Chhattisgarh Bureaucrat Accused Of Rape, Exploitation By Woman Constable
A high-ranking government officer in Chhattisgarh finds himself at the centre of a storm as serious allegations of rape and exploitation under the false promise of marriage have been levelled against him.
Godavari flood: 198 fisherfolk families evacuated
The edges of the three islands abutting Havelock Bridge were washed away in the Godavari flood in 2022; Heavy inflows into the Godavari downstream of the Polavaram irrigation project Many villages cut-off as Godavari, Sabari in spate on AP-Chhattisgarh border.
Low becomes marked as IMD issues depression alert over Bay, East Coast
Extreme rainfall threat warned for Konkan, Goa, Coastal Karnataka, Coastal AP, south Odisha, south Chhattisgarh
Swipe, Pay, Stab? Chhattisgarh HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Open Knife Sales After Sting
A sting operation had exposed the rampant sale of dangerous knives in Bilaspur.
DRG Jawan killed, three injured as IED planted by Maoists explodes in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
The explosion occurred in the morning in Indravati National Park area when a team of DRG, a unit of the State police, was out on an anti-Maoist operation, a senior official said
Chhattisgarh Board is set to release Class 10 and 12 supplementary results soon. Students can access results on cgbse.nic.in. Candidates need their roll number and date of birth. Exams occurred in July 2025. Results are expected by late August 2025. Students should keep admit cards ready. The marksheet can be downloaded from the website.
Chhattisgarh: Cop killed, 3 injured in anti-Maoist operation in Bijapur
One DRG jawan, Dinesh Nag, was martyred, and three others were injured. Check below to know more about this IED blast.
Chhattisgarh: One Jawan killed and three injured in Naxalite's IED blast
In Bijapur district, a DRG jawan was martyred and two others injured in an IED blast triggered by Naxalites during an anti-Maoist operation. Earlier, security forces neutralized two high-value Naxal cadres in Chhattisgarh's Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district, dealing a significant blow to Naxal operations in the Dandkaranya region and along the Rajnandgaon-Kanker border.
Chhattisgarh: Jawan Killed, 3 Injured in Naxalites' IED Blast
The explosion occurred in the morning in Indravati National Park area when a team of DRG, a unit of the state police, was out on an anti-Naxal operation
Cop Killed, 3 Injured In Maoist Blast In Chhattisgarh
A jawan of the Chhattisgarh police's District Reserve Guard was killed and three other personnel were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by maoist went off in Bijapur district on Monday, officials said.
Police jawan killed, three others injured in Naxal IED blast in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur
A jawan of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was killed and three others injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district on Monday, police said. The explosion took place in the morning inside Indravati National Park, where a DRG team was carrying out an anti-Naxal operation. According to a senior police official, the operation had been launched on Sunday and was ongoing when the blast occurred. The deceased jawan has been identified as Dinesh Nag. The three injured personnel received immediate first aid at the site and are currently being evacuated from the dense forest area, the official added. The DRG is a specialised anti-Naxal unit of the Chhattisgarh Police, often deployed in high-risk areas in the state's conflict zones. Further details are awaited.
Jawan Dead, 2 Others Injured In Naxal IED Blast In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
A jawan was killed and two others sustained injuries in an IED blast triggered by Naxalites in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district.
Raipur Diary | Chhattisgarh heritage to be showcased at World Expo
The state is all set to showcase its unique identity at the prestigious World Expo 2025 in Osaka (Japan) next week where CM Vishnu Deo Sai has been specially invited to represent the state. The theme of the summit is Designing Future Society for our Lives with sub-themes on Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives, celebrating global innovations. Over 160 countries and 9 international organisations are participating in the mega event. Chhattisgarh, at its dedicated state stall at the expansive summit venue in Yumeshima Island, will highlight its rich cultural heritage, technological advances, trade and infrastructure. The state looks to place itself on the global map of industrial growth by positing an investment hub image. New Assembly complex all set for inauguration With the construction of the new Chhattisgarh Assembly complex in its final stage, the new premises will be dedicated to the public during the states Rajyotsava celebration on November 1. PM Narendra Modi has been invited to inaugurate the sprawling new structure spread across 52 acres. The new Vidhan Sabha building beautifully blends the states rich cultural heritage and traditional architectural elements with cutting-edge facilities. The Assembly hall, to have seats for 200 MLAs, will include a state-of-the-art auditorium with a 500-person capacity. The complex will also include parking for 700 vehicles and two proposed lakes. State-of-the-art libraries to come up in every dist After encouraging response and favourable results from Raipur-based Nalanda Parisar, the states biggest Central Library, the State is now building 34 new libraries covering almost every district. These will be equipped with quality books for higher education, competitive exams and reference materials besides other modern facilities. The option of both offline and online will be made available. The state capital, besides the Nalanda Parisar complex-cum-reading zone, also has Takshashila Central library-cum-smart reading room and a 500-seater central library. Libraries are also proposed for Maoist-hit districts and hinterlands. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Acres of forest lands reclaimed, thanks to tech
RAIPUR: The foresters foot is best manure for the forest, so the saying goes. True to the word, foresters in Chhattisgarh have demonstrated how high-tech surveillance and decisive action can bring a paradigm shift in forest conservation, reclaiming nearly 1,800 acres of forest from the clutches of encroachment in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR). Regaining the vast forest terrain progressively occupied over the past 18 years proved quite a task for the Chhattisgarh forest department as it painstakingly identified and cleared designated forestlands, worth over `500 crore, of illegal occupation, said Varun Jain (IFS) Deputy Director, USTR. Combating biodiversity threats, deforestation, loss of wildlife habitat and increased human-animal conflict, the officer deployed technological interventions to fill up patrolling gaps, reduce man-animal contact and strengthen monitoring of forests and wildlife. As many as seven major human settlements were cleared out and over 300 encroachers illegally occupying the region were evicted amid strong resistance during the anti-encroachment drive that began two years ago. Jain took help of the National Remote Sensing Centre, a key facility of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and acquired satellite images of the designated forestlands in 2008-2010, besides drone mapping of the encroached area to assess the 2022 situation. Analysis of the images revealed that forest cover loss began after 2012 and continued till 2020, during which the encroachers wiped-off trees from vast stretched of jungle. Its an exceptional feat for the state. Removal of encroachments using technology and force has created inviolate space for herbivores and carnivores, leading to diminishing man-animal conflicts. The compensation burden on the state exchequer has also reduced, said V Sreenivasa Rao (PCCF & Head of Forest Force). In 2022, the Chhattisgarh forest department built its own Google Earth-powered Remote Sensing Portal for assessing changes in forest cover and surface water cover on a weekly basis; Artificial Intelligence tools and machine learning helped identify forest loss over past 20 years. Based on the satellite images, the department arrived at the conclusion that all these illegal settlements had come up after 2008, and therefore, were not entitled to land rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) which is applicable on areas occupied before December 2005.
Chhattisgarh: Security forces recover explosives after exchange of fire with Naxals
Gariaband: Security forces recovered explosives following a gunfight with Naxalites on Sunday in Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh after four Maoists carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 19 lakh surrendered themselves, a senior police officer said. On a tip-off provided by one of the surrendered Naxals, security forces recovered a Maoist dump in a forested hill 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 .
