Huge cache of arms, ammunition found after gunbattle with Maoists
RANCHI: A huge cache of arms, ammunition and detonators was recovered after a gunfight between the security forces and Maoists in Saranda jungles of West Singhbhum in Jharkhand, police said on Friday. The seized items include two SLRs, one .303 rifle, 245 live cartridges, three magazines, six gelatin packets weighing over 16 kg, and 13 IEDs fitted with detonators. Ten electric and five non-electric detonators, five radio sets, and two interceptors, among others, were also recovered, a police department statement said. The encounter, which lasted for nearly 45 minutes, erupted when a joint team of police and 209 CoBRA Battalion was carrying out an anti-Maoist operation on Thursday evening, and the Naxalites fired at them. The Maoists managed to flee taking advantage of the hilly terrain and thick forest cover. The seizure of such a large cache of arms and explosives indicates that the Maoists were planning major subversive activities. Intensive search and combing operations are continuing to eliminate their network, said a senior police officer. According to the police, 60-65 Maoists are hiding in Saranda jungles, where they have planted thousands of IEDs, which has become a challenge for the security forces. Subversive activities The seizure of such a large cache of arms and explosives indicates that the Maoists were planning major subversive activities. Intensive search and combing operations are continuing to eliminate their network, said a senior police officer.
CIL partners with DVC to expand thermal power project at Rs 21,000 crore
Coal for these plants would be sourced from CIL's Jharkhand-based subsidiary, Central Coalfields Ltd. The estimated project cost is pegged at nearly Rs 21,000 crore and would be on a 50:50 equity sharing basis. The project cost includes the development, construction, and commissioning of both units. The plants are targeted to commence commercial operations by 2031-32, aligning with India's expanding energy demand.
Coal India-Damodar Valley Corp set up JV for 1,600 MW brownfield expansion in Jharkhand
The two entities aspire to commence commercial operations by FY2031-32
Jharkhand CM Slams BJP, Urges Support for JMM Candidate in Ghatsila
Soren attacked the BJP for claiming to be the largest organisation, accusing it of historically oppressing underprivileged communities, Adivasis, Dalits, and farmers.
Maoists, Security Forces Clash in Jharkhand Forest
The incident took place when a joint team of CRPF, Jharkhand Jaguar and district armed police was carrying out an anti-Maoist operation
Vidarbha bring in left-arm spinner Farde for Ranji clash vs Odisha
Nagpur, Nov 6: Defending champions Vidarbha on Thursday replaced Akshay Karnewar with left-arm spinner Gaurav Farde for their fourth round Ranji Trophy clash against Odisha. Vidarbha drew their last away match against Tamil Nadu in which Yash Rathod struck 133, and they are placed second behind Jharkhand in Elite Group A points table with 13 []
RANCHI: Assistant Jailor Devnath Ram and Jamadar Vinod Kumar Yadav were suspended with immediate effect after a video of high-profile inmates partying at Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi went viral on social media. One of the inmates has been identified as Vidhu Gupta, an accused in the liquor scam case, while the other is Vicky Bhalotia, an accused in the GST scam. The viral video is said to be from the special hall located within the jail premises and was reportedly shot a few months ago. Both high-profile inmates can be seen dancing in shorts and T-shirts to the tune of a Haryanvi song. Meanwhile, State BJP President and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has demanded a judicial probe into the alleged illegal facilities and luxury arrangements being provided to influential prisoners in Jharkhand jails. Marandi has urged the Jharkhand High Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter and order a judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge into the dirty games inside state jails and the role of senior officials. He said only a court-monitored probe can expose the truth and restore public faith in the system. Reacting sharply to the video, Marandi said the footage was not from a liquor shop or dance bar but from Ranchis Hotwar Central Jail, where leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and Hemant Soren have been incarcerated in corruption cases. Marandi alleged that separate rules exist for influential inmates who use their money and political connections to obtain various comforts behind bars. Special wards, he claimed, have been constructed for these VIP inmates, where an entry fee and monthly expenses are charged to maintain their luxurious lifestyle. Some high-profile prisoners, under the protection of the Hemant Soren government, are running a complete system of luxury and indulgence inside Jharkhand jails, said Marandi. He added that this is possible only through the connivance of jail officials and staff who allow such activities in violation of the Jail Manual in exchange for money. Marandi said that despite several warnings to the government about these illegal practices, no action was taken. Instead, an officer named Robert Nishant Besra, who tried to stop such activities and refused to provide special hospitality to VIP inmates, was transferred. Referring to the viral video incident, Marandi said that the suspension of two employees was merely a formality. He also expressed surprise over the reinstatement of Dinesh Verma, a jailer who was suspended just twenty days earlier from Hazaribagh Jail for granting undue facilities to prisoner Vinay Singh. Verma, Marandi said, has now been appointed in charge of Birsa Munda Central Jail, which he described as a reward posting. Marandi also questioned the role of the Jail Inspector General (IG), asking what magic wand allowed such a quick reinstatement. He asserted that these activities cannot take place without the permission or involvement of senior officers and held the Jail IG directly responsible.
Mumbai driver accused of making fake call-girl Instagram account of woman
Mumbai: A driver attached to a ride-sharing platform has been booked for allegedly creating a fake Instagram account of a woman and labelling her a call girl after she refused to pay toll during a trip, police said on Thursday. Accused Vinay Kumar Yadav, a resident of Jharkhand, also shared the personal details of the 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 .
Jharkhand BJP to issue 'arop patra' to reveal 'true face' of Hemant Soren government 2.0
RANCHI: Jharkhand BJP has announced the preparation of an 'Arop Patra' to reveal the 'true face' of the Hemant Soren government 2.0, just as it completes one year in office. BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, has formed a seven-member committee, which will compile the government's failures and present it before the people. Announcing the committee, State Executive President and MP Aditya Sahu said that the people of Jharkhand are fed up by Soren government's breach of promises, corruption and deteriorating law and order. Through this charge sheet, BJP will expose the true picture of the government's one-year tenure and reveal how its promises of development, employment, and good governance remained unfulfilled, he said. According to BJP, corruption is rampant in the state; there is imbalance in planning and policies while the law and order is steadily deteriorating. The party alleged that the government has forgotten its promises made to the people and is engrossed in the pleasures of power. The committee includes party's Chief Whip in the Assembly, Naveen Jaiswal, State Vice President and former Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi, former Leader of the Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, State Media In-charge Shivpujan Pathak, Co-Media In-charge Yogendra Pratap Singh, former MP and spokesperson Geeta Koda and Editor of Antyodaya, Ravinath Kishore. Meanwhile, talking to the media persons in Ghatshila, Marandi launched a scathing attack on the Hemant Soren government saying that this government has not moved Jharkhand forward even a single step forward in the last six years, but has instead pushed it back by 25 years. This government is completely anti-tribal, anti-development and anti-people, he said. Marandi further stated that this government is an 'abua government' only for names sake; in reality, it is a 'thug government' that has defrauded the youth and tribal people of Jharkhand.
The Jharkhand Home Guard Department has released a total of 737 vacancies for rural and urban home guard posts. The application for the required posts will start November 18, 2025 and continue till December 21, 2025.
Husband, Wife Fight Each Other To Death In Jharkhand: Police
Sanjay Singh, the Jan Suraaj Party candidate from Bihar's Munger Assembly seat, joined the BJP on Wednesday, on the eve of the first phase of assembly elections, officials said.
Husband, wife fight each other to death in Jharkhand's Deoghar: Police
In a tragic turn of events in Deoghar, Jharkhand, a married couple, Ravi and Lovely Sharma, have been discovered lifeless in their home, aftermath of a fierce altercation. Police are probing the matter, believing that simmering marital issues led to their fatal clash. Both individuals bear wounds from a sharp instrument, with a knife found at the crime scene.
Jharkhand DGP Anurag Gupta steps down amid ongoing legal and political row
RANCHI: Finally, after seven months of his retirement, DGP Anurag Gupta reportedly resigned from his post on Tuesday. Though the announcement is yet to be made officially, sources in the Jharkhand Police Headquarters have confirmed his resignation. Sources also indicated that his resignation has been accepted. Notably, Anurag Guptas appointment as DGP had remained surrounded by controversies right from the beginning. The controversy intensified after he was retained as DGP even after his retirement by the Hemant Soren government. The central government had rejected the state governments decision to extend Anurag Guptas tenure beyond his retirement. It had also issued a letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, stating that the decision to retain Anurag Gupta as DGP beyond his retirement date was incorrect. Anurag Gupta was appointed DGP on February 3 following a state government notification, which stated that his tenure would be in accordance with Rule 10(1) of the Selection and Appointment Rules 2025 of Director General and Inspector General of Police, Jharkhand (Chief of Police Force). However, according to the central government, he officially retired on April 30, 2025. Earlier, Gupta had assumed charge as in-charge DGP of Jharkhand on July 26, 2024, but was removed from the post by the Election Commission of India during the Jharkhand Assembly elections. Following the elections, he was reinstated as in-charge DGP on November 28, 2024, after the Hemant Soren government returned to power with a thumping majority. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, filed a PIL terming Anurag Guptas appointment as unconstitutional and a violation of Supreme Court directives. Marandi, in his PIL, accused the state government of violating constitutional norms and misusing the police administration for political purposes. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had clearly stated that DGP appointments must follow the UPSC process unless the state enacts a new law. However, instead of passing an Act, the state government framed a rule in 2025 and attempted to implement it retrospectively. The Leader of Opposition also questioned how such a rule could come into effect without proper legislation and criticized officials for allowing what he called an illegal process. Earlier, describing Gupta as the most controversial IPS officer in Jharkhand, Marandi had demanded the cancellation of his appointment and a thorough inquiry into his tenure. He also accused the state government of contempt of court, citing the Supreme Courts 2006 ruling in the Prakash Singh case, which mandated that the DGP must be selected from a panel recommended by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Marandi further alleged that the Hemant Soren government ignored the UPSC process and appointed Gupta, whose name was not on the recommended list. According to the Supreme Courts directive, the state government is required to appoint the DGP from a panel of the three senior-most officers recommended by the UPSC. Furthermore, the appointed officer must serve a minimum tenure of two years, irrespective of the date of retirement. The petition contends that by ignoring this mandate, the government not only violated Supreme Court guidelines but also sought to install a contentious officer in a key position. Marandi has also urged the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the matter and order a CBI probe.
