoists south Bastar divisional committee purportedly issued a press release on January 18 claiming that Damodar was among 18 Naxals killed in the encounter. Based on the inputs given in the purported press note issued by the Maoists, Bastar police came out with the startling revelation about the killing of Damodar in the encounter. Damodar was a Central Committee (CC) member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) and carried a bounty of Rs 50 lakhs. Interestingly, the south Bastar zonal bureau of Maoists issued a press release on January 22 claiming that Damodar was alive and safe and described the press release issued in the name of Naxals earlier claiming him dead as fake and creation of the police. Bastar police on Saturday issued a press release saying that the fact that Maoists waited for almost a week to issue a press note countering their earlier claim on the killing of Damodar, itself indicates confusion and disconnect in the Maoist cadres. The big leaders have fled to jungles to hide after security forces intensified counterinsurgency operations which led them to get disconnected with the lower rung cadres, a senior police officer said. The two contradictory purported press notes of Maoists clearly suggest that the Maoist movement has become directionless and leaderless, he added. Trust deficit between the top-level leaders and foot soldiers is growing, leaving the outlawed outfit virtually in disarray, the police officer said. Maoist movement is breathing its last, Bastar range inspector general of police P Sunderraj said.
Home Minister visits Juvenile girls' home, addresses recent controversies
Visakhapatnam: Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha visited the Juvenile Girls home in Visakhapatnam on Saturday to address recent concerns regarding the welfare of the girls residing there. This visit follows the circulation of videos that sparked public interest and concern about the conditions within the facility. During her media briefing, she stated that five individuals caused a stir because they wanted to return home. Out of them, four have already been handed over to their respective families, while one remains at the facility due to the ongoing court-related processes. The minister revealed that the home currently houses 56 girls from approximately 14 different districts, including individuals from Jharkhand and Raipur. She acknowledged that some of the girls have experienced severe mental health challenges. She emphasised the homes commitment to girls rehabilitation, highlighting comprehensive support systems including psychiatric counselling, educational opportunities through open school, college courses and vocational training in skills like singing and beautician work. The home minister explained that the girls are often rescued by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) after girls are found in vulnerable situations, such as at bus stations or on the streets. She assured that psychiatric care and counselling are available, particularly for those involved in sensitive legal cases under the POCSO Act. Approximately 15 staff members are dedicated to their care and rehabilitation. Addressing concerns about isolation, the minister coordinated with the collector and the medical officials to ensure that necessary medical visits occur within the juvenile home rather than transferring girls to mental health facilities. Criticising political interference, the minister has urged the Opposition parties to avoid politicising sensitive issues involving minors. She explained that even when parents desire to reunite with their children, court approval and the Child Welfare Committees assessment are mandatory to ensure the girls safety. She said that the safety of the girls remains a top priority and they cannot be released if conditions at home are deemed unsafe. She revealed that a High Court judge is expected to visit the home to oversee procedures and ensure proper care and rehabilitation protocols are followed.
As Maoists retreat, tricolour set to fly in 14 remote locations in Chhattisgarh
Raipur: The national flag will be unfurled in 14 remote locations in Chhattisgarhs Maoist-hit Bastar region on Republic Day on Sunday, as security forces push Maoists into retreat from their strongholds, an official has said. These locations are in the Bijapur, Narayanpur and Sukma districts of the region, comprising seven districts. New camps of security 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 encounter: 12 of 16 slain Naxalites identified, carried total bounty of Rs 3.13 crore
RAIPUR: Twelve of the 16 Naxalites killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district have been identified as dreaded ultras carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 3.13 crore, including a central committee member of the outlawed movement, a police official said on Thursday. Prime among them was Chalpathi alias Jairam, a member of the central committee and Odisha state committee of the Communist Party of India (Maoist), who had a collective bounty of Rs 90 lakh on his head in Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, he said. It was the first time someone from the central committee, the main governing body of the proscribed outfit, has been eliminated in an encounter in Chhattisgarh, the official added. As many as 16 Naxalites, including six women, were killed in an encounter with security personnel in a forest under Mainpur police station limits (Gariaband) along Chhattisgarh-Odisha border. The three-day operation involving personnel belonging to E-30 (a Gariaband district police unit), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its elite unit CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) and Odisha police's Special Operation Group (SOG) concluded on Wednesday. Maoist leader carrying Rs 1 crore bounty among 14 killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband Of the killed cadres, 12 have been identified. These 12 cadres carried a cumulative reward of Rs 3.13 crore in Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Chalpathi, also known as Ramchandran, Pratap Reddy, Appa Rao and Ravi, was a resident of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. He carried a reward of Rs 40 lakh, Rs 25 lakh and Rs 25 lakh in Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, respectively, said Inspector General of Police (Raipur Range) Amresh Mishra. Two other key cadres were identified as Jairam alias Guddu (50), member of Odisha state committee and secretary of Dhamtari-Gariaband-Nuapada (DGN) division of Maoists, and Satyam Gavde (43), chief of DGN division, both natives of Chhattisgarh who carried cumulative reward of Rs 65 lakh each in three states, the IG informed. Alok alias Munna, a divisional committee member, and Mannu, member of military company no.1 in Maad area, carried a bounty of Rs 18 lakh and Rs 14 lakh, respectively, in three states. Four slain ultras have been identified as Maoist area committee members Shankar, Kalmu Deve alias Kalla, Manju and Rinki. They carried a collective reward of Rs 13 lakh each, he said. Three deceased cadres have been identified as Sukhram, a party member, Rame Oyam (28) and Jaini (24), both members of Mainpur LGS (local guerilla squad), the IG said, adding they carried a reward of Rs 3 lakh each on their heads. Efforts are on to ascertain the identity of four other deceased cadres, Mishra said. At least 17 automatic and other firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and one Self Loading Rifle (SLR), were recovered from the encounter site. Besides, more than two dozen improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Naxalites were neutralized by security forces during the operation, he informed. At least 42 Naxalites have been killed in separate gunfights in Chhattisgarh this year. Last year, 219 Naxalites were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh.
Hungry And Thirsty, How Forces Gunned Down 16 Maoists In Chhattisgarh
The forces' supplies ran low and they were hungry and thirsty, but they didn't let that affect their morale and went on to kill 16 Maoists, including a senior leader carrying a Rs 1-crore bounty, in Kulhadighat in Chhattisgarh's Raipur district.