Historic Buchi Babu Tournament Finds New Relevance In State Units Chasing Red-ball Readiness
All India Buchi Babu Invitational: A couple of months still remain before the Ranji Trophy gets underway, and the All India Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, set to begin in Chennai on Monday and run till September 9, will once again serve as the appetiser that state units eagerly seek to get into red-ball groove. For teams eyeing a head start to do well in red-ball cricket, the timing could not be better. With the Duleep Trophy slated to begin from August 28, squads will soon lose their top players to the zonal tournament duties. The Buchi Babu tournament, revived in 2023 after a 12-year-long hiatus, offers just the right platform for state teams to rediscover their red-ball cricket rhythm. Its a very historical and old tournament which we won in 2011. After 2013, we had not played in this tournament. Why this is important is because elsewhere in India, there are no three-day or four-day quality tournaments like the Buchi Babu competition offering challenging conditions. We normally play on spinning pitches in India, and playing in Buchi Babu tournament is one such preparation for that because as the season goes on in Ranji Trophy, you might find some spinning and turning pitches, as well as different conditions. So that is one of the reasons to participate and obviously all good teams come here to compete - so it's an opportunity to just check our bench strength, who we're going to try in the coming season and even sorting the team combinations. These are the points why this tournament is important for our preparation for the Ranji season, said Samad Fallah, the former Maharashtra pacer turned bowling coach, to IANS in an exclusive conversation. For Bengal head coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla, the attraction of the tournament lies in its offering providing valuable red-ball cricket practice. It's a good tournament. We have come to play in the Buchi Babu competition after 6-7 years. Before this, we have played in Buchi Babu many times. In the last few seasons, we could not come here as we would be going to play another tournament in Bengal or had camps. We are looking forward to it. We have a new team and are in the process of firming up selections for the upcoming season. That's why we came here so far it's good and boys are ready to go. Red ball cricket is such a thing that the better your preparation is, the better your play will be. White-ball cricket comes at the end, as the red-ball format is the one which makes you a cricketer. That's why all of us attach a lot of importance towards red-ball cricket preparation, he said to IANS. Shukla, a former India all-rounder, also pointed to the nuances players can only experience in long-form cricket. Playing red-ball cricket is an art where you get to see reverse swing, googly, leg spin, off spin, and left arm spin. But if you look at white-ball cricket, you won't see the variation of the bowler as it's flat, while red-ball cricket is always magic. That's why we all came here for this tournament and I hope it's an opportunity for all the teams to prepare well. The tournament was first held in 1909/10 and named after Mothavarapu Venkata Mahipathi Naidu, popularly known as Buchi Babu Naidu, regarded as the father of Madras cricket. However, the tournament was removed from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association calendar in 2017 to accommodate the Tamil Nadu Premier League. Since its revival in 2023, the tournament has once again captured the attention of every state unit, as well as that of Indian team players and those on the verge of making it to the national set-up. The main attractions for the upcoming tournament are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Ayush Mhatre, Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer Khan, Vijay Shankar, Shahrukh Khan, Umran Malik, Abdul Samad, Prabhsimran Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Abishek Porel. The presence of players like Gaikwad and new signing Shaw has further motivated Maharashtras squad, says Fallah. When they come, it gives a big boost to the 30-35 probable players and lifts them too. It makes them feel that our best players are putting their efforts when they recently played a three-day game. I got motivated when my senior players were playing with us. We get to know that we belong to this level. Ruturaj is such a person that he will be always there to help others. Prithvi has just come to Maharashtra and I don't feel that he is coming from some other region. All kids have played with Prithvi in the under-19 age groups, and so many boys shared the dressing room with him - so everyone have been welcoming towards him. Ruturaj has been working really hard on himself, as he wants to be perfect in every department. It was so motivating for the players that he and Prithvi shared their experiences and how can they go towards achieving the targets for this new season. Fourteen state units have signed up this year, along with two TNCA teams - the Presidents XI and TNCA XI. The attraction is not financial: the winners receive Rs 3 lakh, the runners-up Rs 2 lakh. Rather, it is about preparation, match readiness, and fine-tuning combinations. Fallah also highlighted the demanding Chennai conditions players will have to adjust to during the competition. Lots of our boys from Maharashtra do go and play on red soil pitches in Mumbai anyways. But again, it's the conditions - like Chennai's conditions, are extreme, you play in the heat and it is a nice preparation. I'll give you an example - if you're manufacturing a tyre, you have to put it into a 400 degree so it can sustain in 40 degrees, isn't it? It is same like that here. Buchi Babu is a nice extreme conditions offering tournament where one gets everything from it - fitness part, mentality, and how much can you concentrate in three days? As coaches, we can check on the players who can put lots of effort in the coming season and that's what we are trying to achieve as a team and as an association. This year, we thought, okay, we can participate in it and I'm sure it will surely help for the team combination also, he said. While noting the weather in Chennai is milder as compared to previous years, Shukla warned the conditions will still test players. The red soil is helpful for both spinners and batters. The bowlers will also have to put in some effort. The climate is not as hot as it used to be in Chennai - its better now. But still, it's going to be a challenging game and it's going to be fun. 16 teams are divided into four groups of four each. The league phase matches will be played across three days, with the first innings capped at 90 overs and the second innings to be of 45 overs. The knockouts will revert to a four-day affair with 90 overs per innings. Group winners advance directly to the semifinals. The tournament once attracted a lot of fanfare alongside fellow traditional red-ball tournaments - Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup in Hyderabad and the KSCA Invitational in Bengaluru. While the Hyderabad competition is long gone and the KSCA tournament scaled down, the Buchi Babu competition stands as a vital platform - offering players a rare chance to sharpen skills, test their squads depth and toughen up themselves for the red-ball grind that lies ahead in the domestic season. Buchi Babu Invitational tournament groups Group A: TNCA Presidents XI, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra Group B: Railways, Jammu & Kashmir, Baroda, Odisha Group A: TNCA Presidents XI, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Group D: Hyderabad, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand. Article Source: IANS
RAIPUR: It is often said that the foresters foot is the best manure for the forest. In a remarkable achievement, Chhattisgarh has reclaimed and restored 1,800 acres of encroached forestland in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve (USTR), safeguarding biodiversity, preventing further deforestation, reducing wildlife habitat loss and mitigating the risk of increased human-animal conflict. Regaining the vast forest area, progressively occupied over the last 18 years, posed a serious challenge for the Chhattisgarh Forest Department. The department carried out a difficult exercise to clear the encroached designated forestlands, estimated to be worth over Rs 500 crore, said Varun Jain (IFS), Deputy Director of USTR. The IFS officer relied on technological interventions to address patrolling gaps, reduce man-animal conflicts, and strengthen the monitoring of forests and wildlife. As many as seven major habitats and over 300 alleged encroachers settled in the region were evicted amid strong resistance, with reports of attacks on forest staff during the anti-encroachment drive that began two years ago. Jain sought assistance from the National Remote Sensing Centre, one of the key centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Hyderabad, acquiring satellite images from 20082010. He also carried out drone mapping of the encroached area to create an imagery database for 2022. The analysis revealed how forest cover loss began after 2012 and continued until 2020, during which encroachers allegedly cleared vast tracts of dense jungle. Its an exceptional feat for the state. The removal of these encroachments using technology and force has resulted in the creation of inviolate space for herbivores and carnivores, leading to diminishing man-animal conflicts. Besides, the compensation burden of the state exchequer has also reduced, said V. Sreenivasa Rao, PCCF and Head of Forest Force. In 2022, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department built its own Google Earth Engine-powered Remote Sensing Portal to assess forest cover and surface water changes on a weekly basis, as well as to identify hotspots of forest loss over the past 20 years using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The USTR spans two districts, Gariaband and Dhamtari, where encroachers have allegedly made systematic attempts for years to capture forestland. The challenge was compounded by the presence of outlawed Maoists in both districts. There are 110 legal villages (revenue villages converted from forest villages) within the tiger reserve. For the Forest Department, the situation was worrying as alleged encroachers and poachers, mostly from outside the state, attempted to hold sway. Continuous monitoring of new and old encroachments and forest loss areas is being carried out using the portal, with regular enforcement actions taken. A month ago we cleared encroachment and restored another 60 hectares of forestland, said Jain. Based on satellite images, the department concluded that all the illegal settlements emerged only after 2008, meaning they were not entitled to any land under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), which applies only to land occupied before December 2005.
Chhattisgarh police foiled a murder plot by arresting Vinay Verma, who sent an IED disguised as a music system to the husband of a woman he was obsessed with. The investigation uncovered an illegal explosives supply network, leading to six more arrests. Authorities seized gelatin sticks and detonators, revealing a dangerous scheme and preventing a potential tragedy.
Chhattisgarh: One-Sided Lovers Parcel Bomb Plot Foiled; Explosive Smuggling Racket Busted
KHAIRAGARH (Chhattisgarh), Aug 17: A 20-year-old electrician from Chhattisgarh allegedly planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in a music system speaker and sent it as a gift to the husband of a woman he was infatuated with, police said on Sunday. The accused assembled the IED using online tutorials, designing it to detonate upon being plugged in. His Google search history showed how to kill a person using a bomb without being caught by police, officials said. With the arrest [] The post Chhattisgarh: One-Sided Lovers Parcel Bomb Plot Foiled; Explosive Smuggling Racket Busted appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Centre says forest dept not nodal agency for community forest resource management
New Delhi, Aug 17: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has clarified that Community Forest Resource Management Plans (CFRMPs) must be prepared by Gram Sabhas through their Community Forest Resource Management Committees (CFRMCs), in accordance with the Forest Rights Act and its rules, and not by the forest department or any other agency. In a letter dated August 14 to the chief secretary of Chhattisgarh, the ministry responded to recent communications from the states forest department and tribal development department seeking [] The post Centre says forest dept not nodal agency for community forest resource management appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chhattisgarh: One-sided lover's parcel bomb plot foiled; explosive smuggling racket busted
KHAIRAGARH: A 20-year-old electrician from Chhattisgarh allegedly planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in a music system speaker and sent it as a gift to the husband of a woman he was infatuated with, police said on Sunday. The accused assembled the IED using online tutorials, designing it to detonate upon being plugged in. His Google search history showed how to kill a person using a bomb without being caught by police, officials said. With the arrest of the man, the police in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district have not only foiled a planned murder but also unearthed an explosive smuggling racket which supplied gelatin sticks to the accused, they said. In a similar case in April 2023, a newly married man and his elder brother were killed after a home theatre music system received as wedding gift from his wife's former lover exploded in their house in neighbouring Kabirdham district. In the latest case, the prime accused, Vinay Verma, and six others have been arrested, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district Superintendent of Police (SP) Lakshya Sharma told PTI. The others have been identified as Parmeshwar Verma (25), Gopal Verma (22), Ghasiram Verma (46), Dilip Dhimar (38), Gopal Khelwar and Khilesh Verma (19), as per the police. The conspiracy came to light when a suspicious parcel, neatly gift-wrapped and bearing a fake India Post logo, was delivered three-four days back to a shop in Manpur village under Gandai police station limits. The parcel was addressed to village resident Afsar Khan, the intended target. Finding it suspicious, Khan promptly alerted the police, the official said. A bomb disposal team examined the package and found a 2-kg IED concealed inside a brand-new speaker, the SP said. Technical analysis showed the IED was designed to detonate upon being plugged into a power source. The current would reach a detonator connected to the speaker's wiring, triggering the explosion, the official said. Gelatin sticks were used as the primary explosive, and the speaker's outer casing would act as deadly shrapnel upon detonation, he said. The investigation suggested that Vinay Verma, resident of Kusami village in Khairagarh, allegedly hatched the plot in a bid to murder Khan, the official said. Verma, an electrician, procured the speaker and assembled the IED using online tutorials. His mobile phone's Google search history included how to kill a person using a bomb without being caught by police, Sharma said. The accused was in one-sided love with Khan's wife since her college days. After she married Khan a few months back, Verma allegedly plotted to eliminate him, he said. Further probe indicated the explosives used in the device had been siphoned off from a stone quarry in Chhattisgarh's Durg district. Durg resident Parmeshwar allegedly paid Rs 6,000 to procure gelatin rods from Gopal and Dilip, also natives of Durg. Ghasiram delivered the explosives, while Khilesh is accused of preparing the fake India Post logo used on the parcel, the official said. Verma, with the help from Gopal, eventually delivered the explosive-laden gift to Khan's shop. Subsequent raids at the premises of Gopal and Dilip in Durg led to the seizure of 60 gelatin sticks and two detonators, he said. The explosives had been illegally diverted from a quarry in Patharia area, whose operator will also be questioned, he said. This action not only thwarted a planned murder but also exposed a network of illegal explosive supply in the region, Sharma said. Further investigation was underway and strict legal action will be taken against all those involved in the crime, he added.