Ranchi Diary | Land registration fee for Olympians exempted
Jharkhand government has exempted registration fee for the pieces of land allotted to Olympian hockey players Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan in Ranchi. The state housing board had allotted 3,750 sq ft plots to them at Harmu Residential Colony. CM Hemant Soren had in January handed over the papers for the plots in Ranchi to the Olympians. They were honoured by the Soren government for bringing glory to the state and the country. Fulfilling a long-standing promise, the state recognised the contributions of the two players and made their dream of owning a home in Ranchi a reality. HC refuses to release ministers passport The Calcutta High Court has refused to release Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansaris passport after the West Bengal government contended that he may not return to India. Ansaris passport has been deposited with the court since September 25, 2024 though he was granted conditional bail in case of Rs 50 lakh cash seizure. Ansari had moved the Calcutta HC to seek temporary release of his passport from November 1 to 15 so that he could attend the World Travel Market event in London from November 4 to 6. He had even attached the Jharkhand governments approval for the visit. Blood donation camp on states silver jubilee A statewide blood donation camp will be launched from November 12 to 28 to mark the silver jubilee of the Jharkhand Foundation Day. The state government has directed officials to create awareness in both urban and rural areas to ensure success of the campaign. Blood donation must be transformed into a mass movement. Social media and local publicity channels should be used to the maximum extent, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said. All the blood centres have been directed to update data on e-RaktKosh portal to fill the staffing gap at the earliest. Jharkhand was founded by the Bihar Reorganisation Act on November 15, 2000. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Raids In Jharkhand Target 'Wasseypur Gang' Led By Fugitive Gangster
In a major crackdown on organised crime, Dhanbad Police on Tuesday carried out massive raids at 30 locations across the district targeting the network of the notorious 'Wasseypur gang' led by fugitive gangster Prince Khan.
NEW DELHI: Expressing shock over the transmission of HIV to six thalassemia children in Jharkhand through blood transfusion, a public health advocacy group has said the incident highlights a systemic failure and administrative collapse in the countrys blood banking system. The Peoples Health Organisation (India) which works on HIV intervention and public health issues said such incidents continue to occur due to serious policy paralysis and intellectual bankruptcy. The group urged the central government to impose a strict ban on the trade of blood and organs and to make it a severely punishable crime. Speaking to this paper, Dr. Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General of PHO, said, Jharkhand is not an isolated example. Across the country, there is total policy paralysis regarding the adoption of the latest techniques, tests, and equipment to prevent HIV infection, particularly in blood transmission. Expressing his dismay, the Mumbai-based global HIV expert noted that it was ironic the incident occurred at a government hospital blood bank that had been operating without a valid license since 2023. Importantly, the blood bank was using a substandard screening method, said Dr. Gilada, who is also President Emeritus of the AIDS Society of India. Following the incident, the state government launched an investigation and suspended several officials, amid nationwide outrage. Dr. Gilada suggested that the government should make universal blood safety standards and appropriate equipment a prerequisite for establishing or operating blood banks. He also called for: Clear guidelines for blood banks, hospitals, and doctors on blood and organ safety, Making cadaver transplants more feasible and realistic, Periodic review of blood testing guidelines, and Rehabilitation programs for professional blood sellers to discourage the sale of blood and organs. Blood safety has contributed significantly to HIV prevention in India, he said. Transmission through blood has fallen from 10% before 1998 to less than 1% now. However, the commercialisation of blood banks remains a serious concern. Highlighting that the Jharkhand HIV cases should serve as a turning point for blood banking reform in India, Dr. Gilada, a Governing Council Member of the International AIDS Society, said, Protecting people from HIV transmission through blood and preventing mother-to-child transmission requires a firm policy and a robust system in place. He added that such bloody incidents are a blot on Indias blood-banking services, which are meant to be life-saving. Appealing to doctors, hospitals, and blood banks, he urged them to use only screened blood preferably in components such as plasma, platelets, or red cells rather than whole blood to avoid commercialisation and to uphold the highest medical ethics. He also recommended the use of advanced and sensitive testing methods such as the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), which can help reduce testing costs by up to 7080%. Dr. Gilada encouraged people to voluntarily donate blood on personal occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, to opt for autologous transfusion (using ones own blood) during planned surgeries, to question unnecessary prescriptions for blood transfusion, and never to buy blood or organs for their own safety. Professional blood donors or blood sellers currently supply an estimated 30% of the countrys blood, while the remaining 70% comes from voluntary and replacement donors. Blood sellers are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as they often visit sex workers and abuse alcohol and recreational drugs. They pose a major threat to blood safety and tend to donate frequently under different names at multiple blood banks. Many are also potential organ sellers kidneys, eyes, skin, etc., he added. Dr. Gilada further noted that the PHO had exposed major kidney trade networks between India, the Middle East, and Europe involving certain medical establishments. The NGO has been championing the fight against the commercialisation of blood and has pursued legal action for blood safety since 1989. In 1998, following a Supreme Court directive mandating blood safety, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) began a large-scale clean-up of blood banks by providing trained staff, testing kits, and equipment. Indias first HIV-positive blood donor was detected in July 1987, Dr. Gilada added.
24 injured as two buses collide in Jharkhands Dhanbad
DHANBAD: At least 24 people were injured after two buses collided in Jharkhands Dhanbad district, police said on Tuesday. The condition of six of the injured is reported to be critical, officials added. The accident occurred near the Chali Bangla flyover under the Rajganj police station limits at around 11.30 pm on Monday. Around 100 devotees were travelling in one of the buses to attend a religious festival in Bokaro from the Nala and Kundihi areas of Jamtara district, when another speeding bus rammed into it, a police officer said. The injured were admitted to Shahid Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH). Traffic movement on the KolkataDelhi lane of the Grand Trunk Road was briefly affected due to the collision, the officer added.
Jharkhand BJP demands removal of Health Minister in blood transfusion case
Party workers staged demonstrations outside Sadar hospitals across the State over an incident in which five thalassemia-affected children were allegedly infected with HIV following blood transfusions
Pregnant woman dies after falling from operation theatre table in Jharkhand hospital
RANCHI: In a horrifying case of alleged medical negligence at Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribagh, a pregnant woman died after falling from the table in the operation theatre (OT). While the family points at the hospital management for the loss, the hospital management has accused the patient's family. According to information received, Chandni Kumari, after experiencing labour pain on Monday night, was taken to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital. She was taken to the OT room, where she fell from the OT bed to the floor, sustaining serious injuries. After the incident, her family members forcibly took her to a private hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Following the incident, the family members came back to the hospital and created a ruckus and vandalised the hospital premises. The family members have accused the hospital staff of gross negligence, claiming that no doctor was present in the operating theatre at the time of the incident and that the delivery was being handled solely by nurses. Had a doctor been present in the OT, both Chandni and her unborn child would not have died, said one of the family members. Unable to find an ambulance, tribal man in Jharkhand sets off for home carrying his ailing wife Hazaribagh Civil Surgeon, on the other hand, said that the patient fell to the floor due to the negligence of the patient's attendants. The patient was admitted to the hospital, and her delivery was to take place. In between, her attendants could not take care of her properly, and she fell from the table, following which the family members forcibly took her to a private hospital, where she died during the procedure, said the Civil Surgeon Dr Ashok Kumar. Had the woman's family not taken her, her life might have been saved, he added. The Civil Surgeon said that the family members did not allow a post-mortem examination and took the dead body home. The deceased was a resident of Kahaani Bazaar, under the Sadar police station area in Hazaribagh. Meanwhile, hospital authorities have strengthened security inside the premises as demands for a formal investigation into the incident grow stronger.
How Ignoring Centre's Warning Led To 6 Kids With Thalassaemia Testing HIV+ In Jharkhand
The Centres 19-page letter flagged major flaws in testing at the Chaibasa Blood Bank, but the state health department failed to take prompt action
Man kills mother over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Dumka
RANCHI: A 70-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death by her son on suspicion of practising witchcraft. The incident occurred on Tuesday at Digha village under Gopikandar police station in Dumka. She was taken to Phulo Jhano Medical College and Hospital with multiple stab wounds and succumbed to her injuries late on Sunday night. The accused, identified as 41-year-old Ramjan Hembrom, was arrested by police from his native village, Madhuban. The weapon used in the crime and his blood-stained clothes were also recovered. Police said the victim had been staying at her daughters in-laws house in Digha, located about 15 km away from her village, for the past few months to escape repeated assaults by her son. Officer in-charge of Gopikandar Police Station, Sumit Bhagat, said that a case has been registered. The victims daughter, in her statement given to police, has confirmed that her brother, Ramjan Hembram, was responsible for the attack. According to police, preliminary investigations revealed that Ramjan suspected his mother of using black magic to kill his teenage daughter. Villagers informed that the accused lost his 18-year-old daughter a few months ago due to illness. While she was ill, she often used to say that her grandmother was the cause of her illness, claiming she had practiced black magic on her. After a prolonged illness, his daughter died, but Ramjan harbored a suspicion that her mother had killed his daughter through witchcraft, said a villager requesting anonymity. Hearing this, he attacked his mother several times with deadly weapons but somehow, she survived, they said. On the day of the incident, Ramjan came home drunk, and started blaming her mother for his daughters death. Holding his mother responsible for the death of his daughter, he went to his sisters in-laws place and attacked his mother with a knife in a fit of rage. She was stabbed multiple times on her body, following which, she was taken to the hospital in an injured condition and died during treatment on Sunday, police said.
November 2025 brings several school holidays across India, including Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 5, Children's Day on November 14, and regional holidays like Uttarakhand Foundation Day and Jharkhand Foundation Day. Schools in various states like Delhi, Punjab, and Jharkhand will remain closed.