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh has paved the way for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) opportunities, with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai holding discussions with US Consul General Mike Hankey and Consul General of the Russian Federation Ivan Y Fetisov on investment possibilities in sectors such as health, education, Information Technology (IT), and tourism. Russia has expressed its interest in investing in the defence sector, officials said. In the second leg of the investment meet in Mumbai on Thursday, Chhattisgarh attracted Rs 6,000 crore in investments through various industrial proposals by leading companies focusing on plastic, textile, IT, and food processing sectors. The highest investment proposal, amounting to Rs 2,367 crore, came from Ambuja Cement. Since the launch of the new industrial policy a few months ago, the state has attracted Rs 1 lakh crore in investments from the Investor Connect Meet organised in Raipur, Delhi, and Mumbai, said the Chief Minister. Key industrialists from both India and abroad engaged in extensive discussions with CM Sai to explore investment opportunities in the state. The discussions focused on exploring potential investments that will boost the state's industrial growth and create immense employment opportunities. Investors from various sectors showed keen interest in setting up businesses in the state, the official spokesperson said. Highlighting the features of the state's new Industrial Policy 2024-30, the CM stated that to make the policy a preferred choice for investors, they have adopted the motto Minimum Governance, Maximum Incentives. Under this approach, the process for obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) has been streamlined, and clearances are now processed through a single-window system, offering significant relief to investors. To boost investment and employment opportunities, industries with investments of Rs 1,000 crore or those employing 1,000 people are eligible for the Bespoke Policy. This policy includes provisions for permanent capital investment ranging from 30 percent to 50 percent, with amounts between Rs 200 crore and Rs 450 crore. Additionally, attractive incentives have been introduced for net State GST reimbursement, employment and EPF reimbursement, as well as reimbursement for training expenses for a period of 5 to 12 years. The state has introduced attractive provisions for investments in emerging industries such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computing, and Green Hydrogen. The new capital city, Nava Raipur, being a modern, well-equipped, and planned Greenfield city, offers abundant opportunities for the growth of the IT industry. Special concessions have been provided in sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food, and agro-processing.
Sikh community demands action against SAD leadership for failing to implement Akal Takht edict
CHANDIGARH: The Sikh community is up in arms over the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) not implementing the Akal Takht's edict issued on December 2 last year. In response, a group of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) members has approached the Akal Takht, demanding action against the party's leadership for failing to comply with the directive. Furthermore, seven Sikh activists have also written to the Jathedar of Akal Takht, Giani Raghbir Singh, urging him to declare the SAD leadership Tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) once again. Despite former SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal stepping down from his post, his path remains troubled. Executive members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee (SGPC), including Jaswant Singh Purain, Paramjit Singh Raipur, Kiranjot Kaur, Hardev Singh Rogla, Rampal Singh Behniwal, and former member Harbans Singh Manjpur, have submitted a representation to the Akal Takht Secretariat. They expressed frustration over the SAD's membership drive, which ignored the Akal Takht-constituted committee, and criticized Sukhbir Badals casual approach to the ankhah (religious punishment). They also voiced dissatisfaction with his refusal to publicly acknowledge the sins and mistakes of the SAD governments tenure, demanding immediate intervention from Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh. Lodging their dissent they termed it was a violation of maryada (Sikh tenets). Referring to Sukhbir, SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur said that Sukhbir Badal went before Akal Takht and morally admitted all his mistakes and underwent religious punishment as it is the place for cleansing your own soul and now on the public platform you are denying all the allegations publically. Thus he should come out clean and clarify his position, she said. Jaswant Singh Pannu criticized Sukhbir Badal for publicly denying his earlier admission of mistakes, stating that it not only undermines the significance of the Akal Takht but also implies he misled the revered institution, setting a dangerous precedent. They also expressed concern that the Akali Dal formed a separate committee for the membership drive which they term as violation of the December 2 edict of Akal Takht. Meanwhile, also seven Sikh activists, Prof Balwinder Pal Singh, Tajinder Singh Pannu, Ajyapal Singh Brar, Sukhdev Singh, Harinder Singh Majhi and other argued that the directions issued by the Akal Takht last month were a beacon of hope for the public, but the Akali Dal leaders violated the edict and even launched a propaganda campaign against Damdama Sahib Jathedar Harpreet Singh. They called for the declaration of SADs working president Balwinder Singh Bhunder and other party leaders as Tankhaiya for participating in working committee meetings and making decisions about the membership drive, thus defying the Akal Takht's directive. The activists also demanded the summoning of SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami for failing to act following Akal Takhts directive, as he was made head of the seven-member committee responsible for the enrollment. Rebel SAD leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala stated that dissident party leaders will soon meet to discuss launching a separate outfit, as the party has failed to fully implement Akal Takht's directions. He also expressed surprise at the silence maintained by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami on the issue. He said they had disbanded their group that had launched the Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar with an aim to reform the party abiding by the Akal Takht directions that all Akali factions should shun their differences only to be united under one umbrella to strengthen the party. Wadala said that like-minded Akali leaders will meet shortly to decide the next course of action, but under the guidance of the Akal Takht.
CoBRA personnel seize control of advanced Maoist training camp in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur
RAIPUR: In yet another aggressive push against the outlawed CPI (Maoist) in Chhattisgarh, a training camp with built-in thriving drill techniques adopted by the ultras was captured by the security forces at remote Bhattiguda village in an edgy Bijapur district, about 420 km south of Raipur. A joint team of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRAan elite unit of CRPF) personnel belonging to battalion 201, 204 and 210 had set out in an anti-Maoist campaign on Wednesday. The troops after stretching out at the epicentre of the left-wing extremists, lashed out at their training camp and took its possession. The Maoists, who had constructed barrack-like structures at the site, fled before the forces arrived. The training camp built with an attempt to follow the modern pattern was traced in the core area of the armed cadres of military wing Peoples' Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) of Maoists belonging to their battalion No-1, in the forested terrain for the Battiguda. A Shaheed Smarak (memorial pillar) and concrete structure in the area were also destroyed by the forces at the scene, a police officer in Bijapur said. The Maoists usually build Shaheed Smaraks in honour of their dead leaders and cadres to create an impression about their contributions among the masses in the area having their presence. The rebels had also utilized nearby large trees, built trenches, and created other resources to aid in the training of their cadres, the officer added. The operation sends a strong message to the Maoists that not only will the ongoing battle continue, but their illegal activities will no longer be tolerated. Bijapur is one of the seven Maoist-affected districts in the conflict-prone Bastar region.
Raipur: A fast-track court in Korba district in Chhattisgarh has sentenced 5 men to death for gang-raping and killing a minor girl and also murdering two of her relatives in 2021. The Fast-Track Special Court (FTSC) has also sentenced another accused to life imprisonment. Additional sessions judge Mamta Bhojwani sentenced Santaram Majhwar (49), Abdul Jabbar (34), Anil Sarthi (24), Pardeshi Ram (29), and Anand Panika (29) to death after convicting them in the case, special public prosecutor Sunil Mishra said on Wednesday. Another accused Umashankar Yadav (24) was sentenced to life imprisonment. Delivering judgement in the case, the court observed that this inhuman and cruel act of the accused is extremely perverted, heinous, brutal and cowardly, because they have killed three innocent and weak people to satisfy their lust. This has shocked the collective conscience of the entire society. The case relates to gangrape and brutal killing of a 16-year-old girl belonging to Pahadi Korwa, listed as the particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG), by the accused near Gadhuproda village under Lemru police station in Korba district on January 29, 2021. The accused gang-raped and then killed the girl by bludgeoning her head with stone before dumping in the forest. They also murdered the girls father (60) and his four-year-old granddaughter who were accompanying her. According to the special public prosecutor in the case, the police probe had found that the main accused Manjhwar, who had employed the victims family as his cattle gazer, was putting pressure on her father to make her his second wife. The main accused committed the heinous crime along with his five associates when the girl and her family had spurned his proposal.
