GATE exam cheating ring busted in Raipur: Multi-state operations suspected
In a groundbreaking operation, Raipur police have detained six suspects allegedly involved in a cheating scheme for the GATE exam. Investigators suspect this group was part of a larger network spanning several states, possibly facilitating cheating in other national assessments as well. Recovery of electronic devices has unveiled WhatsApp messages hinting at their elaborate setup.
Chhattisgarh: 6 Held In Raipur Over Attempt To Cheat In GATE Exam
Raipur: Six persons, including a few candidates, were arrested on Sunday for allegedly attempting to cheat in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) examination in Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, police said. Eight mobile phones, four Bluetooth-enabled devices, three Bluetooth earpieces and more electronic gadgets were recovered from them, an official said. Some of the arrested persons were taking the exam. They transmitted the questions by reading them out, while their accomplices looked up the answers and relayed them back, he said. GATE is a prestigious national-level examination. It assesses candidates for a comprehensive understanding of different undergraduate-level subjects such as Engineering, Technology, Science, Commerce, Arts, Architecture and Humanities. Acting on a tip-off, the police maintained discreet surveillance around the examination centre under the DD Nagar police station limits. They spotted a few individuals in suspicious circumstances carrying electronic devices, the official said. JEE Main 2026 Final Answer Key Released At jeemain.nta.nic.in; Result Next Devices used for facilitating cheating were recovered from them. During interrogation, the individuals disclosed the names of their associates who were taking the GATE exam at the centre, he said. Police subsequently recovered concealed Bluetooth devices used to send questions and receive answers from outside, he said. The arrested persons have been identified as Darshan Sehwag, Sumit Sehwag, Laxminarayan, alias Lucky, Amar, Narendra Kumar and Bunty Kumar, all residents of Haryana. A case has been registered against the six under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, the official said, adding that a probe is underway. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
Cgarh : 3 CoBRA Commandos, Car Driver Killed In Road Mishap
The car carrying five people, including the driver, from Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar, to Raipur in Chhattisgarh hit the stationary truck and was mangled, police said.
Brief Mid-Air Scare As Indigo Flight Fails To Land In First Attempt At Raipur Airport
The ATR aircraft, arriving from Bhopal, approached the runway at around 2:50 pm but was unable to complete the landing due to unspecified reasons.
Three CRPF personnel, civilian killed after car rams into stationary truck in Chhattisgarh
Four CoBRA personnel, along with the civilian driver, were heading to Raipur from Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district, to travel to their native places on leave, the official said.
CID Arrests Two-Decade-Old Fake Currency Case Absconder
SRINAGAR: The Counter-Intelligence wing of the Crime Investigation Department has arrested an absconder wanted in a fake currency case dating back nearly two decades, officials said on Monday. According to officials, the accused, Hilal Ahmed Bhat of Poshpora Kupwara, was apprehended from the Bhagani Talab Mohalla area of Raipur Domana in Jammu. The arrest followed []
Naxalism will be completely eradicated before March 31, says Amit Shah
Raipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday attributed the positive fallout of the fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) to the combination of a security-centric strategy, infrastructure development, and disruption of Maoist financial networks. He reiterated that the Naxal menace will be completely eradicated before March 31 this year while chairing a high-level security meeting []
Maoist surrenders rising, peace opening doors for jobs and industry: Chhattisgarh CM
Chhattisgarh aims to be Maoist-free by March 2026. The state is implementing a revised surrender and rehabilitation policy to encourage surrenders. Development plans for Nava Raipur include creating a smart capital with AI and tech hubs. Remote areas will see industrial growth, and Bastar's development is a key focus.
Security measures and development weakening Maoists: Amit Shah
Raipur: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, February 8, attributed the positive fallout of the fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) to the combination of a security-centric strategy, infrastructure development, and disruption of Maoist financial networks. He reiterated that the Maoist menace will be completely eradicated before March 31 this year while chairing a high-level 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 .
