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.

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.

Malnourished baby found in Satna, referred to Rewa hospital

Severely malnourished infant in Satna raises concerns over healthcare gaps; baby referred to Rewa amid worsening condition

Critical condition detected

A five-month-old malnourished baby girl was found in a critical condition in Satna district, prompting urgent medical intervention and raising fresh concerns over child healthcare monitoring in rural areas. The infant, identified as Mohini Prajapati, was shifted to a higher medical facility after her condition deteriorated despite initial treatment.

Officials confirmed that the baby was suffering from severe malnutrition and had congenital deformities, including the absence of one ear since birth.

Health team intervention

According to health department sources, a joint medical team reached Nayagaon village in Majhgawan block early Friday morning following inputs about a critical case. Upon examination, doctors found the infant’s condition alarming.

Her weight was recorded at just 2.327 kilograms, significantly below the expected weight for her age, placing her in the category of severe acute malnutrition (SAM), as per standard health parameters.

Initial treatment given

The child was first admitted to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Majhgawan, where she received primary care. However, as her health failed to stabilise, she was shifted to the district hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for advanced monitoring.

Doctors attending to the case noted persistent complications during treatment, particularly related to unstable blood sugar levels.

Doctors flag complications

Pediatric specialist Dr. Sandeep Dwivedi, who examined the child, indicated that her blood sugar remained consistently low and could not be controlled despite medical efforts. According to officials, this complication significantly worsened her already fragile condition.

Given the severity of the case, the infant was referred to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa for specialised treatment and further management.

Family and background

Family members told authorities that the child was born at a district hospital in Sonipur, located in Chitrakoot district of neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. They stated that the baby’s health had been compromised since birth.

However, due to limited access to healthcare and inadequate nutrition, her condition progressively worsened over the past months. Officials noted that timely medical intervention could have improved outcomes in such cases.

Anganwadi role questioned

Sources in the local administration confirmed that the Anganwadi worker assigned to the area was aware of the child’s deteriorating health condition. Despite this, no effective or timely intervention was reportedly initiated.

The development has triggered an internal inquiry by the health department to ascertain lapses in monitoring and response mechanisms under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) framework.

Officials indicated that accountability would be fixed if negligence is established.

Rising malnutrition concern

The case has emerged just days after another malnourished infant reportedly died in the Surangi area of Satna district, highlighting a worrying trend. Public health experts say such incidents point to systemic gaps in early identification and nutritional support in vulnerable regions.

Malnutrition continues to remain a critical public interest issue in several parts of Madhya Pradesh, despite ongoing government programmes aimed at improving maternal and child health indicators.

What lies ahead

Authorities have stated that the infant is currently under observation at the Rewa hospital, where a team of specialists is monitoring her condition. Further updates are expected based on her response to treatment.

Meanwhile, the district administration has intensified surveillance in affected areas and directed field workers to ensure timely identification of at-risk children.

This Latest News Today reflects broader concerns highlighted in ongoing India News Update reports about rural healthcare delivery and child nutrition challenges. As part of ongoing Government Updates, officials are expected to review protocols to prevent such cases from recurring, making it a significant Public Interest Story in the National and International News landscape and among Trending News India discussions.

AKSHAT JAIN TAKES CHARGE AS MUNICIPAL COMMISSIONER OF REWA IN MP ADMINISTRATIVE RESHUFFLE

IAS Officer to Lead Urban Development and Civic Governance in City

The Madhya Pradesh government has appointed 2019-batch IAS officer Akshat Jain as Municipal Commissioner of Rewa, marking a significant administrative move in the state's ongoing governance restructuring. Jain, who secured an exceptional All India Rank 2 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2018, assumes office following the April 9 administrative reshuffle that transferred his predecessor, Sanjay Sonawane, to the position of Collector in Betul.

