News from Bhubaneswar

In a shocking incident near Bhubaneswar’s Garage Chhak, a woman was publicly assaulted after protesting harassment inside an auto-rickshaw. Despite the presence of bystanders, no one intervened. The case has raised questions about public apathy and safety in urban areas. An FIR has been filed, and police have launched an investigation while the city’s safety reputation faces scrutiny.

The Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Odisha government has suspended former Bamara Tahsildar Aswini Kumar Panda, who was recently caught in a vigilance trap. The suspension comes after Panda, an OAS officer currently in jail, was apprehended by the Vigilance authorities on September 12.

BJD leader Shreemayee Mishra, has once again stirred political circles with a cryptic social media post, this time writing about ‘fake monks,’ which many believe is an indirect reference to former bureaucrat and ex-BJD leader V.K. Pandian.

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced temporary changes in train operations due to safety-related modernisation work between Jajpur Keonjhar Road and Bhadrak section.

The Odisha government has decided to expand its road safety infrastructure with the establishment of five new Institutes of Driving Training and Research (IDTRs) and 35 automated testing stations (ATSs) across the state. The move is aimed at enhancing professional driver training, improving vehicle fitness checks, and reducing road accidents.

In a bid to strengthen the investigation process in cases involving atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), the Odisha government is considering the establishment of exclusive police stations across the state. The move aims to ensure quicker registration, time-bound probe, and efficient disposal of such sensitive cases.

In the run-up to the monsoon session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Speaker Surama Padhy has convened an all-party meeting on Tuesday to seek cooperation from all political parties for the smooth conduct of the House.

The Commissionerate Police has announced a series of traffic restrictions in Bhubaneswar from September 18 to 25, 2025, coinciding with the 4th Session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly (OLA). The regulations have been imposed to ensure smooth traffic management and enhanced security around the Assembly area.

After 14 years, Jharpada’s iconic Durga Puja is shifting from its traditional mandap to Melana Padia, amid an internal rift between two local groups. While organisers cite tradition and logistics, sources point to disputes over puja rights. This year’s highlight will be a massive Torana themed on Buddhist heritage, with tight security arrangements to manage the expected festive crowd.

Odisha’s student union elections, halted since 2017, face renewed uncertainty despite earlier government assurances. With Dussehra approaching—the traditional time for polls—no groundwork is visible. Political parties, including BJD and Congress, have criticised the BJP-led government for delaying democratic processes. While the Higher Education Minister claims a positive outlook.

Traffic constable Shubhamitra Sahoo has been missing for nine days, triggering growing concern in Bhubaneswar. Her father, desperate for answers, accuses the police of inaction and suspects a man named Deepak Rout. As hope fades and questions mount, the family pleads for justice and transparency in the investigation into her mysterious disappearance from Surya Nagar locality of the State Capital.

Following the recent reduction in GST rates, the central government has issued a directive mandating the display of revised prices on all goods. The move requires manufacturers, packers, and importers to clearly indicate the updated maximum retail price (MRP) on products, even for items already purchased or packaged before the GST adjustment.

In a significant step toward improving student mental health and preventing suicides, the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, is set to roll out the ‘Never Alone’ programme — an AI-driven mental wellness platform.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will conduct a comprehensive dog census across the city starting September 17 amid the street dog menace. According to BMC officials, the enumeration exercise will continue for eight days till September 24 and cover all 67 wards under the civic body’s jurisdiction. 

The Foundation for Technology & Business Incubation (FTBI) at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela has been honoured with the coveted Bharat Incubator Award 2025 at the 4th Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit held in New Delhi on Saturday.