The Chhattisgarh government has capped annual fee hikes in private schools at 8% and barred institutions from forcing parents to buy books, uniforms or stationery from specific vendors, tightening oversight over private school operations in a major public interest move. The School Education Department has issued separate orders to all district collectors and district education officers, directing strict enforcement from the current academic session.

The twin directives come amid rising complaints from parents over steep fee revisions and alleged commercial practices by private schools. According to officials, the orders are aimed at regulating unaided private schools and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for families, making this one of the key Government Updates in the state’s education sector.

Fee Hike Capped

Under the Chhattisgarh Private School Fee Regulation Act, 2020, private schools can increase annual fees by only up to 8% without prior approval. Any proposal beyond that limit will now require clearance from the district fee committee.

The department has also made it mandatory for every private school to constitute an internal fee committee. Officials said nodal principals and district education officers will monitor compliance and flag violations. Schools found collecting fees in excess of the prescribed limit may face disciplinary action under the existing regulatory framework.

The move sends a clear signal that arbitrary fee revision will invite scrutiny and possible enforcement, especially as schools begin fresh admissions and fee collection for the new academic year.

Books Rule Tightened

In a separate order, the state government has barred private schools from compelling parents to purchase books from private publishers outside prescribed norms. For Classes 1 to 8, schools have been directed to use only NCERT textbooks for classroom instruction.

For Classes 9 to 12, schools cannot compel students to buy books from any particular shop or seller. The same restriction applies to uniforms and stationery. Schools have been told they cannot create tied purchase arrangements or informal vendor networks that force parents into fixed buying channels.

Officials said district authorities have been asked to ensure schools do not impose indirect pressure through circulars, verbal instructions or preferred vendor lists.

Relief For Parents

The orders are expected to bring immediate relief to middle-class families, many of whom have repeatedly complained of rising school expenses beyond tuition. Parents have long alleged that several private schools inflate annual costs by linking admissions and classroom requirements to expensive books, branded uniforms and exclusive stationery purchases.

By restricting such practices, the government has attempted to address one of the most persistent concerns in school education affordability. The latest move is likely to resonate strongly with urban and semi-urban households facing rising education costs, according to officials and sector observers.

Monitoring At District Level

The School Education Department has placed responsibility for enforcement at the district level. Collectors and district education officers have been directed to maintain oversight, review complaints and ensure a transparent grievance redressal process.

Sources indicated that district administrations may also be asked to submit compliance reports to the department in the coming weeks. This could help create a formal record of school-level violations and enable targeted action where required.

The emphasis on district-level monitoring suggests the government wants enforcement to move beyond advisory notices and into active compliance checks.

Wider Policy Signal

The decision carries wider administrative and political significance. It comes at a time when concerns over privatisation of education, rising school costs and weak fee regulation have become recurring issues in public discourse.

By targeting both fee regulation and school-linked commercial practices, the state has expanded scrutiny beyond academics into the financial conduct of private institutions. This positions the move as both a regulatory intervention and a consumer protection measure within the education system.

The development also fits into a broader India News Update cycle in which state governments are facing growing pressure to regulate private education more tightly.

What Happens Next

The immediate test will be enforcement. While the rules are already in place under existing law, their impact will depend on how aggressively district authorities act on complaints and monitor compliance during the academic session.

A woman allegedly entered an STF colony residence in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district and stabbed a constable’s wife and son to death, while injuring two daughters. Police have detained the accused and launched a detailed probe into the CG Murder Case.

Attack Inside STF Colony

A double murder inside the STF Colony under Supela police station limits in Durg district on Saturday morning triggered panic and raised serious security concerns in the area.

According to officials, a 25-year-old woman allegedly entered the residence of STF constable Lalitesh Yadav and attacked his family with a knife. The assault left his wife Reena Yadav and their nine-year-old son dead, while two daughters sustained serious injuries.

The incident took place at around 8 am when Lalitesh Yadav had reportedly gone to the railway station for work.

Family Caught Off Guard

Police said Reena Yadav was at home with her four children when the accused entered the house. Investigators believe the family had little time to react before the attack began.

Initial findings suggest the attacker first targeted the sleeping nine-year-old boy and stabbed him multiple times. She then turned on Reena Yadav and attacked her with the same weapon.

The assault unfolded within minutes, leaving the house soaked in blood and the family in shock.

