A formal announcement was made by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) today. At present, government employees are getting 15 casual leaves every year. Following the announcement, women government employees will now be entitled to get 25 days of casual leave after the addition of 10 extra leaves per year.
The announcement has been made by the state government in view of the domestic responsibilities and other problems faced by women government employees. It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha was the first state to announce 33 percent reservation in government jobs during the 90’s.
Recently, the Odisha government announced 15 days of casual leave in a year for the employees in various non-government-aided educational institutions. Apart from this, women block grant employees have been granted paid maternity leave of 180 days for two live births.
Government officials then said that the decision would benefit about 33,420 employees, both teaching and non-teaching staff who are employed in 2,560 new aided high schools, 940 upper primary schools and 138 madrasas across the state.
The High Court also rejected the district-wise merit list released by OSEPA and directed the authorities to prepare a fresh merit list according to the recruitment terms and guidelines.
The High Court, on January 31, had concluded the hearing on pleas alleging irregularities in the recruitment process of junior teachers and reserved its interim order.
Notably, a notification was issued on October 23, 2023, for the recruitment of around 20,000 junior teachers in Odisha. Later, some candidates moved the High Court alleging irregularities in the recruitment process.
Following an initial hearing on the petition on January 19, the Court had asked the Odisha government to put on hold the final selection process and appointment of Junior Teachers till the next hearing.
“For the recruitment of junior teachers, the government had formulated a policy on how the selection procedure should be. As per the policy, a district-wise merit list would be prepared and accordingly, the appointment would be finalised. A candidate’s preferred district would be considered. On that basis, a merit list of candidates who have applied for a particular district would be prepared. And selection would be made on that basis. But what the government did is they prepared a combined list irrespective of candidates’ preferred districts. So, many candidates didn’t get their preferred districts,” said Samir Das, petitioner’s lawyer.
“Today, the High Court’s judgement came and the merit list has been quashed,” he added.
“We have information that the honourable High Court’s judgement is on the district preference of candidates. As far as the process of examination is concerned, the court has said nothing. After having legal opinions, we will take appropriate steps” said Anupam Shah, OSEPA Director.
The bizarre incident was reported from the bride's house located in Dhama area of Sambalpur district. The groom is a native of Sambalpur.
As per reports, the groom, who is a banker working with a nationalised bank, took out a procession along with baraatis on Sunday and reached the bride's home at Ainthapali in Sambalpur. During the feast, mutton fell short and the last seven to eight baraatis could not be served the same.
Was already late in the night and the bride’s family expressed their helplessness in arranging mutton at that hour. But, the baraati’s demand for mutton soon turned into a major issue. Upset over the behaviour of the baraatis, the bride decided not to go ahead with the marriage.
Speaking about the incident, the bride said, “Everything was in place. Even the mutton was served as well. But it finished before the last six or seven persons could eat. Then they started arguing with my father accusing him of mismanagement.”
“My parents and other family members urged them to keep quiet and tried to pacify them by offering chicken and fish instead, but they were adamant in their demand for mutton and started misbehaving with us,” the bride said.
"My father even bowed down and pleaded before them, but they remained unmoved. It seemed wrong to me and I told them to leave the place without marriage,” she added.
Worthwhile to mention here that a similar incident had hogged the headlines recently in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal district when a bride left the home of her in-laws after her husband demanded a two-wheeler in dowry.
On the other hand, the groom’s side has said the allegations levelled by the bride’s side are completely baseless.
“They have told that arrangements for 200 baaratis were made. We had around 150 persons in the procession and many of them did not have food. When my father informed this to the bride’s uncle, they misbehaved with us. Mutton is not the reason behind the cancellation of marriage,” said the groom.
“They had a discussion till 12 am to 4 am. I requested several times for the marriage but they denied,” said the groom’s father.
Because of a railway staffer’s presence of mind and quickness, the near possible train mishap was avoided at Manjuri Road station under Bhandaripokhari police limits in Bhadrak district yesterday.
According to a source, there was a boulder stuck in the middle of the interlock at Manjuri Road station. It was enough to derail a train. Had it happened, the pictures would have been different altogether.
However, a railway staffer could see it and alerted the concerned officials. In no time, the boulder was removed.
In this regard, the station manager has lodged a complaint with the RPF. When contacted, RPF inspector Dillip Kumar informed their investigation is underway.
It is pertinent to mention here the triple train mishap that occurred on June 2 evening claimed 288 lives and injured over 1000 people and people are still struggling with the post-mishap difficulties like identifying the bodies of their near and dear ones.
Yesterday (on June 7), six labourers who had taken shelter under the wagons of an engineless goods train from Nor’wester rain were killed when the wagons started rolling on their own at Jajpur-Keonjhar Road railway station in Jajpur district.
Inspector General of Registration Jyotiprakash Das has written a letter in this regard to all concerned officials, attaching a gazette notification with it.
As per the notification, if no prior appointment through online booking of slot has been taken, and the citizen has applied in writing with justification for not being able to do so, to the Registering Officer, for acceptance of the Document for Registration on demand, then on acceptance of the reasons by the Registering Officer and subject to availability of any time slot on that day be termed as “Tatkal”.
The process will help people not waste time by running to different offices for the land registration process unnecessarily. As per the new process, after the online slot booking, the concerned person will give a certain date on which he/she has to reach Tehsil and Sub-Registrar office. The sale and purchase agreement of lands will be made in that period.
