As per reports, a police constable identified as Abhaya Behera of Phulnakahara traffic outpost was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after being injured in an accident. However, he died during treatment last night.
The decreased reportedly has two wives. The first wife, whose divorce case is reportedly still sub-judice, was hell-bent on taking the body. However, the deceased’s mother and the second wife opposed the first wife’s claim on the body.
Abhaya’s mother said, "My son’s first wife left us and thereafter the family was in distress as my husband passed away. My son married for the second time to look after the family. I cannot give the body to her.”
The second wife of the deceased lamented, “When my husband was on ventilator support at the hospital after the accident, his first wife was not seen. She had left him seven years ago. Now, she claims the body to get financial benefits. My family has every right to claim the body. The body should be handed over to us.”
The first wife of the deceased said, "I have court documents about who abandoned whom. The world knows who is his wife. The court knows. We are not divorced as yet. I am legally wedded. I should be given my husband’s body.”
As per the NLUO notification, the last date to apply for the post is March 31, 2024.
Project Manager: 1
Consolidated Remuneration: Rs. 60,000/month
As per the official NLUO notification, the engagement of the Project Manager is not against any regular post and is limited to the duration of the project. The engagement shall not confer any right for permanent/regular job or absorption at NLUO. The University reserves the right to terminate and end the contract before the expiry of 15 months.
The Project Manager is, however, not entitled for any benefit like Provident Fund, or gratuity. Medical Insurance will be applicable as per the University rules. The Project Manager will work under the supervision of Project leader and Assistant Project Leader, the advertisement read.
During Holi celebrations, a student from the Chandrasekharpur area in Bhubaneswar along with his friend was taking a bath in the Puri main canal near Panchpal village in the Barang area of Cuttack. The two drowned, but one was rescued. Later, the dead body of the missing student was retrieved.
In another incident, a youth drowned in the Chaunrpur power channel in Sambalpur. He was bathing when he was swept away in the channel.
Moreover, a minor boy drowned in a pond at Dahisada village under Soro police limits of Balasore while taking a bath after celebrating Holi. In another incident in Balasore district, another minor boy reportedly died after drowning in the pond.
Similarly, a youth drowned at Karamuan under Salipur Police limits of Cuttack while another youth drowned in Luna River in the Nischintakoili area of the same district.
A minor boy reportedly died after drowning at Katakula under Paradip Lock Police limits while another person drowned at Chamakhandi Basanaputi village in Ganjam. A minor boy also drowned at Seshapadar village in Kalahandi while another minor reportedly drowned in a stream in Koida area of Sundargarh district.
(By OdishaTV Bureau)
The deceased was identified as Ajay Das of Bhodabahali village under Sadar Police limits. He was lodged as an under-trial prisoner for the last 11 months in connection with a rape case.
As per reports, the jail authorities informed the family on Friday that Ajay attempted suicide in the jail. They rushed him to the district headquarters hospital in a critical condition. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where he died late on Friday night.
The brother of the deceased, Bijay Das said, "My brother was in jail in connection with a rape case. I received a call yesterday from the jail authorities that my brother was serious and he was admitted to the district headquarters hospital.”
“I demand an investigation into why my bother took such an extreme step inside the jail,” he added.
No comments were received from the jail authorities.
Mahtab, who is one of the founding members of the BJD, spewed venom at the ruling party while announcing his resignation at a presser on Friday.
In his observation, he said that the party is not treading on the path it set out to. “I had pointed out several times in the past about how the party was run and managed. I wanted to rectify, but my efforts went in vain,” he rued.
However, BJD’s Cuttack unit president and Rajya Sabha member, Debasish Samantaray refuted Mahtab’s allegations.
Launching his counter-offensive on Mahtab, Samantaray said, “When the MP sensed that he would not get a ticket this time, he left the party.”
Throwing the gauntlet at Mahtab, Samantaray said that the MP should prove his popularity by winning the election.
Samantaray said, "If the MP calls himself a founding member, will he leave the party like this? The party was suffering because of his declining popularity.”
On the other hand, the BJP and Congress asserted that the BJD fort has collapsed in Cuttack.
Veteran BJP leader, Samir Dey said, "If someone accepts our leadership, where is the problem to induct him. People have decided that the BJP will be voted to power this time. The BJD is worried about whether they will exist or not. Hence, they are taking help of other parties.”
Congress MLA Mohammed Moquim said, "The BJD is no longer the people’s party. Leaders having a conscience and scruples will leave the party. The party is collapsing like a pack of cards. Congress is trying to bolster its strength.”
With leaders continuously leaving the BJD, Cuttack is allegedly facing a leadership crisis. Political observers say the party is going to lack typical ‘Cuttakian’ leaders at the helm of the organizational affairs.
BJD strongman, Subash Singh is busy as the mayor of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) while the district unit chief, Samantaray has been sent to the Upper House of the Parliament.
Speculation was rife a few days ago that the ruling party was mulling Santrupt Mishra, who came from the corporate world and joined the BJD, as the prospective Lok Sabha candidate from Cuttack. The party is also worried about the Cuttack-Barabati Assembly seat which was won by the Congress in the 2019 polls.
Who will be the perfect candidate for the BJD in this seat? The name of Mayor Subash Singh is doing the rounds for this Assembly segment. In that case, who will be handed over the mayorship?
Political observer Satya Ray said, "After his (Mahtab) resignation, the party will definitely suffer a setback. Who will be given a party ticket for an important and prestigious LS seat like Cuttack? A new person may not be acceptable to the people.”
On the other hand, the BJP has stepped up its brainstorming for the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat. The name of Doctor Purnachandra Mohapatra is doing rounds. If Mahtab joins the BJP, he might be in the ticket race for the LS seat. Sources said the BJP may consider Arindam Roy as the candidate for the Cuttack-Barabati Assembly seat.
The charges have been framed against the MP under IPC sections- 341, 323, 294, 353 and 506.
It is pertinent to mention here that MP Mahtab was accused of slapping the then Sub-Inspector Amitabh Mohapatra, now posted as ACP, during a programme held at Netaji Birthplace Museum in Cuttack on January 23, 2011.
In his complaint lodged with the local Darghabazar Police station, the Sub-Inspector then had alleged that he was slapped by the MP.
It was then said that the police officer was posted at the Netaji Museum for crowd management when Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited the museum. While restricting the crowd, he was accosted by Mahtab, who was accompanying the CM during the programme.
Meanwhile, the Cuttack MP could not be contacted over the development.
