Another BJD leader and former Khallikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethy accused the BJD of sidelining him before crossing over to the saffron party on Monday. Sethy was reportedly aspiring for a BJD ticket this time. Earlier, another frontline leader of the ruling party Bipin Pradhan, touted as a rebel in Digapahandi, had joined the BJP.
To add to the BJD’s headache, many disgruntled leaders and ticket aspirants from various Assembly constituencies are said to be in contact with the BJP. They may plunge into the saffron pond anytime now, sources said.
Speculations are rife that the BJD is toying with the idea of fielding incumbent Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda in the Gopalpur seat, presently represented by Pradeep Panigrahi. Similarly, the party’s district unit president Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik is being considered for the prestigious Berhampur Assembly segment.
In the case of Berhampur Lok Sabha seat, former BJD MP Siddhant Mohapatra, who was in the political wilderness for some time, is said to be eager for a party ticket this time amid speculation that the party may repeat the candidature of MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu.
The party’s MLA from Chhatrapur, Subash Behera is being opposed by frontline leader Laxmi Padhi. In Aska, MLA Manjula Swain is again hoping for the party ticket, but block chairperson Narayana Swain wants to obtain a party ticket this time. In Kabisuryanagar, another frontline leader Hara Sahu is in the race for a party ticket.
Moreover, Polasara MLA Srikant Sahu, who is caught in a huge controversy, is still a ticket hopeful while two other women leaders Arati Devi and Buguda block chairperson K Priyadarshini are said to be in the ticket race.
With the ruling party aiming to come to power for the sixth time, any of the ticket hopefuls, if denied, could become rebels and may jump into the saffron bandwagon, even though some BJD leaders are putting up a brave front, dismissing any impact.
The Berhampur Lok Sabha seat consists of seven Assembly segments of which four seats including Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Digapahandi and Chikiti are currently represented by the BJD. Mohana is with the Congress while Paralakhemundi is with the BJP.
It is said that Pradeep Panigrahi is wielding clout in most Assembly constituencies, for which the BJD is allegedly worried.
BJP leader Pradeep Panigrahi said, “Thousands of BJD frontline leaders, workers and functionaries are now joining the BJP. This is happening because of problems at different levels. People are longing for a change.”
However, BJD stalwart Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik asserted, "Nothing will happen to our party in Ganjam because our organisation is strong. The Chief Minister can change candidates as per the efficiency of the leaders. It is his discretion. Those leaving the party are escapists and opportunists.”
Senor Journalist, Prasanna Mohanty said, "Leaders like Pradeep Panigrahi are leaving the BJD. Defending its fort has been a cause of headache for the BJD now. The Pradeep Panigrahi factor is a key one for the BJD. It is being seen that young voters are inclining towards the BJP in Ganjam. It can be said that it will not be a smooth sailing for the BJD.”
As per reports, Gula Swain and his son Rajendra Swain, residents of Jagannathpur under Patapur police limits, were murdered on December 28, 2013.
Police had arrested eight persons including five members of the family in connection with the murder case.
Hearing the case, additional district and sessions judge Indu Sharma pronounced the verdict on Thursday. The court had held a trial of the case on the basis of the statements from 19 witnesses and found five among eight accused guilty.
The convicts facing the life imprisonment are Bhagban Swain, Saroj Swain, Amin Swain, Kartik Swain and Dhanu Swain.
Speaking to the media, public prosecutor Soubhagya Mishra said, ”The court verdict in the double murder case has come 11 years after the incident. Deceased Gula Swain’s wife was also critically injured when the murder had taken place. She was among 19 witnesses who testified before the court.”
As per reports, the Bada Bazar Police were tipped off that adulteration of spices like chilli powder, turmeric powder etc. were being manufactured in a house located on the fourth lane at Brajarajnagar. The police were also informed that the owner of the unit used to supply the products to nearby markets besides the Berhampur market without having the required licences.
Acting on the tip-off, the police conducted raids on the unit. During raids, huge quantities of spices, raw materials and packaging materials were found. However, the packets didn’t have any labels.
Then the food safety officer of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) was called in. In his presence, the items were inspected and some samples were taken for laboratory testing.
Also Read: Illegal weighing machine manufacturing unit busted in Cuttack
When owner Shiba Shankar Sahu couldn’t produce any required documents like a food licence or the licence of the BeMC, the police sealed the godown and detained Sahu for interrogation.
During the interaction, employees of the godown said the products were being supplied to the Berhampur market as well as nearby markets.
Sources said if Sahu is found guilty, necessary legal action would be taken against him.
The accused have been identified as Ajay Kumar, Anil Kumar, Mero, and Jashobant Kumar, all from Sultanpur of Uttar Pradesh.
As per reports, for the last few years, all four have been begging in the disguise of Divyangs with crutches in hand. Two of them were begging at Kamapalli Chhak on Wednesday when they caught the attention of police. Their activities raised police suspicion.
On interrogation, the two revealed their true colours and were found to be quite normal. Playing Divyangs while begging evoked the sympathy of the people, they admitted. Later two others were arrested.
Police have registered a case of deception and produced them in court.
Berhampur SP said that an investigation is underway to check their antecedents.
Despite massive awareness programmes, cases of cancer have reportedly been growing in the country. And it has been a cause for concern for everyone.
On the occasion, a cancer survivor along with children conducted an awareness campaign in Berhampur. For the last 10 years, Debananda Das, who has been battling with mouth cancer as a result of tobacco consumption, has been sensitizing people on the prevention of cancer on this day every year. Das, once a student leader in Khalikote College, has not given up the battle against cancer.
Speaking to OTV, he said, “I along with friends used to consume tobacco. As a result, I was affected by cancer. I don’t want to see people suffer because of bad habits that cause cancer. I am going through a lot of ordeal due to tobacco consumption. I have no teeth and gums. All was lost due to cancer.”
He further stated, “I continue to raise public awareness on cancer and its causes. My main objective is that people do not commit the mistake I made by consuming tobacco. I have resolved that as long as I am alive, I will be sensitizing people about cancer.”