NEW OFFICER'S BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Akshat Jain brings considerable experience in rural administration and district-level governance to his new urban role. The IAS officer has served as Chief Executive Officer of Zila Panchayat, Betul, since July 2023, where he managed developmental programmes and coordinated administrative functions across the district. His background in both rural and peri-urban governance is expected to strengthen municipal service delivery in Rewa.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS AND CIVIL SERVICE JOURNEY

A graduate in Design Engineering from IIT Guwahati, Jain's path to the civil services reflects determination and academic excellence. He had narrowly missed selection in his first UPSC attempt before securing the prestigious All India Rank 2 in his subsequent examination. The officer comes from a distinguished civil services family—his father, D.C. Jain, serves as Joint Director at the Central Bureau of Investigation, while his mother, Simmi Jain, holds the position of Additional Director General at NACIN, Jaipur, under the Indian Revenue Service.

EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AND FORMATION

Jain completed his schooling at India International School, Jaipur, graduating in 2017 before pursuing competitive examination preparation. His early academic formation in a reputed educational institution complemented his engineering background, providing a diverse knowledge base for administrative responsibilities.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES IN REWA

As Municipal Commissioner, Jain will oversee critical urban governance functions including civic infrastructure development, public service delivery, and urban development initiatives across Rewa. The position carries responsibility for managing municipal operations, coordinating with local stakeholders, and implementing civic improvement projects. His appointment comes at a time when the city requires focused attention on infrastructure modernization and citizen services.

VACANCY AND TRANSITIONAL PERIOD

The Rewa Municipal Commissioner post had remained vacant following Sonawane's transfer in early April. The appointment of Jain fills this administrative gap and ensures continuity in municipal governance. His formal assumption of charge marks the beginning of a new phase in the city's administrative functioning under senior IAS leadership.

FUTURE ADMINISTRATIVE FOCUS

With his posting now finalized, Jain is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Rewa's urban development agenda. His experience in rural and district administration, combined with his strong academic foundation, positions him to address municipal challenges effectively. The IAS officer's appointment reflects the state government's strategy of deploying capable officers to key administrative positions for improved governance outcomes.

Rajasthan’s Hot Winds Push MP Past 43°C

Heatwave Grips 11 Districts

A relentless surge of hot air from Rajasthan has pushed daytime temperatures in Madhya Pradesh to a scorching 43.8 degrees Celsius, forcing authorities to issue a heatwave alert across 11 districts. Officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhopal confirmed on Friday that the extreme conditions will persist, with Narmadapuram recording the highest temperature in the state.

Schools Shut in Narmadapuram

District collectors have moved swiftly to protect vulnerable populations. Narmadapuram administration ordered all schools to remain closed as the mercury touched 43.8°C on Thursday. The IMD has specifically warned that conditions could worsen before any relief arrives.

11 Districts on High Alert

According to weather officials, the heatwave warning remains active for Friday in Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, Seoni, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, and Alirajpur. These regions are experiencing maximum temperatures at least 4.2 degrees above normal for this time of year.

Night Temperatures Remain Elevated

The discomfort is not limited to daylight hours. Narmadapuram recorded a minimum temperature of 27°C, creating conditions meteorologists describe as a ‘warm night’. Officials explain that this occurs when night temperatures exceed normal levels by 4.5 to 6.4 degrees while daytime readings stay above 40°C. A ‘severe warm night’ is declared if the variance crosses 6.4 degrees, though that situation has not yet developed in the state.

Five Major Cities Sizzle

Data collected from urban centres shows Jabalpur at 41.6°C, Bhopal at 41°C, Gwalior at 40.8°C, Indore at 40.6°C, and Ujjain at exactly 40°C. Smaller towns are bearing the brunt of the heatwave more severely. Chhatarpur’s Khajuraho area recorded 43.4°C, while Naugaon touched 43°C.

Relief Expected by Month-End

Meteorologists are tracking a fresh western disturbance that could break this heat spell. Officials indicated that rain with thunderstorms is likely on April 27 in Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, and Anuppur. “The western disturbance will bring some respite, but until then, people need to take precautions,” a senior IMD scientist told this reporter.

