Heavy rain continued across Rewa and several districts of the Vindhya region on Saturday, triggering waterlogging in low-lying parts of Rewa city and raising water levels in rivers and seasonal streams. Mauganj, Satna, Chitrakoot, Sidhi, Singrauli and nearby areas have also reported the impact of persistent rainfall. With conditions worsening in vulnerable locations, the Rewa administration and municipal authorities have activated 24-hour control rooms and established 15 relief camps across the city.

In Rewa, water entered several residential and commercial areas, affecting roads and disrupting traffic. Areas including Nirala Nagar Hostel, Neem Chauraha, Bodabagh, Saman Bandh, Lakhori Bagh, Uparhati, Tarhati, Sanjay Nagar and Arun Nagar-Anantpur reported waterlogging. In some locations, residents were seen moving essential belongings to safer places as rainwater reached houses and shops. Several roads remained waterlogged, making movement difficult for commuters. The situation has also become a concern in rural parts of the district as the Tamsa, Belan and Naina rivers continue to rise. Police and administrative teams have been monitoring vulnerable areas and advising residents to stay away from locations with strong water currents.

Rain Impacts Nearby Districts

Mauganj has also witnessed waterlogging and flood-like conditions, particularly in rural areas where road connectivity has been affected. Satna and Maihar have reported water accumulation on roads, slowing traffic in several locations. In Sidhi and Singrauli, rising water levels in rivers and streams have created difficulties for people in rural areas, prompting increased monitoring of sensitive locations. In Chitrakoot, the rising level of the Mandakini river has increased the risk around riverbanks and ghats, with residents in low-lying areas being advised to remain alert.

The administration has stepped up emergency arrangements in Rewa in view of the continuing rainfall. Fifteen relief camps have been prepared in the city with arrangements for food, drinking water, medicines and accommodation for people who may need to leave waterlogged or vulnerable areas. A 24-hour district control room and municipal emergency services have also been activated to respond to complaints and requests for assistance. Residents have been advised not to attempt crossing flooded bridges, culverts, causeways or rivers, even if the water appears passable.

Administration Issues Safety Advisory

Officials have urged people living in low-lying areas and along riverbanks to move to relief centres without delay if water levels begin rising around their homes. People have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel while heavy rain and strong water flow continue. The administration is keeping watch on affected locations and has deployed teams to assess the situation on the ground. The continuing rise in river and stream levels remains a concern, particularly if another spell of intense rain occurs in the region.

The Rewa district control room can be contacted at 07662-255143. The municipal toll-free number is 18008899711, while additional municipal helplines are 07662-254568, 07662-320105, 07662-310346, 07662-320150 and 07662-320329. Authorities have appealed to residents to remain indoors unless travel is essential and to follow official instructions during the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall.

A fresh rescue operation was launched in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district on Wednesday to trace a 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old youth who were swept away in separate river incidents on Nag Panchami. Both went missing after being caught in strong currents in the Bichhiya and Tamas rivers on Monday evening. SDRF teams searched for them through Tuesday but could not locate either of them. The operation was stopped after darkness and resumed the next morning.

The first incident took place near Itar in the Gudh police station area, where 14-year-old Shiva Rawat, son of Pradhan Rawat and a resident of Ganganiva in Deotalab, fell into the Bichhiya River. According to the information available, Shiva had reached the riverbank on Nag Panchami and was crossing a bridge when he reportedly lost his footing and fell into the swollen river. The current was strong, and he was swept away before anyone could reach him.

The second incident was reported from Chilla Ghat in the Teonthar area. Eighteen-year-old Sahil Ansari, son of Kamaluddin and a resident of Kharra Tola in Mauganj, was bathing in the Tamas River with a friend when he was caught in the current. His companion managed to get out of the water, but Sahil was swept away. Information about the incident was subsequently given to the authorities, following which a search operation was launched.

SDRF teams conducted searches at both locations throughout Tuesday. The swollen rivers and strong currents made the operation difficult, with rescuers having to search different stretches of the waterways. Despite several hours of effort, there was no confirmed trace of either Shiva or Sahil. The search was called off after darkness because continuing the operation in low visibility and strong currents could have created additional risks for the rescue teams.

The search resumed on Wednesday morning. SDRF personnel and divers were deployed at the two rivers, with teams checking possible locations where the victims could have been carried by the current. The search is also being extended downstream based on the direction of the water flow.