Mother Tried Resisting

During the attack, Reena Yadav reportedly tried to stop the assailant and held her by the leg in an attempt to save her children.

According to local accounts, she asked her daughters to run. One of the girls managed to escape and alert neighbours, while another hid inside a bathroom to avoid the attack.

Both girls suffered injuries and were admitted to hospital. Doctors said their condition remains serious, though stable.

Neighbours Overpowered Accused

Residents rushed to the house after hearing distress calls and managed to overpower the accused before police arrived.

Locals reportedly snatched the knife from her and informed police. Officers from Supela police station reached the spot and took the woman into custody.

Police identified the accused as Sarojini Bhardwaj, 25, a native of Janjgir district who had been living in a rented accommodation in Durg.

Probe Into Motive

Investigators said the motive behind the attack is still under examination. However, police are probing the possibility of a personal dispute and suspected relationship-related tensions.

Sources indicated the accused had visited the same house a day earlier, but was allegedly sent back after a brief exchange with the family.

Police have not officially confirmed the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim’s family. Officers said all angles, including personal conflict and prior interactions, are being examined in the CG Murder Case.

Police Register Case

BhilaI City Superintendent of Police Satyaprakash Tiwari said a case of murder and attempt to murder has been registered.

According to officials, forensic teams examined the crime scene and collected evidence from the house. Police are also recording statements from neighbours, family members and the injured children.

The accused remains in custody and is being questioned to establish the sequence of events and motive behind the attack.

Security Questions Raised

The CG Murder Case has sparked fear in the STF residential colony and renewed concern over security inside police housing areas.

Residents questioned how an outsider managed to enter the premises and carry out a fatal attack in broad daylight. The case has also drawn attention to the risks posed by unresolved personal disputes escalating into violent crime.

As the investigation continues, police are expected to reconstruct the timeline, verify the accused’s movements and establish the exact trigger behind the attack

In a significant organisational reshuffle, the Raipur Congress Committee on Saturday announced its new city executive, marking a fresh round of changes in the Chhattisgarh Congress setup. The new team was cleared after approval from state Congress chief Deepak Baij, following which Raipur city Congress president Kumar Menon formally constituted the new panel.

The Raipur Congress Committee has formed a 61-member executive, with the leadership indicating that the new structure has been designed to strengthen the party at the grassroots and improve coordination ahead of the next electoral cycle.

61 members named

According to the list released by the organisation, the newly announced Raipur Congress Committee executive includes 12 vice-presidents, 19 general secretaries, 20 secretaries and 10 executive members.

Party functionaries said the distribution of responsibilities was carried out with a clear focus on organisational balance and booth-level expansion. The structure reflects an attempt to build a wider leadership base within the city unit while assigning defined roles to office-bearers.

The latest development is being seen as part of a broader internal restructuring exercise underway in the state unit, where district and city committees are being recalibrated to improve efficiency and electoral readiness.

Fresh faces preferred

A key feature of the new Raipur Congress Committee is the visible inclusion of several new faces in the city organisation. At the same time, a number of leaders who held positions in the previous executive have not found a place in the new list.

The move is being viewed within the party as a signal that the leadership is looking to infuse fresh energy into the organisation and reward workers considered active at the ground level.

Sources indicated that the latest exercise was aimed at improving participation among younger and more active workers, while also addressing complaints of organisational stagnation in some segments of the city unit.

Focus on expansion

Party insiders said the reconstituted Raipur Congress Committee has been shaped with a strong emphasis on expanding the organisation and improving its local reach across wards and booth clusters.

The leadership is understood to have prioritised stronger coordination between senior office-bearers and grassroots workers. According to officials, the objective is to sharpen the party’s city-level presence and ensure quicker mobilisation on civic and political issues.

This is also expected to help the Congress improve its response mechanism on local governance matters, public campaigns and ward-level outreach.

Election strategy in view

The timing of the new Raipur Congress Committee assumes significance as the Congress begins preparing its political roadmap for upcoming elections. Party leaders are expected to use the revamped city structure to accelerate public engagement and strengthen campaign machinery.

The new executive is likely to play a central role in expanding voter outreach, coordinating ward-level activities and amplifying the party’s messaging in urban constituencies.

As per reports, the leadership wants the city unit to take a more active role in public contact programmes and issue-based mobilisation in the months ahead. This aligns with broader Government Updates and political recalibration being tracked under Latest News Today and India News Update.

