BJD observers and party leaders of the Puri Parliamentary constituency attended the first meeting. The ruling party leaders like Arun Sahoo, Sanjay Dasburma, Rudra Maharathy, Umakant Samanatray and Satya Pradhan among others took part in the meeting.
However, Puri MP Pinaki Misra was conspicuous by his absence.
The meeting assumed much importance for the party given the fact that its candidate Pinaki Misra had won from the Puri LS Constituency in 2019 by a slim margin of 10,000 votes against BJP’s Sambit Patra. The BJD is said to be focusing on Puri to increase its vote share and margin.
Reliable sources said BJD leader Arup Patnaik, who had unsuccessfully contested in the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha segment, may be given a party ticket from the Puri LS seat while veteran leader Prasanna Patasani may be fielded from the Chilika Assembly seat.
On the other hand, the ruling party is well aware of the squabble between Satyabadi MLA Umakant Samantaray and former Bramhagiri MLA Sanjay Dasburma. It is said the BJD may change the turfs for the two leaders. Umakant may be given a ticket for the Bramhagiri Assembly seat and vice versa.
Speaking to the media, BJD legislator Arun Sahoo said, "At the meeting, discussions were held on the Puri Parliamentary constituency and Assembly seats. The meeting focused on further strengthening the party’s organisation to win all seats.”
Rabindra Jena, party observer for Khordha district said, "Discussions were held on programmes and activities to be taken up in coming days in the Chilika Assembly constituency.”
Another meeting was held for the Kendrapara LS constituency where party leaders like Pratap Deb, Pratap Jena, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Anshuman Mohanty, Sashibhusan Behera, Dhruba Sahu and Aravind Mohapatra among others were present.
However, sitting Kendrapara MP, Anubhav Mohanty was not seen in the meeting.
After the meeting, Pratap Deb told the media, "The party supremo called us to hold discussions about the party’s preparedness in the Kendrapara parliamentary segment. Elaborate discussions were held on each Assembly seat.”
These rules will now enable minorities, who have settled in the country after fleeing from persecution on religious grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, to acquire citizenship in the country.
Notably, the CAA enacted by the Parliament in December 2019 had earlier triggered protests across the country. It granted citizenship to the refugees who had come and settled before 2014.
However, Congress questioned why the refugees from Nepal and Sri Lanka have not been included in its purview.
But the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have welcomed it as a historic decision.
As per reports, thousands of refugees who are now living in the Mahakalpara and Rajnagar areas of Kendrapara had intruded into the area in the 1950s to escape from the turmoil of the civil war in Pakistan. As many as 1237 of them settled in Kendrapara, and are now eking out their living from fishing and ferrying boats. But they have not been granted Indian citizenship.
Siuli Mandal, an illegal immigrant in Mahakalpara said, "We are happy that after the implementation of the CAA, we will have development. Our nation will develop and our children will face no problems. We will get land rights.”
On the other hand, the number of illegal settlers continues to rise in various parts of Kendrapara. Over the years, they have allegedly intruded into Bhitarakanika and then into other coastal parts through sea routes. About 90 percent of the illegal settlers living in Talachua, Dangamala, Gahirmatha, Jambu, Kharinasi, Batighar, and some other areas are from Bangladesh.
As per the information presented in the Assembly in 2005, there were 1649 refugees in Kendrapara, 1112 in Jagatsinghpur, 313 in Bhadrak, 665 in Malkangiri, and 106 in Nabarangpur. However, as per rough estimates, their numbers have increased almost threefold over the years. Now, all of them are going to be Indian citizens.
Bikash Majumdaar from Mahakalpara said, "After CAA implementation, our social, economic, and political issues will be sorted out gradually. Our children will get an education in schools. We thank the Central government for this.”
Deba Mandal from Paradip said, "When we go abroad we face problems because of a lack of credentials. Now, we will not be treated as refugees. We will have voting rights.”
However, Congress leader Sudarshan Das said, "Refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh were included in the CAA. But those who have taken asylum here from Nepal, Tibet, and Sri Lanka could have been treated as refugees. The CAA is meant to divide the nation and create an atmosphere of unrest.”
BJP leader Arabinda Dhali observed, “Those who have no citizenship have been facing a lot of problems. With CAA implementation, their issues will be resolved.”
BJD leader Ramesh Majhi supported the CAA saying, “The BJD has supported the bill which is good for the common people. All will benefit.”
(By OdishaTV Bureau)
The deceased has been identified as Nimain Malik.
As per reports, Malik and his wife were irrigating their farmland on Friday morning on the banks of Hansua river when a crocodile suddenly appeared from nowhere and attacked him. Despite resistance from his wife, the crocodile pulled Malik inside the river.
After getting information about the incident, the officials of Forest department and police reached the spot and launched a search operation. Later, his mutilated body was recovered.
It is pertinent to mention here that man-crocodile conflict is nothing new for the residents in the districts of Kendrapara, Jajpur, and Jagatsinghpur.
An elderly man had gone missing in Brahmani River at Pattamundai in Kendrapara district after he was attacked and dragged into the river by a crocodile in July 2023.
On June 29 last year, one elderly man, identified as Gangadhara Tarai of Ghagaradiha village, died in a crocodile attack.
One Ashutosh Acharya, a Class 5 student of Nimpur village under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district, was allegedly dragged and killed by a crocodile on June 14, 2023.
On June 21 last year, a woman, identified as Sita Das from Hatiagadi village under Rajnagar block in the district fell victim to a similar attack in the district.
Notably, in the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, the population of crocodiles has increased by 18. Last year, 1,793 crocodiles were found in Bhitarkanika. This year, their number has gone up to 1,811
As per initial reports, while the body of the man was found hanging outside, his wife and 25-year-old son were found lying inside the house.
The exact reason behind the deaths is unclear. It is suspected that it could be a suicide over some family feud. However, only after a detailed investigation, the exact reason behind the death of three persons will be clear.
The deceased have been identified as Madan Mandal, his wife Jayanti, and son Parikant Mandal.
A team of senior police officials has reached the spot along with the forensic team. Further investigation into the matter has started.
The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained. Four more persons have also reportedly sustained injuries in the road mishap.
Those critically injured have reportedly been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
As per reports, the mishap took place when the SUV hit a roadside tree after its driver lost control of the vehicle on the route. They were reportedly returning home after performing in a local drama programme.
"We received three women, who were brought dead. Three persons with critical head injuries have been referred to Cuttack. One person has been admitted here. He has sustained minor injuries and is stable," informed Debashis Sahoo, Medical Officer of Kendrapara District Headquarters Hospital.