Chhattisgarh Cabinet Expansion Likely Tomorrow, These Leaders May Be Included
Political activity has intensified in Chhattisgarh with Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai expected to expand his cabinet by Monday.
BJP seeks strong law to protect women from forced conversions in Kerala
KOCHI: Alleging the involvement of anti-national forces behind the death of a 23-year-old woman in Kothamangalam, the BJP has demanded that the state government bring in a piece of legislation against love jihad. If the government is apprehensive about the term love jihad, they can change it. But we want strong legislation to protect women who are cheated in the name of love and then tortured to convert to Islam. We cannot tolerate such activities, said BJP state vice-president Shone George. The Kothamangalam woman was taken to Panayikulam, where she was locked up in a room and tortured demanding to convert. The police say they cannot use the term love jihad because it has not been defined in legal terminology. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan have not spoken a word against such moves. By refusing to oppose love jihad, the government is supporting these activities. Panayikulam, where the girl was tortured, is notorious for anti-national activities. It was the location of a SIMI camp in the past. We have appealed to the government to hand over the investigation to a Central agency, he said. According to him, there were many people other than the relatives of the accused in the house during the torture. Though the parents of the accused were present at the house for three days, the police failed to arrest them. Now they are under PFI protection, making it difficult for the police to nab them. In a similar incident, a differently abled girl was tortured in Kollam. The police have not arrested the accused. Those who protested against the nuns arrest in Chhattisgarh are silent on love jihad, he said.
CPM leaders criticise Govindan for opportunistic jibe at Thalassery Archbishop Pamplany
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State secretary M V Govindan is facing criticism from within the CPM leadership for his remarks against Thalassery Archbishop Mar Joseph Pamplany. Govindan had accused Bishop Pamplany of opportunism, and praising Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the two arrested nuns were granted bail in Chhattisgarh. The CPM secretary reportedly termed the Archbishop as someone who is very opportunist. The Syro Malabar Church retaliated in strong words and asked him not to speak like Govindachamy, a life sentence convict. Sources in the CPM told TNIE that Govindan faced criticism in the party forum for his unwanted remark. Leaders are of the opinion that Govindans intervention was untimely as it only helped lose the credit it earned through partys intervention after the arrest of the nuns . We have to be careful while expressing our position in public, a national leader from the party centre in Delhi told TNIE. As a public servant, every word from us is being scrutinised especially if we are from the Left or CPM. This was unfortunate and unwanted, he said. CPM MPs John Brittas and A A Rahim were in Chhattisgarh with other opposition leaders till the nuns were granted bail. It was following the partys instruction that Brittas and Rahim went to Chhattisgarh. They, along with other LDF MPs, met Amit Shah. Through this intervention, CPM could successfully uphold secular principles and declare a position on minority protection, a CPM MLA said. The church took these actions in good faith as it was visible in their statements. However, all these went in vain, he added. With local body and assembly elections to be held soon, there is criticism in the organisation for allegedly allowing a favourable situation to slip away. According to leaders, the silent approval given to the DYFI leaders to attack a church head has now placed the whole episode in an uneven level. The church authorities later came out with a video clip of Archbishop Pamplany in which he was seen expressing gratitude to the prime minister, home minister and at the same time demanding the Union government not to repeat such persecution, and end the case registered against the nuns. There is also apprehension among Kerala Congress (M) about the political implication of the tussle between CPM and the church in central Kerala. It has to be noted that the Congress did not respond, an upset KCM office-bearer told TNIE. Here the church was the victim. Yet Govindan questioned it in a do-or-die situation. Thereby he has given the BJP a chance to get closer to the church, he said. This is not the first time Govindan has put the CPM in a tight spot. In June 2025, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had to correct the state secretary after the latter said that CPM and RSS had come together against the then PM Indira Gandhi during Emergency. Pinarayi had clarified that there was no links between the RSS and CPM during Emergency.
Catholic priests presence at RSS event in Pala raises eyebrows
Father George Nellikunnu Cherivu Purayidoms participation at the event comes in the wake of recent attacks on nuns and priests from Kerala in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, allegedly by Sangh Parivar activists.
5-yr-old boy raped, murdered in Uppal; migrant worker from Bihar held
Hyderabad: A migrant worker from Bihar was arrested by Uppal police on charges of an alleged rape and murder of a five-year-old boy on Friday, August 15. According to reports, the boys parents hail from Chhattisgarh and work as daily wage labourers in a timber depot. The child reportedly went missing while playing, which prompted 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 .
Tushar Gandhi slams governors for acting as Super Chancellors
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and noted author, on Saturday lashed out at governors,alleging they haveturnedinto super chancellors andmisusetheir position to obstruct the functioning of elected governments. He alleged that governors were being used as political tools of the Centre to weaken state administrations. Speaking at a national seminar organised by the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) on challenges in higher education, Gandhi said, Now the governors are acting as super chancellors. Those in BJP-ruled states enjoy retirement, while those in opposition states are tasked with making governance difficult, he remarked. Gandhi also came down heavily on the National Education Policy (NEP), warning that it would create enslaved minds by curbing rational thought and academic freedom. He argued that education had lost the freedom it once enjoyed, with teachers forced into a system that discouraged questioning. If primary education itself is shackled, the future will suffer. We need state-oriented education models instead of a one-size-fits-all union policy, he said. Expressing concern over the decline of rational thinking in society, Gandhi said even educated people were falling prey to irrational claims spread on social media. Citing an example, he said, One of my relatives, a former IIT professor, forwarded a photo of a circular rainbow calling it 'Brahma Danush'. Natural phenomena are now being projected as miracles to fuel irrational practices. These are propaganda tools of fascist forces. Referring to the recent imprisonment of two Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh, Gandhi said the incident reflected an increasingly vindictive attitude towards minorities. For decades, Hindus have been convinced their existence is in danger, even though they are the majority. This narrative silences society against atrocities and shows how vulnerable we have become, he observed. Invoking history, Gandhi reminded them that public resistance had changed the course of governance in the past. Even after Independence, people challenged the government. The Emergency was one such example. We must protest against anti-people policies, he said. Responding to questions from the audience, Gandhi clarified that he was not opposed to research on cow urine or dung but stressed it should not be prioritised at the cost of other major research areas. He also noted that many students were pursuing higher education abroad ot out of choice but desperation, as their research was more valued overseas. The seminar, attended by hundreds of teachers from universities and colleges across Kerala, underlined the need for reforms in the education system. KSSP president TK Meerabhai and other speakers warned that the ongoing clashes in higher education were undermining the federal principles guaranteed by the Constitution.
Six killed as vehicle jumps divider and hits truck in Chhattisgarh
The victims were travelling from Indore to Puri via Chhattisgarh when the vehicle they were in hit a road divider and vaulted over it to collide with a truck coming from the opposite direction
VHP-Bajrang Dal workers vandalise church in Chhattisgarh over conversion claim
Members from Hindutva organisations, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, stormed and vandalised a church in Chhattisgarhs Raipur, alleging that forced religious conversion was taking place. The attack took place on August 10. The Hindutva members attacked the Christians present there and chanted the Hanuman Chalisa, creating a scene. A video of the incident 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 .
Wanted inter-state criminal killed in police encounter in Bihar, constable injured
PATNA: An interstate criminal carrying a bounty of Rs.50,000 on his head was killed in a fierce encounter with police in Bihars Vaishali district on Friday. Arvind Sahni, 30, had escaped from a court lockup after evading police in Samastipur district on May 28 this year and had been on the run since. According to police, he was involved in at least 22 cases of murder, loot, dacoity, and arms deals across Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, and East Champaran districts. A police constable was injured during the exchange of fire. Based on a tip-off, a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and district police surrounded Chintamanipur village under Vaishali police station limits on Thursday evening to search for Sahni. On seeing the police, Sahni and his accomplices opened fire. Sahni sustained gunshot injuries, while his accomplices managed to escape. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead. Superintendent of Police, Vaishali, Lalit Mohan Sharma, said, While Sahni was killed, a police constable sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. The deceased, a member of an inter-state gang, was wanted in at least 22 cases in several districts in the state. Sahnis name had also figured in a major jewellery loot case in Chhattisgarh. Sahni, a resident of Sahtha Bhagwanpur village in Vaishali district, was also involved in the 2019 gold loot from the Hajipur office of a private finance company. SP Sharma added, We have launched intensive search for other members of the gang. The operation will continue till their arrest. Sahnis elimination in the police operation has come as a major relief for businessmen in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Samastipur, who had been targeted by his gang. Police said the gang had unleashed a reign of terror in these districts, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices.
