Chh'garh plans tougher anti-conversion law post nuns' arrest
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma announced plans for a new anti-conversion law following the arrest of two nuns from Kerala on charges related to religious conversion and human trafficking. The announcement comes amid political tensions and accusations of wrongful arrest.
Protest in Thrissur against unjust arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh
Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazhath says stir will continue until nuns are released
IED blast injures three jawans during Maoist encounter in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: A Maoist cadre was killed in an encounter with security forces in Sukma district, about 500 km south of Raipur, on Tuesday, the Bastar police said. Three personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) also sustained injuries in a pressure Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast during the operation. A gunfight broke out between security forces and Maoists, and the intermittent exchange of fire continued in the forested terrain along the inter-district border region of Sukma-Dantewada. Based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of Maoists in the given area of Sukma district, a joint team comprising Special Task Force (STF), District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a search operation. So far, a body of a male Maoist has been recovered from the encounter site as the search operation continues. Arms, ammunition, explosive materials and items of daily use were also recovered by the forces, said a senior police officer. All the injured jawans have been safely evacuated and referred to a higher health centre for immediate medical attention, he added. Their conditions were stated to be stable and out of danger. As the search operation remains underway, further operational details were not shared owing to the safety concerns of the personnel engaged in the anti-Maoist campaign on the ground. In the last 18 months, as many as 426 Maoist cadres have allegedly been killed in various encounters in the Bastar Range. Sukma, among the seven Maoist-affected districts in the Bastar zone, is cited as an epicentre of the left-wing extremist group in south Chhattisgarh.
Left leaders denied jail visit to Kerala nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh, Brinda Karat alleges bias
NEW DELHI: Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Tuesday said a delegation of Left party leaders was barred from meeting the catholic nuns who were arrested on allegations of human trafficking in Chhattisgarh's Durg. CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby on X condemned the action and called it an attempt to suppress the truth. The effort to prevent the Left leaders from meeting the nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh is a desperate attempt to suppress the truth. We will not be cowed down by such delaying tactics. We stand firm in our attempt to ensure justice to the jailed nuns, Baby said. In a statement, the CPI(M) condemned the Durg Jail administration's action, and alleged that the nuns were arrested under fabricated charges by the Chhattisgarh GRP. This attempt to suppress transparency, accountability, and the rights of individuals is unjustifiable, the party said. The delegation consisted of CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and MPs K Radhakrishnan and AA Rahim, CPI leader Annie Raja and MP P P Suneer, and Kerala Congress (M) leader and MP Jose K Mani. The CPI(M) said they were refused permission on flimsy grounds, despite seeking written permission well in advance. The effort to prevent the Left leaders from meeting the nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh is a desperate attempt to suppress the truth. We will not be cowed down by such delaying tactics. We stand firm in our attempt to ensure justice to the jailed nuns. #NunsArrest M A Baby (@MABABYCPIM) July 29, 2025 The delegation was, however, permitted to meet the nuns tomorrow after the protest. The initial refusal to allow political leaders and elected representatives of the people to visit and assess the condition of those detained further underscores the state's disturbing disregard for due process and human rights, the CPI(M) said. Such actions are a direct affront to democratic principles, aimed to stifle inquiry and silence voices of dissent. It underscores the authoritarian character of the BJP-led governments at the Centre and states, it said. The CPI(M) said the charges levelled against the nuns were without merit and constituted a gross violation of their fundamental rights. The arrest of the nuns is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of undermining religious freedom and harassing minority communities, the party said. There is a pattern in this arrest, done at the behest of the Bajrang Dal. The right to practice one's faith freely and peacefully, as enshrined in our Constitution, must be protected at all costs, it added. According to reports, two Kerala-based nuns were arrested in Chhattisgarh on allegations of human trafficking and forced conversion raised by Bajrang Dal activists. Their arrest has triggered a political slugfest, with opposition leaders slamming the incident as an attack on Christians. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai accused the opposition parties on Monday of politicising the issue, saying he was concerned about the safety of our daughters from Bastar. However, the Kerala unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) virtually rejected Sai's statements on Tuesday, saying the nuns were not involved in any human trafficking or forced conversion attempts. Has the country become banana republic, asks CPI MP on arrest of Kerala nuns
MPs delegation meets arrested nuns in Durg jail: Report
Keralite nuns arrests in Chhattisgarh: bipartisan protests roil Kerala for third consecutive day
The demonstrations over the arrest of sisters Preeta Mary and Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate order, hailing from Kannur and Angamaly respectively, also radiated out to Chhattisgarh
Mar Thoma Metropolitan condemns arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh
Naxal killed, three security personnel injured in Chhattisgarh encounter
SUKMA: A Naxalite was killed and three security personnel were injured in an IED blast during an encounter in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Tuesday, a police officer said. He said a joint team of security personnel on an anti-Naxal operation and Maoists exchanged fire in the forest along the Sukma-Dantewada inter-district border. The operation, involving personnel of the Special Task Force (STF), District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was launched on Monday based on inputs about the presence of Maoists in the area, said Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan. During the search of the encounter site, security personnel found the body of a male Naxalite along with a huge cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive materials. Three personnel belonging to DRG sustained injuries in a pressure IED blast during the operation. All injured personnel have been safely evacuated and are being referred to higher medical centres for advanced treatment. Their condition is currently stable and out of danger, Chavan said. He said that as the operation is still underway, other details cannot be discussed. With the latest gunfight, 226 Naxalites have been killed in separate encounters in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Of them, 208 were eliminated in the Bastar division, which includes districts of Bijapur, Bastar, Kanker, Konadagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma, and Dantewada.
BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh
The Kerala BJP has contradicted the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's justification of the arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns, stating they were not involved in human trafficking or forced conversion attempts and promising to help them.
Bharathiya Christa Okkuta Condemns the Arrest of Christian Nuns in Chhattisgarh
Bharathiya Christa Okkuta Condemns the Arrest of Christian Nuns in Chhattisgarh Udupi: Prashant Jathanna, the Karnataka state president of the Bharathiya Christa Okkuta, has strongly condemned the arrest of two Kerala native Christian nuns in Chhattisgarh on allegedly false charges. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure justice for the Christian community [] The post Bharathiya Christa Okkuta Condemns the Arrest of Christian Nuns in Chhattisgarh appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Six-Year-Old Girl Kidnapped, Killed In Occult Ritual For Treasure In Chhattisgarh
A six-year-old girl was kidnapped and killed in an occult ritual in Chhattisgarh. Her sister-in-law planned it, believing it would reveal hidden treasure.
Nuns' arrest: BJP Kerala chief rejects Chhattisgarh CM's conversion allegations
Following the arrest of two Kerala Catholic nuns in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced conversion, a political controversy erupted. While Chhattisgarh's CM justified the police action, the Kerala BJP unit distanced itself, assuring efforts to release the nuns.
BJP in Kerala defends mistaken arrests of nuns in Chhattisgarh, distances itself from Bajrang Dal
Rajeev Chandrasekhar says the two nuns were not human traffickers or proselytisers as accused by Bajrang Dal activists in Chhattisgarh and that Bajrang Dal does not bear BJPs imprimatur and is an independent organisation
Delegations of LDF, UDF head to Chhattisgarh to champion cause of arrested Keralite nuns
Controversial arrests, which prompted bipartisan protests in Kerala, occurred after Bajrang Dal workers mobbed the two nuns at a railway station, accusing them of spiriting away three women, including a tribal community member, to Agra for conversion
Encounter breaks out between police and Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
Encounter breaks out between police and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Sukma
A fierce encounter erupted between security forces and Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Tuesday morning during an anti-Naxal operation. The joint team, comprising STF, DRG, and CRPF personnel, launched the operation based on intelligence inputs about Maoist presence. So far this year, 225 Naxalites have been killed in Chhattisgarh, with 208 of those deaths occurring in the Bastar division.