Chhattisgarh encounter: Two more bodies of Maoists recovered, toll rises to 16
RAIPUR: The security forces engaged in the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign in Chhattisgarhs Gariaband district, adjoining Odisha border, had recovered two more bodies of the red rebels, including one female, on Wednesday. The casualty figure of Maoists has risen to 16 including six females. The process of identification of bodies is still on. The search operation by the joint team of security forces has been continuing in the region for the past 78 hours, Nikhil Rakhecha, Gariaband district police chief told this newspaper. Meanwhile, the bodies of 14 Maoist cadres neutralised in Gariaband district were brought to the state governments biggest healthcare facility Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital on Wednesday. A team of 22 doctors and supporting staff carried out the autopsy. The details of the post-mortem were not shared with the media. There were not adequate doctors and forensic experts in Gariaband district. So, the bodies of Maoists were brought to the state capital where the required health professionals, paramedical staff are available for the autopsies, an official said. Maoist leader carrying Rs 1 crore bounty among 14 killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband A forensic expert informed that an autopsy including the X-ray of a body usually takes approximately two hours. X-rays would be initially carried out on each body to ensure there is nothing suspicious inside. In a significant blow to the outlawed (Maoist), its Central Committee member Jayram Pratap Reddy alias Chalapathi and 13 senior cadres were killed in a gun battle with security forces along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in Mainpur forest of Gariaband, around 160 km east of Raipur. Two jawans sustained injuries in the gunfight. So far, 48 Maoists have been killed in separate encounters in different districts of Chhattisgarh in the month of January. Last year, the Maoists suffered the biggest setback in their revolutionary history in conflict-ridden Bastar where 219 bodies of Maoists have been recovered after they were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters in south Chhattisgarh. How selfie with wife became fatal for nearly three-decade-underground top Maoist
Dabur Chyawanprash special CSR Initiative at Mysore
Mysore: Winter is one of the most awaited seasons in India, but it may also bring a plethora of diseases like Cold, Cough, and Respiratory problems to name a few; which are most prevalent in this season and usually occur due to low immunity. Chyawanprash is an around 3000-year-old & well-known Ayurvedic formulation that is used for boosting immunity and helps provide protection against common day-to-day infections like cough and cold. Dabur Chyawanprash contains many Rasayana herbs which help in the prevention of a variety of infections through its immunomodulatory effects. Dabur Chyawanprash announced the launch of a mega awareness initiative aimed at securing the health of underprivileged kids across the country. Under this initiative, Dabur Chyawanprash, along with a renowned doctor, will conduct Immunity awareness sessions to educate children about the need to build a stronger immune system to fight against illnesses due to the changing season, common bacteria, and viruses. The drive was flagged off in Mysore with a special session conducted for more than 150 kids from GHPS Gungral Chhatra llawala Hobli in Mysore With the esteemed Head Mistress, Mrs. Susheela, and Mr. Rajeev John, Marketing Head, Dabur India Ltd, Dinesh Kumar Dabur India Ltd & teachers from school attendance. The session was aimed at creating awareness among kids to fight illness in winter. The kids were also educated on ways to boost their immunity through basic hygiene and a nutritious diet. Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Ltd, General Manager Marketing, Mr. Amit Garg said, Dabur Chyawanprash has been committed to helping every Indian achieve the strongest immunity for over 100 years. This initiative is a leap forward towards this commitment. We are concerned about the cold wave that claims so many lives every year. Through this initiative, we will attempt to reach out to provide protection to underprivileged kids by highlighting the importance of Immunity besides providing Chyawanprash to these kids. Dr. Parmeshwar Arora, M.D. (Ayurveda), B.H.U, said, During cycles of seasonal change, there is a sudden temperature variation, which leads to illnesses like cough, cold & flu. Enhancing immunity is an effective way to fight illnesses like cold, cough, respiratory problems, etc. Dabur Chyawanprash is an effective solution to boost ones immunity needs through changing weather cycles. Under this campaign, Dabur Chyawanprash has joined hands with leading NGOs from 22 cities in India i.e. Agra, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Siliguri, Patna, Gaya, Indore, Raipur, Pune, Aurangabad, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mysore, Nasik, Nagpur, Gwalior, and Bhopal.
Chhattisgarh encounter: Bodies of 14 slain maoists brought to Raipur for autopsies
RAIPUR : A day after security forces neutralised fourteen Maoist cadres in an exchange of fire in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, their bodies were brought to the state governments largest healthcare facility, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital, on Wednesday. A team of 22 doctors and supporting staff will carry out the autopsy. There were not enough doctors and forensic experts in Gariaband district. So, the bodies of the Maoists were brought to the state capital, where the necessary health professionals and paramedical staff are available for the autopsies, an official said. A forensic expert informed that an autopsy, including an X-ray of each body, usually takes approximately two hours. An X-ray would be initially carried out for each body to ensure there is nothing suspicious inside. In a significant blow to the outlawed CPI (Maoist), its Central Committee member Jayram Pratap Reddy alias Chalapathi and 13 senior cadres were killed in a gun battle with security forces along the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in the Mainpur forest of Gariaband, about 160 km east of Raipur. How selfie with wife became fatal for nearly three-decade-underground top Maoist
Demographic disruption emerging as threat to nationalism: Vice President Dhankhar
RAIPUR, Jan 21 : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday said demographic disruption was emerging as a serious threat to nationalism, and called for united efforts against attempts to change the organic demography through allurement and temptation. Speaking during an interaction programme with students on the theme Ideas for building Better Bharat, he also stressed the need to deal with the problem of illegal migration, stating that it has taken the shape of unmanageable dimension. Students of the National [] The post Demographic disruption emerging as threat to nationalism: Vice President Dhankhar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
14 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
Raipur: Fourteen Naxals were gunned down in an encounter with the security forces in the forested area close to the Udanti Sitanadi wildlife sanctuary in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh, the police said on Tuesday. Among them was a central committee member of the outlawed CPI (Maoist), Jayaram alias Chalpathi, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head. The encounter, which took place in Kulhadi Ghat area under Mainpur police station on Monday afternoon, was continuing till the last reports came at 7 pm on Tuesday, the police said. Fourteen Maoists have been killed in the encounter so far. Besides, a huge cache of automatic weapons, including self-loaded rifles (SLR) and INSAS, were recovered at the encounter site, additional DGP (Naxal operation) Vivekanand Sinha told this newspaper. The death toll of Maoists is likely to go up as the security forces have started closing in on the Maoist camp in the area, another police officer said, but did not want to be quoted. The development assumes significance as far as the counter-insurgency is concerned as a Maoist central committee member has not been known to be killed in an encounter, a senior police officer said. Jayaram, alias Chalpathi alias Ramchandra Reddy alias Appa Rao alias Ramu, was a CC member and was in charge of the Maoists Odisha state committee, according to the police. He was also operating in the Marh region in Abujhmad area in south Bastar, the police said. He hailed from Matampalle village under Kambhamvaripalle Mandal in Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. Acting on specific intelligence inputs on the presence of some top-level Maoist leaders along with armed Naxals in the forested area, a joint operation involving Chhattisgarhs district reserve guards (DRG), CRPF, CoBRA and Odishas Special Operation Group (SoG) was launched on Monday. Sources said that around 1,000 security personnel from the Chhattisgarh and Odisha police and the CRPF had surrounded a group of around 60 Maoists from all sides, leaving them little opportunity to escape. The security forces have now advanced towards the Maoists camp and the exact number of the slain Naxals could be ascertained when the forces raid the camp, a police officer said. Union home minister Amit Shah hailed the successful counter-insurgency operation and said: Another mighty blow to Naxalism. Our security forces achieved major success towards building a Naxal-free Bharat. The CRPF, SoG Odisha, and Chhattisgarh police neutralised 14 Naxalites in a joint operation along the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border. With our resolve for a Naxal-free India and the joint efforts of our security forces, Naxalism is breathing its last today. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai said: Strengthening the resolve of esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah to end Naxalism in the country by March 2026, security personnel are continuously achieving success in counter-insurgency operations. Their achievements are commendable and I salute their bravery. On Monday, two women Maoists were killed in an encounter with the security forces in the area. On January 16, as many as 18 Maoists, including Telangana state committee chief Damodar, carrying a bounty of Rs 50 lakhs, were gunned down in an encounter in Bijapur district in south Bastar in Chhattisgarh.