Scores of Village Agriculture Workers staged a sit-in in front of the district agriculture officer in Kendrapara by resorting to cease work.
Apart from cadre restructuring and grade pay, the agitating workers demanded that the eligibility for the post should be a graduation degree. They warned of launching an indefinite dharna in Bhubaneswar if the government fails to listen to their demands.
In Ganjam, over 100 village agriculture workers resorted to cease work seven days ago.
Speaking to the media, the General Secretary of Gramya Krushi Karmachari Sangh (Kendrapara), Tapas Samal said, “We had earlier demanded cadre restructuring. We were assured that it would be done in two to three months. We were advised not to go on strike. Then, we did not take up agitation.”
“When we saw things are getting delayed by the government, we had halted mobile service from February 8 to 12. No digital work was done. As it cut no ice with the government, we started dharna from February 13 and it will continue till February 19 in all 30 districts,” he added.
As per reports, patients were treated under mobile light when the electricity supply was disrupted. Though the CHC has a diesel generator, it is reportedly out of order.
One Prashant Sethi of Pattamundai was admitted to the CHC after being injured in an accident. At that time, there was a power cut. The doctor on duty switched on a cell phone light and provided treatment to him.
Later, an elderly person, Sridhar Samal from the Kurujang area came to the CHC and he was treated similarly.
Local people alleged that thousands of people from 26 panchayats depend on the CHC for their healthcare needs, but the facility has been witnessing power outages.
Basant Sethi, an attendant of a patient, said, “When we came to the CHC, it was dark and the doctor on duty was moving outside the hospital speaking on the phone. There was no light. We switched on our mobile light and the doctor started treatment.”
The medical officer in-charge of the CHC, Dr Sandip Kumar said, "Power outage took place at 5 pm. We are looking for the faults. The DG set is there but it is not working.”
The old bungalow which is under the Water Resource Department of the district is a silent witness of Odisha’s golden maritime era. However, it is currently wallowing in neglect. Though demand is being made for the restoration of the lost glory of the bungalow, the authorities of the department are lending a deaf ear to it, it was alleged.
In old times, many higher authorities were staying at the bungalow. However, the surviving colonial vestige of the bygone British era is wallowing in neglect despite its past glory. It has lost its sheen sans proper maintenance. The doors and windows of the old bungalow have been broken. It has been allegedly encroachment by a contractor.
Meanwhile, local people have alleged that the indifferent attitude of the concerned department is responsible for the miserable condition of the old bungalow having historical importance.
“The administration has completely failed to preserve the historical bungalow. It has been in use since 1879. However, it has been wallowing in neglect in recent times due to the lackadaisical attitude of the Water Resource Department,” said Gayadhar Dhal, a resident of Kendrapara.
“The historical bungalow should be made free from encroachment. Proper maintenance of the bungalow should be made by the administration as it has historical significance,” said Ravi Pati, another resident of Kendrapara.
Responding to the demands of local people, Executive Engineer of the Water Resource Department Umesh Chandra Sethi said that the higher authorities have been informed about the current situation of the bungalow and the repair work will be done following the grant of finance by the government.
“The condition of the bungalow is very weak as it is a very old building. We have given a proposal to the government for its repair following a survey. After the approval of the proposal, we will acquire the bungalow and undertake repair work,” said Sethi.
It is alleged that while addressing a meeting organised by Patkura Swabhiman Manch some days ago at Gualsingh panchayat under Derabish block, the BJD district unit president made some observations about the late MLA.
Such remarks allegedly enraged the supporters of sitting MLA Sabitri Agarwal, the wife of the late legislator. Angry BJD workers and supporters of Sabitri Agarwal staged protests against Parida at Baruni Chhak in Garadpur block on Saturday. Shouting slogans against Parida, they also burnt his effigy.
Bhajahari Senapati, a BJD worker, took a dig at the BJD district unit president, dubbing him a sand mafia. “We held a protest meeting against him. Our former MLA Ved Prakash Agarwal was Vikash Purusa. Parida has made an objectionable comment on our late leader,” he fumed.
On the other hand, Utkal Keshari Parida denied the allegations saying, "It is a conspiracy against me. They did not understand what I had said about the legislator. It is purely misunderstanding on the part of my BJD colleagues.”
According to sources, four youths of Rajnagar area had gone to Qatar in 2021. Even though their contract with the company where they were engaged has been terminated, the said company is not allowing them to leave the country.
Also Read: Death of Odia labourer in Congo: Body reaches Odisha after Baijayant Panda’s intervention
Their family members alleged that the company authorities are threatening to implicate them in false cases and send them to jail.
The worried family members met BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda and requested his assistance for the safe return of the labourers. Subsequently, Baijayant Panda contacted the Ambassador to Qatar, discussed the issue and sought diplomatic intervention to get the labourers released and send them back to Odisha.
As per reports, the Governor had a darshan of the deities at Sri Baldevjew temple. On his way back, a group of women from Jajang village were waiting for him to put forth their grievances.
On seeing them, the Governor immediately got down from his car. The women apprised him of how they had been living miserably in their dilapidated houses over the years because they had been denied housing facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana(PMAY). Then, he walked to their village to have a firsthand look at their problems and issues.
He asked the Collector about the implementation of the Central housing schemes in the district and why particularly these families have not been provided houses.
The Governor later directed the Collector to provide PMAY houses to the families who have been deprived of the housing facilities.
Sasmita Tripathy, one of the women from Jajang said, “I went near the car of the Governor and told him about the hardship my family has been going through due to the dilapidated house. He kept my request and came to my house. But many people were telling him not to visit the village. He did not listen to anyone and came to my house. The Collector and the BDO were with him. He assured me of a house.”
She also added that she and her husband had apprised the panchayat and the block administration about their plight, but nothing had been done.
The miscreants attacked him using huge wooden sticks, leaving him critically injured. The victim has been identified as Mir Khadim, the owner of a garment store. Based on a complaint by the family members of the victim, police registered a case and launched a probe into the incident.
One of the accused has been detained while efforts are on to nab the other accused who are currently absconding.
According to sources, the miscreants had earlier made threatening calls to the businessman and demanded Rs 10 lakh from him. However, when he refused to give them the extortion money, they attacked him in a group.
From the shop's CCTV footage, the miscreants can be seen rushing towards the cloth store with huge sticks. Wearing money caps to hide their faces, they attacked the businessman who was sitting at the cash counter. They also vandalised the store before fleeing the spot.
Cops are examining the CCTV footage to identify the miscreants involved in the incident.
However, the eggs landed on some college students and party workers sitting in the front rows. They expressed their displeasure over the incident.