Heavy rain lashes Delhi, IMD warns of intense showers across India till August 4
NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms affected several regions of Delhi, providing a respite from the prevailing humid weather conditions on Tuesday morning. IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India until August 4. Northwest India, including East Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on July 29, with heavy showers in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana. West India, including Konkan and Gujarat, will see isolated heavy rain on July 29 and light to moderate showers for 6-7 days. Northeast India, including Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. East and Central India, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, will experience isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms. South Peninsular India, including Kerala and Coastal Karnataka, is expected to experience heavy rain on July 29-30, accompanied by strong winds (40-50 kmph). Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are likely across most regions for the next week. Meanwhile, Air India has issued a travel advisory warning passengers of potential disruptions to flight operations to and from Delhi on Tuesday morning due to gusty winds and rain. The airline urged travellers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for their journey. Gusty wind and rain may impact flight operations to and from Delhi this morning. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for your journey, Air India posted on X. According to IMD, it is forecasted that there will be fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Northwest, Northeast, and Eastern India during the next few days. Scattered to fairly widespread rainfall is also likely over Central and Peninsular India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over East Rajasthan on Wednesday (i.e July 30). Heavy rainfall is also very likely at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, Muzaffarabad, Jharkhand, Kerala, Mahe, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Sikkim, and West Rajasthan on Wednesday. On July 30, Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are very likely at isolated places in Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad, as well as Jharkhand. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are expected at isolated locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Vidarbha. Strong surface winds are anticipated at isolated places in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mahe, and Lakshadweep. Squally winds with speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the coasts of Somalia, Yemen, south Oman, westcentral and eastcentral Arabian Sea, southwest Arabian Sea, and southern parts of the north Arabian Sea. Squally weather with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph, is expected over parts of the east-central Arabian Sea, along and off the Konkan, Goa, and Karnataka coasts. Similar conditions with winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are forecast along and off Gujarat and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.
PNC Infratech shares in focus after Rs 2,957-crore mining contract win in Chhattisgarh
PNC Infratech shares: The project encompasses overburden removal, coal extraction through surface miners, and the loading and transportation of coal to multiple locations as part of the Gevra OCP Expansion Project. The total quoted contract value is 2,956.66 crore, excluding GST. Financial bids were opened on July 28, 2025, and the contract is set to span five years.
If UDF fails, will quit electoral politics: LoP V D Satheesan
KOCHI: Expressing strong confidence in the UDFs victory in the upcoming assembly elections, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Monday said that he would keep away from electoral politics if the front fails to secure a resounding win. Responding to the remarks made by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan against him, Satheesan said he would not engage in personal attacks but is ready to accept Natesans challenge regarding the UDFs performance in the upcoming polls. I am not interested in engaging in an argument with him (Natesan). But he himself has stated that he would step down from his post if the UDF wins 98 seats. That means even he doesnt doubt the possibility of us winning 97 seats in the Assembly election, said Satheesan. With continued hard work, we will go beyond that number, he added. However, Satheesan made it clear that he is not demanding Natesans resignation in return. Let him remain in that position for a lifetime, Satheesan said. Commenting on the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh on charges of forced religious conversion, Satheesan pointed out that the Christian community is one of the most vulnerable in the current political scenario. Priests and nuns are being frequently attacked, especially in BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, he said.
After arrest of nuns, political row in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: A case of alleged human trafficking and religious conversion got political colour on Monday following the arrest of three, including two Catholic nunsSisters Preeti Marry and Vandana Francisfrom Kerala in Chhattisgarhs Durg. The trio, taken into custody by Durg Government Railway Police (GRP) on Saturday for human trafficking and coerced religious conversion, were remanded to judicial custody by the JMFC court till August 8. They were booked under BNS Section 143 (trafficking). Citing the incident as a serious concern for womens safety, Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday wrote on X, Three daughters of Narayanpur were promised nursing training and later jobs. Its an attempt to convert people through human trafficking by allurement. Investigation is going on in this matter. The case is sub-judice and the law will take its own course. Three, including two nuns, held for human trafficking in Chhattisgarh Amid the political outrage and persisting resentment, the Christian organisations seek prompt decisive action to curb alleged religious fanaticism. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) claimed that the nuns from the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate were arrested despite possessing written consent letters from the parents of the girls and declared to raise the issue on all appropriate forums. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on X alleged that the nuns were targeted for their faith. CM Sai, portraying Chhattisgarh as a peace-loving state where people of all religious faiths and communities live in harmony, said its unfortunate to politicise the issue related to the safety of daughters in Bastar and the safeguard of religious freedom. There will be zero tolerance for negligence in such cases, he affirmed. The arrested accused were caught while accompanying three young women aged between 18 and 20 years hailing from Narayanpur district in south Bastar, after Bajrang Dal activists spotted them at the Durg railway station. The group was allegedly preparing to travel to Agra for the womens training and employment opportunities. Bajrang Dal members staged demonstrations at the Durg GRP police station demanding strict action against those allegedly involved in human trafficking and forced religious conversion. Meanwhile, members of the Christian community also gathered at the spot to defend the nuns. A police officer in Durg said, The three girls hailed from Narayanpur district (south Bastar)two from Orchha block and one from Narayanpur town. During the preliminary investigation, we found all of them were being taken to Agra. A case has been registered against two nuns and a person from Narayanpur who accompanied them. We have informed the parents of the girls who have been temporarily shifted to Sakhi One Stop Centre in Durg. A preliminary investigation suggests that the women were being trapped in a carefully orchestrated web of deceit, under the guise of career advancement, the officer suspected.
Families allege foul play, say nuns always cared for underprivileged
KOCHI: A journey to help three young girls from underprivileged families gain a livelihood turned nightmare for two nuns of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate on Saturday, when they were arrested by the Chhattisgarh police. Sr Vandana of Udayagiri in Kannur and Sr Preethy Mary of Angamaly have been charged with forced religious conversion and human trafficking. Jins Mathew, the younger brother of Sr Vandana, rubbished the allegations. Why convert a person who is a Christian? The girls hail from Pentecost families, he told TNIE. The families of the girls converted to Pentecostalism a long time back. Also, they carried permission letters from their parents, the copies of which were with the nuns. In fact, the parents had approached the convent seeking employment for the girls after coming to know that Fatima Hospital in Agra, where the nuns, worked needed staff, said Jins. He said the nuns, who had been working in underprivileged areas of North India for years, knew about the dangers of travelling with young native girls. Hence, they insisted on all the documents, including letters from the parents. Sr Vandana and Sr Preethy travelled to Durg from Agra just to accompany the girls as the journey was long and this was their first time travelling outside their village, he added. Kerala nuns' arrest: Church wary of politics, in talks with PMO He also expressed suspicion over the events leading up to the arrest of the nuns. The train ticket examiner (TTE), who is said to be a Bajrang Dal sympathiser, manipulated the girls into waiting for the nuns at the railway polices office at Durg station. When the nuns came, they were assured that all they had to do was show the tickets and take the girls to board the train. However, when they entered the office, everything, including the polices demeanour, changed. Their phones were confiscated and they were detained, alleged Jins. These are harrowing days for the families of Sr Vandana and Sr Preethy. Baiju M V, the younger brother of Sr Preethy, said in the 32 years she has worked in North India, this was the first time she had to face such a situation. She is the eldest of seven siblings. She has always cared for the underprivileged. Whenever she leaves home after a visit, she carries big bundles of food, clothes and other items back. She visited home in May and this time too, took a lot of things back, said Baiju. Both Sr Vandana and Sr Preethy have younger sisters who are also nuns with the congregation. It has been 38 years since Sr Vandana donned the nuns habit. She is the fourth child among eight in my family, said Jins, who is planning to go to Chhattisgarh.
Kerala nuns' arrest: Church wary of politics, in talks with PMO
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BJPs Christian outreach programme appears to be having a positive impact as the Catholic Church has decided to take a cautious and conciliatory path over the arrest of two nuns from Kerala in the saffron party-ruled Chhattisgarh. The Congress and the CPM have already raised the issue as an example of Sangh parivars true face against the Christian minority. However, on the ground, the intervention of the offices of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister has brought relief for both the Church and the BJP. Though the Church condemns the nuns arrest, it is conscious of the need to stay away from the trap of political controversies. The Church has no politics whatsoever, Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) deputy secretary general Fr Mathew Koyickal told TNIE. Church has no affiliation with any political organisation. The nuns were persecuted by alleged Bajrang Dal workers. We have contacted the PMO and the home ministers office, and they have assured us that action will be taken. Dialogues are going on in this regard, he said. According to Catholic Church authorities, this is the first time they are experiencing the results of the Christian outreach programme started by PM Modi. The relation between the Church and the Union government has been good ever since the PM hosted a Christmas programme and his visit to the CBCI centre premises in New Delhi, Fr Mathew said. It was on December 26, 2023, that Modi hosted a Christmas programme. On December 23, 2024, Modi took part in the Christmas celebration organised by CBCI. Christians living in fear of persecution, says CBCI president over detention and arrest of two Malayali nuns BJP sends party state vice-prez, gen secy to Chhattisgarh The BJP state unit also went into a firefighting mode soon after the news about the arrest of the nuns came out. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and vice-president Shone George contacted us several times and promised all help. They have also intervened in the issue, Fr Mathew said. Sensing a political backlash, the state BJP has sent its state general secretary Anoop Antony and Shone to Chhattisgarh to take stock of the situation and provide legal help. In 90 to 95% of the incidents in which minorities are attacked, the Sangh parivar has no direct link, Anoop Antony told TNIE. It is wrong to say that these attacks are planned by BJP. We will defend the accusations honestly. We will tell the public what we stand for and what happened there. The dialogue between the government and the Church must continue, he said. Kerala nuns' arrest triggers political slugfest; Chhattisgarh CM justifies action Two nuns, Preetha Mary and Vandana Francis from the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate under the Syro-Malabar Church, who were accompanying three girls, were arrested by the Chhattisgarh police at Durg railway station on Friday. They were charged with forced religious conversion and human trafficking. Both the Congress-led INDIA bloc and Left parties have raised a political issue over the arrest. However, the Church has adopted a cautious approach. On the attacks against Christians under BJP rule, Fr Mathew said: When the current Opposition (Congress) was in power at the Centre and in Chhattisgarh, right-wing forces had launched attacks on Christians. The Christians were ousted from villages and paraded nakedly. State BJP intervenes The state BJP has sent its state general secretary Anoop Antony and vice-president Shone George to Chhattisgarh to take stock of the situation and provide legal help.
