Manohar Padhani, a resident of Karmari under Jharigaon block in Nabarangpur, is one of them. One day, a sore appeared in his mouth. On medical examination, he was diagnosed with cavity cancer. He was going through excruciating pain and had déjà vu every moment. But he did not lose hope.
After the operation at Acharya Harihar Cancer Centre, Cuttack, he is now hale and hearty. Although he did not consume tobacco or gutka, he was hit by the deadly disease, so he is now warning others. Manohar Pradhan is now making people aware of cancer.
Manohar’s father Sunadhar Pradhani, said, ”Many others affected by oral cancer recovered at the cancer centre.”
Another cancer warrior is Prakash Chandra Patra, a resident of Rayagada. He was diagnosed with cavity cancer three years ago and was in excruciating pain. Prakash was first treated in a private hospital in Visakhapatnam and then in Mumbai.
Though he has fully recovered after surgery by spending lakhs of rupees, he is unable to speak, eat food and drink water properly.
Jamaraju Panigrahi, son of Prakash, has urged youths to stay away from tobacco consumption. “Youths should give up bad habits like tobacco consumption that causes cancers,” he observed.
The victim has been identified as Basanti Behera. She has been admitted to Bhadrak Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital in a critical condition.
As per reports, there was some dispute between the accused Pradeep Behera, and his wife Basanti over some issues. It led to a heated exchange of words between both of them. Following the development, Pradeep lost his cool and stabbed Basanti with a knife.
Basanti has sustained multiple injuries including on the stomach and hand.
Accused Pradeep is on the run following the incident. Neighbours of Basanti rushed her to the hospital immediately where she is currently undergoing treatment.
On getting information, Rayagada police reached the spot and started an investigation into the incident.
However, the exact reason behind the attack is yet to be ascertained.
“We don’t know the exact reason behind the assault. Basanti has sustained serious injuries in her belly and hand. After we came to know about the incident, we immediately brought her to the hospital,” said the victim’s sister-in-law Minakshi Behera.
During the investigation, police seized cash worth Rs 2.60 lakh and ATM cards of six banks from his possession.
As per reports, Manoj Kumar Choudhury, a contractor of Rayagada district had filed a police complaint at the Vigilance office that Majhi had promised him to award some contractual work in the Vigilance office and took Rs 7.60 lakh from him.
Police sources said, Majhi used to be a lecturer in the psychology department in a college in Udala of Mayurbhanj district. As many as five cases of fraud have been pending against him at different police stations.
Briefing media persons, ACP (Zone-5) Goutam Kisan said that Majhi has been arrested on the basis of the allegation and evidence against him.
"During the investigation, we came to know that Majhi had called Choudhury over phone introducing himself as the Vigilance SP. Majhi told Choudhry that various construction works of the Vigilance office would be carried out and he would give Choudhruy work. He took Rs 5 lakh from the latter as advance and later took Rs 2.60 lakh from him,” the ACP added.
Both of them were admitted to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
As per reports, the unfortunate incident happened during the programme at GIACR college playground. While a student fell into a hot oil pan following a stampede-like situation, another student fell sick in the scramble. The student who fell into the hot pan suffered five per cent burn injuries. Both of them were admitted to the nearby hospital.
As per sources, more than 10,000 students from 68 colleges of 11 blocks attended the concluding day of the Nua O Juba Odisha Nabin Odisha programme.
Several students alleged that the unfortunate incident happened due to the huge rush among the students as there was not enough food available for the participants.
“I had come to participate in the Nua O programme. However, there was a huge rush among the students as the food prepared for the participants was not sufficient. Amid the huge rush, someone gave me a hard push and I fell on the hot oil pan near the cooking spot. I suffered serious burn injuries in the process. Later, two NCC cadets of my college rescued me and brought me to the hospital,” said the girl who suffered burn injuries.
“One student has suffered five per cent burn injuries. She has been admitted to the surgery ward. Her treatment is going on as per the requirement. The condition of the other girl, who had lost her consciousness, is stable now,” said Rayagada CDMO, Lalmohan Routray.
Eighteen days have passed since the charred body of Laxmi Majhi was found in the Maa Gruha located on the premises of Chandrapur community health centre on December 21. Laxmi was working as a warden at Maa Gruha.
Laxmi's father had filed a complaint at Chandrapur Police Station on December 22 alleging that his daughter was killed after being raped.
As per reports, a two-member CFSL team reached Chandrapur on Monday and started probing the case from multiple angles. The team visited Maa Gruha and spoke to nurses and some staff. Thereafter, the CFSL team reached Chandrapur Police Station and held a discussion with the police personnel before speaking to the superintendent of police in this regard.
On the other hand, the Crime Branch investigating the case for the last 11 days has allegedly failed to make any headway.
Earlier the president of Zilla Adivasi Mahasangh(tribal outfit), Appalswami Kadraka alleged that the Rayagada Police failed to crack Laxmi Majhi’s case and the post-mortem report has not been made public. The tribal body accused the State government of covering up the case and said that the police are trying to protect some influential persons involved in the murder case.
The protestors demanded a CBI probe into the case.
The Bandh will be observed in all the 11 blocks of the district from 6am to 6pm. They have urged the people to support the bandh so that Majhi gets justice.
A local tribal girl, Majhi’s half-charred body was found in the Maa Gruha located on the premises of Chandrapur Medical on December 21.
She was allegedly set ablaze by unknown miscreants. An FIR was filed at the Chandrapur police station by her father on December 22 alleging murder.