Jharkhand migrants in Tunisia receive dues, set to return home on November 5 after L&T intervention
RANCHI: After the intervention of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the company that had outsourced the work to Prem Power Constructions Limited, arrangements have been finalised for the safe return of all 48 migrant workers stranded in Tunisia for the past few months. According to a video released by the stranded workers, they have allegedly been paid their pending dues, and their tickets have been booked by Larsen & Toubro. As per information released by L&T, all the workers will depart from Tunis for Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on 5 November. After arriving in Mumbai, they will travel to their home state of Jharkhand. Meanwhile, the workers have expressed their gratitude to the company, saying they were recording the video footage without any pressure from anybody. On October 30, we had sent a video footage to our family and friends accusing Prem Power Constructions Limited and Larsen & Toubro for our trouble, but the latter has nothing to do with our payments, stated one of the migrants in his video message. Despite that, Larsen & Toubro officials intervened on October 31 and made Prem Power Constructions Limited clear our payments and book our return tickets without any conditions, he added. 48 Jharkhand migrant workers stranded in Tunisia for three months; seek government intervention The migrants further expressed their gratefulness to Larsen & Toubro and apologised for unintentionally dragging the companys name into the entire episode, stating that it had nothing to do with their plight. Notably, as many as 48 workers from Jharkhands Giridih, Bokaro, and Hazaribagh districts have been stranded in the African nation of Tunisia for several months under extremely difficult conditions. Through a video message on October 30, these workers had sought help from the Indian government for their safe return home. In the earlier video, they had informed that their salaries had allegedly been withheld for the last four months and that they were starving as they had no food to eat. They appealed to the Indian government for their speedy repatriation and payment of their pending wages. According to the migrants, they were told they would be working as company employees, but after landing in Tunisia, they discovered that it was a contractual job. Moreover, they alleged that although they were promised an eight-hour workday, they were made to work for over 12 hours a day. As soon as the video was released by the migrants, The New Indian Express flagged the issue and carried the report prominently in its online edition on October 31 and in its print edition on November 1.
Jharkhand: Newborns enrolled in Aadhaar, birth certificates issued on same day
Jamshedpur: The Chakradharpur divisional railway hospital in Jharkhands West Singhbhum district said newborns in the medical facility were enrolled in Aadhaar and their birth certificates were issued simultaneously for the first time, according to an official statement. Aadhaar enrolment of four babies, born on Saturday, was completed on the same day, it said. This marks 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 .
BHOPAL: Society has accepted the RSS as the organisation which works for the nations unity, security, culture and development. It cannot be banned as a few leader wishes for it, RSS national general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Saturday. Reacting to Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharges call to ban the RSS in the country, Hosabale said, Entire society recognises the Sangh as the organisation which works for the unity, security, culture and development of the country. Three times in the past, the RSS was banned, but everyone knows what happened later. Before making any such demand, politicians should learn lessons from past experiences. On the 150 th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday, the Congress national president had reiterated that the RSS should be banned in the country, stating that even Sardar Patel had banned the participation of government employees in RSS's activities. Talking to journalists in Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) on the concluding day of the three-day RSS national executive meeting on Saturday, the RSS general secretary, when questioned about the changing dynamics of RSS-BJP ties post 2014, said, Weve stated our stand on the issue of relations between the RSS and BJP, maybe 50,000 times in the past 50 years. Sanghs Swayamsevaks are in every party, but their numbers are more in the BJP, because unlike the other parties, the BJP doesnt restrict the entry of Sangh Swayamsevaks within its fold. RSS is an organisation of people, and it has kept on raising contemporary national and social issues with governments and individuals within the governments, irrespective of who is in power. Its up to the other side to decide whether to keep doors shut or open them for our Swayamsevaks. Countrys former President Pranab Mukerjee wasnt a Swayamsevak, but we had good ties with him, which is why he attended our event in Nagpur. But when the Swayamsevaks are themselves running the government, then naturally our coordination with the government is better. Dynamics havent changed after 2014, they (BJP) are ghar ke log (from the same family), so the bhaichara (brotherhood) prevails, Hosabale maintained. Raising concern over the issue of Demographic Imbalance, the RSS top functionary said, A population policy is needed to address the problem of demographic imbalance; its up to the government to swiftly formulate the policy. Infiltration, religious conversion and high rate of population growth in some communities are primarily behind the rising threat of democratic imbalance. He particularly mentioned about religious conversion of Sikhs in Punjab, which needed to be dealt with adequately. While maintaining that the situation in West Bengal wasnt part of the agenda at the three-day RSS All India executive body meeting in Jabalpur, he, however, added that a resolution was passed about Bengal in the last meeting. The situation is actually bad in Bengal, particularly after the last election. Hatred and conflicts have risen there, especially due to the political leadership and the CM there. Keeping a border state violent and unstable isnt good for the country. Our Swayamsevaks are regularly working in Bengal for national unity and social harmony there. While making it clear that no discussions happened at the three-day conclave about Bihar elections, Hosabale said, We always appeal for cent voting. We also appeal that voters should exercise their franchise based on national and social issues, rather than voting based on caste, money or promises of freebies by political parties. On the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, he said, The refining of voter lists isnt happening for the first time; it happens at regular intervals and is essential. There should be no opposition to it; those having objections to the SIR methodology should approach the ECI in the matter. While informing that the Manipur situation was discussed at the meeting chaired by the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, the RSS general secretary said, The situation in the bordering state is improving. The centre has taken steps, including the Prime Minister being there despite inclement weather. The Swayamsevaks have worked on the ground there for two years. Like the people of the state, we also want a popular government there; we sincerely hope the government will work in that direction at the appropriate time. While welcoming the surrender of Maoists in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, he said that the government needs to deal with the concerns of those areas in a very sensitive manner. He further informed that the three-day meeting also discussed the issue of the rising menace of drug abuse among youngsters, spanning from schools and universities to hostels, including IIMs and IITs, particularly in the bordering states. The three-day meeting, which was attended by 397 out of the 407 delegates from across the country, was the brainstorming of the second-highest decision-making body of the RSS. The three-day meeting largely focused on the Sanghs activities and events in the organisations centenary year, including its ongoing and coming initiatives to connect the RSSs Panch Parivartan to every nook and cranny of the country. Around 80,000 Hindu Sammelans will be held (45,000 in rural areas and the remaining 35,000 in urban clusters). Grih Sampark Abhiyan to connect door-to-door with families, besides Samajik Sadbhav meeting at block level, and meetings of prominent citizens and intellectuals will be held at the district level nationally. On the last day of the meeting, the RSS also released statements on the 150th year of the birth of Birsa Munda, the 350th year of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, and 150 years of the composition of the national song Vande Mataram.
Four years on, GIC Jaiharikhal in Uttarakhand still awaits upgrade to fully residential school
DEHRADUN: A four-year-old plan to upgrade the Government Inter College (GIC) in Jaiharikhal, Pauri Garhwal, into a fully residential school remains stalled, despite the institution boasting two former Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand among its alumni. Locals are demanding immediate action to revive the project, lamenting the neglect of a school that once served as an educational hub for the entire Garhwal region. If GIC Jaiharikhal had been developed on the lines of the renowned Netarhat school in Jharkhand, it could have become a model educational center for meritorious students across Garhwal, stated Gram Pradhan Jaihari, Pragati Aswal. The Education Department had sent a proposal to the state government to transform the school into a modern residential model, but official sanction is still awaited. The project initially gained traction in 2018 when then-Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat announced its development. The funding model involved 60 per cent contribution from the Hans Foundation and 40 per cent from the Uttarakhand government. The Hans Foundation completed its part, repairing the roof, walls, floors, windows, and doors of the school's D Block. However, construction halted in 2022 due to the non-release of the state government's budget, leaving the plan in limbo ever since, revealed departmental sources. GIC Jaiharikhal was established on 700 'Nali' of land donated in 1922a massive collective educational gift to the village at that time, explained Block Panchayat Member Shashi Bisht. At one point, Jaiharikhal was the education epicenter of Pauri district. Students from far-flung villages came here. Its alumni include politicians, administrative officers, military officials, teachers, and scientists, he added. Block Education Officer Amit Kumar Chand confirmed the partial repair work: The D Block has been repaired. A proposal for the repair of C Block has been sent to the government for sanction. The plan to develop it into a residential school is proposed, and a decision must be made at the government level. Local representatives and parents have urged the government to prioritize the pending proposal to restore the historic schools lost glory. Notably, former CMs Trivendra Singh Rawat and Tirath Singh Rawat, along with IAS topper Anurag Srivastava, studied at this very institution.
Jharkhand Governor demands strict action in HIV-infected blood transfusion case
Family of a seven-year-old thalassemia patient on October 24 alleged that the local blood bank in Chaibasa, the district headquarters town of West Singhbhum, had transfused HIV-infected blood.
Indian man shot dead in Saudi Arabia crossfire, family seeks justice
Jeddah: In a tragic shooting incident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a 27-year-old man from Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, was reportedly killed after being caught in a crossfire between police and an extortion gang linked to the illegal liquor trade. According to several media reports, the victim, Vijay Kumar Mahato from 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 .
26-Year-Old From Jharkhand Killed In Saudi Arabia; Govt Working To Bring Body Home
Jharkhand labour department is working with the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to repatriate the body of a 26-year-old Dumri youth killed in a Jeddah shootout on October 16.
Jharkhand Man Killed in Saudi Crossfire Between Police and Criminals
Vijay Kumar Mahato, 27, accidentally shot while near worksite; survived by wife, two young sons, and parents.
As many as 48 migrant workers from Jharkhand's Giridih, Bokaro, and Hazaribagh districts are reportedly stranded in North African country, Tunisia, facing dire conditions for three months. They've appealed to the Indian government for assistance in returning home through a video message.
Jharkhand migrant caught in crossfire in Saudi Arabia dies, Govt makes effort to bring back body
The youth identified as Vijay Kumar Mahato had been working in a private company as a tower line fitter for the last nine months.