Safety of our daughters: Chh'garh CM defends nuns' arrest
The arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala in Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion has ignited a political controversy, with opposition parties criticizing the arrest and the Chief Minister defending the police action.
From Kerala To Parliament: Protests Over Nuns' Arrest For Conversion; CM Chhattisgarh Reacts
Two Catholic nuns from Kerala were arrested in Chhattisgarh for alleged religious conversion and trafficking. Congress and CPI(M) criticized the arrest, while CM Sai defended it.
Nuns are innocent, say family members of tribal women
Arrest of Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh trigger protests; siblings of the purported victims reject allegations of trafficking and forcible conversion; they say the tribal women were accompanying the nuns to Agra for a job with the consent of family members; Chhattisgarh Chief Minister defends arrest
30 deaths in five years from 12 helicopter accidents, Centre tells Rajya Sabha
NEW DELHI: A total of 30 fatalities have occurred in 12 helicopter accidents across India over the past five years, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday. In a written response to a query by Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, seeking details of helicopter accidents and fatalities in the last five years and the remedial actions taken by the government, Mohol submitted specific state-wise data. He stated that one accident in Chhattisgarh led to two deaths, four mishaps in Maharashtra resulted in seven deaths, and seven accidents in Uttarakhand claimed 21 lives. On the remedial measures undertaken, the Minister said, The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reiterated safety norms for helicopter operations in the country including Chardham Yatra, focussing on access control, improving parking arrangements, regulating strict adherence to SOPs. The DGCA has initiated additional surveillance and safety audits of helicopter operations for the Chardham Yatra. In a separate written reply to YSRCP MP S Niranjan Reddy on the steps taken to regulate the surge in air ticket prices during festivals and emergencies, Mohol informed the House that the DGCA has also set up a Traffic Monitoring Unit (TMU) to monitor airfares on a monthly basis. He said, In order to enhance the transparency in airfare, DGCA has set up Tariff Monitoring Unit (TMU) that monitors airfares on selected 78 routes on a random basis to ensure that the airlines do not charge airfares outside the range declared by them, under the provision of sub-rule (2) of Rule 135 of the Aircraft Rules 1937. This covers about 27% of the domestic traffic. The Minister added that the government is playing the role of a facilitator by creating an enabling environment to support the growth of the sector.
CBCI, Oppn parties slam arrest of two nuns by Chhattisgarh Police
CBCI, Oppn parties slam arrest of two nuns by Chhattisgarh Police Thiruvananthapuram: The president of the Catholics Bishop Conference of India ( CBCI) Reverend Andrews Thazhath, who is also the Metropolitan Archbishop of Thrissur, on Monday slammed the Chhattisgarh Police for arresting two nuns from Kerala and a man on accusations of alleged human trafficking [] The post CBCI, Oppn parties slam arrest of two nuns by Chhattisgarh Police appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Kerala nuns' arrest triggers political slugfest; Chhattisgarh CM justifies action
KOCHI/NEW DELHI: The arrest of two Catholic nuns , hailing from Kerala, in the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion triggered a political slugfest on Monday with Congress and CPI (M) criticising their arrest and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai accusing the parties of politicising the issue. Defending the arrest, Sai also said he was concerned about the safety of our daughters of Bastar. Amid mounting protests in Kerala by both the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and the opposition Congress-led UDF over the arrest of the nuns, Rahul Gandhi alleged that they were jailed in Chhattisgarh because of their faith and claimed that a systematic persecution of minorities was taking place wherever the BJP was in power. Noting that religious freedom is a constitutional right, Gandhi demanded the immediate release of the nuns and accountability for the injustice committed against them. Two Catholic nuns jailed in Chhattisgarh after being targeted for their faith - this isn't justice, it's BJP-RSS mob rule. It reflects a dangerous pattern: systematic persecution of minorities under this regime, Gandhi said in a post on X. UDF MPs protested in Parliament today. We will not be silent. Religious freedom is a constitutional right. We demand their immediate release and accountability for this injustice, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha also said. Nuns Preethi Merry and Vandana Francis, as well as a third person identified as Sukaman Mandavi, were arrested from Durg railway station on July 25 following a complaint from a local Bajrang Dal functionary, who accused them of forcibly converting three girls from Narayanpur and trafficking them, a railway police official had said on Sunday. Christians living in fear of persecution, says CBCI president over detention and arrest of two Malayali nuns Meanwhile, in a post on X, Sai justified the police action against the nuns, saying, hree daughters of Narayanpur were promised nursing training followed by jobs. A person from Narayanpur handed them over to two nuns at Durg station, who were taking the daughters to Agra. An attempt was being made to convert them by human trafficking by luring them. This is a serious matter related to the safety of women. The investigation is still ongoing in this matter. The case is sub-judice, and the law will take its own course. Chhattisgarh is a peace-loving state where people of all religions and communities live in harmony. It is very unfortunate to politicise the issue related to the safety of our daughters of Bastar, the chief minister asserted. In the Parliament complex, a group of UDF MPs, including Venugopal, RSP's NK Premchandran and IUML's ET Mohammed Basheer, protested in front of the Makar Dwar steps, before the start of the day's proceedings. They carried posters like 'Stop attacks on minorities' and demanded action against those behind the arrest of nuns. The BJP's Kerala unit, which has been working to expand its support base in the southern state -- particularly among the influential Syro-Malabar Catholic Church-- ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, responded defensively. Kerala BJP vice-president Shaun George told reporters that the party's state unit and central leadership had taken adequate steps to ensure that the nuns would not face any further difficulties, provided they had done nothing wrong. The offices of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister have intervened in the matter in recent days. We have also been in frequent contact with the nuns' family members in the state. We hope that they will receive justice at the earliest, he said. A team led by Anoop Antony will be travelling to Chhattisgarh, the BJP said. The BJP's move came after two Kerala Ministers, P Rajeev and Roshy Augustine, visited the family of nun Preethi, one of the nuns arrested by the Chhattisgarh police. They visited the family here as directed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, to offer them the full support of the Left government. A Congress delegation, led by Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan and UDF MLAs, also visited the nun's family to express their solidarity. Speaking to reporters after the visit, Law Minister Rajeev strongly condemned the incident and said that not only religious freedom, but even the Constitution itself, is under threat in the country. He urged society to view the arrest of the nuns not merely as a minority issue, but as a broader attack on the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. Besides raising a strong protest on one hand, we are also exploring all possible legal measures to address the matter. The chief minister has entrusted Roshy Augustine and me with this responsibility, Rajeev said. The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC), an influential body of the Catholic church in the state, strongly condemned the arrest of nuns, calling it a painful and unacceptable incident, and urged the Centre to take justifiable action. KCBC president Cardinal Baselios Cleemis said the arrest was not just a question of personal freedom but a direct attack on religious freedom and the constitutional rights of minorities. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to uphold the country's values and ensure such incidents do not recur, especially in BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Government Says 12 Helicopter Crashes Killed 30 People In Last Five Years
Out of them, seven happened in Uttarakhand, four in Maharashtra and one in Chhattisgarh.