“This initiative is first-of-its-kind in India. It will ensure that people do not waste time for land registration,” said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Pramila Mallick.
The deceased has been identified as Urmila Karji, and the accused as Chandrasekhar Karji. They were married for four years.
According to a source, the couple had gone to their field to plough it. While on the field, they had a heated argument over some domestic issues. As the quarrel escalated, Chandrasekhar lost his cool, reached out to a billhook and decapitated his wife.
Far from feeling guilty for his action, Chandrasekhar came to his village while carrying the severed head all along the village road. Then he put it on the verandah of his house.
Seeing this, the villagers felt a shiver run down their spine.
On being informed, a team from Kashinagar police station reached the village and detained Chandrasekhar.
A detailed probe is underway, police said.
The incident has sent a shockwave across the locality.
As per officials of Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar, the bright Venus will be visible to the naked eye till June 15. One can witness this for a period of two hours from 6:30 pm to 9:15 pm, provided the sky is clear.
Special arrangements have been made at Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar so that people can get a closer look at Venus and the moon through its equipment. Visitors can visit the planetarium from 6:30 PM to 8 pm on May 23.
However, the event will be cancelled if there are overcast conditions, official sources said.
The meeting highlighted the four priority areas of India’s G20 Presidency that focus on cultural diversity, creative economy, preservation of cultural heritage, and digital transformation in cultural space.
Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, said the meeting highlighted the scope of global policies that can further strengthen cultural exchange, promote economic growth through creative industries, safeguard our shared heritage, and utilise technology to enhance cultural experiences around the globe.
On the last day of the meet, the G20 India Delegates visited the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves dating back to the 1st century, the architectural design of double-storeyed carves with sculptural embellishments and Brahmi inscriptions.
The delegates also visited the Gandhi Peace Centre in Bhubaneswar to see the digital-interactive museum that narrates the story of Bapu through new-age technology and further promotes the Gandhian values of peace and non-violence.
Earlier, Lekhi along with the G20 delegates had visited the Kala Bhoomi, Odisha Crafts Museum in Bhubaneswar which celebrates the rich craftsmanship of the Indian artisans by putting on display their breath-taking masterpieces.
This apart, the delegates also visited the Sun Temple of Konark, to see the brilliant conception of artistic magnificence and engineering dexterity.
“This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the gorgeously decorated chariot mounted on 24 wheels is a masterpiece of the scientific excellence of Indian architecture. From the magnificent stone carvings to the awe-inspiring architecture, the Konark Sun Temple offers a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage,” shared Lekhi.
As per reports, three non-teaching staff along with a lecturer of the residential college allegedly thrashed five students for three consecutive days for some unknown reason. This apart, they also allegedly did not provide food and water to the students. The harassment of the staff, as per allegations, was so severe that one of the students fled the institution on September 26.
"Botany lecturer Chinmay Padhi and non-teaching staff including Ajit Kumar Sahoo and Jitendra Prasad Bhatt have been beating us for the last three days. I have sustained injuries on my legs and back. They did not give us food and water on time," alleged one of the victim students.
The matter, however, came to light only when the father of the student filed a complaint with the Sadar Police yesterday after being informed by the college authorities about his son's disappearance.
"After coming here I learnt from some students that my son left the hostel as he was thrashed by the staff. He was even taken to the hospital for treatment after he sustained grievous injuries. However, I was not informed about this. Despite my repetitive requests, they did not even show me the CCTV footages of the hostel," alleged father of the missing student.
"I have filed a complaint with the police. If my son is not traced, I will sit on dharna in front of the college," he threatened.
Based on the complaint, cops conducted a raid and have arrested four persons from the premises of the college and forwarded them to the court.
Police also have formed two special teams to trace the missing student, informed sources, adding further that investigation into the matter is underway.
Some locals reportedly spotted the body of one Ambika Prasad Padhi floating on the water of the well and informed the Baidyanathpur Police, who reached the spot and recovered the body before sending it to hospital for post-mortem.
While police are yet to ascertain the exact reason behind Padhi's death, his family members, alleged that he has been murdered by some miscreants.
Earlier, Padhi's kin had also lodged an FIR with the local police stating that he was missing for the last two days.
Sources at the police said that investigation into the matter is underway and mystery behind Padhi's death would be cracked soon.
While Prof Govind J Chakrapani has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University, Prof Hari Hara Hota has been posted as the Vice-Chancellor of Shri Jagannath Sanskrit Vishvavidyalaya, Puri.
Chakrapani and Hota have been posted as VCs for a period of three years with effect from the date they assume office or until further orders, whichever is earlier, an official release said.
Prof Govind J Chakrapani is presently serving as Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, IIT, Roorkee. After completing his MSc in Applied Geology in IIT, Mumbai, he did his M Phil in Environmental Sciences and PhD from JNU, New Delhi in Environmental Geosciences.
Chakrapani did his Post Doctoral in Marine Sciences from the University of Delaware, USA in 1991-92. He has 27 years of teaching experience and also academic administrative experience of 23 years holding several posts and responsibilities.
Prof Hari Hara Hota is presently serving as Professor and Chairman, PG Council in Shri Jagannath Sanskrit Visvavidyalalya (SJSV), Puri. He had both his Acharya (MA) and PhD from SJSV, Puri and later did MBA in IT from Punjab Technical University, Ludhiana. He has 30 years of teaching experience and a long administrative experience in various capacities.