Speaking on the issue, Afroz Ahmed, public prosecutor, said, “The matter is sub-judice and the charges were framed today under IPC sections 341, 323, 294, 353 and 506. The next hearing will be held on April 4, 2024.”
The information was provided by the Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar on its X handle on Wednesday.
According to the Meteorological Centre, the previous lowest maximum day temperature of 24.3 degrees Celsius was recorded on 6th March 1970 and today’s (20th March 2024) maximum temperature of 19.2 degrees Celsius surpassed that record and became the lowest reading on the scale since the year 1952.
Similarly, Cuttack recorded the lowest maximum day temperature of 23.6 degrees Celsius on March 6, 1970. On Wednesday (March 20, 2024), the temperature in Cuttack dropped to 20 degrees Celsius breaking its all-time record of the lowest maximum day temperature in the month of March since 1902, informed IMD Bhubaneswar.
However, IMD said, there will be no large change in maximum temperature (day temperature) during the next 24 hrs following which there will be a rise by 8-10 degrees Celsius at most places over the districts of Odisha.
Similarly, no large change in minimum temperature (night temperature) during the next 24 hrs and a rise by 3-5 degrees Celsius in the subsequent 4 to 5 days is expected at most places over the districts of Odisha, said IMD in its bulletin.
According to IMD scientist Umasankar Das, the rainfall activities have considerably brought down the temperature, providing much-needed respite to people from the hot conditions.
(By OdishaTV Bureau)
As per reports, Subash Marandi, a resident of Baidakhadi village under Udala police limits, was plucking flowers from a tree. As ill luck would have it, Marandi fell off the tree and a branch got through his body. His condition was critical.
He was immediately rushed to the PRM Medical College and Hospital in Baripada and later shifted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.
A team of doctors of the cardiothoracic department along with other doctors operated on him and the branch was removed. The condition of the patient was stated to be stable after removal of the tree branch.
Dr Manoj Pattnaik, head of the cardiothoracic department, at SCB Medical College and Hospital, said, "The doctors of anaesthesia played a key role. The patient was unable to be in a sleeping state. Administering anaesthesia was a challenge. They gave it in a new technique. Various organs – liver, lungs, and kidneys of the youth were affected after the tree branch got pierced into the body. Surgeons of these departments apart from urology and general surgery were present. It was the teamwork that gave us success.”
Tension prevailed at the place as the lady sarpanch and supporters of the local MLA were seen scuffling with each other in front of a large gathering.
As per reports, Salipur MLA Prashant Behera was inaugurating the project in Chandradeipur panchayat when sarpanch Rashimta Das came rushing and tried to prevent the MLA from unveiling the project.
At that time, police personnel present there intervened and escorted the sarpanch out of the crowd. The situation remained tense for some time.
Speaking to the media, sarpanch Rashimta Das said, "The project is in my panchayat. As a sarpanch, shouldn’t I be present at the programme. All this was done without my knowledge. My name is missing from the plaque.”
“I opposed the inauguration because the people of my panchayat were not invited to the programme,” she lamented.
MLA Prashant Behera said, "It is the responsibility of the Transport Department to decide whose names would be etched on the information plaque. The officials of the department will look after that aspect. I have nothing to say about that issue.”
Apart from Sarangi, SCB Medical College and Hospital Superintendent Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra and Executive Engineer PK Majhi were also present in the High Court during the hearing.
It has been mentioned in the report that the fire alarm and extinguisher work at SCB will be finished within three months. Similarly, the additional fire safety work will be finished within six months.
As per the report, following the approval of the administration for fire safety measures in as many as 64 of the total 87 buildings of the SCB, the tender process has already started. It has been mentioned in the report that the government approval for the fire safety measures at the other 14 buildings is awaited.
The next hearing on the matter will be held after eight weeks. Fire Service DG will submit an affidavit in the matter then.
Earlier last week, hearing a PIL on inadequate fire safety measures at the premier medical institution in the State, Orissa High Court had expressed concerns about the absence of fire-fighting systems.
The accused have been identified as Ishwara Mahara and Budhu Ray of Murshidabad. Police seized 257 gms of the banned substance, a Scorpio vehicle, and Rs 2 lakh cash from the two. The seized substance is approximately valued at Rs 26 lakh.
According to police, the two were planning to smuggle the brown sugar to Khordha.
Addressing a presser in Cuttack, Additional DCP Anil Mishra said, “Ahead of the upcoming elections, police have been carrying out night patrolling. Last night, blocking and checking were being carried out at Kaliaboda under Chauliaganj Police limits. The two were coming in a Scorpio vehicle. We had specific information about them. We detained the vehicle and seized the brown sugar.”
He added that a case was registered against the two under the NDPS Act and further investigation into the matter and sources of procurement is on.
As per the preliminary investigation, the two had sold some amounts of the banned substance during the transit, Mishra added.
The former great played a grand total of 45 matches in the mega tournament, spread across six different editions, starting from 1992 to 2011. During his illustrious World Cup journey, India’s greatest batsman amassed 2,278 runs, including six centuries.
Moreover, fans will be excited to know that Sachin scored his maiden World Cup century against minnows Kenya at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack in the 1996 edition of the marquee event.
In this tournament, Sachin became the first batsman to reach 500 runs milestone in a single edition of Cricket World Cup with an impressive average of 87.17 and a strike rate of 85.87.
In the 1196 World Cup, India were up against Kenya. India won the toss and elected to bat first. Anil Kumble bowled brilliantly for the hosts with an impressive spell of 3/28 in his allotted spell of 10 overs as Kenya were skittle out for 199. Steve Tikolo was the top scorer for the visitors with 65 of 83 balls.
In reply, India’s opening duo of Sachin and Ajay Jadeja stitched together an effective partnership of 163 runs to chase down the target with ease. Sachin scored 127 of 138 balls with the help of 15 fours and a six with the strike rate of 92.03. It was Sachin’s fifth ODI century. It was a memorable occasion for Sachin as it was his first ton in the World Cup. The Master Blaster was adjudged man of the match for his brilliant match-winning knock.
Though the exact reason behind their suicide is not yet clear, it is suspected that family feud may be its reason.
The deceased were identified as Nityananda Mohapatra(61) and wife Shantilata Mohapatra (54). This incident took place when no other family members were in the house.
As per reports, as the doors of their house did not open even after 8 am on Sunday, their neighbours peeped into the house and later, on opening the doors, they were shocked to find the couple lying on the floor.
Meanwhile, police started an investigation into the matter and registered two cases of unnatural death.
