The deceased are from nearby Rakabahali village.
As per reports, the three friends were returning home on a motorcycle after playing a cricket match at nearby Utkela when the truck crushed their vehicle.
Tension prevailed in the area following the tragic incident. Locals staged a road blockade demanding adequate compensation to the families of the deceased. They also demanded stringent action against the truck driver.
Hundreds of vehicles have been stranded on both sides of the road due to the blockade. Bhawanipatna police have reached the spot and trying to pacify the people.
While the vehicle has been seized by the police, the driver is reportedly on the run. An investigation into the accident has been launched.
There have been no casualties in the accident. However, massive gas leakage has been reported following the mishap, reports said.
Meanwhile, efforts are on by emergency and first responders to take control of the situation. A team of fire brigade personnel is on the spot to prevent any untoward incident.
The tanker filled with gas was en-route to Raipur in Chhattisgarh from Bhawanipatna when the mishap occurred.
Though the exact reason for the accident is unknown, the mishap could have occurred after the driver lost control of the vehicle.
Meanwhile, the movement of vehicular traffic has come to a standstill on the NH following the mishap. The vehicles are being diverted on the NH and efforts are on to contain the gas leakage.
Gas tanker enroute to Raipur from Bhawanipatna overturns on NH-16 near Pastipada, vehicular communication on the route affected as fire services personnel rush to the spot for necessary action #Kalahandi #Odisha pic.twitter.com/NUvDuE3S46
— OTV (@otvnews) December 4, 2022
Local police also rushed to the spot and tried to bring the situation under control. The Electricity department also snapped power supply to the area to avoid any untoward incident. Panic looms large in the area following the mishap. Officials of the administration are visiting nearby villages and urged people to refrain from lighting fire.
When contacted, Sukant Sethy, former Fire Safety Officer said, “LPG is a volatile gas. It is a mixture of butane and ethane. It is heavier than air, so it won’t easily mix with the air. So, the special technical team will have to immediately reach the spot with a specialized vehicle (RAV) and will unload the gas from the tanker.”
“The first and foremost step is to take precautions. The only precaution is to spray water. But, they should not directly pour in the leakage area. This will lead to an explosion. So, they should spray water only in the open air so that the gas is dissolved," said Sethy.
“Moreover, people should not light any fire in the area nearby. And all electric supply should be snapped immediately to prevent any further mishap,” he added.
Meanwhile, a special technical team is on its way to assist in the ongoing operation.
The deceased has been identified as Bhudev Bagarti and it is being suspected that the man would have hanged himself during the midnight hours.
According to sources, Bagarti, who was running a food stall near the sub-collector's office to earn a living, took the extreme step over family feud.
As per latest reports, police have reached the spot and started an investigation.
Kharsel lodged a complaint today at the Dharamgarh Police Station after taking out a rally with the members of Jadhav Sangh.
"I had raised my voice against the false assurance to support for farmers following which the MLA threatened to kill me," said Kharsel.
The incident reportedly took place yesterday during the 'Cooperative at your doorsteps' program of the State government in Boden when Kharsel allegedly started abusing. Subsequently, Mishra was angered by the act and started threatening Kharsel, a video of which went viral.
On the other hand, Mishra has defended his act saying he was controlling a man who was creating nuisance during the program.
"The man was using extremely bad language during the program so I asked him to calm down and assured him that I will come to him and solve his issues, but he relentlessly continued to abuse," the Junagarh MLA said.
The youth identified as Rohi Das, working with a voluntary organisation in the district came in touch with the victim as part of his job. As per allegations, the youth raped the girl and continued to exploit her with false promises of marriage. However, soon after the girl got pregnant and revealed the matter to her family, Das washed his hands off the relationship.
The minor girl, along with her family members today lodged a complaint at the Bijepur police station seeking justice. Based on the complaint, police has registered a case and initiated probe into the incident.
"He maintained physical relationship with me with false promises of marriage. However, after I became pregnant he denies to marry me," alleged the minor girl.
Kalahandi: Two days after the abduction of four villagers including the village guard of Lakhpadar village in Lanjigarh block of Kalahandi district, the Maoists finally released them on Sunday.
The four abducted persons have been identified as Babula Nayak, Raju Nayak, Khetra Harijan(village guard) and Bisikeshan Harijan.
According to reports, 10-12 members of the outlawed outfit had reached the village on Friday afternoon and forcibly took the four with them.
After confining them in the forest for 2 days, the rebels freed them today.
However, the exact reason behind their abduction is still unknown. Sources believe that the red rebels might have kidnapped the villagers suspecting them to be police informers.
As per sources, the Bansadhara-Ghumusura-Nagabali division of the CPI (Maoist) is active in the area.
In another incident, Maoists issued death sermons against five villagers through posters in Dandabadi area under Baipariguda police station of Koraput district on Saturday.
The poster was released in the name of Malkangiri Koraput Vishakhapatnam Border (MKVB) committee of CPI (Maoist), sources said.
The persons whose names feature in the poster include- Anand Nayak from Ratakhand, Pulo Nayak from Dandabadi, Lokiram Barik, Suri Barik and Majhiguda’s Kobrajkida.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the area following the incident.
On the fateful day, the 14-year-old girl was on her way to attend a family function when Muna Nayak – a distant relative (brother in law) of hers from the same village kidnapped and took her to his house.
“I was going alone to my uncle’s house when he gagged my mouth with a cloth and abducted me. He took me to his house and raped me for two days,” said the minor girl.
Yesterday, he released the girl after which she managed her way back home and narrated the ordeal to her parents.
“She was missing from the night of April 17. We tried to search her but in vain. Later, she returned on April 19 and narrated the entire incident. We have reported the matter to police and want stringent action against the accused,” informed the survivor’s relative.
Meanwhile, the minor girl has been taken to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Bhawanipatna for medical examination.