10 More Naxalites Killed In Encounter With Security Forces In Chhattisgarh's Gariaband District
At least twelve Maoists, including several senior leaders, were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Kularighat forested terrain of the Mainpur region in Gariaband district, near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, approximately 160 km east of Raipur, a senior police officer reported on Tuesday. n18oc_breaking-newsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube
High-ranking Maoist leaders among 12 rebels killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband
RAIPUR: At least twelve Maoists, including several senior leaders, were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Kularighat forested terrain of the Mainpur region in Gariaband district, near the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border, approximately 160 km east of Raipur, a senior police officer reported on Tuesday. The encounter began yesterday, and by late evening , the forces had recovered the bodies of two women Maoists. More bodies were found this morning. The casualty count is expected to rise as the search operation has been intensified in the area. This operation marks the first time that several senior leaders of the banned outfit have been killed in Gariaband, Chhattisgarh. All the bodies were recovered from the Gariaband region, said Nikhil Rakhecha, Superintendent of Police, Gariaband district, speaking to The New Indian Express. There were intelligence inputs indicating the presence of senior Maoists assembling in the region. A joint operation was launched involving the Gariaband district force, personnel from the CRPF, the elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and the Special Operation Group (SOG) of Nuapada, Odisha, the officer added. One CoBRA personnel was injured in the gunfight and was airlifted to Raipur yesterday for immediate medical attention at a private hospital. His condition is reported to be stable and out of danger. The slain Maoists were identified as members of the Mainpur-Nuapada division of the outlawed CPI (Maoist). This is the second major encounter against Maoists in the Gariaband district near the Odisha border this year. On January 3, one Maoist was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in the Indagaon forest of the district. The series of encounters against left-wing extremists is part of a renewed strategy to free the state of Chhattisgarh from the influence of the outlawed Maoists. Last year, the Maoists suffered a significant setback in the conflict-ridden Bastar region. Security forces neutralized 219 Maoists in separate encounters in southern Chhattisgarh, marking the largest loss in their revolutionary history. Additionally, 992 cadres of left-wing extremists were arrested, and 837 surrendered in the state in 2024.
Polls to urban, rural local bodies announced in Chhattisgarh
Raipur: The state election commission (SEC) on Monday announced the schedule for the simultaneous polls to urban and the three-tier panchayat bodies in Chhattisgarh. The synchronization of the two elections is part of the exercise to prepare for one state-one election, on the line of one nation-one election, mulled by the Centre. Chhattisgarh is the first state to initiate the process. The polls to the urban bodies would be held in one phase on February 11, while the three-tier panchayat elections will be conducted in three phases on February 17, 20 and 23, the SEC Ajey Singh said. The counting of votes for the urban body polls will be held on February 15 whereas the counting of votes for the three-tier panchayat elections will be conducted on February 18, 21 and 24. The poll schedule has been prepared in such a way so that the entire election process will be completed before the school board examinations, set to commence in the month of March, he said. While the elections to the urban bodies will be held with the electronic voting machines (EVMs), the polls to the panchayat bodies will be held with ballot papers. Polling will be for various positions in 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipal councils, and 114 nagar panchayats. In the three-tier panchayat elections, polling will be held for 1,75,258 positions, including district panchayat members, janpad panchayat members, sarpanches and ward members. Model code of conduct came into force in the poll-bound regions on Monday.
Two Women Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Forest Encounter
Raipur: Two women Maoists were on Monday gunned down in an encounter with security forces in the forest falling under the Udanti Sitanadi tiger reserve in Gariaband district in Chhattisgarh, police said. A jawan of Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) was injured in the incident. The encounter took place at around nine in the morning in the reserve forest under Mainpur police station, Gariaband district superintendent of police Nikhil Rakhecha told this newspaper. Bodies of two Maoists along with two automatic weapons including one self-loaded rifle (SLR) were later recovered at the encounter site, he said. Recovery of the automatic weapons indicates that the women Maoists should be in the rank of commander or deputy commander in the Naxal cadre, he said. Identities of the slain Maoists were being ascertained. The CoBRA jawan has been airlifted to Raipur for treatment and he was said to be stable. Acting on specific intelligence inputs on the presence of the armed Maoists in the reserve forest, a joint operation was launched by the security personnel of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. An encounter ensued when the security forces came face to face with the Maoists in the jungle. The encounter lasted around eight hours till 5.30 pm, the police officer said. Maoists have established a corridor passing through western Odisha to east Chhattisgarh, police sources said. A patch of forest under Udanti Sitanadi tiger reserve comes under this Maoist corridor, sources said. Total 25 Maoists were killed in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh in January so far.
Two women Naxalites killed in inter-state anti-Naxalite operation in Chhattisgarh
Two female Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh. A CoBRA commando suffered minor injuries and was transported to Raipur for treatment. The joint operation involved Chhattisgarh and Odisha's security forces and resulted in the recovery of the Naxalites' bodies.
Chhattisgarh announces dates for urban bodies, 3-tier panchayat polls
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh State Election Commission on Monday announced the simultaneous schedules for conducting the urban bodies and the 3-tier panchayat elections in the state. Chhattisgarh becomes the first state to synchronise elections with one state-one election preparations apparently being worked out by the Commission. The urban bodies polls will be held in one phase on February 11 and counting of votes on February 15. The elections for the panchayats would be held in three phases and scheduled on February 17, 20, 23 and the counting of votes will be held the same day at the polling centres but the tabulations of votes will be held at the respective block headquarters on February 18, 21 and 24. The model code of conduct has been imposed across the state with the declaration of the elections, said Ajay Singh, the state election commissioner while declaring the dates. The schedule of the elections have been prepared in such a way that the entire polling process will get over before the school board examinations that are held in the month of March, the commissioner said. The entire process of both urban and panchayat polls will be over by February 24. The elections will be held by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the urban bodies and with the ballot boxes for the 3-tier panchayats. There are 4474269 voters to exercise their right to franchise in 3206 wards for urban bodies polls. The elections will be held in 10 municipal corporations, 49 municipalities and 114 nagar panchayats. Similarly, the elections for 433 zila panchayat members, 2973 janpad panchayat membersand 11672 gram panchayat sarpanch would be conducted on ballot paper and ballot boxes. There are 15812580 voters for the 3-tier panchayat elections. The panchayat polls will not be held along party lines, seemingly to remain apolitical and non-partisan. There are 37033 polling centres in both the urban (5992 booths) and rural areas (31041 booths).