The meeting held at a hotel in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, says official
Anti-Naxal Strategy Yielding Results, Menace Will Be Eradicated By March 31, Says Shah
Raipur, Feb 8: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that security-centric strategy, infrastructure development, and disruption of Maoist financial networks have yielded results in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism, asserting that the menace will be completely eradicated before March 31. Shah made the remarks after chairing a high-level security review meeting on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Chhattisgarhs capital Raipur, weeks ahead of the Centres March 31 deadline to eliminate Maoist insurgency. The Home Minister, in a post on [] The post Anti-Naxal Strategy Yielding Results, Menace Will Be Eradicated By March 31, Says Shah appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Amit Shah chairs LWE review meet in Chhattisgarh: Union home secretary, IB chief among those present
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed Left-Wing Extremism security in Raipur. The meeting included top officials and state chief ministers. Chhattisgarh has seen significant success against Maoists this year. Over 500 Naxalites were killed, with many arrests and surrenders. This comes as the Centre aims to end the insurgency by March 31.
ILS Law College hosts grand finale of National Indirect Tax Moot Court Competition
ILS Law College, Pune, hosted the Grand Final of the 3rd National Indirect Tax Moot Court Competition, organized with the Chamber of Tax Consultants. The final featured HNLU Raipur defeating NLIU in complex GST and excise law debates before Justice Milind N. Jadhav and retired Justice Shrikant Kulkarni. Awards included Best Memorial to SLS Pune and Best Speaker to Hariroopan Mathan. Sixteen top law schools participated, with rounds judged by senior CAs and advocates, providing students hands-on exposure to indirect tax litigation.
Amit Shah Lands In Raipur For Final Push Against Maoists By March 31
With the clock ticking relentlessly toward March 31, Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Chhattisgarh's Raipur, launching what is being seen as the final strategic offensive against Maoists in the state.
Centre to bring new agriculture laws to provide strong legal protection to farmers: Chouhan
Raipur, Jan 31: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said the Centre will soon introduce new agricultural laws to provide strong legal protection to farmers. He asserted that exploitation of farmers through fake seeds, spurious fertilisers and counterfeit pesticides will no longer be tolerated, and warned of strict and punitive action against those harming the cultivators interests. Chouhan made the remarks during his one-day visit to Chhattisgarh, during which he interacted with farmers in two [] The post Centre to bring new agriculture laws to provide strong legal protection to farmers: Chouhan appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Let's See His Reaction: Woman's Reel-Making Day Inside Boyfriend's Jail
Raipur Central Jail, meant to be one of the most secure institutions in Chhattisgarh, is once again under a cloud after a sensational video surfaced showing a young woman freely recording a video inside the jail's visiting room.
Babasaheb statue vandalised by unidentified persons in UPs Sonbhadra
Sonbhadra: A statue of Dr B R Ambedkar in Sikrawar village under Raipur police station limits here was allegedly vandalised by unknown persons on Monday, January 26, night, police said. Circle Officer (Sadar) Raj Sonkar on Tuesday, January 27, said the incident took place near the panchayat building in Sikrawar village. He said villagers informed 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 .
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 marked a historic expansion of the Prime Ministers student outreach, breaking the Delhi-only format for the first time. Interactions were held simultaneously across five locationsDelhi, Coimbatore, Raipur, Dev Mogra and Guwahaticreating a pan-India platform. Registrations reached 4.5 crore on MyGovIndia, with another 2.26 crore joining related activities, taking total participation to a record 6.76 crore. The programme, launched in 2018, continues evolving into a nationwide movement ahead of board examinations annually.
11 personnel injured in Maoist IED blast in Chhattisgarh district
Maoists planted improvised explosive devices in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. The devices detonated during an anti-Maoist operation. Eleven security personnel sustained injuries. Ten personnel belong to the District Reserve Guard. One injured is from the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. The injured have been admitted to a hospital in Raipur. Their condition is stable.
IEDs planted by Maoists blasts in Chhattisgarh, 11 personnel injured
Raipur: Eleven security personnel were injured after improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Maoists went off during an anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district, an official said on Monday, January 26. The explosions occurred the previous day when a joint team of security personnel were out on an anti-Maoist operation in the Karregutta Hills area Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
11 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 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.
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 .
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.
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.
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 .
