A speeding bus rammed into a motorcycle on National Highway 552 in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhind district on Saturday, killing three young men and leaving one critically injured. According to officials, the bus dragged the bike for nearly five kilometres after the collision, with sparks seen rising from the road as the vehicle continued moving.

Crash on NH-552

The Bhind bus accident took place around 1.30 pm near Umri town on National Highway 552. Police said four youths riding a motorcycle were hit by a speeding private bus while they were travelling towards Mehda village to attend a wedding.

The impact threw the riders onto the road. Witnesses said the bus did not stop after the collision and continued dragging the mangled motorcycle for several kilometres, triggering panic among motorists on the highway.

Three Killed, One Hurt

Three of the four youths died in the crash. Police identified the deceased as Ashutosh Baghel, 21, a resident of Morena, Ramkesh Baghel, 19, from Khairoli in Bhind, and Mohit Baghel, 20, also from Morena.

The fourth victim, Amit Baghel, 17, a resident of Mehda in Bhind district, sustained critical injuries. He was first taken to the district hospital in Bhind and later referred to Gwalior after his condition worsened.

Bus Dragged Bike

A video of the incident, now circulating locally, shows a car driver chasing the bus and repeatedly honking in an attempt to stop it. Despite multiple warnings from motorists, the bus driver allegedly continued driving.

According to eyewitness accounts, the bus dragged the motorcycle from Pura to Umri, a stretch of nearly five kilometres. Sparks were seen under the vehicle as the damaged bike scraped along the road.

Driver Flees Spot

Once the bus finally stopped, panic broke out among passengers. Several passengers reportedly jumped out and moved away in fear as the scale of the accident became clear.

Police said the driver used the chaos to flee the scene. He remains absconding. Officers have launched a search operation and are examining the bus route, ownership details and local CCTV footage to trace him.

Hospital Delay Raises Questions

The injured teenager’s transfer to Gwalior was delayed after doctors at Bhind district hospital found no ventilator support available, according to local officials. He was referred to Gwalior in critical condition.

However, relatives and local sources alleged that the victim remained at the hospital for nearly an hour because an ambulance was not immediately available. The delay has raised serious questions over emergency response and trauma care in the district, adding a public interest dimension to the case in this India News Update.

Police Begin Probe

Umri police reached the spot soon after receiving information and began rescue operations. The bodies were sent for post-mortem and traffic on the highway was briefly disrupted.

Umri police station in-charge Shiv Pratap Singh Rajawat said the matter is being investigated from all angles. He said police are identifying the bus operator, gathering witness statements and working to arrest the driver at the earliest.

Questions Over Safety

The Bhind bus accident has once again brought focus on reckless driving and emergency medical preparedness on state highways. Road safety experts have repeatedly flagged overspeeding by private buses on inter-district routes, particularly on stretches with weak enforcement.

A 29-year-old Indore traffic constable was found dead in his police quarters in the Malharganj area on Saturday, prompting a police investigation into the suspected suicide. The deceased, identified as Ankitt Tomar, was posted with the traffic department in Indore and was residing in the police housing complex at Chauthi Paltan.

According to officials, the incident came to light after local police received information about the constable being found hanging inside his room on the first floor of the police quarters. A police team reached the spot soon after and began preliminary investigation.

Incident In Malharganj

The case falls under the Malharganj police station limits in Indore. Additional DCP Sumit Kerketta said police and forensic teams inspected the scene and collected evidence. No suicide note was recovered during the search of the room, making the immediate cause of death unclear.

Officials said the body was sent to the district hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have initiated inquest proceedings and are waiting for the autopsy report to establish the exact cause of death.

No Suicide Note Found

Police said no written note or digital message indicating the reason behind the suspected suicide was found at the scene. Investigators are now examining the constable’s recent call records, personal interactions and duty schedule to piece together the circumstances leading to the incident.

According to officials, the absence of a suicide note has made the investigation more dependent on forensic findings and statements from colleagues and family members.

Native Of Baghpat

Ankitt Tomar was a native of Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh. Police said his father is Dharampal Singh Tomar. His family has been informed about the incident, and relatives are expected to assist investigators after the post-mortem formalities are completed.