Chhattisgarh: Police detain terminated assistant teachers protesting on streets of Raipur
AIR to help mitigate man-animal conflicts in MP
BHOPAL: Countrys public radio broadcaster, the All India Radio (AIR-Akashvani) has a new role to play in Madhya Pradesh alerting people about movement of wild animals, including elephants, tigers and leopards to prevent human-animal conflicts and related casualties. The AIR-Shahdol has started alerting and educating the villagers in Shahdol, Umaria and Anuppur districts, not just about movement of elephants, tigers and leopards, but also on the dos and donts on encountering them. Such alerts and audio clips developed with the state forest departments help are being interspersed with popular programs, particularly music and farmers-oriented programs. This development is inspired by similar AIR services in adjoining Chhattisgarh about the movement of elephants. The Chhattisgarh initiative that has drastically reduced human-elephant conflicts had been applauded by the PM Narendra Modi also. According to forest department sources, the alerts through the AIR is just one component of a detailed wild elephants and their habitat management plan, which is being formulated for monitoring the elephant movements and measures to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. The AIR alerts started following a workshop on human-animal conflicts at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) in December 2024. Efforts are now on to make it a regular feature of Akashvani programs in other districts as well, such as Sidhi, Singrauli, Satna and Maihar, whose forest areas and villages located close to these areas fall on the route through which the elephants have been travelling in MP, after entering from the neighbouring Chhattisgarh. The AIR-Ambikapur, along with the radio service in Raipur, Raigarh and Bilaspur, have been successfully broadcasting the special bulletins about jumbo herd movements in Chhattisgarh since past many years, programming head of AIR-Shahdol centre Avinash Diwakar told this newspaper on Sunday. According to chief conservator of forests (CCF) of Shahdol Circle Ajay Kumar Pandey, Though the initiative is new, it would start delivering results on the ground, once it becomes a formal daily feature in the near future. We already have WhatsApp groups at Range and village levels, where all stakeholders of various departments and villages, including the Hathi Mitras are already being alerted about elephant and other wild animal movements.
Maninder Singh receiving Gold medal from Ex-International Cricketer Rajesh Chauhan at Raipur.
Maninder Singh receiving Gold medal from Ex-International Cricketer Rajesh Chauhan at Raipur. The post Maninder Singh receiving Gold medal from Ex-International Cricketer Rajesh Chauhan at Raipur. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
BHOPAL: The countrys public radio broadcaster, All India Radio (AIR-Akashvani), has taken on a new role in Madhya Pradesh: alerting people about the movement of wild animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards, to prevent human-animal conflicts and related casualties. The AIR-Shahdol has recently started alerting and educating the villagers in Shahdol, Umaria, and Anuppur districts of the Shahdol division of MP, not just about the movement of elephants, tigers, and leopards, but also about the dos and donts when encountering these animals. Such short alerts and educative audio clips, developed with the help of the state forest department, are being interspersed with popular programs, particularly entertainment, music, and farmer-oriented programs. The alerts particularly broadcast information about the actual locations of the wild elephants' herds, tigers, and leopards, along with the villages that need to be alert and the dos and donts if faced with any of the mentioned wild animals. This novel development is inspired by similar AIR services in the form of special bulletins alerting the villagers in adjoining Chhattisgarh about the movement of elephants. The initiative, which has helped Chhattisgarh drastically cut incidents of human-elephant conflicts, has been applauded by PM Narendra Modi. According to forest department sources in Bhopal, the special alerts and bulletins through AIR are just one component of a detailed wild elephant and their habitat management plan, which is being formulated to monitor elephant movements and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. The AIR alerts/bulletins have been started following a workshop on human-animal conflicts held at the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR) towards the end of December 2024, and efforts are now underway to make it a regular feature of Akashvani programs, not just in Shahdol, Umaria, and Anuppur districts, but also in other districts of eastern MP, including Sidhi, Singrauli, Satna, and Maihar. These areas, located close to the elephant migration routes from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, are often affected by elephant movements. The AIR-Ambikapur, along with the radio service in Raipur, Raigarh, and Bilaspur, has been successfully broadcasting special bulletins/alerts about jumbo herd movements in Chhattisgarh for many years. Now, were in the process of replicating the same service in MP to alert villagers, not just about elephant movements, but also tigers and leopards. A formal agreement with the state forest department in Shahdol to make the service a routine feature is in the offing, said Avinash Diwakar, programming head of AIR-Shahdol, on Sunday. Importantly, during his posting in Chhattisgarh in the past, Diwakar was associated with similar programs (bulletins and alerts) there. According to the chief conservator of forests (CCF) of Shahdol Circle, Ajay Kumar Pandey, Though the initiative is new, it will start delivering results on the ground once it becomes a formal daily feature in the near future. We already have WhatsApp groups at the range and village levels, where all stakeholders of various departments and villages, including the Hathi Mitras, are already being alerted about elephant and other wild animal movements. But the AIR-Shahdol initiative will go a long way in delivering the desired results, as its still one of the strongest mass media mediums, even in the remotest villages. Importantly, the elephants and their habitat management plan formulation has been necessitated by the death of ten elephants in the jungles of BTR in October-November 2024, followed by the death of two villagers from an elephant herd in Umaria district in November 2024. Further, in the same month, another elephant, possibly strayed from its herd, died after coming into contact with a very low-hanging wireline in the Maihar district of eastern MP. Forest officials from eastern MP (areas where elephant movements are prevalent) have visited Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh to study the best practices of those states in successfully managing wild elephant herds and habitats, besides minimizing elephant-human conflicts and casualties. It was the meeting in Chhattisgarh in December that laid the groundwork for the Akashvani alerts/bulletins. Next in line could be a dedicated app, similar to Chhattisgarhs, which will further help the state forest department in meticulously monitoring elephant movements and timely alerting villagers. Currently, there are around 100 elephants moving in various jungles of eastern MP, including around 60 in BTR (which has become their home since 2018), around 20 in the Sanjay Tiger Reserve, an 18-strong herd in the Beohari forest area of Shahdol district, and 2-3 tuskers in Anuppur district, a state forest department official said.
Chhattisgarh to develop marine fossil park at 280-million-year-old site
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh's Manendragarh district is poised to attract history enthusiasts and geologists with the discovery of a 280-million-year-old marine fossil site along the Hasdeo River. Inspired by the significant findings of marine strata containing fossils, the state government has announced plans to transform the site into a Marine Fossil Park. The conspicuousness of this fossil site was first identified by structural geologist Professor S K Ghosh in 1954. Years later, in 2015, experts from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleo Sciences, Lucknow, confirmed the importance of the fossils found in this region. Acknowledging its scientific value, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) designated the site as a National Geological Monument in 1982, recognising its exceptional contribution to understanding the Earth's ancient history, a state government spokesperson said to TNIE. The Chhattisgarh governments decision to develop this site into a Marine Fossil Park is expected to attract both tourists and scientists from around the world. The Park will serve as a biodiversity heritage site, offering a unique opportunity to explore the story of the Earths evolution and the ancient organisms that once lived here, he added. The notable park will be of glaring pride not only just for Chhattisgarh state but for the entire Asia, offering a rare glimpse into the Earths ancient marine life. Researchers will have access to the valuable site for scientific studies, while visitors can explore opportunities to learn about the ancient exciting history of marine life. The findings of fossiliferous marine fauna suggest the massive expanse of salt water covering the earth surface in this part of the state. The Chhattisgarh government, while emphasising the site as meaningful and crucial, is working closely with teams from the Geological Survey of India, Kolkata, and the Birbal Sahni Institute, Lucknow to assess the sites potential. Scientists are of the opinion that 280 million years ago, the region where the Hasdeo river is located was covered by a massive glacier. As geological changes took place, this region became a part of the Tethys Sea, allowing marine life to enter. While these species eventually became extinct, their preserved fossils continue to provide valuable insights into the history of life on Earth. The initiative by Chhattisgarh promises to bring the state onto the global map, showcasing the rich natural heritage of the region and offering future generations the occasion to understand the Earth's ancient past.