Family members of both missing persons have been waiting for updates from the rescue teams. The exact locations where the two may have been carried remain unclear, and officials are continuing the search based on the river conditions and available information. The situation was still developing when the operation resumed, with teams expected to continue searching the affected stretches of the Bichhiya and Tamas rivers.

A panchayat secretary in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district has been suspended after an inquiry found financial irregularities in the withdrawal and payment of development funds from a gram panchayat account without the sarpanch’s knowledge and signature. Shivendra Mishra, secretary of Karahiya No. 2 gram panchayat, was suspended after the investigation found that funds had allegedly been withdrawn without following the required procedure. The action was taken by District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mehtab Singh Gurjar after a complaint was submitted by the sarpanch.

The complaint alleged that the secretary had withdrawn and paid out lakhs of rupees from the panchayat’s development funds without obtaining the sarpanch’s signature. Following the complaint, the district panchayat CEO directed an Assistant Accounts Officer to examine the matter and verify the financial transactions. During the inquiry, officials found that the secretary had issued an administrative approval order without proper authorisation. The investigation also found payments based on allegedly fabricated bills and other financial irregularities. The findings were subsequently included in the inquiry report, which held Mishra responsible for the irregularities.

Based on the investigation report, the department ordered Mishra’s suspension under the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Service Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1999. The case is significant because withdrawals and payments from panchayat funds are required to follow prescribed financial procedures, including approval from authorised officials and the signatures of designated signatories. Any withdrawal made without the required authorisation can be treated as a violation of financial rules. Similarly, payments made without proper administrative approval and valid supporting documents can lead to departmental action.

During the suspension period, Mishra’s headquarters have been fixed at the Janpad Panchayat office in Rewa. He will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per applicable rules during the period of suspension. Further departmental proceedings, if initiated, will determine whether additional action is required based on the findings of the inquiry.

The action has also brought attention to the procedures governing the use of development funds at the panchayat level. Such funds are meant for approved local development and public works, and transactions are expected to be supported by proper approvals, bills and other financial records. In this case, the inquiry was initiated after the sarpanch raised the issue, following which officials examined the records and transactions before recommending action.

For now, the suspension is an administrative action based on the departmental inquiry findings. The matter could see further proceedings under the applicable service rules, depending on the department’s decision and any subsequent examination of the financial records. The case also highlights the importance of proper authorisation and documentation in the handling of local government funds.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla hoisted the national flag at the district-level ceremony in Rewa and said every citizen has an important role in the state’s development.

Rewa Marks Independence Day with Patriotic Fervour

Rewa celebrated India’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday with patriotic spirit and a dignified atmosphere. The district-level main ceremony was organised with the participation of public representatives, officials and citizens.

Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla attended the programme as the chief guest and hoisted the national flag. He then saluted the Tricolour as the national anthem echoed across the venue, setting a patriotic tone for the celebrations.

Rajendra Shukla Hoists National Flag

The Deputy Chief Minister led the Independence Day celebrations in Rewa by unfurling the national flag at the main function. The ceremony was marked by traditional protocol and expressions of national pride.

The gathering observed the national anthem after the flag hoisting. The event brought together officials and residents to commemorate the sacrifices made during India’s freedom struggle and celebrate the country’s journey since Independence.

Deputy CM Highlights Citizens’ Role

Addressing the gathering, Rajendra Shukla stressed that development cannot be achieved through government efforts alone. He said every citizen has an important role to play in strengthening society and contributing to the progress of the state.

His message focused on collective responsibility, civic participation and the need for citizens to contribute actively to the development process.

Development Remains a Shared Responsibility

Shukla’s remarks placed emphasis on the partnership between citizens and the government in achieving development goals. He underlined that progress becomes more meaningful when people actively participate in initiatives aimed at improving their communities.

The Independence Day platform was used to highlight the importance of responsible citizenship and cooperation in building a stronger Madhya Pradesh.

Rewa Joins Nationwide Celebrations

The celebrations in Rewa were part of Independence Day programmes held across Madhya Pradesh and the country. Government offices, educational institutions and public spaces witnessed patriotic activities as people marked the historic occasion.

The 80th Independence Day also provided an opportunity to remember the freedom fighters whose contributions laid the foundation for independent India.

Cultural and Patriotic Spirit Marks Event

The district-level programme maintained a festive yet dignified atmosphere. The unfurling of the Tricolour and the national anthem remained the central moments of the ceremony, drawing attention to the significance of Independence Day.