Das urged youths to stay away from such bad habits – like tobacco and ghutka consumption.
The OSSTA had earlier put forth a charter of 21 demands and submitted copies of it to the Chief Minister, the School and Mass Education Minister, and the Chief Secretary on August 9, 2023.
The agitating members of the OSSTA alleged that as the government failed to meet their demands, they started protests.
They warned of intensifying the agitation if their demands are not fulfilled. Their demands include extension of retirement age of teachers to 62 and the release of grants to eligible high schools.
Bijay Kumar Behera, secretary of OSSTA (Ganjam), alleged that the government did not fulfil our demands despite assurance. “The government kept on promising for four months, but no step was taken. As per the decision of the OSSTA (State), protests were launched from of the DEO offices in 30 districts,” he said.
He also warned that the teachers will start day and night sit-in protests in the days to come if their demands are not fulfilled soon.
No comments were received from the concerned authorities.
Visit the RDC at MKCG Medical College and Hospital on any day, the serpentine queue in front of it will speak volumes about the plight of the patients.
Earlier, the tests were done at the RDC from 9 am to 5 pm. Then patients were suffering a lot. Keeping their problems in view, the centre was made operational 24X 7 and the single window system was also introduced.
But, the patients are still experiencing the same problems. According to them, separate counters for outdoor and indoor patients would work.
“My sister is a delivery patient and is undergoing treatment here. I have been standing in the queue for five hours to get her blood samples tested,” said Rajendra Sahu, a relative.
Echoing the same, another relative of a patient said, “In addition to the indoor patients, around 2000 outpatients are visiting the centre.
People are suffering due to the absence of adequate staff and separate queues for indoor and outdoor patients.”
Also Read: Blood crisis hits patients at MKCG hospital as blood bank runs almost dry
The patients and their relatives also alleged that the RDC doesn’t have facilities for urine tests. They said mere opening the centre 24X7 won’t solve their problems. Appointment of sufficient number of staff will help redress their sufferings, they added.
When contacted, MKCG Medical College and Hospital’s superintendent, Prof Suchitra Das said there would be separate facilities for indoor and outdoor patients soon.
“We are soon going to introduce a separate system for the attendants of the indoor patients,” said Das.
Notably, Malda Town-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express train, one of the new versions of the country’s superfast trains, was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya on Saturday. It ran under the jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway (ECoR). Significantly, affordable tick pricing has brought cheers for passengers.
As per reports, the train arrived at Jaleswar station on Sunday, Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi and hundreds of people warmly welcomed it while it was later greeted similarly at Bhadrak and Cuttack where Odissi dance was part of the welcome.
At Bhubaneswar station, the train was welcomed amid the showering of flowers in the presence of Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and the leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and other parties. At Berhampur, MP Chandrasekhar Sahoo and other leaders welcomed the train.
Speaking to media, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Aarangi said, “The journey in this train is economical and all can afford its service. It has 22 coaches and can carry 1834 passengers at a time.”
Welcoming the train at Berhampur Railway station, MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu said, “The people of Berhmapur are happy as the train equipped with various facilities will provide travel to people at lower cost.”
According to reports, the Malda Town-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express train will make its halts at 8 places in Odisha – at Jaleswar, Balasore, Soro, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road and Berhmapur while making its journey from Bengaluru to Malda. It will start running regularly from January 7, 2024.
“It is a non-AC train. Common people can travel a long distance in it at a much lower cost. It has a facility for sleeping. More new trains of this type will be run in the coming days,” said Manoj Sharma, General Manager of the East Coast Railways.
The train, which is equipped with both non-AC and LHB coaches, will function as a push-and-pull train with its engine connected on both ends. The passengers will have a good experience of a comfortable journey because of the attractive, designed, and well-cushioned seats. Besides, the train has the facilities of good luggage storage, cell phone holders, mobile charging points, LED lights, CCTVs, and a public information dissemination system.
The matter came to the fore after his elder brother lodged a written complaint in this connection with Semiliguda police. Based on his complaint, police registered a case and made the arrest. He was later produced in the court, reports said.
According to sources, the doctor had got a job in MKCG Medical in 2017 by allegedly producing 'fake' caste certificate. He even got a promotion in 2022, reports added. He had been using two surnames- 'Jani' and 'Sasani' since a long time.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked resentment among the locals who questioned how he got the job by issuing a fake caste certificate and there had been no inquiry in this regard.
No comments could be obtained from the said doctor, police, or the MKCG authorities in this regard.
As per reports, some Sulabh Souchalayas (community toilets) are covered with trees while others are choked with discarded articles and garbage. Over 10 such toilets are in various parts of the BeMC.
The case in point is the three-year-old toilet near Penduru Gadai market in the Bada Bazaar area. Locals alleged that since its floor has broken and water is scarcely available, the toilet is of no use to people and traders. Over Rs 15 lakh was spent on the toilet three years ago.
Rabindra Sahu , a trader of Bada Bazaar Deshi Behera Sahi, and Sankar Das, a resident of Gramadevi Sahi alleged that most of the toilets resemble haunted houses due to their deplorable condition. They alleged that people have to suffer due to defunct facilities, but the BeMC authorities are doing little to repair them.
A toilet near the Old Bus Stand was set up two years ago at a cost of Rs 4.78 lakh. However, the toilet is not in a condition for public use after its furnishings were stolen with water unavailable at the facility.
BeMC Commissioner J Sonal said, “In the course of time, the toilets have become defunct. I admit that our service delivery system should be improved. Community toilets will be made under SBM. Toilets with good infrastructure will be done which will be run and maintained by agencies and SHGs. We are not collecting user fees. It is the responsibility of all to ensure their good condition. As part of joint efforts, we should work together for well-maintained toilets.”
Report by Shankar Das
The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained by the police.
According to sources, the victim checked in the lodge with her boyfriend on November 19.