Nine IAF, four Army personnel get Vir Chakra for role in Operation Sindoor
NEW DELHI: In a rare instance of Gallantry Awards being conferred in peacetime, 15 Vir Chakras, war-time gallantry awards, were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday on armed forces personnel for their roles in Operation Sindoor launched to avenge the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam. A total of 127 Gallantry Awards and 40 Distinguished Service awards were given to the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel on the eve of 79th Independence Day. The list of personnel awarded for Operation Sindoor included 13 from the armed forces -- nine from the IAF and four from the Army who were conferred the Vir Chakra, the third-highest wartime gallantry award. Two recipients were from the Ministry of Home Affairs: Sub Inspector Mohd Imteyaj and Constable Deepak Chingakham. There was also a rare list of the seven top-level armed forces officers awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal for their role in Operation Sindoor. This award is given for exceptional operational planning, coordination and execution. President conferred 4 Kirti Chakras which are peacetime equivalents of the Mahavir Chakras of the war time. The other Gallantry Awards includes 15 Vir Chakras; 16 Shaurya Chakras; 2 Bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry). When the award is conferred more than once it is termed as Bar to the award. The list also includes 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry), 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry) and 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry). The 40 Distinguished Service awards include 7 SarvottamYudh Seva Medals, 9 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals and 24 Yudh Seva Medals. The President has also approved 290 Mention-in-Despatches, including 115 personnel of the Army, 5 of the Navy, 167 of the Air Force and 3 of the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB). The Presidents awards also include three Tatrakshak Medals (TM), Indian Coast Guard personnel in recognition of their acts of conspicuous gallantry. Two more TMs were given for exceptional devotion to duty and meritorious service. Meanwhile, the MHA has released the list of 1,090 recipients of medals in different categories, including gallantry for Police, Fire Services, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services, on the occasion of Independence Day. The 1,090 medals include 233 Gallantry Medals, 99 Presidents Medals for Distinguished Service and 758 Medals for Meritorious Service. In the Police category, 226 officers and personnel have been selected for the Gallantry Medal, 89 will be given the Presidents Medal for Distinguished Service, and 635 will receive the Medal for Meritorious Service. The J&K Police have once again led the pack of state police organisations and the Central Armed Police Forces by securing a record 127 Gallantry Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2025. Among the awardees is DSP, late Humayun Muzamil Bhat, killed during a fierce encounter in Kokernag, who has been posthumously honoured for his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The CRPF on its part bagged 20 gallantry awards, whereas the BSF got 16, the Uttar Pradesh Police (17) and the Chhattisgarh Police (14). Top honours for forces Vir Chakra Awardees Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Group Capt Manish Arora, Group Capt Animesh Patni, Group Captain Kunal Kalra, Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh, Squadron, Leader Rizwan Malik and Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh Thakur are among, the IAF officers who have been awarded the Vir Chakra. Colonel Koshank Lamba of 302 Medium Regiment, Lt Col Sushil Bisht of 1988 Medium Battery, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar of 4 Dogra, and Rifleman Sunil Kumar of 4 Jammu And Kashmir Light Infantry are among Army personnel awarded. Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Pratik Sharma; former DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai; CiC, Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh; Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari; Air Officer CiC, South Western Air Command, Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor; CiC, Western Air Command, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra; and Air Marshal AK Bharti. Ministry of Home Awardees Vir Chakra SUB INSPECTOR (GD) MOHD IMTEYAJ CONSTABLE DEEPAK CHINGAKHAM
BJP to launch campaign against love jihad in Kerala
KOCHI: Ignoring the political turmoil over vote theft, the reconstituted core committee of the state BJP, which met in Kochi on Thursday, decided to concentrate on preparations for the upcoming local body and assembly elections. The committee also decided to launch a campaign against love jihad and support the family of Sona Eldhose of Kothamangalam , who died by suicide recently following alleged religious conversion attempt, to fight the case legally. Party state vice-president Shone George will lead the campaign. The meeting congratulated the leadership for its effort to ensure the release of the nuns who were arrested in Chhattisgarh . The people who ran to Chhattisgarh pretending to help the nuns have not opened their mouths against the Kothamangalam incident where a girl was driven to suicide in the name of love. The LDF and the UDF are alarmed by the increasing influence of the BJP among the Christians and are spreading lies to misguide the community, said general secretary S Suresh. The core committee also condemned the alleged attempts of the LDF and UDF to tarnish the image of Thrissur MP and Union Minister Suresh Gopi. In addition, the meeting finalised the road map for a 100-day campaign.
UP STF arrests criminal who escaped Chhattisgarh police custody from Kushinagar
BJP is stealing rights of tribals by erasing papers, says Rahul Gandhi
After a report by The Hindu on forest rights titles found missing in Chhattisgarh government records, Congress leader says his party enacted the Forest Rights Act to protect the water, forest, and land of tribals but the BJP was weakening the legislation
Will fight till my last breath to protect Bengali pride: CM Mamata dares BJP over language row
KOLKATA: Escalating attacks on BJP over Bengali asmita (pride), Trinamool Congress Chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday dared the saffron party to snatch away freedom of Bengali-speaking people. Is it a crime to speak in Bengali? Banerjee asked. Addressing a meeting at Behala in south Kolkata in the evening, she said, People are being tortured in Odisha. In Puri Jagannath Mandir, so many of our people have gone. We also eat dhokla. But why is Bengali bad? There can be no greater insult than this. I am launching my official protest today here on the eve of Independence Day. If anyone has ears, listen, if eyes then see, and if you have the ability to understand, then understand. This is our oath, we will not allow anyone to take away our freedom. As long as I live, I will fight and live, she announced. Alleging that Bengali-speaking people are being tortured in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Delhi, she informed that 22 lakh people from Bengal work in other states. In Bengal, 1.5 crore migrant workers are from other states. If I can give them shelter, why will you torture my people? I do not know this country. Did we ask for this freedom? Banerjee asked. The Chief Minister stated that Bengal gave birth to the freedom struggle and was also behind the renaissance and holistic development of India. If you attack this Bengal, you have to walk over our dead bodies to disrespect our language. We do not disrespect anyone but you cannot disrespect our language, she reminded. Are you not ashamed? This Bengal was once the capital and our people sacrificed lives, Banerjee added. Without naming the BJP, she alleged that those who do divisive politics, do they not read what Swami Vivekananda and Nazrul Islam said? Should we not listen to those who spoke of communal harmony and listen to these fake leaders instead? They get irked by Bengali. If I respect your language, why will you disrespect mine? There are even different dialects within Bengal too, Banerjee said. Taking a dig at the Election Commission of India for not allowing Aadhaar cards as a valid document in SIR (special intensive revision) exercise, she said, They [SC] have done the Aadhaar card inclusion. Bengals lawyers have fought well. We will present our case again. I will not allow anyone to snatch away our freedom. You cannot take away citizenship.
Six more Maoists from Chhattisgarh surrender before Telangana police in Kothagudem
MHA announces Independence Day honours; J&K Police lead with record 127 gallantry medals
NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday announced and released the list of 1,090 recipients of medals in different categories including gallantry for Police, Fire Services, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services on the occasion of Independence Day on Friday. These awards include Gallantry, the President's Medal for Distinguished Service and the Medal for Meritorious Service, as this year, a total 1,090 medals will be conferred, comprising 233 Gallantry Medals, 99 Presidents Medals for Distinguished Service and 758 Medals for Meritorious Service. According to the MHAs official release, in the Police category 226 officers and personnel have been selected for the Gallantry Medal, 89 will be given the Presidents Medal for Distinguished Service and 635 will receive the Medal for Meritorious Service. s the countrys internal security challenges are primarily posed in three theatres Jammu & Kashmir, Naxal-affected areas and the North East, the highest number of Gallantry Medals has gone to personnel of J&K Police, followed by members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), who majorly in anti-Left Wing extremism operations and the Border Security Force (BSF), guarding Indias sensitive frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The J&K Police have once again led the pack of state police organisations and the Central Armed Police Forces by securing a record 127 Gallantry Medals on the occasion of Independence Day 2025. Among the awardees include late Deputy SP Humayun Muzamil Bhat, who was killed during a fierce encounter in Kokernag, has been posthumously honoured for his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Other notables among them are Inspector General of Police (Security) Sujit Kumar and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, have been honoured for their exemplary leadership, professionalism, and fearless service in one of Indias most sensitive regions. Other notable recipients from J&K Police include Sajad Shah, SSP Awantipora, Iftikhar Talib, SSP Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Khan, SP South Srinagar and Hilal Khalid Bhat, SP Hazratbal. The CRPF on its part bagged 20 gallantry awards, whereas the BSF got 16 , the Uttar Pradesh Police (17) and the Chhattisgarh Police (14). For the Fire Services, 62 awards have been announced, which include six Gallantry Medals, five Presidents Medals for Distinguished Service, and 51 Medals for Meritorious Service. In the Home Guard and Civil Defence category, the honours include one Gallantry Medal, three President's Medals for Distinguished Service, and 41 Medals for Meritorious Service. For Correctional Services, two officers will be recognised with the President's Medal for Distinguished Service, while 31 will receive the Medal for Meritorious Service. This annual recognition is a tribute to the bravery, dedication and distinguished service of officers and personnel across states, Union Territories and the CAPFs, the MHA said in the statement. The medals will be presented as part of the Independence Day celebrations to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of these officers in safeguarding law & order and public safety in the country. 16 BSF personnel get gallantry medals for Operation Sindoor
Rahul Gandhi Accuses Govt of Diluting Forest Rights Act, Vows to Protect Tribal Land
Congress leader alleges thousands of forest rights titles missing in Chhattisgarh records
Maoist-hit Bastar Villages to Hoist Tricolour First Time Since Independence
Fourteen remote villages in Chhattisgarh's Maoist-hit Bastar region will witness hoisting of the national flag for the first time since India gained freedom, with locals enthusiastically preparing for Friday's Independence Day celebrations.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of disenfranchising Bahujans by manipulating voter lists and erasing Adivasi forest rights, particularly in Chhattisgarh. Gandhi highlighted a news report indicating the disappearance of forest rights titles in Rajnandgaon district. He asserted that the Congress enacted the Forest Rights Act to safeguard tribal rights, while the BJP is allegedly weakening it.