Speaking to the media, one of their relatives said,” I had gone to their house at 10 pm last night. Their younger son had gone out for an interview while their elder son and daughter-in-law stayed at another place. There was a minor difference of opinion in the family. I tried to iron out the difference of opinion between the couple and later came back home.”
He added that their neighbours found the couple lying dead on the floor inside the house after opening the doors in the morning.
However, no reaction from police has been received.
Following a directive from the Odisha government, various infrastructure works for its development have started.
As per reports, the historic place is being given a major facelift in joint collaboration between the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA).
The CDA is carrying out infra development at a cost of Rs 50 crore on 6 acres of land.
A yoga centre, a children's park, a food centre, a light show, and an interpretation centre on the life journey and contribution of the great freedom fighter to the freedom struggle are being developed.
The CDA has set a target to complete the project in a month.
Siddhartha Shankar Swain, CMC Commissioner said "The work is being hastened. There are various components including his famous slogan ‘Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi dungaa." The slogan is being etched in various languages. An interpretation centre will be built up.”
He also said that a pond nearby is being restored and the project work will be completed in a month.
A woman was allegedly stabbed to death by a youth in Cuttack on Monday. The incident was reported from Debendranagar under CRRI police limits. According to sources, the stabbing was a fallout of a past enmity.
The deceased has been identified as Bharati Sahu while the accused youth is Muna Bhuyan.
As per reports, Muna used to have one-sided love for the elder daughter of Bharati. Muna was jailed earlier in an attempt to harass the girl.
The accused was seething with anger to take revenge over the past incident. In the evening, he reached Bharati’s house and stabbed her multiple times, leaving the victim dead.
On being informed, CRRI police rushed to the spot and started an investigation. The body was seized and sent for post-mortem. Police have launched a manhunt for the accused.
As per initial reports, three persons were inside the vehicle which was coming from West Bengal.
During questioning, the three accused confessed that they were carrying 351 Indian Tent Turtles (Pangshura tentoria) from West Bengal that were to be delivered to Karnataka.
The Indian tent turtle is listed in Schedule–I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is thereby provided the highest degree of protection.
The wildlife trafficking attempt was thwarted due to close inter-agency coordination. The live turtles have been handed over to the Odisha State Forest officials. The three persons along with their vehicle were detained and handed over for further investigation under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
As per reports, an application was filed in 2021 seeking Geographical Indications for Cuttack Silver Filigree (under ‘Handi Crafts’ category.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that it is a matter of honour for Odisha to get the GI tag for Cuttack's Silver Filigree (ChandiTarakasi).
Taking to his official X (Formerly Twitter) handle, Patnaik wrote, "The centuries-old sophisticated craft practiced in the Silver City of Cuttack gives a distinct identity to our State for its intricate workmanship. On the occasion, I extend my best wishes to the people of Odisha, especially Cuttack and the district administration."
The recognition of Silver Filigree will certainly help the artisans who have been working hard to keep the centuries-old art alive. It is also a means of livelihood for them.
"After a long time, we have got this recognition. Though there has been a delay, we have finally got it. Our products will now be popular," said Brahmananda Moharana, President Utkal Gold and Silver Industry Association.
This apart, Patnaik also inaugurated as many as 41 cricket academies in 30 districts across the State.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, former spinner Pragyan Ojha, former pacer Debashish Mohanty, IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhamal, and members of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) were present during the foundation stone-laying event.
As per reports, the Odisha government has set a target to redevelop the Barabati Stadium into a world-class sports complex with all modern facilities. A budget of around Rs 700 crore has been earmarked for the project.
The audience capacity of the stadium will be increased from 42,000 to 60,000. Following a green signal by the BCCI, OCA has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) in this regard.
“Barabati stadium will be redeveloped into a World-class sports complex with all modern facilities in partnership with BCCI, OCA, and corporates. At the same time, considering the legacy of the stadium, the iconic clock tower will be preserved as a heritage structure. The VSS stadium in Sambalpur will be expanded and developed with the best cricket facilities for the cricketers in the region,” said Patnaik on the occasion.
“We are going to build an international-standard stadium in a joint partnership between the Odisha government, BCCI, and the Odisha Olympic Association,” said OCA Secretary Sanjay Behera.
“The vision regarding cricket and other sports jointly prepared by the OCA and the State government will take Odisha cricketers and all other sportspersons a long way forward,” said Irfan Pathan.
The arrested person has been identified as Pramod Kumar Das of the Mahanga area, who has criminal antecedents. He has several cases pending against him at different police stations in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
The modus operandi of Das would be to befriend vulnerable targets. Then he would offer them spiked drinks before robbing them of their valuables.
After receiving a complaint from the victim, the police launched a probe. During the investigation, the cops had scanned footage captured in CCTV cameras installed in the locality and arrested him.
Also Read: ATM loot bid in Odisha's Keonjhar foiled as man wakes up in dead night
The police seized five mobile phones, Rs 7000 in cash, two silver bracelets, and huge quantity of sedative pills from his possession.
“His modus operandi would be to offer drinks spiked with drugs to his targets and then decamp with whatever he finds. He also has cases pending against him at Bhubaneswar GRP, Khordha GRP, and Badambadi police station,” said Cuttack’s Zone VI ACP, Swastik Panda.
As per reports, IPL franchise Delhi Capitals is likely to play their first two IPL matches in Pune and Cuttack as Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium will not be ready to host the tournament just days after hosting the Women’s Premier League final match.
Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has confirmed that the venue won’t be ready for at least 10 days. Hence, Delhi will be homeless for the opening two rounds.
As per reports in some sections of the media, DDCA has written to the BCCI about the unavailability of the venue for the opening two games of IPL 2024.
“Delhi’s first two games will be moved to Pune and Cuttack. We have informed the BCCI about it,” the reports quoted a DDCA official as saying.
BCCI will release partial IPL 2024 schedule on Thursday. The mega event will tentatively start between March 20-22.
Notably, Delhi will host 11 matches of the Women’s Premier League in just 13 days. Arun Jaitley Stadium will host WPL 2024 from March 5 to March 17, allowing only a week for IPL 2024. DDCA expects the first match of Delhi Capitals on March 24. Hence, it’s too short a window for the venue to be ready.
Even though the early winter chill has almost faded away, the dense fog conditions created many problems, especially for the movement of vehicular traffic.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday issued a yellow warning for dense fog in several parts of Odisha. Apart from the dense fog alert, the IMD also predicted a rise in the minimum( night) temperature in the state.
As per IMD, the minimum temperature is likely to rise gradually by 2 to 3 degree Celsius during the next 3 days.