Speaking about the bandh, Zilla Adivasi Mahasangh president, Appalswami Kadraka said, “This is a fight for justice. We have called for a 12-hour strike in Rayagada. The police have failed to crack Laxmi Majhi’s death case. They have not even revealed the post-mortem report making people suspicious of a cover-up by the State government. The Police are definitely trying to shield some influential persons involved in this case.”
It is pertinent to mention here that mystery still shrouds the death of Majhi even though the Crime Branch took over the probe into the sensational case 15 days back.
The police have not disclosed the post-mortem report of Majhi even after 15 days of her death and 14 days after the FIR which has deepened the ongoing mystery surrounding her death.
An expectant mother was reportedly carried on a sling borne by her relatives and ambulance staff for about three kms on the way to a hospital due to a lack of motorable roads to Baghamari village under Lakhmipur block.
As per reports, after Abhi Mandigan’s wife Kandhai Mandigan went into labor, he sought the 108 ambulance service to carry her to Laxmipur Community Health Centre (CHC), 25 km from the village.
However, the village remained inaccessible to the ambulance in the absence of a proper road and a bridge across a creek. Abhi’s family was worried and helpless in this situation.
On the other hand, while waiting for the ambulance for hours, the woman delivered a baby. In view of the need for immediate medical intervention for the woman, ambulance staff Binod Halba and Gupteswar Bagarti lost no time and carried the woman in a sling across the river by negotiating a makeshift bridge.
The ambulance, which was parked across the river, took the woman to the nearby CHC, sources said. However, the newborn failed to make it and was pronounced dead on arrival at Laxmipur hospital.
No comments have been received from the concerned authorities.
As per reports, the body of the home guard was found on the tracks just 50 metres from Rayagada railway station. He was on duty at the residence office of Rayagada SP.
Sources said he had a cut mark on his neck.
While the exact cause of his death is yet to be ascertained, the Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel reached the spot for enquiry after sending the body for post-mortem.
Similarly, the headless body of a youth was recovered from the railway tracks just 100 metres from Saintala railway station in Bolangir on Monday morning.
The identity of the deceased is yet to be ascertained.
While the body has reportedly been lying since late last night, the police are yet to reach the spot.
It is suspected that he was hit by a train last night or might have fallen from a running train. However, the exact reason of his death is yet to be clarified by the police.
The police action came following a complaint from one Paramananda Nayak of Dimudi village. In his complaint filed on December 3 at Doraguda Police Station, Nayak alleged that the four accused, claiming to be Maoists, sent a letter to him, demanding Rs 60 lakh.
As Nayak neither responded to their letter nor deposited the money in any account, two persons including a woman came to Nayak’s house on December 4. The woman allegedly threatened Nayak with life if the demanded money was not deposited in the account. “The two came to my house and handed me a letter on Maoist letterhead. When I sought to know their identities, they hurriedly went away. In the letter, they claimed to be Maoists and demanded Rs 60 lakh,” Nayak said.
Acting on the complaint, police investigated the matter and arrested the accused. Police also seized four mobile phones and two letters in Maoist letterheads. The accused were produced in court.
However, no comments have been received from the police.
They alleged they were given oil and soap only once in the last nine months but the register shows they received them regularly. Instead of ‘dal’, they have been given ‘charu’ water, they complained. When protested, they were allegedly asked to leave the hostel.
They also told the district Collector that caste discrimination is prevalent in the hostel. Their hair is forcibly clipped and the hostel is devoid of an adequate number of toilets and drinking water facilities, they alleged.
“The quality of the food given to us is very poor. We are not getting eggs. They gave us oil and soap once and asked us to sign the register for five months. We are 200 students but there are only four to five toilets and those are without doors,” alleged Bipin Kuanr, a Class X student.
When asked, headmaster Bibhuti Bhusan Rath denied the allegations.
“They are not cutting their hair properly, not maintaining the dress code, not coming to school regularly, and sleeping in the hostel during school hours. When they are warned, they get angry,” said Rath.
The students said the district Collector has promised them to resolve their problems.
Under the programme, Redwing’s electric hybrid drones will deliver medicine and medical equipment to tribal dominated areas in Rayagada, which faces challenges in accessing healthcare services.
As the second district in Odisha, the scheme was experimentally launched in Rayagad after Kandhamal. The service got underway under the direct supervision of USAID and Redwing. In the first phase, medicines were delivered at Kalyansinghpur and Gudari Hospitals through drones. After its success, medicines will be delivered to various hospitals situate in remote areas of the district.
As per reports, the drones will be operated by a trained person in the District Headquarters Hospital. The drones will deliver all kinds of essential medicines for the patients at various hospitals.
“We have launched the drone service to deliver medicines in remote tribal areas of Rayagada district. It has been started in an experimental basis. Hopefully, it will be continued in the future on a more serious note to provide essential medicines to the patients at various hospitals of the district,” said Minister Jagannath Saraka.
Notably, medicines are already being delivered through drones in some districts of states like Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya in the country.
As many as 39 trains have been cancelled, 26 others diverted while 11 others have been partially cancelled so far on the route.
As far as Bhubaneswar station is concerned, Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam Superfast Express which was scheduled to depart at 8:15 am from Bhubaneswar was cancelled at the last moment stranding the passengers on the station.
A lot of passengers were seen scrambling for information about the cancellation or diversion of their respective trains.
