Raipur

11 Injured Jawans Airlifted To Raipur After IED Blasts During Anti-Maoist Operation In Bijapur

Eleven security personnel were injured in six IED blasts during an anti-Maoist operation near Karegutta hills, Bijapur.

11 security personnel injured as IEDs planted by Naxalites go off in Chhattisgarh

Eleven security personnel were injured in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. Improvised explosive devices planted by Maoists detonated during an anti-Naxalite operation. The explosions occurred in the forests of Karregutta Hills. Ten personnel were from the District Reserve Guard and one from the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. The injured have been admitted to a hospital in Raipur.

'IND-NZ Series Was Appetiser, Main Course Begins From Feb 7: Gavaskar On Indias T20 WC Title Defence Preps

T20 World Cup: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised Team Indias preparations ahead of their T20 World Cup title defence, noting that the Men in Blue are not taking the World Cup lightly and not taking anything for granted. His comments came after the side secured the five-match T20I series against New Zealand with two matches to spare, winning the third game convincingly by eight wickets on Sunday. Chasing 154, India shrugged off an early setback to race home in just 10 overs, led by Abhishek Sharmas 68 not out off 28 balls and Suryakumar Yadavs unbeaten 57 off 26. Abhishek brought up a 14-ball fifty, the second-fastest by an Indian, as India stormed to 94/2 in the powerplay, but before the teams batting blitz, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi starred with the ball in the first innings as New Zealand were restricted to 153/9, despite resistance from Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and skipper Mitchell Santner. Reflecting on Indias preparation for the upcoming World Cup, Gavaskar described the New Zealand series as only the beginning of a much larger journey. This series is like an appetiser; the main course begins from the 7th of February. Having won the series, the focus now is on defending the World Cup title. These players are preparing thoroughly. Some of them havent even had the chance to bat, so they are working on range-hitting, timing, rhythm, bat flow, and pick-up. It shows the focus of this team; they are not taking the World Cup lightly and not taking anything for granted, he said on JioStar. Abhishek's blistering display of power-hitting ensured India sealed a thumping eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Guwahati to gain an unassailable 30 lead in the series. Gavaskar also drew comparisons between Abhishek and his mentor Yuvraj Singh while speaking about the young openers rapid rise and record-breaking potential. I think that kind of a record is very, very hard to beat. Getting to a fifty in just two overs is extremely tough. But what Abhishek Sharma has shown over the last several matches is that he is capable of doing that. He has scored a fifty in 14 deliveries in this match and in 16 deliveries on another, so he keeps getting closer. I think the happiest person will be Yuvraj Singh. Make no mistake about it, that his record has been taken by someone he is mentoring. Thats what happens when your record is broken. You would rather see another Indian take it. When my record of centuries was surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar, yes, there is a small tinge when a record is taken away, no question about that. But who took it? Sachin Tendulkar, another Indian. So, you dont feel bad about it at all, he added. Speaking on Suryakumar Yadavs form heading into the World Cup, Gavaskar emphasised that the Indian skipper was never short of confidence or timing- only runs. I think that his knock the other day in Raipur gave him exactly the confidence he needed. He hasnt been short of form; hes been short of runs. What he has been saying is that he has been batting very well in the nets. Hes not struggling there, hes hitting the ball cleanly and all around the ground. It just wasnt working for him in matches. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of luck to get going. This time, he didnt even need luck. That innings was exactly what he needed. It boosted his confidence, and the shots he played were simply amazing, the former India opener stated. The 76-year-old concluded by highlighting Indias growing confidence and exceptional depth, particularly in the lower middle order. India has complete confidence in themselves. When you have players like Rinku Singh and Hardik Pandya batting down the order, and they havent even needed to bat in two matches, and India is still winning comfortably, it tells you the kind of caliber this team has. The 76-year-old concluded by highlighting Indias growing confidence and exceptional depth, particularly in the lower middle order. Also Read: Live Cricket Score That belief is clearly visible. Even if there is a small stumble, this team knows it can recover, regroup, and continue marching towards victory, he mentioned. Article Source: IANS

3rd T20I: 'Aim Is To Enjoy Cricket Amd Get Back To Basics,' Says Kishan Ahead Of T20 WC

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Ishan Kishan, who recently made his comeback to international cricket after over two years, said that his main goal is to enjoy his game, get back to basics and focus on what's important, as he prepares himself for the T20 World Cup next month. The wicketkeeper-batter bounced back in style in the recently concluded second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur and notched up a brilliant 32-ball 76 during Indias chase of 209 runs as the hosts reached the target in less than 16 overs and clinched a seven-wicket victory. I was just hoping to just go in, be calm and watch each and every ball and just play the cricketing shots which are required at that point of time, Kishan said ahead of the third T20I when asked to describe his innings from the previous game. Chasing what looked like a tough target, India lost two early wickets as openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were sent back to the dugout in no time, leading to Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav walking onto the crease and taking charge earlier than expected. Asked what was his thought process seeing the scoreboard at 6/2, he said, When you are chasing a total like 209, it's very important to get as many runs as you can in the powerplay. But at the same point, my thinking was, let's not think of losing my wicket by playing shots, but at the same time, I can play some good shots. And I felt, for left-hand batsmen, it was much easier to play in the middle, the way they were bowling. So I thought of just getting in that zone and getting as many runs as possible. The 27-year-old had to wait for a long time before earning a comeback call-up from the Indian side. He put in tremendous effort for his state team, Jharkhand, in the 71 matches he played domestically, including leading the side to a title win at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy last year. His hard work was recognised when he was called back to the team for the ongoing New Zealand series and the home T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Chasing what looked like a tough target, India lost two early wickets as openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were sent back to the dugout in no time, leading to Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav walking onto the crease and taking charge earlier than expected. Asked what was his thought process seeing the scoreboard at 6/2, he said, When you are chasing a total like 209, it's very important to get as many runs as you can in the powerplay. But at the same point, my thinking was, let's not think of losing my wicket by playing shots, but at the same time, I can play some good shots. And I felt, for left-hand batsmen, it was much easier to play in the middle, the way they were bowling. So I thought of just getting in that zone and getting as many runs as possible. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Talking about his feelings during his recall and whether he experienced pressure before his comeback, Kishan stated, After looking at everything, after going through everything, I think there's not much change I get. I don't get much happy. I don't get more sad. So it's just that I'm in the present and you know, important thing is World Cup is ahead and what we need to do in the World Cup is more important. So I was just thinking about how we are going to win this trophy and what else we need to improve in ourselves. Article Source: IANS

Surya Is A Big Player Who Has Done Well For India Consistently, Says Rohit

T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma, who led India to 2024 Mens T20 World Cup triumph, praised current skipper Suryakumar Yadavs impact on the national side, calling him a big player who has done consistently well for the team. Suryakumar reached his first fifty in the format after 468 days and 23 innings by hitting an unbeaten 82, laced with nine fours and four sixes in Indias seven-wicket win over New Zealand in Raipur. With the Mens T20 World Cup set to begin on February 7, Suryakumar returning back to form after a horrid 2025 augurs well for India in their quest to defend the title on home soil. A captain in form makes a big difference. But I see it differently. It's not just about the captain. If a key player like Surya is out of form, you lose out on one of your 7-8 batters. That weakens the whole lineup. Surya is a big player who has done well for India consistently. If his performance drops, it hurts the team. This isn't about the individual; it's about the batting order. Surya bats at a high strike rate and plays unorthodox shots that disrupt plans of the opposition. He hits balls in unexpected places and plays shots that others can't. That puts pressure on the bowler, making them think, 'What do I do now?, How can I tackle him?' When a player like Surya is in form, it makes the whole team stronger, not just because of his confidence, but because of what he brings to the game, said Rohit on JioHotstar. Rohit has been team-mates with Suryakumar in India T20I team, as well as in IPL and domestic cricket. He explained the innate intelligence Suryakumar has in terms of reading the game. Suryakumar Yadav understands the game very well. We played a lot of IPL matches together. Whenever I talked to him about different situations, his responses always made sense. I judge people like that. I don't expect them to say what I think, but their answer should make sense. With Surya, it always does. He has great understanding and knows how to get the best from players around him. In the T20 World Cup, there will be tricky moments where we must be careful. It will be a test, but all these guys have played high-pressure games before. They should be able to handle it, he added. Rohit further lauded Abhishek Sharma's calculated and impactful batting approach, which has been central to India getting great starts in power-play. I like how Abhishek Sharma is batting. He doesn't just swing hard; his approach is smart and calculated. He plays shots all around, from extra cover to mid-wicket. With Surya, it always does. He has great understanding and knows how to get the best from players around him. In the T20 World Cup, there will be tricky moments where we must be careful. It will be a test, but all these guys have played high-pressure games before. They should be able to handle it, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Giving your team 50-60 runs in the first few overs does half the job; it lets others build on it. To take on bowlers, you have to do your homework and practice those shots in the nets every day. It's that simple, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

CBI court reverses Congress's Bhupesh Baghel's discharge in 2017 obscene video case

A Raipur CBI court has overturned the discharge of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The case involves an alleged obscene video from 2017 targeting ex-minister Rajesh Munnat. The court also rejected appeals from other accused individuals. The CBI had previously filed chargesheets in the matter. The case originated from an FIR lodged by Chhattisgarh Police.

IND vs NZ 3rd T20I Preview | Red-hot India sets sights on yet another T20I series triumph

Suryakumar Yadavs men produced dominant victories in Nagpur and Raipur and now have set their sights on wrapping up the five-match rubber. The Men in Blue are hitting their stride at the right moment.

