News from Odisha

The Kumki elephants at Chandaka-Damapada Sanctuary in Odisha are trained by the Forest Department to help tame wild elephants. These rescued jumbos, once separated from their herds, now live disciplined lives under the guidance of skilled mahouts.

Seventeen companies from outside Odisha were awarded Rs 35,000 crore worth of contracts under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Departments during the BJD's tenure. Allegations of corruption and kickbacks in the tender process have surfaced. The BJP government plans to investigate these claims. Residents report incomplete water projects and poor service despite significant payments to contractors.

A violent clash erupted between BJP and Chhatra Congress workers in Bhubaneswar's Master Canteen square following protests over Rahul Gandhi's anti-Hindu statement. Despite police presence, the situation escalated to stone pelting before additional forces controlled it.

A rift appears to be emerging in the BJD as corporator Amaresh Jena accuses senior leaders Ashok Chandra Panda and Ananta Narayan Jena of dividing the party. He alleges they are influencing corporators to create disturbances.

Odisha BJP President Manmohan Samal launched a fierce attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, calling him a liar, violent, and terrorist after Gandhi's statement in the Lok Sabha. Samal criticized Gandhi for disrespecting Hindus and hurting sentiments nationwide.

Cyber fraudsters duped people across 24 Indian states, with Rs 2 crore frozen in an Odisha case. Five individuals were arrested for scamming a government official in Bhubaneswar using a fake courier scheme, claiming drugs were sent to Taiwan using his credentials. The accused operated fraudulent transactions across multiple states, involving over Rs 25 crores.

Resentment grows in Jajpur as locals protest the administrative delay in sealing the controversial 'Balle Balle Dhaba and Family Restaurant'. Allegations of MPLAD and MLALAD funds misuse and involvement of local BJD leaders have fueled the dispute. Despite a notice, action remains pending.

The rituals of the upcoming Rath Yatra will be performed as per the rituals conducted during the festival in 1971. 

A three-year-old girl was allegedly raped by Santosh Khuntia in Bhubaneswar. The accused has been arrested by Airfield Police after absconding. The child's condition is stable, and a senior official from Capital Hospital confirms ongoing investigations.

The newly elected BJP government in Odisha has started the process of increasing pensions for old age, widows, and disabled beneficiaries. Minister Nityananda Gond stated that preparations are underway to raise the pensions to Rs 3,000, pending budget clearance.

The State Health Department has mandated all government and private doctors to provide medical reports of rape victims within seven days, in line with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This directive includes detailed procedures for timely medical examinations and documentation.

The LAccMI bus services in Odisha's Dhenkanal district have changed their name to 'Mukhyamantri Bus Seva' and their color to saffron and white. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena announced the rebranding, but there is no clarity on who ordered the color change.

Frequent ownership changes have hindered development at Gopalpur Port in Odisha's Ganjam district. Residents, particularly the fishermen community, face an uncertain future due to jetty construction. The Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister suspects deliberate actions behind these changes, with hopes for improvement under potential new ownership by Adani Group.

Tensions flared in Belanta village, Cuttack, after a violent clash led to bombs being hurled. Several people were injured, and police have been deployed to maintain order. The incident follows earlier conflicts during Holi.

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