DRG Jawan Injured After IED Planted By Naxalites Explodes In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
A DRG jawan was injured by an IED planted by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur during an anti-Naxal operation. The incident occurred in Indravati area.
Jharkhand liquor scam: Jharkhand HC denies bail to IAS officer Vinay Chaubey
RANCHI: In yet another setback for IAS Vinay Kumar Chaubey, the Jharkhand High Court denied him bail in the Jharkhand liquor scam case on Thursday. In his bail application, Chaubey had challenged the FIR filed against him by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and his subsequent arrest, urging the court to quash the charges and all punitive action. The ACB had summoned Chaubey on May 20 for questioning in connection with the liquor scam. He was arrested following the interrogation. The ACB has accused Vinay Chaubey of collaborating with the Chhattisgarh liquor syndicate to formulate a new liquor policy in Jharkhand, causing financial loss to the state government. The new liquor policy was implemented in Jharkhand on March 31, 2022, and Chaubey was the secretary of the excise department at that time. He is currently in judicial custody, and given the serious allegations levelled by the state government, he has been suspended from service. On Wednesday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau made Vinay Chaubey an accused in the Hazaribagh land scam case. Sources claimed that during the proceedings on Wednesday, Chaubey, already in judicial custody in connection with the liquor scam, appeared before the special ACB court in Hazaribagh through video-conferencing, and was taken into custody in the case. The case is related to changing the nature of 2.75 acres of Khasmahal land and allocating it to private persons during the period when Chaubey was the deputy commissioner of Hazaribagh. The Anti-Corruption Bureau had registered a case naming seven individuals implicated in the land scam. Vinay Chaubey's involvement surfaced during the investigation, leading to the addition of his name as an accused. The ACB has intensified its probe following earlier arrests in related cases, including the liquor scam.
The Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) will soon release the 2025 Class 10 and 12 supplementary exam results on cgbse.nic.in and results.cg.nic.in. Exams were held in July. Students can download scorecards by entering roll numbers online. Class 10 students will choose academic streams, while Class 12 graduates can select undergraduate courses. Regularly check the website for updates.
IMD issues red alert for flash floods, cloudburst risk in Uttarakhand, week after Dharali disaster
NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised a red alert, cautioning against an imminent threat of flash floods across the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Bihar and Sikkim in eastern India, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the south and some parts of Maharashtra. It has asked people to remain vigilant over the next 24 hours as nature prepares to unleash fury. IMDs caution applies to Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Lahul and Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, and Sirmaur districts in Himachal and Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri Garhwal, and Uttarkashi districts in Uttarakhand. The weather office has alerted the Himalayan states, including the Jammu region, of extremely heavy rainfall up to 210 mm in the next day and heavy rain in the next 6-7 days. Satellite imagery shows scattered to broken intense convective clouds over Uttarakhand and also around Uttarkashi, which may cause cloudburst-induced flash floods. Uttarakhand cloudburst-hit Dharali villagers seek Kedarnath-style rebuild, relocation to nearby sites Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim of east India, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, east and north Telangana and Maharashtras Marathwada region may also witness low to moderate flash flood risk. In its bulletin, the IMD said inundation may occur at some saturated soils and low-lying areas over the regions of concern. The IMD has warned of hefty rainfall in west-central India adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra and south Odisha coasts due to the emergence of a low-pressure area along the Bay of Bengal. Under its influence, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema, Telangana, and Karnataka are more likely to receive hefty rainfall from August 13 to 17. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea between August 13 and 18. A similar advice relates to areas along and off the Sri Lankan coast, along and off the Andhra Pradesh coast, and the Odisha coast during the same period. Blockbuster monsoon likely in the second fortnight of August, said Debashish Jena, researcher and agrometeorologist at GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Uttarakhand. Experts blame decades of deodar tree felling for worsening Uttarkashi cloudburst
2 Naxals Carrying Rs 35 Lakh Bounty Killed By Security Forces In Chhattisgarh Encounter
The anti-Naxal operation was a collaborative effort between the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the 27th battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Woman, toddler son among 4 killed in accidents
Jammu: Four persons, including two students and a woman and her two-year-old son, were killed in two separate road accidents in Samba and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Wednesday. Sunny Kumar (19) from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and Joginder Kumar (19) from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, both Class-12 students, were killed on the spot []
2 Naxalites Killed In Encounter With Security Personnel In Chhattisgarh
Two Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Manpur-Mohla-Ambagarh Chowki district on Wednesday, police said
Woman, toddler among 4 killed in two accidents
Jammu Tawi, Aug 13 : Four persons, including two students and a woman and her two-year-old son, were killed in two separate road accidents in Samba and Rajouri districts, officials said on Wednesday. Sunny Kumar (19) from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, and Joginder Kumar (19) from Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, both Class-12 students, were killed on the spot [] The post Woman, toddler among 4 killed in two accidents appeared first on Northlines .
Community forest rights titles in Rajnandgaon halved from 40 to 20, according to monthly progress reports; Bastar sees individual titles drop by over 2,700, though there is no FRA process to withdraw titles
Two senior Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh
Vijay Reddy and Lokesh Salame were killed in an anti-Maoist operation conducted along the Banda Pahad hill under the Madanwada police station area
Two Naxalites killed in encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh
MOHLA: Two Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Manpur-Mohla-Ambagarh Chowki district on Wednesday, police said. The encounter took place in a forest of the Madanwada area when a team of security personnel was out on an anti-Naxal operation, a senior police official told PTI . After guns fell silent, the bodies of two Naxalites were recovered from the spot, he said, adding that further details are awaited. This is a breaking story. More details are awaited.
Two Naxalites Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter
Security forces gun down ultras during anti-Naxal operation in Manpur-Mohla-Ambagarh Chowki district
Chhattisgarh Waqf board directs mosques, dargahs to hoist tricolour on I-Day
Chhattisgarh: 2 Jawans Injured In Ongoing Bijapur Encounter
Two DRG jawans injured in Maoist encounter in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur district
No foreign power can enslave us: Farmers across India hail PM Modi's agri trade stance
NEW DELHI: In a powerful show of unity, farmer leaders and cultivators from across India gathered here to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they called a historic and courageous decision to safeguard Indian agriculture in global trade negotiations . The meeting brought together leaders from over a dozen farmer organisations. Farmer representatives lauded the central governments resolve to resist foreign pressure, particularly from the United States, regarding access to Indias agriculture and dairy markets. Prime Minister Modi has made an unwavering statement in the interest of farmers, livestock rearers, and fishermen, said Dharmendra Choudhary, National President of the Indian Farmer Chaudhary Charan Singh Organisation. This vision brings relief to millions and strengthens rural India's self-reliance. Virendra Lohan, representing Chhattisgarhs Youth Progressive Farmers Association, praised the leadership for standing firm against multinational interests: The courageous decision not to allow American companies into our agriculture and dairy sectors is echoing in every field, village, and cowshed, he said. The Indian farmer is the soul of this nation, and no foreign power can ever control that soul. Dharmendra Malik, another prominent farmer leader urged the government to stay the course: We thank the Prime Minister and the Agriculture Minister and appeal to stand firm on this policy. We will always stand by you. In his address, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government would bring a new law to crack down on fake fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides. He reiterated the PMs commitment to farmers welfare and rural empowerment. Grain is life. The farmer is the provider of that life, Chouhan said. For me, serving farmers is the highest form of worship. He also announced that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, digital insurance payments were disbursed just yesterday to farmers in Rajasthan. Chouhan further praised PM Modis nationalistic resolve, referencing the cancellation of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack as another example of decisive leadership. The Prime Minister has always put the nation first. These bold, nation-centric decisions will be remembered by generations to come.
Chhattisgarh Woman Left Dangling From Ferris Wheel In Freak Accident. Here's What Happened Next
A dramatic video of a woman's narrow rescue after falling from a Ferris wheel in Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh, has gone viral on Instagram.
Chhattisgarh: Two DRG personnel injured in ongoing encounter with Naxals in Bijapur
In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, an encounter between District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and Naxals resulted in injuries to two DRG members, though they are now out of danger. The DRG team was conducting an anti-Naxal operation when the clash occurred, with intermittent firing reported. Previously, security forces recovered a Naxal's body along with arms and ammunition in the same district.
All mosques, madrasas in Chhattisgarh must hoist tricolour on Independence Day: Waqf Board
The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has instructed mosques, dargahs, and madrasas to hoist the national flag on August 15. This directive emphasizes the tricolour as a symbol of honour, not tied to any religion. The board's letter urges fostering patriotism, unity, and brotherhood. Chairman Salim Raj stressed respect for the flag, warning against refusal as indicative of fundamentalist thinking.