Sources indicated that one of his close relatives, who lives in Indore, had reached the hospital after receiving information about the death.

Returned After Duty

Preliminary inquiry suggests Tomar had returned to his quarters at around 10 pm on Friday after completing duty. Police believe the incident took place later in the night. His colleagues told investigators that he had reported for work as usual and there was no immediate indication of distress during duty hours.

Tomar was unmarried and was handling clerical responsibilities at the ACP Traffic East office, according to police sources.

Delhi Police Selection

Police sources said Tomar had recently been selected for Delhi Police and was expected to join within the next three to four months. Investigators are also examining whether professional stress, personal issues or service-related concerns may have contributed to the incident.

Some colleagues reportedly told police that he had been upset over not getting leave, though officials said this claim is yet to be independently verified. Investigators have not drawn any conclusion on motive at this stage.

Probe Continues

Police said the investigation remains open and all angles are being examined. Statements of colleagues, relatives and department officials will be recorded in the coming days. The post-mortem report and forensic findings are expected to provide more clarity.

Bhopal Police has tightened enforcement for pubs and bars, directing all establishments to stop serving liquor by 11.30 pm and shut completely by 12 midnight. The order was issued on Friday during a meeting chaired by Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar at the commissioner’s office in Bhopal.

The directive makes it mandatory for all pub and bar operators to follow the prescribed closing hours without exception. According to officials, any outlet found operating beyond the deadline will face strict action, including cancellation of its licence.

Commissioner issues warning

Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar told pub and bar owners that the administration would not tolerate any violation of government norms. He made it clear that late-night operations beyond the approved time would invite immediate action under licensing and law-and-order provisions.

Officials said the meeting was attended by owners, operators and managers of pubs and bars across the city. The police used the meeting to lay down compliance rules and warn businesses against negligence.

Monitoring system planned

To tighten surveillance, Bhopal Police is preparing a digital monitoring mechanism on the lines of Indore. Officials said a Zoom-based monitoring system will be introduced to track whether pubs and bars close on time every night.

Under the proposed system, all operators will be added to a digital group and asked to upload photographs of their premises after closure by 12 midnight. These images will be reviewed by police to verify compliance and issue instructions where needed. The monitoring process will be handled through the police control room, officials said.

CCTV compliance mandatory

The police have also made CCTV installation compulsory for all pubs and bars. Operators have been told to ensure regular monitoring of camera feeds and maintain functional surveillance systems at all times.

Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening oversight, improving accountability and preventing disturbances in and around nightlife zones. Pub and bar operators have also been directed to maintain adequate lighting and basic security arrangements at their premises.

Focus on law and order

The latest order comes amid growing administrative focus on nightlife regulation and urban policing in Bhopal. Police officials said the tighter rules are intended to prevent disorder, avoid late-night violations and improve response in case of any untoward incident.

According to officials, the city police want stronger coordination with hospitality operators to maintain public order and ensure establishments function within legal limits.

Indore model adopted

The Bhopal Police decision follows a similar enforcement pattern already seen in Indore, where authorities have used digital monitoring to keep tabs on late-night commercial activity. Sources indicated the Bhopal model will mirror that system, with real-time reporting and centralised review.

Officials believe digital compliance checks will reduce manual monitoring gaps and improve enforcement consistency across the city.

What happens next

With the new rules now in force, Bhopal pubs and bars are expected to align operations with the revised timeline immediately. Police will begin monitoring compliance through field checks and digital reporting in the coming days.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday announced a major expansion in the state’s wheat procurement programme, allowing all eligible farmers to sell their produce amid record output this season. Addressing farmers in the state, the Chief Minister said the government had increased the wheat procurement target from 78 lakh metric tonnes to 100 lakh metric tonnes to ensure wider market access.

The announcement marks a significant shift in Madhya Pradesh wheat procurement policy, with the state seeking to absorb higher arrivals and reduce distress sales in the open market.

Six-Day Purchase Plan

Under the revised arrangement, wheat procurement will now take place six days a week across the state. Procurement centres, which earlier remained shut on Saturdays, will now operate on that day as well.