On Friday evening, a sanitation staffer knocked on the door of their room but did not get any response. Suspecting something wrong, the lodge owner informed the Baidyanathpur police.
The police reached the spot and broke open the room. The police found the body of the woman lying in the room while her boyfriend was missing.
“We are investigating the case from various angles. This evening, a dog squad along with a scientific team will go to the spot to conduct further investigation. We will send the body for autopsy,” said the IIC of Baidyanathpur police station.
The 'Divine Wall' was created on the school premises using over 5,500 bottle caps. The former students along with the existing students worked for two months to create the beautiful wall painting of the Holy Trinity.
The painting has received widespread appreciation and also clinched national and international awards.
“As we work for climate action, we used plastic bottles to create this painting in a bid to spread the message of reusing plastic in a creative manner. We collected the plastic bottles from the sea beaches. It took us around two months to complete this painting,” said Bharat Gaurav Das, the district coordinator of Satwik Soul Foundation.
The principal of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya said, “We are extremely proud of our students as their efforts brought glory to our school. I am thankful to the students for their tireless efforts to spread a beautiful message through the wall painting.”
The mayor had even posted the video of the dance on her social media handle.
Berhampur MP Chandrashekhar Sahoo, MLA Bikram Panda, district planning board chairperson and BJD’s district unit president, Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik were present in the programme.
Since the song is most often played at various programs of the BJD in the state, the video elicited mixed reactions as some have frowned upon the use of such a song in an auspicious dandia programme.
As the dancing video of the mayor triggered a discussion on social media, the mayor deleted the video from her handle.
However, the reaction of the mayor has not been received.
According to sources, Soudamini was associated with several NGOs and worked for the welfare of kids. She was involved in many social works like working for kids affected with AIDS.
On Wednesday evening, Soudamini who had gone out for some work was returning home. The accused attacked her from behind when she was speaking to someone over the phone and bludgeoned her to death.
On being informed, Town police SDPO Rajib Lochan Panda and Gosaninuagaon IIC Smruti Prabha Pradhan rushed to the spot along with their team. The body was recovered and sent for autopsy while the cops launched a probe.
While no exact reason for the brutal murder was known immediately, it is suspected to be the fallout of previous enmity or revenge. The police have detained the driver of the deceased on suspicion, it was learnt.
“Soudamini had a training in Bhubaneswar for three days. Someone might have come to burgle her house in her absence. However, she returned last night,” informed her sister who reached the spot after the tragic incident.
Mobiles kept secretly on the jail premises could be easily traced with the help of this highly advanced technology. Any prisoner using mobile phones secretly inside the jail could be detected with the modern device easily.
NLJD is a device that illuminates a small region of space with high-frequency RF energy. The detector has a sensitive receiver and appropriate processing and displays. An NLJD is correspondingly capable of detecting almost any unshielded electronic device containing semiconductors, whether the electronics are actively powered or not. Even the switched off mobile phones and phones without SIM cards could be traced with NLJD.
“NLJD will detect any kind of electronic device like mobile phone, camera, spy camera, audio recorder etc. Any electronic device having circuit could be detected by NLJD. Besides, any metal substance could also be detected through NLJD,” said the Superintendent of Berhampur Circle Jail.
“NLJD has been mainly procured not to allow entry of mobile phones inside Berhampur circle jail. Even switched-off mobile phones and phones with separated parts like SIM cards and batteries could be detected by NLJD,” he added.
The incident occurred around 10 pm near Bada Sahi under Gosaninuagaon police limits when Das was returning home. The front portion of the vehicle was damaged in the attack.
Though the reason behind the bomb attack is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected to be the fallout of political enmity.
Upon being informed, Town police SDPO Rajeeb Lochan Panda, Gosaninuagaon police-in-charge Smruti Prava Pradhan and town police-in-charge Suresh Tripathi reached the spot and launched an investigation into the incident.
Das has lodged a complaint about the incident at Gosaninuagaon police station.
Notably, some miscreants had launched this kind of attack on Das earlier too.
“My son was ill. I was returning home after his treatment in a private clinic last night. However, some miscreants hurled a bomb at my car near Bada Sahi and fled from the spot. As I have been involved in political activities for some days now, some people might have attacked me out of jealousy,” said Das.
However, no reaction could be obtained from the police in this regard.
While buyers have to pay Rs 100 to buy one 1 kg tomato in Bhubaneswar, the vegetable is being sold for Rs 120 to 140 per kg in Berhampur.
The kitchen essential which was priced at Rs 200 to Rs 250 per kg several days ago, now costs Rs 120 per kg in Balasore.
“There is no control of the government on vegetable prices. Though the price of tomatoes has dropped, it still costs Rs 110 to Rs 120 per kg. Be it tomatoes, ginger, brinjal or other items, the prices of vegetables are very high,” said a resident of Balasore.
“We are buying a tray of tomatoes for Rs 2,500 and selling it for Rs 110 to Rs 120 per kg. Fresh production in Maharastra has helped drop in tomato prices,” a vegetable seller in Balasore said.
A Berhampur resident said, “Tomato has vanished from the kitchen when its price breached the Rs 200 mark. Since tomatoes now cost about Rs 100 per kg with a slight drop in the price, we are able to buy them.”
Passengers reportedly pulled chain after detecting the smoke.
More Details Awaited.
Barely a week ago, on July 7, at least three coaches of Falaknuma Express caught fire while the train was crossing Yadadri district of Telangana.
The Howrah-Secunderabad train was stopped near Bommaialli village and the passengers had a narrow escape as they left the compartments (S3, S4, and S5) before the fire spread.
No fatalities were reported in the mishap.
The deceased has been identified as Subhani Patnaik, a student of the dermatology department at the medical college.
According to sources, Subhani was rescued from her hostel room in critical condition and admitted to the hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.
Though the exact reason behind her death was not immediately ascertained, an overdose of migraine medicine is believed to have caused her death, sources informed.
Till the last report came in, the police have seized the body and sent it for post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of death.