Workers show enthusiasm

The announcement has generated visible enthusiasm among party workers in Raipur, with local leaders viewing the new appointments as an opportunity to revive momentum in the city unit.

Party workers said the reshuffle has created fresh expectations within the organisation, particularly among those who had been seeking a more active and accountable structure in the city Congress.

The inclusion of new office-bearers is also expected to widen participation and improve internal coordination across different organisational layers.

What comes next

The immediate focus for the Raipur Congress Committee will now shift to implementation. The newly appointed office-bearers are expected to begin organisational meetings, ward-level reviews and outreach planning in the coming days.

With the new executive in place, the Raipur Congress Committee is expected to concentrate on cadre activation, local issue campaigns and voter engagement as the Congress looks to consolidate its urban base.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Chhattisgarh government over the Vedanta plant blast in Sakti district that has claimed 25 lives so far. The commission took suo motu cognisance of the April 14 industrial accident and asked the state to fix accountability, ensure justice for victims and submit a full report within two weeks.

The blast at the Vedanta Power Plant in Sakti district left 36 workers severely burnt. Officials said three injured workers remain in critical condition, while five others are under observation. Two workers have been discharged after treatment.

Death Toll Rises

The death toll in the Vedanta plant blast has continued to rise over the past 10 days, making it one of the deadliest industrial accidents reported in Chhattisgarh in recent years. According to officials, the explosion took place inside the boiler unit of the thermal power plant on April 14 afternoon.

The NHRC issued notices to the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, directing them to submit a detailed factual and action-taken report. The commission said the matter involved serious concerns of human rights, workplace safety and administrative accountability.

Probe Flags Lapses

A preliminary inquiry by the industrial safety department found serious negligence in plant operations and maintenance. Boiler Inspector Ujjwal Gupta and his team inspected the site on April 15 and submitted an initial report to Sakti Superintendent of Police Praful Thakur.

Officials said the inquiry found excessive fuel accumulation inside the boiler furnace, which caused a sudden spike in pressure. The pressure reportedly displaced the lower boiler pipe and triggered the explosion. A forensic science laboratory report has also pointed to the same cause, according to officials.

Load Surge Suspected

Investigators said furnace pressure rose sharply within one to two seconds at around 2.33 pm on April 14, leaving no time for shutdown or emergency intervention. The blast occurred in a 2028 TPH water tube boiler, where pressure built rapidly and led to an internal explosion before spreading to external pipelines.

Officials said the boiler load was raised from nearly 350 MW to around 590 MW within a short period, allegedly to increase output. Investigators are examining whether the rapid load escalation, repeated faults in the PA fan, unburnt fuel accumulation and failure of the backup system contributed to the accident.

Officials Under Lens

The role of key operational and maintenance officials is now under scrutiny. Sources indicated that NGSL, which was handling operations and maintenance at the Singhitrai project, is central to the probe.

Rajesh Saxena, identified as project head and site in-charge, is among those whose role is being examined. Officials are also reviewing the conduct of maintenance teams responsible for boiler systems, turbines and auxiliary equipment. Authorities are investigating whether safety checks were ignored and whether standard operating procedures were followed.

Compensation Announced

Vedanta management has announced Rs 35 lakh compensation for the families of each deceased worker and a job for one eligible family member. Injured workers will receive Rs 15 lakh each.

Separate compensation has also been announced by the Centre and the state government. Under PMNRF, families of the deceased will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while the injured will get Rs 50,000. The Chhattisgarh government has announced Rs 5 lakh for the families of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

What Happens Next

A magisterial inquiry ordered by the district administration is underway and has been asked to submit its report within 30 days. The inquiry will examine how the accident took place, who was responsible, whether technical or human failure caused the blast and whether regulatory inspections had flagged earlier safety lapses.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has uncovered an alleged foreign funding network linked to religious activities in Chhattisgarh, with investigators claiming that nearly Rs 95 crore entered India over six months through foreign debit cards. According to officials, the money was allegedly routed into the country between November 2025 and April 2026 and used in part for Christian missionary-linked operations in the state’s tribal and Maoist-affected districts.

The Chhattisgarh Christian funding probe has placed focus on Bastar and Dhamtari, where central agencies say nearly Rs 6.5 crore was spent on religious outreach and associated activities. The findings have emerged from an ongoing money laundering investigation involving foreign nationals, digital financial trails and suspected regulatory violations.