Officials said the move is aimed at easing pressure on procurement centres and reducing waiting time for farmers during the peak arrival period. According to officials, the extended schedule is expected to improve daily lifting and speed up the purchase process.

Slot Booking Extended

In another key relief measure, the state government extended the deadline for wheat procurement slot booking from April 30 to May 9. The booking window has also been opened for all farmers across Madhya Pradesh, removing restrictions that had limited access in some cases.

The Chief Minister said the extension would help ensure that no farmer is left out of the procurement cycle. As per reports, the decision was taken after feedback from farmers and local officials over delays in registration and scheduling.

Farmers at Centre

Calling farmers the foundation of the state’s development, Yadav said the government had dedicated this year as “Kisan Kalyan Varsh” and would prioritise farm-sector reforms. He said the revised wheat procurement policy was designed to support small, medium and large farmers alike.

At present, wheat sales in government procurement are linked to land records and fixed productivity norms. This means farmers can sell only the quantity estimated on the basis of acreage and notified yield. The latest changes are expected to widen access, particularly for those reporting higher production this year.

Broader Farm Measures

The Chief Minister also announced a series of agriculture-focused measures beyond Madhya Pradesh wheat procurement. He said farmers would receive up to four times compensation under land acquisition provisions and added that the state was pushing irrigation expansion, crop diversification and modern farm technologies.

On pulses, he said urad would be procured at minimum support price and farmers would receive a bonus of Rs 600 per quintal. He also said agricultural pump connections were being provided for Rs 5 and solar pumps under the Krishak Mitra Yojana were being offered with 90 per cent subsidy.

According to officials, the state has also stocked 5.90 lakh metric tonnes of urea this year, higher than last year, to ensure adequate fertiliser supply during the farm season.

Congress Hits Back

The Opposition Congress criticised the Chief Minister’s address, calling it a bundle of announcements without adequate execution on the ground. State Congress chief Jitu Patwari questioned the pace of procurement, slot booking delays and electricity supply to farmers.

He alleged that wheat procurement remained slow and claimed many farmers were still being forced to sell in the open market at lower rates. Patwari also raised concerns over transparency in farm schemes and sought clarity on support for soybean, paddy and moong growers.

What Lies Ahead

The state government will now face the challenge of implementing the expanded Madhya Pradesh wheat procurement plan without logistical disruptions. With arrivals expected to remain high in the coming weeks, procurement efficiency, timely payments and centre-level coordination will remain under close watch.

Bhopal-Indore Metro will roll out its Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system from April 27, shifting ticketing operations at metro stations to a fully digital format. The new system will allow passengers in both cities to buy tickets online through QR-based modes instead of relying on manual ticket issuance.

The move marks a key operational upgrade for the metro network in Madhya Pradesh, where the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) is introducing automated fare management to improve commuter convenience and reduce transaction time at stations.

Digital ticketing shift

Under the new arrangement, passengers travelling on Bhopal-Indore Metro will be able to access tickets through digital channels, including paper QR tickets and mobile QR tickets. The AFC system is designed to streamline entry and exit at metro stations through automated scanning and validation.

According to officials, the system will reduce dependence on manual counters and improve turnaround time during peak hours. It will also support faster passenger movement and lower waiting time for ticket purchase.

Discounts for riders

To encourage adoption, MPMRCL has announced multiple fare concessions for commuters using the new system. Passengers opting for round-trip tickets will receive a 5 per cent discount on the total fare, offering a direct benefit to daily riders making return journeys on the same day.

Group travel will also attract fare relief. A 10 per cent discount will apply on group tickets booked for a minimum of eight and a maximum of 40 passengers under a single booking. Officials said the provision is aimed at making metro travel more attractive for organised groups and institutional commuters.

App wallet benefits

The official MP Metro mobile application will play a central role in the new fare collection model. Through the app, passengers can book mobile QR tickets and recharge their metro wallet for future travel.

MPMRCL has also introduced slab-based discounts on wallet recharges made through the app. Recharge values between Rs 200 and Rs 499 will receive an 8 per cent benefit. Recharges from Rs 500 to Rs 999 will attract a 10 per cent discount, while Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,499 will receive 12 per cent relief. Passengers recharging between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 will receive the highest discount of 15 per cent.