“A case has been registered at the Thuamul Rampur police station. The minor has alleged that her brother-in-law raped her. Investigation into the case is on and the medical test of the girl will be conducted today,” informed Bhawanipatna SDPO.
This is the sixth instance when a minor girl has been raped in Odisha during the past one week. While, a Class-III girl student of Bachaka village under Biswanathpur police station of Kalahandi district was allegedly raped on Wednesday, another girl faced similar assault by an auto driver in Mayurbhanj district the same day.
Earlier, four similar cases of minor girl rapes were reported from Nilagiri, Soro and Khaira in Balasore district.
The mishap occurred at around 5.30 am this morning when the fateful bus, carrying around 55 passengers, was on its way from Bhubaneswar to Bhawanipatna.
The bus 'Manikeswari Travels', plunged into a 30-feet deep gorge after the driver dozed off and lost control over the vehicle, reports said.
Soon after the mishap, fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations along with the locals.
All the injured have been admitted to Bhawanipatna District Headquarters Hospital. "The bus conductor and a 2-year-old child succumbed while undergoing treatment. The patients who are critical will be shifted to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla," informed doctors at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Officer and SDPO have also reached the mishap spot and initiated an investigation.
Addressing a gathering at Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi, Shah said, "From the number of people gathered at the meeting, I can see that BJP will form the next government in Odisha. Naveen Patnaik-led government has failed to carry out developmental activities in the State. Naveen Patnaik has got tired of governing and a change is needed in the State.”
Though the Centre has provided Rs 45,000 crore to the State, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has failed to ensure development, he pointed out.
"Still 36% of the State’s households lack electricity supply. Around 50 lakh people in the State are living in kutcha houses. Besides, why drinking water has not been provided to every household yet?” Shah said.
"The Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre will ensure electricity supply to every household of the country before 2021. Pucca houses will be given to each poor family before 2022,” Shah claimed.
“Though the Centre sanctioned funds under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for 12,000 villages, they are still unutilised. Despite central assistance, 8 lakh 40 thousand children are still suffering from malnutrition in the state; the chief minister should give an answer,” Shah said.
Speaking about the condition of Higher Education in the State, Shah said not a single university in the State is in the ‘Top 10’ list.
He further said, “I am requesting the people of Odisha that they should contribute to the ‘Vijay Yatra’ of Narendra Modi. If BJP comes to power in the State, it would ensure 24-hr electricity supply and piped drinking water facility to every village,” Shah emphatically said.
On the recent Bharat Bandh, which was observed by Dalit orgamisations, Shah said, “When we announced that we'll file a review petition, then why did Congress and other opposition parties call for a Bandh? Opposition is responsible for 10 lives lost during the protests. BJP govt will neither remove reservation nor will let anyone end it.”
Reacting to Amit Shah’s comments, Odisha Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty stated, “He (Amit Shah) is making the same allegations time and again as he has nothing more to say.”
Asking BJP to introspect, BJD legislator Sanjay Dasburma said, “They should find out why the claims made about the Bijepur bypoll fell flat and how come people are reposing their faith on CM Naveen Patnaik always.”
Shah, who is on a two day visit to the state will brief the gathering about BJP's 'Mission 120 Plus' and review the tasks allotted to party activists and leaders of the district during his previous visit in September 2017. A meeting with party's core-group leaders is also on schedule.
Tomorrow, Shah will be addressing a 'Yuva Samabesh' in Bolangir. Following the recent defeat of BJP in the Bijepur bypoll, the party is hopeful that Shah's visit will re-energise the party cadre at the grass roots and prepare them for the 2019 general elections.
On September 6 last year, Shah had arrived on a three-day visit to Odisha for the 'Mo Booth Sabuthu Majboot' programme.
Through investigation into the parcel booking company SkyKing Courier's central server in Kolkata, the cyber experts have found that the consignment was tracked twice from the cyber cafe.
Basing on the credible piece of information police raided the place and have seized the modem of the cafe.
"Police had arrived and during inspection found that some numbers mismatched so they left," said Pradyumna Sahu, owner of Crown IT & Management, Bhawanipatna.
It is expected that further examination of the modem will help the investigating agency to pinpoint the identity of the person who was tracking the status of the parcel.
Though cops had pinned hopes of getting more credible evidences, absence of CCTV cameras in the cyber cafe created problems.
On the other hand, the father-in-law of deceased Soumyasekhar, Subal Sahu urged that the police should not conduct a one-sided probe but also cover other aspects from Soumyasekhar's circle.
"The probe is conducted only on the girl's side and less emphasis is given on the boy's side. The father of the groom should be further interrogated," said Subal.
"Police seized a laptop and phone of Soumyasekhar from his Bangalore residence and even took another laptop, phone and pendrive from our house for further probe. I demand a CBI probe into the case," said Rabindra Sahu, Soumyasekhar's father.
Bolangir police has sought permission of the court for lie-detection test of the three suspects who have been detained in connection with the incident.
Earlier on February 23, Soumyasekhar of Bholanathpada in Patnagarh of Bolangir district and his grandmother were killed and his wife Rina sustained severe burn injuries in an explosion while unwraping the parcel sent to them in the form of a marriage gift.
All the three were initially rushed to Patnagarh hospital and later shifted to Bolangir hospital where the elderly woman succumbed. Soumyasekhar died on the way to Burla hospital while Rina is undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College and Hospital.
Driver of the truck, Shiv Shankar, said he had parked the vehicle near a petrol pump at around 2 am and was sleeping in his cabin.
At around 4 am, he saw smoke billowing out from backside of the truck and after he opened the door found the bikes were gutted.
He immediately sought help of the petrol pump staff. On receiving information, fire tenders reached the spot and doused the flames.
The truck was on its way to Jaipur from Haridwar.
https://youtu.be/M5Hq9VLOPvU
Kalahandi: In yet another shocking incident, a Plus II student of a private college in Bhawanipatna was found hanging in his hostel on Thursday night.