Public Health Advisory Issued

The health department has issued a heat safety advisory alongside the weather alert. Citizens have been urged to drink adequate water throughout the day and keep themselves hydrated. Officials specifically warned against prolonged sun exposure during afternoon hours. Residents have been advised to wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton garments. The advisory notes that children and the elderly remain the most vulnerable groups during such extreme weather events.

Looking ahead, the IMD expects similar conditions to continue for at least four more days. Officials recall that April’s second fortnight historically brings the most intense summer heat to Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures having crossed 45 degrees in Gwalior and 44 degrees in Bhopal and Jabalpur in past years. This latest news update from the English news portal India confirms that government updates on school reopening will follow once the heatwave subsides.

Bhopal–Orchha–Chanderi Helicopter Service Launched

Madhya Pradesh launches Bhopal–Orchha–Chanderi helicopter service, enabling 4.30‑hour day trips and 500‑ft joy‑rides for tourists and pilgrims.

New ‘sky route’ flagged off

Madhya Pradesh has rolled out a helicopter‑based tourism corridor linking Bhopal with the historic‑cum‑religious hubs of Orchha and Chanderi, slashing travel time to a few hours instead of a full road journey. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the new PM‑Shri Heli Tourism sector from Bhopal on 19 April 2026, calling it a “Pushpak Viman–style” service for devotees travelling to Orchha’s Ram Raja Temple.

The route operates as a Bhopal–Chanderi–Orchha circuit, with flights from the state hangar at Raja Bhoj Airport, allowing passengers to cover both destinations in a single day.

Timings and frequency

The helicopter service runs five days a week—Wednesday to Sunday, with a six‑seater modern aircraft deployed under the public–private partnership (PPP) model. On voyage days, the helicopter departs Bhopal around 9.30 am for Orchha, returning by 2.00 pm, giving devotees roughly four and a half hours on the ground for darshan and local sightseeing.

Chanderi trips follow a similar window, with the option to combine both locations in a single itinerary, depending on operator‑curated packages.

Ticket prices and packages

The state has fixed the one‑way fare from Bhopal to Chanderi at ₹5,500 and from Bhopal to Orchha at ₹6,500, excluding taxes and GST. A premium package priced at ₹14,500 includes end‑to‑end services such as two‑way taxi transfers, VIP darshan at Orchha, and prasad arrangements, according to tourism department details.

For shorter experiences, joy‑rides over Chanderi and Orchha at around 3,500 ft and 500 ft altitude are offered at ₹3,500 per person, drawing early interest from both domestic and foreign tourists.

Booking and safety protocols

Bookings are available through the operator’s portal flyola.in and are also integrated with the IRCTC tourism platform, as per officials of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board. The service uses a six‑seater advanced helicopter with enhanced safety checks, medical emergency coordination, and adherence to national aviation safety norms, sources in the transport department said.

Hotel stays, local guided tours, and meal arrangements are pre‑packaged with select itineraries, allowing pilgrims and tourists to opt for “all‑inclusive” day‑trip plans.

Orchha as ‘Bundelkhand’s Ayodhya’

Orchha, located in the Bundelkhand region, is often described as the “Ayodhya of Bundelkhand” due to the unique Ram Raja Temple, where Lord Ram is worshipped as a king rather than a deity. The temple’s protocol includes a ceremonial “royal” lifestyle, with daily rituals, a guard‑of‑honour‑style routine, and grand decoration during festivals such as Diwali and Ramrai Ashtami, which attract thousands of pilgrims.

State officials have long pushed Orchha as a spiritual‑cum‑heritage destination, and the helicopter service now makes it feasible for day‑visits from Bhopal for middle‑class pilgrims who might otherwise avoid the long road commute.