Weather Forecast Issued On Saturday:
Day 2 (Valid from 0830 hrs IST of 18.02.2024 to 0830 hrs IST of 19.02.2024)
Yellow Warning: Dense fog is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Boudh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Jharsuguda.
Day 3 (Valid from 0830 hrs IST of 19.02.2024 to 0830 hrs IST of 20.02.2024)
Yellow Warning: Dense fog is very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Sonepur, Boudh, Puri, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Bolangir, Sambalpur.
After getting assurance from the government over fulfilment of their demands in phases, the veterinary doctors' association took the decision to put their strike on hold. The association on Saturday informed their decision to put their strike on hold.
After a month-long strike, the agitating veterinary doctors staged a dharna in front of the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Later, a delegation of doctors met the director.
Also Read: Odisha man takes ailing calf to Collector’s office, seeks treatment
The veterinary doctors in the State had been on mass leave since January 18. They were staging massive protests in Bhubaneswar demanding cadre restructuring, referral facilities, transformation of the service delivery system, and free treatment of animals.
Amid the veterinary doctors’ strike, farmers and pet owners were suffering a lot.
The deceased has been identified as Sushant Rana from Radhakrushnapur village near Athagarh.
After the clash, a critically injured Rana was rushed to the Dhenkanal hospital for treatment but he was pronounced dead by the doctors there.
Tension erupted following Rana’s death. Infuriated family members and the residents of Radhakrushnapur village set the property of the accused on fire. As per reports, a poultry farm, one tractor, a car and two bikes belonging to the accused were reduced to ashes in the arson.
The villagers were so angry that they did not even allow the fire fighters to enter the village who were called in to douse the blaze.
A complaint was lodged at Khuntuni police station against the accused following which three persons have been detained by the police for questioning.
Palpable tension prevailed in the area following the death of Rana and the subsequent arson. One platoon of police force has been deployed in the area to prevent any escalation of the clash.
Cuttack Additional SP, Choudwar SDPO and Khuntuni IIC are on the spot to pacify the villagers and bring the law and order situation under control.
As per reports, electronic weighing machines were being manufactured in a house in the Nuapatna area under Madhupatna Police limits. The unit had no permission or license from the authorities concerned to make such machines.
Officials of the Weights and Measures Department had received a complaint from a small trader that the weighing machine he had purchased was defective. Thereafter, the department officials gathered information about the unauthorized manufacturing unit and raided the house.
The officials have seized as many as 25 weighing machines and various components used in the manufacturing of such machines.
The manufacturer only had a license to sell such machines but no trade license or legal permission to manufacture them, sources said.
It was stated that spare parts/components were procured from outside the state and machines were being sold to small traders.
An official involved in the raid said that the department had complaints about defective machines. “After the raid, we came to know that spare parts were assembled and weighing machines were made. As many as 25 machines are being seized. Further action will be taken against the manufacturer,” he added.
Another senior official said that the manufacturer has a sales license, but in his Salipur address, he has no license for manufacturing. It is an unauthorized unit, he added.
The accused has been identified as Sambit Samal who is a neighbour of the complainant.
As per the report, Dr Punyashlok Mishra and his wife were arrested by Cuttack Police on Friday on the charge of conducting illegal sex determination tests. However, following the arrests, Punyashlok’s mother, Yashoda was allegedly approached by their neighbour Sambit Samal who promised her to dismiss the police case against her son for Rs 20 lakh.
Samal reportedly assured Yashoda to spend some money at the police station and in the court to free her son. Believing him, Yashoda reportedly gave Rs 17 lakh to Samal. When the police forwarded the doctor and his wife to the court, Yashoda demanded the money back from Samal. However, Samal refused to return the money and allegedly abused her.
A frustrated Yashoda, filed a complaint at Mangalabag Police Station against Samal, following which a probe has been launched to nab the accused.
Speaking about the case, Cuttack Additional DCP Anil Mishra said, “The case is about Ponyashloka Das and his wife who were arrested under PNDT Act and forwarded to court. The doctor’s mother has alleged that her neighbour Sambit Samal has cheated Rs 17 lakh from her promising to free her son from the police. A case has been registered at Mangalabag Police Station and we are investigating the matter.”
A team from the health department and local police conducted a surprise raid on the house of Das located at Friends Colony in Cuttack on allegations of sex determination tests on pregnant women on Friday. The accused doctor is reportedly engaged at Deogarh District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
If reports are to be believed, the raid team had rescued a patient with a bag containing cash. However, Das had refuted the allegations and called it baseless.
Cuttack Sub Collector, Kamaljit Das, was also present during the raid. If reports are to be believed, the raid team has rescued a patient with a bag containing cash. The accused doctor is reportedly engaged at Deogarh District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).
However, he refuted the allegations and called it baseless.
“I do not conduct any illegal sex determination tests, abortions, or prescribe any medicines. This allegation is completely baseless. Yes, a patient had come to meet me, but she was not here for sex determination. She was ill and so her family members had brought her here,” the accused doctor stated.
“She had come to meet me as I have contacts there. Two other patients were male, not women. I have kept the sex-determining machine because I had a clinic in 2013,” he added.
As per reports, the Cuttack civic body had spent lakhs of rupees on the stray dog sterilisation drive at a time when the Orissa High Court had put a ban on the same.
While no authority in the State was undertaking such a drive, the CMC has reportedly spent Rs 9,99,649 in August 2023, Rs 5,63,605 in September, Rs 3,35, 520 in October and Rs 1,67,760 in November for stray dog sterilisation.
The figures came to the fore after the CMC presented the monthly expenses report before the Council, stoking the allegations of corruption.
“We have many times requested the authorities to sterilise the stray dogs, but every time they replied that they cannot touch any stray dog because of a High Court case currently going on. They had assured us that they will start sterilisation only after the High Court order. Then what is this expense report? Most probably a corruption,” alleged a Corporator Lizarani Rout.
Another Corporator Laxmidhara Pradhan said, “The High Court had put a ban on stray dog sterilisation since last July. No sterilisation drive was undertaken across Odisha because of the ban. But the monthly expenditure report of the CMC has mentioned lakhs of rupees spent on stray dog sterilisation which is nothing but a huge corruption. Senior officers and politicians are involved in this corruption. It needs a high-level enquiry.”
Asked about the allegations, newly-appointed CMC Commissioner, Siddharth Shankar Swain said, “The sterilisation drive was halted following the High Court order. The expenses presented in the report might be a recurring cost. But if there are any irregularities or illegal billing then we will definitely initiate action against the responsible officials.”