Airport detention triggers case

The investigation gained momentum after immigration authorities detained a foreign national, identified as Micah Mark, at Bengaluru International Airport. Officials said he was intercepted on the basis of an ED-issued lookout circular.

During the search, authorities recovered 24 foreign debit cards from his possession. Investigators suspect the cards were used to withdraw cash from ATMs across India in a structured manner to avoid scrutiny and bypass formal financial reporting systems.

TTI under scanner

At the centre of the case is ‘The Timothy Initiative’ (TTI), an organisation that agencies say is linked to Christian evangelical work. ED officials allege that TTI and its associates operated a covert funding structure to support activities in India without routing money through authorised regulatory channels.

According to investigators, the organisation is not registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), yet foreign funds were allegedly used to support operations on the ground. Officials are now examining whether this constituted a direct violation of India’s foreign funding and anti-money laundering laws.

Cash withdrawals tracked

ED said its searches on April 18 and 19 covered six locations across the country. During the operation, officials tracked repeated ATM withdrawals allegedly made using foreign debit cards issued by Truist Bank in the United States.

Investigators believe the method was designed to fragment transactions and avoid detection by regulators. Instead of formal banking transfers, funds were allegedly brought into India through multiple withdrawals, reducing the chances of immediate compliance alerts.

Officials also said digital accounting and billing tools were used to maintain transaction records, with parts of the system believed to have been operated from outside India.

Seizures and evidence

During the raids, ED seized 25 foreign debit cards, Rs 40 lakh in cash, electronic devices and digital records. Investigators also collected documents that may help establish the financial chain, beneficiary network and end use of funds.

Officials indicated that the case may involve a larger organised money laundering structure with interstate and international links. The agency is now examining the role of intermediaries, local facilitators and financial handlers connected to the network.

Bastar focus sharpens 

The alleged use of foreign funds in Bastar and Dhamtari has drawn particular attention because both regions remain sensitive from a security and tribal policy standpoint. Officials are assessing whether the funds were used only for religious expansion or if there were broader local influence operations attached to them.

The probe has also raised questions around financial surveillance, compliance enforcement and the monitoring of foreign-linked religious funding in conflict-prone districts. The matter is likely to figure in wider Government Updates and internal security reviews.

Investigation widens further

The ED has not announced arrests beyond the detention linked to the airport interception, but officials said the investigation remains active and more summons are likely. Financial records, digital devices and cross-border transactions are now under forensic review.

Congress leader’s son was shot dead after three masked men allegedly barged into a house and opened fire in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district late on April 23, police said. The incident took place in Karhi village under Birra police station limits and has triggered a high-level investigation.

The deceased was identified as 19-year-old Ayush Kashyap, a BA LLB second-year student and son of local businessman Sammelal Kashyap, who has also served as block vice-president of the Congress. Ayush died after being shot in the head, while his younger brother was injured in the firing.

Family Targeted At Night

According to the family, the attackers entered the house while Ayush and his siblings were asleep in the same room. Before entering the room, the assailants allegedly confined Ayush’s parents in another room to prevent them from intervening.

Ayush’s younger brother Ashutosh Kashyap, 16, also sustained gunshot injuries and is undergoing treatment at the district hospital. Their sister, Prerna Kashyap, who was home on leave, was also present during the attack.

Police said the attackers fled after the shooting, taking away cash, mobile phones and an iPhone from the house.

Business Rivalry Suspected

Ayush’s father has alleged that the murder was linked to the family’s sand business. Sammelal Kashyap told police that his son had recently become active in the sand trade and had purchased heavy vehicles, including a Hyva truck and a JCB machine.

He claimed the killing may have stemmed from rivalry in the local sand transport business. According to the family, Ayush had recently become more involved in operations related to cement and sand supply.

Investigators have not confirmed the motive, but officials said all possible angles, including business rivalry, are under examination.

Prior Suspicion Emerges

The family has also claimed that unidentified men had visited the house days before the murder and had specifically asked about Ayush. His sister told investigators that three men had come looking for him nearly a week before the attack.

That detail has now become central to the investigation, with police trying to establish whether the same men carried out the shooting.

As per reports, the attackers appeared to have prior knowledge of the family and their movements, indicating that the assault may have been planned in advance.