The student, identified as Haraprasad Panda, is reportedly a resident of Mukhiguda village in Kalahandi district.
As per sources, the boy was reportedly involved in a love affair with a girl and was allegedly using mobile phone in the college without the knowledge of the college authorities.
On Thursday, the authorities took his mobile phone and warned him that they would inform his family members about it.
The student was reportedly under mental duress and allegedly hanged himself with a towel outside his class late last night. The authorities immediately informed Sadar police following which a team rushed to the spot and began investigation into the incident.
Principal-In-Charge & Odia lecturer, Ashok Kumar Sahu said, "The hostel supervisor came and informed me at around 5.45 am in the morning that Haraprasad has been found hanging . He was a good student and there was no complaint against him. All the classrooms are inside our campus. As per his classmates, Haraprasad went out at around 4 am in the morning. The security guards patrol till 12 pm and the incident is suspected to have happened after that."
Also Read: Girl students bring harassment charges against science teacher
Asked, SDPO Biranchi Prasad Dehuri said," As per preliminary inquiry, the college warden snatched his mobile as no student was allowed to use mobiles inside the college. May be because of this he was afraid that they would complain this to his parents. The body has been sent for post mortem. We can ascertain only after getting the report. Further investigation is on."
Haraprasad's uncle Santosh Panda said," We don't have any idea why he committed suicide. We are waiting for the post mortem report."
Nuapada SP Parmar Smit Parshottamdas in a press meet today informed that Banti, his father Rajendra Agarwal and wife Sabita Agarwal are accused of providing fake term deposit receipts (TDRs) as security to win government tenders worth Rs 25.36 crore. 19 cases have been registered against them in five districts - Nuapada, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Bargarh and Nabarangpur - out of which 10 are against Banti.
"They will be produced in court subsequently. We brought them on transit remand after producing them before Bhawanipatna court. They will be produced in concerned courts after completion of medical check-up and other formalities. Documentary evidence will be collected during the investigation," said Parshottamdas.
On the other hand, Bolangir police is planning to take Banti on remand for interrogation. According to sources, after the case against the father-son duo came to light, Superintending Engineer, Roads and Building Circle, Bolangir did not take any action. Instead of informing police about the forgery, the engineer wrote a letter asking the accused to deposit the money within seven days.
Such favour by a government official has raised eyebrows following which police is likely to interrogate various government officials in connection with the case.
"How did he prepare the documents, who were helping him, what were his sources and where did he prepare the documents will be investigated," said Additional SP of Bolangir, Sashibhusan Sathpathy.
Preparing fake TDRs is impossible without the help of bank and Works department officials. While Banti is arrested, police is planning to nab the corrupt officials as well, added sources.
https://youtu.be/ZONnhGwqeE8
Banti now stands ineligible for applying to any tender of the State Government and has even been barred to undertake any type of business transaction with the government in direct or indirect basis, informed sources.
A notification against him will be released soon.
The move comes in the wake of allegations against proprietor of Suraj Enterprises, Rajendra Prasad Agarwal and son Banti Agarwal of submitting fake term deposit receipts (TDRs) to bag contracts of several government departments.
According to reports, the father-son duo had committed a forgery of Rs 10 to 12 crore in Bolangir, Kalahandi and Nuapada districts.
Earlier on October 13, the State Government had also blacklisted their firm Suraj Enterprises. In a letter, Engineer-in-Chief-cum-secretary to government had directed Chief Engineer, DPI & Roads to blacklist the agency under Rule-4 of OPWD Contractor’s Registration Rules 1967.
The public works department (PWD) had detected fraud in tenders procured by Suraj Enterprises by submitting fake TDRs in Kalahandi district.
A three-months-old letter written by SBI Main Branch Bhawanipatna to the Executive Engineer (EE), Roads and Building Division(R&BD), Bolangir had mentioned the TDR submitted by Rajendra and Banti as valid. However, doubting the validity of the document the R&BD authorities visited the bank personally to authenticate it and found it was forged.
"The bank had written a letter validating the TDR and now they termed it as fake. We will inquire about the previous letter of the bank authorities and will go by the reply they give," said an official of Roads & Buildings Division, Bolangir.
Not only Bolangir, but the Executive Engineers of Kalahandi, Nuapada and Kantabanji had received similar reply from the bank. In the mean time, the father and son duo had already carried out forgery of nearly Rs 10 to 12 crores.
The earlier validation letter received from the bank raises suspicion as fake TDRs cannot be prepared without the involvement of some bank officials. It is suspected Banti was involved in getting the validation letters earlier.
"We will verify the documents only after receiving a complaint or else we will go by the affidavit. The works on the TDR in the circle is amounting to nearly Rs 10 to 12 crores," said Superintending Engineer, Roads and Building Circle, Bolangir Upendra Kumar Mund.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered against Banti and his wife Sabita at Bhawanipatna police station. The Executive Engineer, Rural Works Division, Bhawanipatna has lodged an FIR against the duo on charges of winning work order by submitting 31 fake TDRs.
"They have filed a complaint against Banti Agarwal and Sabita Agarwal after checking the TDRs at SBI Bhawanipatna. We will also verify it," said investigating officer Dambrudhar Bataria.
The executive engineer of Works Department Bargarh unit has lodged an FIR against Bunty Kumar Agarwal, son of Suraj Enterprises’ proprietor, alleging that the contractor has acquired work order by producing 15 false TDRs worth Rs 2.95 crores.
Earlier on October 8, the Works Department Kalahandi unit had filed a complaint against the company’s proprietor Rajendra Prasad Agarwal and his son Bunty Agarwal at the Bhawanipatna Town police station for providing 48 TDRs to win tenders on different occasions.
“Bargarh R&D executive engineer filed a complaint alleging that contractor Bunty Agarwal of Bhawanipatna had acquired work order by producing false TDR worth Rs 2.95 crore. A case has been registered at Baragarh Town Police station under sections 465,467,468,471,420 of the IPC. Investigation is on into the matter," said Bargarh IIC.
