Security agencies in Chhattisgarh have arrested a man suspected of having links with Pakistan’s ISI during a routine tenant verification drive. The arrest has triggered alarm over possible anti-national activities in the region.

The accused has been identified as Sevak Singh, a resident of Patti in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. He was living in Aklatara area of Janjgir-Champa district. Police said the suspect came to their notice during a special checking campaign ordered by Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Pandey.

When a police team reached a house near Minimata Chowk to verify tenants, Singh’s behaviour raised suspicion. During questioning, his answers did not satisfy the officers. A search of his mobile phone reportedly revealed chats and contacts with numbers from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram and Instagram.

Serious Allegations

Preliminary investigation suggests Singh was in touch with ISI-linked handlers. Police suspect he may have been sharing sensitive information such as locations, vehicle numbers, and photos of important persons and places. There are also unconfirmed claims that he was expecting weapon deliveries via drone from across the border for possible target killings. Officials, however, clarified that these aspects are still under investigation and no concrete confirmation has been established yet.

A case has been registered at Aklatara police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including Section 152 (acts endangering sovereignty) and others. The mobile phone has been seized and sent for forensic examination.

SP Vijay Kumar Pandey said the probe is progressing rapidly and all digital evidence is being thoroughly analysed. Further arrests or revelations cannot be ruled out as questioning continues.

This arrest comes amid heightened security concerns in Chhattisgarh, especially after previous cases involving radicalisation of local youths. Police have appealed to landlords to verify tenants properly and report any suspicious activity immediately.

The development has once again highlighted the challenge of cross-border intelligence networks attempting to exploit internal vulnerabilities. Officials maintained that the situation is under control and investigations are being conducted with utmost seriousness.

A woman identified as the key supplier in a ganja trafficking case was arrested from Odisha after Raigarh police traced the network back to her through sustained interrogation of three smugglers caught in April. The arrest, made under Operation Aaghat, signals that the Chhattisgarh police are now going after the full supply chain — not just the foot soldiers.

The case goes back to April 22, when a tip-off alerted Kharsiya police that three men were moving a large consignment of ganja from Odisha by train. Officers deployed across likely routes spotted three suspicious youths carrying oversized bags near Kharsiya Railway Colony and detained them before they could move further.

The three were identified as Dinesh Kumar Behra (22), Shiva Behra (21), and Devi Prasad Kanhar (19), all residents of Kandhamal district in Odisha. During questioning, the trio admitted they had boarded a train with the contraband but stepped off at Kharsiya station after getting word that railway police were conducting checks ahead. A search of their bags yielded 52 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 25.62 lakh.

What the interrogation unlocked, however, was more significant than the seizure itself.

Each of the three arrested men, questioned separately, named the same source — a woman called Subhadra Digal, alias Mami Malik, aged 41, living near Sambalpur Railway Station in Odisha. According to the accused, she had supplied the ganja and assigned them the task of delivering it to Bina in Madhya Pradesh. A technical check of the mobile number provided by the accused confirmed it was registered in Subhadra's name, giving police the lead they needed.

Raigarh police subsequently travelled to Odisha and, working with local police, raided Gochchapada police station area in Kandhamal district. Subhadra was taken into custody and during questioning admitted to supplying the consignment and arranging for its transport to MP. Her mobile phone, used in the operation, was also seized as evidence.

She was produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.

SSP Shashimohan Singh said the case is part of Operation Aaghat, an ongoing drive targeting the full drug trafficking chain in the district. The effort, he said, is deliberately moving beyond arresting couriers — the focus now is on identifying suppliers, financiers, and anyone else profiting from the network.

The Odisha-to-MP route via Chhattisgarh has been a concern for enforcement agencies for some time, with tribal districts in Odisha known as source areas for ganja that gets routed into central India.

Balrampur Gangrape Case

In a shocking incident that has sent waves of fear across rural Chhattisgarh, a 19-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped by three youths in broad daylight inside the Kotrahi jungle on Sunday afternoon. The victim was walking with her cousin brother when the accused intercepted them, overpowered the pair, and committed the crime in front of the helpless brother.