Chanderi’s cultural and film identity

Chanderi, in Ashoknagar district, is renowned for its Chanderi silk sarees, medieval forts, and layered history stretching from the Mahabharata era to the Bundella–Maharaja period. The town is associated with King Shishupal in the Mahabharata age and later with Bundela ruler Medini Rai and Rani Manimalla, whose legends still inform local folklore.timesofindia.

In recent years, Chanderi has also gained visibility as a film‑shooting location, with period films such as Stree and other historical productions using its fort and narrow lanes as backdrops. The helicopter joy‑ride over Chanderi offers a bird’s‑eye view of its fort, palaces, and saree‑weaving clusters, planners say.timesofindia.

Impact on tourism and connectivity

Tourism officials project that the new heli‑sector will boost visitor numbers to Orchha and Chanderi by 25–30 per cent in the first year, drawing day‑trippers, weekend tourists, and religious groups from Bhopal, Indore, and Delhi–NCR. The service also integrates with the existing PM‑Shri Heli Tourism network, which already links spiritual routes (Indore–Ujjain–Omkareshwar) and wildlife circuits (Jabalpur–Kanha–Bandhavgarh–Maihar–Amarkantak–Chitrakoot).egov.

Entrepreneurs in Orchha and Chanderi have started tying up with travel aggregators and hotels to offer helicopter‑inclusive packages, anticipating a rise in weekend and festival‑season demand,

What lies ahead

The state government plans to add more helipads and tourist sectors under the PM‑Shri scheme in the next 12–18 months, with proposed routes to other pilgrimage and heritage towns such as Khajuraho and Maheshwar. Officials also want to introduce seasonal festive packages—such as Diwali‑special heli‑darshan trips to Orchha and Chanderi—to sustain demand beyond weekends.

For now, the Bhopal–Orchha–Chanderi helicopter service marks a turning point in Madhya Pradesh’s intra‑state air tourism, positioning the state as one of India’s first to run a structured heli‑tourism network for both religious and cultural destinations.egov.

MP records highest wheat stubble burning cases in India

Over 20,000 incidents reported across Madhya Pradesh in April; Vidisha and Ujjain emerge as worst-hit districts in latest India news update.

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the leading state in India for wheat stubble burning incidents this season, accounting for nearly 69% of all cases recorded across five major agricultural states. According to the latest data from the Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the state reported 20,164 fire incidents between April 1 and April 21, 2026.

Sharp spike in farm fires

The surge in farm fires has placed Madhya Pradesh ahead of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in terms of environmental violations. Out of the 29,167 total cases monitored across the reporting states, MP’s share remains disproportionately high. While the current figures are slightly lower than the 20,422 cases recorded during the same period in 2025, experts warn that the state is on track to break previous records as the harvesting season peaks.

Hotspots in central India

District-level data highlights a concerning trend in the parliamentary constituency of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Vidisha recorded the highest number of incidents with 2,086 cases in the first three weeks of April. Ujjain followed closely with 2,053 cases, while Raisen, Hoshangabad, and Seoni also reported significant numbers, ranging from 1,300 to 1,900 incidents each.

Comparison with other states

In the regional landscape, Uttar Pradesh ranks second with 8,889 incidents of stubble burning during the same window. Interestingly, states like Punjab and Haryana, which historically dominate headlines for paddy stubble burning, have reported significantly lower figures for wheat residue this month. Haryana saw 65 cases, while Punjab recorded only 44, highlighting a shifting geographical focus of crop residue mismanagement toward central India.

Reasons behind the blaze

Agricultural experts point toward a narrow window between crop cycles as the primary driver. Professor Ashish Srivastava from the College of Agriculture, Ganj Basoda, noted that farmers are increasingly opting for summer moong cultivation. "With very little time left after the wheat harvest to prepare the fields for the next crop, many farmers find burning the stubble to be the quickest and most cost-effective method," he explained.