The PIL filed by social activist Jayanti Das urged the court to instruct Kalahandi district administration to check mass sacrifice of animals including goats, hens and roosters.
Odisha Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, Home Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy, DGP RP Sharma, Kalahandi Collector Anjan Kumar Manik, Kalahandi SP Madkar Sandeep Sampat along with Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha have been made parties in the petition.
As per the petition, during Dussehra hundreds of animals are sacrificed on the three kilometre-main road stretching from Jenakhala to Manikeswari temple in Bhawanipatna and is a gross violation of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Animal sacrifice was carried out during the festival last year despite a ban clamped under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Earlier today, Kalahandi Collector Anjan Kumar Manik chaired a preparatory meeting on the upcoming Chhatar Jatra, to be held on September 28. The meeting was attended by Additional SP, district level officials and locals.
https://youtu.be/m_fDH5rhWNI
They also demanded to accord political prisoner status to the rebels in jail and provide them all facilities.
Urging people to observe September 13 as 'Mukti Diwas' of political prisoners, they asked the government through the posters to fast track the trial against their leaders and refrain from implicating them in false cases.
The woman, Nupur Majhi, a resident of Bhawanipatna was sleeping on bed number 157 when the incident occurred. She sustained minor injuries in the mishap while other patients in her ward were panicked.
Soon after the incident, the ADMO along with other hospital authorities rushed to the spot and examined the health condition of Nupur. Later, she was shifted to another cabin.
The worn out condition of the District Headquarters Hospital building has raised questions over the safety of patients undergoing treatment in it.
After the dead body was pulled out from under the bus which overturned yesterday near Balighat, tension erupted and irate locals staged the road blockade.
To bring the situation under control, local police officials reached the spot and began pacifying the agitators, according to the latest report.
More than 30 passengers were injured in the mishap and are undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
According to sources, simultaneous raids were conducted at five places including his property at Bhawanipatna, Cuttack and residence in Gajapati Nagar of the capital city.
Jena’s parental house in Rajabagicha area of Cuttack was also searched. His brother has been detained for interrogation.
During the raid, total movable and immovable assets worth Rs 2.3 crore were detected in the name of Jena and his family members, official sources said.
The vigilance personnel have seized important documents from his possession.
While Jena’s flat in Bhubaneswar was estimated at Rs 90 lakh, bank deposit of Rs 90 lakh in the name of his father-in-law and gold ornaments weighing 600 grams was also traced, said an official.
Vehicular traffic between Malkangiri and Motu was restored as water level on the road decreased after 24 hours. Flood victims have taken shelter at schools and multipurpose cyclone and flood centres. The district administration has set up community kitchens to feed affected people.
Worst hit Kalyansinghpur block of Rayagada returned to normalcy as water level declined in Kumbharsahi, Gurujagada and Singiri areas of the block.
In Kalahandi, water level in Hati river subsided since Tuesday evening and vehicular movement resumed between Junagarh and Bhawanipatna with the decline in water flowing over the bridge. Marooned people rescued from the low lying areas near Bhawanipatna were given relief materials and cooked food.
"Flood situation is now under control. Relief and rescue operations are in progress in affected areas of Kalahandi and Rayagada districts. Food packets and relief materials are being airdropped in cut off villages near Niyamgiri hills. Electricity connection to around 3,000 families in the calamity hit areas of Kalhandi has been restored," SRC Bishnupada Sethi said.
On the other hand, vehicular movement came to standstill between Nabarangpur and Kalahandi as a road connecting the two districts was submerged near Dhanasoli. Similarly, an under construction bridge near Makia in Nabarangpur which connects Bhawanipatna was also flooded.
Meanwhile, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) asked all district Collectors to remain alert following an IMD forecast of heavy rainfall in interior and coastal parts.
Depression over Bay of Bengal which was likely to cross the Odisha coast by Tuesday night remained stationary. Under its influence, very heavy rainfall is expected in interior districts in next 24 hours, the SRC mentioned on the official Facebook page. Fishermen in coastal areas have been advised not to venture into the sea.
The districts where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected are Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir, Sonepur, Boudh, Bargarh, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Angul, the FB post read.
The Collectors of Rayagada, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur have been asked to be extra careful as the three districts have already been affected by flood, SRC said through the Facebook.
Similarly, communication between Gunupur and Thuamul Rampur was severely affected as water crossed the bridge level on Nagabali river.
Several roads were washed away at different places bringing vehicular traffic to a grinding halt. Trees were uprooted at many places and several villages were inundated. Thuamul Rampur block is worst hit as a number of villages under the block were cut off. One person was killed due to a land slide at Chulibadi village in the district. Around 1200 people of Dakibandel village reportedly took shelter on a nearest hill as 5 ft water flowing in the village from a nearest nullah.
Collector Anjan Manik instructed all BDOs and tehsildars to remain alert for any possible eventuality. “Many roads were washed away in Kalampur area. Tehsildar and BDOs are monitoring the situation on the spot. We are well prepared to tackle any situation,” Manik said.
Meanwhile, weather department predicted more rain in Kalahandi and other neighbouring districts like Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur and said it will continue till next three days. Water level in Rushikulya and Bansadhara may rise if rain continues, Met office said and advised the fishermen not to venture into sea during this time.
The incident happened at Kansabundei village under Lanjigarh block, where despite calling 102 ambulance to carry a pregnant woman to hospital, the service failed to reach. In pain, the woman was carried in a cloth swing tied to bamboo pole for 6 kilometres. Later she was shifted to Lanjigargh with the help of a relative's vehicle. From there, an ambulance took her to Bhawanipatna hospital where she is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition post a surgery.
Since the surgery was carried out nearly 12 hours late, the unborn child of the woman died.