With agency inputs
According to reports, the State government will enforce the ban on manufacturing, selling, trading, importing, storing, carrying, transporting and distributing with help of single-use plastics in all cities of the State from tomorrow.
Earlier, the State government had imposed the ban only in six cities- Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Berhampur and Puri in October last year.
Sources said that plastic bags with a thickness less than 50 microns and bottles with a larger size than 200 ml have also been banned.
Likewise, prohibition has also been imposed on single-use plastic items including plastic cups, plates, spoons, forks, bowls, glasses and pouches to store liquid objects. Thermocol decorative items also have been banned, informed the sources.
Secretary of the Forest and Environment department of the State government has asked the concerned officials to avoid the use of plastic items in their respective offices and ensure strict compliance of the rule by others in the State.
Sources, however, said that any organisation willing to prepare or use plastic bags that are of more than 50 microns can do so after getting prior permission from the Central Pollution Control Board.
It is worthwhile to mention here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged for ban on the use of plastic materials across the country for successful implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
According to reports, an elderly woman of Gaudaranapada Harijan sahi in Brahmagiri block passed away yesterday. However, her family members were unable to take her to the village crematorium as the entire area was marooned by floodwater from the nearby river following incessant rain recently.
With no option left, the villagers used an inflatable tube to ferry the body across the area and reached the crematorium where the last rites were performed.
The matter came to fore after some photos of the incident went viral on the social media platforms. Meanwhile, the residents of the village have requested the local administration to take immediate step to drain out the water from the area.
An active political leader a few months ago, Majhi is now seen serving people as a doctor. According to sources, Majhi has been appointed by Sundergarh district administration as a contractual doctor at Talsara primary health centre.
With Majhi back to his earlier profession, speculations are rife in the political circle that he might have retired from active politics.
Majhi, son-in-law of five-time former legislator of Congress late Gajadhar Majhi, entered politics by winning the 2006 by-election to Talsara Assembly constituency. Later, he went on to win the seat in 2009 and 2014 elections.
In 2009, Majhi won the Assembly elections beating the NCP candidate by a margin of 19,741 (17.85%) votes. In 2014, he had defeated his nearest rival Binaya Kumar Toppo of the BJD by just 1,435 votes. However, he lost to Bhabani Shankar Bhoi of BJP in the last assembly polls.
"When the news of his returning to his earlier profession breaks, he will witness a huge rush of patients. People in large number will come to get treatment from him," said Dheneswar Nayak, a patient.
"Talsara health centre did not have doctor for a long period. As he served us as our representative for thrice, we hope he will now serve us well as a doctor," said Prasant Patel, a native of Talsara.
Asked about his new avatar, Majhi said, "I never left my profession in true sense even though I had stopped regular practice and patient service. As I got time now, I felt providing service to people will be better and so I resumed my profession," Majhi said.
After the Odisha government expressed its inability to run the Mahanadi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MIMSAR), the company has taken the initiative to invite reputed medical institutions for running the medical college in Talcher, said a statement on Wednesday.
"As entire infrastructure for the medical college and hospital is ready, MCL has constituted a high powered committee to speedily complete the process for running the medial institute from next session," said B.N. Shukla, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of MCL.
Built at a cost of 492 crore under Corporate Social Responsibly (CSR), MIMSAR will have 100 seats for MBBS selections which will be done through National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), which is likely to commence with the session beginning 2020-21.
The committee has gathered inputs from various organisations, like PSUs running medical colleges, super specialty institutes, charitable trusts, healthcare foundations, and hospital chains for preparation of selection criteria for inviting Expression of Interest (EoI).
"Preparation of matrix for calling EoI is in final stage and shortly we will be issuing notification for the same through leading newspapers and website," the CMD said.
He said that many organisations in healthcare services and business have shown interest in running the medical college.
The state-of-the-art facilities to run complete 19 departments for MBBS classes are already in place, with hostel accommodation for students and residential complex for faculty and non-teaching staff of the MIMSAR.
"We want medical aspirants from Ib Valley and Talcher coalfields in Angul, Jharsuguda and Sundergarh districts must prepare in advance through coaching so that they can secure admission in the medical college," Shukla said.
A group of people of Goparpur village suspected that the six elderly men practised witchcraft which caused the death of at least three women and sickness of seven others in the locality, police said.
They forcibly dragged the six men from their houses on Tuesday night and forced them to consume the human excreta before pulling out their teeth, the police said adding that the pleas of the six men for help failed to evoke any response from other villagers.
However, as the information reached the district headquarters, the Superintendent of Police, Brijesh Rai along with a police team rushed to the village and rescued the injured persons.
The police have arrested 29 people including 22 women in this connection, the SP said.
The injured elderly persons, all over 60-years of age, were rescued by police and admitted at the hospital. Their condition is stated to be stable.
Rai said more persons allegedly involved in the incident would be arrested. "We have the names of other accused persons and they will be nabbed soon", he said.
Fearing arrest, almost all the male persons have fled from the village, said inspector in charge, Khallikote police station Satya Narayan Pradhan.
Though there was no tension in the village, the police were keeping a strict vigil on the situation. Patrolling was intensified in the area to nab other accused persons, he said.
As per data uploaded on the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) website, a total of 66,83,148 toilets have been constructed since October 2, 2014, an increase of 86.22 per cent in terms of households with toilets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2, 2014, had announced the SBM for five years. The SBM is aimed to achieve universal sanitation coverage in the country as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.