Indian Man, 26, Dies In Crossfire Between Cops, Extortion Gang In Saudi Arabia
The Jharkhand labour department has contacted the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to facilitate the return of the body of a 26-year-old youth from Dumri block in Giridih, who was killed in a shootout in Jeddah on October 16, officials said on Friday.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren to skip Bihar poll campaign over denial of seats by RJD, Congress
RANCHI: Amid the ongoing tussle over the denial of seats to JMM by RJD and Congress in the Grand Alliance in the Bihar Assembly polls, Chief Minister Hemant Soren will keep away from the campaigning in the State. Notably, Jharkhand's ruling JMM is not contesting the assembly elections in neighbouring Bihar, claiming that the decision was taken in the wake of a political conspiracy by its allies RJD and Congress, which deprived it of seats. Reacting strongly over a question raised to JMM Spokesperson Manoj Pandey, he informed that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is not going to Bihar for campaigning. As of now, the party and Hemant Soren ji have no intention to go for campaigning in the Bihar elections, said Pandey. If the party is not contesting in Bihar, then for whom will they campaign? he said. The JMM leader said that the party is not even in the Mahagathbandhan, then there is no point in campaigning in Bihar. He said that if it is required, or such a situation arises, then the party leader will take an appropriate decision. Bihar Polls 2025: A high-decibel campaign and competing promises NDA releases Bihar poll manifesto; promises one crore jobs, Rs 10 lakh aid for EBCs The JMM spokesperson also clarified that the Chief Minister has not been invited to campaign in the Bihar polls. We are making all efforts to follow the principles of Mahagathbandhan and the government is running smoothly in Jharkhand, but this is not the case in Bihar, said Pandey. BJP, which has been keeping a close eye on the growing bitterness within the grand alliance, has dared JMM to break its ties with the RJD and settle scores with the Congress. If you have even an iota of self-respect left, break the ties with the RJD and settle scores with the Congress and send a clear message to the people that self-respect is above the pleasures of power. Only then will we believe you are a real Jharkhandi, who always sacrifice their lives to protect their self-respect, said state BJP spokesperson Ajay Sah. However, amid the political rhetoric, it is certain that after the Bihar elections, major changes will happen within the Grand Alliance in Jharkhand, he added. Notably, Bihar Assembly elections have sent ripples through Jharkhands political landscape, prompting Congress and the RJD to act swiftly to manage potential fallout within the states ruling coalition. In the present scenario, JMM has five ministers, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while one JMM seat remains vacant due to the demise of Ramdas Soren. Congress, on the other hand, has four ministers, and RJD has one minister -- Sanjay Prasad Yadav. If RJD withdraws its minister, the Hemant Cabinet would reduce from 11 to 10 ministers, including the chief minister. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly requires 41 seats for a majority. The ruling coalition currently comprises JMM with 34 seats, Congress 16, RJD 4, and CPI(M-L) 2, totalling 56 seats, 15 above the majority mark. Even without RJD, the government would retain 52 seats, comfortably above the majority. However, analysts caution that any move against Congress could trigger instability.
No Money For Food: 48 Indian Workers Stranded In Tunisia Seek Centre's Help
Forty-eight migrant workers from Jharkhand, who are stranded in the African country of Tunisia, have appealed to the Indian government to facilitate their return to India.
Jharkhand govt establishes contact with 48 migrants workers stranded in Tunisia
48 workers were employed for laying high transmission wires through a Delhi-based private firm which is working under a leading multinational company for the project in Tunisia.
Ranji Trophy | Can stumbling Tamil Nadu pass the stern Vidarbha test?
The southern side has tripped up in the first two games, going down by an innings to Jharkhand in the opening fixture and then salvaging just three points after posting 512 for three (decl.) against Nagaland
School Holidays in November 2025: List of regional and national holidays for students across India
Following October's festive spirit, Indian students anticipate winter breaks. November 2025 brings significant regional holidays like Haryana Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti, and Jharkhand Foundation Day, leading to school closures in specific states. While Children's Day is celebrated nationwide with school events, Guru Tegh Bahadur's Martyrdom Day impacts northern regions. Students should consult school calendars for precise holiday schedules.
48 Jharkhand migrant workers stranded in Tunisia for three months; seek government intervention
RANCHI: As many as 48 migrant workers from Jharkhands Giridih, Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts have allegedly been stranded in the African country of Tunisia for the past three months under extremely difficult conditions. Through a video message, these workers have sought help from the Indian government for their safe return to their homes. In the video message, the workers informed that their salaries have been withheld for the last six months and that they are starving as they have no food to eat. They appealed to the Indian government for their speedy return and payment of their pending wages. According to the migrant workers, they were told that they would be working as company employees, but after landing in Tunisia, they discovered that it was a contractual job. Moreover, they were informed that they would have to work only eight hours a day, but were made to work for over 12 hours daily. When we opposed, they started threatening that we will be put in jails and will never be able to return to our country, said one of the migrant workers, Amardeep Choudhary. They alleged that they have been duped by Prem Power Constructions. Now, we want to return home somehow, but the company is not letting us go, they said in the video message. They further alleged that they were not receiving proper payment for their work. Social activist Sikandar Ali, who works for the cause of migrant labourers, has demanded immediate intervention from the central and state governments in this matter. According to Sikandar Ali, the problem of migrant workers stranded abroad is not new, as many have fallen prey to fraudulent activities in the past. He also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return and to focus on creating employment opportunities in the state so that workers do not have to migrate for livelihood. Those stranded in Tunisia include nine workers from Vishnugarh in Hazaribagh, 14 from Bagodar, Sariya, Pirtand and Giridih blocks of Giridih district, and 15 from Chandrapura, Gomia and Petarwar areas of Bokaro. Among these workers are Amardeep Choudhary, Nandlal Mahato, Ajay Kumar, Gurucharan Mahato, Lalu Karmali and Sunil Tudu. Notably, a few months ago, several workers from Jharkhand were stranded in Niger, South Africa, some of whom reportedly remain unaccounted for.
Weather today: India braces for widespread rain and thunderstorms until November 2, driven by two significant weather systems. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in several regions, including Sikkim and West Bengal, with Gujarat also facing strong winds and lightning. Other areas like Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of the Northeast will experience moderate to heavy showers.
After 5 Children, Four Blood Donors Now Test HIV Positive In Jharkhand: Report
Reportedly, 44 blood samples were tested and of these, four blood donors have been found to be HIV positive.
Bihar polls: ECI reviews security in inter-State borders to ensure fair, peaceful voting
NEW DELHI: To ensure free and fair voting for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections on November 6 and 11, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday reviewed the prevailing security situation in the state. It directed senior officials in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal to ensure heightened vigilance in areas bordering the poll-bound state with enhanced checks to monitor movement of people, materials and money, including arms, anti-social elements, liquor, narcotics and freebies from across the international border with Nepal. The officials said that the Commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar gave the direction at a coordination meeting on inter-State border issues in Bihar held with the Chief Secretaries, DGPs and Principal Secretaries (Home) of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, along with officers from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railways and all other enforcement agencies. CEC Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, reviewed law-and-order arrangements in Bihar and its neighbouring states to monitor movement of people, materials and money, including arms, anti-social elements, liquor, narcotics and freebies also from across the international border with Nepal, they said. A special focus was placed on bordering districts and sealing of borders to maintain peace and order, the officials said. During the meeting, Kumar underscored the Commissions commitment to free, fair, peaceful and inducement-free elections, calling upon all stakeholders to work seamlessly to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, a senior ECI official said. The Commission also reviewed compliance with voter-facilitation directions to ensure a pleasant and smooth experience for voters on the day of polling. The Chief Secretaries and DGPs, along with heads of central agencies, were directed to ensure a peaceful and inducement-free election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar. The Chief Secretaries and the DGs of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and the DG of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were instructed to ensure heightened vigilance in areas bordering Bihar, with enhanced checks at inter-State posts. Central agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Income Tax Department, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), were directed to intensify efforts in the run-up to the polls and maximise seizures, acting upon intelligence.
Aiming to implement One Nation, One Police Uniform initiative soon, MHA seeks data from States
NEW DELHI: The Centre has moved a step towards implementing its ambitious One Nation, One Police Uniform initiative, as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently sent a communication to 16 States and Union Territories seeking detailed information on existing police uniforms and allowances by November 4. The missives that have been sent to 16 states include Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and they have been told to submit the details on the quality, design and cost on their respective police uniforms. According to the communication, the MHA has sought data on two key aspects from the rank of Constable to Deputy Superintendent of Police. It has also sought details from the Directors General of Police (DGsP) of the 16 states regarding the annual uniform allowance currently sanctioned to police personnel, rank-wise and the approximate cost of a pair of uniforms presently in use across the States and the UTs, officials said. The responsibility of working out a single uniform for all police forces of the states and the UTs has been given to the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), and the organisation is currently putting in efforts to standardise the attire under the new uniform national policy. The BPR&D has been tasked with studying the material, colour, insignia and cost factors to recommend a single model of uniform that can be adopted nationwide, the officials said. The officials indicated that while the Centre aims to maintain a standard design and fabric specification, individual states may retain their respective emblems and ranks, ensuring functional uniformity without compromising state identity. The concept of a common police uniform was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Chintan Shivir of State Home Ministers held on October 2728, 2022. Followingly, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023 sought responses from all states and Union Territories. The Prime Minister had then stated that the move aims to enhance public recognition of police personnel and improve the sense of institutional coherence across the country. According to the officials, following a review and approval from the central authorities, the MHA will issue guidelines for phased implementation, including procurement standards and colour codes. Once implemented, the scheme will usher in, for the first time in the history of Indian policing architecture, a single design specification, which will apply to all forces and will be away from the current state-specific variations in colour, fabric and insignia that have existed since Independence.