Asked about the incident, the ambulance driver said, “The vehicle cannot ply on the kuccha road in the village so I informed the matter to the control room and asked if the patient can be brought to the main road but when they said they were unable to do so, we returned empty handed.
Meanwhile, the Block Development Officer (BDO) has ordered a probe into the incident.
Earlier on Monday in Kalyansinghpur, a pregnant lady was similarly carried for nearly five km on dangerous terrains and across Nagabali River on a stretcher. Later on Tuesday another pregnant woman delivered her baby on a panchayat office premises in Narayanpatna. A woman had also delivered her baby in front of the gate of Bhanjanagar hospital.
Pradhan had earlier requested Guinness Book of World Records authorities to consider him for a trail of 400 punches in a minute which the record officials had granted.
In an event at Hi-Tech Medical College in the Capital city on Tuesday, Pradhan scored 393 punches in one min breaking the 377 punches record of Pakistan's Mohammad Rashid.
A Physiotherapy student, Pradhan who is well trained in martial arts, says he wishes to break the record in double hand punch strikes as well.
Swaraj wrote to Pradhan apprising about opening of three new passport service centres in the second phase since he had requested for the Kendras in a previous letter to her.
"I am pleased to inform you that as desired by you, we have decided to open 'Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) in Balasore, Berhampur (Ganjam) and Bhawanipatna (Kalahandi) in the second phase of this scheme," she said through the letter.
Meanwhile, Pradhan thanked the foreign minister for considering his request. "Sincere thanks to Hon'ble EAM @SushmaSwaraj Ji for positively considering my request for opening of PSKs at Balasore, Berhampur and Bhawanipatna," Pradhan tweeted.
Sincere thanks to Hon'ble EAM @SushmaSwaraj Ji for positively considering my request for opening of PSKs at Balasore,Berhampur &Bhawanipatna pic.twitter.com/62nBhiSwT5
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) June 18, 2017
In his letter to Swaraj last month the Petroleum minister requested for seven passport seva kendras in Odisha in Angul, Berhampur, Balasore, Kendrapara, Bolangir, Jajpur and Bhawanipatna as the places requiring the POPSKs/PSKs.
The protesting farmers staged the road blockade since this morning alleging that the 71 local market yards have not been procuring paddy for past three days.
Rabi paddy procurement has been paralysed in the backward district as custom millers have stopped work for the past three days as a mark of protest against an order of Odisha Civil Supply Corporation to stop payment of handling charges of Rs 4 per quintal paid to them.
About 60 custom millers are engaged for the Rabi paddy procurement in the district.
Odisha Civil supply Corporation in its June 12 order discontinued the handling charges paid to the custom millers for delivering the stock of rice at RRC-cum-DSC and stacking inside the godown.
Delay in procurement of paddy by the state government has become a major problem for the farmers due to the onset of monsoon. They fear that bags of paddy bags stocked at different procurement centres may get spoilt in the rain.
As a result of the blockade on NH 26 and Dasigaon Mandi road vehicular movement was disrupted on Nabarangpur-Bhawanipatna road and between Junagarh and Kalampur respectively.
The road communication between Baldiamal and Dharamgarh was also disrupted due to a road blockade near Naktiguda mandi by farmers.
On the other hand Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister Surya Narayan Patro said handling charges of millers have been discontinued as per Central government rules and he has discussed with the District Collector over the farmers' issue.
Earlier on May 27, farmers at Bijmara under Kalampur block of Kalahandi had blocked the road by placing gunny bags filled with paddy demanding the local market yard to expedite procurement process.
The farmers alleged they are being harassed by the market yard staff and middlemen who allegedly reduce the weight of paddy from each quintal citing reasons like high moisture content in it.
The youth, identified as Dhananjaya Bag, a resident of Mahaling had been detained by police for interrogation on Sunday, suspecting him to be involved in a theft at a grocery store of one Tarun Agrawal in Mahaling on May 31.
Unable to bear alleged police pressure, Bag reportedly stabbed himself with a broken bottle in the police station. He was immediately rushed to Bhawanipatna district headquarters hospital but later shifted to VIMSAR in Burla as his condition deteriorated.
Meanwhile, his family members have demanded police to bear his medical expenses and release him safely.
According to reports, Majhi had siphoned off the money of unaware depositors by taking advantage of his position. He was absconding since 2016 after the matter came to light. A case in this regard had been lodged at the Bhawanipatna Town Police Station based on which police had set a trap and was successful to nab him from his paternal house in Jaipatna.
“Aditya Majhi was working as Post Master at Stadium Sub Post Office where he had misappropriated savings of some depositors in 2016. The matter came to light during internal audit of the post office and a case 02/2016 was registered against him. During investigation into the case it was found that he had misappropriated deposits amounting to nearly Rs 50 lakh,” informed Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) of Town Police Station Surendra Nath Sathpathy.
“He was absconding since then and was nabbed from his village during raids at various places,” added the IIC.
Meanwhile, police have forwarded Majhi to court. Though the money has not been recovered his bank accounts have been frozen. Police has also requested the court to confiscate properties of Majhi.
The injured identified as Turit Majhi was rushed to Narla hospital where doctors referred him to district headquarters hospital (DHH) at Bhawanipatna. Condition of Majhi is stated to be critical.
According to sources, the incident occurred when Majhi, reportedly a contractual worker with the electricity department was injured by electrical shock while repairing an utility pole. Majhi who received injuries in both hands and leg, suddenly fell down from the pole and was rushed to Narla hospital, sources added.
Irate over the incident locals squatted on the road demanding adequate compensation and free treatment for Majhi.
All of them have been admitted to District Headquarters Hospital (DHH), Bhawanipatna. Condition of the boy-Chandan Nayak, who suffered around 15 percent burns is stated to be critical.
According to sources, seeking vengeance over a past family feud, the brother-in-law allegedly doused the siblings by throwing petrol on them through skylight while they all were asleep. Later, he set them ablaze. “The incident took place at around 12 mid-night when we four were asleep. He poured petrol on us through skylight and set afire before fleeing the spot”, Chandan said at the hospital.