LG Sinha Launches Special Edition Of Hindu Education Society Kashmirs Sangarmal Magazine
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 bonds. In an era dominated by rapid technological [] The post LG Sinha Launches Special Edition Of Hindu Education Society Kashmirs Sangarmal Magazine appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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 .
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 .
RAIPUR: Flex materials are used for making banners, signage or advertising boards and often are not suitably recycled; they get accumulated in landfills, drains, and contribute to the growing challenge of plastic pollution. Raipur, like any other city, is witnessing an increased use of flex boards or cut-outs, which are seen along roadsides and streets, mostly for publicity or display. Later, such posters would fall apart over time and would be seen accumulated in corners. The Raipur district administration and the Municipal Corporation have found a viable solution, undertaking imaginative ways to turn non-biodegradable flex stuff into handy products. The faded, crumbled and discarded junk are made into functional items of daily use. We have inked an agreement with the government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), where the enrolled students, through their creative skills, are making various innovative products from the same flex materials or banners later rendered as useless and adding to the problem as plastic pollution. Raipur is doing it under Project Rachana. Over 2000 various useful products like mats, bottle covers, carry bags, board surface, computer covers, sewing machine covers, flexible garbage collection bags/containers among other ready-to-use items, said Gaurav Kumar Singh, a 2013-batch IAS officer and Raipur collector, who pioneered the concept. Such products are supplied to Anganwadi centres, primary schools and offices on demand. CM Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has conveyed to officials to bring creativity into the state's innovation plans that can help shape constructive future and well-being, said the collector. Various prepared products are also being supplied in bulk on demand. All flex materials from across the capital city are being dumped in the old Raipur smart city office. Now these are productively put to use in the ITI complex in the city. Project Rachna has embarked on an amazing journey of transforming waste into a resource and a source of training. Now the ITI students perceive the old disposal of flex discarded not as tattered scraps but as an opportunity to learn and effectively create something usable out of it. The Rachana' engraved on each item isn't just a word, it's a symbol of their self-confidence and seen as a brand now, said Vishwadeep, 2019-batch IAS and Raipur Municipal Corporation commissioner. Narendra Upadhyay, principal of ITI at Saddu, appreciated the constructive plan and said that earlier, their institute had to cough up around Rs 30,000 monthly for purchasing raw materials. Now, we're getting the same materials for free. Students are learning and creating things as they realise that craft isn't just a skill, it's also a vision for innovative thinking, the principal narrated. Realising the utility of flex reshaped products, the Women and Child Development department has placed an order for 1000 mats and covers with ITI, not only encouraging the students' work but also giving them the feeling that their hard work is becoming a part of people's lives.
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
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 introduces JAP 2026 for MBA admissions, involving IIM Kashipur, Raipur, Ranchi, and Tiruchirappalli with a single-window application
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).
Vandals target Christmas decorations at Assam school, mob attacks mall in Raipur
Right-wing vandals disrupted Christmas celebrations in Assam and Chhattisgarh on Christmas Day. In Assam, four activists were arrested for smashing decorations at a school, while in Chhattisgarh, an FIR was filed against 25-30 individuals for vandalizing a mall during a shutdown protest.
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.
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 .