RANCHI: The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday pulled up government officials after reports surfaced of children testing HIV positive following blood transfusions in a government hospital in West Singhbhum. During the hearing, the court has directed officials to submit an affidavit providing details of blood donation camps held in both government and private hospitals. The court also sought information on the current demand and availability of blood in state hospitals. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar strongly reprimanded state government officials, terming such incidents extremely serious, and directed the government to take immediate action to prevent their recurrence. The court observed that such incidents reflect grave lapses in the states healthcare monitoring system and must be treated with utmost urgency. During the hearing, Health Secretary Ajay Kumar Singh, the Project Director of the Jharkhand AIDS Control Society, and the State Drug Controller were also present in person before the court. Hemant Soren seeks audit report of blood banks in Jharkhand after children test HIV positive Emphasising accountability and public safety, the Bench warned that such incidents could not be tolerated and called for immediate corrective action. The court further stressed that the government must strengthen the monitoring of blood banks and ensure foolproof testing procedures to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies. Earlier on Friday, taking a suo-moto cognisance of the media reports that a seven-year-old child contracted HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital at West Singhbhum, the Jharkhand High Court had ordered an urgent probe into the matter and sought a detailed report from the state health department. Following the Courts directive, a high-level medical investigation team from Ranchi visited Chaibasa on Saturday to inspect the hospitals blood bank and related facilities. During the investigation, it was discovered that four more children had been given infected blood and were found to be HIV positive. The team inspected the hospital's blood bank and PICU ward and gathered detailed information from the children's families. During the investigation, the medical team discovered several deficiencies and serious irregularities during their inspection of the blood bank and laboratory. Preliminary findings indicate that poor testing protocols, lack of supervision, and procedural negligence may have allowed contaminated blood to be used for transfusions a failure that has endangered several young lives. Five children test HIV positive after blood transfusion in Jharkhand; Civil Surgeon suspended
Anti-Maoist operations: CRPF Inspector dies 20 days after suffering IED injury in Jharkhand
Inspector Koushal Kumar Mishra suffered severe injuries on his left leg in an improvised explosive device blast that took place during an anti-Maoist operation in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand on October 10
CRPF inspector dies 20 days after IED injury during anti-Naxal operation in Jharkhand
NEW DELHI: A 58-year-old CRPF inspector succumbed to injuries at the AIIMS hospital here on Thursday, 20 days after he was critically injured in a Maoist triggered IED blast in Jharkhand. Inspector Koushal Kumar Mishra suffered severe injuries on his left leg in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that took place during an anti-Naxal operation in the West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand on October 10, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer said. Mishra, who hails from Bihar, was under treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) since October 11 after he was airlifted from Jharkhand. He breathed his last in the early hours of October 30, the officer said. The Inspector, belonging to the 60th battalion of the CRPF, was leading a patrol of troops in the North Saranda forests of the said district when the blast took place. Two other personnel, including Constable Mahendra Laskar (45), were also injured in this blast. Laskar, hailing from Assam, had succumbed to his injuries on October 11. IEDs have been the single largest threat to security forces deployed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected regions even when the Naxal insurgency is on wane and the Union government has declared that the menace will be eliminated from the country by March, 2026. CRPF head constable martyred in Jharkhand IED blast, two colleagues critically injured
Following major setbacks, Maoists replace top positions to sustain morale among cadres
RAIPUR: Amid repeated setbacks, the strength of the politburo and Central Committee (CC) members in thedecision-making body inCPI (Maoist), have dwindled from 45 to 20 during the last couple of years, and now to a single digit. However, the Red Brigade of left-wing extremists, facing a serious leadership crisis, have simultaneously undertaken damage control exercises to fill the void created by the loss of important influential leaders. And their mid-level or senior commanders were assigned the ranks as the frontline Maoist leaders, the intelligence sources told. There are barely 2-3 politburo and around half a dozen CC members remaining, taking responsibility in different regions like Abujhmad, Jharkhand, Odisha border, Amravati border and other key hideouts. Abhay for anonymity: How Maoists evade police action In a discreet move, the senior leaders are given positions as figureheads to show up numbers as a strength, ensuring that the morale of their cadres is not dented, a senior officer in the know-how of the development andbased in Bastar region further revealed. The Politburo & CC members are bestowed with key responsibilities, different organisational roles, besides steering military activities. The Maoist guerrillas, after over four decades of waging war on the state and security forces, are fast losing ground, and their influence has substantially declined in the last few years. The Maoist organisation, under the given circumstances, are not following their customary procedures regarding promotion of their senior cadres to the politburo or as CC members, the practice firmly followed earlier. For elevation to the top position, neither proposals are sought nor general body meetings or discussions that used to happen spanning over mutiple days earlier to elevate seniors through the department promotional committee are taking place now, the officer added. Another reason for such a make-do approach is that the topMaoist leaders not able to interact safely and conveniently amid existing challenges and restricted mobility. So, the procedures the Maoists executed to make up the higher positions, remain conventionally digressed, appearing rudimentary and makeshift, TNIE learnt. In 2025, more top Maoist leaders were killed than in any other year. The forces eliminated the general secretary of CPI (Maoist), Basava Raju alias Nambala Keshav Rao, and at least eight CC members cited to be the masterminds of several violent incidents where many jawans and innocent civilians were killed. India on verge of eradicating Naxal-maoist terror: PM Modi
Close shave for passengers on Tapaswini Express as goods train derails in Jharkhand
RANCHI: Rail traffic on the HatiaRourkela section was disrupted on Wednesday after a goods train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro derailed near Kanarowan railway station in Jharkhand's Simdega. At least 10 wagons went off the tracks. Of the 10 derailed wagons, five to seven bogies were reported to be completely damaged. The accident also damaged approximately 100 metres of both up and down lines. The Puri-Hatia Tapaswini Express was traveling directly behind the freight train at the time of the accident. Due to the alertness of railway personnel, the train was stopped at Tati station, averting a major loss of life. Although no casualties have been reported, the railways has suffered losses estimated in crores of rupees. The track, sleepers, overhead power lines, and signal systems were severely damaged. The exact cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained. According to officials, the incident took place at around 10:13 am on Wednesday near the northern cabin of Kanaroan railway station under Bano police station area. A freight train carrying iron ore from Rourkela to Bokaro suddenly derailed between poles 524/29 and 524/36. After receiving information about the accident, RPF and GRP teams rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area, establishing security. No one is allowed to approach the accident site. Senior officials, including the DRM, at Hatia Railway Division also reached the spot and assessed the situation. Work to remove debris and repair the track was subsequently initiated on a war footing. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager at Ranchi Rail Division Shuchi Singh said that the operation of approximately 11 trains has been affected due to the incident. However, alternative arrangements have been made to ensure that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Every effort is being made to ensure the safe arrival of passengers to their destinations, she said. According to railway officials, technical teams are working continuously, and if everything goes as planned, the track repairs will be completed within 10 to 12 hours. Partial train operations are expected to resume by late evening. Meanwhile, all train services on the Bano-Rourkela section have been suspended, diverted or short-terminated after the incident. Many passenger trains have been stranded at various stations. The Tapaswini Express was terminated at Tati station and sent back to Rourkela in Odisha. According to officials, about 1,300 passengers were travelling on that train. Buses were arranged for passengers at Rourkela station to bring them to Hatia, they said. The Hatia-Rourkela passenger and Hatia-Sanki-Hatia passenger have been cancelled for Wednesday, while the Hatia-Jharsuguda MEMU train has been short-terminated. At least nine trains, including the Sambalpur-Gorakhpur Maurya Express (15027), Visakhapatnam-Banaras Express (18523), Sir M Visvesvaraya Bengaluru Terminal-Hatia Express (12836) and Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (13351), were diverted.
Iron Ore Train Derails in Jharkhands Simdega, Services Disrupted
Incident near Kanaroan station diverts 9 trains, cancels 2, short-terminates Tapaswini Express; buses arranged for 1,300 stranded passengers
RANCHI: The Kolhan Bandh, called by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, witnessed widespread impact in West Singhbhum as most of the shops and business establishments remained closed since the morning. The 6 am to 6 pm bandh was called by the BJP in two districts of the Kolhan region against the alleged baton-charge on tribals during a demonstration in Chaibasa town on Monday night. Villagers in Chaibasa have been demanding the imposition of no entry on heavy vehicles on NH 220 and NH 75E during daytime to check frequent road accidents. Villagers on Monday were marching towards the residence of Jharkhand Transport Minister Deepak Birua to gherao his residence and hand over a memorandum to him in this regard, during which the police resorted to lathi-charge and hurled tear gas shells, leading to a stampede, injuring many people. Later, the police also arrested several protesters, prompting the BJP and other tribal organisations to call a bandh. Due to the bandh, attendance in schools and colleges remained extremely low, and public transport was completely shut down. Roads and major intersections remained deserted as the vehicles kept off the roads due to a bandh called by the tribal organisations and BJP. Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, along with his wife Geeta Koda, took to the streets to support the bandh. Some of the tribal organisations, along with BJP workers, also took to the streets, appealing to people to support the bandh. Bus services on the Jamshedpur-Ranchi route, Kiriburu and the surrounding rural areas were completely disrupted, causing significant inconvenience to the people. Due to the blockade created by the protesters by burning tyres on the roads, several trucks and light motor vehicles remained stranded on the National Highway connecting Jharkhand to Odisha and Bengal for several hours. The protesters blocked the road at Chakradharpur, Jagannathpur, Sonua, and Goilkera areas by burning tyres in the middle of the road. Bandh supporters were seen raising anti-government slogans and condemning the police action. Additional police teams were deployed to maintain law and order. Earlier on Tuesday, BJP leaders burned the effigy of Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the Chaibasa Post Office Chowk to register their protest. The police administration made elaborate security arrangements throughout the city to prevent any untoward incident. Additional police forces have been deployed at major intersections and bus stands in Chaibasa. Regular patrolling is also being done by the police forces to maintain peace in the area.
Cyclone Montha: Rain Lashes Parts of Jharkhand
Rain lashed Ranchi, Gumla, Ramgarh, Hazaribag, Palamu, Khunti, Lohardaga and Simdega in the morning
Suspected Spy Nabbed in Delhi; Police Probe Links to Pakistan, Foreign Scientist
New Delhi, Oct 28: The Delhi Police have arrested a 59-year-old man for his alleged involvement in espionage activities and a fake passport syndicate that was being run from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, officials said on Tuesday. The accused, Mohammad Adil Hussaini, also known by several aliases including Syed Adil Hussain, Nasimuddin, and Syed Adil Hussaini, was [] The post Suspected Spy Nabbed in Delhi; Police Probe Links to Pakistan, Foreign Scientist appeared first on Northlines .
