News from Rayagada

Tensions escalated in Rayagada Municipality as 19 councillors submitted a no-confidence motion against Vice Chairperson Subhra Rani Panda, citing non-cooperation. The move, driven by allies of former BJD leader N. Bhaskar Rao, exposes deepening factionalism within BJD ahead of local elections. Subhra, known to be close to district BJD chief Jagannath Saraka, has not yet responded.

In yet another case highlighting the hardships faced by expectant mothers in rural Odisha, a woman was forced to give birth on the way to a hospital after an ambulance failed to reach her village due to poor road connectivity.

In a disturbing breach of public trust, Rayagada Police arrested seven individuals—including three homeguards—for looting Rs 9 lakh and a gold chain from a trader under the guise of a police operation. The incident, involving personnel from Kalyansinghpur and Bissamcuttack police stations, has raised concerns over misuse of uniformed authority, prompting calls for stricter monitoring of auxiliary police forces.

Rayagada town erupted in outrage after the brutal murder of Rohit Thappa, a local youth allegedly killed over past enmity. The incident sparked massive protests, paralysing traffic and drawing widespread public condemnation. With police delays in arrest and autopsy, locals demand swift justice. Rohit's grieving mother has issued an emotional plea, threatening suicide if justice isn't served.

A 12-hour bandh in Muniguda, Rayagada, protested the Odisha government's exclusion of the town from new NACs, disrupting normal life and transport.

Rayagada GRP police solved a gold bag snatching case from a moving train in 10 days, arresting six and recovering Rs 2.25 lakh, 58 grams of gold, two cars, and mobile phones.

Kunja Bihari Rout, a Male Health Worker at Muniguda CHC, was caught by Odisha Vigilance accepting a Rs 3,000 bribe for issuing a birth certificate, part of a total demand of Rs 6,000.

Train services in Rayagada district were disrupted for six hours after boulders fell onto the tracks near Majhigariani temple, affecting the Korba Express and stranding passengers. Emergency teams cleared the debris, but partial disruptions continue due to track damage.

The body of Raghu Patra, an elderly man from Kalahandi's Kandama village missing since July 30, was found on Rayagada railway tracks. Police suspect witchcraft-related murder and have arrested two. His family members, after failing to trace him, had lodged a missing person report at Biswanathpur Police Station, prompting an official investigation.

The Crime Branch detained a teacher from Ambadola, Rayagada, linked to Dangarbori Primary School, over the OTET question paper leak. The exam was cancelled last minute after leaks surfaced on social media.

More than 400 quintals of PDS wheat in Rayagada's municipal godown were destroyed by rats and bugs, sparking outrage over administrative negligence and food security lapses. Officials confirmed that the district received 1,183 quintals of wheat in November 2024. Of this, 748.65 quintals were distributed, while the remaining stock rotted in storage.

Ramesh Chandra Behera, Additional Fire Officer in Rayagada, Odisha, was arrested for an illicit affair and physical abuse after the victim filed an FIR detailing exploitation and violence. Allegedly, the officer had been in a prolonged extramarital relationship with the woman. Recently, she accused him of inflicting physical torture, following which she approached the police for legal action.

Pineapple farmers in Niyamgiri face severe losses as the drivers' union protest disrupts transportation, leaving tonnes of ripe fruit to rot. Farmers urge government intervention.

A young couple in Kanjamajhira village, Rayagada, faced mob justice for marrying against local norms, forced to plough a field like oxen and undergo purification rituals.

A mysterious fever in Amiti village, Rayagada, Odisha, affects over 25 families with severe symptoms, prompting health concerns and economic disruption. The illness begins with fever, followed by severe pain in the limbs, muscle stiffness, and eventually weakness so profound that patients are unable to stand or move.