Kerala nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh over Bajrang Dals conversion allegations
Two Kerala Catholic nuns, Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethi, were arrested by the police in Chhattisgarh on July 26 at Durg railway station on charges of human trafficking and forced religious conversion, both charges vehemently denounced as false by Church organisations and opposition parties. The nuns, belonging to the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate 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 .
CPI(M), Congress attempt to put BJP on the defensive over arrest of Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh
BJP Kerala unit dispatches a delegation headed by State general secretary Anoop Antony to Chhattisgarh to secure the nuns early release.
Saying 'I Love You' Not Sex Harassment Without Proven Intent: Chhattisgarh High Court
The Chhattisgarh High Court has acquitted a youth accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, stating that merely saying I love you does not amount to sexual harassment.
Arrest of Kerala Nuns In Chhattisgarh Sparks Widespread Protest
CM Pinarayi Vijayan seeks PMs intervention, Rahul Gandhi slams BJP-RSS systematic attacks against minorities
KOCHI: Calling the detention and arrest of two Malayali nuns one from Kannur and the other from Angamaly in Chhattisgarh a deeply painful incident, Mar Andrews Thazhath, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), said the matter had been taken up with the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and MPs Suresh Gopi and George Kurien. But the general atmosphere is one of fear, he told reporters at Mount St Thomas, the Syro-Malabar Church headquarters in Kakkanad on July 28. The fact that these nuns were arrested on trumped-up charges of human trafficking is extremely alarming. They have also been accused of religious conversion. These actions by the authorities infringe upon the Right to Religious Freedom and amount to a gross violation of the Constitution, he said. Mar Thazhath added that a section of the population continues to see Christianity as a foreign religion. He said the Chhattisgarh incident is a clear violation of minority rights and religious freedoms guaranteed by the countrys secular Constitution. The Durg incident is just one among several recent episodes of persecution of Christians. There have been cases where priests were even denied the right to wear cassocks and move freely within the country. Mar Thazhath called upon the Prime Minister and the Centre to act urgently and provide protection to religious minorities so they may live and work without fear. At the same time, the Church does not endorse politicising this issue. We must work toward securing protection for Christian minorities without turning the matter into a political weapon. All political movements need to come together to support this, he said. Calling the arrest unjustified, Mar Thazhath said the nuns were involved in the uplift of the poor and marginalised. This arrest is simply wrong, he said. He stressed the growing importance of safeguarding the Constitution. India has always been a secular nation that upholds religious freedom. That legacy is now under threat, he added. He thanked MPs from Kerala for their intervention. The nuns should be released without delay, he said. The Centre must act against those infringing on religious freedoms, he added. He said the girls involved were Christians and members of the Church of North India (CNI). They were of legal age and were accompanying the nuns with parental consent, he clarified. CBCI had previously submitted letters to the PM highlighting the struggles faced by Christians, including during last years Christmas celebrations in Delhi. Meanwhile, Kerala Minister for Law, Coir and Industries P Rajeeve condemned the arrest, calling it wrongful. He warned that efforts to weaken the Constitution are underway across the country. Religious minorities are facing persecution in different parts of India. This is not a problem for one community alone. Just as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) affected more than just the Muslim community, this incident impacts all citizens. The Centre must act swiftly to address this violation of fundamental rights, he said. CBCI twisting facts: VHP The CBCI leadership is concealing the real facts behind the case, said Vishwa Hindu Parishad state general secretary Anil Vilayil. Chhattisgarh has laws against religious conversion using inducements or financial benefits, and against human trafficking. These charges fall under the Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act and the Prevention of Human Trafficking Act both enacted by the Congress government in 1968 when Chhattisgarh was still part of Madhya Pradesh, he said. According to him, certain Kerala-based Christian organisations working to evangelise India are active in the northeast. Local communities may object to aggressive and well-funded conversion drives that misrepresent Hindu rituals. Branding such objections as orchestrated conspiracies by groups like the VHP or Bajrang Dal is misleading and condemnable. Instead of politicising, the CBCI should investigate and act against individuals and organisations involved in systematic conversion efforts, he said.
BSNL to install 400 towers in Naxalite-affected areas of Chhattisgarh
In a major push to improve digital connectivity, the Indian government has announced plans to install 400 new Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) towers in Naxalite-affected and remote areas of Chhattisgarh.
Protests erupt in Kerala, Delhi over arrest of Keralite nuns in Chhattisgarh
Demonstrations assume a politically bipartisan character with ruling LDF and Opposition UDF MPs from Kerala simultaneously protesting outside Parliament, denouncing the arrests of the nuns on trumped up charges
India planted 1.78 lakh hectares under CAMPA in 2019-2023; gaps in fund use: Report
NEW DELHI: India raised 1,78,261 hectares of compensatory afforestation against a target of 2,09,297 hectares between 2019-20 and 2023-24, achieving 85 per cent of the planned area, the Supreme Court-mandated Central Empowered Committee has said in a report. The report filed earlier this month revealed that utilisation of funds under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) varies sharply across states. According to the report, Gujarat, Chandigarh, Mizoram and Madhya Pradesh recorded full achievement of their targets. Madhya Pradesh planted 21,746.82 hectares, fully achieving its target of 21,107.68 hectares. Karnataka also met nearly its entire target, covering 2,761.26 hectares against 2,775.12 hectares. Arunachal Pradesh planted 20,719.46 hectares against 21,478.03 hectares, achieving 96.6 per cent. Uttar Pradesh reported 96.4 per cent achievement, planting 5,877.16 hectares against 6,096.7 hectares. Assam covered 1,149.64 hectares against 1,191.82 hectares, achieving 93.8 per cent. Sikkim planted 609.52 hectares, achieving 92.3 per cent, while Punjab achieved 4,019.72 hectares against 4,471.94 hectares, about 89.9 per cent. In contrast, Meghalaya had one of the lowest coverage, achieving only 114.56 hectares against a target of 514.76 hectares or 22.3 per cent. Manipur planted 666.94 hectares against 1,759.84 hectares, achieving 37.9 per cent. Kerala covered 171.80 hectares against 433.06 hectares, achieving 39.7 per cent. West Bengal achieved only 748.25 hectares against 1,911.74 hectares, about 39.2 per cent. Tamil Nadu planted 84.76 hectares against 262.39 hectares, achieving 32.3 per cent. Andhra Pradesh reported 3,471.88 hectares against 8,663.46 hectares, covering only 40.1 per cent. The report also reviewed the use of CAMPA funds during this period. National CAMPA approved Rs 38,516 crore for state annual plans between 2019-20 and 2023-24. States released Rs 29,311 crore to their forest departments, of which Rs 26,001 crore was utilised. This means only 67.5 per cent of the approved outlay was spent. Utilisation varied widely, with Manipur, Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh utilising 100 per cent, 100 per cent and 97.8 per cent of the funds released to them, respectively. Mizoram reported utilisation above 91 per cent, Sikkim 97.7 per cent, Karnataka 96.6 per cent and Odisha 87.9 per cent. Chhattisgarh recorded 95 per cent utilisation of the funds released, and Gujarat spent more than it released, utilising 116 per cent due to carryover balances. Several states lagged behind. Tamil Nadu used only 67.9 per cent of the funds released, while Jammu and Kashmir spent 62.5 per cent. Haryana also underperformed, using 57.4 per cent. West Bengal spent 81.1 per cent and Delhi just 26.9 per cent, the lowest among all states. Telangana reported 60.4 per cent utilisation, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands spent 53.1 per cent of the released funds. The CEC said that delays in submission of annual plans by states, late release of funds, and the lack of dedicated CAMPA offices affect seasonal forestry operations. Monitoring of survival rates remains weak, and multiple layers in the fund release process contribute to underutilisation, it said. Despite these shortcomings, it said progress under the statutory framework has been significant given initial difficulties, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With thousands of hectares of natural forests lost each year to development projects, the report warns that gaps in plantation survival and underutilisation of funds undermine the very purpose of the CAMPA mechanism. The compensatory afforestation regime originated from a series of orders in the landmark TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case of 1995. In these orders, the Supreme Court mandated that when forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes, user agencies must provide funds to compensate for the loss through afforestation on non-forest land or degraded forest land. To formalise and regulate the management of these funds, Parliament enacted the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016. The Act established the National and State CAMPA to manage the money collected from user agencies. The CAF Rules, 2018, provided the framework for how these funds should be used. The Act and Rules specify that the money transferred to states and union territories can only be used for afforestation, regeneration of degraded forests, wildlife protection and other activities aimed at ecological restoration.