As per reports, the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha programme was held on the premises of Loknath College in Korua under Garadpur block. When the programme was nearing the conclusion, some BJD workers, allegedly unhappy over some issues, threw eggs at the MLA’s son, but the eggs missed the target and landed on others sitting close to the dais.
The workers who hurled eggs managed to flee the spot, sources said.
However, replying to the questions from the media, BJD leader Sanjay Agarwal allegedly avoided the issue and said no such incident happened at the venue. “I am not aware of such an incident. When I arrived at the venue, guests were being welcomed. Who hurled eggs? Who has seen it?”
Later, local police started an investigation into the matter.
The deceased has been identified as Dibakar Jena, a resident of Manapur under Aul Police limits of Kendrapara.
As per reports, an agent took Dibakar Jena to South Africa seven months ago to engage him in plumbing work. However, Dibakar died on Friday, but his family was reportedly not informed about the cause of his death.
Besides, the family alleged that the authorities of the company, where Dibakar was working, are not releasing his body.
Speaking to the media, Tulasi Jena, the mother of the deceased said, “We contacted some people, and they told us that my son was no more.”
Mahendra Jena, uncle of the deceased lamented, “Our son died three days ago, but we were not informed about his death immediately. We knew it 24 hours later. They are not giving proper information about how he died. We want his body back. All our family members are drowned in sorrow and have been without food for the last three days after hearing the news.”
He said, “We appeal to Mr Baijayant Panda to intervene in the matter and take steps to bring back his body."
As per reports, every week, three buses come to this panchayat and carry many of the residents to various parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu where they work in cotton mills, fish processing factories, brick kilns, and other sectors.
Women with their children, youths, and young girls of the panchayat can be seen boarding buses to Kerala and Chennai– a scene that is too heartbreaking for their kith and kin that are left languishing in the villages.
A woman, identified as Jayanti Bir, was found crying inconsolably and wiping out tears with her saree while boarding a bus to Kerala – a heartrending sight. She felt extremely sad to leave her village and travel to a place thousands of miles away, leaving behind her old mother in the house. Had there been any scope of earning here, she would not be going to a far-off place, she said.
The problem of migration began in the panchayat post-Supercyclone in 1999. Seven villages of Satabhaya panchayat have been completely engulfed by the sea. The administration has relocated the residents at Bagapatia.
Many of the residents work either in prawn processing units, brick kilns, or cotton mills outside the state. They admit that they come back home with some earnings after working for a few months.
As per reports, 5000 people of 751 families live in the relocated panchayat while about 1200 youths migrate to other states to eke out their living.
The migration misery of the Satabhyaya stands in sharp contrast with the state government’s big claims about several measures to check migration.
Debi Bir, a woman leaving for Tamil Nadu, said in a sarcastic tone, "We have no work in Odisha. I work in a cotton mill there and earn my livelihood.”
Nirupama Das, a young girl, lamented that as they have no work available in the locality, they are bound to migrate to Kerala for some months. “I do tailoring work in Kerala. I have been working there for more than a year. I came back home some days ago and handed out Rs 40,000 to my family. After staying in the village for some days, I leave for Kerala,” she rued.
Prasanna Parida, sarpanch of Satabhaya, said that around 2000 people migrate outside to earn a livelihood. “The reason is that we don’t have adequate farmlands in the coastal area. Acres of farmlands have been rendered unfit for farming due to the increasing salinity of the soil. We have no alternative livelihood sources,” she admitted.
Now the question arises as to why people are leaving their homes, hearths, and families for a distant place.
As for the issue, Collector Amrit Ruturaj, replied tactically, saying that all are not going outside as migrants. "But many are going with a scope of good employment. We are here exploring fishery-based work for them,” he added.
Of the 21 labourers from several parts of India stranded in Gabon in Central Africa, five labourers returned to India in the first phase. Moreover, five more labourers are returning to Odisha’s Kendrapara today.
The office of the BJP National Vice President on Thursday informed this in a press release.
Also Read: BJP National VP Baijayant Panda urges people to contribute to country’s progress
In the first phase, five labourers returned to India on November 26. In the second phase, five labourers are returning to Odisha’s Kendrapara today. The rest 11 labourers will return in phases, stated the press release.
Notably, as many as 21 labourers including 14 from Odisha, four from Bihar and one each from Rajasthan, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh had gone to Gabon through an agent, with the hope of earning a livelihood. While the agent promised them a job with a monthly salary of Rs 50,000, they had given him Rs 1 lakh each.
After reaching there, they were allegedly forced to live a wretched life. The company authorities subjected them to physical and mental torture and forced them to work for over 12 hours every day.
In a video message, they had informed about their plights to their respective family members.
The worried family members had turned to Baijayant Panda through BJP's Kendrapara district vice president, Krushnachandra Panda and requested him to take steps to bring them back to India.
In turn, the BJP’s National Vice President contacted the Indian Ambassador, briefed him about the Indian labourers’ predicament and requested assistance and support to bring the labourers back to India safely.
As per reports, the OTDC built the panthashala at a cost of Rs 22 lakh claiming to provide lodging facilities to the tourists coming to Kendrapara town. But since its construction, it could not be made operational till now.
Sources said, all the electrical equipment installed in the panthashala has been stolen while other furniture is not in working condition. Built to facilitate the stay of tourists, the panthashala at Kendrapara’s ward no-19 has now become a haunted house.
While everything inside the panthashala is in a dilapidated condition, the trees and plants inside the panthashala premise create the illusion of a forest.
At some places, the walls have cracked and the doors and windows have been broken. The condition of the toilet is no better. If the look from the outside is worrisome, the situation is worse from the inside.
“The work done in the panthashala is of very low quality. It is evident in the falling of cement blocks from roofs and walls. Whatever work was done and fittings were installed, they were all stolen now. Even the doors and windows have been uprooted and stolen,” alleged a local, Prabhakar Rout.
After remaining closed for a long time, the panthashala has now become a den of anti-social elements.
“The panthashala work was finished in 2016, but it has not been handed over to us till now. Some anti-social elements and drug addicts have made it their den. It was a Rs 22 lakh project. But the work has not been done as per the standards as the builder-officer nexus has resulted in siphoning off money,” alleged Prashant Kumar Nayak, a Kendrapara local.
The local residents allegedly complained to the administration but to no avail. They have now threatened to launch an agitation in protest.
When contacted, tourism department officials did not respond to requests for comment. On the other hand, the additional collector said that it will be restored immediately.
“OTDC had constructed the Panthashala. They have not handed it over yet. We will see what can be done to make it operational as tourists have started coming to Kendrapara,” said Kendrapara Additional Collector, Nilu Mohapatra.