Such public celebrations also provide an opportunity for younger generations to understand the importance of the freedom movement and the responsibilities that come with citizenship.

Message of Collective Progress

The central message from the Rewa ceremony was that development requires participation from every section of society. Rajendra Shukla’s appeal placed citizens at the centre of the state’s development journey.

As Rewa celebrated Independence Day with patriotic enthusiasm, the event combined remembrance of India’s freedom struggle with a call for greater public participation in building the future.

A 30-year-old woman was seriously injured after being struck by lightning while grazing cattle in a field in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district on Thursday evening.

The incident took place in the Raipur Karchuliyan police station area, where the woman, identified as Saroj Yadav, was caught in the lightning strike amid rain and thunderstorms.

According to information available, Saroj, a resident of Padra village, had gone to a nearby field to graze cows and buffaloes. The weather reportedly changed suddenly while she was in the field, followed by rainfall and intense thunder.

Before she could reach a safer location, lightning struck in the area, leaving her severely injured.

Severe Burns Reported

The lightning strike caused burns extending from Saroj's waist to her legs, according to her family.

People nearby helped her after the incident and informed her relatives. Family members reached the spot and immediately took her for medical treatment.

After receiving initial treatment, Saroj was referred to Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Rewa for further care.

Admitted to Burn Ward

Doctors at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital admitted Saroj to the burn ward, where she is undergoing treatment and remains under medical observation.

Her family members are concerned about her condition as she suffered extensive burns in the incident.

Weather Changed Suddenly

According to the family, Saroj was grazing cattle when rain began in the area. The lightning struck soon after the weather deteriorated.

The incident highlights the risks faced by people working outdoors during thunderstorms, particularly when lightning activity increases during the monsoon.

Government departments in Rewa's eastern division have accumulated electricity bill arrears of around ₹27 crore, prompting the Madhya Pradesh Eastern Region Power Distribution Company to issue notices and warn of disconnection if the outstanding amount is not cleared.

The largest share of the unpaid bills is linked to gram panchayats, particularly electricity consumption for tap-water supply schemes and panchayat buildings. The power distribution company has asked the concerned departments to settle their dues within the stipulated period.

The warning comes as the utility continues its drive to recover outstanding electricity dues from consumers across the division.

Panchayats Account for ₹20 Crore

According to the available figures, electricity dues associated with gram panchayats amount to approximately ₹20 crore. These arrears largely relate to rural drinking-water supply schemes and panchayat office buildings.

Other government departments also have pending bills. The Women and Child Development Department reportedly owes around ₹2 crore, while outstanding dues from the Water Resources Department exceed ₹50 lakh.

The Health Department has arrears of around ₹50 lakh, while municipalities together have pending electricity bills of approximately ₹20 lakh.

The remaining amount comprises dues from other government offices and institutions.

Bills Pending at Several Centres

The outstanding government electricity bills are spread across several distribution centres in the Rewa division, including Govindgarh, Manikwar, Mangawan, Gudh, Badaraw and Raipur.

Officials said departments have repeatedly been informed about their outstanding payments. Despite reminders, a significant portion of the dues remains unpaid.

The electricity company has now warned that failure to clear the arrears could result in electricity connections being disconnected.

Notices Sent to Department Heads

Executive Engineer Sushil Yadav said notices have been issued to the heads of the concerned government departments.

The notices reportedly make it clear that if the outstanding bills are not paid within the prescribed period, the power utility will initiate disconnection proceedings. Responsibility for the consequences would rest with the concerned department.

Yadav said the company is conducting a continuing disconnection campaign against consumers with unpaid electricity bills under directions from senior officials.

Junior engineers and assistant engineers are also involved in the recovery and enforcement exercise.

Government Connections Also Under Action

The power distribution company has maintained that government institutions will not be exempt from action if they fail to clear their dues.

Officials said electricity connections belonging to government departments could also be disconnected if payments remain pending despite the notices.

The development has drawn attention because electricity companies generally take recovery measures, including disconnection, against ordinary consumers who accumulate substantial unpaid bills. The sizeable arrears pending from government departments have therefore raised questions about the pace of recovery from public institutions.

Utility Awaits Payment

The immediate focus is now on whether the departments concerned will clear their outstanding bills following the notices.

With government offices, panchayats and public facilities accounting for a substantial portion of the arrears, the electricity company faces the task of recovering the pending ₹27 crore while ensuring that essential public services are not disrupted unnecessarily.