“The PG girl student was staying in the medical college hostel. She had some medicines after a migraine attack and when she was admitted to the hospital, where the doctor declared her received-dead. We have sent the body for autopsy,” said Bhairab Bhuyan, in-charge of MKCG police outpost.
“A case of unnatural death has been registered following the death of Subhani Patnaik, a first year PG student of Skin and VD department and subsequently, a post-mortem was performed. We were told that she was suffering from some disease. We have kept all her tissues for histopathological finding. Her viscera has been preserved. We will know the final cause of death,” said Dr Professor Sudipta Das of MKCG.
According to sources, family members of one Simanchal had come to Berhampur to attend an event. After reaching Berhampur Station, they hired T Simadri’s auto rickshaw to Om Bihar. But, they accidentally left one bag in the vehicle after reaching their destination and left.
When Simadri discovered the bag, he found gold jewellery along with several other important documents mentioning address of the passengers, sources informed, adding that, without further delay, he went to the address and returned the valuables to them.
“After dropping them at their address, I went to the new bus stand. When I found the bag, I came to our union’s office and opened it in the presence of other fellow drivers. The bag contained jewellery along with the identity card of the passengers. Then I decided to return the valuables to them,” said Simadri.
“I thank Simadri for not being greedy and returning back the jewellery. This has set an example for others,” said M Chakadola Subudhi, a relative of the passengers.
Critical patients are either referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack or Visakhapatnam for treatment.
Following the bus tragedy case at Mendarajpur under Rangeilunda block two years back, the then Health Minister and Secretary had assured to set up a dedicated burn care unit at the hospital. However, nothing has materialized yet.
Take the case of Mamata Sahu who along with her daughter suffered severe burn injuries due to gas leakage at her home. Both of them were admitted to MKCG in critical condition. However, they were referred to SCB due to the absence of a burn care unit at MKCG.
“I went through an ordeal due to the absence of a burn care unit at MKCG. I am a poor woman. We had no option but to go a long way to Cuttack to get treatment at SCB. The expenditure was huge to stay at Cuttack along with my family for a long period of time for our treatment. I didn’t get any kind of help from the government towards our treatment cost. It took a huge toll on our economic condition and we have to go through severe mental turmoil during that period,” said Mamata.
“We request the government to set up a burn care facility at MKCG at the earliest so that many people like us will be benefitted and they don’t have to go through ordeals anymore,” said Mamata’s son Raja Kumar Sahu.
Purna Chandra Moharana has a similar kind of incident to narrate. Purna’s son suffered severe burn injuries in an accident. However, he could not be treated at MKCG. He had to visit SCB for treatment and in the process, they lost precious time, energy and money. The pain and mental turmoil faced during the travel to Cuttack were in expressible.
“A burn care unit is an urgent requirement at MKCG. The government should take this demand seriously and set up a burn care unit at the hospital soon. Sans any facilities here, people of South Odisha have to suffer a lot,” said Purna Chandra.
Patients with burn injuries from more than 10 districts of South Odisha are getting deprived of treatment at MKCG due to the absence of proper facilities. Local residents have been staging regular protests demanding a separate burn unit at MKCG. However, their plea has so far fallen on deaf ears.
Meanwhile, MKCG Superintendent Dr Santosh Mishra said that a proposal in this regard has been sent to the government.
“A proposal to set up a burn care unit at MKCG has been sent to the government. We are hopeful that, it will be considered and necessary steps in this regard will be taken soon,” said Mishra.
Earlier on March 13, responding to a question by Berhampur MLA Bikram Panda in the Assembly, Health Minister Niranjan Pujari had said that the proposal on setting up a burn care unit at MKCG is being considered.
“The then Health Minister Naba Das had also assured to set up a burn unit at MKCG. However, it is a matter of regret that the government has completely forgotten about its promise,” said Subash Chandra Sahu, BJP Ganjam district Vice-President.
(Reported by Jagannath Sahu)
The deceased have been identified as Swapna Reddy (22), Sanju Reddy (23) and Bharati Reddy (12) of Lanjipalli area.
According to sources, the mishap took place when the groom’s family was waiting for the bride’s side for ‘Barana’ ritual after the completion of the marriage.
Suddenly, a speeding Scorpio vehicle heading towards Gopalpur rammed into the procession leading to the death of three persons on the spot.
All the injured have been admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital. Among them, the health conditions of two-three persons are stated to be critical. They may be shifted to Cuttack if needed.
The driver of the vehicle has managed to flee the spot following the mishap, sources added.
Meanwhile, the police have reached the spot and started an investigation into the matter.
(Reported by Jagannath Sahu, OTV)
As per reports, the 500-bed hospital was set up by Tata Steel. The hospital was proposed to have advanced diagnostics and surgery facilities along with emergency services. Odisha government has provided 400 acres of land and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone for the hospital in 2014.
The hospital was constructed within the stipulated time period. Initially, it was used to treat Covid-19 patients during the pandemic. However, the pandemic subsided subsequently, but the hospital has remained closed since.
Locals have alleged that many costly instruments have been damaged as the hospital has been locked for over four years. As per their allegations, the government is hatching a conspiracy to sell the hospital to a private player. They have demanded the opening of the hospital soon.
“The hospital was earlier used to treat Covid patients. However, we just came to know that the government is mulling to sell the medical to a private body and run it in a commercial manner, which is not acceptable at all. We strongly condemn the motive and urge people to demand the opening of the hospital soon,” said senior doctor Subash Sahu.
“People were hopeful of better health services in the region after the completion of the hospital. The super-speciality hospital in the region gave them some hope. However, the delay in providing the services has shattered their hope. We hope Tata authorities and the administration will take immediate steps to dedicate the hospital to the public soon,” said Sushant Sabat, a resident of Berhampur.
Healthcare is a major problem in South Odisha. People in the region mainly depend upon MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment. However, patients are often referred to Cuttack and Bhubaneswar as advanced treatment is not available there. Under such circumstances, the delay in the opening of the super-speciality hospital has added to the woes of people.
