News from Bhubaneswar

In a major twist to the sensational murder case of woman traffic constable Shubhamitra, the investigation has been elevated to the ‘Red Flag’ category, further tightening the net around prime accused Deepak Raut.

With the US imposing a steep 50% tariff on seafood imports, Odisha has implemented measures to mitigate the impact on its exporters and increase global supplies.

BJD Rajya Sabha MP Manas Mangaraj faces serious land grab allegations in Khordha’s Tangi tehsil, where villagers accuse him of illegally occupying government land, blocking access to a vital public pond. Residents claim political intimidation, forced land sales, and misuse of power. Authorities have promised legal action pending formal complaints and investigation into the disputed encroachments.

Following the Odisha Congress's submission of a no-confidence motion against the State government over unemployment, corruption, and stalled development, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) convened a key meeting at Naveen Niwas. Senior BJD leaders emphasised that the party will respond thoughtfully and strategically, promising to take the “right decision at the right moment” as the political situation unfolds.

A shocking video from Bhubaneswar's Unit 8 Kalyani Market locality shows an ‘Ama Bus’ conductor violently assaulting a passenger during an argument, leaving him injured on the roadside. The brutal incident, caught on camera, has gone viral, sparking public outrage. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, though no official response has been given by police or CRUT yet.

In a shocking twist in the murder of traffic constable Subhamitra, accused Deepak Rout—a serving cop—brazenly parked his car with her body inside the vehicle at Commissionerate Police office. Unfazed, he continued office duties for over an hour. The revelation has sparked outrage, exposing severe security lapses and disturbing premeditation behind the heinous crime. A detailed probe is underway.

The Odisha government has clarified that former beneficiaries of the Subhadra Yojana will become eligible for social security pensions only after attaining the age of 60 years, under the Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).

The monsoon session of the Odisha Assembly commencing from Thursday is likely to be stormy as the opposition Congress announced that it will move a no-confidence motion against the BJP government, with the BJD resolving to raise questions on law and order, women's safety, fertiliser scarcity and other burning issues.

The festive spirit in Odisha ahead of Dussehra may face a setback as the Meteorological Department has predicted widespread rainfall across several districts of the state. According to weather officials, a low-pressure area is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal around September 25–26, which could trigger wet conditions during the festive period.

Marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, the Odisha government planted over 1 crore saplings across 30 districts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi praised public participation, highlighting the environmental and symbolic significance of the drive. Held under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the initiative was tracked via the ‘Meri LiFE’ portal to ensure transparency.

Ahead of the Odisha Assembly's monsoon session, Bhubaneswar has been transformed into a high-security zone. Commissionerate Police, under the supervision of DGP YB Khurania, has enforced a 3-tier security system. With 30 platoons deployed and multiple control measures in place—including Section 144, surveillance, and barricading—officials aim to ensure law and order throughout the session's duration.

Panic gripped Bhubaneswar late on Tuesday night after a series of bombs were hurled between Gautam Nagar Basti and Ashok Nagar Falikia Basti, causing damage to homes and property. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday was marked with a special cleanliness drive in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday under the Seva Pakhwada campaign, with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi leading from the front.

The Odisha government’s flagship welfare initiative, Subhadra Yojana, completed one year on Tuesday. Introduced by the BJP government, it is regarded as one of the state’s most ambitious programs aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and financial independence.

A man in Bhubaneswar, posing as a senior official from NALCO and Reliance, duped a job aspirant of Rs 18 lakh by offering a fake government job. Naresh Barik, the accused, created forged documents and even a fake website to appear credible. He has been arrested, while his accomplice remains at large. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the job scam.