“I have booked tickets for Secunderabad on Visakha Express. While there is no information about Visakha Express’ cancellation till now, I know the situation. Visakha Express might get cancelled at any moment too. If it is cancelled, I will be in trouble as I have an important work at Secunderabad tomorrow,” said a passenger at Bhubaneswar station.
Another passenger scheduled to board Vivek Express for Santragachhi from Bhubaneswar also expressed her displeasure over the cancellation of trains. Speaking to OTV she said, “We were booked on Vivek Express today. But with the cancellation of trains, I have to make alternative arrangements. I do not know if I can make it on time for my work at Santragachhi.”
Meanwhile, the East Coast Railway has set up help desks at all the stations including Bhubaneswar to aid the passengers.
The audience was quite amazed while listening to the in-depth speech made by Afiya Basheer, a girl from the remote Therubali area of Rayagada district in Odisha. She was invited to the Parliament to make her observation of one of the great men of India.
Afiya participated in this programme while she was in New Delhi to take part in a national-level science exhibition. The state is proud of Afiya, who has been now the center of attention for her eloquent speech.
Afiya, who studies at Imfal Campus High School in Therubali, rose to the dais after being invited by the anchor to the programme amid a big hand from the eager audience.
“A beautiful morning to all! Gandhiji preached what he practiced… Today, I am deeply honoured to speak about a man whose life has been an inspiration for millions worldwide.”
She waxed eloquent by giving an insight into the initial life of Mahatma Gandhi in Porbandar in Gujarat. She observed that Mahatma Gandhi, who was an advocate of truth and non-violence, was a simple man who believed in simple living and high thinking. As part of this belief, he used to live a life devoid of luxury, she noted.
Talking to the media, Afiya said, "I along with my friend V Soniya attended a national level science exhibition and later Indian Science Congress where only one project from Odisha was selected. Then, we got an offer from the Central government to make a speech in the Parliament. I was one of the 15 participants selected for this.”
As soon as Afiya completed her speech, she got a huge applause from the audience. Later, she along with others met Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who interacted with them.
On this occasion, Postal Department has organised various programmes across Odisha. Several programmes are also lined up across the State to make people aware of various utility services provided by the department.
Notably, Universal Postal Union has been observing World Post Day on October 9 since 1874. However, National Postal Day is observed across India on October 10 every year.
Moreover, as an extension of the special day, Rayagada Postal Division will conduct a postal ticket exhibition from November 18-19. The rulebook of the exhibition named RayaPex has already been released today. Rare postal tickets from India and abroad will be on display during the exhibition.
“It’s a great pleasure that as many as 31 Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra services have started in Odisha. Dak Ghar Niryat Kendra is a specialised counter where MSMEs and small artisans will get assistance. We will celebrate Antodaya Dibas on October 13. On that special day, we will focus on the backward-class women who do not have access to financial inclusion,” said Odisha Chief Post Master General (CPMG) Suchismita Swain.
“Rayagada Postal Division was set up in 2019. This division has been chosen to conduct the postal ticket exhibition in 2023,” said Rayagada Postal Division Superintendent Minaketan Pradhan.
The commission passed the order on the basis of a complaint by Subrat Kumar Dash, state President of Nyay Pain Ladhei Parivar (NPLP).
“This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The case is closed,” read the order of NHRC.
Dash had lodged the complaint before the Commission seeking stern action against the accused and a compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the family members of the victim.
Notably, the victim was admitted to the Dangasil Hospital for treatment following the shameful incident. Later, she was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) as her condition deteriorated.
Dangasil Police has started an investigation into the incident after the parents of the girl lodged a complaint. Adequate police forces have been deployed in the locality as tension prevailed in the area following the incident.
The cowherds have been identified as Pradeep Majhi and Nabi Majhi.
As per reports, as many as 10 women had gone to attend a meeting in a school which is located on the other side of the river. However, while returning to their villages by crossing the river, a flash flood came in the river. The women had swept away to a distance of around 200 metres in the swift current.
The two cowherds were grazing their cattle in the nearby area. After hearing the screams of the women, both of them jumped into the flooded river without thinking about their safety to save the lives of the women and the child. They tried their best to save the women. Later, local people joined the rescue operation and the lives of all the women and the infant were saved.
Local people were effusive in their praise towards the bravery of the two cowherds who risked their own lives to save the lives of the women and child who were being swept away due to the flash flood in the river.
The health condition of all the rescued persons is reportedly stable.
As per reports, due to the absence of a bridge, hundreds of local residents are forced to cross the river in the area in dangerous conditions on a daily basis.
However, no comments from the district administration could be obtained in this regard.
According to sources, the mishap took place when the children were bating under the culvert.
The centring work over the culvert was carried out two months ago, but its contraction work has not been finished yet, sources informed.
Though the exact reason behind the mishap is yet to be ascertained, incessant rain in the area is believed to be the reason behind the collapse of the culvert.
On being informed about the incident, a rescue team, comprising personnel of the fire service and police, rushed to the spot and working to clear the debris.
Besides, Odisha Law Minister Jagannath Saraka, local MLA and SP visited the spot and took stock of the situation.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. Necessary action will be taken,” Rayagada MLA Makaranda Muduli said.
“The loss of five lives has shattered me. As per the rule, necessary compensation will be provided to the family members of the deceased,” Saraka said.
As per reports, the farmers of the village were facing a lot of hardships to irrigate their farmlands due to a lack of canal. Though they requested the administration several times to construct a canal in the area, it fell on deaf ears.
Eventually, the determined villagers decided not to depend upon anybody and carry out the work on their own. With their own endeavour, they have so far constructed a 500 m canal by carving the hill and they are now able to irrigate 60 acres of farmland in the area.