2nd T20I: 'Surya's Innings Showed Maturity And Awareness,' Says Gavaskar After India Take 2-0 Lead

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar hailed captain Suryakumar Yadav's mature knock, which helped India secure a hefty victory against New Zealand in the second T20I that was played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Friday. The Former India captain also believes that Suryakumar's return to form has given the Men in Blue a big boost ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which commences on February 7. India comfortably chased down the 209-run target, securing a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, thanks to a crucial 122-run partnership between the skipper and keeper-batter Ishan Kishan. Gavaskar highlighted Suryakumars awareness and maturity in managing his innings, reflecting on his pacing. Suryas innings showed that he was aware of the situation. At one stage, he was 11 off 11 balls while Ishan was scoring freely. That shows the skippers maturity; he allowed the in-form batter to take charge while he got his eyes in and rotated the strike, he told JioStar. After Ishan got out, Surya took the initiative and started hitting. Driving through the offside was a big plus because it showed he was looking to play straight. Eighty-plus not out was a fabulous innings and a big, big boost for India before the T20 World Cup, he added. Gavaskar highlighted Suryakumars awareness and maturity in managing his innings, reflecting on his pacing. Suryas innings showed that he was aware of the situation. At one stage, he was 11 off 11 balls while Ishan was scoring freely. That shows the skippers maturity; he allowed the in-form batter to take charge while he got his eyes in and rotated the strike, he told JioStar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ishan and Surya have played for the Mumbai Indians together, so they know each others game. When you travel and play together for more than two months, you develop a kinship. Ishan is a fun-loving guy and extremely popular in the dressing room. Its great to see the team spirit because thats what you want in tough situations, Gavaskar noted. Article Source: IANS

Kishans statement knock, Suryas welcome fifty give India 2-0 lead

RAIPUR, Jan 23: Ishan Kishan justified his national recall with a sensational 32-ball-76 while captain Suryakumar Yadav scored his first fifty after 23 innings as India decimated New Zealand by seven wickets for a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series here on Friday. Ahead of the all important T20 World Cup, it all seems to be falling in place for India with Suryakumar (82 not out off 37) overcoming a prolonged lean patch and Kishan emerging as a destructive [] The post Kishans statement knock, Suryas welcome fifty give India 2-0 lead appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Kishans statement knock, Suryas fifty give India 2-0 lead

Raipur, Jan 23: Ishan Kishan justified his national recall with a sensational 32-ball-76 while captain Suryakumar Yadav scored his first fifty after 23 innings as India decimated New Zealand by seven wickets for a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series here on Friday. Ahead of the all important T20 World Cup, it all seems []

Pant should be in T20 World Cup squad, says Ian Smith

Raipur, Jan 23: For Ian Smith, a player of Rishabh Pants calibre walks into any T20 side and hence the former New Zealand stumper finds it baffling that the keeper-batter hasnt been picked for the upcoming World Cup starting in less than three weeks time. Pant, who is currently recovering from a side strain, has []

Suryakumars unbeaten 82 guides India to 7-wicket win against NZ

Raipur: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav finally produced a big one, scoring an unbeaten 82, while Ishan Kishan contributed a fiery 76 as India romped to a seven-wicket victory with 28 balls remaining against New Zealand in the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, and go 2-0 up in the five-match series 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 .

2nd T20I: Runs In Domestic Circuit Helped Me Score Here As Well, Says Ishan Kishan After Helping India Win

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: After playing a match-winning knock of 76 in 32 deliveries, Player of the Match Ishan Kishan underlined how scoring runs in domestic cricket helped answer his own doubts, rebuild confidence, and carry momentum into the international arena in the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur on Friday. India successfully chased down the target of 209 with seven wickets and with 28 balls remaining to record the second-highest successful chase in the hosts' T20I history. The emphatic finish was also the biggest win by balls remaining for a full member nation while chasing a target of over 200. It surpassed Pakistans 24-ball victory against New Zealand in Auckland in 2025 and Australias 23-ball win over West Indies in Basseterre that same year. He explained that chasing a big total required calm decision-making, stressing the importance of watching the ball closely, avoiding unnecessary risks, and making the most of the powerplay. I was focusing more on what I need to do and be in a good headspace for this game. Sometimes, you are batting well, and you just have to be in a good headspace. You just try to look at the ball and play good shots. We were looking to not take any risks, not go cross-batted. When you are chasing 200-plus, you need runs in the powerplay as well, Kishan said after the match. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav put up 122 runs in a mere 48 balls for the third wicket, suddenly turning what had looked like a tough chase into an easy stroll. Kishan inflicted the majority of the damage with his aggression early on and had 76 from 32 balls - including a 21-ball fifty - when he got out mis-hitting Ish Sodhi for a catch off his own bowling. By that time, damage had already been done. Depends on how you are batting. I felt good in the middle. I backed myself and had a feeling that if I connected with good shots, I would make it happen for the team. The blistering knock of 76 comes on the heels of a good domestic season in 2025. During the SMAT campaign, Kishan topped the charts with 517 runs and played a decisive role in the final against Haryana, where he struck a blistering century. His hundred came off just 45 balls, making him only the second player to score a ton in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final and registering as the third-fastest century in a mens T20 final. With five centuries in the tournament, he now shares the record for most hundreds in SMAT history with Abhishek Sharma. He also scored the second-fastest hundred by an Indian in List A cricket, falling just one ball short of the national record set earlier the same day by Bihar skipper Sakibul Gani, who reached the milestone in 32 deliveries against Arunachal Pradesh. I don't know about that. Yeah, I was just looking to score runs. Sometimes, it is important to do it for yourself. So you can answer your questions about how you are batting. If you are capable of playing for India, that's why it was very important for me to score runs in domestic cricket. Good part is we won the trophy as well. Batting here, taking the same confidence. So it was a pretty good day for me as well. He also scored the second-fastest hundred by an Indian in List A cricket, falling just one ball short of the national record set earlier the same day by Bihar skipper Sakibul Gani, who reached the milestone in 32 deliveries against Arunachal Pradesh. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Nothing, I just asked myself one question. Can I do it again or not? I had a clear answer in my head. I feel I can bat throughout the innings and play good shots. I just needed to run somewhere to answer my questions. I was just looking to get runs, and even if I get out, I was looking to play well. Article Source: IANS

2nd T20I: 'Never Saw Anyone Hit The Ball Like He Did,' Says Suryakumar Yadav On Ishan Kishan's Fiery 76

T20 World Cup: Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the hosts want their batters to play with freedom and express themselves, hailing Ishan Kishans fearless strokeplay as a reflection of the teams mindset after India beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I in Raipur on Friday. Despite having a little help from the dew, India's chase of 209 started out shakily. Sanju Samson went out for 6, Abhishek Sharma made a golden duck, and all of a sudden, the hosts were down to 6 for 2. However, what followed was a mind-blowing counterattack. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav put up 122 runs in a mere 48 balls for the third wicket, suddenly turning what had looked like a tough chase into an easy stroll. Kishan inflicted the majority of the damage with his aggression early on and had 76 from 32 balls - including a 21-ball fifty - when he got out mis-hitting Ish Sodhi for a catch off his own bowling. By that time, damage had already been done. Suryakumar finished with an impressive 82 from only 37 balls, reemphasising his class and importance to the team, only weeks leading into a home T20 World Cup. I didn't know what Ishan had for lunch. Never saw anyone hit the ball like he did. This is what we want from the batters to go out there and express themselves, be happy. I was angry he didn't give me a strike in the Power-play. But I knew that we had time and could cover up. I was batting really well in the nets, I got some good time with family and friends, and I am enjoying what's happening right now, Suryakumar Yadav said after the match. The emphatic finish was also the biggest win by balls remaining for a full member nation while chasing a target of over 200. It surpassed Pakistans 24-ball victory against New Zealand in Auckland in 2025 and Australias 23-ball win over West Indies in Basseterre that same year. Indias bowling struggled during this match. Arshdeep Singh had a particularly tough evening, giving away 53 runs without taking a wicket. Hardik Pandya was more economical, finishing with 1 for 25 from three overs. Harshit Rana, despite having a wicket maiden, ended with 1 for 35 from three overs. The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a combined eight overs, taking three wickets while conceding 70 runs. Shivam Dube also contributed with one wicket. The emphatic finish was also the biggest win by balls remaining for a full member nation while chasing a target of over 200. It surpassed Pakistans 24-ball victory against New Zealand in Auckland in 2025 and Australias 23-ball win over West Indies in Basseterre that same year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Suryakumar also highlighted the positive, relaxed atmosphere in the camp, stressing that India is committed to playing their brand of cricket while giving 100 per cent in every aspect. I am really enjoying. The mood in the camp is happy. We want to play the same brand of cricket and leave no stone unturned. Article Source: IANS

2nd T20I: Suryakumar Yadav's Unbeaten 82 Guides India To A Seven-wicket Victory Over New Zealand

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Skipper Suryakumar Yadav finally produced a big one, scoring an unbeaten 82 while Ishan Kishan contributed a fiery 76 as India romped to a seven-wicket victory with 28 balls remaining against New Zealand in the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, and go 2-0 up in the five-match series. It was also the second-highest successful chase in Indias T20I history. Only Indias 211/4 against Sri Lanka in Mohali in 2009 stands above it, with the Raipur effort also eclipsing chases of 209/4 vs West Indies (Hyderabad, 2019), 209/8 vs Australia (Vizag, 2023), and 204/4 vs New Zealand (Auckland, 2020). The emphatic finish was also the biggest win by balls remaining for a full member nation while chasing a target of over 200. It surpassed Pakistans 24-ball victory against New Zealand in Auckland in 2025 and Australias 23-ball win over West Indies in Basseterre that same year. Despite having a little help from the dew, India's response started shakily. Sanju Samson went out for 6, Abhishek Sharma made a golden duck, and all of a sudden, the hosts were down to 6 for 2. However, what followed was a mind-blowing counterattack. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav put up 122 runs in a mere 48 balls for the third wicket, suddenly turning what had looked like a tough chase into an easy stroll. Kishan inflicted the majority of the damage with his aggression early on and had 76 from 32 balls - including a 21-ball fifty - before he got out, mis-hitting Ish Sodhi for a catch off his own bowling. By that time, the damage had already been done. Suryakumar, who had been struggling on 10 from 10 balls at one point in time, then flipped a switch and began to accelerate. As a bonus, Shivam Dube was moved up the order to hit a quickfire 36 (200 SR) and assisted Suryakumar in putting up 81 runs together in the fourth wicket partnership, to easily finish the chase. Suryakumar finished with an impressive 82 from only 37 balls, reemphasising his class and importance to the team, only weeks leading into a home T20 World Cup. Earlier, New Zealand set India a tough target after Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl. Both openers got good starts but could not build on that. Rachin Ravindra top-scored with a solid 44 off 26 balls. Skipper Mitchell Santner gave the innings a crucial boost with an unbeaten 47 off 27 balls, helping the visitors pass the 200-run mark. Zak Foulkes also contributed by remaining not out on 15 off 8. New Zealand finished with a total of 208/6. New Zealand's bowlers had a chance to prove themselves on the night, but they had an unsuccessful evening. Zak Foulkes had no luck in his three overs, giving up 67 runs - the highest ever for a T20I bowler who is a member of one of the full member teams - breaking the previous record of 63 runs held by Liam McCarthy (Ireland) against the West Indies at Bready in 2025. Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Henry managed to take one wicket each, but merely taking three wickets was not sufficient to stop the onslaught of runs from India. When Henry started well, it was a crucial decision to turn to Foulkes as the first change, and he went for 24 runs in his first over - the first time that Kishan really got his rhythm going. Thereafter, things went downhill for New Zealand, with some additional missed fielding opportunities compounding the problems. For India, Kuldeep Yadav was the standout bowler, taking two wickets for 35 runs. Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Shivam Dube each took one wicket. However, the rest of the bowling attack struggled to keep the scoring in check on a surface that favoured batting. Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Henry managed to take one wicket each, but merely taking three wickets was not sufficient to stop the onslaught of runs from India. When Henry started well, it was a crucial decision to turn to Foulkes as the first change, and he went for 24 runs in his first over - the first time that Kishan really got his rhythm going. Thereafter, things went downhill for New Zealand, with some additional missed fielding opportunities compounding the problems. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand 208/6 in 20 overs (Mitchell Santner 47, Rachin Ravindra 44; Kuldeep Yadav 2-35, Hardik Pandya 1-25) lost to India 209/3 in 15.2 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 82 not out, Ishan Kishan 76; Jacob Duffy 1-38, Ish Sodhi 1-34) by seven wickets. Article Source: IANS