On July 6, 2023, the Orissa HC had put a stay order on the sterilisation drive and animal birth control (ABC) programme effectively banning stray dog sterilisation across Odisha.
However, the Orissa High Court lifted the stay on January 8, 2024 after the Odisha government furnished an affidavit in the court stating that a state-level monitoring and implementation committee for animal birth control (ABC) has been formed to regulate the sterilisation of stray dogs.
As per reports, retail traders are now selling 100 gm of garlic at Rs 50. Such a sharp price spiral of garlic had never happened in the past.
Its prices are soaring high because of dwindling supplies. Traders of Cuttack get a bulk supply of garlic from Indore and Uttar Pradesh. The prices of the spice have nearly doubled over the last few days in most parts of the state and the country.
A housewife of Cuttack said, “Garlic is an essential ingredient for our kitchen. Its prices are varying from Rs 350 to Rs 400. How can we manage our home expenses at such high prices? We have to buy 100 gm of garlic when we are supposed to buy a kg.”
A retail trader said, ” Earlier, we were buying garlic at Rs 260 a kg, but its prices have shot up to Rs 360 or even more. Accordingly, we have to sell it at a higher price.”
Traders say the reason behind high prices is the dwindling supply of garlic across the country after the crops were damaged due to extreme weather conditions.
Debendra Sahu, secretary of the Chhatra Bazaar Traders' Association, said, ”The old stocks of garlic have exhausted. The arrival of new crops will take time at least 10 to 15 days. Since the supplies have dwindled, the prices are soaring. The price will come down only after fresh supplies arrive.”
Not one, but two such instances were witnessed recently. First, during the marriage ceremony of the daughter of a class-four employee of Odisha Raj Bhawan and the next during the retirement of another class-four employee of the state police headquarters.
Patittapaban Routray is a class-four employee of Raj Bhawan. During the marriage of Routray's daughter, Governor Raghubar Das, who is now known for his hectic tours to rural areas, took out time to attend the ceremony. He offered bouquets to the bride and the groom, wishing them a happy conjugal life. The Governor also posed for photographs with Routray’s family members.
Patitapaban was effusive in his praise for the Governor, saying,” I am very happy the Governor came to my daughter’s marriage ceremony. I can't express my joy openly. The Governor came and tried to know my weal and woes. He is very gentle and a good person who pays heed to the plight of the poor.”
Dhani Nayak had been working as a sweeper at the Police Hospital in Bidanasi. He retired from service on Thursday. A valedictory ceremony was held for Nayak. It was really an emotional moment when DGP Arun Kumar Sarangi embraced Nayak with love and respect. Sarangi was forgetful of his power and position. Eyes of both welled up with tears. It was the outcome of a bond between Sarangi and Nayak based on mutual love and respect.
During the moment, Nayak was never allowed to feel he was inferior.
Dhani Nayak waxed eloquent on the occasion and was all praise for the DGP for his love and affection. He said, “I am mere subordinate – a sweeper. The officer of such a high position like the DGP embraced me with warm affection and respect on the day of my retirement. I am on cloud nine.”
Nayak further said, “I never thought I would be given a farewell with respect. The DGP sir also gave me gifts.”
According to a notification of the Home Department, IPS Awinash Kumar, who is currently DIG of Police, SAP, has been transferred as Additional CP, Commissionerate of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack while Brijesh Kumar Ray, presently working as Additional CP, Commissionerate of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, has been posted as DIG of Police, Intelligence in-charge, (Security Wing).
Dayal Gangwar has been appointed as ADG (Police Modernization) while IPS officer Rajesh Kumar, currently posted as ADGP, Modernisation, has been transferred as ADGP, Railways & Coastal Security with the Additional charge of Director of the State Forensic Sciences Laboratory (SFSL).
Significantly, 1989-batch woman IPS officer B Radhika took voluntary retirement after the state government approved her application. She was the chairperson of the Police Recruitment Board and was given additional charge as the Director of SFSL.
The senior woman IPS officer had previously served as Additional Director General (ADG) of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) under the Home Ministry. She was reportedly among three contenders for the post of Odisha DGP before the retirement of Sunil Kumar Bansal on December 31.
The girl has been admitted to Cuttack SCB Medical College and Hospital in a critical condition.
An FIR in this connection was lodged at the Railway Police Station on Tuesday.
As per reports, the minor girl is an inmate of an orphanage in the College Square area. When she was returning from school, the miscreant allegedly raped her on the way.
A four-member team of the Railway Police led by a DCP-level officer has started an investigation into the incident. The statement of the victim has been recorded.
“We have registered a case in this connection. OIC Jyoti Prakash Nayak is investigating the case. Now the treatment of the victim is underway at the SCB medical,” said Cuttack Railway SP, Biranchi Prasad Dehury.
“We are also seeking details from the victim in this regard. We are trying to establish the identity of the accused and trace his whereabouts. We will follow all the procedures of the investigation to catch the accused,” he added.
Sources said that the student had halted at a shop to buy biscuits when two miscreants came to the spot on a bike and slit his throat. Both the miscreants had worn helmets. The exact reason behind the attack on the student is unclear.
Following the incident, the student was rushed to the nearest hospital for treatment. Later, the family members lodged a formal complaint at Athagarh Police Station in connection with the incident.
The family members stated that they are unaware of the exact motive behind such an attack as they do not have any enmity with others. However, things are likely to get cleared only after a detailed investigation.
Brahmananda Bhujabal, one of the affected, said, ”We had taken normal food last evening. At night the problem started. All my family members one by one had loose motions, vomiting and fever.”
Sanjita Bhujabal, another affected said, “We use the water from a well. All were affected by diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. We had taken normal food as usual. The water we are using from the well could be the reason for the diarrhoea.”
Doctor Manas Ranjan Pani said that the affected were discharged after treatment as they recuperated. He added that diarrhoea was the outcome of drinking contaminated water from a well in the village.
Speculation about the return of Moquim and Biswal to the party has picked up after the two senior leaders met party's Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar at the state guest house in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Moquim, said, “I along with Chiranjibi Babu met the party’s state in-charge and we minutely discussed the matters related to the party’s organization in our constituencies. There is little time for the party for the upcoming elections. We discussed threadbare about how the party will be taken forward."
Odisha in-charge of Congress Ajoy Kumar told media that they had a fruitful discussion about the party's organization. “Those leaders who are with us will be called for discussion. Our fight is to save the country. Our fight is to save Odisha. The fruit of patience is sweet,” he observed.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on July 16, 2023, suspended Barabati-Cuttack MLA Mohammad Moquim and former MLA Chiranjib Biswal from the party on the ground of anti-party activities.