'Spy' With Links To Foreign Scientist Arrested, Had Travelled To Pak: Report
The Delhi Police has arrested a 59-year-old man for his alleged involvement in espionage activities, including links with a foreign-based nuclear scientist, and a fake passport racket operating from Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, an official said
Jharkhand to get four new medical colleges, Centre provides approval under PPP model
RANCHI: In a major boost to the healthcare and education sectors in Jharkhand, the central government on Tuesday gave its approval for four new medical colleges in the state under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The approval was granted under the Government of Indias Scheme for Establishment of Medical Colleges in PPP Mode, aimed at expanding medical education and improving healthcare infrastructure across underserved regions of India. The decision was taken during an important meeting held in New Delhi at the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), after Jharkhands Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, Ajay Kumar Singh presented the states proposal. After the presentation given by Ajay Kumar Singh, the Centre approved the establishment of medical colleges in the four districts -- Khunti (50 MBBS seats), Jamtara (100 MBBS seats), Dhanbad (100 MBBS seats) and Giridih (100 MBBS seats). Each new institution will include a teaching hospital, bringing both medical education opportunities and better healthcare services to local communities. These projects will be implemented under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) sub-schemes administered by the DEA, Ministry of Finance. This PPP approach is expected to attract private investment and accelerate infrastructure development while ensuring quality standards and shared accountability. Calling it a historic day for Jharkhand, the Additional Chief Secretary said that the establishment of new medical colleges will create new employment opportunities for youth, besides giving a boost to the medical facilities in the state. The establishment of new medical colleges under the PPP model will significantly enhance medical education and healthcare services in Jharkhand, while also creating new employment opportunities for our youth. Notably, Jharkhand currently has nine medical colleges, including some prominent institutions such as Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College, Jamshedpur (MGMMC) both among the oldest in eastern India. In recent years, the opening of AIIMS Deoghar (2019) has strengthened the states medical education infrastructure, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
10-year-old girl dies in IED blast in Jharkhands West Singhbhum
Jharkhand: IED blast claims life of 10-year-old girl in Saranda jungles
RANCHI: A 10-year-old girl, who had gone into the forests of West Singhbhum to collect sial leaves, was killed after an IED, planted by Maoists, blew up. The incident took place on Tuesday near Digha under Jaraikele police. As per initial reports, Siria Herenj, daughter of Jai Masi Herenj, a resident of Digha village, inadvertently came into contact with an IED planted by Maoists, targeting the security forces while she was collecting sial leaves. The explosion was so powerful that the girl died on the spot after her legs were severely damaged. After receiving the information, Jaraikela police rushed to the spot and recovered the girl's body from the forest. Superintendent of Police Amit Renu confirmed the incident, terming it a cowardly act by the Maoists. A girl, who had gone into the jungles to collect sial leaves, has been killed in an IED blast near Digha village. She succumbed to her injuries while being evacuated from the jungles by the security forces, said the SP. The incident took place at around 10 am on Tuesday, he added. The SP further informed that given the seriousness of the matter, security forces have been alerted in the entire area, and a thorough investigation of the incident has been initiated. Maoists are now restricted only to Saranda jungles in Jharkhand as they have been whipped out from other pockets of the state. According to an estimate, around 60-65 Maoists are supposed to be hiding in Saranda jungles, where they have planted thousands of IEDs, which has become a challenge for the security forces. The state police have launched a joint operation in Kolhan and Saranda jungles of Chaibasa in November 2022. Since then, as many as six security personnel have lost their lives, while 20 others were critically injured. Around 22 civilian lives were also lost, leaving many critically injured after IED blasts. The joint operation, conducted by personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jharkhand Police, was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of top Maoist leaders in the region, including Misir Besra, a senior CPI(Maoist) commander with a bounty of Rs 1 crore on his head.
IRB jawan shot dead in Jharkhand's Bokaro
BOKARO: An Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) jawan was allegedly shot dead by a man over a minor dispute in Jharkhand's Bokaro district, police said on Tuesday. The deceased jawan has been identified as Ajay Yadav (25), a resident of Yaduvansh Nagar in Adarsh Colony under the jurisdiction of Chas police station. According to the police, Yadav was posted in Giridih district and had returned to his hometown in Chas during Chhath Puja holiday. The incident took place on Monday evening. An argument broke out between the jawan and a youth named Balram Tiwari over some issue. The verbal spat soon escalated into a scuffle. Balram initially left the scene. After some time, he returned with a pistol and fired three rounds at the jawan's stomach, Chas Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Praveen Kumar Singh said. He said Yadav was rushed to Bokaro General Hospital (BGH), where doctors declared him brought dead. The SDPO added that an FIR has been lodged and that the police are investigating the case. They were also conducting raids at multiple locations to arrest the accused and his accomplices.
Schools across India remain closed today, October 28, 2025, due to Chhath Puja festivities in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, and heavy rainfall from Cyclone Montha affecting Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. Authorities urge caution amid flooding and strong winds.
Chhath Puja 2025, a significant festival in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, will be celebrated with devotion to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. The festival symbolises gratitude and faith, involving rigorous fasting and prayers to the sun. The article offers a curated list of 100 wishes, quotes, messages, and status lines for sharing.
Hyderabad Tunes Into Chhath Puja Festivities
The city is home to an estimated 16 lakh people from Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand.
Hemant Soren seeks audit report of blood banks in Jharkhand after children test HIV positive
RANCHI: After five children were contracted with HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital in West Singhbhum, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has sought an audit report from all blood banks in Jharkhand. The Chief Minister has also directed the Health Minister to take cognisance of the entire matter, stating that poor healthcare systems will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Hemant Soren has asked the health department to submit a report within five days. The infection of children with thalassemia in Chaibasa is extremely painful. The Health Department should audit all blood banks in the state and submit a report within five days. Poor healthcare systems will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Health Minister @IrfanAnsariMLA please take note, posted Chief Minister Hemant Soren on X. Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) October 26, 2025 Notably, taking a strong note of the utter negligence by health officials in Chaibasa, the Chief Minister had ordered the suspension of the Civil Surgeon and Medical Officer responsible for the same. The matter came into light after family members of a child lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner and the state government. The Chief Minister, in his post on social media platform X, announced to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each of the families of the affected children, along with free treatment to the suffering children. Taking Suo-moto cognisance of the incident, the Jharkhand High Court ordered an urgent probe into the matter and sought a detailed report from the state health department. The court also directed officials to take strict accountability measures and prevent any further lapses. Following the Courts directive, a high-level medical investigation team from Ranchi visited Chaibasa on Saturday to inspect the hospitals blood bank and related facilities. During the investigation, it was discovered that four more children had tested HIV positive. The team inspected the hospital's blood bank and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) ward and gathered detailed information from the children's families. Meanwhile, the medical team discovered several deficiencies and serious irregularities during their inspection of the blood bank and laboratory. Preliminary findings indicate that poor testing protocols, lack of supervision, and procedural negligence may have allowed contaminated blood to be used for transfusions a failure that has endangered several young lives. Meanwhile, looking at the seriousness of the matter, a high-level six-member investigation team has been formed by the health department, headed by Special Secretary of the Health Department, Dr Neha Arora. The team will thoroughly investigate the entire matter and submit a detailed report to the department. The team has also been directed to recommend necessary technical and administrative improvements to prevent such negligence in the future.
Jharkhand tragedy: Bodies of three girls found floating in pond at Simdega
A horrifying discovery in Simdega, Jharkhand, has left the local community in shock as the bodies of three girls aged 5 to 7 were found in a village pond. Police suspect drowning, but a detailed investigation and post-mortem are underway to determine the exact cause of death
2 Drown While Bathing In Jharkhand River During Chhath Puja
Bodies of two persons, who had gone missing while bathing in the Sone river on the occasion of the Chhath festival, were fished out in Jharkhand's Palamu district, police said.
Coal mine wall collapses on oil tanker in Jharkhand; one dead, two injured
DHANBAD: An employee of a private company died and two others were injured after the wall of an open-cast coal mine collapsed on an oil tanker in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, police said. The accident occurred in the mining area under the Putki Police Station limits when the sidewall of the mine caved in and the debris fell on the tanker on Sunday, an officer said. The oil tanker went inside the open-cast mine to refill earthmover machines and overturned after a sidewall of the mine caved in, and the debris fell on the vehicle, Putki Police Station Officer-in-Charge Waqar Hussain told PTI. A staffer of the private firm engaged in mining activities, who was standing near the oil tanker, died, while the driver and cleaner of the vehicle were admitted to a nursing home in the locality, he said. The deceased was identified as Dipak Pandey (25), a resident of Rajput Basti in Kendua, while the injured persons are Ganesh Mahato and Kishore Mahato. The body of the deceased was sent to the Shaheed Nirmal Mahato Medical College, Dhanbad, for a post-mortem examination, the officer said. The private firm provided Rs 5 lakh in cash to the deceased's family for the last rites and issued a cheque of Rs 10 lakh, along with a job offer to one of the family members on compassionate grounds, he said.
Chhath Puja 2025 celebrates devotion to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Marked by fasting, prayers, and offerings, it symbolises purity, gratitude, and unity. Share warm Chhath Puja wishes, messages, and quotes with loved ones this festive season.
Five thalassemia-affected children in Jharkhand's Chaibasa were tested HIV positive after being administered infected blood during transfusions at a Hospital. This comes day after, a seven year old thalassemia patient contacted HIV. The boy's family alleged that the local blood bank in Chaibasa
Five children in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, contracted HIV after receiving infected blood during transfusions. The state government has ordered a high-level investigation and suspended several officials. Financial assistance and free treatment are being provided to affected families. The Chief Minister has directed an audit of all blood banks in the state. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
The five-member team led by Director (Health Services) Dr Dinesh Kumar inspected the blood bank in Sadar Hospital and the paediatric intensive care unit ward and gathered details from children undergoing treatment
Five children test HIV positive after transfusion; Jharkhand CM Soren suspends Civil Surgeon, others
RANCHI: Taking strong note of the alleged negligence by health officials, where five children contracted HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has ordered the suspension of the Civil Surgeon and other officials responsible for the lapse. The matter came to light after the family members of a child lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner and the state government. The Chief Minister, in his post on the social media platform X, also announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each of the affected families along with free treatment for the children suffering from the infection. Following reports of HIV-infected blood being transfused to children suffering from Thalassemia in Chaibasa, instructions have been given to suspend the West Singhbhum Civil Surgeon and other concerned officials, posted Hemant Soren on X. He further stated that the state government would provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the affected children and ensure complete treatment for the infected children. Notably, a seven-year-old child suffering from Thalassemia was given infected blood on 3 September and later tested positive for HIV on 18 October. The Jharkhand High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter and ordered an investigation on Friday. The following day, a five-member team from Ranchi visited Chaibasa and conducted an inquiry at Sadar Hospital. During the investigation, it was discovered that four more children had allegedly been infected with HIV. Two of these children are still admitted to the PICU ward of Sadar Hospital. The team included Director of Health Services Dr Dinesh Kumar, Dr Shipra Das, Dr S. S. Paswan, Dr Bhagat, and Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Dr Sushanto Kumar Manjhi, along with Dr Shivcharan Hansda and Dr Meenu Kumari. The team inspected the hospital's blood bank and the PICU ward, and gathered detailed information from the families of the affected children. Following the investigation, the Director of Health Services, Dr Dinesh Kumar, informed that efforts are underway to determine the source of the infection. He also confirmed that five children have tested HIV positive. Their source of infection is being investigated. It is being found out how the children suffering from Thalassemia got infected with HIV positive. Hospital administration has been directed to get blood tests of the children done, said the Health Director. There could be two reasons for the children getting infected with HIV either infected blood was transfused to them or the infection came into their bodies from outside sources, which is being investigated, he added. According to the Health Director, there are a total of 515 HIV-infected patients in the district and 56 patients suffering from Thalassemia. He said that a complete report will be submitted to the department. Meanwhile, the medical team discovered several deficiencies and serious irregularities during their inspection of the blood bank and laboratory. Dr Dinesh said that they have been given a week to rectify the deficiencies in the blood bank and laboratory. In the meantime, the blood bank will operate only as an emergency facility for two to three days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm wishes for Kharna Puja, a key ritual of the Chhath festival, honouring Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. He shared a song by Bhojpuri artist Nirahua, highlighting the festival's devotion and traditions. Preparations are underway across Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, with folk songs enhancing the sacred occasion.