As many as 21 labourers including 14 from Odisha, four from Bihar and one each from Rajasthan, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh had gone to Gabon through an agent, with the hope of earning a livelihood. While the agent promised them a job with a monthly salary of Rs 50,000, they had given him Rs 1 lakh each, Baijayant Panda mentioned in his letter.
Also Read: BJP National VP Baijayant Panda seeks diplomatic intervention to bring back Odias stranded in Africa
Unbeknownst to the fate waiting for them in Gabon, they flew there. Days later, their dream of earning some money was dashed to the ground. The company authorities would subject them to physical and mental torture and force them to work for over 12 hours every day.
In a video message, they had informed about their plights to their respective family members.
With no option left, the worried family members had requested Baijayant Panda through BJP's Kendrapara district vice president Krushnachandra Panda to take steps to bring them back to India.
Baijayant Panda, who is best known for going the extra mile in such cases, contacted the Indian Ambassador, briefed him about the Indian labourers’ predicament and requested assistance and support to bring the labourers back to India safely.
The family members of the girl had lodged a complaint at Kudanagari police station immediately after the incident, which was reported to have taken place four days ago. Meanwhile, police have started an investigation into the matter. Sources said, a person has also been arrested in connection to the case.
However, upset over the incident, BJP workers staged a demonstration in front of the college while a delegation of the party met the college authorities and discussed about the incident.
The BJP workers took out a rally led by party spokesperson Tejeswar Parida, shouting slogans against the Odisha government. They accused the government of having failed to protect women in the state.
Speaking to media, Parida accused the police of delaying the investigation. “Four days have passed, but what has the police done? No accused has been arrested till date, even though police have formed a special team to nab the culprits,” he alleged.
Parida warned of intensifying the agitation and shut the local bazaar over the incident if all the accused are not arrested.
Locals handed over Sethi to Rajnagar police following the incident.
As per reports, the accused Sethi allegedly tried to rape the minor girl. However, locals rushed to the spot and rescued the girl after hearing her screams. Subsequently, they also overpowered Sethi and later handed him over to the police.
The family members of the girl have lodged a complaint at Rajnagar police station alleging rape attempt by Sethi.
Rajnagar police have registered a case and started an investigation into the incident.
However, no comments from the police could be obtained in this regard.
Despite abject poverty, Subhalaxmi had cracked the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission into the MBBS course. However, now she struggles to pursue her MBBS course at Fakir Mohan Medical College in Balasore.
Kendrapara district administration has arranged a loan amount of Rs 10 lakh for Subhalaxmi to help her pursue medicine. Apart from that, the administration has also provided Rs 30,000 from the Red Cross fund towards Subhalaxmi’s study expenses. The same amount has also been provided from the Chief Minister’s relief fund towards the cardiac treatment of her father Brajakishore Sahu.
Kendrapara Collector Amrit Ruturaj handed over the amount to Subhalaxmi’s family members at his office.
Moreover, many social organisations have also come forward and extended financial support for Subhalaxmi’s medical education.
Notably, Subhalaxmi’s journey has been full of obstacles.
Her father Brajakishore goes from one village to another on a bicycle to sell stationary items. To keep the pot boiling, he has to go out every day, without fail. Even though Subhalaxmi passed Matriculation from Talakusuma Govindapur High School with good marks, her father had already decided to stop her study midway through, owing to the family’s poor financial condition. But he couldn’t do that seeing her strong desire to become a doctor.
With the help of a well-wisher, he admitted her to a coaching institute in Bhubaneswar. And her labour finally paid off and she cracked the NEET.
Spreading a message against untouchability, the Father of the Nation allowed Dalits to enter temples in some villages during that march in 1934, said Dr Basudeb Das, a researcher of Kendrapara.
"The padayatra by Gandhiji was one of the most momentous events in the country's freedom struggle," Das said.
During the march, Gandhi spent four days in Kendrapara district and toured different places.
"Meera Ben, Gopabandhu Choudhury, Rajkrushna Bose, Rama Devi, a German youth named K Kuto, Uma Bajaj, Binod Kanungo, Surendranath Pattnayak and many other followers accompanied him," said Das (78) said quoting historical records preserved by him.
Gandhi reached Kakatia village on May 26 and spent the night in Salar Muth. He addressed meetings at Bhagabatpur and Tinukuhani Chhak the next day. He stayed for a couple of days at Garapur bungalow on the outskirts of Kendrapara town. Later, he visited Barimula and spent the night on May 30 in Dhumat village.
Gandhi took a bath while sitting on a stone at Dhumat village on May 30, 1934. Villagers carried water from the nearby river in buckets for him. That stone, now known as Gandhi Sila', has been preserved at the same spot and a bust of him was built there.
"Neither I nor my father saw Mahatma Gandhi. But we worship the Gandhi Sila. My grandfather used to tell us how Gandhiji came to our area and infused the spirit of Independence among the local people," said Anuradha Mohanty, a college student from Dhumat village.
The History of Orissa' authored by former chief minister the Late Harekrushna Mahtab throws elaborate details on Gandhi's march in the state.
"Those who took part in the yatra or were eyewitnesses to it are not alive to recall Bapu's persona. But the fact that the great man had put his steps in Kendrapara makes us proud," said 30-year-old sales executive, Manabesh Rout, of Kendrapara town.
A statue of Mahatma Gandhi along with other freedom fighters was unveiled recently at Tinimuhani Chhack in Kendrapara township to commemorate the historic Padayatra of Father of the Nation in 1934.
A special cover of Gandhi s Padayatra in Kendrapara was also released by the Indian Department of Post as a mark of tribute to the Father of the Nation.
As per reports, the electricity transformer installed on the college premises was gutted two weeks back triggering a power outage. The college authorities and students informed the electricity department about the development immediately.
The department reportedly took 11 days to install a new transformer. However, it caught fire again the following day. But the department didn’t pay any heed to the repeated requests by the college authorities to restore the power supply on the college campus. After facing a lot of disruptions in their studies due to the lackadaisical attitude of the department, the students were forced to stage a protest. They gheraoed the electric office and shouted slogans against the department demanding immediate power restoration.
“We have been facing lots of problems in our studies due to power outage for the last 15 days. After repeated complaints, the department set up an old transformer on the college campus which again caught fire. We demand immediate restoration of power in our college,” said a protesting student.
Assistant Engineer, Dipankar Debta assured that a new transformer will be installed on the college premises within a day or two.