The outcome of the notice period will determine whether departments settle their dues or whether the distribution company proceeds with electricity disconnections.

A traffic jam stretching nearly 2 kilometres was reported at the Chakghat border between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh on National Highway-30 after trucks were stopped from entering Prayagraj amid arrangements for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra.

The queue of vehicles began building up on Wednesday evening after restrictions on truck movement towards Prayagraj came into effect. By Thursday morning, the line had extended to around two kilometres, with the congestion continuing for more than 12 hours.

Trucks Stranded at Chakghat

According to truck drivers, restrictions were imposed on the movement of heavy vehicles towards Prayagraj as the number of Kanwariyas in the city increased. With trucks unable to proceed towards Uttar Pradesh, several vehicles accumulated at the Chakghat border.

The congestion affected traffic moving between Rewa and Prayagraj, with drivers facing delays while waiting for movement to resume.

Administration Moves to Ease Traffic

Following reports of the congestion, police and administrative teams reached the spot and began managing traffic. Vehicles were being allowed to move forward gradually in an effort to reduce the length of the queue.

However, a large number of trucks remained stranded at the border as restrictions on their entry into Prayagraj continued.

Only Trucks Stopped, Says Police

Rewa Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mishra said the restrictions were limited to trucks and that other vehicles were being allowed to move.

He said the decision was linked to traffic management arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra in Prayagraj. Police and administrative teams were present at Chakghat to regulate traffic and prevent further congestion.

According to the official clarification, passenger vehicles and other permitted traffic were not subject to the same restriction, allowing regular movement to continue.

Kanwar Yatra Drives Traffic Restrictions

The annual Kanwar Yatra has led authorities in several areas along major routes to introduce temporary traffic-management measures as large numbers of devotees travel towards religious destinations.

With Prayagraj witnessing increased movement of Kanwariyas, restrictions on heavy vehicles are intended to reduce pressure on roads and maintain smoother movement for pilgrims and other road users.

For truck operators, however, the restrictions have resulted in extended waiting periods at the MP-UP border.

Traffic Situation Being Monitored

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation at Chakghat and regulate the movement of vehicles. The administration is also working to clear the accumulated traffic and prevent the queue from extending further.

While the congestion has caused inconvenience to truck drivers and commuters, officials have maintained that the restriction is specifically aimed at heavy vehicles entering Prayagraj and that other traffic remains operational.

 The Madhya Pradesh government has approved a pilot project to outsource the operation and management of Community Health Centres (CHCs), with the first phase covering 18 hospitals across Rewa, Dewas and Guna districts.

The move is aimed at addressing shortages of doctors, specialists and other healthcare personnel at the community health centre level. According to an order issued by the Public Health and Medical Education Department, the pilot project will initially run for five years.

Under the new arrangement, selected private service providers, agencies or trusts will be responsible for the overall management of the identified CHCs. Their responsibilities will include hospital operations, housekeeping, security and ensuring the availability of doctors and specialists according to prescribed standards.

18 CHCs Included

The first phase covers a total of 18 community health centres in three districts — Rewa, Dewas and Guna. The government will assess the functioning of the model during the pilot period before deciding whether the arrangement should be expanded to other health facilities.

The selected service providers will have to ensure that medical professionals and specialists are available at the hospitals. This is significant for CHCs in areas where government facilities have faced difficulties in maintaining adequate medical staffing.

Existing Infrastructure to Be Handed Over

The hospitals will be transferred to the selected private operators on an “as is, where is” basis. This means the existing infrastructure will be handed over without an immediate restructuring of the facilities.

However, the government will continue to provide several essential services and supplies. Medicines and vaccines, along with materials required for OPD and IPD services and surgeries, will be supplied by the Health Department according to existing government policies.

The arrangement therefore separates hospital management from the continued provision of key government healthcare supplies and services.

Government Staff Get Transfer Option

Doctors and other medical staff already posted at these CHCs will also be affected by the new arrangement.

According to the plan, existing government doctors and medical personnel will be given a one-time option to seek transfer to other government health institutions within the district. Employees who do not opt for a transfer will continue to receive their salaries through the office of the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO).

The government has not indicated that the existing staff will lose their government employment as part of the pilot arrangement.

Opposition to Privatisation

The decision has already faced opposition from Congress leaders and health-sector organisations.

In July 2026, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, along with Congress tribal MLAs, met Governor Mangubhai Pateland Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav. The legislators had raised objections to proposals involving the transfer of community health centres, hostels and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to private entities.