Police Scan CCTV Footage

Senior police officers, including Additional Superintendent of Police Umesh Kumar Kashyap, visited the crime scene along with cyber and forensic teams soon after the attack.

Officials said CCTV footage from inside the house and nearby routes is being scanned to identify the accused. Police suspect the attackers arrived and escaped on a motorcycle.

Barricades were set up on key roads in and around the area after the incident. Call detail records and local surveillance inputs are also being analysed to trace the suspects.

Probe Gains Momentum

Police said the body was sent for post-mortem and later handed over to the family. A formal case has been registered and multiple teams have been deployed to track down the accused.

According to officials, investigators are examining forensic evidence, digital records and possible local links to establish the sequence of events. No arrests had been made till the latest news today.

The case has drawn attention across the district due to the victim’s political family background and the violent nature of the attack.

District Awaits Answers

The murder has raised fresh concerns over law and order and the growing threat of violent rivalry in business-linked disputes in rural Chhattisgarh. The killing has also sparked political attention, given the victim’s family’s association with the Congress.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has upheld the acquittal of a man accused of rape and cheating, ruling that no offence of deception is made out when a woman knowingly enters into a relationship with a married man. In a significant ruling, the court observed that if a woman is aware that her partner is already married, she cannot later allege that physical relations were established on the false promise of marriage.

Justice Sanjay S. Agrawal passed the order while dismissing the woman’s appeal against a lower court judgment that had acquitted the accused, Mahesh Ganjir. The Chhattisgarh High Court said the essential element of fraud was absent in the case, as the complainant was fully aware of the man’s marital status.

What The Case Was

The case arose from a complaint filed by a woman from Dongargarh in Chhattisgarh, who claimed that she had married Mahesh Ganjir on May 8, 2008. She told the court that a written marriage agreement was also executed on January 21, 2009, and that the two lived together as husband and wife after that.

The woman alleged that the accused had physical relations with her during the course of the relationship and later expelled her from his house after she refused to give him more money. She also claimed to have spent Rs 85,000 on travel and related expenses during their time together.

Based on these claims, she accused Ganjir of rape and cheating and challenged the trial court’s acquittal before the High Court.

Contradictions In Record

The Chhattisgarh High Court noted several contradictions in the woman’s claims and found material inconsistencies in her earlier statements. According to court records, her earlier legal notices and police complaint did not mention a fixed marriage date. Instead, they stated that the accused had physical relations with her between May and September 2008 on the assurance of marriage.

The court also relied on another notice issued by the complainant, which indicated that she was fully aware that Mahesh Ganjir was already married. Records showed that she even knew the name of his first wife.

This, the court said, weakened her claim that she had been deceived into believing she was entering a legally valid marriage.

Court’s Legal Reasoning

While examining the matter, the Chhattisgarh High Court referred to Section 493 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with cohabitation caused by a man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage.

The court said the core requirement under the provision is deception. It held that where both parties are aware that no valid legal marriage exists, the question of fraud does not arise.

Justice Agrawal noted that the accused’s first wife was alive at the time of the alleged marriage, making any subsequent marriage legally void under Sections 5 and 11 of the Hindu Marriage Act. Since the complainant knew this fact, the court held that she could not later claim she had been misled into believing she was the accused’s legally wedded wife.

Woman Argued Case

The woman argued her own case before the High Court after challenging the trial court verdict. After hearing her submissions and reviewing the trial record, the court found no legal ground to interfere with the acquittal.

The High Court then dismissed the appeal and affirmed the lower court’s order in favour of the accused.

Legal Significance Explained

The ruling is significant in cases involving allegations of rape on the promise of marriage, especially where prior knowledge of an existing marriage is established. Legal experts say the judgment reinforces the principle that consent obtained in a relationship cannot automatically be treated as consent obtained by fraud unless clear deception is proved.

The Chhattisgarh High Court ruling is likely to be cited in similar cases involving disputes over consent, marital status and allegations of inducement, according to officials tracking recent India News Update and Government Updates in criminal law.

Chhattisgarh heatwave conditions tightened their grip on the state on Friday, with Rajnandgaon recording the highest temperature at 44.5°C and the India Meteorological Department warning of a further 1–2°C rise over the next 48 hours. Raipur remains under heatwave alert, though light rain and thunderstorms may bring limited relief after two days.