2nd T20I: Santners Unbeaten 47 Powers New Zealand To Record 208/6 Against India

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Skipper Mitchell Santner's late burst of unbeaten (47) and Rachin Ravindra's (44) helped New Zealand post 208/6 in 20 overs--registering their third-highest T20I total against India and the highest-ever T20 score at the venue in the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on Friday. The total also marked New Zealands third 200-plus score against India, placing it alongside 219/6 (Wellington, 2019) and 212/4 (Hamilton, 2019), and ahead of 203/5 (Auckland, 2020) and 196/2 (Rajkot, 2017). New Zealand's new opening pair of Devon Conway and Tim Seifert started scoring quickly, with their 43-run opening partnership coming off just three overs before losing the toss. Harshit Rana gave India their first breakthrough by taking the wicket of Conway (19 off 9) with a wicket-maiden over. In the next over, Varun Chakaravarthy also added his name to the list of India's first-change bowlers as he took the wicket of Seifert (24 off 13); however, this gave India a temporary reprieve in what was a high-scoring match. Rachin Ravindra led the way for New Zealand as he added 55 runs for the third wicket with Glenn Phillips (19 off 13), helping New Zealand recover after losing their first two wickets early in the match. Ravindra remained the anchor of New Zealand's innings as further wickets fell at the other end with Daryl Mitchell (18 off 11) and Mark Chapman (10 off 13) both being dismissed soon after. Ravindra's innings ended in the 13th over when he fell for 44 (off 26 balls) after a fine display, hitting two fours and four sixes. From there, Santner took charge. He timed his acceleration perfectly and dominated the final overs. He scored 47 runs off 27 balls and remained unbeaten, pushing the total well past 200. His calm yet strong finish helped New Zealand make the most of the favourable batting conditions. Indias bowling struggled during this match. Arshdeep Singh had a particularly tough evening, giving away 53 runs without taking a wicket. Hardik Pandya was more economical, finishing with 1 for 25 from three overs. Harshit Rana, despite having a wicket maiden, ended with 1 for 35 from three overs. The spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy bowled a combined eight overs, taking three wickets while conceding 70 runs. Shivam Dube also contributed with one wicket. From there, Santner took charge. He timed his acceleration perfectly and dominated the final overs. He scored 47 runs off 27 balls and remained unbeaten, pushing the total well past 200. His calm yet strong finish helped New Zealand make the most of the favourable batting conditions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand 208/6 in 20 overs (Mitchell Santner 47, Rachin Ravindra 44; Kuldeep Yadav 2-35, Hardik Pandya 1-25) against India Article Source: IANS

2nd T20I: Harshit, Kuldeep Come In As India Elect To Bowl; NZ Bring In Henry, Foulkes And Siefert

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: India won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the second T20I, here at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur. India lead the series 1-0 after winning the first match of the series in Nagpur. India have made two changes to their XI, with Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav coming in for Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel. New Zealand have rung in three alterations of their own: Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry and Tim Seifert are included, while Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clarke and Tim Robinson make way. India captain Suryakumar Yadav said, We will look to bowl first. Already there is a bit of dew out there; we haven't chased in a while, so I want to chase tonight. I think it looks good. The same wicket was used for the ODIs. Hopefully, lots of runs. We play every game, and we try to get better. We are not perfect. We would look to try to do the same things again; we will try to do the same in bowling, fielding, and batting. We have 2 changes. Axar is missing out because he got hit in the last game. Bumrah is resting. Harshit and Kuldeep come in. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said, Would have bowled as well. The ground's already wet, and there is some dew already. Every time you play against a quality side, there is always something to learn, which we did. The way they came out with the bat, throughout the whole innings, they came out pretty hard. We know that now on the bowling side, so we gotta be a bit clearer with our plans and try and squeeze them a little bit more. We have got 3 changes. Seifert's in for Robinson. Kristian Clarke is out, Zak Foulkes is in, and Matt Henry is in for Kyle Jamieson. Playing XIs: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said, Would have bowled as well. The ground's already wet, and there is some dew already. Every time you play against a quality side, there is always something to learn, which we did. The way they came out with the bat, throughout the whole innings, they came out pretty hard. We know that now on the bowling side, so we gotta be a bit clearer with our plans and try and squeeze them a little bit more. We have got 3 changes. Seifert's in for Robinson. Kristian Clarke is out, Zak Foulkes is in, and Matt Henry is in for Kyle Jamieson. Also Read: Live Cricket Score India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav Article Source: IANS

IND vs NZ Playing 11: Check squads, weather forecast, pitch report and Axar Patel injury updates

India vs New Zealand Playing 11: India aims to extend their T20I series lead against New Zealand in Raipur. A potential late change sees Axar Patel's finger injury casting doubt on his participation, with Kuldeep Yadav the likely replacement. New Zealand, after a loss, might bring in Matt Henry. The pitch is expected to favor spinners.

IND vs NZ Live Streaming: When and where to watch India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I for free

India vs New Zealand Live Streaming: India aims to extend their series lead against New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur on January 23, 2026, following a commanding 48-run victory. The Men in Blue, leading 1-0, will look to capitalize on home advantage. New Zealand, facing early pressure, is expected to make changes to their lineup to level the series.

In 4 or 40 days: Location decides how fast your passport arrives; Kerala remains fastest, Goa tops

Passport issuance times in India vary significantly by region, with some areas like Goa and Kerala averaging just four to five working days, while others, such as Chhattisgarh's Raipur, can take up to 40 days. Even within states, disparities exist, with delays also noted in the crucial police verification stage, impacting overall applicant experience.

A decade of Bumrah sorcery: Unorthodox pacer set for full-circle moment in Raipur

Jasprit Bumrah is set to complete a decade in international cricket, marking a transformative era in Indian pace bowling. His unorthodox action and ability to deliver crucial yorkers have consistently defied expectations since his 2013 IPL debut. Bumrah's impact spans all formats, particularly in T20s, where his economical bowling and knack for match-winning spells have made him indispensable.

India vs New Zealand, 2nd T20I- Who will win today IND vs NZ match?

IND vs NZ, 2nd T20I , Cricket Tips :Team India displayed a dominating performance in the first T20I in Nagpur and thrashed them by 48 runs. Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh made the difference with the bat and helped India to post their highest T20I total of 237/8 against New Zealand. There were some good contributions from the Kiwi players, but it wasn't enough. With a 1-0 lead, India will take on New Zealand in the second T20I on Friday (January 23) at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur. Runs from Suryakumar Yadav was the biggest positive for India. They will be keen to carry on that form, whereas New Zealand will look to bounce back after that loss. IND vs NZ: Match Details Date : January 23, 2026 (Friday) Time : 7:00 PM IST Venue : Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur IND vs NZ: Live Streaming Details Star Sports Network will broadcast the live action of the second T20I on Friday. Fans can also catch the live stream on the Jio Hotstar app or website. IND vs NZ: Head-to-Head in T20I Total Matches : 26 India : 15 New Zealand : 10 No-result : 01 IND vs NZ: Ground Pitch Report Just like the first game in Nagpur, the wicket in Raipur is expected to be another batting-friendly one. There is not much help for the bowling side, and batters will be dominating. We expect another high-scoring game here. Slower ones and cutters might be more effective here. IND vs NZ: Possible XIs India : Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah New Zealand : Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clarke, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy IND vs NZ: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Abhishek Sharma can singlehandedly put the opposition under pressure, which he did in Nagpur. He will be a big wicket for New Zealand. On the other hand, Glenn Phillips followed his ODI century with another good innings. He is in red-hot form. Probable Best Bowler Jacob Duffy produced a spell of 2/27 when India scored 237/8. He bowled smartly and didn't give away much. For India, Varun Chakravarthy will be key in the middle overs. Today Match Prediction : India have been superb in this format, and the way they are batting, we predict them to win the second game. IND vs NZ Match 2nd T20I, Today Match IND vs NZ, IND vs NZ Prediction, IND vs NZ Predicted XIs, Injury Update for India vs New Zealand Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

Poonawalla Announces Plans For Making strong And Competitive Bid For RCBs Ownership

Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Pharma tycoon Adar Poonawalla said he will make a strong and competitive bid for securing the ownership of the reigning champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Over the next few months, we will be putting in a STRONG and COMPETITIVE bid for RCB, one of the best teams in the IPL, Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer of Pune-based vaccine-maker Serum Institute of India (SII) and Chairman of Poonawalla Fincorp, wrote in a post on his official X handle on Thursday. London-based Diageo, the parent company of United Spirits Ltd, began efforts in November last year to sell the team, valued at around 105 million USD. The move was accelerated after a stampede during RCBs IPL victory celebrations outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June 2025 killed 11 fans. Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director & CEO of United Spirits Ltd, had said: RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL, however its non-core to our alcohol business. This step reinforces USLs and Diageos commitment to continue reviewing its India enterprise portfolio to enable sustained delivery of long-term value to all its stakeholders, while keeping RCSPLs best interest in mind. RCB, who won their maiden IPL title last season, are also weighing options to shift home matches away from Bengaluru for the 2026 campaign, with the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur in discussions to host their home fixtures. Praveen Someshwar, Managing Director & CEO of United Spirits Ltd, had said: RCSPL has been a valuable and strategic asset for USL, however its non-core to our alcohol business. This step reinforces USLs and Diageos commitment to continue reviewing its India enterprise portfolio to enable sustained delivery of long-term value to all its stakeholders, while keeping RCSPLs best interest in mind. Also Read: Live Cricket Score RCB is one of the original franchises of the Indian Premier League, having been part of the league since 2008, with legendary players Virat Kohli, Anil Kumble, and AB de Villiers associated with it over the years. Article Source: IANS

Pressure on NZ as they look to stop India's T20 juggernaut

India will not want to let up any of the intensity as they stay in central India and move from Nagpur to Raipur

Cinema, Society, and Natyashastra: Raipur Lit Fest Promises In-Depth Sessions and Book Fair

Conceived as a celebration of literature, ideas, and creative expression, the literary festival aims to highlight the state's rich literary heritage and intellectual traditions.