Ticketing options open

The metro operator has retained multiple ticketing options to accommodate different commuter needs. Paper QR tickets will remain available at TOM counters and customer service centres, where passengers can pay using cash or UPI.

Mobile QR tickets, however, are expected to become the preferred mode as they can be booked directly through the MP Metro app using digital payment options. The application is available on both Android and iOS platforms, allowing wider access for smartphone users.

Rules for usage

Officials said the metro wallet created within the MP Metro app will be restricted to ticket purchases only. The stored amount can be used exclusively for buying metro tickets and cannot be withdrawn or refunded under any circumstances.

This condition is expected to ensure dedicated usage of digital balances within the metro ecosystem while simplifying fare accounting for the operator.

What changes next

The introduction of AFC is expected to modernise fare operations across Bhopal-Indore Metro and align the service with digital transit systems already in use in other urban networks. The transition is also part of a wider push towards contactless travel, digital ticketing and commuter-friendly transport infrastructure.

According to officials, the Bhopal-Indore Metro upgrade is expected to improve station efficiency, support faster boarding and strengthen urban mobility in the state. For passengers, the Bhopal-Indore Metro AFC rollout brings lower fares, quicker access and a more seamless travel experience.

A pharmacy exam paper leak case has surfaced in Gwalior after a video showing an alleged agent selling a question paper minutes before the start of a Diploma in Pharmacy examination went viral, prompting swift police action. Gwalior Police have arrested three persons, including the main accused Ankesh Dhakad, in connection with the case.

The incident relates to the Diploma in Pharmacy examination conducted by Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) on April 6 at RNS Institute of Pharmacy in Gwalior’s Jhansi Road area. The paper for “Hospital and Clinical Pharmacy” was scheduled from 11 am to 2 pm.

Sale Claim Before Exam

According to the police, the accused was seen outside the examination centre around 10.45 am, nearly 15 minutes before the paper began, claiming he had access to the question paper and offering it to students in exchange for money.

In the viral video, the accused, seen wearing a blue shirt, allegedly approached students and claimed he could provide the exam paper before the test. Investigators said the video became the key basis for identifying the suspects and launching a formal probe.

Three Accused Arrested

Jhansi Road police station officials said a case was registered after the centre superintendent filed a complaint and submitted video evidence. Based on the footage, police identified Ankesh Dhakad as the alleged main accused and detained him along with two associates for questioning. All three were later arrested.

Police said several other suspects remain absconding and search operations are underway. Officials indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation expands.

Four Students Identified

The matter first came to light after a person identified as Jitendra Mishra sent the video to the examination controller on WhatsApp. During the preliminary inquiry, four students seen in the footage were identified as Sohel Malik, Virendra Singh Dhakad, Kishan Dhakad and Deepak Dhakad.

Police are examining whether the students were only present at the spot or had any direct role in the attempted pharmacy exam paper leak. Their statements are expected to form a key part of the ongoing investigation.

Sealed Papers Opened Later

The examination centre administration has maintained that the question papers remained secure inside sealed packets until shortly before the exam. Centre superintendent Bhupendra Kushwaha told police that the sealed packet was opened at 10.54 am in the presence of the flying squad and invigilators.

He also said the process was videographed as per protocol. This timeline has led investigators to suspect that the accused may have attempted to mislead students by showing fake or unauthorised material to make illegal gains rather than accessing the original paper from the centre.

Probe Expands Further

Police are now investigating whether this was an organised attempt to cheat students by falsely claiming access to confidential exam material or part of a larger exam fraud network. Investigators are also checking call records, mobile phones and message trails of those arrested.

According to officials, the role of each accused is being verified, including whether money changed hands and whether similar attempts were made in earlier examinations. Sources indicated that digital evidence recovered from the accused may provide more clarity.

Exam Security Under Focus

The case has raised fresh concerns over exam security and the vulnerability of students to fraud outside examination centres. While officials have ruled out any breach inside the centre so far, the pharmacy exam paper leak allegation has triggered scrutiny of security arrangements around professional examinations.

