News from Mayurbhanj

Two SS Polytechnic College students died in a road mishap on Thakurmunda-Kaptipada road, Mayurbhanj. Their Pulsar bike skidded or was hit by a vehicle. A probe is underway.

A Royal Bengal Tiger from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been translocated to Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, to boost its population.

A goods train wagon derailed near Bangiriposi Railway Station in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, during ongoing station modernisation work.

Following OTV's report on the issues faced by people due to stranded trucks on both sides of Bangriposi ghat in Mayurbhanj, the district administration has imposed restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles on NH from Bangriposi to Bisoi. The police have been directed to control traffic with a one-and-a-half-hour interval system. This comes after a breakdown led to severe traffic snarls, affecting essential commodity transport and causing distress among truck drivers.

Two brothers, Rabindra Behera and Atmananda Behera from Chandanpur village, died in a fatal collision between their scooter and a truck on NH 49 in Bangiriposhi, Mayurbhanj district.

Incessant downpour due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has led to a flood-like situation in Balasore and Mayurbhanj. The Odisha government has put the Balasore district on high flood alert as water from the Subarnarekha River inundated over 250 villages. Thousands of acres of farmland are submerged, and villagers rely on boats for essentials. Local administration has evacuated over 400 people. Minister Suresh Pujari directed authorities to remain vigilant.

Two ITI students, Thakur Soren and Bhagya Prakash Patra, died while immersing the idol of Lord Vishwakarma in the Kathpal check dam under Betanati Police Station in Mayurbhanj district. The students were part of a group from their hostel and went for the immersion that morning. Fire personnel recovered their bodies after a four-hour search. An inquiry has been ordered by the Baripada Tehsildar.

Despite 75 years of Independence and 24 years of BJD rule, Garadapani village in Rairangpur block, Mayurbhanj district, lacks basic infrastructure like motorable roads, schools, potable water, and electricity. Villagers face hardships including perilous journeys for medical emergencies. Local residents allege neglect by previous governments but hope for action from the Collector.

Panic gripped Bangra village in Baripada forest division, Mayurbhanj district, as an 11-foot King Cobra was rescued from a house on Monday. The venomous snake, found in Srikant Nayak's home, was later safely released into the Dukra wildlife range on Tuesday morning. Srikanta Mohanty, Pithabata Range officer, confirmed the incident.

A Home Guard lost his life, while four others, including an IIC, sustained critical injuries in a collision between a 108 ambulance and a police van in Mayurbhanj district.

The hostel warden, Madhumita Behera, has been disengaged from duties following the death of class VI student Madhusmita Behera at a school hostel. The District Education Officer recommended the suspension of headmistress Gayatri Sethi due to public agitation and protests by locals.

Around 300 people from Odisha's Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts were allegedly attacked by terrorists in West Bengal's Medinipur. They were later rescued by the local police following the intervention of the Odisha government. MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi confirmed their safety and directed actions for their protection.

Forest department personnel have arrested Mangal Bansingh, a 43-year-old resident of Nuniagoda village, from the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. Acting on a tip-off, the team from Chahala wildlife range nabbed him during patrolling. A bow, three arrows, and cooked rice were seized. An investigation has been initiated.

Security at Similipal Tiger Reserve is set to improve with the installation of AI cameras. These high-resolution, 360-degree cameras will track poachers and provide real-time data.

It is pertinent to mention that Mamata Mohanta was elected to the Upper House of the Parliament from Odisha as a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).