Meanwhile, Berhampur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu assured that the hospital will be opened soon.
“Discussions are going on with the higher authorities. The hospital will be dedicated to the public soon,” said Sahu.
The accused identified as JM Prabha was caught red-handed while she was taking Rs 3.5 lakh from a railways job aspirant, said police.
Though Prabha is a resident of Jagatsinghpur, she resides at Berhampur Saradhabali. She met Hitesh Patra who hails from Asurabandha village under Sorada block at Gandhi Nagar and promised to give him a job in the Railways. She asked him to pay Rs 11 lakh for the purpose.
Hitesh, without delay, had given her Rs 7.5 lakh in first phase. When Prabha demanded the remaining money after a few days, Hitesh raised doubts on her nature of work and approached police for help.
Accordingly a trap was laid to arrest Prabha. When Prava was collecting the sum from Hitesh, police arrested her.
Police seized Adhaar cards and many fake appointment letters from her possession. Besides, police have seized a diary from her. In the diary, the accused has mentioned the amount of money she has received from job seekers.
Thanks to villagers’ intervention, the girl’s boyfriend tied the nuptial knot with her in the presence of the local sarpanch and both family members.
This incident took place at Galori village under Bhanjanagar police limits in Ganjam district.
According to sources, Tina and Dushmanta Sahu of Galori village had been in a relationship for the last few years. They were supposed to get married. However, Dushmanta suddenly changed his mind and refused to marry Tina without any reason.
This prompted Tina to launch a protest outside Dushmanta’s house seeking justice.
It was Galori villagers who convinced Dushmanta and solemnised his marriage with Tina in the presence of the sarpanch. He put vermilion on Tina’s forehead and gave her recognition of his wife.
Rabi Satpathy, a villager, said, “We realized that Tina truly loves Dushmanta and she genuinely wants to marry Dushmanta. We convinced both families to marriage and solemnized their marriage. One thing we wanted to tell the youth mass was that they should not commit such stupidity in their life. Else, they will have to get married in the middle of the road.”
Social worker Pramila Tripathy said, “Girls never think twice before committing suicide after failing in love. After learning about Tina’s case, I came here to give assurance to her. They were in love with each other for the last three years. It was an open-air marriage. Tina got the blessing of everyone including the Sarpanch.”
Earlier, another woman of Berhampur identified as K Deepika staged a sit-in outside her boyfriend’s house along with her son for months demanding recognition as his wife.
Notably, Deepika and Dinesh came to know each other two years ago. In course of their relationship, Deepika reportedly became pregnant with Dinesh's child. Though Dinesh had promised her to marry, he didn’t keep his word. He started distancing himself after Deepika gave birth to a baby boy.
The accused has been identified as Bhagban Sahoo, a native of Old Berhampur area.
According to sources, Sahoo appeared for court proceedings in an inebriated condition and suddenly started brandishing the knife at the judge while the court proceedings were underway.
However, some of the lawyers managed to capture Sahoo and alerted the police. police immediately overpowered Sahoo and took him to the police station for further inquiry.
According to Berhampur SP Sravana Vivek M, a case has been filed in this regard. The SP also stated that the knife he used in the incident has been seized.
The 52-year-old man is a defendant in four cases, the senior cop said. He also added that steps would be taken to tighten the courtroom's security.
The incident came to the fore after the victim’s mother lodged a complaint in this connection. In the FIR, the complainant has alleged that she had narrated her son’s ordeal to the school authorities, but they paid no heed.
The incident has been reported from Gurukul International School in Gosaninuagaon area of Berhampur. The victim on several occasions was allegedly beaten up by his seniors who threatened him with dire consequences if he revealed about his torture to anyone.
However, the boy narrated his ordeal to his mother who tried to bring the matter to the notice of the school authorities, but to no avail. With no options left, she then approached the local police and lodged a complaint.
The Saffron party, BJP has severely condemned the heinous act and demanded action in this connection. However, the school authorities refrained from commenting in the issue.
In a similar incident, authorities of Orissa School of Mining Engineering (OSME), Keonjhar imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 each on 82 3rd year students for allegedly ragging 2nd year students.
This apart, the students will also be barred from availing books from the college library during 5th and final semesters. The action was taken after the victim students submitted a written complaint to the Principal.
A few days back, a purported video of a student of Binayak Acharya College in Berhampur ragging his juniors surfaced on the internet. In the video, a student can be seen holding a plastic pipe and asking his junior- a boy and a girl- to act as a couple. They are being forced to kiss each other. The raggers can also be seen abusing and thrashing the duo in presence of the other students.
Similarly, another such incident was reported from Khalikote Junior College where a girl student was allegedly subjected to ragging and torture within the institute’s premises by her seniors.
As per the allegations, a few boys from the senior batch followed the Plus II first-year girl to the classroom and ragged her.
Similarly, a second-year engineering student was allegedly ragged and beaten up by his seniors at the prestigious Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Burla. According to the complainant, a group of his seniors first ragged him and brutally thrashed him, threatening him against speaking about the torture to anyone.
The unabated rise in ragging in Odisha has become a matter of concern. While ragging is usually reported from colleges, the spurt in cases of ragging in schools has become matter of concern for guardians and parents.
On Thursday, the college authorities decided to rusticate 12 students for their alleged involvement in ragging of a boy and a girl student. So far, police have arrested five students, three of whom were produced in a local court while the rest two who are juveniles have been sent to a child welfare home.
As per reports, prime accused Abhishek was studying in Plus-3 second year and was Biju Chhatra Janata Dal's appointee as the convenor of the Campus Committee of Binayak Acharya College.
Questions have been raised if Abhishek thought he would go scotfree because of the fact that he was an active member of the BCJD.
Sanatan Sahu, Ganjam district's Yuva Congress president said, "BJD always has regard for goons. All such goons are considered for different positions in the party. The result is right before us today. Before his (Abhishek's) appointment as coordinator (convenor) of the Binayak Acharya campus committee, many cases were pending against him. The BCJD president should immediately resign for choosing such criminals for party positions."