Maoists claim 18 casualties, including senior leader, after Bijapur encounter with security forces
RAIPUR: Two days after the security forces had traced twelve bodies of the Maoists following the fierce encounter in the Bijapur district last Thursday, the banned outfit issued a statement claiming they lost their 18 cadres including a senior leader Damodar of Telangana State Committee of CPI (Maoist). Damodar alias Choka Rao was carrying a reward of Rs 50 lakh on his head, a police officer said. The release was issued by Ganga, secretary, the South Bastar Divisional Committee of CPI (Maoist). The Red rebels succeeded in carrying away the six bodies of their cadres after the exchange of fire. The note of the Maoists cited the killing of Damodar as a major loss for their organisation and further claimed that in the gunfight five security personnel were also killed. Bastar has now turned into the most militarised zone of the country and the tribal communities are being repeatedly targeted under the guise of so-called anti-Maoist campaign, alleged the note. The official statement confirming the deaths. Bastar range inspector general of police Sundarraj P referring to the elimination of Damodar as a big setback to the Maoist movement along Chhattisgarh-Telangana inter-state border said, The Naxals are levelling baseless allegations regarding the casualties of forces and atrocities against the villagers. We will take this fight ahead to eliminate the banned outfit of Maoists. The troops that were out on anti-Maoist campaign also unearth an underground bunker with a long tunnel and seized a huge dump that stockpiled ammunition along with machines and explosives in an area close to the site of gun battle in Bijapur. The Maoists have been waging a war against the security forces and the state for nearly four decades now.
The main suspect in the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been apprehended from Hiranandani Estate on Ghodbandar Road in Thane, the police said on Sunday. The accused, a Bangaladeshi national had entered actor's home with an intention of theft, DCP Dikshitkumar Ashok Gedam said in a press briefing. Saif Ali Khan's attacker, who was arrested from adjoining Thane, is a Bangladeshi, who had changed his name Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad to Bijoy Das after entering India, the official said. Authorities have confirmed that he had been using multiple aliases, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammed Iliyas. He had been living in Mumbai for more than five months, doing petty jobs. Police are trying to collect the documents the accused used to enter India illegally. VIDEO | Attack on Saif Ali Khan: DCP Dikshitkumar Ashok Gedam, Zone-IX, Mumbai Police, informs, The incident happened on January 16. A person intruded at the residence of actor Saif Ali Khan with an intention of theft, attack happened. One accused has been arrested. His name is pic.twitter.com/6aw8RczCyN Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 19, 2025 This arrest follows several detentions in connection with the high-profile case. On Saturday, Mumbai Police detained another suspect, Aakash Kanojia, in Chhattisgarh. Kanojia, believed to be around 32 years old, was intercepted by the Raipur Railway Protection Force (RPF) while traveling on the Jnaneswari Express. He was subsequently handed over to the Mumbai Police. However, further investigations revealed that he was not involved in the attack. Previously, another person had been questioned in Mumbai, but police also clarified that this individual had no connection to the incident. Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by a man during a burglary bid at the actor's Bandra West home in the wee hours of Thursday. The 54-year-old actor suffered multiple stab injuries, including on his neck and near the spine, in the attack at his house. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an autorickshaw, where he underwent emergency surgery and is out of danger. As per the complaint filed in the case, the attacker had entered the room of Saif Ali Khan's younger son, Jehangir, when he was spotted by the house help. Subsequent commotion alarmed other residents of the house, and Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan rushed into Jeh's room, the complainant said. Saif conronted the intruder and got injured in the scuffle. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who gave her statement to Mumbai Police on Saturday, mentioned that the intruder got aggressive during his scuffle but did not touch jewellery kept in the open. A team of doctors treating Saif Ali Khan on Saturday said the actor is recovering well and is expected to be discharged in two to three days. We are observing his progress, and he is doing well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest, and if he is comfortable, we will discharge him in two to three days, Dr Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital, had said. Theft only motive, no gang behind attack on Saif Ali Khan: Minister (With inputs from PTI)
Saif Ali Khan attacker arrested in Thane, Mumbai police to question him
The main suspect in the attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has been apprehended in Thane, Mumbai Police said on Sunday. The accused, who has confessed to the crime, reportedly worked as a waiter at a local restaurant. Authorities have confirmed that he had been using multiple aliases, including Vijay Das, Bijoy Das, and Mohammed Iliyas. He is currently in custody at the Khar Police Station. This arrest follows several detentions in connection with the high-profile case. On Saturday, Mumbai Police detained another suspect, Aakash Kanojia, in Chhattisgarh. Kanojia, believed to be around 32 years old, was intercepted by the Raipur Railway Protection Force (RPF) while traveling on the Jnaneswari Express. He was subsequently handed over to the Mumbai Police. However, further investigations revealed that he was not involved in the attack. Previously, another person had been questioned in Mumbai, but police also clarified that this individual had no connection to the incident. Saif Ali Khan was stabbed by a man during a burglary bid at the actor's Bandra West home in the wee hours of Thursday. The 54-year-old actor suffered multiple stab injuries, including on his neck and near the spine, in the attack at his house. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital in an autorickshaw, where he underwent emergency surgery and is out of danger. As per the complaint filed in the case, the attacker had entered the room of Saif Ali Khan's younger son, Jehangir, when he was spotted by the house help. Subsequent commotion alarmed other residents of the house, and Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan rushed into Jeh's room, the complainant said. Saif conronted the intruder and got injured in the scuffle. Kareena Kapoor Khan, who gave her statement to Mumbai Police on Saturday, mentioned that the intruder got aggressive during his scuffle but did not touch jewellery kept in the open. A team of doctors treating Saif Ali Khan on Saturday said the actor is recovering well and is expected to be discharged in two to three days. We are observing his progress, and he is doing well according to our expectations. As per his progress, we have advised him bed rest, and if he is comfortable, we will discharge him in two to three days, Dr Nitin Dange, a neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital, had said. Theft only motive, no gang behind attack on Saif Ali Khan: Minister
The suspect detained in connection with the stabbing attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, was nabbed by the Raipur Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Durg, Chhattisgarh, while he was travelling by the Jnaneswari Express train and will be handed over to the Mumbai Police for further investigation.