During the current fiscal 2019-20, a total of 9,34,406 toilets were built in the state.
The data revealed that 46,785 villages coming under 6,801 gram panchayats in 30 districts have been declared ODF.
Notably, Odisha was one of the worst performing state in construction of individual household latrines under the SBM. However, it has successfully achieved the ODF status after failing to meet several deadlines of the Centre.
While the toilet coverage percentage was 13.75 per cent in 2014, it increased to 32.37 per cent in 2015-16. It was 48.73 per cent in 2016-17 and 59.31 per cent in 2017-18.
In 2018-19, the toilet coverage increased to 87.86 per cent, which jumped to 100 per cent this financial year, thus achieving the ODF status.
The 7.5 km road that originates from the Dr Nelson Mandela square and connects the National Highway-53, will now be called Mahatma Gandhi Marg. The ring road runs along the river Mahanadi here.
"The SMC will inform all the government departments regarding the naming of the road after Mahatma Gandhi," said enforcement officer of SMC, Subhankar Mohanty
Mahatma Gandhi had visited Sambalpur twice on December 22, 1928 and May 5, 1934. Both the time, he had addressed public meetings on the Mahanadi river bed near the Brahmapura temple ghat of Mahanadi here, an official of the SMC said.
"Gandhi had stayed in Sambalpur during both of his visits. There are many memories of Gandhi here. Even a temple was built for him. The decision to name the ring road is praiseworthy," said a resident, Mahendra Kumar Mishra, Convenor of Nagarik Kalyan Samiti.
The ring road was constructed to protect the city from flood and provide the people with an alternative road to the city from the National Highway-53 in the year 1997.
Meanwhile, the road has been widened into a two-lane road at an estimated cost of around Rs 23.59 crore.
The beautification work of the road is also going on at a cost of Rs 3 crore by the SMC. The first phase beautification work has already been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 98 lakh. The second phase beautification work of the road is going on at an estimated cost of around Rs 99 lakh now.
According to the police, the incident happened in Gopapur village on Monday night.
The victims have been identified as Jogi Das, Sania Nahak, Jogendra Nahak, Rama Nahak, Hari Nahak, and Juria Nahak. All of them have been admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
"Teeth of each victim were uprooted and they were forced to eat human excreta on Monday night. The victims were all men in their late 50s and 60s," Ganjam Superintendent of Police Brijesh Kumar Rai said.
Police said the accused convened a meeting in the village on Monday night and held the six persons responsible for the death of three women and the illness of seven others over the past six months.
The villagers suspected some sorcery practices behind the ailments and deaths.
As per the complaint, eight students of Class 10 were beaten black and blue by the lady Principal for failing to give answers to several questions related to Mathematics.
Acting on the allegations, the Child Protection Committee (CPC) has already conducted a preliminary probe while the District Education Officer (DEO) reportedly has directed officials to carry out a necessary investigation into the case.
However, no response could be obtained from the accused Principal or the officials of the Sadar police station.
With this, the total number of people arrested in connection with the incident at Goparpur village under Khallikote police station area has gone up to 34, Inspector In-Charge (IIC) of Khallikote police station, Satya Narayan Pradhan said.
Police had earlier arrested 29 people, including 22 women, for their involvement in the incident, he said.
Efforts are on to arrest some more people, who were involved in the incident. "We have the names of other accused persons and they will be nabbed soon", the IIC said.
A group of people of Goparpur village suspected that the six elderly men practised witchcraft which caused the death of at least three women and sickness of seven others in the locality, police said.
They forcibly dragged the six men from their houses on Tuesday night and forced them to consume human excreta before pulling out their teeth, the police said.
The pleas of the six victims for help failed to evoke any response from other villagers.
As the information reached the district headquarters, Superintendent of Police Brijesh Rai along with a police team rushed to the village and rescued them.
The injured persons, all aged over 60 years, have been admitted at the hospital where their condition is stated to be stable.
The police arrested 29 people including 22 women in this connection on Wednesday.
Fearing arrest almost all the male persons had fled from the village, the IIC said.
There was no tension in the area, but police were keeping a strict vigil on the situation. Patrolling was intensified in the area to nab other accused persons, police said.
The man was abducted from Khetrajpur area of the district in the morning and the kidnapper had demanded a ransom of Rs 60,000 from the man's family, a police officer said.
The kidnapper received bullet injuries during the exchange of fire, the police officer said.
A special team was formed to nab the criminal after the man's family lodged a complaint with the Khetrajpur police station, he said.
After ascertaining the abductor's whereabouts the special team raided a place near Gudeswar Baba temple.
Sensing danger, the criminal opened fire at the police.
The police retaliated and the kidnapper was injured after receiving bullet injuries, the police officer said.
He was rushed to VIMSAR (Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research) in Burla.
The kidnapped man was also rescued after interrogating the criminal.
IIC Khetrajpur Mamta Naik also received minor injuries during the operation. He was treated at a government hospital in Burla.
A pistol and live ammunition were seized from the Kidnapper's possession, the police officer said.
He said that the criminal has as many as nine criminal cases pending against him at different police stations in Sambalpur.
As per reports, Jena was working as a domestic help at the house of one Syed Liaquat Ali at Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai.
On August 14, Ali lodged a police complaint in connection with the theft of cash, gold ornaments and some foreign currency from his house.