The convenor of Ragging Free Campus Abhiyan Tejeswar Parida blamed the state government for rising menace of ragging. "The first and foremost thing for the state government is to allow the student election to happen. Or else instances of ragging will continue like this. The state government and the education department should be held responsible for what has happened in Binayak Acharya College. The anti-ragging cell is only on pen and paper, function-wise it has zero activity. Why is no action being taken against Principals, wardens and other staff?" questioned Parida.
The latest viral video of Binayak Acharya college shows a student holding a plastic pipe and asking a junior boy and girl student to act as a couple, and also abusing and thrashing them as a few other college-mates enjoyed watching all this unfold.
No comments could be obtained from BJD leaders in this regard.
(Reported by Ashok Brahma)
The raid team led by Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) also rescued four sex workers from the guest house.
According to sources, the SP had received a tip-off about the illegal activities being carried out at a guest house at Berhampur’s premier location Tata Benz square.
Following the tip-off, a plan was hatched by the SP to catch the accused red-handed. As per the plan, the SP himself went to the guest house in plain clothes. Later, he alerted the cops of Gosaninuagaon and Baidyanathpur police stations who jointly conducted a surprise raid and made the arrests.
A case was registered and all the 14 people including the sex workers were taken to the police station where they are being interrogated, police said.
According to sources, Golanthara police carried out raids at two houses in Otonagar and seized huge amount of gutkha on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, police again raided and seized a large amount of gutkha being manufactured under Krishna and Radha brands.
Intensifying its drive against gutkha manufacturing units in the city, police also raided gutkha company, Gopalji. Tirumala Industries on National Highway was also raided by police. Six buildings used by Tirumala Industries were manufacturing pan masla apart from packing them. However, the proprietor of Tirumala Industries gave police a slip.
Notably, police had conducted massive raids at six such units owned by Tirumala Industries in 2016 and seized gutkha, pan masla and machinery worth crore of rupees.
Police intensified its raid after a tip off conforming it has again started gutkha and pan masla business.
Sub-divisional police officer Siba Sankar Mohapatra said, “We came to know a huge quantity of gutkha has been amassed at a godown located at Binayak Bhawan. Narayan Sahu and his partner were running this unit. While Narayan is on the run, his partner was arrested. As many as 26 sacks of gutkha and machinery have been seized from the godown.”
Supervisor of the godown M Brahmam said, “Police had conducted similar kind of raid in 2016. They sealed it after not finding anything from it.”
A series of police raids made it clear that Berhampur is a major centre for manufacture and trading of illegal gutka and pan masala in Odisha.
Acting on the tip-off, a team from Golanthara police station carried out raids at different locations at Sorala junction and stumbled upon the precious metals concealed in a secret chamber of the vehicle.
The officials of GST and IT departments have been informed about the incident. All four persons are being interrogated by a team of police personnel.
While the police are yet to reveal the identities of the detainees, all of them reportedly hail from Tamil Nadu.
Police investigation revealed that the seized huge amount of gold and silver was being smuggled from Tamil Nadu to Bada Bazaar in Berhampur.
It is suspected that the metals were being transported in a clandestine manner to evade GST payment.
Notably, Berhampur police have launched a drive against anti-social elements. In September, one gutkha trader identified as Narendra Sahu’s bank deposits worth Rs 28 lakh were frozen. The action came after a raid on his factory at Baunsiapalli.
In another incident, Commissionerate Police busted a lady looters gang in Bhubaneswar by arresting five of its members including a minor from Bhubaneswar railway station.
Sources said that gang members are from West Bengal and they used to target people travelling in trains and waiting for trains at stations.
Several articles, including gold chains, mobile phones, and vanity bags have been seized from their possession. Further investigation in connection with the incident is underway.
(Reported by Jagannath Sahu from Berhampur and Alok Mohanty from Bhubaneswar)
Earlier, a fire mishap was reported in the Urology ward of the same building of the premier health institute.
(This is a breaking story. Refresh the page for updates.)
The arrested corporator has been identified as Narasingha Sethi, who is the corporator of ward no-25 of the BeMC. He had allegedly attacked Arun Kumar Maharana of the same locality with a sword in the wee hours. A video of the incident had also gone viral.
The incident occurred during the immersion procession of Ganesh idol. During the procession, two groups confronted each other, and in no time they engaged in a clash.
In this connection, the victim’s family had lodged a complaint at the Town police station.
Acting on the complaint, the police have so far arrested seven persons from both sides. Among the arrested persons is the brother of the corporator who is a constable posted at the Vigilance department.
“The corporator attacked my nephew with a sword. We had elected him to take care of us. Instead, he is attacking us,” said Basanti Maharana, a relative of the injured person.
When contacted, Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek said “There had been animosity between the two groups since September 1. They again came face to face on Wednesday night. In the wee hours, the members of the two gangs attacked each other with sharp weapons.”
In the first phase, Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), implementing the project, will provide 24X7 water supply to two zones, comprising Gandhi Nagar, Good-shed area, Patitapaban Nagar and Duduma Colony in Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) limits by the end of the current month, and entire city by July 2023, an official said.
Before the end of the current year, the residents of around 60 per cent of the corporation area will get round the clock water, said Biswabandhu Panigrahi, general manager, Watco, a state government-owned company's Berhampur division.
There are around 60,000 households in the BeMC and around 80 million litres of water required per day to supply for round the clock. It would be possible due to the completion of the much-awaited Janibili water supply project, he said.
While the newly constructed Janibili project will provide around 43 mld (million litre per day), other two existing projects-Dakhinapur reservoir and Rushikulya water supply project, Kaliabali will supply 27 and 10 mld respectively, he said.
"The work is going on in full swing with the replacement of the PVC pipelines and diverting the pipelines from the drains. Out of 31 pipelines identified in the drains, 11 have already been diverted so far," he said.