All mosques, madrasas in Chhattisgarh must hoist tricolour on I-Day: Waqf Board
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has directed all mosques, dargahs and madrasas across the state to hoist the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15. The State Waqf Board chairman, Dr Salim Raj, said a letter was issued on Monday to all mutawallis (those responsible for managing Waqf properties) in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board asks masjids, madrasas, dargahs to hoist national flag on Independence Day
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board, in a first-of-its-kind circular, had announced that the Tricolour will be mandatorily hoisted at every mosque, dargah and madrasa across the state during the 79th Independence Day celebrations. According to the formal directive issued by the Waqf Board, the national flag will be unfurled at the main entrance of all mosques, dargahs and madarsas on August 15, symbolising gesture of patriotism that Indian Muslims strongly nurture with their motherland India, have deep respect for the Tricolour and stand united to mark the celebration of the country's freedom. Independence Day is our national festival and the Muslim minority should be seen to observe it with fervour. Indian Muslims have always been patriots who love their country. Owing to the misdeeds of a few, why should the entire community be subject to suspicion or scrutiny? The initiative will prove beyond doubt the wholehearted loyalty of the Muslim community towards Bharat where we all live in harmony, the Waqf Board chairman Salim Raj told The New Indian Express . Capital turns fortress for Independence Day He said the Imams and the mutavalli (caretaker) of mosques, dargahs and madarsas have been told to upload the images of observing the Independence Day with the hoisted flags from their respective locations on the dedicated portal created by the State Waqf Board. The option of sharing photos on the WhatsApp groups has also been given to them. Several Muslim scholars and intellectuals, however, felt there was no need for such a directive as the practice of hoisting the national flag is always organised during every Independence Day by the community in all their religious and educational institutions with high enthusiasm and national spirit. No one opposes to raise our Tiranga on Independence Day as Muslim community invariably endorses such occasions with pride and impeccable belief in unity and integrity, said Sajid-ul-Kadeer, the administrator of a 100-year-old Madarsa Arabia Islamia in Raipurs Baijnathpara.
Two DRG jawans injured in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur following encounter with Maoists
RAIPUR: Two personnel of District Reserve Guard (DRG) were injured in an encounter with the Maoists at Gangalur forest area in strife-torn Bijapur district, about 420 km south of Raipur,on Tuesday, the Bastar police said. Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of cadres of the banned outfit near the Gangalur area of Bijapur, a team of DRG left for a search operation on Monday, said a senior police officer. Two jawans sustained injuries in the gunfight today and, after preliminary treatment, will be air-lifted to Raipur for immediate medical attention. The conditions of both are stable and out of danger, said a senior police officer. The intermittent firing continues between the troops and the Maoists since morning. There is also a possibility that several Maoists would be injured in the ongoing operation, as further details are awaited. In the last 18 months, as many as 425 Maoist cadres have been killed in various encounters in the Bastar Range. Bijapur, among the seven Maoist-affected districts in Bastar division, is cited as an epicentre of Red rebels in south Chhattisgarh. Union Home minister Amit Shah has declared that the country will be Maoist-free by March 31, 2026. In this context, the series of encounters against the left-wing extremists remains a part of the renewed strategy to free the Chhattisgarh state from the influence of the left-wing extremists.
Forcible conversions happening in Kerala, not in Chhattisgarh: Syro-Malabar Church
Chhattisgarh police officer faces social boycott over marriage, HC reprimands community
RAIPUR: A distressed Chhattisgarh Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mekhlendra Pratap Singh facing social boycott from his own community for marrying a woman of his choice, lodged an FIR in his home town Bilaspur claiming that his marriage was performed as per the social tradition. Singh, 35, who hailed from Satgarh Tanwar community (Scheduled Tribe), is posted in Kanker district where he is engaged in the ongoing anti-Maoist operations. He claimed his wife too is from the same tribal caste. The community leaders however got further antagonised after the case was registered against them and approached the high court filing a petition that the FIR was lodged on baseless ground. They also alleged before the court of being harassed by the police with repeated notices served to them. Chhattisgarh high court has rebuked the community leaders warning them not to act like a Khap panchayat and dismissed their petition. But the community leaders remain adamant to continue their diktat and my entire family is socially ostracised. They are now threatening us to impose heavy punitive fine, the DSP told TNIE while sharing his mental agony. The police officer also wrote to the school education department seeking appropriate action against the two senior community leaders presently posted as a principal and a senior teacher in different schools citing that their behaviour is akin to serious social crime and against the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1965. The police officer married Amisha Singh, who is from north Chhattisgarhs Sarguja district. The boycott apparently has more to do with the animosity between the communities living in two different regions rather than the caste. We both are from the same tribal community then where does such an issue of inter-caste marriage arise? said DSP Singh. The family of the officer's wife stated that they never had any problem with the marriage and were taken aback with the social boycott decree imposed on the police officer by his community. Rationalists cited that the DySP being an adult is well within his right to marry the woman. Such imposed exclusion from society or community on trivial reasons causes deeper and invisible pain. But sadly there is no effective law to combat the ever increasing menace. Over 25000 individuals or families are bearing the brunt of social boycott in Chhattisgarh alone, said Dr Dinesh Mishra, Raipur-based ophthalmologist and recipient of the union governments national award for promoting scientific temper. Officials told TNIE that there are already provisions under the protection of civil rights act that can offer relief to the victims.
Chhattisgarh Board Supplementary Result 2025: The Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) is anticipated to announce the supplementary exam results for Classes 10 and 12 in the second week of August 2025. Students can access their results on the official CGBSE websites using their roll numbers.
'Khulja SIM SIM: Chhattisgarh villager gets calls from legends like Kohli, de Villiers
GARIABAND (Chhattisgarh): For Manish Bisi, a young man from Madagaon village in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, the simple act of buying a SIM card from a local mobile phone shop let loose a whirlwind of disbelief, celebrity, and a bizarre series of events that felt more like a movie script than reality. The SIM card once belonged to rising cricket star Rajat Patidar, and soon an awestruck Bisi was fielding calls from legends like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. What Manish and his friend, Khemraj, thought was a system glitch when they saw the profile picture of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Patidar after they installed WhatsApp soon turned as real as voices on the other end of the phone line. The tryst with instant fame for Manish, son of farmer Gajendra Bisi, began on June 28 when he purchased a new Jio SIM from a mobile shop in Deobhog, around 8 kilometres from his village. Manish and Khemraj were soon sucked into a world of disbelief as callers identified themselves as Kohli, de Villiers and Yash Dayal, though the two tried to remain grounded in reality thinking these were all part of some elaborate prank by friends. In fact, the duo even played along, Khemraj claimed. The story turned on its head when, on July 15, Patidar himself called up with a fervent rother, please return my SIM. Manish and Khemraj still believed it was a prank before realising the seriousness in Patidar's tone when he spoke about sending police to solve the matter. A police team arrived some minutes later, putting a lid on any assumptions that it was a prank. Gariaband Deputy Superintendent of Police Neha Sinha said the SIM had been deactivated as per telecom policy after 90 days of inactivity and was reassigned to a new customer, which in this case happened to be Manish. Manish was actually getting calls from cricketers who were in contact with Rajat Patidar. Patidar informed the Madhya Pradesh Cyber Cell that his number had been allotted to someone else and requested to have it back, she said. The MP Cyber Cell contacted Gariaband police, who spoke with Manish and his family and with their consent, the SIM was recently returned to Patidar, the Deputy SP informed. There was no legal issue or fault on anyone's part. This was simply a result of standard telecom procedures, Sinha added. For Manish, Khemraj, and their families, meanwhile, the experience has been like something out of a film. Khemraj, an ardent Kohli fan, excitedly said, I never imagined I would speak to Virat Kohli one day, and that too from our village. When AB de Villiers called, he spoke in English. We couldn't understand a word, but we were so thrilled. When Manish used to get calls, he would hand over the phone to me. The callers who identified themselves as Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal asked us why we were using Patidar's number. We explained to them we had bought a new SIM and this is our number, Khemraj added. The villagers are overjoyed because most people here are RCB fans and talking to legends like Kohli and de Villiers is something that cannot be described and even now seems like a dream, said Manish's brother Deshbandhu Bisi. Even if it was all due to a mix-up, these conversations happened out of sheer luck. People just dream of seeing them, we got to speak to them, Deshbandhu gushed.
Suresh Gopi missing, probe needed; KSU leader lodges complaint
THRISSUR: KSU district president Gokul Guruvayur has lodged a man-missing complaint with the Thrissur City police, seeking a probe into the disappearance of Union Minister and Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi. The police have not registered a case in that regard. In the complaint, the KSU leader alleged that Suresh Gopi went missing after the arrest of two Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh. He urged the police to probe the whereabouts of the MP and to find those behind his disappearance. According to his social media handles, Suresh Gopi is currently in Manipur on official duty as the Union minister of state for tourism and petroleum and natural gas. Meanwhile, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar brushed aside complaints that Suresh Gopi has been missing from his constituency. Everyone knows that when an MP becomes a Union minister, he will have additional responsibilities, Chandrasekhar said. Further, the BJP leader said he would soon meet the Malankara Orthodox Churchs Thrissur Diocese Metropolitan Mar Yuhanon Meletius. The bishop had indirectly targeted Suresh Gopi in a recent Facebook post, expressing concern that the one we chose and sent to Delhi is missing.