Bus crash kills 5, injures 80 on Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border

Authorities revealed that the bus was overloaded, carrying 87 passengers Raipur: In a tragic accident on Sunday, five persons lost their lives and 80 others sustained injuries after a bus fell into a gorge near the Orsa Bangladara ghati on the Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Mahuadanr police station, sending shockwaves []

Lieutenant Governor launches special edition of Sangarmal magazine of HESK

J&Ks spiritual heritage is dynamic asset Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 13: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the special edition of Sangarmal magazine published by Hindu Education Society Kashmir, at Gandhi Memorial Camp College, Raipur Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on social cohesion and use of cultural-spiritual heritage and education as a unifying thread to create a blueprint for the thriving future. He emphasised on instilling values such as compassion, humility, and resilience to strengthen community [] The post Lieutenant Governor launches special edition of Sangarmal magazine of HESK appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

JKs spiritual, cultural heritage key to nations holistic growth: LG

Jammu, January 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the special edition of Sangarmal magazine published by Hindu Education Society Kashmir, at Gandhi Memorial Camp College, Raipur Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on social cohesion and use of cultural-spiritual heritage and education as a unifying thread to create a blueprint for [] The post JKs spiritual, cultural heritage key to nations holistic growth: LG appeared first on Northlines .

For J&K to grow, our citizens must become more innovative, says LG

Calls for instilling compassion, humility to strengthen community bonds Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the special edition of Sangarmal magazine published by Hindu Education Society Kashmir, at Gandhi Memorial Camp College, Raipur Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on social cohesion and use of cultural-spiritual heritage and education as a []

Lieutenant Governor launches special edition of Hindu Education Society Kashmirs Sangarmal magazine

Jammu, 13 January 2026: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Tuesday launched the special edition of Sangarmal magazine published by Hindu Education Society Kashmir, at Gandhi Memorial Camp College, Raipur Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor spoke on social cohesion and use of cultural-spiritual heritage and education as a unifying thread to create a [] The post Lieutenant Governor launches special edition of Hindu Education Society Kashmirs Sangarmal magazine appeared first on Kashmir Media Watch .

BJP MP, State government at odds in Chhattisgarh over Scouts and Guides jamboree

Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal challenges removal as State Bharat Scouts and Guides president ahead of national event

Rs 91 Crore In Assets Seized By Probe Agency ED In Mahadev Betting App Case

The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Raipur zonal office has issued a provisional attachment order of Rs 91.82 crore in connection with alleged illegal betting operations linked to Mahadev Online Book and Skyexchange.com.

BJP MLA's son booked in hit-and-run case in Raipur; biker critical

Son of a former Union minister and incumbent BJP MLA, Balwant Singh, has been booked in a hit-and-run case in Raipur. His car allegedly rammed into a motorcycle, seriously injuring the rider, a disc jockey. The accused fled the scene, and an FIR has been registered against him.

Six Bajrang Dal Men Receive Heros Welcome After Getting Bail In Raipur Mall Vandalism Case

To celebrate their bail, a procession was taken out by Bajrang Dal members who carried the six accused on their shoulders.

Chhattisgarh: Chaitanya Baghel out on bail in multi-crore liquor scam

Raipur: A day after the Chhattisgarh High Court granted him bail in two cases linked to the alleged liquor scam, Chaitanya Baghel, son of senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, was released from the Raipur Central Jail on Saturday. Bhupesh Baghel noted that it was Chaitanyas birthday when he was first arrested 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 .

Dont judge people by caste, wealth or language: Mohan Bhagwat

Raipur: Asserting that the country belongs to everyone, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday called for social harmony, urging people to rise above divisions of caste, wealth, and language to treat everyone as ones own.The RSS chief also encouraged families to dedicate one day each week for collective activities like meals, prayers, and discussions to 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 .

People Should Not Be Judged By Caste, Wealth Or Language: Mohan Bhagwat

RAIPUR, Dec 31: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said people should not be judged by caste, wealth or language, adding that the country belongs to everyone. The first step towards harmony is removing feelings of separation and discrimination from ones mind and treating everyone as ones own, Bhagwat said, addressing the Hindu Sammelan at Sonpairi village in Chhattisgarhs Raipur district. The entire country belongs to everyone and this spirit is true social harmony, Bhagwat said. Bhagwat stressed the need [] The post People Should Not Be Judged By Caste, Wealth Or Language: Mohan Bhagwat appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Goas campaign ends with innings and 147-run defeat

Raipur: Goas campaign in the Vijay Merchant Trophy Elite came to a disappointing end after they suffered an innings and 147-run defeat against Karnataka on the second day of their Group D match at the RDCA Ground in Raipur on Tuesday. After being dismissed for 160 in their first innings, Goa were completely outplayed by [] The post Goas campaign ends with innings and 147-run defeat appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Chhattisgarh: ED conducts raids in Bharatmala project land acquisition case

The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the payment of compensation for the acquisition of land for the Raipur-Vishakhapatnam economic corridor

AIIMS Raipur recruitment 2025 for Junior Resident Doctors: Apply online before 31 December, direct link here

AIIMS Raipur is recruiting 51 Junior Residents for 2025. Fresh medical graduates with an MBBS degree and internship can apply online. The application window is open until December 31, 2025. Selection will be based on merit and an interview. This is a prime opportunity for young doctors to begin their careers at a leading government hospital.

25-year-old lives with mothers dead body for 20 days in Chhattigarh's Jashpur, probe on

RAIPUR: In a bizarre incident, a 25-year-old tribal youth continued to live with the body of his 65-year-old mother for nearly 20 days after her death at Kunkuri in Jashpur district, around 350 km north-east of Raipur, police said. The youth, Pravin Khalko (25), worked as a delivery staff with a private courier company and was living with his mother in a rented house. The matter came to light only after the house owner noticed a foul smell emanating from the premises and alerted the police. The police reached the place and found the body of elderly woman Sabina Khaklo lying on a bed in a decomposed state. She was paralysed. We traced some medical prescriptions lying close to her bed, suggesting the son perhaps had consulted a doctor for treatment of her mother who died on December 6. Prima-facie the son seems to be struggling with mental health issues, Kunkuri town inspector Rakesh Yadav told The New Indian Express . Police said the elderly woman, identified as Sabina Khaklo, had been confined to bed due to paralysis. Preliminary inquiries indicated that Khalko had no immediate relatives staying with them. After the initial probe, the body was sent for postmortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. Officials said the youth appeared to be in deep depression following his mothers death and had allegedly developed suicidal tendencies. It was bizarre, the son kept the body of his mother lying at home for 20-odd days and didn't inform anyone. He apparently also developed a suicidal tendency. A case has been registered, and an investigation is on, the officer added.

28 excise officers granted bail by SC also named in ED liquor scam case in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: The 28 state excise officers who the Supreme Court granted bail in the liquor scam chargesheet filed by the Chhattisgarh Bureau for Investigation of Economic Offences (EOW) are also among the 81 accused in an alleged Rs 3000-crore liquor fraud investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED filed a 29,800-page Relied Upon Documents, cited as the concluding challan, before the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Raipur in the liquor scam. The key arrests in the case include former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, a six-time Congress MLA Kawasi Lakhma, former deputy secretary to the chief minister office Soumya Chaurasia, retired IAS Niranjan Das, special secretary Excise department Arun Pati Tripathi, businessman Anwar Dhebar among others. There is no mention of former chief minister and Congress MLA Bhupesh Baghel in the ED chargesheet. The central probe agency claimed that the excise department had played a major role in acquiring funds for a political party during the 2023 Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh. The officials of the excise department who were bestowed with the responsibility to gather the amount were given to excise officials Dinkar Vasnik, Naveen Singh Tomar, Vikas Goswami, Nitu Notani and Iqbal Khan, it stated. The liquor fraud practices were carried out in as many 15 districts of the state and the liquor supply for distribution among candidates stated to have been arranged during the Assembly polls. The ED has also contended the roles of Chaitanya (son of ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel) and Yash Tuteja (son of former IAS) as major in the liquor syndicate, which according to the federal probe agency operated illegal bribe collections by controlling the high-level management of key state departments in Chhattisgarh. The probe agency investigating the liquor scam from 2022 has produced the final charge sheet in Raipur on Friday. Around two dozen have been arrested so far in connection with the case. The SC had earlier asked the ED to produce the final challan within 3 months as the case was being probed since 2022. We will go ahead with the pending bail plea for accused in custody and further move applications for others made accused but not arrested. The hearing of the entire case will now continue in the trial court, said Faisal Rizvi, defence lawyer.

Video of Dhirendra Shastri arriving in Raipur in govt aircraft, cop touching his feet sparks row

A controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a video showed a police officer touching the feet of spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri, who arrived on a government aircraft. The Congress has alleged misuse of public funds, while the BJP defended the officer's act as personal faith and accused the opposition of opposing Sanatana Dharma.