Heatwave Tightens Grip

Chhattisgarh continued to reel under severe heat on Friday as maximum temperatures stayed well above normal across several districts. Rajnandgaon emerged as the hottest location in the state at 44.5°C, while Raipur was expected to touch 44°C under prevailing heatwave conditions.

According to officials, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for parts of central Chhattisgarh between April 25 and April 27. The department said temperatures are likely to rise by another 1–2°C over the next two days, prolonging discomfort across the region.

Rajnandgaon Hottest Spot

The highest day temperature in the state was recorded in Rajnandgaon at 44.5°C, underscoring the intensity of the current heat spell. Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur also remained among the hotter pockets, with residents facing harsh afternoon conditions and dry winds.

In contrast, Ambikapur remained relatively cooler, recording the lowest minimum temperature at 20.5°C. However, weather officials said isolated relief in northern districts is unlikely to significantly alter the broader heat pattern affecting the state.

Raipur On Alert

The IMD has flagged heatwave conditions in Raipur, where the maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 44°C, with the minimum likely to hover near 28°C. Officials said hot and dry winds during the afternoon could intensify exposure risks, especially for outdoor workers, schoolchildren and the elderly.

As per reports, district administrations have been asked to remain alert and monitor local conditions, particularly during peak afternoon hours when heat stress levels are expected to remain high.

Why Heat Is Rising

Meteorologists attributed the sharp rise in temperatures to a trough line extending from Vidarbha to southern India, along with cyclonic circulation in the upper air over the Bengal-Odisha region. This weather pattern has sustained the flow of hot and dry winds into Chhattisgarh.

According to weather experts, the combination of dry continental winds and delayed moisture intrusion has prevented any meaningful cooling, allowing daytime temperatures to climb steadily across central parts of the state.

Rain Relief After Two Days

While heatwave conditions are likely to persist in the short term, the weather department has indicated a possible shift after the next 48 hours. Some parts of Chhattisgarh may witness light rainfall, thunder activity and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph.

Officials said this could offer temporary relief in select districts, though isolated pockets may continue to experience heatwave conditions despite localised weather activity. The expected change is not likely to bring widespread cooling immediately.

Exam Timings Revised

The ongoing heat has also prompted administrative adjustments. In Bilaspur, Vyapam has revised the timing of upcoming competitive examinations in view of the rising temperatures.

Officials said exams that were earlier scheduled from 12 noon will now begin at 10 am. The revised schedule will apply to the Mandi Board Sub-Inspector examination on April 26, SSC Nursing and PET on May 14, and PPHT on May 21.

Public Impact Widens

The prolonged heat spell has begun affecting daily routines, public movement and examination schedules across Chhattisgarh. Health risks linked to dehydration and heat stress have also increased, particularly in urban centres and interior districts where daytime exposure remains high.

Congress Leader’s Son Shot Dead In Janjgir Home Invasion

Three Masked Men Attack Family

Three masked assailants stormed the residence of a former block Congress vice-president in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district late Thursday night. The attackers shot dead the leader’s 19-year-old son and critically injured his younger sibling.

The incident occurred around 12:30 am in Karhi village under the Birra police station limits. Police said the assailants entered the house and opened fire indiscriminately. The victim, Ayush Kashyap, suffered bullet wounds to the head and chest and died on the spot. His 16-year-old brother Ashutosh remains critical.

Parents Locked In Separate Room

According to preliminary investigation, the three masked men first locked the parents inside a room. They then targeted the children sleeping in another room. Ayush, a second-year BA LLB student, was hit twice. Ashutosh, a Class 10 student, sustained a bullet injury on his shoulder.

Cash And iPhone Stolen

Police sources indicated that the attackers fled with around Rs 60 in cash and an iPhone. The family has three children. Their daughter Prerna Kashyap, a BPM officer posted in Jagdalpur, was also home on leave during the attack. She witnessed the shooting.

Sister Recounts Earlier Visit

Prerna told police that three young men had come to their house a week ago asking about Ayush. She added that all three attackers wore masks during Thursday night’s assault. The family said the assailants also took three mobile phones before escaping.

Father Alleges Sand Trade Rivalry

The victim’s father, Sammlal Kashyap, alleged that the murder stemmed from a sand mining business dispute. “Ayush had recently purchased a hyva truck and a JCB. He had become active in the trade. That is the only reason someone would want him dead,” Kashyap told police.