Now with proper irrigation facilities in place, they have carried out cultivation of many vegetables and crops in their farmlands.
“Despite several requests, the administration didn’t pay any heed to our ordeal. We were forced to take up the work on our own. After a lot of hard work we have managed to construct a canal by cutting the hill to irrigate our farmland,” said Dama Gouda, a farmer of the village.
“The political leaders only beg votes during the time of election and after that, they forget us. So, we villagers decided in a meeting to construct the canal on our own by carving the hill,” said Madhaba Gouda, another villager.
As per reports, the State Irrigation Department constructed a check dam near Baliguda with an estimated cost of Rs 30 lakh in 2012. However, the government failed to provide irrigation facilities to Nuagaon village even after 11 years. The villagers were mainly dependant on agriculture. They failed to carry out agricultural activities sans water and as a result suffered a lot to make their ends meet.
Though the villagers met many political leaders and requested the district administration about their ordeal several times, it fell on deaf ears. Then they decided to put up a herculean effort to construct the canal on their own by cutting the hills which was an arduous task.
Now the villagers have decided not to allow any political leaders in their village ahead of the 2024 General Election.
“The administration didn’t help us construct the canal for irrigation work in our area. We worked hard to construct the canal in a bid to earn our living. We will not allow any political leader entry into our village anymore to beg for votes,” said Rama Chandra Gouda, another villager.
Meanwhile, the officials of Minor Irrigation Department assured that necessary steps will be taken in this direction soon.
“I have recently joined. After field verification, I will send the necessary proposal to the higher authorities and accordingly, steps will be taken in this direction,” said Basant Soren, Engineer of Rayagada Minor Irrigation Department.
One of the most primitive tribes of Odisha, Lanjia Saora from Gunupur block in Rayagada district has a fascinating love story with the stones. Stones are everything for these primitive tribes residing in Puttasingh, Shagada, Abada and Talana areas. Stones have become an inseparable part of their living and social lifestyle.
Only stones and stones could be seen in those hilly areas where the primitive tribes have been living for yore. The tribals have built everything in stone and the scenic beauty of the construction at those places often forces tourists to feel it as Shimla or Darjeeling.
Apart from their houses, the tribals have also constructed the boundaries of their lands with stones. They have also used stones in the best manner for irrigation purposes and to prevent soil erosion. The lifestyle of the tribals in these areas, intrinsic to stone, often attracts a large number of tourists.
“We have been using small and big stones to construct hour houses since ancient times. It’s impossible to make bricks in these hilly areas. But stones are abundantly available here. Hence, we have taken advantage of it to use stones in making boundaries of our lands for irrigation purposes and to prevent soil erosion,” said Sambara Dalabehera, a local resident.
Lanjia Saora tribals also love to make strong walls around their houses with small and big pieces of stones. Moreover, they make fencing using stones to dry different products that they collect from the forest. The stone fencing helps them and their products from the attack of wild animals.
“As our houses and lands are situated in hilly areas, it is very difficult to dig the soil for making fences. Hence, we use stones to make fences around our houses and lands,” said Ranjan Gamango, a local resident.
As per Asima Rao, the special officer of Lanjia Saora Tribal Development Department, the tribe uses nature in the best way for their living and culture.
“The Lanjia Saora tribe loves nature and works hard to preserve it in the best way. They know the art of setting up stones in a decorative manner to build houses and fences. In this way, they use the natural element available to them in the best way. It also adds beauty to their area,” said Rao.
It was certainly a tough time for Harischandra Goud of Rayagada district who lost his son Debashish. Debasish was studying engineering at a private college in Bhubaneswar. The exact reason behind his death is unclear.
On getting information regarding the tragic demise of his son, Harischandra rushed to Bhubaneswar.
After gathering immense courage to come to terms with the reality, Harischandra took a decision to donate the eyes of his son.
“I only wanted to ensure that someone else sees the world through my son’s eyes,” said Harishchandra.
The decision of Harishchandra to come forward for eye donation has been praised by all.
As per experts, chickenpox, an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, mostly affects children, and the chances of contracting the infection are high between January and June. It is a highly infectious disease mainly caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which spreads in a similar way as cold and other flu. As the ongoing season is conducive to the virus, people need to be extremely careful and immediately undergo treatment once they are affected by the disease.
However, the residents of Barijhola are reluctant to go to the medical due to lack of proper awareness about the highly contagious disease. They are resorting to various superstitious methods to cure their children which could turn fatal for them.
“The disease is spreading at a faster pace. Mostly children are suffering from severe body ache and high fever due to the disease. More than 20 children in our village have been affected by the disease so far,” said Kameswari Swain, a villager.
However, the villagers are reluctant to go to the hospital for treatment of the affected children.
“The disease will not be cured by taking medicines as it is caused by ‘Thakurani’(the Goddess). It will be cleared by appeasing the Thakurani (Goddess) only. So, there is no need to go to the hospital,” said Mangulu Swain, another villager.
Meanwhile, the State Health Department has no information about the outbreak of the highly contagious disease in the area.
“We had no information about the spread of chickenpox in the area as I was not present. I just came to know about the outbreak of the disease now. Proper measures will be taken immediately to curb the disease following an inspection in the area,” said Rayagada Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Lalmohan Routray.
The irrigation projects in several areas in both districts have been lying defunct for several years leading to acute water crisis. Forget about agriculture, people of these parts are facing acute drinking water crisis. With the summer approaching, they are currently at their wit's end.