BJP switches strategy in Kerala, to play health card for LSG elections
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The BJP appears to be recalibrating its political strategy in Kerala, shifting its focus to the health sector as a key campaign topic ahead of the local body elections. Sources said the move comes as the party sidesteps the controversy over the recent attack on nuns and priests in Odisha, a BJP-ruled state, which has threatened to strain its Christian outreach and slow momentum in certain constituencies. Many party leaders termed the Thrissur Lok Sabha election charges baseless and stressed that more counter-strategies would be rolled out. On Saturday, BJP state general secretary S Suresh said in a meeting the party would strongly oppose what it sees as the state governments targeting of Dr Haris Chirakkal. Dr Haris has raised the voice of the common people of this state. Things have reached a stage where honest officials struggle to work under this regime. The BJP is moving forward with strong protests against this dangerous approach, Suresh said. Party sources said the focus on the health sector is a calculated move to spotlight issues with direct public relevance, such as access to quality healthcare and safeguarding honest officials, while steering clear of overexposure to sensitive matters like the Odisha incident. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP played a key role in securing the release of two jailed nuns, but several leaders conceded that internal disagreements have risen over whether such interventions would bring political gains. With Church leaders now voicing concerns over religious freedom and citing the Odisha attack, the party has chosen to approach the matter cautiously, a source said. For instance, at another press meet on Sunday, BJP general secretary Anoop Antony reiterated Sureshs stand on the Dr Haris issue but refrained from criticising the Church authorities. At the same time, the BJP is pushing back against the Congress and Left allegations of voters list manipulation in Thrissur. Leaders noted that the party had already released, on August 7, evidence of large-scale irregularities in the recently released draft voters list, alleging the involvement of government officials and the Left. Both the Left and the Congress are worried about the BJPs growing influence. Thus, they are raising Thrissur voters list manipulations with a hidden agenda. The Left government is behind the manipulations in the recently released voters list as they are certain of a huge setback in the upcoming local body polls, a prominent BJP leader claimed. Grassroots workers believe the health card could be more effective in connecting with voters, alongside issues in the education sector. If the BJP focuses on these sectors (education and health) in each locality, we can position ourselves as the only party capable of ensuring development, a party worker said. CPI, Cong leaders try to insult voters Thrissur: BJP state general secretary M T Ramesh on Sunday said CPI and Congress leaders could not yet accept the defeat in Lok Sabha election in Thrissur and were insulting the voters by their allegations of voters list tampering. Suresh Gopis victory in Thrissur is a result of collective efforts by BJP workers. The leaders of CPI, CPM and Congress are yet to come out of the shock. All this while, they were behind Thrissur Pooram. Now they have come up with voters list issues. We followed all the regulations while adding names to the list, he said.
Virat's call stumps C'garh youth assigned RCB skipper Number
A Virat Kohli fan in Chhattisgarh, Manish Bisi, received a surprising call from Virat Kohli himself due to a technical error. The error occurred when Manish was assigned a phone number previously used by RCB player Rajat Patidar. This led to calls from other RCB celebrities before the number was eventually returned to Rajat after cyber cell intervention.
How a 21-year-old ended up getting calls from Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers; heres what happened
A bizarre mix-up resulted in cricketer Rajat Patidar's former mobile number being reassigned to Manish Bisi, a 21-year-old from Chhattisgarh. This led to a series of calls from prominent cricketers like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, who mistakenly believed they were contacting Patidar.
Before long, the phone began receiving calls from notable figures in the cricket world, including Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, who were trying to reach Patidar. Initially perplexed, Manish and Khemraj found the situation amusing, unaware of the number's significance.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar recently became the centre of a bizarre telecom mix-up that left two teenagers from Chhattisgarh in direct contact with cricket superstars like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
Earlier scheme defunct, Chhattisgarh to launch new cattle protection plan
BJP to relaunch 'Gothan' as 'Gaudham' in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh's BJP government is set to relaunch the 'Gothan' scheme. It will now be known as 'Gaudham'. The finance department has approved the scheme. The government aims to address stray cattle issues. It will provide support to cattle grazers. Gaudham centers will be established in rural areas. The initial focus will be on areas alongside National Highway-6.
Suspicion Cannot Replace Proof: Chhattisgarh HC Acquits Two Maoists
They were booked under Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act, 2005, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
Chhattisgarh government to launch Gaudham Yojana for stray cattle protection
Scheme to focus on curbing illegal trafficking; will effectively replace the Baghel governments Gauthan Yojana
The heart of India just hit a jackpot! The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has confirmed the presence of massive gold reserves in the THIS central Indian state.
Artist keeping tribal Oraon art alive
Chhattisgarhs Anamika Bhagat brings the rich tradition of Oraon tribal art, passed down through generations, using natural materials and vibrant colours, to Thiruvananthapuram.
CSR spending heavily concentrated in six states, report flags neglect of underdeveloped regions
NEW DELHI: Indias Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments are geographically skewed, with 60% directed towards only six states, while underdeveloped regions receive just 20% of the total funds. A new report by the Developmental Intelligence Unit (DIU) has found that CSR fund investments lack transparency, often duplicate government schemes, and involve minimal community participation in project design. DIU is a joint initiative of the non-profit Transform Rural India and Sambodhi Research. Its report, Investing in Tomorrow: Need for realigning CSR spends with status of development in districts, mapped Indias CSR fund investment patterns. In 202223, CSR expenditure in India reached Rs 29,989.92 crore, registering a 12.8% growth over the previous year. However, this growth masks a deep structural imbalance in the geographical distribution of CSR funds. Donors preferred to invest in tier headquarters of manufacturing or mining unit locations. As a result, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Gujarat accounted for 60% of CSR spending, while Aspirational Districts (per NITI Aayog) received less than 20% of the total CSR pool. These aspirational districts are mostly in low-income states such as Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and the Northeastern states. These regions remain underfunded despite their greater developmental needs. This geographic misalignment dilutes the redistributive potential of CSR and fails to address the needs of India's most underserved populations, the report noted. Under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013, Indian corporates must spend a portion of their profits on social development. However, the laws local area preference clause has been misinterpreted as mandatory rather than discretionary. This has led corporates to spend CSR budgets within the periphery of their business operations, contributing to geographical disparity. The report also highlighted that most CSR fund allocations lack alignment with Indias commitment to meeting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets by 2030. There is also a lack of impact assessment, with most corporations relying on output indicators (e.g., number of people trained, number of toilets built) instead of impact metrics (e.g., long-term employment, reduction in open defecation). Consequently, funding decisions may continue based on legacy projects or board preferences rather than data-driven evidence, it said. Further, CSR funds are often used to duplicate government schemes instead of adopting innovative approaches to address last-mile gaps. Investments frequently go to mid-day meal programmes, sanitation drives, and basic skill development all of which mirror ongoing government initiatives. Finally, the top-down approach in allocating funds results in limited community participation and a lack of nuanced understanding of local needs, aspirations, or systemic gaps.
Govt. to pursue NOC from Chhattisgarh for Sammakka Barrage: Minister
An expert team assessing Singur dam safety, says Uttam Kumar Reddy and asks engineers to focus on temporary measures first
KOCHI: The Catholic Congress, the official lay organisation of the Syro-Malabar Church, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding urgent action against those responsible for the recent assault on Christian nuns and priests in Odisha. In a strongly worded letter, Fr Philip Kaviyil, Global Director of the Catholic Congress, condemned the attack and the delay in punitive measures. The incident in Odisha in which Christian nuns and priests were attacked and publicly humiliated by members of the Bajrang Dal, while they were engaged in peaceful religious and humanitarian work, is deeply concerning, he wrote. On Wednesday, two Malayali nuns Elesa Cheriyan and Moly Lious and two priests Fr Lijo Nirappel and Fr V Jojo were allegedly assaulted by Bajrang Dal activists while returning from a prayer service following a death in Jaleswar, Balasore district. Describing the attack as a brazen act of violence, the Catholic Congress said it was not merely a targeted assault on individuals but a direct attack on Indias constitutional values. This is a blow to religious freedom, human dignity, and the rule of law. It is both heartbreaking and alarming that such hate-fuelled acts occur in broad daylight and often go unpunished, said Fr Kaviyil. Three, including two nuns, held for human trafficking in Chhattisgarh He expressed anguish over the cruel and disrespectful treatment meted out to the clergy and women religious. These actions have wounded not only the Christian community but the soul of our democracy, he noted. The Catholic Congress urged the Prime Minister to condemn the attack in clear and unambiguous terms, ensure the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators irrespective of affiliations, and guarantee protection for priests, nuns, and Christian institutions, especially in sensitive areas. We seek a firm response that sends a clear message that mob violence and religious extremism will not be tolerated under any banner, the letter stated. Fr Kaviyil warned that silence in the face of such injustice only emboldens those who spread hate. We appeal to your sense of justice and constitutional duty. We still believe in the promise of India a nation where every citizen can live without fear, practice their faith, and serve society with dignity, he added. Chhattisgarh court grants bail to two Kerala nuns in human trafficking-religious conversion case
Day after 'vote chori' charge, Rahul claims ECI, BJP colluding via SIR to 'institutionalise' theft