Sustainable alternatives for farmers

The government continues to promote the use of specialized machinery to curb the practice. Farmers are encouraged to use Super Seeders, Rotavators, and Mulchers to manage residue without resorting to fire. Additionally, the use of Pusa Decomposer, a microbial solution that turns stubble into manure, is being advocated to maintain soil health. Officials emphasized that wheat straw can also be processed into animal feed rather than being destroyed.

Legal consequences of violations

Stubble burning remains prohibited nationwide under environmental protection laws. Local administrations in Madhya Pradesh have been authorized to impose spot fines ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹15,000 based on the land area affected. Authorities stated that repeat offenders could face stricter legal action, including potential imprisonment, as part of the latest government updates to tackle rising air pollution levels and soil degradation.

Future outlook for MP

As the summer heat intensifies, the state administration is expected to ramp up satellite monitoring and ground-level inspections. The focus remains on educating the farming community about the long-term depletion of soil nutrients caused by fire. Environmentalists argue that unless mechanized solutions become more accessible and affordable, the trend of stubble burning in MP may continue to pose a significant challenge to India's climate goals.

Ujjain Stadium Incharge Assaults Shooting Coach, Row Erupts

Ujjain stadium assault case sparks outrage after coach alleges assault, threats and misuse of influence; police begin probe into the incident

Lead Incident Details

A Ujjain stadium assault case has come to light after a shooting coach accused the stadium incharge of physical assault and intimidation inside the Nanakheda Stadium shooting range. The incident, which reportedly occurred on April 22, has triggered a police inquiry following the emergence of a video clip submitted as evidence.

What Happened Inside

According to the complaint, shooting coach Viraj Parihar alleged that stadium incharge Ramkumar Mishra entered the shooting range in the evening and began verbally abusing him before turning violent. The coach claimed he was slapped, punched and forcibly pushed out of the range in full public view.

Parihar stated that the altercation escalated despite attempts by others present at the venue to intervene and defuse the situation.

Trigger Behind Dispute

The dispute reportedly began earlier in the day when Parihar informed Mishra via WhatsApp about lights being left on and the range remaining unlocked after cleaning work. The coach alleged that he received no response, but the issue later led to confrontation when Mishra arrived at the facility around 7:20 pm.

Sources indicated that the situation quickly spiralled into a heated exchange followed by physical aggression.

Serious Threat Allegations

In his complaint, Parihar further alleged that Mishra issued threats to his life and family. He claimed the incharge warned him that he would be attacked wherever found and invoked his family’s alleged influence, stating his sons held positions as a police station incharge (TI) and a patwari.

The coach also alleged that Mishra claimed prior experience in law enforcement and suggested that police action against him would not be possible.

Previous Incidents Surface

The complaint also refers to earlier incidents involving the same official. Parihar alleged that on April 19, Mishra entered the shooting range without permission and pointed a loaded pistol barrel towards him in the presence of players.

Additionally, a separate dispute involving a badminton coach earlier in the week was cited, where intervention by sports authorities was reportedly required to resolve tensions.

Police Response and Probe

Police officials confirmed that complaints have been filed by both parties. Nanakheda police station incharge Narendra Yadav stated that an investigation is underway and action will follow based on findings.

Authorities are currently examining the video evidence submitted by the complainant along with statements from witnesses present during the incident.

Impact on Sports Environment

The Ujjain stadium assault case has raised concerns over safety and discipline within public sports facilities. Coaches and players have reportedly expressed unease over the alleged pattern of behaviour, with claims that staff and athletes have previously been threatened.

The episode highlights the need for stricter oversight and accountability in managing government-run sports infrastructure, especially where young athletes are involved.

What Lies Ahead

Officials indicated that further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing inquiry. Administrative authorities may also review conduct protocols for stadium management staff in light of the incident.

As the investigation progresses, the Ujjain stadium assault case remains under close watch, with potential disciplinary and legal consequences expected if allegations are substantiated.