Police have arrested all three accused, who belong to Kotrahi village in the Wardrafnagar police station area. The arrests came swiftly after the victims reached the police station and lodged a complaint.

Pair Dragged into Jungle

According to initial reports, the woman from the Basantpur police station area was heading to a relative’s house along with her fufere bhai (cousin brother) on foot through the Kotrahi jungle stretch. Around afternoon hours, two bike-borne youths stopped them and began questioning the duo aggressively.

The youths allegedly dragged both into the dense forest area. They first tied the brother’s hands and legs, rendering him immobile, before assaulting the young woman in his presence. Sources familiar with the matter said the two initially assaulted her and then called a third accomplice to the spot.

Third Accused Also Involved

The third youth reportedly reached the location shortly and also committed rape. After the crime, the trio fled the spot, leaving the traumatized siblings behind. The brother and sister somehow made their way back to Wardrafnagar and informed the police about the horrifying ordeal.

Wardrafnagar Chowki Incharge Dakeshwar Singh confirmed that a case has been registered and the three accused were taken into custody based on the victim’s statement. “All three are residents of Kotrahi village. We have sent the victim and the accused for medical examination,” he said. Further investigation is underway.

Swift Police Action

Local police acted promptly on the complaint. The accused were identified and detained within hours. Authorities have not yet revealed the names of the arrested youths, citing the ongoing probe. Medical reports of both the victim and the accused are expected to provide crucial evidence in the case.

This incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of women in remote forested areas of the state where mobility remains a challenge, especially in daylight hours in sparsely populated jungle stretches.

Background of Similar Incidents

Chhattisgarh has witnessed several cases of sexual violence in recent months. Just days ago, a similar gangrape was reported in Raigarh district where a woman was assaulted in the presence of her husband. In that case too, multiple accused were arrested. Such recurring incidents have raised serious questions about safety in rural and semi-rural belts of the state.

Local residents expressed shock and demanded stricter patrolling in jungle routes and better connectivity in vulnerable areas. Many women from nearby villages reportedly avoid travelling alone or even in small groups through such stretches after sunset, and now even daytime travel is being viewed with apprehension.

Community Reactions and Concerns

People in Balrampur and surrounding areas are demanding speedy justice and exemplary punishment for the culprits. Social activists have called upon the district administration to strengthen security measures, including regular police patrolling in forested zones and installation of CCTV or check posts at critical points.

The district police spokesperson assured that the investigation is being monitored at senior levels to ensure no loopholes remain. “The law will take its own course and the guilty will not be spared,” officials maintained.

As the medical and forensic reports are awaited, the entire district remains tense. The victim is said to be in a state of trauma and is receiving necessary counselling and medical care.

This case once again brings into focus the urgent need for enhanced women’s safety measures in Chhattisgarh’s rural hinterland. Police have appealed to locals to provide any additional information that could help strengthen the case.

Hospital Erupts as Relatives Protest Suspicious Death

A 28-year-old under-trial prisoner, arrested in an illegal liquor case, died under suspicious circumstances at the Raigadh Medical College Hospital on Saturday, triggering a tense protest by family members and villagers.

Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Navapara village under Kotraroad police station limits, was lodged in the district jail after his arrest on June 10. According to jail officials, his health deteriorated suddenly on Saturday morning, following which he was rushed to the hospital. He died during treatment around midday.

Relatives Allege Custodial Violence

The news of Baghel's death brought angry relatives and villagers rushing to the hospital. What followed was nearly an hour of commotion, with family members alleging their loved one was beaten inside the jail.

"Social function was going on in the village. Police picked up two people from there. The other young man was released after taking ₹40,000," said Pyare Lal Baghel, the deceased's father. "They took my son because we couldn't pay."

The father further alleged that police personnel refused to let the family view the body for several hours after death.

Police Deny Charges of Assault

Jail Superintendent G.S. Sori rejected allegations of any physical violence against Baghel.

"He was admitted to the jail on June 10. On June 12, he complained of illness and was treated at the jail hospital," Sori explained. "When his condition did not improve, we referred him to the medical college on Saturday morning. Doctors examined him and administered medication."