Health workers, doctors and public-health organisations have also opposed the move and demanded that the government withdraw the decision.

Government Yet to Assess Wider Impact

The pilot project is expected to provide the government with an opportunity to evaluate whether outsourcing can improve the availability of doctors, specialists and hospital services at the CHC level.

For the government, the model could help address manpower shortages and administrative gaps. However, the involvement of private agencies in the management of public healthcare facilities has raised concerns among health-sector organisations over accountability, staffing and access to services.

The performance of the 18 CHCs during the five-year pilot period will therefore be closely watched before any wider rollout is considered.

The Food Safety Administration has seized 198 packets of Govardhan brand ghee from a D-Mart store in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh after a laboratory report found the product's quality did not conform to prescribed food safety standards.

The action was carried out under the state government's 'Milawat Se Mukti Abhiyan', an ongoing campaign against adulterated and substandard food products.

Officials said the seized stock amounts to around 150 litres and has an estimated market value of approximately ₹1.29 lakh. The sale of the identified ghee stock has been stopped with immediate effect.

Action Based on Test Report

According to Food Safety Administration officials, the action followed a report received from the Commissioner Food Safety office in Bhopal.

Samples of Govardhan brand ghee had earlier been sent for testing. The laboratory report indicated that the product did not meet the prescribed quality standards.

Following receipt of the report, food safety officials gathered information about the availability and sale of the concerned product in Rewa district. A team subsequently visited the D-Mart store to inspect the stock.

198 Packets Seized

During the inspection, officials found 198 packets of Govardhan ghee at the store.

The entire stock was taken into custody by the Food Safety Administration team. Officials recorded details of the seized products, including their quantity and other relevant information.

The total quantity of the seized ghee is estimated at around 150 litres.

The sale of the identified stock has also been prohibited while further legal proceedings are initiated in accordance with food safety regulations.

Stock Supplied from Pune

Officials said the Govardhan brand ghee seized from the Rewa store had been supplied by Parag Milk Foods Limited, based in Pune, Maharashtra.

The product was supplied to the D-Mart store for sale. Following the laboratory report indicating that the product did not conform to the prescribed standards, action was taken against the concerned stock.

Food safety officials are also examining documents related to the product, including batch details and supply records, as part of the ongoing proceedings.

Further Legal Action Underway

The Food Safety Administration said inspections against the sale of adulterated and substandard food products would continue across the district.

Officials are collecting food samples and checking stocks at establishments based on laboratory findings and other information received by the department.

The seizure of Govardhan ghee from the D-Mart store is part of the ongoing enforcement drive. Further action will be taken according to the applicable provisions of food safety law based on the seized stock and the test report.

The department has also indicated that establishments found selling food products that fail to meet prescribed standards may face further regulatory action as per the law.

The incident was reported from Garhuai Tola, an Adivasi-dominated settlement under Sohawal Khurd gram panchayat in the Jawa Janpad area. Villagers say the unpaved road turns into a muddy stretch during the rains, making it difficult for vehicles to enter the settlement.

The condition becomes particularly difficult during medical emergencies, when patients have to be carried to the main road before they can be taken to a hospital.

Boy Falls Ill, Ambulance Cannot Reach

According to villagers, 12-year-old Lala Kol developed severe abdominal pain and fever, along with vomiting, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties.

However, the ambulance could not reach the settlement because of the poor road conditions. With no vehicle able to travel through the muddy stretch, villagers made a makeshift sling using cloth and carried the boy towards the main road so he could be taken for medical treatment.

The incident has once again highlighted the difficulties faced by residents of remote settlements during the rainy season.

Mud Makes Road Nearly Impassable

Residents said the road leading to Garhuai Tola becomes waterlogged and muddy whenever it rains. Walking on the road itself becomes difficult, while vehicles often struggle to pass through the stretch.

As a result, villagers said patients sometimes have to be carried on cots or makeshift cloth slings to reach the main road.

Children, elderly residents and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable because travelling to hospitals becomes difficult when the road is unusable.

Villagers Seeking Road for Years

Residents said they have been demanding construction of a proper road for several years, but a permanent solution has not yet been implemented.

They said the problem becomes more serious during the monsoon, when the condition of the existing road deteriorates further.

Kamlesh Kol, a resident, said the road becomes so muddy during the rains that even walking out of the settlement is difficult.