Local Congress leaders, including MLA Vyas Kashyap and Jaijaipur MLA Baleshwar Sahu, visited the crime scene late Thursday night.

Police Launch Massive Manhunt

Acting Superintendent of Police Nivedita Paul and Additional SP Umesh Kashyap reached the spot along with cyber and forensic teams. Officials confirmed that the attackers used motorcycles. Police have set up barricades across the town and are scanning CCTV footage from nearby areas.

“We are also analysing call detail records to identify the suspects,” an officer said. The body has been sent for post-mortem. The younger brother continues to receive treatment at the district hospital.

What Next

Authorities have formed multiple teams to track down the three masked assailants. Investigators are examining whether a recent land dispute or sand mining rivalry motivated the attack. Police expect to make arrests within 48 hours based on technical surveillance leads.

Sakti SI Faces Rape, Blackmail Charges

Woman Levels Serious Allegations

A married woman from Sakti, Chhattisgarh, accuses Sub-Inspector Kamal Merisha of rape, capturing nude videos, forcing an abortion, and ongoing blackmail. The duo connected via Facebook three years ago when Merisha served in Dantewada. Their interactions intensified after his posting in Sakti.

Facebook Friendship Turns Sour

Merisha posed as unmarried and promised to adopt her daughter, sources indicated. Physical relations followed during her husband's absence. The woman, mother to a young girl abandoned by her spouse, shared sonography videos confirming pregnancy in January 2024.

Sakti police station handles the complaint, yet faces inaction claims.

Forced Abortion Revealed

Merisha allegedly gave abortion pills without consent, leading to miscarriage. Relations continued post-incident. His wife's call later exposed his marriage and child, shattering trust.

Suicide Bid Follows Shock

Distraught, the woman consumed pesticide in a suicide attempt. Merisha rushed her to MalkhRaoda health centre for treatment. He then blocked her number, prompting her January 29, 2026, complaint at Sakti thana.

Complaints Ignored Alleges Victim

SDOP Sakti took initial probe, but the woman claims four visits to SP and IG offices yielded no action. She shared call logs and videos demanding justice. Police sources confirm ongoing review.

Threat at SDOP Office

On March 28, 2026, Merisha reportedly showed objectionable material outside SDOP office, threatening virality and false cases. Pressured, she withdrew the complaint temporarily. Harassment persisted.

SI Denies All Charges

Merisha calls accusations false, per reports. Dainik Bhaskar tried contacting Additional SP Pankaj Patel, but received no response. No formal arrest or suspension yet.

Broader Women Safety Concerns

Case spotlights police accountability in Chhattisgarh, amid rising complaints against officers. Victims hesitate due to threats. Public demands swift probe.

Mob Justice in Surajpur: Man Paraded with Shaved Head Over Theft Suspicion

Viral video sparks outrage as couple subjected to public humiliation in Chhattisgarh; police initiate investigation into Pasta village incident.

SURAJPUR: In a harrowing instance of mob justice reported from Chhattisgarh’s Surajpur district, a 32-year-old man was allegedly thrashed, partially tonsured, and paraded half-naked through a village over suspicions of theft. The victim, identified as Mohammed Rahman Taj, was subjected to the ordeal in Pasta village under the Ramanujnagar police station limits, where locals accused him of stealing wires from a solar power system.

The incident, which took place in full public view, has drawn widespread condemnation after videos of the humiliation surfaced on social media. According to reports, the victim’s wife was also allegedly harassed and threatened with sexual violence when she attempted to intervene.

Village Panchayat turns violent

The confrontation began when the Pasta village Sarpanch’s husband and local residents summoned Rahman to the village for a "settlement" regarding the alleged theft. Rahman, a resident of Kalyanpur, arrived at the village with his wife, expecting a discussion.

However, the situation escalated rapidly as a mob gathered and seized the couple. Eyewitness accounts and viral footage indicate that the villagers forcibly shaved half of Rahman's head and placed a garland of shoes around his neck before parading him through the streets.

Allegations of physical assault

The victim’s wife alleged that the mob did not spare her during the chaos. Speaking to local media, she claimed that they were both physically assaulted and that the perpetrators issued death threats.

"We were called to the Panchayat by the Sarpanch's husband. As soon as we reached, they started beating my husband and humiliated him in front of everyone," she stated, adding that the attackers threatened her with rape when she pleaded for mercy.