Baseless charges: Church condemns Malayali nuns arrest in Chhattisgarh
KOCHI: The arrest of two Malayali nuns in Chhattisgarh on Friday has triggered outrage, with Christian organisations demanding immediate and decisive action to curb religious fanaticism. Nuns Preetha Mary and Vandana Francis from the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate under the Syro-Malabar Church in Cherthala, who were accompanying three girls, were arrested by the Chhattisgarh police at Durg railway station and charged with forced religious conversion and human trafficking. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) said the nuns were arrested despite possessing written consent letters from the parents of the girls, who are over 18 years of age. The CBCI urged the state governments to ensure the safety and protection of all women, especially those in religious service, and sought the urgent intervention of the Union government to prevent such incidents. The Kerala Catholic Bishops Councils (KCBC) Social Harmony and Vigilance Commission, in an official statement on Sunday, said the polices action was reportedly prompted by false and baseless allegations of religious conversion and human trafficking made by members of the Bajrang Dal. This distressing incident is part of a broader and deeply troubling pattern of increasing hostility towards Christians and missionary personnel across various Indian states. The weaponisation of anti-conversion laws by extremist groups is not only unjust but also poses a serious threat to the constitutional rights of religious minorities in the country. We affirm that Catholic missionaries do not engage in forced conversions, the commission said. The CBCI said the Catholic Church will raise the issue on all appropriate platforms and strongly oppose any attempt to malign the dignity of religious nuns and priests or to curtail religious freedom. KCBC commission urges PMs intervention Such incidents not only threaten the modesty of women but also put their lives in grave danger, it said, adding that such repeated, unwarranted actions are a serious violation of the Constitution and cannot be tolerated. It termed the incident part of a disturbing pattern of harassment, false accusations and fabricated cases targeting religious women in recent months. The KCBC commission urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to act swiftly and decisively. The Centre must not stay silent but act as a guardian of constitutional rights, communal harmony and justice for all citizens, regardless of their religious background. We call upon the government to adopt firm measures to curb religious fanaticism, prevent mob violence, and ensure India remains true to its democratic, secular and inclusive identity, said the commission. Following reports of the arrest, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal wrote to the Union government urging it to take strict legal action against those involved in the act, including those who incited mob violence and communal hatred. Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony has written to the PM, expressing serious concern over the arrest of nuns. Calling it part of a larger pattern of harassment against Christian workers in Chhattisgarh, the MP urged the PM to initiate a comprehensive and impartial probe and to hold accountable those involved in mob intimidation and communal targeting. Such acts not only undermine the rule of law but also compromise the safety, dignity, and rights of religious minorities, the letter read.
Four wanted Naxals killed in Bijapur operation
In a joint operation in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, security forces recovered the bodies of four uniformed Naxals, each carrying a reward of 17 lakh. The operation involved multiple security units, including DRG, STF, and CRPF. This follows a similar incident on July 18 where six Naxal bodies were recovered in Narayanpur district, along with a large cache of weapons.
Nuns arrest in Chhattisgarh State-sponsored terrorism, says Hibi Eden
Govt plans to install 400 new BSNL towers in Naxalite-affected and remote areas in Chhattisgarh
Centre plans to set up 400 new BSNL towers in the Naxalite-affected and remote areas of Chhattisgarh to improve the region's digital communications after approval from the security forces and the forest department.
Catholic Bishops Conference of India terms the arrest an infringement on the fundamental right to freedom of religion and unrestricted movement, and accuses Bajrang Dal activists of detaining the nuns with polices connivance
Chhattisgarhs wild buffalo clone, claimed to be 'first-ever' 11 years back, embroils in scepticism
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh forest department made headlines 11 years ago, claiming to have produced the first-ever clone of the wild buffalo, named DeepAsha and is currently embroiled in scepticism. The project was executed by the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, which claimed to have cloned the wild buffalo for the first time in the country through the Hand-guided Cloning Technique at ICAR-NDRI in December 2014. The clone appears like aMurrah buffalo (domestic) breed, and notably the Wild buffalo is listed under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. Amid the demand by wildlife enthusiasts of DeepAshas DNA report, the state forest department decided to raise a query to the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) asking, Is it technically possible to create xerox copy of wild buffalo in a cloning method where ovaries (that produces oocyte/egg cells) for cloning is sourced from slaughter house? The response given to the department by CCMB in March this year that it was 'not possible', was acquired under the Right to Information. In the case of the wild buffalo clone DeepAsha, it has probably inherited a few mitochondrial DNA (genes found within mitochondria, a powerhouse of cells) from domestic buffalo since the oocytes used for cloning were from a domestic buffalo. At present, with the available technology for endangered species, a complete match of both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in cloned and free-living wild animal (donor) is not possible, stated a CCMB report. Defending cloning as a promising methodology to maintain the gene pool of dwindling population, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (wildlife management and planning) Prem Kumar told TNIE that the scientific innovative endeavour inherently involves uncertainties that should not discourage efforts to protect nature and wildlife. The CCMB report does not provide an absolute conclusion on the feasibility of creating a replica of a wild buffalo through cloning compared to its wild counterpart, said Kumar. The wildlife enthusiasts nevertheless expressed their resentment against the forest department following the CCMB report. Why DeepAsha, looking like a Murrah buffalo, is kept in captivity for over half her life and not allowed to live in a natural habitat? I had demanded a DNA test of DeepAsha and sought her release. The forest department has spent crores of rupees on the project, asked Nitin Singhvi, a wildlife enthusiast. The forest department said that it sought the opinions of NDRI Karnal and CCMB before execution of the project that was intended to conserve the endangered gene pool of wild buffalo species in Chhattisgarh, cited as innovative and the first of its kind.
BSNL plans 4,000 new mobile towers in Naxalite-affected areas of Chhattisgarh: MoS Telecom
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited plans to install four thousand mobile towers in Chhattisgarh. These towers will be in Naxal-affected areas. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar shared this during his Chhattisgarh visit. The project aims to boost digital communication.
Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall, prompting a yellow alert from the IMD, while Raigad was under an orange alert. In Madhya Pradesh, torrential rains caused the Narmada River to overflow, submerging a bridge and disrupting traffic. Red alerts for intense rainfall and lightning were issued for several districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Goa.
Seven Maoists killed in encounters with security forces in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR/RANCHI: Seven Maoists were killed in separate encounters with security forces in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh on Saturday. At least four Maoist cadres were killed in an exchange of fire in the southwestern region of strife-torn Bijapur district, about 400 km south of Raipur, the Bastar police said on Saturday. An encounter ensued between a team of security forces and the Maoists in the evening hours. The gunbattle continues intermittently in the forested terrain. Based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of Maoists in the given location of Bijapur district, troops launched a search operation. A gunfight broke out in the evening. So far, four bodies of Maoist have been recovered along with the INSAS assault rifle, self-loading rifle and other weapons besides explosive materials and items of daily use from the encounter scene, said P Sundarraj, IGP, Bastar range. As the search operation remains underway, details were not shared owing to the safety concerns of the personnel engaged in the anti-Maoist campaign on the ground. 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 zone, is cited as an epicentre of the left-wing extremist group in south Chhattisgarh. Meanwhile, three Naxalites were killed in a gunfight with forces in Jharkhands Gumla district on Saturday, police said. Intelligence inputs were received that members of Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad, a splinter group of CPI (Maoist), had gathered in Ghaghra police station area, they said. Acting on this tip-off, the operation was carried out by the Jharkhand Jaguar and Gumla Police, they added. Several rounds of bullets were fired from both sides. An AK-47 and two INSAS rifles were recovered from the spot. One of the deceased was identified as Dilip Lohra, 32, of Belagada in Ghaghra. The identification of the other two deceased is still underway, Gumlas SP Haris Bin Zaman said.
The encounter, reported in the south-western region of Bijapur, was still underway, a senior police officer said.
Merey Saying I Love You, Not Sexual Harassment: Chhattisgarh HC
Chhattisgarh High Court has held that telling someone I love you does not amount to sexual harassment.