Indore Police Rescue Two Abducted Children Within Seven Hours; Four Arrested

Couple and Two Accomplices Held for Demanding ₹15 Lakh Ransom via Video Call

Indore police successfully traced and rescued two minor children from an apartment in Datt Nagar within seven hours of their abduction on Thursday night. The swift operation led to the arrest of four accused, including a married couple and two siblings who orchestrated the kidnapping plot with ransom demands.

Children Found Safe in Datt Nagar Building

Nine-year-old Naitik Sonkar and his 11-year-old brother Samrat went missing from Tirupati Garden around 7 p.m. on Thursday evening. The police recovered both children in good health from a residential building in Datt Nagar at approximately 2 a.m. on Friday, just hours after an unknown caller demanded ₹15 lakh ransom through a video call to the children's grandfather, Poonam Chand Jaidev.

According to officials, the elderly grandfather received a video call from a woman threatening to harm the children unless the ransom was paid immediately. The caller ended communication abruptly after making the demand, triggering immediate police action.

Rapid Response and Technical Surveillance

TI Surendra Raghuvanshi led the investigation with coordinated teams from Sanyogitanagar, Badi Gwaltoli, Rajendra Nagar, Dwarkapur, Tukoganj, and Palasia police stations. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the locality and identified a young woman accompanying the children away from the garden area.

Police traced the phone number used to make the ransom call through surveillance systems and located its signal in the Datt Nagar area. According to ACP Tushar Singh, "We carefully tracked the phone location and conducted surveillance at the suspected building. When the accused spotted our team, they attempted to flee, but we apprehended them immediately without any untoward incident."

The Accused Quartet

Four individuals were arrested in connection with the case:

1. Vineet Singh (22), son of Rajesh, resident of Tilak Nagar

2. Radhika Singh (18), daughter of Rajesh, resident of Sahakar Nagar

3. Lalit Dashrath (21), resident of Datt Nagar

4. Tanisha (21), wife of Lalit, resident of Sadar

Radhika and Vineet are siblings. Lalit and Tanisha are married partners. According to police statements, Tanisha actively participated in the abduction, luring the children away from the garden by promising to show them birds and animals.

Investigation Reveals WhatsApp Coordination

Police investigations revealed that all four accused were in constant communication through WhatsApp messaging and calls. The ransom demand was made through a WhatsApp video call from one of the group's registered numbers. ACP Singh stated, "The accused coordinated their entire operation through digital platforms. Our surveillance team monitored the phone activity and successfully intercepted the location before any harm could come to the children."

The quick identification and tracing of digital footprints proved crucial in locating the victims before the situation escalated. Police acted with utmost caution given the volatile nature of abduction cases.

Medical Examination and Safety Confirmation

Both children underwent immediate medical examination following their recovery. As per official reports, the accused did not inflict any physical injury or harm upon the minors. The children were reunited with their family members within hours of rescue, bringing immense relief to their relatives.

The grandfather of the children told reporters that the family is deeply grateful to the police for their swift action. He urged stringent punishment for all accused involved in the crime.

Lured Under False Pretence

According to family members, the children were playing cricket at Tirupati Garden around 6 p.m. when an adolescent girl approached them. Naitik's uncle, Rahul Sonkar, revealed that the accused girl convinced both boys to accompany her by claiming she would show them interesting birds and animals in the vicinity. The children followed her unsuspectingly, leading to their abduction.

Naitik's father works as a juice vendor, while Samrat's father is a traditional musical instrument player. The family belongs to the economically modest section of society in the Tirupati Garden locality.

What Lies Ahead

The arrested individuals face serious charges including kidnapping, extortion, and criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code. Police have initiated a detailed interrogation to determine whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger criminal network. Further investigation is underway to establish how the accused identified and targeted these specific children.

The Indore Police commissionerate has been praised for the rapid and coordinated response that prevented what could have been a more serious outcome. The case highlights the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance, digital tracking, and inter-police station coordination in modern crime investigation.

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.