Police launch formal probe

Following the incident, the victim's father approached the Ramanujnagar police station to lodge a formal complaint. He maintained that his son was framed under false charges and that the villagers took the law into their own hands based on mere hearsay.

The Surajpur police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Preliminary findings suggest that locals had previously spotted the youth in the area and suspected him of reconnaissance for theft, leading to the targeted attack when he returned the following day.

Official stance on vigilantism

Responding to the allegations, the Sarpanch’s husband reportedly claimed that the "anger of the villagers" led to the incident. However, law enforcement officials have reiterated that vigilante justice is a criminal offense.

"We have received the complaint and the viral videos are being analyzed to identify the primary instigators," a senior police official said. Strict action is expected against those found guilty of rioting and outraging the modesty of a woman.

Rising concerns over mob fury

This incident highlights a disturbing trend of extrajudicial punishments in rural pockets of the state. Only recently, a similar case was reported from the Gaurela-Pendra-Marhwahi district, where a widow was stripped and paraded over a personal dispute.

Public interest story advocates and legal experts have called for more stringent patrolling and faster judicial intervention to curb such acts of mob fury that bypass the constitutional legal framework.

Future course of action

As the Surajpur administration moves to restore order in Pasta village, the police are expected to record the statements of the victims under Section 164 of the CrPC. The health condition of the victim is being monitored following the physical assault.

Further arrests are likely as the investigation broadens to include those who filmed and circulated the video, potentially attracting charges under the IT Act alongside sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Ambikapur Fire: Blaze in Plastic-Cracker Shop Doused After 18 Hours

Ambikapur fire incident brought under control after prolonged efforts; six houses evacuated, power cut overnight amid suspected short circuit

Fire Breaks Out

A massive fire at a plastic and firecracker wholesale shop in Ambikapur was brought under control after nearly 18 hours of continuous firefighting, officials said on Friday. The blaze, which erupted on Thursday afternoon, caused extensive damage to the three-storey structure and triggered panic in the densely populated locality.

Long Rescue Effort

Fire brigade teams battled the flames through the night, deploying over 100 water tankers to contain the situation. Despite sustained efforts, flames continued to erupt intermittently due to combustible materials stored inside the premises. By early Friday morning, the fire was largely contained, though smoke was still rising from the upper floors.

Area Evacuated

Authorities evacuated at least six nearby houses as a precautionary measure. Families were moved to safer locations, with some taking shelter at a nearby temple complex. Officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, but several adjoining structures sustained partial damage.

Cause Under Probe

Preliminary findings indicate that a short circuit may have triggered the fire at the Mukesh Plastic and Firecracker Agency located near Ram Mandir. According to officials, the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of plastic goods and residual firecracker stock, even though the primary firecracker business had reportedly been shifted elsewhere.

Power Supply Hit

As the fire intensified, electricity supply to the surrounding area was cut off to prevent further hazards. The outage lasted through the night, leaving residents grappling with heat and discomfort. Authorities restored power gradually once the situation stabilised early Friday.

Property Damage High

Officials estimate losses running into crores of rupees. The warehouse reportedly housed large quantities of plastic goods along with firecracker remnants, all of which were gutted in the blaze. Portions of the building collapsed during firefighting operations due to structural weakening caused by intense heat and continuous water exposure.

Ongoing Monitoring

Fire personnel remain stationed at the site as a precaution, monitoring for flare-ups. According to local प्रशासन officials, a detailed assessment of damages is underway, and a formal investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause and any lapses in safety compliance.

Background Context

The incident occurred in a congested commercial-residential zone, raising concerns over storage of hazardous materials in populated areas. Similar fire incidents in recent years have prompted stricter guidelines, but enforcement remains inconsistent in many regions.

Official Response

Local authorities stated that coordinated efforts from multiple fire units, including teams from nearby industrial zones, helped prevent the fire from spreading further. “Timely evacuation and additional support units ensured there was no loss of life,” an official said, adding that safety audits may be conducted in nearby establishments.

Public Impact

Residents in the affected area faced significant disruption, with cooking and daily activities halted due to evacuation and power cuts. The thick smoke plume was reportedly visible from several kilometres away, raising alarm across the city.

What Lies Ahead

Officials are expected to complete a damage assessment report soon. Further कार्रवाई may be taken if negligence or violation of fire safety norms is established. The Ambikapur fire incident is likely to renew focus on urban safety compliance and emergency preparedness.