IIM Raipur Launches Joint Admission Process 2026 For MBA Admissions, Check Personal Interview Details

IIM Raipur introduces JAP 2026 for MBA admissions, involving IIM Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, and Tiruchirappalli with a single-window application

ED files final prosecution complaint in Chhattisgarh liquor scam

Raipur: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday filed a final prosecution complaint in the alleged liquor scam case in Chhattisgarh, naming 59 persons, taking the total number of accused in the money laundering case to 81. The final prosecution complaint was filed before the PMLA court here complying with the directions of the Supreme Court, 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 family forced to 'reconvert' to Hinduism after locals oppose alleged Christian burial

RAIPUR: A deceased woman's family was forced to 'reconvert' to Hinduism after locals objected to her burial allegedly according to Christian customs in Borai village of Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district. The latest incident comes just a few days after communal clashes broke out due to a dispute over a 'Christian burial' in Amabeda village of Kanker district. Locals claimed that the deceased woman, Punia Sahu (65), supposedly converted to Christianity and had been attending prayers at the Church. While the woman's family was preparing for her funeral, villagers reportedly backed by a Hindutva brigade began protesting against her burial. When the family tried to take the body to a different burial ground, villagers once again protested and demanded that the family perform last rites in accordance with Hindu customs. The land dug up for burial was refilled with soil, and the body was safeguarded by the family for a day and a half. Only after the family finally agreed to conduct last rites according to Hindu customs, a dignified burial was allowed. The district administration along with the police swung into action to prevent the situation turning volatile as Thursday was a Christmas day and the tension prevailed in the region. All disputes were sorted out, and the burial was conducted this morning (Friday) as per Hindu rituals with the agreement from the samaj pramukh (community leaders), Dhamtari district police chief Suraj Singh Parihar told TNIE . A local town inspector camping at Borai village, Narendra Singh, said that the deceased woman belonged to the Sahu community which has a tradition of burying the body. He said that in this incident, the issue was the woman's alleged conversion to Christianity. The district administration and police intervened to pacify the agitated villagers, and helped the family to work out an amicable solution. The administration was on alert mode, Singh said. Following the setting ablaze of two churches during the violence that flared up in Kanker district on December 18, Senior Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elisila was shifted to Sarguja as DIG Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF).

40 Masked Men Vandalise Christmas Decor In Chhattisgarh's Raipur

Unidentified persons were booked for vandalising Christmas decorations at a mall in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, a police official said on Thursday.

40 Charged For Vandalising Christmas Decorations At Raipur Mall

Around 40 unidentified persons have been charged for vandalising Magneto Mall on VIP Road in Raipur during the state-wide 'Chhattisgarh Bandh' on Wednesday. A group of protesters entered the mall, damaged property, and allegedly misbehaved with staff

Watch: Christmas decorations vandalised at Raipur mall during bandh

Jingle Hell? Hate Crimes Against Christians See a Spike Around Christmas Again

A mob vandalised Christmas decor at a Raipur mall, another miscreant assulted vendors selling Christmas toys.

Hindutva mob vandalise Christmas mall decor during Chhattisgarh Bandh

Raipur: During the Chhattisgarh Bandh, on Christmas Eve, Hindutva workers armed with sticks vandalised Raipurs Magneto Mall, forcibly taking down festive decorations, alleging illegal religious conversion. The mob barged into the mall on Wednesday and thrashed the place, removing decorations and installations despite the security personnel trying to stop them. During the Chhattisgarh Bandh, on 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 .

Saying love you outrages modesty of women: Chhattisgarh HC

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh High Court, hearing the appeal against the conviction judgment order of the trial court, ruled that saying I love you, holding hand and pulling woman towards self amounted to offence as it outrages the modesty of a woman. The accused, 19 years at the time of incident in Raigarh district, was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 3 years besides a fine of `1,000 under Section 354 of IPC (criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by the Fast Track Special Court in 2022. The victim had lodged a written police complaint in November 2019 alleging that the appellant stopped her saying I love you, held her hand and pulled her towards him. An FIR was then lodged against him. A single judge bench of Justice Naresh Kumar Chandravanshi found that the conviction for the offence under the POCSO Act was not sustainable as the prosecution has failed to prove the victim as minor on the date of incident but said that the Fast Track Special Court did no mistake in holding the accused guilty.

Mixed response to Chhattisgarh Bandh; Christmas decorations vandalised in Raipur

Demands were made for the the enactment of a stringent anti-conversion law

Chhattisgarh Bandh over religious conversions evokes mixed response

Raipur: The day-long Chhattisgarh Bandh called by Hindu organisations against alleged religious conversions received a mixed response across the state on Wednesday, with normal life getting disrupted in several cities while partial impact was seen in others. Barring a few incidents of vandalism, the situation across the state remained largely peaceful, police said. The bandh 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 .

Eminent writer Vinod Kumar Shuklas last rites performed with full state honours in Raipur

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the residence of the late litterateur at Shailendra Nagar in Raipur and expressed his condolences to the bereaved family

Accused Of Molestation, Foreign Student Falls From 4th Floor In Chhattisgarh

A Liberian national studying MBA in Chhattisgarh died under suspicious circumstances after allegedly falling off a residential building in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar.

Retired IAS Officer Arrested In Rs 2,500-Crore Chhattisgarh Liquor Scam

In a major development in the high-profile Chhattisgarh liquor scam case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Raipur Zonal Office, has arrested a retired IAS officer, Niranjan Das.

Eminent Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla passes away in Raipur

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh-based renowned writer Vinod Kumar Shukla, 88, passed away in AIIMS Raipur on Tuesday. Early this year Shukla cited his life as a race against age/time when it comes to accomplishing much more he intends to put in writing. Yehi kasak hai baki (a subtle regret that lingers), he opined as he feared that he might never be able to write all that he wished as the life for him moves briskly while his words or expressions may fall behind. He is survived by his wife, son Shashwat Shukla and a daughter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the demise of the eminent author. The PM in a post on X, said: He will always be remembered for his invaluable contributions in the field of Hindi literature. My condolences are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. PM Modi had inquired about Shukla's health on November 1 during his visit to Chhattisgarh capital. CM Sai cited the passing away of Shukla as a major loss and will remain in the hearts of everyone as Chhattisgarhs pride. A recipient of esteemed awards Sahitya Akademi Award, Jnanpith Award, PEN Nabokov Award that recognised his significant contributions to Hindi literature that engaged regional and global themes. To him, writing always turns out to be a source of happiness and gave him a sense of achievement. Vinod Kumar Shukla, the miniaturist of everyday life, honoured with Jnanpith Award Shukla had been receiving treatment at AIIMS Raipur since early this month, experiencing difficulty in breathing when he fell down at his residence. Later his health deteriorated and was shifted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Being the first from Chhattisgarh to be selected for Jnanpith Award, he has been writing for the last over 60 years as a poet and novelist. Born in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh in 1937, his first collection was a poetry Lalbhag Jaihind published in 1971. With his literary career spanning decades, he is known for his contributions and compilation of stories, poems, fiction, prose and/or drama with abiding originality. A film was made on one of his novels 'Naukar ki Kameez' on the same title by Mani Kaul. His 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi' won the Sahitya Akademi Award for the best Hindi work in 1999. Many who met him recollected how he often advised others not to stop writing because what one writes will be recognised as his signature.

Who was Vinod Kumar Shukla? Jnanpith Award winning Hindi writer passes away at 89

Prominent Chhattisgarh-based Hindi writer and Jnanpith Awardee Vinod Kumar Shukla died on Tuesday evening after suffering from age-related illnesses at AIIMS, Raipur, his family members informed.

Ex-CM Baghel's son got Rs 250 crore as his share from Chhattisgarh liquor 'scam': Chargesheet

RAIPUR: Chaitanya, son of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, received Rs 200 crore to Rs 250 crore as his share from an alleged liquor scam in the state, the Anti-Corruption Bureau/Economic Offence Wing (ACB/EOW) has claimed in its chargesheet. The state police's ACB/EOW, in its seventh supplementary chargesheet in the multi-crore liquor scam filed before a special court here on Monday, claimed Chaitanya Baghel played a key role in establishing, coordinating, and protecting an extortion racket (syndicate) within the excise department (during the previous Congress government, which was in office from 2018-23). The voluminous document, running into around 3,800 pages, has named Chaitnaya Baghel as an accused in the alleged scam pegged at more than Rs 3,000 crore, an ACB/EOW statement said. With this, a total of eight chargesheets have been filed in the case so far. The latest chargesheet details the current status of the investigation against the arrested accused, along with digital evidence reports about all those in custody. The document also outlines the progress of the ongoing probe against the accused persons. The statement quoting the chargesheet said Chaitanya Baghel acted as coordinator among officials such as Anil Tuteja, Soumya Chaurasia, Arunpati Tripathi, and Niranjan Das, who worked in line with the syndicate's interests at the administrative level and as ground-level operatives of the network, such as Anwar Dhebar, Arvind Singh, and Vikas Agarwal (all co-accused), and issued instructions to them. Chaitanya Baghel worked through his trusted associates to transfer and manage proceeds of the scam collected by businessman Anwar Dhebar's team, moving the funds to higher levels, it claimed. He allegedly received his share of the proceeds through various firms belonging to liquor businessman Trilok Singh Dhillon, transferring it through banking channels to his family firms and using it in real estate projects. Furthermore, he was also found to have received and invested large sums of money generated out of the scam through banking channels via his family members, friends, and associates, the chargesheet claimed. The probe agency said, Evidence indicates that Chaitanya, along with managing the proceeds of the crime at a higher level, received around Rs 200 crore-Rs 250 crore as his share. The investigation has also revealed that high-level protection, policy/administrative intervention, and influence provided to the syndicate by Chaitanya Baghel enabled this crime to be perpetrated for a long period, it claimed. The ongoing investigation suggests the amount involved in the liquor scam is estimated to be approximately Rs 3,074 crore. However, further investigation suggests the total amount of the proceeds of crime generated out of the alleged scam could exceed Rs 3,500 crore, it added. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is probing the money laundering angle in the alleged scam, arrested Chaitanya Baghel on July 18 following a search at his house, which he shares with his father, a Congress politician, in Bhilai town of Durg district. As per the ED's prosecution complaint (chargesheet) filed earlier, Chaitanya Baghel handled more than Rs 1,000 crore worth of proceeds of crime generated from a liquor scam in the state. The central agency has stated that the alleged scam resulted in a massive loss to the state exchequer and filled the pockets of beneficiaries of a liquor syndicate. The scam was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 when then-CM Bhupesh Baghel headed the Congress government in Chhattisgarh. Money was illegally collected from every bottle of liquor sold in Chhattisgarh (between 2019 and 2022), said the anti-money laundering agency. Chaitanya Baghel was arrested by the ACB/EOW in September while he was in jail under judicial custody. The ED in January arrested former excise minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, businessman Anwar Dhebar (brother of Congress leader and former Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar), former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi and a few others as part of their probe in the case. The EOW/ACB registered an FIR on January 17, 2024, in the alleged scam, naming 70 individuals and companies, including Lakhma and former chief secretary Vivek Dhand. After his son was arrested, former CM Baghel claimed that the action was taken because the Congress, during its rule, tried to stop the cutting of forests and mining activities in the state. The Congress leader also alleged that the probe agencies were being misused to target Opposition leaders.