“The new transformer caught fire due to an internal short circuit. Our workers are testing the transformer if it could be repaired. I have already informed about the development to our higher authorities. If the transformer cannot be repaired, we will install a new one within a day or two,” said Debta.
The incident has been reported from Kulasahi village under Panthapala panchayat.
The elderly man, identified as Amulya Das, had gone to the river to attend nature’s call. In the meantime, he was attacked and dragged into the river by a crocodile, locals said, adding that the elderly man’s slippers were recovered from the riverbed.
On being informed about the incident, Fire Services personnel and Forest department officials rushed to the village and launched a frantic search.
It is worthwhile to mention here that Kendrapara has reported three deaths due to crocodile attacks in the last two months.
On June 29, one elderly man, identified as Gangadhara Tarai of Ghagaradiha village, died in a crocodile attack.
One Ashutosh Acharya, a Class 5 student of Nimpur village under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district, was allegedly dragged and killed by a crocodile on June 14.
Similarly, on June 21, a woman, identified as Sita Das from Hatiagadi village under Rajnagar block in the district fell victim to a similar attack in the district.
“I will understand your problems, if you understand mine,” is what the woman was told indirectly hinting at sexual favours.
The shocking allegations have been brought by a married woman from Dimiripal panchayat under Aul block in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.
While people with double-storied buildings are getting houses under PMAY, genuine beneficiaries are being deprived of the housing units as they refused to entertain the political leader’s bizarre demands.
“I do not understand why I’m being deprived of a house. Once a local leader told me ‘You understand my problem, I will understand yours’. Although he didn’t particularly say what he meant by that, maybe he was hinting towards ‘sexual favour’ or ‘money’,” the victim woman said.
“I have voted for them, what more do they want from us,” she added.
On the other hand, several other genuine beneficiaries have accused the authorities concerned of demanding bribes from them.
“I have several times got the work order, but don’t get the money sanctioned by the government because I cannot pay a bribe to them. People who have double-storied buildings are getting houses under PMAY. But, genuine beneficiaries like us are being deprived of the housing benefits,” another woman alleged.
Another resident alleged, “In some houses, all the family members including the sons, daughters and parents get houses. But, the genuine beneficiaries are being deprived because we cannot pay bribes to the authorities concerned.”
The BJP has alleged irregularities in Awas allotment in 34 panchayats of Aul block in the district.
When contacted, Aul BDO Divyendu Das said, “We request the beneficiaries to write a complaint and narrate their ordeal so that we can take appropriate action after a probe in this regard.”
The deceased has been identified as Gangadhara Tarai.
According to sources, Tarai had gone to Brahmani river to attend nature's call when a crocodile dragged him into the river and he went missing.
On being informed about the incident, Fire Services personnel rushed to the village and launched a frantic search. After hours of search operation, Tarai’s body was fished out from the river.
“When he (Tarai) went inside the water, he was attacked by a crocodile. Hearing his scream, I rushed to the river bank. But, by the time I reached there it was too late,” said Pratap Majhi, an eyewitness.
“Crocodile attack has claimed three lives in three weeks. One woman died in Rajnagar, a minor body lost his life in Nimapur and now an elderly person died in Ghagaradiha. But, the forest department officials are sitting idle as if nothing has happened,” said Ganeswar Behera, former MLA.
Notably, one Ashutosh Acharya, a Class 5 student of Nimpur village under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district, was allegedly dragged and killed by a crocodile on June 14.
Similarly on June 21, a woman, identified as Sita Das from Hatiagadi village under Rajnagar block in the district fell victim to a similar attack in the district.
As per reports, Sashikant floated a Ponzi scheme and promised the investors in his village and around Aul to double whatever money they deposit in the scheme, in three months. However, the depositors grew suspicious after three months when they did not receive the promised returns.
Tried to trace Shashikant, but he was nowhere to be found. Angry after losing their money, locals, gheraoed his house in Balisahi on Wednesday and demanded his father, who is a retired Reserve Bank of India (RBI) employee, to return the money his son has taken.
Prabhat Kumar Barik, an investor said, “I collected Rs 7 lakh from the market and deposited with Sashikant. He promised me to double the money in three months. But after some months he never showed up neither returned the money.”
“The people from whom I collected the money have been asking me to return it, but I cannot return them as all the money is with Sashikant. I do not want double returns. I just want him to return what he took from me,” Barik said.
Speaking about his son, Sashikant’s father Bhabagrahi Gochhayat said, “People come to us and allege that my son has taken money from them and demand us to return the money. But I do not have any idea what it is all about and why they gave money to my son, if it is true at all.”
“I am a pensioner and living my life with whatever paltry pension I receive every month. How can I pay them such a big amount,” he said.
No complaints have been filed with the police in this connection yet.
The incident has been reported from Hatiagadi village under Rajnagar block in the district.
The deceased has been identified as Sita Das (40)
According to sources, the mishap took place when Sita had gone to a nearby canal to wash utensils.
It is alleged that a crocodile dragged her and took her deep into the water. On being informed about the incident, the Fire Services team rushed to the village.
“Sita had gone to the canal at around 1 pm to wash utensils. But she was killed in the crocodile attack,” said a relative of the deceased.
After a frantic search operation, which lasted for around three hours, the body of the deceased was fished out from the canal.
Meanwhile, irate locals staged a road blockade on the Rajnagar-Bhitarkanika route at Jarimula holding the Forest Department responsible for the mishap.
No comments from the Forest Department officials have been received in this regard.
It is worthwhile to mention here that one Ashutosh Acharya, a Class 5 student of Nimpur village under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district, was allegedly dragged and killed by a crocodile last Wednesday.
The gigantic chariot could not be pulled following sunset on Tuesday.
People from all walks of life participated in the pulling of the chariot and BJP National Vice President, Baijayant Panda also took part in the celebrations.
“Those who get a chance to pull the chariots are fortunate. This is a very auspicious day for Kendrapara. Like in previous years, devotees in large numbers have come here. I am very happy to be here,” said Baijayant Panda.
It is believed that after getting a glimpse of Rath Yatra in Puri, if a person witnesses Rath Yatra of Lord Baladev Jew, then salvation is achieved.
Earlier today in Puri, Lord Jagannath’s chariot Nandighosha and Goddess Subhadra’s chariot Debadalana reached Gundicha Temple after chariot pulling resumed. On Tuesday, the pulling of Nandighosha and Debadalana were halted at Mausi Maa Square and Badasankha in Puri respectively.
The arrested youth has been identified as Guru Dalai.
As per reports, Guru works at a prawn gheri in the area. When he was on duty, a kingfisher gobbled up a prawn. Subsequently, Guru caught the bird and brutally killed it. He also posted the video of the incident on Instagram.