Eluru Receives 7 Cm Of Rainfall
It is very likely to continue to move nearly westward across north Chhattisgarh and east Madhya Pradesh and weaken gradually into a well-marked low-pressure area by Sunday: IMD
Four Maoists killed in encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur
Four Maoists killed in fresh encounter with security forces in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Arms & explosives recovered. #MaoistEncounter #Chhattisgarh #Bijapur #Bastar #LeftWingExtremism #SecurityForces
4 Maoists killed in encounter with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
So far, the bodies of four Maoists have been found at the encounter site and intermittent exchange of fire is still underway
RAIPUR: Is saying I Love You to a girl publicly amount to sexual assault? Its not, going by the judgment of the Chhattisgarh High Court. The court pronounced the verdict while considering an appeal against a lower court order on July 24. It dismissed all charges against an accused, who was booked for stalking, insulting the modesty and sexual assault, along with the provisions of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court said merely saying I Love You to a girl publicly would not amount to sexual assault. Earlier, a trial court, after examining the prosecutions evidence, held that the accused was not involved in the alleged crime, following which an appeal was filed in the High Court. On October 14, 2019, the accused came across the 15-year-old girl returning home from school with two friends in Kurud, Dhamtari district, about 80 km south of Raipur. He reportedly expressed his fondness by saying, I love you, XXX (with XXX denoting the girl's name). The girl then filed a police complaint and the case was registered against the accused under IPC Sections 354-D (stalking), 509 (insulting the modesty), Section 8 of POCSO Act (sexual assault) and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The High Court stated that no witness was examined regarding the girls birth certificate, nor were original documents or school records produced. As a result, the accused was not found guilty under the POCSO Act. The court also observed that the accuseds solitary act, described as an expression of love, and a close examination of statements by the girl and her friends, did not amount to sexual assault under the POCSO Act and did not warrant criminal liability. Considering the statements by the two friends with whom the girl was returning home and those by her parents, the court inferred there seems only a single act of expressing love by the accused towards the girl on October 14, so he is acquitted from committing the act of stalking. The court also observed that the essential ingredients to attract the criminal acts under Stalking and insult the modesty' of the girl were not found to be established by convincing reliable evidence to attribute the accused guilty in both offences. The court further maintained that there is no evidence to show that the alleged wrongdoing under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was committed only on the ground that the victim was a member of scheduled caste.
Four Naxals Killed in Fresh Encounter in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur
Security forces recover INSAS and SLR rifles; gunfight still underway in forested area
Naxalites killed in encounters: 4 eliminated in Chhattisgarh; 3 in Jharkhand
In Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, security personnel killed four Naxalites during an encounter on Saturday. Earlier that day, in Jharkhand's Gumla district, security forces engaged with members of the Jharkhand Jan Mukti Parishad (JJMP), resulting in the death of three Naxalites. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle and two INSAS rifles from the scene following the exchange of fire.
J&K Bocce Ball team reaches Chhattisgarh to participate in National Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, July 25: The Jammu & Kashmir Bocce Ball team has arrived in Chhattisgarh to take part in the National Level Bocce Ball Championship organized by Special Olympics Bharat Chhattisgarh, scheduled from July 24 to 28, 2025. The event was inaugurated in a grand ceremony attended by a local MLA, who interacted with athletes and coaches from J&K, applauding their dedication and encouraging their continued efforts in sports. The championship has drawn participation from 22 states [] The post J&K Bocce Ball team reaches Chhattisgarh to participate in National Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Over 14K Anganwadi cum crche approved in the country, highest in Chhattisgarh: Minister
NEW DELHI: A total of 14,599 Anganwadi cum Crches (AWCCs) have been approved by the Centre, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday. In a written reply, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Devi, said these AWCCs will ensure full-day childcare support for children, thereby ensuring their well-being in a safe and secure environment. The Anganwadi cum Crche initiative aims to increase womens workforce participation in the economy. The maximum number of AWCCs set up so far are in Chhattisgarh (1,500), Meghalaya (1,238), Telangana (1,033), Jharkhand (1,024), Odisha (1,000), Manipur (702), and Tamil Nadu (600). The minister said that Anganwadi centres are the world's largest childcare institutions, dedicated to providing essential care and support to children, ensuring delivery of childcare services up to the last mile. In a first-of-its-kind approach, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has extended childcare services through the Anganwadi cum Crche (AWCC) initiative. The objective of the Palna Scheme is to provide quality crche facilities in a safe and secure environment for children (aged 6 months to 6 years), along with nutritional support, healthcare, cognitive development, growth monitoring, and immunization. Crche facilities under Palna are provided to all mothers, irrespective of their employment status. During the 15th Finance Cycle, i.e., up to FY 202526, a total of 17,000 Anganwadi cum Crches (AWCCs) are envisioned for establishment under the Palna Scheme. Proposals for the establishment of AWCCs are received from the respective state governments/UT administrations, who also contribute their corresponding share for the implementation of the scheme. Till date, a total of 14,599 AWCCs have been approved by the Ministry as per proposals received from various States/UTs, Devi said.
Chhattisgarh Villages To Keep 'Citizen Registers' To Track Infiltrators
The Chhattisgarh government is preparing for what it calls a decisive crackdown on illegal infiltration by introducing a 'citizen register' system in villages.
CG Vyapam Lab Attendant Exam Pattern 2025
CG Vyapam Lab Attendant Exam Pattern 2025: The CG Vyapam Lab Attendant 2025 exam consists of four key sections General Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry), General Knowledge (Including Chhattisgarh GK), Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude, Hindi Language.
CG Vyapam Lab Attendant Syllabus 2025 Out Direct Link to Download Syllabus PDF here
CG Vyapam Lab Attendant Syllabus 2025: The Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board (CG Vyapam) has released the detailed syllabus for the post of Lab Attendant. The official syllabus for the Lab Attendant Exam 2025 is available on the official website. In this article, well cover the CG Vyapam Lab Attendant exam pattern, detailed syllabus & preparation tips.
Hareli Celebration Turns Sais Residence, Museum of Chhattisgarh's Rich Folk Legacy
Among the traditional items on display were Katha, Khumri, Jhampi, Kansi ki Dori, and Tutari.
66 Maoists Carrying Bounty of Rs 2.54 Cr Surrender in Chhattisgarh
66 Maoists carrying combined bounty of Rs 2.54 crore surrender in Bastar, top Naxal Ramanna Irpa, with Rs 25 lakh reward on him, among them
66 Maoists surrender in five Bastar districts in Chhattisgarh
1,570 Maoists have surrendered in the Bastar division over the past 18 months
66 Naxalites surrender in five Chhattisgarh districts; 49 carry total reward of Rs 2. 27 crore
BASTAR: A total of 66 Naxalites, including 49 carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 2. 27 crore, surrendered in five districts of Chhattisgarh's Bastar division on Thursday, police officials said. While 25 cadres surrendered in Bijapur, 15 laid down arms in Dantewada, 13 in Kanker, eight in Narayanpur and five in Sukma, they said, adding 27 were women. The ultras surrendered before senior police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel citing disappointment with the hollow Maoist ideology, atrocities committed by Naxalites on innocent tribals and growing internal differences within the banned outfit, an official said. They also claimed to be impressed by 'Niyad Nellanar' (your good village) scheme of the state government, aimed at facilitating development works in remote villages, new surrender and rehabilitation policy of the state government and Poona Margham (Rehabilitation for Social Reintegration), a rehabilitation initiative launched by Bastar Range police, he added. Of the 25 who surrendered in Bijapur, 23 carried a collective bounty of Rs 1.15 crore. They include Ramanna Irpa (37), Odisha state committee member and special zonal committee member of Maoists who carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh, and his wife Rame Kalmu (30), a platoon party committee member (PPCM) who carried bounty of Rs 8 lakh, Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav said. Sukku Kalmu (38), Bablu Madvi (30), Kosi Madkam (28) and Reena Vanjam (28), who were active in crucial positions in different formations of Maoists among other surrendered cadres, carried bounty of Rs 8 lakh each, Yadav added. In Dantewada, five of the 15 surrendered cadres carried total reward of Rs 17 lakh, Dantewada Additional Superintendent of Police Udit Pushkar said. Jharkhand: 17 Maoists killed, 197 arrested till June 2025 in major crackdown on insurgency Budhram alias Lalu Kuhram, a divisional committee member, his wife Kamli alias Moti Potawi, carrying rewards of Rs 8 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, respectively, are among the 15 surrendered ultras, the additional SP said. With this surrender, 1020 Naxalites, including 254 carrying rewards, have so far quit violence in the district under the 'Lon Varratu' (term coined in local Gondi dialect which means return to your home/village) campaign launched in June 2020, he said. In Kanker, the 13 surrendered Naxalites carried a collective bounty of Rs 62 lakh, Superintendent of Police Indira Kalyan Elesela said. The eight who laid down arms in Narayanpur had total reward of Rs 33 lakh on their heads, local SP Robinson Guria said. Of these, Vatti Ganga alias Mukesh (44), the Maoists' north bureau technical team in charge, carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh on his head, Guria said. The surrendered Naxalites were provided assistance of Rs 50,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the state government's policy, these officials said.