Air ticket prices from Madhya Pradesh have become significantly costlier over the past few weeks, with fares to major domestic destinations such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Jaipur rising by more than 25 per cent. The spike follows mounting global tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which have pushed up crude oil prices and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs, triggering a fresh fare hike across airlines.

Passengers flying out of Indore and Bhopal are now paying substantially more for both domestic and international routes, with travel industry representatives warning that fares may rise further if fuel costs remain elevated.

Fuel Surcharge Returns

Airlines including IndiGo and Air India have reintroduced fuel surcharge on several sectors after a sharp rise in operational costs. Industry sources said the increase in ATF prices has directly impacted airline margins, forcing carriers to pass on part of the burden to passengers.

According to travel operators, domestic fares have increased by 15 to 20 per cent on average in the past few weeks, while several high-demand sectors have seen even steeper jumps. The increase has coincided with the summer travel season, adding pressure on leisure and family travel budgets.

Indore Routes Costlier

Indore has seen the sharpest rise in airfares among major cities in Madhya Pradesh. Travel agents said fares on several routes from the city have risen sharply due to limited competition and reduced direct connectivity.

A one-way ticket from Indore to Mumbai, which was earlier available for around Rs 4,500, is now being sold at nearly Rs 6,500. The Indore-Kolkata sector has recorded one of the steepest jumps, with fares rising from Rs 6,500-7,500 to as high as Rs 12,000 on some days.

Travel experts said the limited number of operators on key routes, especially IndiGo’s dominance in Indore, has amplified the impact of higher fuel costs on passengers.

Direct Flights Reduced

The fare increase has also been compounded by reduced connectivity from Indore under the summer flight schedule implemented at the end of March. Several direct flights from the city to major destinations have been withdrawn, forcing passengers to opt for connecting flights.

This has increased both travel time and overall cost. Flyers who earlier relied on direct services are now paying more for multi-leg routes, particularly on business and holiday sectors. Travel agents said the change has disrupted summer vacation plans for many families, with some shifting to rail travel due to rising airfare.

International Fares Jump

International travel has become even more expensive, with fares on some routes rising by 30 to 35 per cent. Travel operators said flights to the Gulf, the US and parts of Europe have been affected by airspace restrictions and route diversions linked to the West Asia conflict.

Flights that earlier used shorter routes over Gulf airspace are now being rerouted in several cases, increasing flight time and fuel burn. This has pushed up ticket prices, especially on long-haul routes. Industry estimates suggest some international fares have nearly doubled compared to rates seen earlier this year.

Industry Flags Concern

Hemendra Singh Jadon, chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India’s Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh chapter, said the rise in fares is directly linked to geopolitical instability and rising ATF costs. He said further increases cannot be ruled out if global conditions remain volatile.

Travel expert Hemant Dhanotiya said reduced competition on several Indore routes has worsened the impact. According to him, passengers are now bearing the combined burden of costly fuel, limited seats and fewer direct flights.

Outlook Remains Uncertain

Travel operators expect air ticket prices to remain elevated through the summer unless crude prices ease and flight routes stabilise. With schools closing for vacations and holiday demand rising, airlines are likely to retain higher pricing on busy sectors.

Madhya Pradesh remained in the grip of intense summer conditions on Saturday as temperatures continued to rise across the state, with no school holiday announced in Bhopal and several other districts despite worsening heat. The MP heatwave situation has raised concerns among parents as children continue to attend classes and return home during peak afternoon heat.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal, more than 20 districts were placed under heatwave alert on Saturday, with Gwalior and Ujjain among the major urban centres likely to experience severe hot winds and prolonged daytime discomfort.

Schools Stay Open

Despite persistent heatwave conditions, schools in many districts have remained operational. While some administrations have reduced school hours, students are still reaching home during the hottest part of the day.

Parents have expressed concern over prolonged exposure of children to high temperatures, especially during afternoon dispersal. The absence of a full school closure has triggered debate over student safety as daytime temperatures continue to remain above 40 degrees Celsius in most parts of the state.