It was then stated that OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak received complaints against the two. Acting on the complaints, AICC general secretary and member secretary of the party’s disciplinary action committee (DAC) Tariq Anwar then said that OPCC president Sarat Pattanayak complained that MLA Mohammad Moquim and ex-MLA Chiranjib Biswal were indulging in anti-party activities.
The DAC had served show cause notices to them seeking their explanations.
Moquim termed the DAC decision as arbitrary and pleaded his innocence. Biswal also dismissed the allegation of anti-party activities made against him. Biswal earlier made a controversial statement saying that there were only nine MLAs of Congress in the state, but 20 leaders were aspiring to become chief minister.
Despite their suspension, the two veteran leaders did not join any party even though there was speculation about the possibility of their joining the Biju Janata Dal(BJD).
They have expressed their displeasure over it, wondering why the report is not made public. They alleged that attempts are being made to facilitate the escape of agencies involved in the scam.
Corporator of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gagan Ojha said, “Those involved in the tender process are becoming members of the investigation committee. It is an attempt by the CMC to fool the people of Cuttack in the name of investigation. They are deliberately delaying the investigation so that people will forget it."
Congress corporator Santosh Bhola said, "Massive irregularities have been done in Bali Yatra projects. The Committee that was formed to probe the scam has not made its report public. I was inquiring about it on Friday. The CMC is not interested in looking into the irregularities.”
CMC Mayor Subash Singh, said, “The investigation report will certainly take time to come and will be submitted to the Vigilance and then to the Odisha Police Housing Corporation for verification.”
Notably, a tender of Rs 32 lakh was floated for the construction of two welcome gates. Besides, Rs 96 lakh was reportedly allocated for a laser show while Rs 1.74 crore was spent for an AC hangar. The corporators of the Congress and the BJP had staged protests several times in the past, alleging a massive scam. Later, the CMC formed a committee comprising a city engineer and two executive engineers to look into the allegations.
The recipient of the bone marrow was 19-year-old Subhranshu Sahoo, a relapsed blood cancer patient from Khordha district.
Sahoo was diagnosed with B-ALL (B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia) in August 2016. He had received full chemotherapy protocol, but the cancer relapsed a few years later. As this was a relapsed case, allogenic BMT was the last option, for which a search was initiated for a suitable donor.
While conventional allogenic BMT entails a nearly 100 per cent donor match with siblings being the primary donor, finding a donor in time is very difficult. However, recent advances have made haplo BMT a promising alternative as it enables transplant from half-matched donors. In this procedure, parents, children and other close relatives like uncles, cousins and aunts can become donors.
The clinical haematology department of the SCB Medical College and Hospital had successfully performed the transplantation on Sahoo. His health condition was gradually improving. However, he passed away on Friday morning leaving his relatives and doctors shocked.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chandaka Wildlife Division Sarat Chandra Behera said, “Around 276 deer have been shifted from Cuttack Deer Park to Ambilo and Bharatpur. Two deer have died during the shifting process. They might have died of shock due to their relocation to a new area."
"We are taking care of the deer and providing them with adequate amount of grass. We have given them anti-stressed medicine under the guidance of doctors and professors,” Behera added.
It is to be noted that the shifting of deer from the Deer Park at Tulasipur in Cuttack was carried out as per the directive of the Orissa High Court and Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
The Central Zoo Authority had withdrawn its recognition for Cuttack Deer Park citing lack of adequate space for the animals in 2021.
Subsequently, the Forest department had initiated the process for shifting of the deer from the overcrowded park to the temporary rescue centre (special enclosure) set up at Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary.
However, the local residents and some outfits had opposed the shifting of deer from the Deer Park. Later, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Mayor Subhash Singh informed that all deer would not be shifted citing that the park is an important heritage of the Millennium City.
Such a statement has triggered sharp reactions and questions are being asked whether Naveen Patnaik is aware of his party leaders or not. Doubts are being raised if Naveen Patnaik is cognizant of the distribution of tickets to various leaders or not.
While the Opposition parties termed Pandian’s statement as ‘shameful’, BJD leaders seemed not to be perturbed at all. Moreover, they have gleefully accepted that Pandian is the only way to reach the Chief Minister.
As per reports, Pandian has not only lured the BJD leaders, he has also assigned them tasks while disguising a threat behind his smile. He gave a challenge to the party leaders to perform better than 2014 and 2019 elections.
Strangely, senior BJD leaders like Debi Mishra, Ranendra Pratap Swain, Debashish Samantaray, and Mayor Subhash Singh, who were present in the meeting, didn’t show any reaction to Pandian’s statements. Rather, they believe that Pandian is the only medium to meet the Chief Minister.
“Winning is not a big matter. Pandian motivated our leaders and workers to win with huge margins. Pandian is a medium. He is our instrument to connect with the Chief Minister,” said Cuttack District President of the BJD, Debashish Samantaray.
However, Opposition parties slammed BJD leaders over their helpless position and Pandian’s dominance over them. As per the Congress, it is a shameful situation for the BJD leaders.
“Pandian’s statement is a matter of shame for the senior leaders of BJD. With Cuttack denizens’ blessings, Congress has been able to win the MLA seat during Naveen Patnaik’s rule. We are confident that with the support from the people of Cuttack, Congress will perform better in all the seats in Cuttack district,” said Barabati-Cuttack MLA and Congress leader, Mohammed Moquim.
Meanwhile, the BJP said that people will give the right answer to BJD’s rhetoric.
“BJD is on the back foot in the Barabati-Cuttack constituency. As the government is afraid of the political situation here, they tried to create an environment in favour of BJD by spending huge amounts of money. However, people have tried and tested everything. They will not vote in favour of the BJD despite their huge spending,” said BJP leader Smruti Pattnaik.
“No one will disagree that Pandian has the confidence of the Chief Minister. But people are voting for Naveen Patnaik. However, by giving this kind of statement, Pandian is only increasing the distance between the people and the Chief Minister,” said political analyst Rabi Das.
As the population of deer in the park is on the rise, the animals are facing constraints in terms of space and food. The authorities concerned decided to shift the animals to Chandaka.
Till date, over 100 deer have been shifted to an enclosure in Chandaka sanctuary. Another reason for relocating the animals is that the license of the park was scrapped long ago.