15 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada
15 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada Dantewada: In a significant breakthrough for Chhattisgarhs anti-insurgency and rehabilitation efforts, 15 Maoists, including five carrying cash rewards totalling Rs 17 lakh, surrendered before senior police and CRPF officials in Dantewada district on Thursday. The move is being hailed as a major success under the ongoing Lon Varratu and [] The post 15 Maoists surrender in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Chhattisgarh Royal Family Dispute: I Am The True Heir, Says Dharmendra Singh In Big Twist
In 1997, Raja Surendra Singh declared his adopted son Dharmendra Singh as his successor, sparking controversy as he was not a blood heir but the son of a palace staff member
Odisha CM Calls for Peaceful Resolution of Mahanadi Water Dispute with Chhattisgarh
Majhi, in a high-level meeting held at the state secretariat Lok Seva Bhavan, emphasised the resolution of the ongoing Mahanadi water dispute with Chhattisgarh.
DIG flags off Special Athletes for National BOCCE Cship
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, July 23: Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma flagged off a contingent of Special Olympics Bharat-JKUT athletes to participate in the National BOCCE Championship being held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The championship, organized by the Chhattisgarh Chapter of Special Olympics Bharat, aims to shortlist athletes for upcoming international events. In his address, DIG Sharma congratulated the athletes and encouraged them to bring laurels to the region. He also praised [] The post DIG flags off Special Athletes for National BOCCE Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chhattisgarhs Tiriya gram sabha recognised globally for community-led forest governance
RAIPUR: Tucked deep inside south Chhattisgarhs Bastar division, Tiriya village has been recognised among the top 15 mentions, out of the 190+ nominated communities, for the 2025 Collective Action Awards by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI). Tiriyas model stands as a resilient example on how tribal (Adivasi) communities can lead inclusive, sustainable development rooted in traditional knowledge and collective action in Bastar region. The RRI is a global coalition of grassroots organisations aimed at improving coordination and support for the recognition of land rights for indigenous people across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The global efforts intended to safeguard nature and preserve traditional knowledge for future generations are much appreciated. The achievement of Tiriya has been supported by the Bastar-based team of ATREE, which has facilitated key steps in the community forest rights (CFR) claim-making and community planning processes. The global recognition celebrates Tiriyas exemplary grassroots efforts in securing community forest rights, strengthening collective governance and pioneering a self-sustaining eco-tourism model. Led by the Dhruva tribal community, the Tiriya gram sabha (village council) successfully claimed community rights over 3057 hectares of forest under the Forest Rights Act and established a community-led management system to conserve its forests and livelihoods. The efforts of the tribal community are well acknowledged and its an occasion for them to celebrate. Tiriya was earlier a forest village known not just for rich natural forest resources but also for close bonding existing within the community. Tiriya became a revenue village in 2013. Forest management groups have also been diligently working in Tiriya and such rich forested areas of Bastar, said V Sreenivasa Rao (PCCF & Head of Forest Force) told the TNIE. Through daily forest patrolling and an innovative bamboo rafting enterprise along the Shabari river, the village has generated significant local employment and income while promoting environmental justice and cultural pride.
Spoiled Rich Kids: Chhattisgarh HC Pulls Up State Govt, Police Over Highway Blockage For Reels
Taking suo motu cognisance of the event, the court directed the chief secretary of the state government to file his personal affidavit in the matter
Chhattisgarh BJP Leader Loses 41 Lakh To Woman Con Artist Promising Top Govt Post
BJP leader Santosh Kataria from Chhattisgarh's Kondagaon district was allegedly duped of Rs 41.3 lakh by Kajal Joshi and Rajiv Soni, who promised him a top govt job.
SC allows Chhattisgarh's ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel to move HC over maintainability of plea against him
The Supreme Court has granted Bhupesh Baghel, former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, the opportunity to appeal to the High Court regarding a petition filed by his nephew, Vijay Baghel. The petition alleges violations of the Representation of the Peoples Act during the election. The court has directed the High Court to consider the application after hearing both sides.
Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board has released admit cards for the Excise Constable Exam 2025 (ABA25), scheduled for July 27, 2025. Candidates can download their admit cards from vyapam.cgstate.gov.in using their registration number and password. Along with the admit card, candidates must carry a valid photo ID, marks sheet with photograph, and two passport-sized photographs to the exam center.
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh High Court, while hearing a petition concerning the installation of pandals and welcome gates on roads during religious festivals without proper approvals, has sought a response from the state government. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru heard a public interest litigation (PIL) that pleaded the court to direct the authorities to frame a policy ahead of the festive seasons. The petitioner Nitin Singhvi contended that the pandals are being erected either in the middle or adjacent to the roads, causing obstruction in free movement of traffic and posing threat to the public particularly the senior citizens. The petitioner also claimed that such practice continues as gross violation of the state government directive, given on 22 April 2022. The guidelines were then sent to all district magistrates and police chiefs for strict compliance. The additional chief secretary (Home department) had then specifically instructed to take prior permission from the district administration before organising any such programmereligious, political or social, to ensure routine activities of people, smooth traffic movement and proper public order do not get disturbed, stated the petitioner. Singhvi stated that since 2022 after the governments directive, he acquired details under the Right to Information (RTI) that clearly cited ot a single approval had been given by Raipur district authorities to erect pandals during festival season of Durga puja and Ganesh Utsav but pandals were fix in violation. I am not against pandals erected for various occasions including religious but it should be in accordance with the law and after obtaining due permission from the authorities as mentioned in the official circular dated 22 April 2022, he opined. The state Advocate General submitted before the court that there already exists government guidelines as a directive and the same will be followed till a new policy is formulated on the given issue as raised in the PIL. The state sought six weeks time to frame a policy and an affidavit in this regard has been submitted by the chief secretary. The court has listed the matter to be heard on September 2.
Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's son sent to 14-day judicial custody over alleged liquor scam
Chaitanya Baghel, son of ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody in connection with a liquor scam case. The ED alleges Chaitanya handled over Rs 1,000 crore in illicit proceeds, diverting Rs 16.7 crore to his real estate ventures. Bhupesh Baghel claims the accusations are politically motivated, aiming to deflect attention from other issues.
Court sends Chaitanya Baghel, son of ex-Chhattisgarh CM, to judicial custody in liquor 'scam' case
RAIPUR: A special court here on Tuesday remanded Chaitanya Baghel, son of senior Congress leader and former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, in a 14-day judicial custody in a money laundering case linked to the alleged liquor scam. Chaitanya was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on July 18 following a search at his house which he shares with his father in Bhilai town of Durg district in the state. The accused was produced before the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge (VI) Damarudhar Chouhan on Tuesday on expiry of his ED custody, the central probe agency's counsel Saurabh Kumar Pande told reporters. During his custodial remand, Chaitanya was interrogated and confronted with statements and documents during which he conceded at many points. There was not much left for interrogation so the ED requested the court for his judicial custody, he said. The court sent him to jail in judicial custody till August 4, he added. If required, he can be questioned by the agency with the court's permission, he said. The ED claimed in a statement that Chaitanya handled more than Rs 1,000 crore worth of proceeds of crime generated from a liquor scam in the state and used Rs 16.7 crore for the development of his real estate project. Chaitanya was in receipt of proceeds of crime worth Rs 16.70 crore. He had used his real estate firms to intermingle the said funds. It was found that he had utilised the said cash amount (proceeds of crime) in development of his real estate project, it said. His father Bhupesh Baghel has alleged that central agencies were being misused to target the opposition leaders, but stressed that he trusted the judiciary and would cooperate. The former CM has alleged that the ED action against his son was initiated to divert attention from the illegal tree felling for coal mines in the state as the Congress was set to raise the issue in the state assembly last week. Former Chhattisgarh CM Baghel says sons arrest aimed at diverting attention from illegal tree felling The Congress on Tuesday staged chakka jam (road blockade) in different parts of the state to protest against the ED's action. The ED has said that the alleged scam resulted in a massive loss to the state exchequer and filled the pockets of the beneficiaries of a liquor syndicate with over Rs 2,100 crore. The scam in the state, according to the ED, was orchestrated between 2019 and 2022 when Chhattisgarh was governed by the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government. In January, the ED arrested former minister and Congress leader Kawasi Lakhma, besides Anwar Dhebar, former IAS officer Anil Tuteja, Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer Arunpati Tripathi and some others as part of their investigations in the case. The EOW/ACB registered the FIR on January 17 last year, about a month after the BJP defeated the Congress in the 2023 assembly polls, and named 70 individuals and companies, including former excise minister Kawasi Lakhma and former chief secretary Vivek Dhand. According to the ED, the alleged commission generated through the illegal sale of liquor was shared as per the directions from the highest political executives of the state. ED arrests Chaitanya Baghel, son of Bhupesh Baghel, in liquor 'scam' linked money laundering case
Bhupesh Baghel slams BJP and ED after sons arrest over alleged liquor scam
After his sons arrest in the alleged liquor scam, former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel lashed out at the ED and BJP, accusing the central agency of being a political wing with a strike rate below par. Citing the Supreme Courts remarks against ED, Baghel claimed the agency is misused to target opposition and manipulate power in non-BJP states.