Hottest Districts Recorded

Chhatarpur district remained the hottest in Madhya Pradesh, with Khajuraho recording 43.9 degrees Celsius and Nowgong 43.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, according to IMD data. Ratlam recorded 43.2 degrees Celsius, while Satna and Tikamgarh reported 42.8 degrees Celsius each.

Among major cities, Gwalior was the hottest at 42.1 degrees Celsius. Bhopal recorded 41.6 degrees Celsius, Indore 41.2 degrees Celsius, Jabalpur 42 degrees Celsius and Ujjain 41.5 degrees Celsius.

Several other districts, including Damoh, Mandla, Rewa, Dhar, Datia and Narmadapuram, also reported temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius, indicating widespread heat stress across central and northern Madhya Pradesh.

IMD Issues Alert

The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Umaria, Dindori, Mandla, Balaghat, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Agar Malwa, Ratlam, Ujjain, Jhabua, Dhar and Alirajpur.

Officials said most remaining districts would also continue to witness hot and dry weather, with maximum temperatures staying above 40 degrees Celsius through the weekend.

According to weather officials, the current rise in temperature is consistent with the seasonal pattern typically seen in the second half of April, when heat intensifies sharply across Madhya Pradesh.

Rain Likely Next Week

The weather department has forecast a possible change in conditions by the end of April. As per reports, parts of Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur and Sagar divisions may receive light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on April 27 and 28.

Meteorologists attributed the expected change to an active western disturbance, which may bring temporary relief from prevailing heatwave conditions in parts of the state.

Heat Advisory Issued

The IMD has advised residents to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during afternoon hours. Officials have asked people to stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat.

Children, elderly residents and those with pre-existing health vulnerabilities have been identified as the most at-risk groups during the ongoing MP heatwave spell.

Public Concern Grows

The continuing heatwave, combined with schools remaining open, has turned the situation into a wider public interest story across Madhya Pradesh. With temperatures expected to stay elevated for the next two days, pressure may build on district administrations to review school operations and outdoor schedules.

Rewa Forest Fire: Blaze Reignites in Govindgarh Jungles

DFO Suspects Human Negligence

A major fire broke out in the reserved forest areas of Govindgarh in Rewa district, damaging a significant patch of dry vegetation. The blaze, which started in the Chhuiya Valley along the Vindhya range, was initially brought under control but reignited within 24 hours, forcing forest department teams back into action.

Firefighting Efforts Intensified

According to officials, the fire spread rapidly due to dry leaves and strong winds. The department, along with the Govindgarh Nagar Parishad fire brigade and local volunteers, worked for several hours to contain the flames. “We managed to save the Shikargha hill area from major damage,” a field officer confirmed.

Difficult Terrain Slows Operations

The hilly and inaccessible terrain posed serious challenges for firefighting teams. Local social workers Piyush Tripathi and Rahul Sharma assisted the crews on the ground. “Reaching the core fire zones took time because there are no proper roads. But we did not stop,” Tripathi told this reporter.

Air Quality Affected by Smoke

Thick smoke from the burning forest spread to adjacent villages, raising concerns about temporary air quality deterioration. Officials, however, confirmed no immediate health complaints had been reported. The smoke subsided largely by late evening as containment efforts succeeded.

DFO Points to Human Role

District Forest Officer Lavkesh Nirapure said the fire’s return after full dousing points clearly toward human involvement. “We had completely extinguished it one day earlier. For it to start again in the same zone cannot be natural. We are investigating possible negligence or deliberate action,” he stated.

Local Residents Questioned

Forest guards have begun recording statements of people living near the forest fringe. While no formal arrests have been made, sources indicated that grazing activity and illegal entry for firewood collection are common in the area. “Someone may have thrown a bidi or lit dry grass carelessly,” a source added.

What Next: Continuous Monitoring

The department has deployed multiple teams to the vulnerable patches overnight. Officials said a detailed report on the extent of damage to flora will be ready in two days. “We are not taking any chances now. The area will remain under watch until the summer high-risk season ends,” DFO Nirapure said.

A failed ransom bid in the Indore kidnapping case ended within seven hours on Thursday after police rescued two boys and arrested four neighbours who allegedly plotted the abduction to make quick money. According to officials, the accused had surveyed children from well-off families in their locality before picking up two boys from a public garden in Indore’s Lalaram Nagar.