As for the issue, the CMC Mayor said that there were only six deer in the park, but their number increased to 292 over the years. “The pride and glory of Cuttack is also linked to the Deer Park which is over 40 years old. The Deer Park will not be shifted fully,” he said.
He added that about 10 to 20 deer will be kept in the park. “We are looking into the legal aspects of the proposal. We have started the process in this regard. We are building an enclosure by spending Rs 1.5 crore in Chandaka. The deer will stay inside the enclosure for at least six months before being released into the wild."
As per reports, 110 acres of land, 11 luxury vehicles, and deposits worth Rs 2.17 crore of the chit-fund firm will be attached.
The Court in its order also stated that the confiscated properties and assets, would be auctioned and the funds from the auction would be distributed among its investors, who have long been waiting for the refund of their money.
As for the court order, government special counsel, Subrat Kumar Mohanty said that the court has ordered for auction of the company’s bank deposits worth Rs 2.17 crore, 110 acres of valuable land which have been purchased by the company in Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Ganjam and several other places.
Mohanty also stated that the Artha Tatwa group had collected funds from thousands of small investors through various lucrative schemes and purchased land at different places in the name of its MD Pradip Sethy, other directors, and some company officials.
“The state government had got complaints about illegal collection of money and heard the complaints. Hearing the complaints, the government issued an attachment order through the Finance department. A case on the basis of the attachment order was moved at the OPID court,” he added.
In July 2017, a court sentenced Artha Tatwa Group chief, Pradip Sethy and two company directors to seven years of imprisonment for their involvement in the chit fund scam.
It may be noted here that the Bhubaneswar Chief Judicial Magistrate had earlier convicted Sethy, and two others of the company in a case registered at the Kharvela Nagar Police Station.
The company, registered under the Companies Act and Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, has been accused of duping thousands of depositors of over Rs 500 crore through lucrative schemes promising high returns.
According to sources, the library is currently functioning from two temporary locations in the city. The students who are dependent on the library are allegedly facing issues as it has not been allotted a permanent location.
As per sources, the library was first shifted to the Judicial Academy. However, due to irregular facilities, the library was shifted to the top floor of Netaji Bus Terminal.
Another unit of the library has been opened on a temporary basis near the Light House area in Chauliaganj.
Due to the temporary location of the library, the students have demanded a permanent place for the library. Previously, around 300 students were coming to the library in a day, but the number dipped due to the relocation.
“We are facing a lot of issues due to the temporary location. In the old library which was previously situated at Khannagar, students were coming in a very large number. But due to the current issue, the number of students has dropped. We are also unable to concentrate on our studies. We request the government to shit the library to a permanent location,” said a student.
Speaking about the location issue of the library, CMC Commissioner Nikhil Pavan Kalyan said, “A permanent place for the library has been finalised and the construction work will begin soon. The construction of the new library will be completed in 6-7 months.”
As per reports, the bus was en route to Cuttack from Kendrapara when it hit the truck from the front. The front parts of both vehicles were completely damaged pinning the drivers inside them.
Following the mishap, firefighters rushed to the spot and rescued the injured passengers. They were sent to Nischintakoili hospital for treatment.
The drivers of both vehicles were later rescued after cutting open the metal with gas cutters.
Speaking about the accident, a passenger of one of the buses said, “I boarded the bus from Aul and was going to Cuttack. A loud sound startled me when the bus hit the truck. People were thrown out of their seats. Many were bleeding profusely. Both the vehicles were damaged and the driver and other passengers sitting at the front of the bus were stuck in the mangled metals.”
“Two JCBs are employed to pull the vehicle apart. The bus was en route to Cuttack from Kendrapara and the truck was moving to Kendrapara from Cuttack. Two drivers of both vehicles are still stuck inside. The police, firefighters and local people are trying to get them out,” said a local.
The police have launched a probe into the case. Though the exact reason behind the accident has not been ascertained yet, it is suspected that dense fog and the resultant reduction of visibility might have caused the mishap.
As per the latest reports, out of the injured, four patients have been shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after their health condition deteriorated.
Speaking about the injured, SCB Hospital’s Emergency Officer, Bhubananada Maharana said, “Four patients have been admitted to the Trauma Casualty till now. Out of them, three are male and one patient is a female. First aid has already been administered to all the four. All of them have multiple injuries. Doctors from Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery and Surgery are conducting an investigation following which treatment will start. We have even made the ICU ready for more patients."
Huge posters and banners have been displayed by Cuttack-Barabati MLA Mohammed Moquim. Though Moquim has been suspended from Congress, he has dared to flaunt his connection with Congress by embossing the party’s logo in the posters and banners.
Similarly, the BJP and BJD leaders aspiring to contest the upcoming elections have covered skylines with their posters. They have hinted that more of their hoardings will be put up at different parts of the city in the election time.
On the other hand, such posters have affected the beautification of the city. But the Cuttack Municipal Corporation is taking no action against those spoiling the beauty of the city skylines.
When contacted, vice president of the Odisha BJP, Dr Purna Chandra Mohapatra said, “The BJP has its own ideologies. First, it is mati(motherland), then the party and then the leader. The posters reflect what is important in the mind of a leader.”
BJD’s Cuttack unit president Debsish Samanatray, said that displaying posters and banners in the city is a usual act of the leaders before New Year's Day or elections. This year, more posters will be seen because of the 2024 elections. The BJD has won 28 of 32 wards in the CMC. Hence, more posters are visible in the city.”
Cuttack-Barabati MLA Mohammed Moquim said that as people have elected him as MLA, he has to wish the residents on various occasions and event. There is nothing unusual in it. But new leaders aspiring to fight elections are putting up hoardings all over the city to create their identities, he added.
Notably, Malda Town-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express train, one of the new versions of the country’s superfast trains, was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya on Saturday. It ran under the jurisdiction of the East Coast Railway (ECoR). Significantly, affordable tick pricing has brought cheers for passengers.
As per reports, the train arrived at Jaleswar station on Sunday, Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi and hundreds of people warmly welcomed it while it was later greeted similarly at Bhadrak and Cuttack where Odissi dance was part of the welcome.
At Bhubaneswar station, the train was welcomed amid the showering of flowers in the presence of Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and the leaders of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and other parties. At Berhampur, MP Chandrasekhar Sahoo and other leaders welcomed the train.
Speaking to media, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Aarangi said, “The journey in this train is economical and all can afford its service. It has 22 coaches and can carry 1834 passengers at a time.”
Welcoming the train at Berhampur Railway station, MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu said, “The people of Berhmapur are happy as the train equipped with various facilities will provide travel to people at lower cost.”