Panigrahi said they would hold a meeting with BeMC corporators soon to seek their cooperation to replace and divert the pipes.
Besides, a dedicated power supply is being made for smooth supply of the drinking water. The company will also install three 625-kv power breakers at the Janibili project site and four 250-kv power breakers at the reservoir sites at Jagadalapur, near here for uninterrupted power supply to the city, he added.
"We thank Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for solving the nagging problem of the drinking water crisis in the city," said Berhampur, MP, Chandra Sekhar Sahu.
He recalled that in 1997, when the city faced acute shortage of water a train containing water came to Berhampur to meet the demand of water during summer.
MLA (Berhampur) Bikram Kumar Panda said there was a time, not much ago, when the people of the different areas staged protests by holding pots in the city demanding for water, especially during summer.
"Such protests have not been seen for the last three years-after implementation of the over Rs 500-crore Janibili project," he said.
The 45-year-old patient, who underwent the critical surgery, hails from Balipadar area under Buguda block of Ganjam district. He worked at a cotton mill in Surat.
As per reports, the victim had a booze party with his friends about 10 days back when they allegedly inserted the steel glass in his anus in an intoxicated condition.
The victim started experiencing acute pain in his stomach soon after the incident. Though he never revealed the matter to anyone, he returned to his village after the pain became unbearable. His stomach started swelling as he could not defecate.
Finally, he went to MKCG hospital and told the doctors about the incident. After consultation, the doctors performed an X-Ray and found that the steel glass was stuck in the patient's intestine.
Initially, the doctors tried to take out the glass through the rectum but failed. Later, the doctors advised the patient to go for a surgery.
On the advice of the doctors, the victim underwent a surgery and the glass was successfully removed from his intestine. The doctors said the victim is stable after the surgery and is recovering.
The woman has been identified as Deepika.
According to sources, Deepika has been on a dharna in front of her boyfriend K Dinesh’s house for the last ten days demanding marriage with him.
She claimed that Dinesh had developed love relationship with her for two years. When she became pregnant Dinesh distanced himself from her. In the process she gave birth to a baby boy. Despite being a father to the baby boy, Dinesh declined to marry her. In the mean time, she came to know that Dinesh's parents will soon solemnise his marriage.
Unhappy with the news, Deepika launched a protest seeking justice. Recently, social activist Pramila Tripathy joined Deepika in her protest.
On Thursday, Deepika alleged that her tent was uprooted by locals. Dinesh’s parents abused her like anything.
Pramila alleged tension ran high after a few locals uprooted her tent. Dinesh’s parents, brother and uncle allegedly used derogatory language against Deepika. They allegedly threw burning charcoal on her and tried to slit her neck. They pushed her to vacate the place.
According to sources, the victim has been identified as Lakhmi Narayan Panda, a resident of Khoda Singh Ramkrushna Nagar, Berhampur. Last month Panda, a banker, ordered a shirt from an e-commerce site known as formal button.com. On May 18, he received his order from Blue Dirt. However, it was not the shirt he had ordered.
As Panda did not get the shirt he had ordered, he went for searching the customer care number of that e-commerce site to return the order. Finally, he got the number, but his call got unanswered on the first day. The next day, he got a call from the customer care number. The custom care agent asked Panda to download anydesk app.
When Panda downloaded the app, the customer care agent took the credentials from the victim and siphoned off Rs 1.27 lakh from his bank account. However, Panda did not realize he was duped instantly. The fraud came to the fore after a few days when Panda verified his account and found his accounts having zero balance.
Panda said, “When I did not get the right order, I got customer service helpline number of the e-commerce site from Google. I approached the agent to return my money and the agent also agreed. When I failed to get back my money, the agent attributed it to technical error and asked me to download anydesk app to create an id. I also did that and then the agent asked me to send a message to him. Using this id, the agent hacked all my account and siphoned off Rs1.27 lakh.”
Launching a vituperative attack on the government, senior Congress leader Suresh Routray asked where was the government for the last 21 years and accused the ruling BJD of playing Hindu Card.
“These are only gimmicks to counter the BJP’s Hindu card,” said Routray.
In his reaction, the State BJP general secretary Prithiviraj Harichandan said, “They had long been neglecting these sites. Now whatever they are doing is being done keeping 2024 general election in mind. They should at least stop politicising the religious places. If they have an iota of interest for the safety of the religious places, today there wouldn’t have been such a hue and cry surrounding the Puri Srimandir.”
On the other hand, earlier Ghasipura MLA Badri Narayan Patra had said that the Opposition party were targeting the government only out of jealousy, and Naveen Patnaik’s popularity has become unbearable for them.
Notably, the renovated and revamped shakti shrine of Maa Taratarini in Ganjam district was inaugurated by CM Naveen on Wednesday. The shrine was developed at a cost of Rs 115 crore.
The temple located on top of Kumari hills along Rushikulya river bank near Purushottampur of Ganjam district can be accessed by three ways- by rope way, by newly-constructed road or by climbing the flight of steps.
Reacting on the announcement of her name as party’s Mayoral candidate on Sunday by State Vice President Bhrugu Baxipatra, Sabita said people of Berhampur city are fed up with the Biju Janata Dal rule for its complete failure in addressing basic problems.
When asked about what would be the party’s strategies especially in the light of unprecedented debacle in the recently concluded Panchayat elections, Sabita said, “Panchayat election and ULB elections are poles apart. The city residents are well educated and they realise that the conch party has failed in delivering on its promises. So I am sure people will vote me to power.”
Known as an academician across the city, Sabita claims the city is still grappling with drainage and drinking water problems among horde of other issues.
Wife of BJP leader Uttam Panigrahi, Sabita had served as the principal of Gayatri College for 20 years.
On prospects of success for his wife, Sabita's husband Uttam Panigrahi said, though new to politics, she is not unaware about people of Berhampur city.
"She is not ignorant about the city’s problems either. I am sure that disillusioned people of the city would elect her as their Mayor this time, said Uttam.