Arrangements to fly body of mob attack victim to Raipur

Family members to travel by air to Raipur; State arranges ambulance to native village

CAF jawan shot dead by colleague in Chhattisgarhs Khairagarh

RAIPUR: A Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) constable shot his colleague dead inside the barrack camp during the intervening night of Sunday-Monday in Khairagarh district, about 130 km west of Raipur. The firing incident occurred in 17 CAF battalion at Ghagra base camp following an altercation between the accused jawan and his colleague. There was some heated arguments between the accused constable Arvind Gautam and the deceased Sonbir Jaat, a mess commander, over some issue late at night. The argument led to a scuffle between the two. Later, Gautam, during his patrol duty around midnight, took the extreme step and killed his colleague with his INSAS rifle while Jaat was sleeping inside the barrack. He died on the spot, Mamta Ali Sharma, sub-divisional police officer Khairagarh, told TNIE . The incident created panic and shock inside the barrack. The accused CAF constable has been taken into custody and is being interrogated. Both Gautam and Jaat are residents of Uttar Pradesh, Sharma stated.

Centre sanctions financial assistance to give boost to semiconductor, electronics industry in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: The Centre has sanctioned significant financial assistance to promote the development of semiconductor and electronics industries at the new capital city Nava Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has sanctioned the release of the first instalment of Rs 22.50 crore for the Common Facility Centre (CFC) being set up in Nava Raipur under the Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme. The CFC project is being developed in Sector-22 of Nava Raipur and implemented by the Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Vikas Pradhikaran (NRANVP). According to official sources, the fund has been released after obtaining the approval of the President of India, enabling the project to move into the implementation phase. As per the approved process, the proposal was first examined by the Project Management Agency, Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). Subsequently, the Project Review Committee recommended the release of 30 percent of the approved central financial assistance as the first instalment, which has now been sanctioned by the ministry. The Common Facility Centre is expected to provide shared infrastructure such as advanced machinery, testing facilities and technical support for electronics and semiconductor units. These facilities will be particularly beneficial for small and medium enterprises, allowing them access to high-end infrastructure at a lower cost. Officials said the project would help attract industrial investment to Chhattisgarh and create new employment opportunities for local youth. The initiative is also expected to strengthen Nava Raipurs position as an emerging hub for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing. The ministry has clarified that the grant will be utilised strictly in accordance with prescribed financial rules and only for the approved objectives of the project. The project accounts will be subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India to ensure transparency and accountability.

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From insurgency to bricklaying, surrendered Maoists help build PMAY-G houses in Chhattisgarhs Sukma

RAIPUR: In Chhattisgarhs Sukma district, long affected by Maoist violence, surrendered cadres are now playing a role in rural development by constructing houses sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas YojanaGramin (PMAY-G), reflecting a shift from armed insurgency to livelihood-based rehabilitation. Several surrendered Maoists, after undergoing professional training at the district rehabilitation centre, have become skilled masons and are engaged in building partially completed and new PMAY-G houses across the district. The initiative is part of the States Naxal surrender, relief and rehabilitation policy aimed at mainstreaming former cadres through skill development and employment. Muchaki Ranvati, a surrendered cadre from Purvarti village, said her life had changed in every way after acquiring masonry skills. She added that she was also given an opportunity to participate in the recently held Bastar Olympics. Similarly, Pordium Bhima, a native of Polampalli who was associated with the Maoist organisation for nearly 30 years, said his future felt more secure and dignified at the rehabilitation centre compared to his earlier life spent in inhospitable forest terrain. Where guns have fallen silent for cadres who renounced the violent path of the CPI (Maoist), foundations for a new future are now being laid through bricks and mortar. Initially, 35 surrendered Naxalites were trained as masons at the Sukma district rehabilitation centre. The hands that once caused violence are now engaged in shaping structures, gaining an understanding of construction materials, manual dexterity, the use of tools and productive work methods. With more surrendered cadres joining the local skilled workforce, the long-standing shortage of trained masons in Maoist-affected and remote areas is also being addressed. The core objective of our rehabilitation policy is to connect surrendered youths to the mainstream by providing them skills, employment and respect, said Vishnu Deo Sai, Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. The trained personnel were provided with mason kits to help them secure self-employment in the construction sector. Providing skill development, employment opportunities and basic facilities to youths living in rehabilitation centres remains a top priority of the district administration. Such an initiative is a significant step towards social transformation, said Sukma Collector Devesh Dhruv. Skilled human resources are crucial to support the effective implementation of government construction schemes, including PMAY-G, said Mukund Thakur, Chief Executive Officer of the Sukma district panchayat. A new and optimistic chapter of the rehabilitation programme focusing on skill development is unfolding in Sukma. At the rehabilitation centre, surrendered Naxalites, including 15 women, were given professional masonry training, enabling them to move towards self-reliance as skilled workers. They were imparted structured, hands-on training in essential aspects of building construction, including foundation work, bricklaying, plastering, roof casting, adherence to standards and basic safety practices, allowing them to work competently in both government and private construction projects. The initiative goes beyond routine skill training, emerging as a medium to provide a new direction to the lives of surrendered youths. In addition to vocational training, surrendered cadres in the district were also provided with mobile phones, utility kits, Aadhaar-Ayushman cards, ration cards and job cards.

Mosquitoes Take Detour To Civic Body As Raipur Man Delivers Biting Protest

In a protest that was as sharp as the sting that triggered it, a young man in Chhattisgarh's capital literally carried his complaint to the authorities sealed in a plastic bag.

Churches set ablaze as burial dispute sparks violence in Chhattisgarh village

RAIPUR: Two churches were torched, a grave was dug up and clashes left several people injured as tensions over a disputed burial spiralled into violence in Amabeda village of Chhattisgarhs Kanker district, about 150 km south of Raipur, on Thursday. Tension erupted in Bade Tewda gram panchayat after the family of sarpanch Rajman Salam, whom some locals claim had converted to Christianity, buried the body of his father, Chamraran Salam, 70, on private land. Chamraram had been ill and died during treatment on December 15. The burial sparked protests, with villagers alleging it was conducted secretly and not in accordance with tribal customs, police said. Based on the villagers' complaint, the Executive Magistrate issued an order for exhumation of the body on Thursday. The probe on the incident and post-mortem of the exhumed body will be carried out, and the legal actions will be taken. Properties were also damaged during the scuffle incident, Kanker police said. The situation, which had remained tense since Wednesday, escalated into clashes between villagers, including stone-pelting. Around 20 police personnel, including additional superintendent of police (Antagarh) Ahish Banchhor, and several villagers were injured. Police resorted to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control. The district administration and police intervened and held a meeting between the two opposing groups on Thursday, after which the body was exhumed and taken out of Amabeda, as many locals opposed allowing a burial site for the deceased. The sarpanch is stated to have been converted to Christian belief, but his father, Chamraram, remained a follower of Hindu religion. The sarpanch reportedly performed the last rite in accordance with the belief and customs of Christianity, leading to strong protest by the villagers, said Anjor Singh Paikra, additional collector, Antagarh, in Kanker district. District officials have been camping in Bade Tewda for the past two days to ensure the situation does not escalate further. At least two churches were set ablaze and a few houses belonging to Christian minority members were attacked. There was a riot-like situation in the village. The sarpanch has not embraced Christianity. He buried the body of his father as per the rituals of the tribal community in his own land, said Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum. The confrontation resulted owing to misleading information propagated among villagers that the body of a converted Christian had been covertly buried, Pannalal added. The injured police personnel and villagers were admitted to hospital.

Raipur Diary | High-tech Nava Raipur; ifs and buts

Nava Raipur, the much-publicised new capital of Chhattisgarh, has been in the spotlight since it was declared the countrys first completely debt-free city. Planned and developed from the ground up by the Naya Raipur Development Authority since 2006, the city showcases broad avenues, neatly laid sectors and impressive infrastructure. However, the everyday experience of the city reveals a different, more grounded reality. People visiting government offices often struggle to find basic amenities. There are hardly any medical stores, drinking water outlets, first-aid facilities or vehicle repair garages. Ex-CMO officer under scam scanner Soumya Chaurasia, former deputy secretary in CMO during the previous Congress government, is facing mounting legal trouble. After securing interim bail from the Supreme Court in May in the coal levy scam, she is now being questioned by the ED in an alleged liquor scam. Investigating agencies have earlier linked her name to the multi-crore District Mineral Fund scam as well. Currently under ED custodial remand in Raipur, officials claim to have gathered evidence suggesting she received proceeds of crime worth Rs 115 crore. The states Economic Offences Wing has also filed a charge sheet, alleging misuse of official position during her tenure. Rakshak curriculum for child protection Chhattisgarh has launched the Rakshak curriculum, a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Child Rights and Protection. The programme has been introduced through MoUs signed between the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and six state universities. Aimed at creating trained professionals, the course focuses on child welfare laws, government schemes, institutional processes and hands-on exposure with child protection units. With a strong mix of classroom learning and hands-on training, the programme aims to nurture sensitive, well-trained professionals who can actively protect childrens rights. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com

Three Naxalites killed in encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

SUKMA: Three Naxalites, including a woman, were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Thursday, police said. The exchange of fire broke out in the morning on a forested hill under the Golapalli police station area when a team of District Reserve Guard was out on a search operation based on inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the area, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan told PTI. The bodies of three Naxalites, including a woman, have been recovered from the encounter site so far, he said, adding that the operation is underway and further details are awaited. With the latest action, 284 Naxalites have been killed in encounters in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Of them, 255 were eliminated in the Bastar division, comprising seven districts, including Sukma, Bijapur and Dantewada, while 27 others were gunned down in Gariaband district, which falls in the Raipur division. Two Naxalites were killed in Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district in Durg division.