The parents of the injured lodged complaint with police suspecting hands of their son-in-law behind the crime. “We have some personal enmity with our son-in-law Arun Nayak of Gontiapada in Bhawanipatana. He might have committed the crime”, said Gangadhar Nayak, father of injured.
SDPO Biranchi Dehury said “the incident seems to be an outcome of a family dispute. The exact reason can be ascertained only after investigation”
All the injured with multiple injuries have been shifted to Borda community health center and their condition is said to be critical.
According to reports, the mishap occurred when nearly 40 persons from Nehela village of Khadial block in Nuapada district were returning after attending a marriage.
Also Read: Two killed in road mishap on Kathjodi bridge
“The ill-fated mini truck was carrying nearly 40 persons and turned turtle after the driver of the vehicle lost control of the steering wheel. The injured have been admitted to hospital and the condition of few is said to be critical,” said Samir Rout, a senior police official.
"Sunstroke has claimed at least three lives in the state so far this summer with casualties reported from Bargarh, Angul and Balangir districts," the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said.
Closely following Balangir town, Titlagarh recorded a maximum temperature of 43.8 degrees Celsius, while it was 43.7 degrees at Bhawanipatna, 43.4 degrees at both Sambalpur and Malkangiri, 43.2 degrees at Keonjhargarh and Sonepur, 43 degrees at Sundargarh, 42.8 degrees at Jharsuguda and 42.7 degrees at both Angul and Hirakud, the MeT office said.
The maximum temperature in state capital Bhubaneswar stood at 37.8 degrees Celsius, while the mercury touched 37.5 degrees Celsius in Cuttack city, it said.
The ganja bags seized during the illegal trafficking were brought to the District Excise office premises while five persons hurt in the collision were admitted to the Bhawanipatna hospital. Later, four out of the five injured undergoing treatment at the hospital went missing.
By the time the State Excise staff reached the spot, the truck driver and helper had managed to flee.
Pramod Banua, ASI of the State Excise department, said, “The truck, which was being chased by our staff, hit the Bolero vehicle while overtaking it.”
According to sources, 63 persons were identified with jaundice in the town and one person of ward no 1 had died due to it.
It is alleged that the water borne disease is spreading through the piped water provided by Public Health and Engineering Department (PHED). As a result of which the District Collector has instructed to put restrictions on some businesses including Ice Cream and Fast Food. An independent team has also been constituted to check the quality of food products.
Similarly, red flags have been planted at various water bodies imposing restrictions on use of the water. School students have been given the charge to spread awareness on the disease.
The mercury hovered above 40 degrees Celsius in at least 11 places, mostly in western Odisha, while the coastal areas experienced cloudy conditions, according to the Meteorological centre.
The state capital, Bhubaneswar, as well as neighbouring Cuttack city recorded 36.8 degrees Celsius, the MeT office said.
Titlagarh recorded a maximum temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius followed by 42 degrees Celsius in Balangir, Jharsuguda and Malkangiri. Hirakud registered 41.6 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature in Sambalpur was recorded at 41.2 degrees Celsius, it said.
The mercury rose to 41 degrees Celsius in Talcher, while it was 40.7 degrees Celsius in Angul and 40 degrees Celsius in both Sundargarh and Phulbani, it said.
According to sources, even as many as 17 persons have been reportedly tested positive for the dread water borne disease today after 21 cases were earlier reported on April 1, the administration has geared up to battle the pressing situation.
A team of health experts are taking stock of the situation in the area to provide medication to the people. Health camps have been organised spread awareness on the disease. Affected patients are currently undergoing treatment at district headquarters hospital. Cleaning drive and sanitation programmes have been taken up on a war footing, the district health department said. Blood samples have also been sent for laboratory tests.
“People are being informed to through announcement and flex messages. We have sent a team to access the ground zero scenario and ready to provide utmost medical care so that the outbreak can be stopped,” Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Braja Kishore Brahma said.
Such swift rise in cases of infection have triggered panic among the local residents as in less than a week more than 30 persons have tested positive.
Following the reports of the outbreak, the Public Health Engineering Department have been supplying clean drinking water through water tankers. Besides, old damages pipelines have been replaced by new ones and water is also being supplied through them.
Consumption of unclean water is being attributed as the main reason behind the outbreak. With drinking water becoming scarce during summer, many residing in slum areas depend on ponds for drinking water which is generally polluted. Similarly, old worn out pipelines also pose threat since they leak and contaminate with infected polluted water.
It is suspected that the deceased were love birds and took their lives allegedly by consuming poison late Friday night.
The deceased have been identified as Narendra Majhi of Barpali village and Kanaki Majhi of Polbhara village under Biswanathpur police limits.
According to reports, the couple was earlier spotted at a deserted road by few villagers yesterday. A motorcycle was recovered from the spot while further investigation has started into the incident, police said.
According to sources aspiring candidates will be able to file their nomination papers within March 21 to March 25. The papers will be checked on March 27 and final list of candidates will be published on March 28.
March 30 is scheduled as the last date of withdrawing the nomination papers.
Polling will be held from morning 7 o'clock to 12 noon on April 19 and counting will start from 1 pm. Names of winners will be declared on April 20.
Similarly, the SEC has announced dates for re-polling at four blocks for Samiti Member posts. Further election for Block Chairman will be held on May 1 and for Block Deputy Chairman will be held on May 12.
It may be mentioned that, following the stay order of the High Court, election was not held at Parjang block in Dhenkanal, Kolabira block in Jharsuguda, Bhawanipatna block in Kalahandi and Rengali panchayat in Sambalpur district.
The incident occurred when the girl was alone at her home yesterday as her father had visited a neighbouring village for some work. Later in the day, he found the dead body of his daughter inside the house.