Instagram friendship lands woman and friend behind bars
Hyderabad: Friendship on Instagram landed a woman and her friend into trouble after Secunderabad Railway Police (GRP) in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested them for smuggling ganja from Visakhapatnam to Solapur in Maharashtra via Secunderabad railway station. The arrested have been identified as Ishrat Bano, 20, of Madhya Pradesh and Kanchan, 21, of Chhattisgarh. The prime accused Raja of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh is absconding. The railway police said Bano and Kanchan were friends when they studied in the same school up to intermediate at Bilaspur. They became addicted to consuming alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Two years ago Bano developed a friendship with Raja on Instagram. Bano shared her problems, habits and status with Raja. Raja suggested Bano to assist him in transporting ganja to Maharashtra offering her to pay Rs.1,000 per packet. Bano then agreed to the offer and helped Raja transport ganja thrice a month. Meanwhile, Kanchan often expressed her desire with Bano to go on a long trip. Raja assigned the task of transporting ganja to Solapur. On January 16, 2025, Bano called Kanchan to come to Raipur for a trip to Solapur. During the journey, Bano revealed to Kanchan about the transportation ganja from Visakhapatnam to Solapur and convinced her by offering to share the earnings equally. Thereafter, both Bano and Kanchan went to Visakhapatnam railway station from Raipur. Bano then2 took two back packs of dry ganja in eight packets from an unknown person. She handed over a bag to Kanchan and both boarded a general coach of Konark Express to reach Solapur. On Friday at about 1.15 pm, the train arrived on platform one at Secunderabad station when the police nabbed them while moving under suspicious circumstances. As many as 17.767 kgs of dry ganja worth Rs.4.44 lakh and two mobile phones were seized from the possession of the arrested women.
Hyderabad Cops Suspect Shooting Gang Headed to Bihar
Hyderabad: Hyderabad police suspect the duo who opened fire at a travel company manager here on Friday were from Bihar, and may be heading back to their home state. The Karnataka government, meanwhile, said the gang was the same one that had shot a cash delivery agent in Bidar earlier in the day and made off with a chest of cash containing Rs 93 lakh. Sources said the police were collecting CCTV footage from different places to trace the accused. After a preliminary probe, the police said that the gang had travelled towards Tank Bund in an autorickshaw, from where they disappeared. It is suspected that they were headed to Bihar. The Hyderabad police said that they formed more than 10 teams and the task force are collecting evidence. The Clues teams collected samples and verified the fingerprints at the place. The police officials said they would get a clue about the accused and solve the case. According to a report, the gang had fired eight bullets at cash delivery security guards Giri Venkatesh and Shiva Kashinath, before decamping with the cash meant for refilling an ATM in Bidar at about 11.30 am on Thursday. The robbers fled the spot on a bike, carrying the cash-filled trunk. Speaking in Bengaluru, Karnataka home minister G. Parameshwara said the gang had been identified. Karnataka police teams had gone to Indore in Madhya Pradesh and other possible hideouts. Both of them have been identified. They are being followed, Parameshwara told reporters. According to him, the assailants fled to Hyderabad after the crime. Usually gunmen accompany the transport when such a huge amount of cash is transported. Unfortunately, yesterday there was no gunman in the vehicle, the minister said. He suspected that thethe gang had studied the cash transportation process before executing the heist. It is suspected that the same duo turned up at an office of Roshan Travels, and urgently sought two tickets to Raipur. The agency staff sought their ID proof and wanted to inspect the baggage. At the same time, some Karnataka policemen pursuing a different case turned up at the scene. This scared the duo, one of whom opened fire, injuring manager Mohammed Jahangir in the leg and abdomen.
Hyderabad police intensifies probe in Afzalgunj firing incident
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police widened its probe into the firing incident that took place in Afzalgunj on Thursday night. An hour after the incident, the police started examining surveillance cameras installed at the travel agency and its surroundings to zero in on the armed robbers. The police also checked lodges and other hotels in Afzalgunj to know if anyone from other States checked in without valid documents. We have formed special teams to nab the two-member armed robbers who were behind the daring robbery in an ATM at Bidar in Karnataka, an official said, exuding confidence that the police would nab the robbers soon. The gang allegedly shot dead two security guards at an ATM kiosk in Bidar and looted Rs 93 lakh, opened fire at a travels company manager at Afzalgunj here, injuring him in the leg and abdomen on Thursday in their bid to escape. Police said the gang was trying to board a bus to Raipur and entered into an argument with the manager and opened fire. They then fled towards Osmania General Hospital. The Hyderabad police sounded a red alert and started frisking operations in various localities, especially in the southeast, east, central and southwest zones to try and identify the attacker. According to the police, the duo entered State on a bike after the murderous attack in Bidar, and entered the city early on Thursday. They intended to go to Raipur and headed to a travel office at about 3 pm and asked the manager for tickets. The manager, Mohammed Jahangir, became suspicious with their behaviour, and asked them to wait for a mini-bus to take them to the travel company bus waiting on the outskirts. When Jahangir demanded their ID cards, one of the gang members opened fire on him resulting in injuries. The attackers were aged between 30 and 35 years and spoke Hindi and carried backpacks, the police said.
Raipur Diary | In a major boost, Adani Group to invest Rs 75K cr
Gautam Adani, Adani Group chairman, met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his official residence in Raipur on Sunday and assured an investment of Rs 75,000 crore in areas of power, cement, education, health, skill, and tourism. The major investment plan would be in the Adani Groups energy and cement projects. Adani discussed about a planned investment of Rs 60,000 crore to expand the groups power plants in Raipur, Korba and Raigarh in the state. The expansion will enhance Chhattisgarhs total power generation capacity by an additional 6,120 MW. Maoist couples tie nuptial knots Love and trust conquered the ideology of violence for Mahesh-Hemla and Madkam-Ravva, the two surrendered Maoist couples. They got married in Sukma district. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also attended the ceremony. Mahesh, Hemla Munni, Madkam and Ravva were associated with CPI (Maoist) for years, gave up arms and surrendered six months ago. Maoists strictly debar having a family life in their social milieu. The administration solemnised their marriages with rituals under the welfare scheme Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana. Panel soon to select new state police chief Chhattisgarh government is in the process to finalise a panel of senior IPS officers for the post of state police chief. DGP Ashok Juneja will retire on February 5, if no further extension is granted to him. Presently, there are three IPS officers who are said to be front-runners two IPS officers of 1992 batchArun Dev Gautam, Pawan Deo and one from 1994 batch Himanshu Gupta. However, speculations are rife on the name of G P Singh and SRP Kalluri (both 1994-batch) might also be considered in the panel as the duo completes the 30 years of service. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Cgarh Civic Body Polls to Be Held With EVMs
Raipur : The ensuing polls to the urban local bodies in Chhattisgarh would be held with electronic voting machines (EVMs). A notification to the effect has been issued here. A gazette notification issued by the state government said that the upcoming polls to the urban local bodies would be held with EVMs instead of ballot papers. The last polls to the urban local bodies in the state, held in 2019, were conducted with ballot papers. The civic body polls in the state were held with EVMs till 2014 when BJP was in power in the state. However, the Congress which returned to power in Chhattisgarh in 2018 had decided to hold the civic body polls with ballot papers instead of EVMs. The ensuing elections to the three-tier panchayat raj bodies in the state would however be held with ballot papers for technical reasons, official sources said. Elections to the urban and rural bodies in Chhattisgarh may be declared soon, sources said.