Chhattisgarh liquor scam: ED arrests ex-CMO deputy secretary Soumya Chaurasia

RAIPUR: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Soumya Chaurasia, a suspended state administrative service officer who was deputy secretary in the CMO during the previous Congress government, in connection with an alleged liquor scam in Chhattisgarh. The ED's counsel, Saurabh Kumar Pande, told PTI that Chaurasia was arrested late Tuesday evening and will be produced before a special court on Wednesday. Chaurasia served as deputy secretary in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) during Bhupesh Baghel's tenure as CM. She is also an accused in the alleged coal levy scam and was arrested in 2022. She was released from jail earlier this year after being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in May. In the liquor scam case, the ED earlier arrested Congress MLA and former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma on January 15 this year, and Chaitanya Baghel , son of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, on July 18 as part of its money-laundering investigation. The ED has alleged that Lakhma, 71, was the main recipient of the proceeds of crime, receiving large amounts of cash during his tenure as excise minister. It further claimed that Chaitanya Baghel was at the helm of the syndicate behind the alleged liquor scam and personally handled nearly Rs 1,000 crore generated from the scandal. According to the ED, the alleged scam was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 during the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government, resulting in a loss of more than Rs 2,500 crore to the state exchequer and illegal gains for members of the liquor syndicate.

12 members of an inter-state fraud gang posing as IT officials busted in Chhattisgarhs Dhamtari

RAIPUR: Dhamtari police on Tuesday arrested twelve members of an inter-state fraud gang who posed as Income Tax officers, conducting a fake raid in Raipur. According to authorities, An inter-state gang involved in organised crime had entered the house of a doctor without carrying any valid search warrant or identification cards and pretended to be IT officials. Following a complaint,the Kotwali police registered a case and launched an investigation. Separate police teams were dispatched to different districts of Chhattisgarh and adjoining Maharashtra. With consistent efforts, searches and technical analysis of available details gathered, all the accused were taken into custody and brought to Dhamtari, said Suraj Singh Parihar, the district police chief. During interrogation, the accused persons admitted that they had learned about Rs 200 crore reportedly kept at the house of complainant Dilip Rathore. They planned to carry out a fake IT raid but failed to locate the cash and fled in their vehicles. The complainant identified all the accused involved in the incident. Based on substantial evidence, the police arrested the gang members and sent them to jail. Vehicles, mobile phones, and a jute sack allegedly used to carry cash were also seized. Dhamtari Police urged citizens to verify identification cards and valid orders or warrants when approached by officials of any government department and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

34 Maoists carrying Rs 84 lakh reward surrender in Chhattisgarh under Poona Margham initiative

RAIPUR: A total of 34 Maoist cadres, carrying a cumulative reward of 84 lakh, surrendered in the insurgency-hit district of Bijapur, around 400 km south of Raipur, on Tuesday, marking another significant instance of cadres laying down arms under the states rehabilitation drive. Seven of those who surrendered are women. The cadres said they had decided to renounce the armed and violent ideology of the banned CPI (Maoist) and return to the mainstream under the Poona Margham: Rehabilitation to Rebirth initiative being implemented in the Bastar division, police said. The thirty-four Maoists who surrendered belonged to the South Sub-Zonal Bureau and included members from the Telangana State Committee, the Andhra Odisha Border Special Zonal Committee and the Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee (DKSZC). As a result of the state government's comprehensive Naxal eradication policy and continuous efforts based on peace, dialogue, and development, the cadres in big numbers have decided to relinquish the violent path and return to the mainstream of society, the statement issued by the Bijapur police said. According to the police, the surrendered cadres included one Divisional Committee Member, four members of a PLGA Company, three Area Committee Members, eight Platoon and Area Committee party members, three Militia Platoon Commanders, five Militia Platoon members, one PLGA member and nine members holding positions such as CNM/Janatana Sarkar president or vice-president, and DAKMS and KAMS president or vice-president. All of them have decided to quit the banned outfit CPI (Maoist). From January 1, 2024 onwards, as many as 824 Maoists have joined the mainstream in Bijapur district, while 1,079 Maoists have been arrested and 220 Maoists have been killed in separate encounters, Bijapur district police chief Jitendra Kumar Yadav said. Official legal procedures are being carried out for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the surrendered cadres into society. The Poona Margham initiative has emerged as a significant step towards lasting peace and positive transformation in the Bastar region, the police said. Under the surrender and rehabilitation policy, each surrendered Maoist receives an initial financial incentive of 50,000. In addition, those willing to undergo skill training or set up a small business are eligible for further financial assistance. They are also provided free housing, healthcare, farmland and other amenities under the policy. Since the BJP came to power in Chhattisgarh in December 2023, over 2,300 Maoists have surrendered across the state, officials said.

Two security personnel injured in IED blast in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur

During the operation, two Cobra personnel sustained minor injuries in an IED blast and have been sent to Raipur for better treatment, a police said

BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar flags lack of reliable data in Chhattisgarh Anjor 2047 vision

RAIPUR: Senior BJP legislator Ajay Chandrakar questioned his own governments vision document Chhattisgarh Anjor 2047, scrutinising its basis, during the discussion in the Assembly on the states comprehensive roadmap that aims to achieve various ambitious goals on development. Chandrakar, who was a minister twice during the BJP government led by Raman Singh, said the focus remains largely on education and health sector but lacks reflection of the Chhattisgarh state in the industrial policy. No attention has been given to Make in Chhattisgarh in the industrial policy of the vision document. One cannot understand if the industrial policy was made for implementation or amendment as seen happening in every 15-20 days, said BJP leader Chandrakar. He also questioned how the states irrigation capacity declined by three percentage points despite huge expenditure on projects, as reflected in the 202425 Economic Survey, and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. He also alleged that the policy document lacked a clear focus on womens empowerment and poverty alleviation, while several other critical issues appeared to have been overlooked. Responding to the criticism, State Finance Minister O P Choudhary said Chhattisgarh Anjor 2047 was not merely a policy document but a pledge to steer the state towards multidimensional and holistic development over the next 25 years. Chandrakar further claimed that barely three per cent of the population was skilled, that there was no clarity in the definition of employment, and that official functioning in the state appeared to be operating in auto-mode. The BJP-led Chhattisgarh government had unveiled the comprehensive roadmap Chhattisgarh Anjor in July this year, aiming to align the states development vision with Viksit Bharat 2047. The state government maintains that Chhattisgarh is envisioned as a key powerhouse in energising the broader national goal of building a developed India by 2047.

Union Minister Amit Shah vows to make Bastar Indias most developed tribal region

RAIPUR: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday affirming that the country will eliminate outlawed Maoism by March 2026, pledged to make the Bastar region in south Chhattisgarh as the most developed tribal division in India. Addressing the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics in Jagdalpur, Shah said that the country stands on the verge of completely wiping out the red terror and the Bastar Olympics next year will be organised in a Naxal-free Chhattisgarh. Previous year 1.65 lakh players participated in the Bastar Olympics, while this year, 3.91 lakh players got registered, and the participation of women has increased by almost three times. A team from Sports Authority of India was in Bastar to spot the talent of players in the Bastar Olympics. Recognising the brilliance, our government has made arrangements to take such talented players from Bastar to the level where they can participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games, said Shah. We must not stop here, rather ensure that the seven districts of Bastar division become the most developed tribal region by December 2030. Our governments resolve is to provide every person in Bastar with a house, electricity, toilet, drinking water, gas cylinder, 5 kg food grains and free medical treatment upto Rs 5 lakh, a dense network of primary and community health centres, the home minister said. He asserted that with the end of Maoism, there will be a new development in the area, establishing of new industries, scope for higher education, excellent sports complex and state-of-the-art hospitals will be set up in Bastar. We will bring a very attractive rehabilitation policy for those who have surrendered and the injured due to Maoists violence. Even now, the misled with weapons should lay down their arms, take advantage of the rehabilitation policy and be a part of a developed Bastar. Only peace can pave the way for development, Shah averred. Referring to the participation of 700 surrendered Naxalites as players in the Bastar Olympics as a powerful and inspiring example for the entire country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah applauded them for choosing hope over fear, unity over division, and development over destructioncalling it a true reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a New India. Citing the growing enthusiasm for sports across the Bastar region, Shah said the Prime Minister has chosen Chhattisgarh to host the Khelo India Tribal Games. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, speaking on the occasion, said that a couple of years ago no one could have imagined organising such a mega sports event in a region long associated with Maoist terror. PM Modijis virtuous leadership and Amit Shah jis decisive pledge have given Bastar a new ambitious identity.

Naxalism benefits nobody, only peace can pave way for development: Amit Shah

Raipur, Dec 13: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said Naxalism does not benefit anyone neither those who take up arms nor the security personnel, and asserted that only peace can pave the way for development. Reiterating the Narendra Modi governments resolve to end Naxalism by March 31, 2026, he said the Centre has decided to transform Chhattisgarhs Bastar division, comprising seven districts, the most developed tribal region in the country in the next five years. Addressing the [] The post Naxalism benefits nobody, only peace can pave way for development: Amit Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

10 Maoist cadres surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma

RAIPUR: Ten cadres of the banned CPI (Maoist) on Friday surrendered in Sukma in south Chhattisgarh. After surrendering, the red rebels handed over one AK-47 rifle, two self-loading rifles, one .303 rifle, one BGL launcher, and one Sten gun to the security forces. Among those who surrendered were six women Maoists, collectively carrying a bounty of Rs 33 lakh. They later planted saplings at Vayan Vatika (meaning Garden of Hope and Future in Gondi) rehabilitation centre in Sukma as a symbol of reintegration. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the surrender under the Poona Margham: Rehabilitation for Social Reintegration initiative as a symbol of positive transformation. The pledge to build a Naxalism-free Chhattisgarh is no longer just an aspiration but it is becoming a fast-emerging reality, the CM said, adding that the fight against Maoists in the state has reached a critical and defining phase under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The series of surrenders demonstrate a significant shift in Bastar, where the ideology of violence, fear, and misguidance is weakening, while the path of development, trust, and dialogue is growing stronger, CM Sai affirmed. Vishnu Deo Sai (@vishnudsai) December 12, 2025 Sundarraj Pattilingam, Bastar Inspector General of Police, said the rehabilitation of the 10 cadres in Sukma indicates the end of the violent and anti-people Maoist ideology is near. Maoist cadres willing to join the mainstream are placing their trust in the Poona Margham initiative by choosing the path of peace, dignity, and sustainable progress. In the past 11 months, around 1,520 Maoist cadres in the Bastar Range have chosen to renounce violence and join the social mainstream. The Centre, Chhattisgarh government, Bastar police, district administration and security forces are fully committed to establishing peace in the region ensuring inclusive development, the IG said. The remaining Maoist cadres including Politburo member Devji, Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee member Pappa Rao, Deva (Barse Deva), and others have no option left but to abandon violence and join the mainstream, he asserted. The 10 Maoist cadres who surrendered in Sukma include : Platoon Commander (CyPCM rank) of PLGA Battalion No. 01 Two Area Committee Members (ACM) of the Darbha Division One PPCM member of PLGA Military Platoon No. 31 One PPCM member of PLGA Military Platoon No. 26 Two members of Gollapalli LOS Three Party Members (PM)