Police officials present at the hospital maintained that all protocols were followed and the family's allegations are baseless.

Magistrate-Led Inquiry Underway

The confrontation at the hospital saw mild pushing between relatives and police personnel before senior officers arrived to calm the situation. Authorities assured the family that the body would be handed over only after mandatory legal procedures, including a magistrate-mandated post-mortem examination.

"We have told the relatives that the body will be shown to them once the magistrate completes the necessary process," a senior police officer present at the scene told reporters.Sarpanch Nand Kumar Baretha confirmed that villagers were denied access to the body for an extended period, adding to their suspicion and anger.

 Similar Incident Raises Wider Concerns

Baghel's death comes barely days after another suspicious prison death in neighbouring Bilaspur, where a man arrested in a liquor case died under similar circumstances. In that case too, the family had alleged police demanded money and assaulted the prisoner before he was sent to jail.

The Raigadh district administration has ordered a probe into Baghel's death. Officials said the exact cause would be determined only after the post-mortem report is received. Family members have demanded a judicial inquiry and strict action against those responsible.

The police have registered a case under relevant sections and confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

Habitual criminal changed locations frequently to evade police; total seizure valued at Rs 24,820

Raipur police have arrested a habitual offender for allegedly selling illegal liquor from a public parking area in the city, seizing country-made English liquor, cash, and a two-wheeler in a crackdown that followed weeks of surveillance and tip-offs from informers.

The arrested individual has been identified as Firoz Khan, 52, a resident of Rajbandha Maidan, who was apprehended from the parking lot of Shaheed Smarak Bhavan in the Maudahapara police station area. Authorities say he had been on their radar for some time, with multiple complaints of illegal liquor sales piling up against him.

Tip-Off Led to Arrest

Acting on information from a local informer, a police team moved in and cordoned off the area near Shaheed Smarak Bhavan's parking. Khan was caught on the spot. During a search, officers recovered 36 pouva of Goa English liquor — amounting to 6.48 bulk litres — along with Rs 500 in cash and a Honda Activa scooter bearing registration number CG 04 MK 8657. The total value of seized material has been estimated at Rs 24,820, with the liquor alone valued at around Rs 4,320.

A Pattern of Evasion

What set this case apart, according to Maudahapara police, was Khan's deliberate effort to stay ahead of law enforcement. Instead of operating from a fixed point, he had shifted to selling from different locations around the area — a move the police say was a calculated attempt to dodge detection after pressure from ongoing surveillance mounted. Officers had also installed CCTV cameras at multiple spots to track suspicious activity. The strategy, however, ultimately failed as an informer's tip gave police the lead they needed.

No Papers, No Licence

When questioned, Khan could not produce any valid licence or documentation to justify possessing or selling liquor. Police then formally registered a case under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act and placed him under arrest.

Authorities note that Khan is a known habitual offender in the locality, and complaints against him had persisted over a considerable period before this arrest was made possible through sustained ground-level monitoring.

Seizure Breakdown

The items confiscated from Khan include 36 pouva of Goa English liquor (6.48 bulk litres), valued at approximately Rs 4,320; Rs 500 in cash; and the Honda Activa scooter. Cumulatively, the seized property is assessed at Rs 24,820.

Police Warn of Continued Action

Raipur police, while announcing the arrest, also issued a public appeal urging residents to report illegal liquor trade and drug-related activity in their neighbourhoods without delay. Officials indicated that enforcement efforts against habitual offenders and unlicensed liquor sellers will continue in the days ahead, adding that community cooperation has been critical in making such operations successful.

The Maudahapara case is part of a broader push by Raipur district police to rein in unauthorised liquor trade in urban pockets, where informal networks often exploit busy public spaces — including parking lots and roadside areas — to run clandestine operations away from residential scrutiny.

Balco Nagar Police Crack Down on Sexual Exploitation of 17-Year-Old

In a disturbing case highlighting the misuse of mobile phones in personal relationships, police in Korba have arrested 10 people, including a 30-year-old man, for allegedly creating and circulating an explicit video of his minor girlfriend to blackmail her. The arrests followed a complaint by the girl's brother after she faced repeated harassment and pressure for sexual favours from the accused.