The video went viral following which Kendrapara Forest Department swung into action. Rajkanika Forest Ranger Manas Dash arrested Guru in connection with the incident.
“The youth was found harassing the kingfisher in the Instagram video. After watching the video, our officials have arrested him. It’s a crime to harass any bird or animal and post the video on social media as per the Wildlife Protection Act,” said Rajkanika Forest Ranger Manas Dash.
“I request one and all not to harass any bird and animal and post any video on it over social media platforms,” said Dash.
The deceased has been identified as Ashutosh Acharya, a Class 5 student. The body of the deceased was fished out one hour after he was dragged by a crocodile from the bank of the river.
As per reports, Ashutosh had gone to the bank of the river to attend nature’s call with his mother. When Ashutosh’s mother went to bathe in the river, a crocodile appeared immediately and dragged him. The helpless woman cried desperately for help. Hearing her screams, people from nearby areas rushed to the spot, but couldn’t do anything to rescue the hapless child.
Notably, the crocodiles often turn violent and attack people in rivers during this period as it is the breeding season of the reptiles. Several people become the victims of crocodile attacks during this period in Kendrapara every year.
A crocodile had dragged a 40-year-old man last year. However, he somehow managed to survive but sustained grievous injuries. Following a long period of treatment, he was cured.
The forest department is creating awareness among the people in Kendrapara about the crocodile attack during this period of time every year by sticking posters on the walls and setting up barricades near the bank of the years. However, some people are still becoming victims of crocodile attacks.
Locals up the ante against Forest department officials
“The Forest department is completely responsible for the mishap. Entire wire fencing of Nimpur village can avoid such problems in the future,” a local resident said.
Pattamundai Tehsildar, Dillip Sethi said, “We have immediately provided Rs 10,000 to the deceased’s family and necessary formalities are being carried out to provide them Rs 6 lakh compensation. We will come up with necessary measures to avoid such incidents in the future.”
“As this is the breeding time for the crocodiles, they have become more aggressive. So I urge people to be extra careful while going into the river,” said Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav, Rajnagr DFO.
The members of the BJP burnt Behera's effigy at Tinimuhani Square in Kendrapara district as a mark of protest. Led by senior BJP leader Sunakar Behera, members of the saffron party took out a rally demanding a thorough probe into the incident.
A huge effigy of Bhushan was burnt as angry BJP workers slammed the BJD MLA for allegedly demanding dowry from his daughter-in-law Ronali. The protesters also demanded that he should immediately resign as a member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
“BJD MLA Shashi Bhushan Behera’s daughter-in-law Ronali has brought serious allegations against him and his son Satya Prakash Behera. The Behera family has been inflicting dowry, mental and physical torture on the girl. Shockingly, Satya Prakash is also having an illicit relationship with another married woman. Kendrapara residents had voted for Behera with the trust that he would do good for the district, but we are suffering now as he has done nothing and is involved in such heinous crimes. This is a shame for us, so we demand that he immediately quits as an MLA,” said Sunakar Behera.
Notably, Ronali has lodged a formal complaint against Behera and his family members at Banki police station alleging dowry, and physical and mental torture. She has also accused her husband of having an illicit relationship with another married woman.
Panda visited the houses of the deceased-minor boy Dipendra Behera and boatman Sudarshan Swain- and met their family members. A visibly upset Panda spent some time with the aggrieved family members. He expressed his deep grief at the passing away of the two villagers in the mishap.
I mourn the unfortunate demise of Sudarshan Swain, the brave boatman who displayed great courage and selflessness recently while saving lives of many on his boat.
— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) April 30, 2023
Today, on my visit to Kendrapara, I visited his village Ekmania in Rajkanika and extended my condolences to his… pic.twitter.com/WhDCWXkqEH
On the other hand, the BJP launched a broadside against the State government and Minister Pratap Deb.
Holding the government responsible for the mishap, district BJP president Kishore Chandra Panda said if a bridge had been constructed, two precious lives would have been saved.
“It is unfortunate that the foundation stone for a bridge was laid in 2016, but the government is least bothered about the execution of the project. We condemn Minister Pratap Deb’s insensitive statement on the mishap that claimed two lives. It’s an affront to us. There should be no repeat of such a tragic incident here. And I would like to demand before the government that the construction of the bridge should be completed before the occurrence of another such mishap,” said Panda.
In this regard, reactions from the BJD and Minister Deb couldn’t be obtained.
While the anti-corruption wing apprehended Manas Dhal, a dealing assistant (junior clerk) at Pattamundai Block Education Officer’s office in Kendrapara for accepting Rs 10,000 bribe from a teacher, Badamba block junior engineer Bauri Bandhu Parida was caught by the sleuths while allegedly accepting Rs 30,000 bribe from a contractor.
According to sources, Dhal was taking Rs 10,000 bribe to clear the drawl of the teacher's arrear salary pending more than a year. Similarly, Parida had demanded and accepted Rs 30,000 bribe from the contractor to pass a bill, He was arrested at his official residence while accepting the bribe, sources informed.
The Vigilance has also recovered the entire bribe money from the two accused Odisha government officials.
Following the trap, the Vigilance launched simultaneous searches at two locations associated with Dhal on disproportionate asset (DA) angle.
Besides, simultaneous searches are on at three places associated with Parida, sources in Vigilance informed.
Further investigation into the matter is on.
The boatman is still missing and efforts are on to locate him.
According to sources, the mishap took place when the ill-fated boat was on its way from Ekamania to Keradagarh of Rajnagar.
Ekmania panchayat is surrounded by river from all sides and residents depend on boats for daily transportation.
When the first boat left the panchayat at around 6 am today, at least 30 passengers boarded it along with 8-10 bikes. After covering some distance, the boat lost control and capsized, sources informed.
Till the last report came in, the villagers have launched a search operation while the Fire Services team is yet to reach the spot.
A high school teacher in Manchester, Forty-one-year old Madhusmita Jena turned many heads when she arrived draped in a Sambalpuri saree to run the marathon. She was the lone one in the saree.
This was not the first marathon that she completed. Before this, she had participated in many marathons and ultra-marathons across the globe. Last year, she was also felicitated for sports excellence at Odisha Society of the UK convention.
But this was the first time when she participated in a marathon wearing a saree.
Running in a saree is always a difficult task. But, an active member of the North West England Community, Madhusmita could do it with uncommon elan. She proved all of them wrong who would think women can’t run wearing a saree.
Even in England, Madhusmita, who hails from Kusunpur village in Kendrapara district, wears saree, more so in Summer.