Take the case of Panchadapada village under Dasamantapur block in Koraput district. Though, the State government has come up with an irrigation project in the village by spending crores of rupees, it has been lying defunct for years owing to several reasons. As a result, the project has been of no use for agricultural purposes. Moreover, the tribal villagers are facing severe drinking water crisis. They are forced to collect water by walking miles and digging small puddles.
“We don’t have any facility of drinking water in our village. We are forced to walk miles to collect water. However, the road is pretty rough and we are wasting hours every day. We are not getting time even to go to work. It has now become difficult for us to earn our living,” said Daina Saunta a villager.
The villagers have urged the local administration to provide drinking water facilities at the village.
Responding to the villagers’ plea, the district administration has assured to solve the crisis soon.
“We will discuss about the issue in our next meeting and try to solve the crisis as soon as possible,” said Zilla Parishad president Sasmita Meleka.
Similarly, several farmers at Sampini village under Gunupur block in Rayagada district are fuming over the defunct irrigation project.
The Water Resource Department of Odisha government set up an irrigation project in the village under Biju Krushak Vikas Yojana (BKVY) in 2013. As many as 62 deep tube wells were dug in the village under the scheme. However, only three to four tube wells are currently functioning and the rest are defunct which has led to the water crisis in the region.
Though the villagers have apprised their problems several times to the block administration, it seems that it has fallen on deaf ears.
“The irrigation project has been lying defunct and of no use. The government should take steps to repair the tube wells so that the farmers in the area will be benefitted,” said Majhi Sabara, a farmer.
As per reports, Jayadhan came to Bhubaneswar to take part in ‘Krushi Odisha’ programme, organised by the State government, to learn new agriculture technology.
Jayadhan had invested money in agriculture by mortgaging gold ornaments in a bank. Rest of the money was in his bank account. His brother, who is in Kerala, also sent him Rs 6,400.
When Jayadhan went to check the amount in an ATM near the railway station, a stranger offered him help. Impressed by his cordial behaviour, Jayadhan gave him his ATM card and PIN. However, the stranger took away Jayadhan’s original ATM tactfully and gave him a duplicate one.
On the next day, Rs 40,000 was withdrawn from Jayadhan’s bank account. The fraudster has reportedly withdrawn the amount from an ATM in Visakhapatnam.
“After taking part in Krushi Odisha programme and learning many new things about modern agriculture, I was returning to my village happily. Then I came to know that the stranger was a fraudster and he has withdrawn Rs 40,000 from my account,” said a crest-fallen Jayadhan.
“I have invested a lot of money in agriculture by mortgaging gold ornaments in bank. I was hopeful that I will get some assistance from the agriculture department. After the ATM fraud, I am penniless and helpless. I don’t know what to do now,” he added.
Taking to Twitter, Agarwal (29) shared pictures of meeting PM Modi at the latter's residence with his mother and his fiance. In one of the pictures, the couple was seen touching the PM Modi's feet to seek his blessings for a 'new beginning'.
"With the blessings of Pradhan Mantri @narendramodi ji, we are all set for a new beginning. Words cannot express the warmth with which he received us," Agarwal wrote.
He further wrote: "My mother, who is inspired by his vision for women empowerment & Geet, from Express (Uttar) Pradesh, were heartened to meet him. Thank you for sparing your valuable time & for your good wishes."
In another tweet, he said, "Committed to enabling the growth of tourism and entrepreneurship in India across Rayagada, Gir, Ladakh, Rameswaram, Meghalaya and more!."
As per sources, Agarwal's wedding reception will be held at a five-star hotel in New Delhi.
Agarwal, who was born into a Marwari family in Bissam Cuttack in Rayagada, founded OYO Rooms, an online aggregator of budget hotel rooms, at the age of 19 years.
His net worth in 2020 was estimated to be approximately $1.1 billion (Rs 7253 crore) according to Hurun Rich List 2020. As of February 2020, he is the youngest self-made billionaire in the world.
Ashutosh Gomango, who worked as a SA-cum-DEO (data entry operator) at the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited in Rayagada, remained incommunicado after disappearing from his house on the morning of January 8. He is the son of former Zilla Parishad chairperson Bijay Kumar Gomango.
As per family sources, Ashutosh was transferred to Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district from Rayagada. He joined duty in Bhawanipatna on January 8, 2022. After working there for three months, he was transferred to Kesinga.
However, Ashutosh did not join duty at Kesinga citing health issues, and remained on leave from March 4, 2022. In the meantime, he tried to cancel his transfer.
On January 7, Ashutosh reportedly got a letter from the department asking him to join duty at the new place of posting within a week or face disciplinary action. The following morning he disappeared from his house at Rayagada Old LIC Colony.
After repeated searches yielded no result, Ashutosh’s wife lodged a complaint with the police. She claimed that her husband had received a threat letter a few months back and urged the police to trace him.
“My husband was disturbed after being transferred to Kesinga from Bhawanipatna which subsequently resulted in his disappearance. I do not know if he deliberately went somewhere. But I am certain that his disappearance is related to his office,” said Bhawani Sabar, Ashutosh’s wife.
Reported by Indrajit Kumar Panda, OTV
The NHRC has directed the SP to submit an action taken report (ATR) on the deaths of Pavel Antov (65) and Vladimir Bidenov and the status of the investigation into the case within four weeks.
Meanwhile, a team of the Odisha Crime Branch is camping in Rayagada and intensified the investigation and is leaving no stone unturned to unravel the mystery behind the deaths of the Russian nationals.