CM Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurates Bastar Olympics; Amit Shah to attend closing ceremony

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday inaugurated a 3-day divisional-level annual Bastar Olympics at Indira Priyadarshini Stadium in Jagdalpur, where the athletes from all seven districts of the Bastar division presented an impressive march past. Around 3,500 athletes from districts of Bijapur, Dantewada, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma and Jagdalpur, along with those from the Nua Baat category, are participating in the divisional-level Bastar Olympics. Maoists who have surrendered and joined the mainstream are included in the Nua Baat category. In the regional language of Bastar, Nua Baat means a new path. Speaking at the event, the CM said, The winners of the Bastar Olympic games will become role models for future athletes. The state government will provide better opportunities and training to the youth of Bastar, preparing them for international competitions. Chhattisgarh government provides an honorarium of rupees three crore, two crore, and one crore to competitors who win gold, silver and bronze medals respectively at the Olympics. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Jagdalpur on December 13 to attend the closing ceremony of the Bastar Olympics event. He is also likely to review the security situation and the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign. The Bastar Olympics is providing a platform for talent through three levels of competitionsblock, district, divisional. Compared to 165,000 participants last year, more than 392,000 participants have registered this year, including over 227,000 female participants this is a new wave of change in Bastar region, said Tanuja Salam, Director, Sports and Youth Welfare department. Besides the surrendered Maoists, Divyang (persons with disabilities) players affected by Naxal violence are also competing, making the event not just a sports festival but a symbol of harmony, social inclusion, and transformative change in Bastar.

Married Raipur Hotelier Accuses Senior Cop Of Love Trap, She Denies All Charges

Deepak Tandon accuses DSP Kalpana Verma of bribery, blackmail and fraud in Raipur, while Kalpana denies all claims and plans a defamation suit.

Who is DSP Kalpana Verma, Chhattisgarh officer accused by businessman of 'love trap' and extracting Rs 2 crore?

A Raipur-based businessman alleged that DSP Kalpana Verma took cash, a diamond ring, a gold chain, and even a luxury car from him.

Chhattisgarh forms cabinet panel to review withdrawal of cases against surrendered Maoists

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of measures to enable the withdrawal of criminal cases against Maoists who have surrendered under the states Naxal Surrender/Victim Relief & Rehabilitation Policy2025. To implement this, the government will set up a Cabinet sub-committee to review and scrutinise cases eligible for withdrawal based on the good conduct of surrendered Maoists and their contribution to curbing Left-wing extremism. After evaluation, the sub-committee will place recommended cases before the Cabinet for final approval. A district-level committee will also be constituted to examine cases registered against surrendered cadres and submit its findings to the police headquarters. Following legal vetting by the Law department, these cases will be presented to the Cabinet sub-committee. For offences under Central Acts or involving the Union government, the state will seek the Centres approval. Cases cleared by the government will be forwarded to district magistrates through public prosecutors for formal withdrawal in court. In a parallel move, the Cabinet approved the draft of the Chhattisgarh Jan Vishwas (Provisions Amendment) Bill (Second), 2025, which proposes amendments to 116 provisions across 14 Acts in 11 departments. The bill aims to streamline outdated laws, reduce judicial burden, and make state regulations more citizen- and business-friendly by replacing minor criminal penalties with administrative fines. The state had earlier notified amendments to 163 provisions across eight Acts under the first Jan Vishwas Amendment Act, 2025. With the latest draft, Chhattisgarh becomes the first state in the country to introduce a second edition of the Jan Vishwas reform, intended to improve compliance, strengthen governance, and promote Ease of Doing Business.

Twelve Maoist cadres led by CCM surrender in Chhattisgarhs Rajnandgaon

RAIPUR: A total of 12 cadres renounced the ideology of the CPI (Maoist) and surrendered with their weapons in Rajnandgaon district, around 100 km west of Raipur, in the early hours of Monday. Among those who laid down arms was a senior Maoist leader of the MaharashtraMadhya PradeshChhattisgarh (MMC) zone and Central Committee member, Ramdher Majji, who carried a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head. Four Divisional Committee members and several other cadres also surrendered. The surrender of these senior figures, led by the Central Committee member, is being viewed as a major setback for the MMC unit of the banned CPI (Maoist). Six of the 12 cadres are women, who, according to a police officer, were evidently encouraged by the state governments lucrative surrender and rehabilitation policy. The cadres handed over an AK-47 rifle, an INSAS assault rifle, a self-loading rifle (SLR), a .303 rifle, and other weapons. Official legal procedures will now follow to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Since the BJP came to power in December 2023 in Chhattisgarh, approximately 2,300 Maoists have surrendered in the state.

After decades under Maoist shadow, Kondapalli in Chhattisgarh steps into connectivity with first mobile tower

RAIPUR: For the approximately 150 tribal families in Kondapalli gram panchayat, located in the edgy district of Bijapur, south Chhattisgarh, the last six months have rewritten their reality. After years of isolation under the influence of left-wing extremism, the arrival of mobile connectivity and the supply of electricity has signalled a profound decline in Maoist influence and the beginning of a connected life. The villagers, whose home is deep within the forested terrain 70 km from the Bijapur district headquarter along the TelanganaChhattisgarh border, didn't let the moment pass quietly. When the new mobile tower was installed in April, they celebrated this turning point with the beat of the traditional Mandar hand drum and dancing in colourful tribal costumes. For decades, the region had been deprived of basic necessities. As Lakshmi Yasam, 40, sarpanch of the gram panchayat (which covers three villages), recounted to the New Indian Express , Under the shadow of Maoist terror, our region remained deprived of basic amenities like roads, electricity and mobile connectivity. That era is fading. Now, Asam proudly states, Over 60 percent of households have mobile phones subscribed to the Jio network operator, he added. When the new mobile tower was installed in April, they celebrated this turning point with the beat of the traditional Mandar hand drum and dancing in colourful tribal costumes. As Asam explains, the convenience is transforming daily life: These days every essential service including banking to government welfare schemes to Aadhaar, the mobile phone number is linked. The convenience of mobile services is promoting rural residents happiness. The immediate, tangible benefits are already being felt. Baldeo Nekho, 24, a local farmer, describes the change as a fundamental shift, Its like the beginning of a good life as we are witnessing how the use of mobile phones doing good during health emergencies, education of children and remains a symbolic connection of our village to the outside world, he said. The difficulties faced by Kondapalli, acute challenges in accessing communication, transport, and public services, were severe. Administrative teams struggled to reach the area owing to inhospitable terrain and Maoists obstruction. The changing scenario was driven by continuous security operations, improved administrative outreach, and focused government interventions. This local success is a symbol of a broader strategy, according to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, The arrival of network connectivity in Kondapalli is not merely an expansion of communication infrastructure but a revival of aspirations that were suppressed for years. The state government is committed to ensuring digital services and welfare schemes reach every village of Bastar. Such transformations will become even more widespread in the coming years, he said. The communication sector has indeed registered remarkable growth in the state. A total of 728 new mobile towers have been installed recently. Crucially, 116 of these are in Maoist-affected areas and 115 in Aspirational districts. Currently, 467 towers are operational with 4G services, while 449 older towers have been upgraded from 2G to 4G.

Chhattisgarh: Mobile tower installed at Kondapalli village in Naxal-affected Bijapur

Raipur: A mobile tower has been installed for the first time at Kondapalli village in Chhattisgarhs Naxal-affected Bijapur district, an area long cut off from the outside world, officials said on Sunday. The village, about 450 km from state capital Raipur and located in the dense forests along the border with Telangana, did not have 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 on high alert for paddy procurement season; takes measures to curb illegal transportation

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh, with intensified strict vigilance, has cracked down on the transportation of paddy from other states and seized over one lakh quintals so far in separate cases ever since the procurement began from November 15. The state has launched special campaigns in different districts, with alert and rigorous monitoring underway. There are continuous checks, check posts set up in districts and along state borders, besides keeping track of GPS-equipped vehicles used for foodgrain transport to prevent illegal paddy transportation. This year, several check posts have undertaken a digital verification oversight process and a resolute inter-state coordination. Meticulous measures are adopted in every procurement centre, having a more accountable and technology-driven system, to record entries on the actual paddy received on a given day. The state government has issued a directive to all district collectors to ensure transparency in the procurement process of paddy in all centres, while illegal transportation and fictitious purchase will not be tolerated. The paddy procurement is to continue till January 31, 2026. According to officials, the Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited (CG-MARKFED) has set up check-posts in border districts and constituted task forces headed by district collectors to check the movement of paddy from neighbouring states. The MARKFED has this year instituted Integrated Command and Control Centre to manage real-time surveillance of the procurement process and closely monitor every border area of the state. Over 16 separate check posts with installed cameras have been set-up in areas connecting Chhattisgarh to other states for round the clock observation at the Command Centre, a senior officer said. The detail of every vehicle entering Chhattisgarh state is recorded by deployed staff at every small or big check post, including those connecting the border areas. Chhattisgarh, often cited as the rice bowl in Central India, offers Rs 3,100 per quintal as minimum support price (MSP) to paddy growers, which is believed to be the highest in the country. There are sneaky attempts from neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Telangana to secure high returns of paddy from the government procurement centres in Chhattisgarh state. There were instances where officials had earlier confiscated paddy illegally transported and stored in the state.

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'The innings lacked urgency': Irfan Pathan calls out Ravindra Jadeja's intent as India suffer crushing defeat in Raipur ODI

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