Happy Chhath Puja 2025 Wishes: As Chhath Puja 2025 unfolds, devotees observe Kharna, a significant ritual involving fasting and special offerings like gur ki kheer. Celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, the festival honors the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, seeking blessings for well-being and prosperity. Families share heartfelt wishes and messages to commemorate this auspicious occasion.
5 Children With Thalassemia Test HIV-Positive In Jharkhand
Four more children suffering from thalassemia were detected HIV-positive in Jharkhand's Chaibasa town on Saturday during an investigation by a five-member medical team from Ranchi, taking the total number of affected minors to five.
A seven-year-old thalassemia patient in Jharkhand has tested HIV-positive, leading to an investigation into allegations of contaminated blood transfusion from the local blood bank. A five-member team from Ranchi is probing the incident, examining blood donors and the blood bank's procedures. While the family suspects the blood bank, authorities caution against premature conclusions, noting other potential infection routes.
Suspected Maoist behind Kokrajhar railway IED blast killed in encounter
A suspected Maoist, identified as Apil Murmu alias Rohit Murmu, was killed in an encounter with police in Kokrajhar, Assam. Murmu was allegedly involved in an IED blast on a railway track in Kokrajhar and had links to insurgent activities in Assam and Jharkhand, including a train blast in Jharkhand in October 2024.
NCC bags Rs 6,829 cr order from Coal India arm
NEW DELHI, Oct 25: NCC Ltd on Saturday said it has bagged a Rs 6,828.94 crore order from Coal India arm Central Coalfields to extract and transport coal and overburden from one of the mining projects in Jharkhand. In a regulatory filing, the company said it has received a letter of acceptance dated October 24 from Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL) regarding this. The extraction and transportation of overburden and coal will have to be done from the Amrapali open-cast [] The post NCC bags Rs 6,829 cr order from Coal India arm appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Jharkhand: Women voters outnumber men by 5% in Ghatsila bypoll
RANCHI: Political parties in Jharkhand are trying to win the support of women voters in Ghatsila bypoll, where they outnumber men by nearly five per cent. Out of 2,56,252 voters in the Ghatsila constituency, 1,31,180 are women and 1,25,078 are men. The JMM, a part of the ruling alliance, is banking on its most popular initiative, 'Maiyan Samman Yojana', while the opposition BJP is trying to galvanise women's support with various central schemes and highlighting ising incidents of crime against women in the state, party leaders said. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Manoj Pandey said the voters, especially women, in tribal areas have traditionally been with the party. The support got stronger after the launch of the woman welfare scheme 'Maiyan Samman Yojana', which is empowering them economically and socially, Pandey told PTI. The beneficiaries under the programme, launched last year, get an assistance of Rs 2,500 per month. The scheme is considered to be a major factor which reportedly helped the JMM-led coalition government return to power for the second consecutive term in the 2024 assembly polls. Pandey said the government has also launched several other schemes to empower women in the state. Besides, we have our two top star campaigners--Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren, who are the most loved persons among the voters. So, we are confident to get complete support from women, he added. The BJP is also confident of winning over the women voters in this bypoll. The 'Maiyan Samman Yojana' was a political gimmick of the JMM-led government. There is resentment among women over the scheme, as the government had initially given the benefit to 65 lakh beneficiaries, but after the 2024 assembly elections, the number was reduced to less than 40 lakh, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo alleged. He said women's safety has been one of the major concerns in the state under the rule of the JMM-led alliance. Crimes against women, such as cases of rape, murder and others, are at their peak. Women of the state want a change now, which will begin from Ghatsila, he alleged while talking to PTI . He claimed that women's empowerment has been the priority of the BJP-led central government. Hordes of schemes and projects such as LPG connections under the 'Ujjwala' scheme, 'Beti Padhao- Beti Bachao', 'Matru Vandana' programme were launched to uplift women of society. Besides, the PM-JANMAN scheme was also rolled out to provide essential services to marginalised tribal groups, Shahdeo said. Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K Ravi Kumar said the number of women voters is usually higher than that of men in the tribal areas of the state. According to our observations, women in tribal-majority areas have a higher life expectancy than men. Additionally, the sex ratio is favourable to women in these regions, Kumar told PTI . Voting for the Ghatsila bypoll will be held on November 11. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. The Ghatsila by-election was necessitated due to the death of sitting JMM MLA Ramdas Soren on August 15. The ruling JMM has nominated Ramdas' son Somesh Chandra Soren for the bypoll, while the BJP has fielded Babulal Soren, son of former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren. Thirteen candidates are in the fray for the Ghatsila assembly byelection after the withdrawal of candidature concluded on Friday. As many as 300 polling stations are being set up to hold the bypoll. The chief electoral officer said there will be three all-women booths, two for persons with disabilities and one will be managed by the youth. Jharkhand's Kurmi community warns to boycott Ghatshila by-polls if denied ST-status
Nayi raftar: Endorsement echo in Modis praise for Nitish leadership
PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday signalled what many see as a de facto endorsement of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as the NDAs chief ministerial face, asserting that the ruling alliance, under Nitishs leadership, is poised to achieve a record-breaking victory in the upcoming assembly elections. Speaking to packed crowds during back-to-back rallies in Samastipur and Begusarai, Modi highlighted the NDAs development agenda and governance record, and asserted: I can now say with full confidence that under Nitishs leadership, NDA will break its own record in Bihar and secure the biggest mandate ever. The timing of Modis remarks added weight, coming just a day after the Opposition INDIA bloc announced RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate. Some days ago, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had only increased the suspense by saying the legislature party leaders would decide the alliances CM candidate after the polls. Modi was unequivocal in his praise. Nayi raftar se chalega Bihar, phir jab aayegi NDA sarkar, he said, emphasising that Bihars growth would accelerate under NDA governance. Modi credited Nitish Kumar with ending what he repeatedly called the jungle raj of the RJD years, saying, For 20 years, Nitish Kumar struggled to take Bihar out of jungle raj as Opposition RJD-Congress created obstacles. He projected Bihar as a state poised for investment and innovation, adding, Bihar is now an attractive destination for investments where every district will see startups of local youths in the days to come. He also drew a sharp contrast with the Opposition, asserting, Law and order could not exist where a party like the RJD was in power. Bihar assembly polls: Dont allow 'jungle raj of Congress and RJD to re-enter the state, says Amit Shah The PM also aimed at the Opposition alliance, dismissing the INDIA bloc as a mahalathbandhan, or coalition that fights among itself. He criticised the blocs leaders as corrupt and currently out on bail. while alleging that their arrogance had led them to ignore smaller allies like Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Mukesh Sahanis VIP, despite promising a deputy CM post. He recalled the Congresss past treatment of its own leaders, citing former party president Sitaram Kesri, saying, Its no secret how a family in the Congress misbehaved with him. This is the true face of those who claim to fight for social justice, while calling the party anti-Dalit. Before addressing the crowds, Modi visited the ancestral house of socialist icon and former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur in Karpoorigram to pay tribute and interact with his family. The visit carried symbolic weight, following the posthumous awarding of the Bharat Ratna to Thakur, a move widely read as part of the NDAs effort to consolidate support among the states Extremely Backward Classes, who constitute over a third of Bihars population. Now they (the Opposition) are trying to steal Jannayak from the departed leader, Modi said in Begusarai, referring to Thakurs popular epithet and accusing the RJD of political opportunism. Ending on a lighter note, he asked the crowd to switch off their mobile phones, before adding, When there is so much light, is there a need for a lantern?a pointed reference to the RJDs election symbol. EC asks parties to label AI content used for campaign In an advisory to parties, the Election Commission on Friday directed them to ensure prominent labelling of AI-generated and synthetic content shared for campaigning during the Assembly elections. The poll panel said the campaigners will need to include disclaimers in advertisements and promotional content disseminated online.
Seven-year-old gets HIV after transfusion of contaminated blood in Jharkhand
RANCHI: In a shocking case of negligence, a seven-year-old child, suffering from Thalassemia, reportedly contracted with HIV after being transfused with infected blood at Sadar Hospital at West Singhbhum district in Jharkhand. As per reports, the child was admitted to the hospital a couple of months ago for treatment and received a blood transfusion. Later, when his health deteriorated, he underwent tests, which confirmed that he was HIV positive. The childs family has accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that the infection came from contaminated blood provided by the hospitals blood bank. The family members of the child have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner and the state government. They have demanded strict action against those responsible for the negligence. Meanwhile, looking at the seriousness of the matter, Jharkhand health department have launched an inquiry into the case and blood samples and records related to the transfusion are being examined. The civil surgeon has assured that a detailed report will be submitted very soon. I have ordered an inquiry seeking a report in this regard. Let the report come and we will act accordingly, said Chaibasa Civil Surgeon Sushanto Majhee. If anyone found guilty, he will not be spared at any cost, he added. This incident has triggered outrage among locals and health activists, who have called for tighter monitoring of blood banks and stronger hospital safety protocols to prevent such lapses in future.
Jharkhand Congress distances itself from RJD-JMM seat-sharing row in Bihar
RANCHI: Amid the ongoing tussle between the RJD and JMM over the denial of seats to the latter for the Bihar Assembly polls, Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari has denied any role of the Congress party. Jharkhand's ruling JMM on Monday announced that it would not contest the assembly elections in neighbouring Bihar, claiming that the decision was taken in the wake of a political conspiracy by its allies RJD and Congress, which deprived it of seats as part of the Mahagathbandhan. The announcement came barely two days after the Hemant Soren-led party said that it would go solo in Bihar and contest the elections in six assembly segments as the seat-sharing talks failed. Talking to The New Indian Express over phone, Ansari said that the Congress is not responsible for the denial of seats to the JMM in Bihar. Since the seats the JMM was demanding in Bihar belonged to the RJD, the Congress is not at all responsible for whatever happened, said Ansari. The minister, however, said that the situation should have been avoided as Hemant Soren definitely holds sway in the bordering areas in Bihar. This is the time to fight together against the BJP in Bihar forgetting the differences. I would request Hemant Soren ji to come and take part in the campaigning in Bihar. He will have to come forward to support us. This is the fight of everyone, said Ansari. Senior Congress leader Pradeep Balmuchu also came to the Congress's defence, saying, If the RJD had given the decision on seat sharing, how is the Congress at fault? He further clarified that the Bihar seat allocation had been decided by the RJD, not Congress. In coalition politics, give and take is natural. The RJD, as the leading partner, will make the final decision, and all allies work together to strengthen the alliance, said Balmuchu. The Bihar Assembly elections have sent ripples through Jharkhands political landscape, prompting the Congress and RJD to act swiftly to manage the potential fallout within the states ruling coalition. In the present scenario, the JMM has five ministers, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while one JMM seat remains vacant due to the demise of Ramdas Soren. The Congress, on the other hand, has four ministers and RJD has one minister -- Sanjay Prasad Yadav. If the RJD withdraws its minister, the Hemant Cabinet would be reduced from 11 to 10 ministers, including the chief minister. The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly requires 41 seats for a majority. The ruling coalition currently comprises the JMM with 34 seats, Congress 16, RJD 4, and CPI(M-L) 2, totaling 56 seats, 15 above the majority mark. Even without the RJD, the government would retain 52 seats, comfortably above the majority. Analysts caution, however, that any move against the Congress could trigger instability.