Senior Police officials informed that a case was registered against two persons- Gauranga Jena and Shiba Nayak in connection with the incident. Both Jena and Nayak of Taradipal village under Ghasipura Police limits were working as domestic helps in Chennai.
Though Jena was arrested after raids by the special police team from Tamil Nadu, Nayak is still absconding.
According to information, the incident had taken place on October 1 afternoon. In the video footage, it can be seen that four masked youths are thrashing the agent mercilessly with a stick. As per the video, though the victim tried to resist the attackers, all his efforts were in vain.
Later, the agent tried to escape from their clutches and entered inside a nearby shop. However, the miscreants again pulled him out and thrashed him, leaving him critically injured.
Reportedly, the police reached the spot after getting information. However, no complaints regarding this incident has been filed yet, informed sources.
Recovery agent of a finance company brutally thrashed by 4 youths near Gandhi Marg in #Angul on Oct 1, 2019; the entire act was captured in CCTV camera installed at the spot; however, no complaint has been filed in this regard so far #Odisha (Note: Visuals Could Be Disturbing) pic.twitter.com/wvBZFI4h7a
— OTV (@otvnews) October 5, 2019
After completing engineering, Ashwini was working in an IT company in Bengaluru. Later, he left the profession to open a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centre in Cuttack. However, inspired by his parents Sudam Padhi and Runa Panda, who are teachers by profession, Ashwini decided to spend some time after his work and provide free education to the students mostly from slum areas that are unable to afford education. Apart from teaching the students, Ashwini also provides them study materials.
"I have been teaching the financially weak students from the slum areas for the last three years because I believe that education only can bring a change in the society," said Ashwini.
"I was influenced by my parents for this mission since my childhood," he added.
Students receiving education from Ashwini also expressed their gratitude and hailed him for his noble deed. "I am very happy that Ashwini sir is teaching us English, Hindi, Odia and Mathematics. While teaching he ensures that we learn properly," said Rahul Das, a student.
"It is almost a year that I am coming for the classes here. He teaches us very well without taking any money from us," said Puja Nayak, another student.
Well Done ! #Odisha IT engineer quits lucrative job to light the way for poor & needy slum children in #Bhubaneswar. Here’s an #OTV report. pic.twitter.com/AeseW3ff5b
— OTV (@otvnews) October 5, 2019
One Chamaru Paharia of Tikirapada village in Nuapada district of Odisha had gone to Nagpur along with two middlemen Dala Satnami and Bidesi Sunani during the Rath Yatra this year. The middlemen had engaged Paharia to work in a building construction site.
Satnami and Sunani allegedly offered liquor to Paharia and allegedly chopped off three fingers of his right hand and five toes of his right leg when he asked for wages. Later, they dumped him at the Nagpur Railway Station.
A team of Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued Paharia in a critical condition and admitted him at a nearby hospital. Later, Paharia was discharged from the hospital and sent back to his village.
"Satnami and Sunani had taken me to work in Nagpur some months ago. However, when I asked them for money they attacked me and chopped off my fingers and toes," alleged Paharia.
Komna Police, meanwhile, have started an investigation into the matter.
According to sources, the sector 15 Durga Puja pandal which is one of the major crowd pullers during festive season in the steel city witnessed heavy rush of devotees in view of the Maha Astami rituals of the Goddess today.
As devotees mostly women visited the puja pandal on the occasion, taking advantage of the crowd, three women allegedly snatched chain in a pre-planned manner from an elderly woman while she was having darshan of the presiding deity inside the pandal. Soon after the incident, they slipped away surreptitiously while taking benefit of the huge rush.
When the elderly woman came to know about the loot, she lodged a complaint at sector 15 police station in connection with the incident. Taking note of the complaint, the police launched an investigation and verified the spot.
The exact circumstances of the loot incident came to fore after the police inspected the CCTV footage installed inside the pandal. One woman has been detained in this connection from sector 16 Durga Puja pandal while another woman suspected to be involved in the case managed to slip, police sources said.
According to sources, some leaders of the BJD including Prafulla Mallick, Padmanabh Behera and Snehangini Chhuria visited different puja pandals and held public meetings with party workers in Bijepur while skipping Durga Puja celebration with their families and friends.
Following the reports, Opposition leaders have alleged that the BJD leaders are camping in Bijepur during this festive season with the aim to regain the trust of the voters after losing confidence as they have cheated the voters twice in the past.
“The Biju Janata Dal has cheated the voters of Bijepur for two consecutive terms. That is why some of its leaders especially from the coastal areas have skipped the Dussehra celebration. They are trying very hard to influence the voters of Bijepur to win the by-poll,” alleged BJP’s State vice president Samir Mohanty.
Even as the State Congress criticised the BJD for it, OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik, however, praised BJD leaders saying, "They are doing their duty and we should learn from them."
BJD, on the other hand, claimed that it has not taken the by-election lightly. “Election is election and we should not take it for granted. Some of our leaders were there (Bijepur) and some will again go there after the Dussehra. Everyone will do her/his duty as per the instruction of the party supremo,” informed Minister Padmanabh Behera.
The IMD in its bulletin issued on Tuesday said that the cyclonic circulation over Odisha and neighbourhood lies over the south coast of the state and neighbourhood which extends up to 4.5 km above mean sea level.
The cyclonic circulation over interior Odisha and the neighbourhood has merged with the cyclonic circulation over south coastal Odisha and neighbourhood, it said.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall has occurred at many places over the districts of northern Odisha and at a few places over the districts of South Odisha with heavy rainfall at one or two places over the districts of Keonjhar and Sundargarh.