According to police, the main accused, Hori Lal Chauhan, a daily wage labourer, was in a relationship with the 17-year-old girl for nearly two years. Both hail from the same village in the Balco Nagar police station area. The girl had dropped out after Class 10. What began as a personal affair took a dark turn when Chauhan allegedly recorded intimate videos of the girl without her full consent.

Video Shared Among Friends

Initial investigations suggest Chauhan showed the explicit clips to his friends, who are also labourers in the area. Instead of keeping the matter private, the friends reportedly developed ill intentions. They began making obscene gestures at the girl whenever they saw her and started pressuring her for physical relations.

The situation escalated when the group allegedly resorted to blackmail. Sources familiar with the probe said the accused threatened to make the video viral if she refused their demands. The girl, feeling trapped and harassed, finally confided in her brother. The siblings then approached the Balco Nagar police station and lodged a formal complaint.

Swift Police Action

Acting promptly on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for rape and blackmailing, along with stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, which protects children from sexual offences. Within hours, a team detained all 10 accused. 

“Initial reports indicate that the main accused and his associates were involved in this conspiracy,” a police officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity. All the arrested individuals work as daily wage labourers in the region.

Accused Sent to Judicial Custody

After medical examination and preliminary questioning, the accused were produced before a local court. The magistrate remanded them to judicial custody and sent them to jail. Further investigation is underway to determine if the video was circulated beyond the immediate group and to trace any other potential victims or evidence. 

Police have also appealed to locals not to share such content, warning that doing so could attract additional legal action under IT laws.

Background and Growing Concern

This incident comes amid rising cases of digital exploitation involving minors in Chhattisgarh. In many rural and semi-urban pockets of the state, easy access to cheap smartphones has led to an increase in such privacy violations, especially in interpersonal relationships. Experts often point to lack of awareness about consent and digital safety as key factors.

The girl’s family has been provided counselling support, and authorities are ensuring her privacy and safety during the investigation. Child rights activists have welcomed the swift arrests but called for stronger community-level awareness drives.

Impact on Local Community

Residents in the Balco Nagar area expressed shock over the incident. Many parents voiced concerns about the safety of young girls in the region, especially as they navigate personal relationships in the digital age. Local officials indicated that awareness programmes on cyber safety and legal rights might be intensified in nearby villages.

The case also underscores the effectiveness of quick police response when POCSO matters are reported promptly. Senior police officers have assured that the investigation will be thorough and that no stone will be left unturned to deliver justice.

As the probe continues, authorities are examining the sequence of events, including how and when the video was recorded and shared. Legal experts note that convictions in such POCSO-linked blackmail cases often result in stringent punishments.

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Shaurya Chakra on 13 military and police personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also present at the ceremony.

In a ceremony that drew attention to the quiet, often unheralded courage of India's security forces, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented the Shaurya Chakra to 13 soldiers and police officers at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those present.

The honours spanned branches — Army, Navy, and state police — and ranged from counterterrorism operations along the Line of Control to anti-Naxal engagements deep in Chhattisgarh's conflict zones.

Colonel Who Killed Three Terrorists Honoured

Among the most noted recipients was Lieutenant Colonel Nitesh Bharti Shukla of the Indian Army's 19th Battalion, Sikh Regiment, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for eliminating three terrorists along the LoC. The citation reflects the kind of direct combat engagement that rarely makes headlines but shapes the security calculus in the border hinterland.

Major Aditya Pratap Singh also received the award for showing exceptional bravery during a military operation in a border area of Arunachal Pradesh, while Major Anshul Baltu of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and 32 Assam Rifles was recognised for his service and demonstrated valour in the field.

Navy's Long-Distance Sailors Recognised

In a departure from the predominantly land-based recognitions, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A of the Indian Navy were awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their role in the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition — a demanding circumnavigation mission that tested seamanship, determination, and endurance over an extended period. Their inclusion underlines a broadening definition of operational courage within the armed forces.