Raipur Diary | Outline of vision for Viksit Rajya 2047
Chhattisgarh Anjor 2047 is a concept document that highlights regional development plans, individualised visions aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047. The multidimensional vision document has been prepared with consideration for the needs and future challenges, and incorporating the dreams and pledge of its three crore residents. To prepare the document, the government held direct conversations and engaged citizens through an online portal to garner their suggestions. The states timeline has maintained its short-term targets for 2030, mid-term goals by 2035, and long-term objectives until 2047. Flipkart in the dock for sale of lethal knife Raipur police lodged an FIR against e-commerce store Flipkart, holding it accountable for selling banned (lethal) knives on its platform. The knife was used in a murder and to injure one in the capital. The Raipur police have been repeatedly asking representatives of e-commerce marketplaces not to make various hazardous knives, including button, foldable, designer, or bladed items, available on their platforms for customers. There were looming concerns over the rising incidents of stabbings in the state capital. Despite the alerts, reports indicate that the sale of such prohibited knives continues unabated from online shopping companies. Korbas coal boom costing the Earth In Indias largest coal and power producing Korba district, a recent research study has flagged alarming land degradation and a decline in forest cover. The findings underscore how the relentless expansion of coal mining, particularly open-cast operations, has drastically transformed the regions landscape, triggering severe ecological consequences. The study found that Korbas forest cover had declined dramatically from 35.56 percent in 1995 to 14 percent in 2024. The district currently has 13 operational coal mines, with four more in the pipeline. Coal production in Korba is expected to reach a peak of 180 million tonnes by 2025. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com
Highway Blocked By Luxury Cars For Reels, Chhattisgarh High Court Slams Cops
In a sharp rebuke, the Chhattisgarh High Court has pulled up the Bilaspur Police for failing to confiscate luxury cars that were illegally parked on National Highway-130 during a late-night photoshoot organised by a group.
Former CM Baghel`s son used Rs 16.7-cr liquor `scam` funds in his business
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, for allegedly handling over Rs 1,000 crore in proceeds from a liquor scam. He reportedly used Rs 16.7 crore to fund a real estate project. The ED claims the scam caused a Rs 2,100 crore loss to the exchequer.
Baghel's son 'handled' Rs 1,000 cr in liquor scam: ED
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Chaitanya Baghel, son of former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, handled over Rs 1,000 crore worth of proceeds from a liquor scam and used Rs 16.7 crore for his real estate project.
Bhupesh Baghel's son used Rs 16.7-cr liquor 'scam' funds in his realty business, alleges ED
Chaitanya Baghel, son of ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, was arrested by the ED for allegedly handling over 1,000 crore from a liquor scam. The ED claims he used 16.7 crore for his real estate project. Bhupesh Baghel alleges misuse of central agencies and links the action to the Congress raising concerns about illegal tree felling in the Assembly.
Bhupesh Baghel Alleges ED Action Against Son Timed to Shield Adani
Former Chhattisgarh CM claims ED arrested son Chaitanya to suppress Congress move on illegal tree felling by Adani
Ashok Leyland partners with Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank for vehicle financing
NEW DELHI, July 21: Commercial vehicles maker Ashok Leyland on Monday said it has partnered with Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank for vehicle financing. The two partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the purpose of financing the companys Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MHCV) customers, Ashok Leyland said in a statement. This partnership will enable both Ashok Leyland and Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank (CRGB) to offer customised financial solutions to the customers, it added. Our collaboration with [] The post Ashok Leyland partners with Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank for vehicle financing appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Prime Minister's silence on Trump's involvement in ceasefire raises questions: Bhupesh Baghel
Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel questions PM's silence on Trump's claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Trump asserted five jets were shot down, prompting Congress MPs to demand proof and raise concerns about the operation's details and the ceasefire's narrative during the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Chhattisgarh government enacts Jan Vishwas Bill, amends 163 provisions across eight Acts
RAIPUR: In a resolute move, the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh passed Jan Vishwas Bill in the Assembly marking a significant step towards ease of living and doing business in the State. With a focus to lessen non-essential legal burdens and encouraging voluntary compliance, Chhattisgarh becomes only the second State in the country to pass the Bill that replaces criminal penalties with fines for minor violations. The new Act will aim to decriminalise minor technical violations by citizens and business owners -- many of which stemmed from outdated British-era laws. Touted as a historic reform, the bill intended towards securing trust-based governance prioritising transparency with accountability between the government and its citizens and trade. In a paradigm shift, the State in one attempt, has eased the burden of the judicial system by cutting down on avoidable litigation, while sparing citizens from facing criminal proceedings for minor lapses. As many as 163 provisions across eight Acts were amended and decriminalised as part of doing away with the colonial legacy. It will also check corruption and needless harassment, a government spokesperson told this newspaper. Some of the Acts to be amended through the bill include Urban Administration Department laws, Nagar Tatha Gram Nivesh Act, Society Registration Act, Chhattisgarh Industrial Relations Act, Chhattisgarh Excise Act, and the Chhattisgarh Cooperative Society Act. On the lines of the Indian Judicial Code brought under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh has now become the second state after Madhya Pradesh to pass the Jan Vishwas Bill. Its an important step towards achieving the goals based on the Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat theme, said Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh chief minister. The government asserted that the focus is to make employment and business easier in the state as well as to protect traders and common citizens from judicial litigation in non-criminal category cases. The initiative will create a smooth business and responsible environment as the new enactment will be helpful in replacing the fear of criminal litigation with fines for minor violations, while the strict penalties for grave violations will still be retained. The State government ahead of the passing of the bill, had secured crucial feedback from legal experts,representatives ofindustrial groups, business houses, officials and other stakeholders.
Bhupesh Baghel accuses the Enforcement Directorate of arresting his son, Chaitanya, to suppress voices against the Adani Group, alleging the conglomerate violates environmental norms in Chhattisgarh. Baghel claims the state assembly's resolution on Adani's tree felling was ignored, and his son's arrest coincided with plans to raise the issue in the assembly. The ED alleges Chaitanya laundered Rs 16.
Teen Injured in IED Blast Planted by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh
16-year-old boy hurt while grazing cattle in forest; second such incident in Bijapur this month
16-year-old injured in IED blast planted by Naxals in Chhattisgarhs Bijapur
BIJAPUR: A 16-year-old boy sustained injuries after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, police said on Sunday. The blast took place on Saturday evening when the victim, a resident of Kondapadgu village under Bhopalpattnam police station limits, had ventured into a nearby forest to graze cattle, an official said. The official said the boy inadvertently came in contact with the IED, which exploded, injuring his legs. The boy was admitted to the Bijapur district hospital, he said. The Maoists often plant IEDs on dirt tracks to target security personnel who use these routes during anti-Naxal operations inside forests. Civilians have fallen prey to such traps laid by ultras in the past in the Bastar region, police said. Police have appealed to the public to be extra cautious while visiting forest areas and immediately inform the police station or the nearest security camp about any suspicious objects or activities. On July 13, three persons, including a minor girl, were injured in a similar incident in the Madded area of Bijapur. Around 25 people have lost their lives in Maoist violence in the Bastar region, comprising seven districts, including Bijapur, so far this year.
Uttarakhand ex-minister charged by ED; 3rd Cong leader hit in as many days
This comes after the ED filed a chargesheet against Robert Vadra, a businessman and relative of Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Chhattisgarhs ex-CM and current Congress MLA Bhupesh Baghels son, Chaitanya Baghel, in a money laundering case
Baghels son laundered Rs 16.7 crore through shell firms: ED to court
The ED arrested Chaitanya Baghel, son of ex-Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, for allegedly laundering Rs 16.7 crore in connection to a Rs 2,100 crore liquor scam. Congress party has called for statewide protests. Baghel accuses the Centre of vendetta politics, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleges the arrest is to suppress Baghel's raising of the Adani forest issue.