Children Traced Fast

The two boys, Naitik, 9, and Samrat, 11, were allegedly abducted on Thursday evening from a garden in Lalaram Nagar by people known to them. Police said the children were taken to a flat in Dutt Nagar, where they were kept while the accused prepared to seek ransom from their families.

The Indore kidnapping case was cracked after a relative of one of the boys alerted family members when the children failed to return home. The information quickly reached police, triggering a city-wide search operation.

Four Accused Arrested

Police arrested four accused within hours of the complaint. They were identified as Vineet Prajapati, 22, his sister Radhika Prajapati, 19, Lalit Sen, 21, and his wife Tanisha, 20.

Investigators said Vineet and Radhika were the alleged masterminds of the plot, while Lalit and Tanisha helped execute the kidnapping. All four lived in the same neighbourhood and were known to one another.

Shortcut For Money

According to police, the accused planned the abduction after prolonged financial distress and unemployment. Vineet had reportedly been out of work for six months after losing his job and was struggling with unpaid rent and debt.

Lalit, a driver, was also unemployed for months. Tanisha had worked earlier in the private sector but was reportedly facing financial strain. Officials said the group decided to target children after discussing ways to earn money quickly.

Police sources indicated that Tanisha had asked Radhika about a “shortcut” to make money. During that conversation, Radhika allegedly suggested kidnapping children who visited a local garden and demanding ransom from their families.

Children Were Surveyed

Police said the accused had watched children visiting the garden for several days and identified those they believed came from financially strong households. The plan was to abduct children from affluent families and demand ransom.

However, investigators said the accused misjudged their targets. Instead of picking children from wealthy homes, they allegedly abducted two boys from working-class families. Officials said the accused were unaware that one child’s father runs a juice cart while the other earns by playing the dholak.

Lured With Promise

Police said the children were taken away on the pretext of being shown birds and animals. One of the accused allegedly persuaded the boys to accompany her before taking them to a flat.

During questioning, the boys told police they were made to sit inside the room, given food and allowed to play mobile games. Later, when they insisted on going home, the accused allegedly threatened them after failing to secure money. Officials said the children were then told to hide when police arrived and were made to believe “goons” had come to harm them.

Police Rescue Operation

Indore Police tracked the children using mobile location inputs and surveillance leads. According to officials, plainclothes personnel monitored the suspected flat after noticing unusual activity, including repeated switching of lights and movement inside.

Once suspicion was confirmed, police raided the premises and rescued both boys safely. The four accused were detained on the spot.

Police Commissioner Santosh Singh monitored the operation through the night, officials said. Senior officers coordinated teams across multiple police station limits to ensure the children were traced before any ransom exchange could take place.

Earlier Crime Plan

During interrogation, police found that the four had allegedly discussed another serious crime days earlier. Officials said the group had first planned to rob a jewellery shop about a week ago but dropped the idea after it failed to materialise. Investigators believe the kidnapping plan was then drawn up as an alternative.

Rewa Girl Beaten to Death by Stepmother

Shocking Child Abuse Claim

Police in Rewa district probe the death of 7-year-old Ragini Saket from Amir Koni village in Tyonthar assembly area. Family accuses stepmother Bitty Saket of beating the girl to death on Tuesday afternoon. The child succumbed en route to hospital Wednesday evening.

Brother's Harrowing Account

Pushpraj Saket, Ragini's brother, says the stepmother thrashed the girl around noon, triggering high fever. She writhed in pain all day, sources indicated. Second brother Ravendra alleges daily torture since father's remarriage four months ago.

Grandmother's Painful Revelation

Dadi Gomti Saket points to blue marks across the body. The girl begged for water amid agony, but got none, she claims. Delay in medical aid worsened the condition until father Manoj arrived home.

Post-Remarriage Tensions Rise

Manoj Saket wed Bitty four months back, sparking family disputes. Locals report frequent fights over child mistreatment. The incident shocks the village, fueling anger against child cruelty.

