The Times of India

Saharsa Mayor Bain Priya, her private secretary Rajiv Kumar, and his wife face an FIR for alleged financial irregularities. Nearly Rs50 lakh monthly for street lighting maintenance is suspected to have been siphoned off. An inquiry committee's findings revealed suspicious fund diversions through firms registered in the secretary's wife's name, prompting the urban development department's directive for immediate legal action.

On the occasion of the 16 Bihar Battalion Raising Day in Danapur, a poignant tribute was paid to the brave souls who fell during the Galwan Valley clash. The ceremony commemorated the selfless sacrifice of 20 Indian Army personnel, led by the valiant Colonel B Santosh Babu, who heroically faced adversity in 2020.

Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve is a surprising hub for snake diversity, boasting 43 species, including five new to the state discovered recently. This rich reptile population, featuring key venomous species and the unique Long-Snout Vine Snake, highlights the reserve's ecological health and the success of enhanced monitoring efforts.

Following a late-night inspection by Minister Leshi Singh, alarming gaps in staffing at a Bihar healthcare facility have come to light. The Minister herself experienced high blood pressure during the visit and raised concerns regarding the conduct of the physician on duty, who was conspicuously absent.

On Wednesday, courts in Patna, Danapur, and Kishanganj were abruptly evacuated after receiving an alarming email that threatened five explosions at 1 pm. The warning, which included inflammatory slogans, prompted immediate enhancements to security protocols. Although authorities conducted extensive searches, no explosives were discovered.

In a tragic turn of events, Indra Lakshmi, a 65-year-old attorney known for her dedication to justice, was found deceased in her home in Patna on Wednesday morning. Her caretaker stumbled upon her body on the verandah, which appeared partially burned.

Get ready for a journey back in time at the new dinosaur park emerging in Rajgir, Bihar! This thrilling destination promises to astound visitors with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, immersive themed zones, and interactive experiences including a wise-cracking tree and fossil excavation activities.

In a shocking incident from Samastipur, a 22-year-old student named Nitish Kumar was said to have been drugged and abducted by those he considered acquaintances. For two harrowing days, he was reportedly held against his will after being sedated.

In a proactive move against the alarming increase in drug abuse among youth, the Bihar government is keen on enlisting celebrities to raise awareness. Officials are deeply troubled by young individuals experimenting with substances such as inhalants and chewing gums. Recent enforcement statistics highlight substantial drug and vehicle seizures, reflecting the state's determination to tackle these issues head-on.

In a significant turn of events, police in Samastipur have made an arrest linked to the shocking murder of Ganesh Sahni, a local teacher and property dealer, on February 8. Sahni fell victim to a brutal attack by six individuals on motorcycles, who left the community in disbelief.

The clock is ticking on an ambitious six-month plan to conduct a thorough survey of rare earth materials in the Nawada district of Bihar, with a special focus on lithium discovery. Union Minister Jitendra Singh has announced that the geological assessment is in full swing, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring the nation's mineral security and enhancing local economies.

Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha has ordered an immediate crackdown on illegal hoardings and unauthorized parking in Patna. He warned that the mafia involved will face severe legal action, emphasizing the drive's importance in curbing revenue leakage and restoring order.

Protests erupted in Muzaffarpur as villagers clashed with an anti-encroachment team, leading to stone-pelting and road blockades. Residents accused the administration of discriminatory evictions without rehabilitation plans. Officials stated the demolitions, including 90 'pucca' houses, followed a court order to clear illegal encroachments on government land for development. Dialogue failed as residents demanded concrete rehabilitation.

Patna City police intercepted two individuals attempting to evade a checkpost, discovering Rs32 lakh in cash on their motorcycle. Preliminary inquiries suggest the money was collected from a company and was en route to Bardhaman, West Bengal. Authorities have alerted the income tax department and are investigating the money's origin and the suspects' claims.

In a bold move to prioritize environmental sustainability, the Patna High Court has put a stop to the use of red bricks in a government school construction project in West Champaran. The court is insisting on compliance with a 2021 directive that mandates the use of 100% fly ash bricks within a 300-kilometer radius of thermal power stations.

In a significant political event, Bankipur MLA Nitin Nabin, recently appointed as the BJPs national president, graced the Bihar assembly's budget session. His arrival was met with enthusiastic applause from seasoned NDA leaders. During his address, Nabin hailed the transformative initiatives undertaken by CM Nitish Kumar, highlighting a vision for Bihar to shine on the national stage.