According to reports, the Malda Town-Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express train will make its halts at 8 places in Odisha – at Jaleswar, Balasore, Soro, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Khurda Road and Berhmapur while making its journey from Bengaluru to Malda. It will start running regularly from January 7, 2024.
“It is a non-AC train. Common people can travel a long distance in it at a much lower cost. It has a facility for sleeping. More new trains of this type will be run in the coming days,” said Manoj Sharma, General Manager of the East Coast Railways.
The train, which is equipped with both non-AC and LHB coaches, will function as a push-and-pull train with its engine connected on both ends. The passengers will have a good experience of a comfortable journey because of the attractive, designed, and well-cushioned seats. Besides, the train has the facilities of good luggage storage, cell phone holders, mobile charging points, LED lights, CCTVs, and a public information dissemination system.
On December 28, Rama had an altercation with a person named Mohanty Banara Godadhua village. Later, Rama lost his temper and fired shots at Mohanty. However, the Mohanty had a close shave as the bullet missed him by a whisker.
Later, the Mohanty lodged a written complaint against Rama at Choudwar Police station.
Based on the complaint, Police initiated a probe and raided the house of Rama.
During the raid, the police seized two guns, four cartridges, and some gunpowder from Rama’s house. After the seizure of firearms, Rama was arrested by the police and produced before the court.
Further investigation in connection with the seizure of firearms and other articles is underway.
According to the complaint, Mamata Dalua, a mother of two and wife of Sanjay Dalua of Kerandiapal in the Kakatpur area, is mentally challenged. The woman was taken to a private hospital in Cuttack for psychiatric treatment on December 19. After visiting a doctor, she went missing. She was being accompanied by her in-laws.
As for the incident, Mamata’s brother Sadhab Behera, said, “My sister was taken to a doctor in Cuttack on December 19. Her in-laws were accompanying her at that time. After getting the prescription, Mamata went to buy medicine but did not return to her in-laws who later searched for her, but to no avail. We also searched, but could not trace her.”
Worried over her disappearance, family members filed a missing complaint at Mangalabag Police Station. Her family members have been living in distress while her two children are equally worried, it was stated.
However, the reaction of the hospital concerned could not be received.
According to police, Jogendra is an alcoholic and forced the minor boy to have unnatural sex with him. The accused admitted that hours before committing the crime he had unnatural sex with the boy inside an abandoned house in Purbakachh. As the boy threatened Jogendra that he would reveal the matter before his family, the accused killed the boy at night on December 16 by slashing his throat with a sickle.
Cuttack DCP Pinak Mishra said that Jogendra had been sexually exploiting the boy for a long time despite opposition from the victim. Police recreated the crime scene by taking the accused to the spot in the morning.
The DCP also stated that the accused took the boy inside the desolate house at Purbakachh on December 16th night.
On being threatened by the boy, the accused first left the former unconscious before slicing his throat with a sickle. Then, the accused dragged the body away and dumped it in a nearby farmland, the DCP added.
Process for shifting of Dhal Samant has already been started in presence of Bolangir police. He will be carried in a live support ambulance with ICU facility from VIMSAR to SCB.
Dhal Samant was undergoing treatment in VIMSAR due to cardiac problem amid tight security. He was brought from Bolangir jail and was admitted to VIMSAR on December 17.
As per reports, Dhal Samant had high blood sugar, cardiac problem and other multiple clinical complications. Since there was no improvement in his health condition while undergoing treatment at VIMSAR, the hospital authorities referred him to SCB medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
Arrest Of ‘D Brothers’
Earlier, Sushant and his younger brother Sushil were arrested in January 2016 and initially lodged at Choudwar jail in Cuttack.
In 2016, police had made prayer in Court to keep the two gangster brothers in two different jails in the State as it was not safe to keep the duo in a single jail.
Hearing the plea, the court had then allowed Commissionerate Police to keep Sushil in Balasore jail and Sushant at Jharpada jail.
However, Sushant Dhal Samant was later shifted from Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar to Bolangir jail.
The incident dates back to over a year when Kutulu Majhi was admitted to SCB hospital for kidney ailments. When the doctors suggested a kidney transplant, his wife searched for doners and came in contact with a couple from Balasore.
The accused befriended Majhi and his wife and allegedly convinced him to pay Rs 12 lakh in return for a kidney. However, it is still not clear whether the donor kidney was a match for Majhi or not.
As per the allegation, even after paying Rs 12 lakh before one year, the doners did not give the kidney as promised till now, forcing Majhi’s wife to lodge a complaint with Mangalabag Police in Cuttack.
“They made a deal with us. They initially demanded Rs 10 lakh for a kidney, but when we expressed our inability to pay that amount, they agreed to give us the kidney at Rs 8 lakh. We paid them Rs 4 lakh upfront and told them to pay the rest of the amount after the transplant. But they did not agree and convinced us to pay a total amount of Rs 12 lakh even before the transplant,” alleged Kutulu Majhi’s wife
"They blackmailed me emotionally and fooled me into paying all the money before the transplant,” she alleged.
Following the complaint, the police launched a probe and detained the accused couple for questioning.
Speaking about the probe, Cuttack DCP Pinak Mishra said, “We have begun the probe after the matter came to us yesterday. Both the receiver and doner had an understanding between them. They too had some monetary transactions. However, in later stages, the doner denied to donate the kidney. An ADCP has been assigned to conduct the investigation.”
Shouting slogans against the CMC mayor, Subash Singh, the agitating party workers demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities in the projects like welcome gates, laser show, AC hangar, fireworks, and advertisements.
Claiming that the CMC Mayor and the Commissioner were involved in the scam, the party workers demanded the resignation of the Mayor.
The protest rally was led by Congress' Barabati-Cuttack MLA, Mohammed Moquim followed by scores of frontline workers and corporators. The party workers warned that they would make house-to-house visits to apprise people of the scam if the CMC fails to order a judicial investigation into the scam.
Speaking to the media, the lawmaker said, "We demand that the CMC should reveal details of the rates at which tenders for various projects were finalized and the rates at which bills were finalised. People should know about it.”
However, CMC mayor, Subash Singh said, "I will urge Moquim Babu to look at his face in the mirror. Not a single penny was spent or given to anyone in advance. Our internal committee has been formed for this purpose. Only after the approval of various agencies, the contractors will get their bills cleared. When there is no expenditure, how can a scam happen?”
He also termed the Cuttack-Barabati legislator as the most corrupt leader Cuttack has ever seen in the last 50 years.