He said transporting a sick person by vehicle becomes almost impossible, forcing villagers to carry patients to the main road. He urged the administration to find a permanent solution to the road problem.

Another resident, Raziya Saket, said the road issue had existed for a long time and residents faced the greatest difficulties during the rainy season.

She said taking children and elderly people outside the settlement becomes particularly challenging and appealed to the administration to construct the road at the earliest.

Gangaram Prajapati, another resident, said the absence of proper road connectivity creates serious difficulties in taking sick people, elderly residents and pregnant women to hospitals.

He said patients have had to be carried to the main road on several occasions and urged officials to inspect the area and take action based on the ground situation.

Collector Orders Assessment

Rewa Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi said information about the condition of the road in Garhuai Tola would be sought from the concerned officials.

He said the site would be inspected to assess the actual condition of the road and necessary arrangements would be considered to ensure that residents do not face difficulties in accessing the area.

The collector also said information would be sought from the concerned department regarding the proposal and process for road construction. Necessary action would be taken according to the applicable procedures, he said.

Residents Demand Permanent Road

Villagers have urged Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi to ensure the early construction of a permanent road to Garhuai Tola.

They said proper road connectivity would improve the settlement's access to the main road and reduce difficulties faced by residents during the monsoon, particularly in medical emergencies.

Residents have also sought an on-site inspection and early action from the administration, saying a permanent road would provide relief to the Adivasi settlement and improve access to essential services.

Police have arrested a suspected drug peddler and seized 600 intoxicating tablets along with 11 bottles of narcotic cough syrup during a crackdown on illegal narcotics trade in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district.

The action was carried out by Semaria Police under the 'Prahar 2.0' anti-drug campaign launched by Inspector General of Police Gaurav Rajput to curb the illegal sale and distribution of narcotic substances across the region.

Accused Held Following Tip-Off

Acting on specific intelligence, a police team led by Semaria Station House Officer (SHO) Shiva Agrawal conducted a raid and arrested the accused, identified as Gaurav Singh.

During the search, police recovered 600 intoxicating tablets and 11 bottles of narcotic cough syrup from his possession.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Dr. Gurkaran Singh.

Police Probe Supply Network

According to police, preliminary interrogation revealed that the accused was allegedly moving around different areas and supplying intoxicating medicines to customers.

Investigators are now attempting to trace the source of the seized contraband and identify the individuals involved in its procurement and distribution.

Police are also examining whether a larger network of suppliers and dealers is linked to the accused.

Campaign Against Drug Trade Continues

Additional Superintendent of Police Bhavana Maravi said the district police are conducting a special drive against the illegal narcotics trade under the directions of the Inspector General of Police.

She confirmed that the accused was arrested with 600 intoxicating tablets and 11 bottles of narcotic cough syrup during the operation.

Police have registered a case under the relevant legal provisions and initiated further investigation.

More Arrests Possible

Officials said efforts are underway to identify others connected with the illegal drug trade. Police maintained that strict action will be taken against everyone involved in the supply or sale of banned narcotic substances.

Authorities also reiterated that the anti-drug campaign will continue across Rewa district with intensified enforcement against drug trafficking and illegal pharmaceutical abuse.

Police have arrested an elderly man in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district after he was accused of allegedly luring a seven-year-old girl with the promise of guavas and committing an obscene act in front of her.

The incident was reported from the Saman police station area, where the accused, a neighbour of the child's family, was taken into custody following a complaint lodged by the victim's mother. The accused was later produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

Girl Allegedly Lured With Guavas

According to the police complaint, the incident occurred a few days ago when the child was playing outside her house.

The accused allegedly called the girl to his residence on the pretext of giving her guavas. After she reached there, he allegedly behaved in an obscene manner in front of the minor.

Frightened by the incident, the child immediately ran back home.

Child Informed Mother

The girl reportedly broke down in tears after reaching home and narrated the incident to her mother.

Shocked by her account, the family gathered details of the incident before approaching Saman Police Station on Wednesday and submitting a written complaint. They demanded strict legal action against the accused.

Police Register Case, Arrest Accused

Taking note of the seriousness of the allegations, police registered a case under the relevant provisions of law and launched a search for the accused.

He was arrested shortly afterwards and, following preliminary questioning, was produced before the court, which sent him to judicial custody.

Investigation Underway

Police said the investigation is continuing and further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the probe.

Officials have reiterated that offences involving children are treated with utmost priority and that appropriate legal action will be pursued in accordance with the law.