With her feat, she has made the entire Odia community of the UK and Odias back in Odisha proud. She has since been lapping up accolades from different quarters.
Madhusmita’s husband works in Egypt and they have two sons.
The deceased has been identified as Amit Kumar Patra of Sahira village.
According to sources, Amit along with his brother-in-law Sanjay Jena had gone to Dahianta village to attend a programme.
While the duo was returning home, another person from the village attacked them with a knife leaving them critically injured.
Profusely bleeding, Amit and Sanjay were immediately rushed to Pattamundai hospital where doctors declared Amit, 'brought dead', informed sources.
Sanjay, who also sustained grievous injuries in the attack, is undergoing treatment at the hospital and his condition is stated to be critical.
While the exact reason behind the attack is yet to be ascertained, deceased Amit’s relatives suspect it to be a fallout of political rivalry.
“I received a call that Amit was attacked and lying in a pool of blood. I immediately rushed him to the hospital where doctors declared him brought dead. I suspect political rivalry might be the reason behind the attack,” said Kishore Chandra Patra, uncle of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the police have detained the accused for questioning and further investigation into the matter is on.
“One Rashmi Ranja Roul attacked Amit and Sanjay with a knife after an altercation broke out between them. While Amit collapsed after the attack, Sanjay sustained critical injuries. The accused has been detained and questioning is on,” said Sandhyarani Behura, Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Pattamundai.
Built at an expense of over Rs 1 crore, the 10 HP solar pump-powered water project could not even run for a year. Now, it is gathering dust while wild plants and weeds have taken over the solar panels.
“It is really unfortunate that the project could run for only one and a half months. When we raised the issue, we were informed that the motor was stolen. Now, the scorching heat will double our trouble without water supply,” said Sarat Mishra, a local resident.
“The public representative here is not concerned about the wellbeing of the common men. Everyone is busy making their own profit,” said Bidyadhar Kandi, another local.
Echoing the same opinion another local Krushna Chandra Das said, “Even though the project is there, we are not getting water. It is okay to skip a meal but how can someone live without water? Everyone knows the project is defunct now but no measure is being taken to make it operational.”
Commenting on the matter, Kendrapara collector Amrit Rutura said, “Directions have already been issued to resolve the problems within 48 hours under the Basudha project. The habitation has increased and we are installing more water pipelines.”
The aspirant, identified as Anita Jena of Lunia village in Bhadrak district reportedly submitted the fake Matriculation certificate.
According to sources, the fake matric certificate was issued in the name of Adarsh Arya SS High School at Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh.
The certificate mentioned that Jena scored 99 marks out of 100 in Odia in the Matriculation examination, sources informed.
“The recruitment section verified the certificate of one Anita Jena who came to divisional office on 21 March for document verification. The recruitment section found her certificate was issued by Adarsh Arya SS High School at Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh and she scored 99 out of 100 in Odia,” said Debaraj Sethi, postal superintendent of Kendrapara division.
“Anita Jena had cleared the matriculation examination in 2009 and her birth year is 1990. Scoring 99 in Odia and qualifying matric examination at the age of 19 triggered doubts about the authenticity of the certificate,” Sethi added.
Earlier, a fake education racket having pan-India links was busted in Bolangir and around 1,000 to 5,000 fake certificates were seized from a coaching centre named Reliance Education Institute.
All the certificates looked almost similar to the original ones with properly printed holograms and logos, informed sources. So far, 19 persons including the owner of the educational institution have been arrested in connection with the case.
(Reported by Manoj Swain, OTV)
The victim was admitted to Pattamundai Hospital in a critical condition.
As per reports, she was returning home after appearing in the Matric examination at Manmathanath High School when miscreants tried to abduct her in a car. However, the girl tried her best to escape from them. During the tussle, the miscreants attacked the girl with a piece of blade and injured her seriously.
After hearing her screams, local people rushed to the spot and the miscreants fled from the spot. The girl was immediately rushed to Pattamundai Hospital in a critical condition where she is undergoing treatment.
As per hospital sources, the girl responded to the treatment well and her condition is stated to be stable.
An FIR in this regard has been lodged at Pattamundai police station by the family members of the girl. On the basis of the complaint, Pattamundai police has registered a case and started an investigation.
However, the exact cause behind the abduction bid is yet to be ascertained.
Days after the shocking attack on Balasore Sub Collector, sand mafias assaulted tehsildar of Derabis in Kendrapara district during a raid at Gualsingh ghat.
Derabis Tehsildar Akshay Kumar Parida has filed an FIR at Kendrapara Sadar police station in this regard.
Acting on a tip-off, Revenue Inspector of the area and Derabis tehsildar conducted a raid during the illegal lifting of sand and stopped the sand-laden truck on February 17. Irked over the development, the driver called three others. The miscreants then attacked the tehsildar and injured him in the process.
“After checking the documents, we came to know that the vehicle was not authorised from Mangalpur ghat to Mahakalpada. However, the vehicle owner was clearly flouting the rules. Date and time were also not mentioned in the documents. We asked the driver to stop the vehicle. However, the driver drove the vehicle towards the owner’s house,” said Parida.
“Then we called up the police. Irked by the development, the vehicle owner threatened us with dire consequences. Subsequently, he called some people and the miscreants tried to snatch documents from me. They also attacked me and I have been badly injured in the process,” he said.
Parida got treatment at Kendrapara hospital and then lodged a complaint at Kendrapara Sadar police station.
Further investigation into the incident is underway.
The BJP alleged that the list of PMAY beneficiaries published at the block office has many names that are ineligible, while depriving the eligible beneficiaries.
The protesters demanded quashing of the current list and preparation of a fresh list with all the eligible beneficiaries in the area.
BJP leader, Sunakar Behera said, “The administration has included all the ineligible beneficiaries from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) who have pucca houses and land.”
“We demand removal of such names from the list and inclusion of people living in kutcha houses, otherwise we will intensify our agitation,” Behera warned.
The saffron party has been cornering the Odisha government over alleged irregularities in the PMAY beneficiary list.
The party on February 4 had taken out a rally from Samantarapur Chowk to the block office in Bhubaneswar. They had a scuffle with the police as they tried to force their way into the block office.
(Reported By Manoj Swain, OTV)
A native of Akhua Odanga village under Marshaghai block in Kendrapara district, Pabitra has successfully cleared the recruitment examination conducted by the State Selection Board (SSB) and selected for the post of lecturer in a government college.
Sharing the story of his incredible journey, Pabitra recalled how he once worked as a migrant labourer to fund his studies and support his family.
