News from Odisha

A 20-foot crocodile spotted in a canal near Jarimula market, Kendrapara, causes panic among villagers. Earlier, a crocodile had attacked Kajal Mohanty in the same district. The reptile, estimated to be nearly 20 feet long, has reportedly been frequenting a particular spot in the canal near Jarimula market for several days. Eyewitnesses describe the crocodile as ‘gigantic’.

A 26-year-old man was arrested for allegedly abducting and raping a Class-9 girl in Balasore, Odisha. The incident occurred near Barada Ranital canal, leading to public outrage and the accused's motorcycle being set on fire by locals.

Deepu Yadav, a Class 6 student at Budharaja Government UP School in Sambalpur, died after an electricity utility pole fell on him during railway line expansion work near the school premises. The pole, which had become unstable due to nearby construction activity, fell suddenly. The student, who was standing nearby, could not escape the mishap and was fatally struck.

A speeding Thar in Bhubaneswar killed Rebati Raul and her 8-year-old daughter Reshma, with CM Mohan Majhi announcing Rs 8 lakh aid for the family. The incident highlights dangers of reckless driving.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi announces plans to develop Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Berhampur as digital hubs, alongside Bhubaneswar, to prepare youth for AI, cybersecurity careers. Four MoUs signed to boost research, innovation, and startups.

A Jagatsinghpur SI, Amit Padhi, allegedly married a minor girl, with the investigating officer, Dilip Kandi, accused of intimidating the victim's family. The victim threatens self-immolation amid inaction. While the audio clip seems to clearly suggest threats, officer Dilip Kandi has denied making any such remarks when questioned, stating he never intimidated the victim’s family.

A female elephant died in Karanjia's Satkosia zone, with the cause unknown. Meanwhile, a 30-elephant herd causes havoc in Mayurbhanj, damaging crops and houses.

Three Odisha labourers died after a pickup truck hit them on Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road near Keesara. The driver, suspected drowsy, was arrested.

During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that they had consumed alcohol together. Subsequently, a quarrel broke out and in the ensuing fight, Bishwanath was beaten to death.

Odisha's School and Mass Education Department has withdrawn regularisation order for 16,000 contractual teachers, causing unrest. The decision, reversed five days post-announcement, lacks clear explanation. On August 2, the S&ME Department had issued a letter that promised regular appointments and grade pay revisions for teachers who had been serving on a contractual basis for over six years.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that the sacred Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath cannot be sold online to preserve its sanctity. The SJTA and Odisha government have also initiated measures to streamline Anand Bazar's functioning and ensure transparency in the sale of Abadha and Sukhili Bhog.

Saintala police uncovered an innovative ganja smuggling method, arresting Sanjeev Kumar Mishra and Devanta Karna with over one quintal of ganja disguised as paper rolls on NH-26 near Baragaon.

The body of Kalpana Ray, a nursing student from Nabarangpur, lies unclaimed in Raighar as villagers demand Rs 50 lakh compensation and arrest of the third accused for viral photos.

Rebati Raul succumbs to injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar after a Thar hit her, following her daughter's death in the same accident, sparking outrage over road safety. The incident had occurred last Saturday when an overspeeding white Thar, allegedly racing with a black Scorpio, rammed into Rebati, her son, and her 8-year-old daughter Reshma.

A Bhubaneswar sweet shop faces backlash for selling fungus-infested Chhena Poda, leading to police intervention and public outrage over food safety.