The CB team led by DSP Saroj Mahanta visited the hotel where the tourists stayed and quizzed the hotel staff and others in this connection.
On the other hand, Odisha Police DG Sunil Bansal has stated that there is no indication of any foul play in the deaths.
“Competent and selected officers are on the job. However, there is no indication of any foul play,” said Bansal.
It is pertinent to mention here that four Russian nationals had arrived in Odisha and had visited Kandhamal district. Later, they toured to Rayagada and were lodged in a hotel on December 21, 2022.
Under mysterious circumstances, Vladimir Bidenov was found dead on December 22. Preliminary reports suggest Vladimir died due to excess liquor intake as his body was surrounded by liquor bottles.
Shockingly, his friend Pavel was found dead two days later on December 24. Reports said he was a good friend of Vladimir and couldn’t take his death easily. So, he died by suicide by jumping off his hotel balcony.
The hotel staff found him lying dead in a pool of blood. The death of Pavel, who is a business tycoon, a lawmaker in Russia, and critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has sent ripples across the globe.
The lawmaker had been constantly against the Russia-Ukraine war.
On the other hand, it was alleged that the last rites of Pavel were performed in haste and the two were cremated as per Hindu rituals instead of being buried as they were Christians.
Antov, one of Russia's wealthy lawmakers and a fervent critic of President Vladimir Putin, died under mysterious circumstances two days after the death of another national, Vladimir Videnov in a hotel in Rayagada. Thereafter, their mortal remains were consigned to flames.
However, a debate erupted over their last rites which were allegedly performed in a hurry. The duo was reportedly cremated instead of being buried. A controversy had already started surrounding it.
Meanwhile, Alipov said he is happy with the investigation launched by the Indian police, clarifying as per the Russian traditions; a body can be buried or consigned to flames.
Replying to a tweet by Congress leader Manish Tiwari, Alipov wrote, "We appreciate the investigation efforts by the Indian authorities into the death of two Russian nationals in Odisha."
"Meanwhile it would be useful for some Hercule Poirot lovers to learn that cremation in Russia is as customary as burial. Idleness is the root of all evil," he added.
At the same time, the Consulate General of Russia in Kolkata in a Tweet said, “The nearest relatives of the deceased have clearly expressed their will to have bodies of Vladimir Bydanov and Pavel Antov cremated and their remains (ashes) brought to Russia.”
Amid the controversy surrounding the death of the Russian nationals, a photo of four Russian tourists including Vladimir Videnov and Antov Pavel with the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar forming the backdrop has gone viral. It suggests that they had visited Bhubaneswar before going to Daringbadi and Rayagada.
Meanwhile, a four-member team of the Crime Branch and two members of the forensic laboratory have reached Rayagada to probe into the case.
(Reported by Maudi Barik from Rayagada, OTV)
In a letter to Patnaik, it said that a strong action plan should be chalked out for the safety and security of visitors, especially foreign tourists, coming to the state during the Hockey Men's World Cup, which will begin on January 13.
"We request your esteemed office to kindly examine the case of two Russian tourists who died under mysterious circumstances and necessary steps and investigation may kindly be taken immediately to avoid further spreading of the negative news," HARO chairman JK Mohanty said in the letter.
Noting that the deaths of the two tourists were having a negative impact on the prospects of tourism in Odisha in terms of safety, he said the incident is likely to slow down the arrival of foreign tourists to the state.
Prior to the pandemic, Odisha witnessed around 1.5 lakh foreign tourist arrivals each year, Mohanty said.
The state CID has stepped up its investigation into the deaths of Pavel Antov (65), a Russian lawmaker who died after allegedly falling from a Rayagada hotel's third floor on December 24, and Vladimir Bidenov, his fellow traveller who was found dead in his room at the same hotel on December 22.
They were part of a four-member group, which along with their Delhi-based travel guide Jitendra Singh had checked in to the hotel on December 21.
The post-mortem report of the Russian MP indicates that he died of internal injury after a fall, while that of Bidenov points to a heart attack as the cause of death, police said.
The alleged haste cremation of Pavel's body as per Hindu rituals instead of burying it has raised many questions. The cremation was performed in the presence of magistrate-cum-tehsildar and other senior police officials, reports said.
Several questions have been raised whether the administration had the permission of Pavel’s family to cremate his body as per Hindu rituals or they were under any kind of pressure. The shocking death of two Russian tourists in the same hotel has raised several questions as Pavel, one of the deceased, was a Russian lawmaker and a businessman.
Shockingly, the administration officials did not even preserve the ‘viscera’ of the lawmaker for further investigation. While the viscera of Vladimir has been preserved, how could the officials not preserve the viscera of Pavel, questioned many intellectuals.
To further add to the mystery, the body was cremated at around 7 PM in the evening at Siriguda crematorium. The post-mortem was carried out at around 4PM in the evening and later the officials in haste cremated the body after sunset, reports said.
Pavel along with his friends had landed in Odisha and had visited Kandhamal district from where they travelled to Rayagada where they stayed at Sai International Hotel in the town.
However, mysteriously, one of them, Vladimir Videnov, 62, was found dead inside his hotel room on December 22. The post-mortem report confirmed heart attack to be the reason for his death while reports surfaced that there were a large number of liquor bottles near his body and he must have died due to excess drinking.
Shockingly, Pavel was found dead in a pool of blood, just two days later on December 24. While many claimed he fell off his room terrace, their guide claimed Pavel was very close to Vladimir and might have jumped to death after being unable to bear the trauma.