Chhattisgarh: 12 Naxals Killed in Bastar Encounter, Toll May Rise, Encounter Still Continues
Raipur: At least 12 Maoists were on Thursday gunned down in an encounter with security forces in the forest of Bijapur district in south Bastar of Chhattisgarh. The death toll of Naxals may go up as an intense gunbattle was still going on till the last reports came at nine pm, a senior police officer said, unwilling to be quoted. The exact casualty figure could be known after the encounter ends, a spokesman of Bastar police said. All the security personnel involved in the counterinsurgency operation were safe, the police officer said. Bastar range inspector general of police P Sunderraj has confirmed the encounter. There is every possibility of Naxals suffering heavy casualty. The encounter is still going on. Details could be known only after the encounter ends, a spokesman of Bastar police said. A senior police officer told this newspaper that the encounter took place in the forest near Pujari Kanker village under Terram police station in Bijapur district at around nine in the morning. Acting on specific intelligence inputs on the presence of large number of armed Maoists including some senior cadres in the Pujari Kanker area, a joint security team comprising personnel of district reserve guard (DRG), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a search operation in the particular forest. The search party came under attack by the Maoists leading to the fierce encounter. Security forces have surrounded the Naxals. The casualty figure among the ultras is most likely to go up, the police officer said. The forested area where the encounter was going on has been known to be the core area of Maoists and guarded by the battalion number one of outlawed CPI (Maoist). In April 2021, 22 CRPF jawans were killed in a Maoist ambush in Tekelguda, close to the encounter site, a police officer said.
Jaipur rugs continues expansion with first Chhattisgarh store in Raipur
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IED blast in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur: Two CRPF jawans injured
RAIPUR: Two personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured in an explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the outlawed CPI (Maoist) at Putkel, under Basaguda police station limits in Bijapur, about 400 km south of Raipur, on Thursday, the police said. A joint team of CRPF and its elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) unit was out on an area domination exercise from the Putkel base camp on Thursday. During the campaign, two personnel were injured in a blast while accidentally crossing over a pressure IED planted by Maoists. Both the wounded jawans have been evacuated for immediate medical assistance. Their conditions are stable and out of danger, a police officer said. Law enforcement agencies in the conflict-ridden Bastar zone affirmed that despite the declining trend of Maoist-related incidents, the strenuous challenge of effectively countering IED threats persists during any operation in south Chhattisgarh. Even the United Nations has cited IEDs as a grave worldwide threat. IEDs are the easiest weapon for Maoists, who always look for soft options to target, asserted Brigadier (retired) B K Ponwar, a jungle warfare expert.
Cgarh: Maoist Involved in 2010 Tadmetla Massacre of 76 CRPF Jawans Surrender
Raipur : A Maoist allegedly involved in the 2010 Tadmetla massacre of 76 CRPF jawans was among four Naxal who surrendered in Narayanpur under south Bastar in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. Gandhi Tati alias Arab alias Kamlesh (35) was allegedly involved in the deadly Maoist ambush on security personnel on April 6, 2010, in Tadmetla in Sukma district in south Bastar in which 76 CRPF jawans were killed, police said. He was a divisional committee member and had allegedly unleashed a reign of terror in around 50 villages in Nelnar area in Narayanpur district, police said. Kamlesh along with three other hardcore Maoists surrendered before police, Narayanpur district superintendent of police Prabhat Kumar said. The four surrendered Maoists were allegedly involved in around 40 incidents of violence and cumulatively carried a bounty of Rs 32 lakh, he said. The other Maoist who surrendered was Mannu alias Hemlal (35) who was allegedly involved in the killing of five jawans in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Bukintor in Narayanpur district in 2021. The Naxal was a divisional committee member. Two other ultras, Ranjit Lakemi (30) and his wife Kosi alias Kajol (28), surrendered before the police. As many as 792 Maoists surrendered in Bastar in the last one year.
Cgarh: ED Arrests Former Minister Kawasi Lakhma in Excise Scam
Raipur : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested former minister Kawasi Lakhma, a six-time Congress MLA from Konta in Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, in the alleged excise scam. The ED arrested him after interrogating him in connection with the alleged scandal. He was produced before a local court which remanded him to the ED custody till January 21. The alleged excise scam that took place during the previous Bhupesh Baghel government involved the illicit channelization of alcohol to the government liquor shops by a syndicate for commission. The ED has estimated the scam at Rs 2,162 crore. After his arrest, Mr Lakhma said that he was falsely implicated in the case. No money has been recovered from me in the raids by the ED in my premises. I have been cooperating with them (ED) in the investigation, but still they have arrested a poor man like me. I will continue to voice the issues of the people of Bastar, he said while being taken to the local court. After the ED raids in his houses on December 28, the lawmaker said I am not aware of any excise scam and I got to know about it from the newspapers and the TV news. I am an illiterate person and I signed the papers (files) when I was asked (by the officers). The ED had raided the premises of the tribal Congress leader and his son Harish Lakhma and some government officers in Raipur and Sukma in connection with the alleged scam. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) had registered an FIR in the alleged excise scam in January this year based on the complaint filed by the ED. Seventy people including the former minister, IAS officer Anil Tuteja and ITS officer Arunpati Tripathy have been named in the FIR.
ED arrests ex-Excise minister, son in Chhattisgarhs alleged liquor scam
RAIPUR: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested a six-time Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma, former excise minister, and his son Harish in Chhattisgarhs alleged liquor scam. Both will soon be produced before the special court in Raipur later today. After conducting extensive searches at the multiple locations linked to Lakhma and his son on December 28, both were later summoned by the ED in Raipur for questioning. Lakhma and Harish on Wednesday appeared before the ED for the third time and were arrested by the central probe agency. This is the first arrest of a cabinet-rank minister of the former Bhupesh Baghel government. The central agency is investigating the alleged involvement of the Congress leader, who remains a prominent tribal face in Bastar, under the provision of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Kawasi has maintained that he is illiterate and used to put his signature wherever he was asked as an excise minister. The state deputy chief minister Arun Sao contended how can anyone involved believe to get exonerated from the scam simply by claiming that he is illiterate. So far seven persons have been arrested in the liquor scam. The ED estimated that Proceeds of Crime of around Rs 2,161 crore have been generated by the suspects in the alleged liquor scam.
Chhattisgarh to expedite selection process for its new DGP through a panel
RAIPUR : The Chhattisgarh government will soon finalise a panel of senior IPS officers to be submitted for the appointment of the state police chief, as DGP Ashok Juneja is set to retire on February 5, unless a further extension is granted. Juneja, a 1989-batch officer, had his tenure extended by six months in August last year by the state government. There are four officers who are said to be front-runners for the post of DGP. The state government had earlier submitted a panel with the names of three senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which later reverted with some queries. The panel comprised two IPS officers from the 1992 batch Arun Dev Gautam and Pawan Deo and one from the 1994 batch, Himanshu Gupta. Speculations are rife that the name of G P Singh (1994-batch), who was compulsorily retired in July 2023 but reinstated in service by the Ministry of Home Affairs a month ago, is likely to be included in the revised list of the panel that will soon be sent to the UPSC by the state home department. According to sources, the names of SRP Kalluri (1994-batch) and Pradip Gupta (1995-batch) might also be considered, as both will be completing 30 years of service by the first week of February. Currently, the Chhattisgarh police have four DGP-rank officers. Usually, the state sends the names of senior IPS officers to the UPSC as likely candidates to be appointed as DGP. The UPSC then draws up a list of the three most acceptable officers, and the state is free to appoint anyone from the suggested names.
Chhattisgarh journalist murder: CM announces Rs 10 lakh aid
Raipur: Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday, January 14, announced an aid of Rs 10 lakh to the kin of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar, who was murdered in Bijapur district earlier this month. Talking to reporters at the helipad in police lines, Sai said a building will be constructed for scribes and named after 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 .