In its forecast for Wednesday, the IMD said light to moderate rain or thunder-shower is very likely to occur at many places in Odisha.
The immersion ceremony of Goddess Durga will be held on Wednesday.
While issuing a yellow warning, the IMD said at least 19 districts like Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Bargarh, Balasore, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Khurda, Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Kandhamal and Kalahandi, will experience thunderstorm with lightning on Wednesday.
It also warned heavy rain very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal and Koraput.
Citing preliminary investigation reports, the police said that the youth, Krushna Champatiray, a resident of Kanchanpur village under Chandpur police limits in Nayagarh district, could have committed suicide by setting himself on fire after pouring liquor or any other inflammable substance on him.
“Preliminary inquiry and the circumstantial evidence hint that the youth committed suicide. He poured some inflammable liquid on him before setting him on fire. He had also cut his hand and wrote ‘Madhu’ with blood,” Jagatsinghpur SDPO, Prakash Chandra Pal said.
“We are also probing the murder angle and have questioned the suspect woman, wife and mother of the deceased. The autopsy report is yet to come. We are waiting for the report to ascertain the exact cause behind death,” Pal added.
Earlier, the wife of the youth had alleged that he was set on fire over an illicit affair. She has alleged that the girl with whom he was having a love affair was the mastermind behind his murder.
The incident took place close to the Nehru Bangala when the small trawler carrying five fishermen was returning to coast after fishing in the deep sea, said Pradumnya Behera, inspector-in-charge of Paradip Marine police station.
Another trawler rescued two fishermen, but there was no whereabouts of the three others, Behera said, adding that police, fire brigade and coast guard have launched a search operation.
The rescued persons, hailing from nearby Bhadrak district, were rushed to the Atharbanki hospital for treatment, he said.
In another incident in Puri, alert lifeguards saved the life of a 19-year-old man who was swept away by strong currents while taking bath in the sea.
While several functions were held to mark the occasion, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on Twitter: "My tribute to late Utkalmani Pt. Gopabandhu Das. His entire life, devoted to Odisha, is a great inspiration for all of us".
The birth anniversary of Gopabandhu Das, who was also a journalist, was observed at the Legislative Assembly with Speaker S N Patro paying floral tribute to the legend.
Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das, known for his selfless service to poor and downtrodden people of Odisha, was born at Suando villager under Satyabadi block in Puri district on this day in 1877.
He passed away on June 17, 1928. Dash was the founder editor of the vernacular daily "Samaja".
With this three, the total number of officers who were prematurely retired since August rose to 45.
The three officers are Odisha Forest Service officer Sudhanshu Sekhar Mishra, Executive Engineer Prana Krushna Prasad, and Deputy Executive Engineer Umesh Tripathy, the sources said.
Mishra, who was Divisional Forest Officer of Athagarh, was suspended following his arrest in 2016 after the vigilance department found assets worth more than Rs 5.5 crore disproportionate to his known sources of income.
The sleuths had detected Rs 1 crore from Mishra's house, which is said to be the highest recovery of cash from any government servant in Odisha, the official said.
Prana Krushna Prasad, Executive Engineer posted at Angul Rural Works Quality Control Division, was caught by vigilance taking bribe twice - in 2015 and 2018, the official said.
Umesh Tripathy, deputy executive engineer of Tusra Works department, was involved in four vigilance cases during his service in Koraput.
Earlier on October 4, the State government had ordered premature retirement to four officials and dismissed an Odisha Administrative Service officer after corruption charges were proved against them.
https://youtu.be/vH_OxgR8aXU
Lipika from Dalab village of Bargarh district scaled the mountain and unfurled the tricolour at the top. She also sang the national anthem after scaling Mount Elbrus, which has an elevation of 5,642 m (18,510 ft).
Lipika began her trip from advance base camp at 1 am (local time) on October 5 and reached the summit at 9 am (local time), informed mountaineer Nrusingha Sahu.
Sahu had guided Lipika for the mountain expedition.
Mount Elbrus expedition, which had started on September 28, has concluded on October 8. Participants from several countries took part in this expedition.
A Matter Of Pride & Honour!#Odisha woman Lipika Seth successfully scales Mount Elbrus (5,642 metre), the highest peak in Russia. Lipika reportedly reached the summit on October 5 pic.twitter.com/BXoUTPb427
— OTV (@otvnews) October 10, 2019
Earlier, Lipika had scaled Africa's highest peak Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) in 2018. She has also set a target to climb South America's top peak Mt Aconcagua (6,962 m) in December this year.
Accompanied by National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) director Shalini Pandit, Development Secretary R Balakrishan, Collector Madhusmita Sahu and SP Vineet Agarwal, Pandian first visited the Nuapada district headquarters hospital to review the patient care services and infrastructure at the hospital. He also discussed about the issues concerning the newly-constructed MCH building with the officials of the health department.
Following this, he visited Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district to review the implementation of the Odisha government's Mo Sarkar initiative and 5Ts. He also visited several wards at the Bhawanipatna hospital, free medicine centres and sought feedback from patients and their relatives.