The victim's father alleged that she was regularly harassed by a youth of their village. He said, "A youth was regularly harassing my daughter. Being irate over such behavior, once she slapped the youth following which Gram Sabha had fined me. I had opposed such move", victim's father said.
He further alleged that the accused family had threatened to kill her. "The youth's mother had threatened to kill my daughter. She had said that her sons will ruin the life of my daughter", he added.
After receiving the allegations police have started investigation and sniffer dogs have been pressed into service along with forensic experts.
In another incident in the district, a minor girl has committed suicide at Naktiguda under Bhawanipatna Sadar police limits. Alleging that she took the extreme step over a love affair, her family has demanded arrest of the accused.
They alleged that the students were not given the admit card even as they had filled up the examination form in time. The school authorities took no measures for the candidates even after they drew their attention in this regard.
“We have deposited the required amount of fee towards examination. The teachers have cheated us even as we have contacted them for last four/ five days. We failed to attend the examinations today”, said Chuman Rana, a student.
The parents expressed displeasure over the alleged negligence of school authorities. “We have spent enormous amount on tuition for last one year. Now, the whole academic year will go in vain. The head master strongly refused to issue the admit card. What shall we do now”, said guardian.
The District Education Officer (DEO) said the students can’t attend the examination due to some problem in filling up of forms. “ So, they can’t appear in the exam as there are some problems in filling up forms. I could have done something if they bring the matter to my notice earlier. We can’t do anything at the last moment, but I assured them of making all arrangements for them to attend supplementary examination. Now, there is no difference between annual and supplementary examinations”, DEO Pradeep Nag said.
Giving details to the media, public prosecutor Bhabani Shankar Mishra said there was a murder in Bondakotara village under Junagarh police station limits 25 years ago on April 2, 1992 in which a villager Jogi Sabar was hacked to death by a group of villagers.
Police had later registered a case and arrested 30 persons. But all of them were acquitted by the District Sessions Court on October 16, 1993.
However, the informant later filed a revision petition (46/94) in the court to which the latter had ordered for a fresh trial of the case. During the trial, police found evidence against two Nakamudia Damba and Someswar Pan and their complicity in the murder case. As Nakamudia died on July 20, 2011, the court awarded life term to Someswar under Section 302 of the IPC and a fine of Rs 5000 non-payment of which would amount to extra 2-month rigorous imprisonment.
Referring to the case, Mishra said in the morning on April 2, 1992, the life convict along with Nakamudia had forced Sabar to give his goat to be sacrificed during Astaprahari Jagna in the village. But as he refused, there was an altercation. Later a group of villagers attacked Sabar with sharp weapons killing him on the spot. The murder had taken place between 4 pm and 5 pm.
Cuttack: The Orissa High Court today lifted an interim stay imposed on the conduct of polls for panchayat samiti member post in Rengali block of Sambalpur district, Kolabira in Jharsuguda, Parjang in Dhenkanal and Bhawanipatna of Kalahandi.
A division bench comprising the High Court’s chief justice Vineet Saran and Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi pronounced the verdict allowing the State Election Commission (SEC) to hold polls in the four panchayat samitis.
Pitambara Acharya, the SEC’s Counsel, told newsmen, “After completing the hearings, the division bench today vacated the interim stay on poll process for the post of panchayat samiti members in the four places.”
However, the High Court has posted hearings on seat reservations at the panchayat samitis to March 21.
Also read: 1,89,099 candidates in panchayat poll fray: SEC office
Notably, six petitions were filed before the High Court citing more than 50% seat reservations have been made in the ensuing panchayat polls. In case of Dasarathpur panchayat samiti of Jajpur, the petitioner have already withdrawn the case.
On the other hand, the High Court has posted hearing on the case pertaining to Laikera block in Jharsuguda to January 30.
Bodies of the deceased, identified as Ranjan Relly, a resident of Saisuruni, and Dhukulu Naik of Postiguda, were brought out of the closed room by the villagers after breaking the door this morning along with the two critically-ill youths, Pradeep Majhi and Sisira Majhi.
Sources said Ranjan and Dhukulu had slept in the room accompanied by Pradeep and Sisira while shutting the windows and door after a marriage feast at the village got over. Unfortunately the four youths had slept in the room where the generator set was kept in a running mode for lighting purposes at the marriage function.
Also read: 3 die of asphyxiation in Sundargarh
As Gokalama is one of the remote areas in Kalahandi district with no electricity facilities available, the villagers had hired the diesel-powered generator for the marriage ceremony.
According to latest reports, Pradeep and Sisira were being shifted to the Burla hospital for better treatment.
Sources said the Gunupur police have reached the spot and started an investigation.
Bhawanipatna: The body of the minor girl, who succumbed to her burn injuries at the Ispat General Hospital (IGH) in Rourkela yesterday, was cremated at her native village Madhupur under Lanjigarh block in Kalahandi district this morning.
A pall of gloom descended the village after the body of the minor girl arrived at the village in the night in an ambulance van from IGH. The body was later consigned to flames this morning.
The minor girl succumbed to her severe burn injuries in the early morning hours yesterday after fighting for her survival for six days.
Also Read: 2 minor girls face debilitating consequences of gender violence in Odisha
The victim was a Class X student of TRW School at Madhupur under Lanjigarh block.
The incident took place on January 10 when she had gone to a nearby stream to attend nature’s call on Wednesday afternoon. Two youths, identified as Bulu Das and Shyama Sahoo of the same village, had passed lewd comments at her.
The girl had protested and informed the matter to her parents. Her mother then had cautioned the youths for the act.
Enraged by her mother’s warning, the two youths had abused the girl’s father in presence of others. Later in the evening when the girl was alone in her house, they trespassed and allegedly set her on fire after dousing her with kerosene oil, police sources said.
Hearing the girl’s screams, local people rescued her and rushed her to a nearby hospital from where she was shifted to VIMSAR at Burla as her condition deteriorated. However, the doctors referred her to IGH.