Now, the two deaths have raised questions as to why the lawmaker had come to Odisha, the mysterious circumstances of his death and the link between Russia and Odisha.
On the other hand, the Crime Branch of Odisha is likely to visit Rayagada to probe the mysterious deaths. A couple who had accompanied the two friends has been advised to stay back and cooperate with the investigation.
The Crime Branch is also looking into other angles in the mysterious deaths.
Meanwhile, police maintained that Pavel’s last rites were performed following the directions of the Russian Embassy.
On the other hand, senior Congress leader Manish Tewari raised questions over why the deceased were cremated and not buried as they were Christians.
"Russian Oligarch.. War Critic.. Offbeat hotel..Colleague died 2 days earlier..Convenient window.. another death..Both cremated in India..being Christians not buried..Bodies not sent home to Russia.. If this is not unnatural, then I didn't go to Law school," Tweeted Tewari.
Meanwhile, Rayagada CDMO said Antov’s viscera has not been preserved.
"61-year-old Vladimir's post-mortem was conducted on December 24 by Dr Gautam Patnaik and Dr Biren Kumar Nayak. His viscera report has been preserved. In the second case, 65-year-old Antov's autopsy was done by Dr BK Dev and Dr Himanshu Nath on December 26. His viscera has not been preserved." said Lal Mohan Rout, CDMO, Rayagada.
Further, he added, "We have provided the post-mortem report to the police. We can't disclose any further as this is beyond the rule."
On being asked about the reason why the viscera was not preserved, the CDMO said, "The doctors who conducted post-mortem may have deemed it unnecessary as they were confirmed about the cause of death."
Later in the day, says MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "We are aware of it and Odisha Police are investigating it as per our laws."
Antov died after allegedly falling from the hotel's third floor here on December 24 while Bidenov, was found dead in his room on December 22.
Dr Lalmohan Routrai, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Rayagada told PTI that the post-mortem of Vladimir Bidenov, 61, was conducted at the District Headquarters Hospital on December, 24 and of Pavel Antov, 65, on December 26. The viscera of Bidenov has been preserved while that of Antov has not been preserved, the CDMO said.
Routrai said the post mortem reports have already been submitted to police. The viscera will be sent to forensic laboratory in Bhubaneswar.
The post-mortem report of Pavel stated that "he sustained a severe internal injury after falling from the third floor of the hotel," police said, adding that the post-mortem report of Bidenov stated that "he died of a heart attack".
Antov, a sausage tycoon-turned politician who had last June reportedly posted an anti-Ukraine war message on social media only to withdraw it later blaming the outburst on "technical error", had reportedly come to Rayagada along with Bidenov and two other friends on tourist visa to celebrate his 66th birthday, a police officer said.
Meanwhile, the other two co-travellers, Pansasenko Natalia (44) and Turov Mikhail (64) along with the tour guide arrived at the Crime Branch headquarters in Cuttack for questioning. Both of them have been asked not to leave the state.
All of them were questioned at the Bhubaneswar Crime Branch office on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Odisha DGP Sunil Kumar Bansal on Tuesday ordered a CID probe into the "unnatural" death of two Russian nationals at the same hotel in Rayagada district.
Antov allegedly jumped off from the third floor of the hotel. On being informed, by the hotel staff, his guide Jitendra Singh rushed him to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in an ambulance. However, Antov was declared dead on arrival, sources said earlier.
Meanwhile, the CID-Crime Branch team is scheduled to visit Rayagada on Wednesday to probe further into the mysterious death of the two Russian nationals on the direction of the Director General of Police.
Besides, DIG (South Western Range) Rajesh Pandit inspected the hotel in Rayagada where the Russian nationals were staying.
According to sources Russian lawmaker Pavel Anthom, 65, was found lying in a pool of blood outside the hotel on December 24 while his co-traveller Vladimir Bidenov, was found dead at the same hotel on December 22. He was found lying unconscious in his room on the first floor of the hotel with a few empty wine bottles around him.
Meanwhile, Crime Branch has asked the couple Turvo and Pan Senko accompanying Pavel to stay back and cooperate with the investigation.
Yesterday, the couple was brought to the Crime Branch office in Bhubaneswar from Rayagada district amid tight security. The tourist guide Jitendra Singh was also present there.
Crime Branch IG Amitendra Nath Sinha on Tuesday questioned the Russian couple to extract the reason behind their Rayagada visit, the link between Russia and Rayagada.
The couple was asked about their plans on December 21 and December 22. The questioning was carried out till late hours of Tuesday, sources close to Crime Branch revealed.
Following the interrogation, the Russian couple and the tourist guide have been sent to Crime Branch Headquarters in Cuttack on Wednesday where its Director will grill the Russian couple and tour guide.
It is learnt that the Crime Branch has brought the trio to Cuttack for further investigation to ascertain if Pavel Antov fell off the terrace of the hotel room or jumped and ended his life. The Crime Branch sleuths are also looking into other angles in the mysterious death.
Earlier, Rayagada town police visited the hotel where the two Russian tourists died and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the deaths.
This is the second death reported in just two days after another Russian tourist, Vladimir Videnov, was found dead in the same hotel.
Police is yet to ascertain if Pabel Anthem fell off the terrace of the hotel room or jumped off and ended his life. The cops are also looking into other angles in the mysterious death.
According to sources, four Russian nationals had come to Odisha for vacation. They first travelled to Daringbadi and other parts in Kandhamal district. Later, they travelled to Rayagada and were staying at Sai International Hotel in the town.