Meanwhile in Sambalpur, Collector Subham Saxena today paid a surprise visit to the Sadar hospital to review implementation of CM Naveen Patnaik’s 5T model of governance. Following a discussion with CDMO and ADMO, it was decided to put up display boards in Odia language at the hospital premises. This apart, a board featuring the hospital map will be put up to facilitate the patients and their attendants. The Collector has also directed officials to bar entry of brokers (dalals) inside the hospital.
Sources said the funds were sanctioned to Pipilia panchayat to carry out various developmental works. However, the entire money was allegedly embezzled by Nayak and the then PEO Soubhagya Rout, who was earlier suspended over a vigilance case against him.
After conducting an enquiry, the BDO of Ghatagaon block lodged a complaint at local police station based on which Nayak has been detained.
Udhhav Chandra Majhi, Project Director of DRDA Keonjhar said, “Soubhagya Rout was the Ex-PEO of Pipilia Panchayat. The misappropriation came to light after he failed to handover the pass book and cashbook of the Panchayat to the new PEO. A preliminary enquiry by our team revealed that the money was transferred to his bank account.”
While police have launched an investigation into the incident, the Ex-PEO is reportedly absconding.
The officials have been directed to closely follow up on the 49 indicators across five sectors -- health and nutrition, education, agriculture, and water resources, financial inclusion and skill upgradation and basic infrastructures like irrigation, rural electrification, potable drinking water and access to toilets -- in these districts.
While Agriculture Production Commissioner P.K. Mohapatra has been assigned to oversee the development in Dhenkanal district, Women and Child Development Secretary Anu Garg will look after the Rayagada district, an official notification said.
Agriculture Secretary Sourabh Garg will oversee the development works in Koraput district, Panchayati Raj Secretary D.R.K Singh in Kalahandi district, Home Secretary Sanjeev Chopra in Kandhamal district, Industries Secretary Hemanta Sharma in Nabarangpur district, and Higher Education Secretary Saswat Mishra will oversee the development work in Nuapada district.
Skill Development and Technical Education Secretary S.K. Singh has been assigned for Gajapati district, Health Secretary Pramod Mumar Meherda for Bolangir district and Cooperation Secretary V.V. Yadav for Malkangiri district.
During the visit, he will attend the maiden meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal in Odisha, along with Bhayaji Joshi, the second in command in the RSS.
Bhagwat is scheduled to address a meeting of intellectuals on October 12, they said.
RSS' working committee meeting will be held from October 16-18 at a private university here.
BJP national working president J P Nadda, who is also slated to visit Odisha on a four-day tour from October 15, is likely attend the RSS events, the sources said.
Ananya, who was interested in drawing since her childhood, reportedly makes flower vases, photo frames, boats and paper flowers of different colours by using several unused materials like old invitation cards, newspapers and match sticks.
"I use pencils, papers, colour, ice-cream sticks and match sticks to make these things," said Ananya who not only makes the handicraft items to decorate houses, but also has kin interest in studies. Currently, she is in Plus Two first year.
Ananya's father Sachidanand Dash, who is a teacher, has always been an encouraging factor for Ananya. "When I saw some of her beautiful drawings, I realised her special interest and provided her with everything she asked for," said Sachidanand.
Locals of the area hail Ananya for her works and even buy handicraft items from her to decorate their houses. "Ananya is unable to hear and speak clearly but she uses waste materials to produce amazing handicraft items," said Dilip Kumar Pradhan, Ananya's neighbour.
In an attempt to put an end to this, it was none other than the Registrar of the Orissa HC himself who filed a petition alleging delay in court proceedings due to such protests.
Acting on the petition, a 14-member full bench of the Orissa High Court today issued show cause notice to the bar associations across all districts seeking a reply by October 21 on why lawyers boycotting court proceedings shouldn't be held contempt of court.
This apart, the bench has also served notices to Chief Secretary, Secretaries of Home & Law Departments, Presidents of National and State Bar Council and High Court Bar Association President and Secretary.
"Today's contempt proceeding was in connection with the agitation of lawyers over various irregularities. However, it was surprising to see under what provision of law was a 14-member full bench formed to hear a contempt proceeding. We will hold another general body meeting tomorrow and all the members of the HC will abide by whatever decision the body takes," said Gopal Krushna Mohanty, President, High Court Bar Association.
It is for the first time in history of the Orissa HC that a full bench was constituted to hear a case.
It is to be noted that different district bar associations like Koraput, Kalahandi, Sambalpur and Berhampur have been staging cease-work agitations demanding establishment of a bench of the High Court in their respective regions.
While the Sambalpur bar association observes cease-work on last three working days every month, similar agitation in the undivided Koraput district has been continuing for the last 11 months.
Likewise, the Berhampur bar association holds cease-work demonstration on four working days every month. The High Court Bar Association has also launched a cease work strike since Monday protesting the collegium system and demanding formation of National Judicial Appointments Commission.
On the other hand, the agitating lawyers' body said that it would decide its next course of action after getting notice of the Orissa HC full bench.
"As of now we don't know what issues have been raised in the notice. Therefore, we will decide our next course of action only after getting the notice," informed, president of Sambalpur District Bar Association, Bijitendriya Pradhan.
"Our future course of action will be based on the opinion of every member of the bar association," said Rabi Panigrahi, president of Ganjam District Bar Association.
Rakesh Tripathy, IIC, Pattamundai Police Station informed that police swung into action after getting a written complaint from the girls' parents and detained the accused from Palasingha area on charges of abducting the minor girls.