Following the incident, Narla police arrested six accused—Shyama Sahu, Bulu Das, Parameswar Sahu, Gitanjali Sahu, Madhav Das, Kanti Das.
While Shyama Sahu was sent to juvenile jail, the five other accused were sent to the district jail.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch police today took Bulu and Shyama on a five-day remand for interrogation after getting permission from the court of Additional District Judge (ADJ).
The minor girl, who was set on fire by two youths for protesting eve-teasing at Madhupur village in Narla, died in the wee hours of Tuesday while undergoing treatment at Ispat General Hospital (IGH) here.
The girl, who was torched for protesting eve teasing, is a student of TRW School at Madhupur under Lanjigarh block. The incident took place when she had gone to a nearby stream to attend nature’s call on Wednesday afternoon. Two youths, identified as Bulu Das and Shyama Sahoo of the same village, had passed lewd comments at her.
The girl had protested and informed the matter to her parents. Her mother then had cautioned the youths for the act.
Enraged by her mother’s warning, the two youths had abused the girl’s father in presence of others. Later in the evening when the girl was alone in her house, they trespassed and allegedly set her on fire after dousing her with kerosene oil.
Crime Branch (CB) of Odisha police have declared it as a red flag case and are continuing their investigation into the incident.
Also Read: Minor girl torching case: Victim dies at IGH
According to sources, the Crime Branch is now probing the motive behind the attack and is investigating to find out others who could be involved in the crime. The CB will be taking the two arrested accused on a five-day remand.
Police have already arrested 6 persons including the parents of the accused.
“Two teams have been engaged in the investigation into the incident. While one team is at the Narla area the other is at Rourkela. Another team with an SP-rank officer will visit Kalahandi tomorrow. From tomorrow, three teams will conduct the investigation,” said Crime Branch ADG, BK Sharma.
In another such heinous crime, a 35-year old youth slit the throat of an 8-year-old girl and attempted to drink her blood in Aryapalli area of Ganjam district.
‘The accused slit her throat with a razor blade and was trying to drink her blood. Two people saw it and rescued the girl and took her to the hospital” said a kin of the victim girl.
Also Read: Man slits girl’s throat, tries to drink blood; arrested
Though according to doctors, she is out of danger after battling for life at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, uncertainty looms large over her ability to speak again in life.
“Whether she could have her voice and breathe freely without support will be known after some time. However, she is out of danger now,” said Associate Professor of ENT department of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr Pradeep Kumar Parida.
The girl, who was studying in the tenth standard, was struggling for life after sustaining severe burn injuries and her condition was highly critical.
She was first admitted to a local hospital and was shifted to VIMSAR at Burla and later to IGH when her condition worsened.
Following the death of the minor girl, a three-member team of Crime Branch visited the hospital. Besides, ADM Monisha Banerjee also met the family members of the deceased at the hospital.
"The district administration has made free vehicle arrangement for the family member of the deceased to shift the body from hospital to their home. Besides, Red Cross has also provided Rs 2,000 to the kin as travel expenses," informed Banerjee.
Meanwhile, Union Tribal Affairs minister Jual Oram has demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family members of the deceased.
"I have written to IGH to offer treatment to the girl at free of cost. Her death is really unfortunate. The state government should take adequate measures so that incident of such kind do not repeat in the future," Oram said.
"Stringent action should be taken against the persons involved in the crime. I demand Rs 10 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased," Oram added.
The girl, who was torched for protesting eve teasing, is a student of TRW School at Madhupur under Lanjigarh block. The incident took place when she had gone to a nearby stream to attend nature’s call on Wednesday afternoon. Two youths, identified as Bulu Das and Shyama Sahoo of the same village, had passed lewd comments at her.
The girl had protested and informed the matter to her parents. Her mother then had cautioned the youths for the act.
Also read: Minor girl torching case: Crime Branch sleuths record victim’s statement
Enraged by her mother’s warning, the two youths had abused the girl’s father in presence of others. Later in the evening when the girl was alone in her house, they trespassed and allegedly set her on fire after dousing her with kerosene oil.
Notably, Crime Branch is probing into the incident and six including two prime accused have been arrested in the case.
Bhawanipatna: As part of its probe into the girl torching incident at Madhupur village in Kalahandi district, a four-member team of Crime Branch on Saturday visited the spot and started an investigation into the matter.
A four-member team headed by lady inspector have visited Narla and will investigate into the brutal attack, Crime Branch special DG BK Sharma said.
Meanwhile, Union minister Jual Oram today met the victim at Ispat General Hospital and enquired about her health condition.
Besides, the Union minister also declared to bear all the treatment expenses of the minor girl, who is fighting hard for life.
On Friday, the local police had arrested six including two prime accused. Among the two prime accused one is juvenile.
While the minor accused, Shyama Sahoo, was sent to the Juvenile jail yesterday, the others were sent to jail.
The girl, who was torched for protesting eve teasing, is a student of TRW School at Madhupur under Lanjigarh block. The incident took place when she had gone to a nearby stream to attend nature’s call on Wednesday afternoon. Two youths, identified as Bulu Das and Shyama Sahoo of the same village, had passed lewd comments at her.
The girl had protested and informed the matter to her parents. Her mother then had cautioned the youths for the act.
Enraged by her mother’s warning, the two youths had abused the girl’s father in presence of others. Later in the evening when the girl was alone in her house, they trespassed and allegedly set her on fire after dousing her with kerosene oil, police sources said.
Hearing the girl’s screams, local people rescued her and rushed her to a hospital.
The angry locals staged the road blockade by keeping the dead body on the road. They demanding adequate compensation for the family members of the deceased. Meanwhile, police reached the spot and were trying to pacify the villagers.
Sources said one Rabi Narayan Jena was hit by a truck laden with PDS rice at Kashibahal under Dharmagarh police limits on Friday night. He died on the way to hospital.