The BeMC’s mayor post is reserved for woman. While the BJD has already named Sanghamitra Dalei as its Mayor candidate, the Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the post.
Notably, Monday is the last day for filing nominations.
If it is not already clear, let me clarify that the context for this rather convoluted introduction is the long running family drama involving Dr Sumit Sahu and Tapaswini Dash of Berhampur running on news television for weeks now. I have no intention of getting into who is to blame for this marriage gone sour. And I sincerely believe no one should do that because we don’t know what exactly led to the discord between husband and wife in the first place. My problem is with the series of orders the courts in Berhampur have been passing in their desire to unite them. A few questions need to be asked in this regard. Do the courts have a role in the whole affair? Should they be intervening in a marital discord that has clearly gone beyond repair? In their efforts to bring about a rapprochement between the feuding couple, are the courts not unwittingly helping to further exacerbate the tensions between husband and wife and causing a further hardening of attitudes?
Let us examine the fate of the orders issued by the courts so far. On December 2 last year, the SDJM court in Berhampur, in a reconciliation bid, had directed the couple to stay together for a week in the guest house of a sugar mill in Aska. Accordingly, husband and wife stayed together but they did not have any interaction during the stay there. On December 9, the same court issued another order asking them to stay in a rented accommodation. This time, the husband went ‘missing’ after just one day. Tapaswini even lodged a complaint at the local police station in this regard. And finally on Tuesday, the district court overturned the decision of the SDJM court, which had rejected Tapaswini’s plea on December 20, and allowed her to stay at her in-laws’ place. But two days after the court order, Tapaswini is yet to move to the upper floor room earmarked for her and continues to stay in the garage instead. The court also ordered Sumit to pay Rs 17,000 by way of maintenance to Tapaswini before 10th of every month. The order presupposes that she would not be accepted as a member of the family, doesn’t it? Otherwise, why would she need money for maintenance while staying inside the family? No wonder, minutes after the district court order, Sumit’s father made it clear that they would challenge the order in the High Court.
What all of this proves is best described in the adage; “You can take the horse to the water, but you can’t make it drink”. On the face of it, the idea behind the two orders issued by the SDJM court on December 2 and 9 as well as the one issued by the district court on Tuesday were unexceptionable. After all, there was no way the courts could have refused to hear Tapaswini’s fervent plea to be reunited with her estranged husband. But if the objective was to remove the misunderstandings between husband and wife and bring about a rapprochement between them, it has been a spectacular failure. Not only is it now abundantly clear that Sumit, while perfunctorily complying with the court order for fear of inviting a contempt of court charge, has absolutely no intention of honouring it in letter and spirit. If anything, there are clear indications that the series of court orders, along with the public humiliation by Tapaswini’s 44-day long dharna in front of his house, has hardened his attitude and made him even more determined not to give Tapaswini what is her due as a legally wedded life. She may stay in Sumit’s house as long as she wants, but is unlikely to win back the affection of her husband she appears to have lost for good.
This columnist is aware that this piece runs the risk of being misinterpreted as anti-Tapaswini (and thus anti-women) and pro-Sumit (and thus male chauvinist). But even with this risk, he is willing to stick his neck out and say that the courts cannot unite the warring couple. If there is any possibility of the two coming together, it has to be brought about through the efforts of family elders, well-wishers and counselors. Instead of passing order after order that are observed in letter but not in spirit, the courts should ask the above mentioned to play peacemaker.
(DISCLAIMER: This is an opinion piece. The views expressed are the author’s own and have nothing to do with OTV’s charter or views. OTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
More From The Author: The Curious Case Of ‘Women-Friendly’ Odisha With Its ‘Crime-Friendly’ Police!
The strike got a boost on Friday after the agitating contractual employees’ parents joined them in their fight for justice.
In 2018, the government had promised the 200 out sourced employees to regularise their jobs. Without making good on the promise, the government had allegedly handed them over to the TPSODL.
Now, the company instead of fulfilling the promise made by the government is allegedly pressurising them to work under a new contractor.
Opposing the move, the employees have been staging dharna at TPSODL’s office. As their salaries have been stopped, they are having a difficult time in making both ends meet. This, they said, drove their family members to join the strike.
“Our demand is to regularise us. We are not getting salaries for last six months. We are having problems in running our families. Now, our parents have joined us in our fight for justice,” an agitating contractual worker Haraprasad Bisoi said.
“The strike by our children has run into six months. They are not getting their salaries. We are somehow managing our families by borrowing from friends and relatives. We have decided to stage a hunger strike till their demands are met”, said Duryodhana Muni, a parent.
While social-distancing was not maintained, many were also seen without masks. This comes as Odisha reported 2 more cases of Omicron variant on Thursday taking total tally to 4. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had earlier urged everyone to follow the COVID-appropriate behavior.
Video Editor: Surendra Pradhan
Producer: Diptyranjita Patra
Seeking a direction from the SDJM court to allow her to stay in her husband, Dr Sumit Sahu’s, residence, Tapaswini Dash had filed a petition on December 17. Hearing the petition on December 20, the SDJM court had rejected her plea.
Challenging the decision of the SDJM’s court, Tapaswini’s advocate Deepak Pattanayak filed a petition in the district court today which is slated to be heard on December 27.
“As per Section 2 (s) of the Domestic Violence Act, Tapaswini has the right to stay in her in-laws’ house till the case is decided. On that ground, we had filed a petition in the SDJM court on December 17. The court rejected it on December 20. Therefore, we have filed a petition in the district court which is scheduled to be heard on December 27,” informed Pattanayak.
Reacting to the development, Sumit’s advocate Surendra Behera said they have not been served any notice. “Since the matter is sub-judice before the district judge, it is now up to the court to deliver whatever order it deems appropriate,” Behera said.
Meanwhile, Sumit Sahu’s leave period at his office has already expired. It is learnt that the physician has not joined duty at Balisira health centre till Thursday.
Notably, Tapaswini’s ongoing battle for daughter-in-law status and stay at Sumit’s house has completed one month.