Police Secure Postmortem

Tyonthar police took custody of the body and sent it to community health centre. A three-doctor panel conducted postmortem; report awaited to confirm cause. Station in-charge Balakesh Dwivedi yet to comment fully, as per reports.

Probe into Suspected Murder

Authorities await forensic details to verify beating claims. No arrest reported yet; investigation focuses on family statements. Officials stress thorough inquiry amid public pressure.

Child Rights Under Scrutiny

The case highlights vulnerabilities in stepfamilies across Madhya Pradesh. Activists demand stricter laws and awareness. It raises questions on timely intervention in abuse reports.

Next Steps in Investigation

Postmortem results expected soon will guide action against accused. Police may record more witness accounts. Community watches closely for justice in this Rewa stepmother murder case, a public interest story in latest India news today.

Rewa Mayor Ajay Mishra Baba Sparks Row Over Abusive Remarks to Staff

Viral video shows Mayor threatening to push municipal employee into a drain during inspection; BJP terms it an insult to the SC community.

A massive political controversy has erupted in Rewa after a video surfaced on Friday showing Mayor Ajay Mishra ‘Baba’ using highly derogatory and abusive language toward a municipal corporation employee. The incident, which reportedly took place on Thursday during an inspection of Ward 16, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Mayor of demeaning the dignity of public servants and the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

Heated Exchange Over Drainage

The Mayor had reached the locality following persistent complaints from residents regarding the supply of contaminated water. During his visit, Mishra observed that a borewell had been constructed dangerously close to an open drain, leading to sewage seepage into the drinking water supply. Visibly angered by the technical lapse and the lack of oversight by the engineering department, the Mayor dialed a concerned staff member to demand accountability.

Mayor Loses Cool On-Air

As per the viral footage, the Mayor lost his temper while speaking on the phone, accusing the staffer of negligence and corruption. "Have you ever visited the UK Palace side? If you come here now, I will shove you into this very drain. Do you have no shame?" Mishra was heard shouting. He further alleged that the employee was indulging in "brokerage" instead of performing his duties and ordered an immediate fine of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 on a nearby commercial establishment for contributing to the mess.

BJP Condemns Arrogant Behavior

The BJP has been quick to seize the opportunity, launching a scathing attack on the Congress leader. Dinanath Verma, Leader of Opposition in the Rewa Municipal Corporation, stated that such language is unbecoming of a public representative. "This is pure arrogance. On one hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi washes the feet of sanitation workers to honor them, and on the other, this Mayor threatens to throw them into drains," Verma said, adding that the outburst reflected a deep-seated bias against the SC community.

Rare Field Visit Mocked

The opposition further mocked the Mayor’s sudden appearance on the streets. Local BJP leaders remarked that this was perhaps the first time in his four-year tenure that the Mayor had stepped out of his air-conditioned chamber to address public grievances. They alleged that the frustration visible in the video was a result of the administration's failure to maintain basic hygiene and infrastructure in the city over the last few years.

Public Outcry Over Sanitation

While the Mayor’s language has been condemned, the residents of Ward 16 continue to struggle with the underlying issue of foul-smelling water. Local sources indicated that despite multiple written complaints to the Municipal Commissioner, no corrective action was taken until the Mayor’s visit. The incident has highlighted the crumbling drainage infrastructure in Rewa and the lack of coordination between the political executive and the bureaucratic wing of the civic body.

Administrative Fallout Expected

The municipal employee targeted in the video has not yet issued an official statement, but sources within the corporation suggest that the staff is deeply demoralized by the public humiliation. Senior officials are reportedly reviewing the incident to prevent a standoff between the workers' union and the Mayor’s office. The Mayor, meanwhile, has maintained that his anger was a natural reaction to the "criminal negligence" of the staff which was risking public health.

Future Political Implications

With the video trending across social media platforms, the Congress leadership in Madhya Pradesh finds itself on the defensive. As Rewa prepares for upcoming administrative reviews, the fallout from this controversy is expected to dominate the local political discourse. Whether the Mayor issues a formal apology or stands by his "tough love" approach remains to be seen, but the incident has certainly shifted the spotlight onto the governance of Rewa’s urban local body.