Two days back, 62-year-old tourist Vladimir Videnov became sick due to alleged excess drinking. He was rushed to Rayagada district headquarters hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.
Meanwhile, the two other tourists have been asked to stay back and coordinate with the police probe.
As part of the probe, Rayagada town police visited the hotel and investigation is underway to determine the circumstances under which both tourists died.
Meet software engineer-turned-farmer Satya Prabin of Rayagada district.
Satya Prabin’s father came to Rayagada from Andhra Pradesh 13 years ago. He used to grow vegetables to run his family. After completing his school education in the village, Satya did software engineering from a private college in Rayagada. He then went to Malaysia and joined an IT company at a monthly salary of Rs 2 lakh.
But he was well aware of having a green thumb. He grew up watching his father working on the agricultural land. So he had the desire to take up farming as a source of livelihood.
Driven by determination and confidence, Satya finally resigned from his job and returned to his village last year to try his luck. And it started shining.
“After completing B.Tech, I joined a company based in Malaysia. I worked there for 11 years. Last year I returned to my village to take up cultivation. Then I was drawing a salary of around Rs 2 lakh a month. I grew up watching my father working in the agricultural fields and a penchant for agriculture grew in me,” said Satya.
He is growing a variety of vegetables on his 34 acres of land applying modern technology and organic fertilizer.
The method he has employed on his farmland is called drip system. Pipes are laid out on the land and through these pipes water as well as fertilizer is being provided to each of the plants.
Now he has been regarded as a successful farmer in the locality. While he is earning enough to meet the family expenses, he has also given employment to around 60 people of his village and nearby villages.
“The method applied for growing vegetables is new for the villagers. The outcome is very encouraging,” said Kameswar Rao, a labourer.
Rayagada block development officer (BDO) Laxmi Narayan Sabat said Collector Swadha Dev Singh had visited Satya’s agricultural land and was all praise for him.
“He has set an example for others. The small-time farmers should follow his footstep and cultivate vegetables on their agricultural lands using organic fertilizer. This will not only make them self-sufficient but also improve their financial condition. Moreover, vegetables grown in an organic way will be beneficial to our health as well,” said Sabat.
(Reported by Maudi Barik from Rayagada, OTV)
In the locality, the bridge is even referred to as a ‘death zone'.
The administration has put up barricades on both ends of the bridge, restricting tourists from walking on it.
As the news broke, tourists and nature lovers expressed dissatisfaction.
The bridge was planned to provide road communication facility to around 30,000 people of Karubai, Bada Alubadi, Tala Alubadi, Baisingh, Mirabali, Dangaladi, Durgapadu and Erukubadi panchayats. Prior to the construction of the bridge, the villagers took detours to reach Rayagada town.
The bridge suspended at a height of over 33 metres above the Nagabali river through cantilever technology was constructed in 2011 and opened to the public in 2012.
Since the location offers breathtaking scenes, it soon became a tourists' paradise. But as days passed by, mishaps too started happening, forcing the administration to put up signboards warning visitors not to align from the bridge to take bath in the river.
Yet, mishaps like drowning and deaths were reported from the spot.
Eventually, the bridge has been closed for an indefinite period.
The deceased has been identified as Chandrama Bibhar, 55. According to the police, the incident happened around noon in Koilapara village. Rajesh Kulesika, who was staying in the neighbourhood, allegedly committed the crime.
The youth arrived at the victim's house and knocked on the door. When Bibhar opened the door, he attacked her with an axe, killing her on the spot, the police said.
Prima facie, the police suspected that the incident might have taken place over suspicion of practising witchcraft.
Being informed, local police reached the spot and seized the weapon used in the offence and sent the body for post-mortem, while the accused has been taken into custody, a police official said.
"Investigation into the incident is in progress. We are examining all aspects including allegations that the woman was practicing witchcraft. The reason behind the murder will be known after the investigation," he said.
District Welfare Officer, Ashok Satpathy, informed that the Collector had taken the step after an enquiry found that the two teachers were present at the school premises during the incident but neglected their duty.
“We had launched an enquiry. During probe, it was found that the two teachers had neglected their duty. So, they have been put under suspension by the Collector,” Satpathy said over the phone.
As per reports, the Class 1 boy, Gobinda Huika, suffered grievous injuries after he was attacked by a Class VI student at the Ashram School in Kolnara block of Rayagada district.
He was immediately rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment today. The incident was reported on August 20. The deceased hailed from Jhileiguda village of Kolnara block.
However, district welfare officer (DWO) Ashok Satpathy has denied allegations of any attack on the minor. He claimed that medical reports of the boy did not mention any attack as the cause of his death.
The District Welfare Officer said, “The children were actually playing. There is nothing mentioned in the medical report or in the scanning report as well. The investigating team will submit its report today. If anyone is found guilty, action will be taken against the culprit.”
As per reports, the Class 1 boy, Gobinda Huika, suffered grievous injuries in the attack by the senior and was immediately rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
The child succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment today. The incident was reported on August 20. The deceased hailed from Jhileiguda village of Kolnara block.
However, district welfare officer (DWO) Ashok Satpathy has denied allegations of any attack on the minor. He claimed that medical reports of the boy did not mention any attack as the cause of his death.
The District Welfare Officer said, “The children were actually playing. There is nothing mentioned in the medical report or in the scanning report as well. The investigating team will submit its report today. If anyone is found guilty, action will be taken against the culprit.”