Terming the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as an institutionalised chori, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday claimed that the Election Commission is openly colluding with the BJP to carry out this heft with the objective of taking away the voting rights of the poor. Gandhi made the charge in a video released on his YouTube channel in which he also claimed that SIR has been brought in Bihar because the EC knows that we have caught their chori. He alleges that the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the BJP are colluding to steal elections. A day after he held a press conference in which he pointed to a vote chori model being allegedly used in various constituencies across the country, Gandhi released the video explaining the investigation done by the Congress and what the analysis of data of an assembly segment in Karnataka from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls suggests. Vote Chori , - , pic.twitter.com/tR7wh589fN Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 8, 2025 Citing the probe, Gandhi goes on to repeat his claims in the video that over 1 lakh votes were stolen through five types of manipulation in the assembly segment of Mahadevapura in Karnataka's Bangalore Central Lok Sabha seat. He says that 1,00,250 votes were stolen in the Mahadevapura assembly segment in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. I am confident that there are more than 100 such seats in India. What has happened here has happened in those seats as well, Gandhi says. If the BJP had 10-15 seats less, Modi would not have been the prime minister and there would have been an INDIA bloc government, he says in the video and goes on to talk about the five types of 'vote chori' found in the Mahadevapura assembly segment. Gandhi claims there was a theft of 1,00,250 votes in the Mahadevapura segment, with 11,965 duplicate voters, 40,009 with fake and invalid addresses, 10,452 bulk voters or single-address voters, 4,132 voters with invalid photos and 33,692 voters misusing Form 6 of new voters. He goes on to describe each form of manipulation with examples on the screen. Under the 'duplicate voter' header, Gandhi claims that 11,965 such voters were found in the Mahadevapura segment. He cites that Gurkeerat Singh Dang appeared on the voters' list four times at as four different booths. The former Congress chief also cites the example of another person being registered as a voter in different states. 'Father's name dfojgaidf; house no. 0': Inside Rahul Gandhi's 'atom bomb proof' of vote rigging in Karnataka Gandhi claims that there were 40,009 voters with fake and invalid addresses, showing on screen how several people in the Mahadevapura segment were registered with 'House Number 0'. Under the header of bulk voters or single address voters, there were 10,452 voters in Mahadevapura, Gandhi says and cites that 'House number 35' having 80 registered voters. He further claims that there were 4,132 voters with invalid photos and 33,692 voters who misused Form 6, meant for first-time voters. Under this header, Gandhi cites the example of one Shakun Rani, a 70-year-old woman registered twice in two months. The truth is that in India, the ECI and the BJP are colluding to steal elections. The entire evidence is before everyone in black and white, Gandhi says. They know that we have caught their 'chori' and that is why SIR (Special Intensive Revision) has come. SIR is an institutionalised chori. ECI is openly colluding with the BJP to carry out this theft. SIR's objective is to take away the voting rights of the poor, he further charged. In this investigation we have looked only at voter addition. But probably the number of voter deletions is much more than voter additions, he adds. We have caught just one method, we have not probed other methods. I am telling the ECI and its officials clearly that what you are doing is not right. This is treason against the country, Gandhi says, reiterating his warning to the officials. Time will come, we will catch you and you will not be spared. It is critical that we expose voter chori, Gandhi asserts. 'How to steal an election?': Rahul Gandhi claims 2024 Maharashtra polls 'blueprint' for rigging Pointing out that he was born into a political family, Gandhi recalls in the video that when he was small, in 1980, he along with his sister Priyanka (Gandhi) used to go out at night and stick posters for campaigning. I understand elections and have been fighting polls myself for the last 20 years. How polling happens, how polling booths are managed, voters list, form 17, I understand all this. Some time back we felt something was fishy, Gandhi says. Election results would be contrary to the mood. I remember in Uttarakhand, we lost the polls. I asked the candidate to go and find out how many votes we got where a road show was held. Thousands of people came for the road show but none voted in the polling booths. This was impossible, it cannot happen. Then came the results of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh and we realised that there is something wrong, he says. Gandhi talks about Madhya Pradesh where the party won 2018. He says the Congress government was stolen later and during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he felt tremendous anti-incumbency against the BJP rule. But in 2023, we only got 65 seats. This is impossible. Then came Maharashtra and we got our evidence for the first time. New voters emerged through magic between the Lok Sabha and assembly polls. Wherever these new voters voted their vote went to the BJP, he claims. When we had doubts we did a press conference along with our alliance partner leaders. We asked ECI to give us the voter list and video recording. They neither gave us the voter list nor the video recording which raised doubts. It raised the question in our mind as to whether the ECI is helping the BJP. Is the ECI indulging in stealing elections? We set up a team and asked them to find out the truth, Gandhi says in the video. He points out that ECI does not give digital data but physical data which means lakhs of papers have to be examined physically. The reason ECI does not give digital data is that if it does so, its reality would be out, Gandhi claims. Tagging his video on X, Gandhi said, Vote theft is not just an election scam, it is a big fraud committed against the Constitution and democracy. Criminals of the country should listen - times will change, punishment will definitely be given, he added. Gandhi on Thursday made explosive claims of a huge criminal fraud in polls through collusion between the BJP and the ECI, as he cited an analysis in a constituency in Karnataka and said it was a crime against the Constitution. The Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka on Thursday asked Gandhi to share the names of electors he claimed were either included or excluded wrongfully from the voters' list of the state along with a signed declaration for the poll authorities to initiate ecessary proceedings. 'Have 100% proof': Rahul Gandhi claims EC allowed vote fraud in Karnataka
Left & Congress stole limelight of nuns release: BJP cadre
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A section of BJPs rank and file believes that the party failed to take advantage of its intervention in the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh, alleging that the Left and the Congress managed to claim credit for their release. However, senior leaders played down concerns, saying that any discontent within the cadre would be resolved through discussions. We worked hard and even sent leaders to Chhattisgarh, a BJP activist said. But in the end, with hugs and sweets, Congress and the Left walked away with the credit. There is also concern about whether this move would affect the partys existing vote bank. Many party workers echoed the view. However, a senior BJP leader pointed out, If we had stayed away from the issue, it would have damaged our relationship with the Christian community. Moreover, the churches themselves sought our intervention. Many leaders said the intervention had strengthened the partys secular image and boosted the standing of state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Party leaders also underscored that the Catholic Church is aware of the BJPs efforts, and attempts by the Left and Congress to take credit will be countered. So far, no dissenting voices have emerged in party meetings. If there are concerns among the cadre, we will address them through dialogue, another senior leader noted. BJP strategists view the recent controversies as an opportunity to highlight what they call the breakdown of law and order in Kerala. The presence of a leader like K K Shailaja at the farewell for convicts in the Sadanandan Master attack case shows the true colours of the Left. Then, there were viral visuals of notorious criminal Kodi Suni and his gang having alcohol under police watch. We will take these issues to the people. Along with other concerns we plan to highlight, they will expand our outreach, a prominent leader said. Party sources added that more counter-strategies are in the pipeline for the upcoming elections.
Chhattisgarh HC asks government to reply on migrant return to Bengal
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh HC on Thursday issued notice to the state government on a plea of 12 migrant workers from West Bengal seeking quashing of illegal criminal proceedings against them, and compensation for illegal detention and confinement in jail by accusing them of being Bangladeshi immigrants. Mehmoob Sheikh and 11 others, residents of Krishna Nagar and Murshidabad in West Bengal, in the petitions also alleged they were ill-treated in custody, threatened by the police in Kondagaon and forced to leave Chhattisgarh, following which they lost their livelihood and returned to their home state. The petitioners were released from jail after the West Bengal police submitted a report confirming their Indian citizenship. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice B D Guru, hearing the plea, had directed the state to respond within two weeks, following which the petitioners have been asked to give a counter reply. The 12 workers were taken into custody on July 12, allegedly mercilessly treated by Kondagaon police without any cognizable offence and subsequently sent to Central jail in Jagdalpur, the petitioners stated. Advocates Sudeep Srivastava and Rajni Soren filed a habeas corpus plea in the high court, but before it came for a hearing, all 12 were released on July 14 by the order of SDM Kondagaon. All 12 were kept in jail for 2 days, but neither produced before any magistrate or court of law nor served any detention order. They had come to work at a construction site in Kondagaon through a contractor to build a school, stated the petition. The petitioners claimed that they were working at the school construction site from June 30, residing in the same premises with proper verification and didnt hide their identity. They had produced their Aadhar cards and other documents on demand to the Kondagaon police.
Centre Approves Rs 375.71 Crore For Road, Bridge Projects In Chhattisgarh Under PM JANMAN Scheme
This development work will also pave the way for progress in every village, says CM Vishnu Deo Sai.
Chhattisgarh High Court acquits man convicted for murdering kin on grounds of legal insanity
The HC held thatan accused who seeks exoneration from liability of an act under Section 84 has to prove legal insanity and not medical insanity
Brinda Karat voices concern against Chhattisgarhs approval for mining in Hasdeo region
The CPI(M) leader says there is no public interest involved in the project, and it will only lead to the exploitation of mineral resources for private gain
Kanwar Yatra turns tragic: Four pilgrims die in stampede amid uncontrolled influx of devotees
BHOPAL: At least four devotees from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Chhattisgarh have died in the past two days during the massive Kanwar Yatra at Kubereshwar Dham in Madhya Pradeshs Sehore district, as authorities struggled to manage the overwhelming influx of pilgrims. The victims include Jaswanti Ben (56) from Rajkot, Gujarat, and Sangita Gupta from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, who reportedly died in a stampede on Tuesday, just hours before the main procession led by religious preacher Pradip Mishra began at midnight. The same day, two more devoteesChatur Singh (50) from Gujarat and Ishwar Singh (65) from Rohtak, Haryana, collapsed and died, likely due to heart complications after being trapped in suffocating crowds amid humid weather. The fatalities occurred as over 2.5 lakh devotees from across India descended upon the religious site, overwhelming infrastructure and leading to a complete breakdown of basic amenities, including drinking water, food, and sanitation. Traffic chaos compounded the crisis, with the Indore-Bhopal Highway gridlocked since Tuesday night, leaving vehicles stranded for hours. Despite official restrictions on heavy vehicles and alternate routes, enforcement was either poorly executed or ignored entirely. Madhya Pradesh cabinet minister Govind Rajput acknowledged the lack of preparedness, stating, Such a massive crowd wasnt expected, which has actually led the system to fall short. I urge the administration to take control and ensure that such a tragedy doesnt repeat. Meanwhile, former MP minister and Congress MLA Rajendra Singh questioned accountability, asking, Who will take the responsibility for the deaths which happened at the Kubereshwar Dham in the last two days? Will the authorities or those associated with the religious event, who is to be held responsible for it? The incident has raised serious concerns over crowd management at large religious gatherings, with calls for stricter safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
Maoist with Rs 15 lakh bounty killed in Jharkhand gunfight
Security forces achieved success against Maoist groups. A People's Liberation Front of India (PLFI) area commander was killed in Gumla district, Jharkhand. He carried a significant bounty. Separately, in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, another Maoist was killed during an anti-Maoist operation. Security forces recovered a weapon from the site. These operations highlight ongoing efforts to combat Maoist insurgency in the region.
Hasdeo mining issue resurfaces in Chhattisgarh with clearance for another project
The project potentially paves the way for the felling of 4.5 lakh trees, drawing criticism from Opposition parties and environmentalists