"We rescued the girls and apprehended the accused who had abducted them on the pretext of offering them lift to their school in Bangalipada village. We are now looking into the motive of the kidnapper. Further investigation into the matter is underway,” Tripathy said adding we have also seized the two-wheeler which the man used to abduct the girls.
The accused, whose identity was not known immediately, had allegedly kidnapped Anita Barik, a student of class III, and Annapurna Mondal, a class V student, on the pretext of offering them lift to school.
The mater came to light after the girls raised alarm when the accused did not drop them in front of their school.
However, after Pandian's visit, deplorable condition of majority of the hospital which wore refurbished looks for few days are now back to square one putting a big question mark on the effectiveness of Odisha government's roadmap for implementation of ‘Mo Sarkar’.
An OTV reality check at Keonjhar and Rayagada district headquarters hospitals have opened up glaring examples of mismanagement.
Narrating his bad experience in the Keonjhar DHH, Sunil Munda, a relative of a patient said, “I came to the hospital with my grandfather after his skin developed some infection. After I got a ticket, I learnt that the doctor was absent. Yesterday also I visited the hospital, but returned without meeting the doctor.”
Coming from far-off places, patients are facing considerable inconvenience due to lack of adequate facilities, prevailing unhygienic conditions, standing in queue for long hours due to inadequate staff at the district headquarters hospital.
Keonjhar Collector Ashish Thakare, however, clarified that the hospital is in upgradation mode and linking it up with the new medical college is underway. We are also trying to rope in more doctors for the welfare of patients so it is a continuous process.
Similar situation prevails at Rayagada district headquarters hospital where there is no waiting room in the maternity ward and relatives are seen seating for hours on the verandah with children. Besides, the ultrasound unit at the hospital is lying defunct for the last four years due to lack of proper equipments and doctors.
“I have come to the hospital with my son as he suffering from infection. The hospital staff told me that the doctor will come on Wednesday. However, the doctor did not turn up,” said Sahadev Tandi a resident of Gotipada in Rayagada district.
As per reports, the concerned teacher had allegedly misbehaved with a class VI student inside the school premises. The matter came to light after the girl somehow managed to escape and later informed the hostel warden. Irate over the incident, locals reportedly locked up the assistant teacher and ransacked his car today.
As per the allegations, the teacher tried to misbehave with the girl student by touching her inappropriately.
"As per instructions of higher officials, we have informed police for necessary action," informed Hemanta Dutta, Head Master of Bada Brahmanmara Govt UP School.
"It is a matter of shame for the area. Stringent action should be taken against the teacher," said Bidio Bhakta, Sarpanch, Bankisole gram panchayat .
Following the tension at the school, Additional SP, SDPO, BDO and a team of Fire Services personnel reached the spot and held discussions with the agitators. Besides, one platoon police force has been deployed to maintain law and order.
More details awaited.
According to reports, Harekrusha Sahoo, a class VI student of Saint Summer School, was found hanging from the ceiling fan of his house at Basanti Colony.
Father of Harekrushna, Pradeep Sahoo said his son took the extreme step when no one was present in the house. He said that, “Harekrusha was sad and depressed. He used to cry on being asked to go to school.”
Even after repeated reprimands, he was unwilling to go to schools, added Pradeep.
Meanwhile, Uditnagar Police has registered a case and is currently investigating the matter.
Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who held several roadshows in the constituency seeking votes for party candidate Sanath Gartia, attacked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for vacating the seat and failing to ensure development in the region.
"The local BJD leaders had invited the Chief Minister to contest from Bijepur constituency to ensure development in Odisha. But he vacated the seat after winning the election. The Bijepur people, who have been burdened with another election, will give a befitting reply on October 21," said Pradhan.
"The Chief Minister had promised inclusive development of the constituency. Where is development? The by-election will be between truth and untruth," said the Union Minister.
Reacting to the jibe, BJD MP Prasanna Acharya pointed finger at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had contested from two Lok Sabha seats.
"Prime Minister Modi also vacated a seat and Naveen Patnaik vacating Bijepur seat is a part of the democratic process. As far as development is concerned, the government is executing the works announced by the Chief Minister," said Acharya.
The Chief Minister campaigned for the second consecutive day in the constituency for party candidate Rita Sahu. He held roadshows in the Assembly segment.
Joining the chorus, the Congress said both BJP and BJD are doing drama before the public.
"Naveen Patnaik has always supported Narendra Modi and vice-versa. While both the parties are fighting here, they show bonhomie in New Delhi. The BJP is working as BJD's B team," said Congress leader Tara Prasad Bahinipati.
The campaign for the by-poll will conclude on Saturday. The election will be held on October 21. The counting will be held on October 24.
The by-poll was necessitated after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who won from both Bijepur and Hinjili Assembly constituencies, vacated the Bijepur seat.
According to reports, Phulbani Town Police after receiving numerous complaints against the accused Rohit Behera, who cheated people in the name of offering government jobs by posing as an official, initiated an investigation into the matter and nabbed him.
Police seized Rs 81,000 cash, 4 mobile phones, 7 ATMs, 5 passbooks, 15 duplicates seals and forged documents from Rohit.
“Rohit Behera has duped several people of Kandhamal and collected aroundRs 1 crore. We have recovered cash, multiple ATM cards and stamps from him," said Kandhamal SP Prateek Singh.
However, on the other hand, Rohit's wife Jayanti Behera alleged that her husband was beaten and picked up by the police in the middle of the night. Jayanti met the SP seeking justice for her husband.