“My parents did a lot of hard work to fund my primary education. My father worked hard in the farmland and supported my studies till Plus 2. As he expressed his inability to pay further for my studies, I had gone to Chennai in Tamil Nadu and worked as a painter. However, I never gave up the dream of becoming a lecturer and supporting my family,” said Pabitra.
Pabitra completed his matriculation and Plus 2 from Akhua Odang Government High School and Plus 3 from Kendrapara Autonomous College. Later, he moved to Bhubaneswar and got his MA, MPhil and PhD degrees from Utkal University.
“My husband worked in farmland and as a labourer to maintain our family and support the studies of my son. He would cry when we expressed inability to pay money for his education. I too cried a lot at our helplessness,” recalled Pabitra’s mother Jharana Sahu.
Kishore Chandra Sahu, father of Pabitra, said “When the result was declared, he came to me and said he has been selected. I was elated and tears of joy rolled down my eyes. We distributed sweets in the village.”
“My nephew did so much struggle and continued his studies in Bhubaneswar. Our happiness knew no bounds when he shared the good news that he has bagged the job,” Pabitra’s aunt Banita Sahu said.
Reported by Manoj Swain, OTV
Else, a woman in Kendrapara could not have come forward to solemnize her younger son’s marriage with her widowed daughter-in-law and thereby giving a new lease of life to her.
Meet Shantilata Sethi, a woman from Aul of Kendrapara district, who did not give a second thought before solemnizing her younger son’s marriage with her widowed daughter-in-law.
“My daughter-in-law Kaol was shattered after my elder son Sunil’s death. Sunil was suffering from cancer. We tried our best to save Sunil, but in vain. Kajol had three children from Sunil. She was devastated after Sunil died of cancer. Kajol is only 26 years old. She had married Sunil when she was only 18. I did not find anything wrong in solemnizing her marriage with my younger son Anil. By doing this, my daughter-in-law will remain in my family only. My son saved my grandchildren from becoming orphans.”
They tied the nuptial knot at a simple ceremony organized at the village Jagannath temple. Anil put vermillion on his sister-in-law’s head, giving her the recognition of his wife. The marriage was held in the presence of relatives and villagers.
Residents of the locality also showered their praise on Anil for marrying his sister-in-law, who is a mother of three children.
Anil said, “My brother was a cancer patient. Though we spent huge money for his treatment, we failed to save him. He died one and a half years back. I was in Abu Dhabi when he died. Following his death, I came back to Odisha. Though I was searching for a bride, my mother gave a proposal of marrying my sister-in-law. Keeping family’s situation in mind, I said yes to the proposal to give a better life to my sister-in-law and three children.
Lauding Shantilata’s move, a villager said, “It is really appreciable. Her actions are louder than words. She is not a mother-in-law, she is a good mother. Also, Anil should be praised for marrying Kajol without hesitation.”
Reported by Banamali Sahu, OTV
The head counting exercise began at around 5:30 AM in the morning and will continue till 1:30 PM in the noon, reports said. As many as 17 teams have been deployed for the counting of the migratory birds in the National Park.
The annual census is underway at five ranges of the National Park. The counting teams are expected to conduct the census at Raipatia, Satabhayagheri, Satabhaya Bisarna Adrabhumi, Jambhu, Batighara, Barunei Muhana, Praharajpur, Kansaripatia, Khola, Naliapatia, Durgapuramuhana and other nearby areas of the national park.
The teams have been well equipped with boats, radios (walkie-talkie), binoculars, cameras and GPS scales for the annual counting.
On the other hand, the Bhitarkanika National Park will remain closed for 11 days beginning January 4 for crocodile census also. The national park has shut its doors (from January 4) till January 14.
Teams have also been deployed for the crocodile census. The authorities have closed the park as part of their measures to ensure a smooth and human interference-free census survey.
Rajnagar Divisional forest officer-in-charge, Adhar Kumar Behera said, “The census began at around 5:30 AM in the morning and will continue will 1:30 PM.
"We are hopeful that the census programme will be successful and there is a rise in the number of winged guests in the national park this year.”
“There are at least 17 teams comprising of 4-6 members each. They have been given all the technical training and hope the census brings good news for bird and nature lovers,” he added.
According to sources, the national park will shut its doors from January 4 to January 14 for visitors for crocodile counting. Teams deployed for the census exercise will carry out the headcount of the crocodiles in the creeks, and nullahs within the park and its surrounding areas.
The park authorities have decided to close the park during the period for the visitors as part of their measures to ensure a smooth and human interference-free census operation.
During this period, the booking of night stays in Bhitarkanika Nature Camps through Ecotour Odisha website will also remain closed.
A team led by expert Sudhakar Kar will conduct headcount of reptiles both day and night.
Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav, Rajnagar divisional forest officer (DFO) said, “For crocodile census, the park will remain shut. Boat movement will be suspended for the first four days as the census can be carried out only in stagnant water. Teams have not been formed yet. A training programme will be held then only we will decide how many teams will carry out the census.”
Going by the census conducted in 2022, the national park houses 1,784 saltwater crocodiles.
As per initial reports, all the children were taking bath in the pond when the mishap occurred at around 1 pm today. Though all the minors were rescued and rushed to the nearest hospital, they were declared brought dead by the doctors.
Doctor Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty said, “At around 1:30 PM, I received a phone call that three children have drowned in a pond. I immediately alerted the PHC and I rushed to the spot along with an ambulance. But the children were brought dead to the hospital. As per protocol, police will hand over bodies after the conduct of the post-mortem.”
According to Mohanty, the chances of survival are high if the victims are rescued on time in drowning-related cases. But it appears that the three children were rescued a bit late.
(This is a developing story) (Reported by Prabir Nayak)
The tragic incident happened during regular vehicle checking by the RTO enforcement squad at National Highway No. 53 in Kendrapara.
The deceased has been identified as Pabitra Kumar Mohapatra.
As per reports, the speeding van hit the home guard while he tried to stop the heavy vehicle during checking. The van vanished from the spot immediately after the incident.
A team of police chased the vehicle to nab the driver. The vehicle was seized at Laxminarayanpur Square. However, the driver is on the run.
Tension ran high following the incident with local people gathering at the place in large numbers and seeking justice for the victim. They have staged a road blockade demanding compensation for the deceased.
Derabish police rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the irate people.
“The vehicle, loaded with scrap material, was running with a great speed. The driver seems to have mowed down the home guard on duty intentionally to evade a fine. We have seized the vehicle. A search drive is on to nab the driver who is on run. After sending the body to the medical, we will start an investigation into the matter and effort will be on to nab the owner of the vehicle,” said Kendrapara Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) Pramod Sahu.