Watch: Bihar womans Chhath song mentions Modi Bhaiya; 4-day festival begins tomorrow
Chhath Puja, a four-day festival honoring Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, is commencing with widespread preparations across Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to share traditional Chhath songs online, highlighting their role in enhancing the festival's divinity. These folk melodies, often featuring blessings, are a vital part of the enduring cultural legacy.
Four notorious inter-state gangsters, including Sigma gang chief Ranjan Pathak, were killed in a fierce encounter with Delhi and Bihar police in Rohini. The shootout occurred early Thursday morning after police flagged down their vehicle. The operation thwarted multiple planned killings ahead of elections in Bihar.
Ranchi Diary | Drones used to smuggle weapons from Pakistan
The Jharkhand police have found that weapons are being smuggled into the state from Pakistan through drones. Cops on Wednesday arrested five people, including a woman, for their involvement in an extortion racket and cross-border smuggling of weapons. According to Ranchi City SP Paras Rana, following a detailed round of interrogation, the arrested persons told the investigators that the Sujit Sinha and Prince Khan gangs procure weapons from Pakistan through drones via Moga (Punjab), which they use to extort money by spreading terror among big businessmen, capitalists and traders at various places across the country, including Ranchi. 4th SAAF Sr Athletics Cships from today The fourth South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships, scheduled to be held in Ranchi from October 24 to 26, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday at the Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morhabadi. According to Soren, who says hosting the championship is a matter of pride for Jharkhand, has directed officials to ensure that the event is conducted on a grand scale in a well-organised manner. Such international tournaments boost Jharkhands growing reputation in the field of sports and help the state build a distinct identity on the global stage, he said. Jharkhand HC seeks report on witchcraft cases The Jharkhand High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on the killing of three members of a family in Lohardaga, including a nine-year-old child, on the suspicion that they practised witchcraft. The court has also sought details of cases registered under the Witchcraft Prevention Act, 1999, in the last two years. Further, it has directed the government to provide all information on the status of investigation of the cases registered in this regard. The HC has directed the listing of the present case along with the records related to PILs filed in 2012 and 2015 related to similar cases. The court will hear the matter next on November 14. Mukesh Ranjan Our correspondent in Jharkhand mukesh.r@newindianexpress.com
Jharkhand bypoll: Candidate, party chief get legal notice for sitting on top of SUV during campaign
RANCHI: The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) has been served a legal notice for violating election rules after party chief Jairam Mahato and candidate Ramdas Murmu were seen sitting on top of a Scorpio vehicle while interacting with voters during their campaign for the Ghatshila bypoll. The notice was served after the video of Mahato, the JLKM MLA from Dumri, and Murmu went viral on social media. Mahato and Murmu allegedly violated election rules by sitting on top of the vehicle while interacting with voters. According to the Election Commission guidelines, standing or sitting atop vehicles during campaigning is prohibited, as it poses risks to public safety and may disrupt law and order. East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi, who is also the District Election Officer, has issued a directive to the political party or candidate to provide a clear explanation within 24 hours. If the party fails to respond satisfactorily in this regard, legal action will be taken against it as per the law. Satyarthy, through his social media post, informed that legal action will be taken if the rules were violated. The Returning Officer has directed the concerned political party/candidate to submit an explanation within 24 hours regarding campaigning while sitting/standing atop a four-wheeled vehicle during rallies/processions held in the Ghatsila constituency. Legal action will be ensured, posted the Deputy Commissioner on X. The Ghatshila Sub-divisional Magistrate also asserted that a notice has been issued to the party and the candidate asking for a reply within 24 hours. He also informed that a reply has been received from the party and they will assess it after getting a reply from the flying squad team and video viewing team which were present on the spot. Afte corroborating all the facts in this regard, further action will be taken, said the SDM. The Ghatshila Assembly constituency in Jharkhands East Singhbhum district will witness a three-cornered contest in the bypoll next month between the JLKM, BJP and ruling JMM. The JLKM reposed faith in Ramdas Murmu, who had finished third in the 2024 Assembly poll from the same seat, bagging only 8092 votes, as its candidate. The BJP-led NDA nominated Babulal Soren, the son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, while Somesh Soren, son of late minister Ramdas Soren, is in the fray as the JMM candidate. The bypoll is scheduled to be held on November 11 along with the Bihar Assembly elections. The counting of votes will take place on November 14. A total of 14 candidates are in the fray.
DC Edit | Bihar Polls: INDIA United on CM Face at Last Minute
The Mahagathbandhan has now succeeded in retaining the VIP in the alliance but it lost an important partner when the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha quit the hustings in Bihar and walked out of the INDIA bloc
Fire at Dumka Airport Solar Plant
Blaze in battery room at Jharkhands Sidhu Kanhu Airport swiftly brought under control
Drug Warehouse On Wheels: 500-kg Ganja Seized From Truck In Jharkhand
The Telangana anti-narcotics wing--EAGLE--on Wednesday said it in a joint operation with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Ranchi Division, intercepted a lorry transporting ganja in Jharkhand and seized 500 kg of ganja.
Foreign tourists assaulted in Dehradun hotel over bill dispute, police launch probe
DEHRADUN: A shocking incident has marred the reputation of Uttarakhand's pristine tourist destination, Chopta, after a dispute over hotel billing escalated into physical assault involving foreign tourists, their guide, and local service providers The incident occurred at the Bunker House Homestay in Rudraprayag district, where a group of international tourists from the Slovak Republic, Malta, and Italy allegedly clashed with local service providers on Tuesday. The dispute reportedly began when the homestay owner demanded an unpaid balance of Rs 10,000 for lodging and food. According to police sources, the confrontation soon turned physical. The homestay owner, Rakesh Taneja, and his associates allegedly assaulted the groups guide, Sandeep Kumar, and damaged the tourists vehicle, smashing its windows. Several foreign women in the group suffered minor injuries amid the commotion. The victims, along with their travel agent, Arvind Das of Jharkhand, approached the Chamoli police outpost to file a complaint. The travel agent alleged that the homestay owner not only assaulted them but also forcibly took their money and valuables, a police official said. Since the location of the homestay lies near the border of Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, Chamoli police immediately alerted senior officials and transferred the case to the appropriate jurisdiction. The tourists were escorted by police to the Ukhimath police station in Rudraprayag for safety and further assistance. Sandeep Shah, the In-charge of Chopta police station, confirmed an investigation is underway. Our team has reached the site based on the report from Mandal police. Statements from both parties are being recorded, and appropriate action will follow, he stated. The group, comprising twelve foreign nationals and three Indian companions, had checked into the homestay on October 17 through an online booking facilitated by MakeMyTrip. Authorities are treating the case with heightened sensitivity, given the involvement of international travellers. Chopta, celebrated for its alpine meadows, lush forests, and proximity to Tungnath the worlds highest Shiva temple draws thousands of domestic and foreign visitors each year. The incident has raised concerns within Uttarakhands tourism and hospitality circles about safety and service standards in the region.
500 kg of marijuana seized in joint operation by Eagle team and NCB in Jharkhand
Telanganas EAGLE team seizes 500 kg of ganja in Jharkhand
Hyderabad: The Telangana anti-narcotics wingEAGLEon Wednesday said it in a joint operation with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ranchi Division, intercepted a lorry transporting ganja in Jharkhand and seized 500 kg of ganja. Acting on specific input that a lorry would be transporting a substantial consignment of ganja on the intervening night of October 20-21, 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 .
BJP slams JMM for political U-turns after withdrawing from Bihar polls
RANCHI: Taking a dig on Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) following its decision of not contesting the Bihar assembly elections , Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the party of repeatedly changing its stand, calling its approach a series of political U-turns. Making the mockery of the party for repeatedly changing its stand on Bihar polls, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo on Tuesday said that the JMM has taken so many U-turns in the Bihar elections that it should now be called JMM(U). Shahdeo further said that JMMs decision to back out of the Bihar polls exposed its weak position within the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. First, JMM demanded 16 seats, then reduced it to 12, later to three and finally decided not to contest at all, said Shahdeo, further adding, After so many U-turns, the party should now be called JMM(U). According to Shahdeo, this episode clearly shows how the RJD and Congress have humiliated JMM. In this entire episode, Jharkhands identity and pride were humiliated at the crossroads of Bihar, he said. For a long time, JMM kept pleading for an alliance, but its efforts failed miserably. Senior JMM leaders themselves admitted that RJD and Congress stabbed them in the back, calling the whole episode an act of political deceit, said BJP Spokesperson. JMM ministers and general secretaries have announced that they will review their alliance with the Congress and RJD; people of Jharkhand are eagerly waiting for the outcome of this review, he added. The BJP spokesperson further alleged that the JMM has compromised Jharkhands pride for the sake of political survival. Time will tell whether Chief Minister Hemant Soren, like his father Shibu Soren, can stand up for Jharkhands honour or whether, once again, the JMM will bow before the RJD and Congress to stay in power, Pratul said. Earlier on Monday, the JMM leadership accused the RJD and Congress of betrayal over seat-sharing arrangements in Bihar. In its Diwali announcement, JMM declared that it would completely withdraw from the Bihar polls and would review its alliance with RJD and Congress in Jharkhand after the election results. Party sources claimed the decision was made to safeguard Jharkhands dignity and political identity, after the allies allegedly sidelined JMM during negotiations.