DEHRADUN: In a significant development linked to alleged large-scale irregularities in Uttarakhands Forest Department, a Division Bench of the Uttarakhand High Court on Wednesday took cognisance of the matter. It issued notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Central Government, the Uttarakhand Government, the Survey of India and the Supreme Courts Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The court action follows a petition pointing to the disappearance of 7,375 forest boundary pillars in the Mussoorie Forest Division and the rapid and unusual rise in accumulation of wealth among territorial forest officers posted in the division over recent years. The Bench, led by Justice Manoj Tiwari, expressed strong displeasure over the sheer scale of the missing demarcation markers. It directed all respondents to file their counter-affidavits within six weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on February 11, 2026. The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by environmental activist Naresh Chaudhary. The petition urges the court to direct the Survey of India to conduct a comprehensive, scientific and geo-referenced survey to accurately locate and restore the missing boundary pillars. It also seeks the implementation of a dedicated Restoration and Reclamation Plan for the affected forest areas. Crucially, the PIL seeks a court directive to transfer all forest lands currently under the control of Revenue Authorities back to the Forest Department within a fixed timeline. The issue surfaced in 2023, when an audit of the Mussoorie Forest Divisions boundaries was ordered by the then Chief Conservator of Forests (Working Plan), Sanjiv Chaturvedi, during the preparation of a new working plan. According to the subsequent report submitted by the then Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Mussoorie, of a total 12,321 boundary pillars, as many as 7,375 were found missing on the ground. Sources familiar with the matter said around 80 per cent of the missing pillars were concentrated in the Mussoorie and Raipur ranges, areas considered highly lucrative for real estate development, including hotels and residential complexes. Following the findings, Chaturvedi escalated the matter. In June and again in August 2025, he wrote to the Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Uttarakhand, demanding that the investigation be handed over to the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. He specifically sought a probe into the alleged acquisition of substantial immovable properties by the concerned forest officers. However, the petition alleges that internal attempts were made to dilute the findings. It states that the HoFF constituted a fresh internal committee, headed by Conservator of Forests Rajiv Dhiman, IFS, to re-examine the issue. The petitioner has alleged that the committee was intended to downplay the numbers and may also destroy/ temper with evidences, on ground. The petition further notes that several officers on the committee had previously faced scrutiny over alleged financial irregularities linked to Miyawaki plantation schemes and had prior postings in the Mussoorie Forest Division.
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.
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.
BTech student of OP Jindal University dies by suicide in Chhattisgarhs Raigarh
RAIPUR: A 20 year old engineering student of O P Jindal University in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room on Saturday late night. The deceased has been identified as Princy Kumari, 20, a native of Jamshedpur in Jharkhand who was pursuing her second year B.Tech Computer Science. Speaking to TNIE, Raigarh ASP Akash Markam said the incident came to light after the hostel warden found her body hanging from a ceiling fan. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, and the autopsy report is awaited. The body was later handed over to the family. A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway. Markam said the exact circumstances leading to the suicide are yet to be ascertained. We are examining the contents of the suicide note recovered from her room, and statements of hostel staff, university officials and others are being recorded, he said. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
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
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.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Signifys Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR, Dec 16: In line with its #BrighterLivesBetterWorld vision, Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, announced the launch of its flagship Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative in Chhattisgarh. The momentous inauguration was graced by the Honble Union Home Minister of India, Shri Amit Shah, marking a powerful new chapter in rural transformation. Implemented in partnership with the Government of Chhattisgarh and Bharat Cares, this initiative will bring the glow of modern, energy-efficient LED streetlights to 70 villages across [] The post Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Signifys Har Gaon Roshan CSR initiative in Chhattisgarh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
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 .
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.
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has signed MoUs with six state universities to launch a new academic course named Rakshak Curriculum that will focus on child rights and protection. Cited to be the first academic programme of its kind in India, the initiative is a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Child Rights & Protection. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that Rakshak Curriculum will play a significant role in creating a safer and more responsible future for students. The course will generate job opportunities creating trained professionals equipped to work in the given stream of child rights and protection. Its our collective responsibility to guide children who fall into vulnerable citations owing to innocence back on the right path, he added. The curriculum is described as a milestone in developing compassionate, aware and service-oriented youth. Until now, no university offered a curriculum dedicated to child rights and protection alongside the career opportunities. Realising the need, the Commission has developed 'Rakshak Curriculum that will provide students with theoretical and legal knowledge, understanding of government schemes and institutions, insights into departmental processes, and practical exposure to child protection units, a government spokesperson said. Designed to cultivate awareness and emotional sensitivity, the programme will build efficient, committed and trained human resources for the field. Training, mentorship and course support will be provided to universities free of cost by the Commission. The universities that have entered into the agreement to run the course are Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Sant Gahira Guru University, Surguja, Kushabhau Thakre University of Journalism & Mass Communication, Raipur, Anjaneya University, Raipur, Amity University, Raipur, Shri Shankaracharya Professional University, Bhilai-Durg. During the signing of an MoU, the CM elucidated that with over 350 administrative reforms enacted, Chhattisgarh is progressing swiftly on the path of good governance. In the same sequence, the state government has also set up the Department of Good Governance and Convergence.
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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.
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 .
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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