South Bihar's wetlands are alive with an astonishing display of biodiversity! Recent findings indicate that waterbird numbers have surged dramatically, with some areas reporting increases of up to three times their prior counts. The Indrapuri Barrage Wetland has become a vibrant haven, hosting more than 7,800 birds spanning 66 different species.

In a sweeping action, income tax authorities launched a series of raids across Purnia and Supaul, zeroing in on the Panorama Group and its chief, Sanjeev Mishra. This operation, manned by a cadre of over 20 senior officials, was driven by suspicions of tax fraud and hidden earnings.

During a heated session on Tuesday, the Bihar Legislative Council turned chaotic as opposition members were forcefully escorted out and given a day-long suspension. The turmoil erupted over demands for apologies concerning perceived disrespect shown to former Chief Minister Rabri Devi. As tensions escalated with confrontations and loud slogans, the Chairperson intervened, resulting in the eviction of several opposition MLCs.

The sudden closure of the Bharat Plus Ethanol Plant in Buxar, effective Wednesday, casts a shadow over the local economy as hundreds of workers face unemployment. With oil companies cutting back on ethanol purchases due to a new government tender policy, the facility, which cost Rs 200 crore to establish, is now running at half its capacity.

In a heated session, opposition lawmakers stormed the Bihar assembly, raising their voices against a surge in rape cases and an alarming decline in public safety. Representatives from the RJD and Congress expressed their frustrations over what they described as a government attempt to shield serious criminal activities.

Patna University is gearing up for its student elections on February 28, where around 20,000 eligible voters will choose representatives for five pivotal office-bearer roles and 24 councillor positions. Nomination papers will be available starting February 11, as the university prioritizes clarity and inclusion with the release of the final electoral roll, ensuring that all candidates and voters are well-informed.

Indian Railways has launched an e-pantry service on 25 long-distance trains, primarily in the East Central Railway zone. This new system allows passengers to pre-book meals of their choice for delivery at selected stations, offering flexibility and affordability. Passengers can choose from a wide variety of options, with payments made digitally.

In a fiery exchange, Tejashwi Yadav took aim at Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlighting the alarming surge in crime against minors. He chastised the CM for the government's inability to take decisive action against such heinous acts, while also denouncing the disrespectful comments directed at Rabri Devi within the assembly.

Patna BJP chief Nitin Nabin inspected ongoing drain projects, urging timely completion and quality work. Accompanied by senior officials, he emphasized smooth drainage and road connectivity, crucial for the upcoming monsoon. The Mandiri Nala project, costing Rs86.98 crore, will feature a covered drain with a two-lane road, benefiting thousands and easing traffic. The Bakarganj Nala redevelopment, at Rs26.

In a troubling development for local drivers in Sasaram and Mohania, it has come to light that they are being charged full toll fees at plazas, despite regulations allowing for a 50% discount for commercial vehicles registered in the district. This information, uncovered through a Right to Information request, points to potential mismanagement and significant unauthorized revenue collection.

In a powerful demonstration, women activists from AISA and AIPWA took to the streets of Patna, advocating for justice after the tragic loss of a NEET student. They raised their voices against the rising tide of violence against women and girls in Bihar, determined to push through police barricades that tried to halt their march.

A Sasaram court granted bail to a youth accused of his girlfriend's murder, questioning the investigation's integrity. The judge suggested the case might be honour killing, with potential involvement of the deceased's father, who filed the FIR. The court noted a lack of prima facie evidence for the chargesheet against the accused.

Tragedy struck Madhubani as a 32-year-old man, Jayram Mandal, was fatally shot in the mouth by criminals attempting to rob him of his bike. The brutal incident occurred in the Raghopur Balat area. Locals, enraged by the senseless violence, staged a four-hour road blockade, demanding justice and an end to crime.

Madhubani advocates must now secure an e-filing ID to submit cases online, particularly for NI Act and miscellaneous matters. The district court has launched a special drive to assist lawyers in obtaining these IDs at the library building's e-seva centre. This initiative aims to streamline court processes, with plans to expand mandatory e-filing to other case categories soon.

A young Bihar transport constable, Mukesh Kumar, tragically lost his life during a routine vehicle check on NH-139 in Arwal. A speeding gravel truck lost control, crashing into a parked truck and then into the department's SUV, crushing the constable. The incident also left others injured, prompting an official inquiry.

Bankipur MLA Nitin Nabin attended the Bihar assembly's budget session for the first time as the BJP's national president. Senior NDA leaders welcomed him, highlighting his capability and efficiency. Nabin's appointment signifies a generational shift, and the BJP aims to leverage his experience in upcoming state elections.