Chhattisgarh Anti-Naxal Officers in the List

Two police officers from Chhattisgarh — Inspector Laxman Kewat and Inspector Rameshwar Prasad Deshmukh — were also conferred the Shaurya Chakra for bravery during anti-Naxal operations in the state. Chhattisgarh has seen a significant intensification of counterinsurgency operations in recent years, with several high-value encounters drawing national attention. Recognising police officers at this level signals acknowledgment of the state-level forces that carry much of the operational load in left-wing extremism-affected districts.

A Posthumous Honour

The ceremony also carried a sombre note. Martyr Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand of 4 Rashtriya Rifles was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. President Murmu presented the honour to his wife and mother — a moment that encapsulated both the cost of service and the state's formal recognition of sacrifice.

A Cross-Service Ceremony

The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, given for acts of bravery, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield or in the face of the enemy. Monday's ceremony brought together recipients from diverse operational theatres — Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, the open ocean, and the jungles of central India — in one room. That range, perhaps more than any individual citation, speaks to the breadth of active threat environments Indian forces currently operate within.

With PM Modi in attendance, the event also carried political weight, taking place against the backdrop of continued security operations in border regions and the government's stated commitment to zero tolerance on insurgency.

In a major breakthrough, the Mahasamund police have arrested the absconding owner and director of Thakur Petrochemicals from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, in connection with the ₹1.5 crore LPG scam. The accused, identified as Santosh Singh Thakur and his son Sarthak Singh Thakur, had been evading arrest for over a month by frequently changing locations and shifting SIM cards.

A local court has remanded the duo to police custody after they were brought back to Chhattisgarh on a transit warrant. Investigating officials confirmed that the latest arrests bring the total number of individuals held in the case to six, with more high-profile arrests expected as the investigation reaches its final stages.

Multi-State Police Hunt Ends in Kolhapur

The father-son duo had managed to stay ahead of law enforcement by moving across multiple states. According to local police, tracking the fugitives required extensive technical surveillance. Cyber cells analyzed tower dump data across 11 cities, scrutinized call detail records (CDRs), and tracked vehicle movements at toll plazas and financial transactions.

Based on a definitive digital trail, four dedicated police teams were dispatched to different states. The breakthrough came when a team located and arrested the suspects from a hotel room in Kolhapur.

Suspended Food Officer Masterminded the Plot

The investigation reveals a deep-rooted nexus involving bureaucrats and local businessmen. Police sources stated that the entire operation was masterminded by the suspended Mahasamund District Food Officer, Ajay Yadav. Investigations indicate that Yadav utilized his official position to orchestrate the diversion of seized government property.

Pankaj Chandrakar, a local gas agency operator and political worker, allegedly acted as the primary coordinator, establishing links with buyers. Another businessman, Manish Choudhary, served as the mediator to negotiate financial terms between the various parties involved.

Seized Gas Disposed of via Fake Documents

The origin of the scam dates back to an enforcement action in the Singhoda police station area, where the Saraypali Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) caught six capsule trucks red-handed while gas was being pilfered from them. For safety reasons, the tankers were initially parked inside the Singhoda police station premises.

Subsequently, the administration handed over the safe custody of these tankers to the Food Department. Investigators revealed that Ajay Yadav used this opportunity to transfer the responsibility of securing the gas capsules to Thakur Petrochemicals’ facility in Urla, Abhanpur. Once the tankers reached the private facility, approximately 92 metric tonnes of LPG was illegally offloaded and sold in the open market using forged documents and cash memos to evade GST.

Financial Footprints and Profit Distribution

The police have established a clear paper trail regarding the illicit transactions, which total around ₹80 lakh out of an estimated market value of ₹1.5 crore. The initial demand by the perpetrators was ₹1.30 crore, but the deal was eventually struck at ₹90 lakh after week-long negotiations.

"The distribution of the scam proceeds was highly organized," an official privy to the probe stated. "Out of the collected amount, suspended officer Ajay Yadav received a lion's share of ₹50 lakh. Agency operator Pankaj Chandrakar took ₹20 lakh, while mediator Manish Choudhary received ₹10 lakh."

Further disclosures indicated that the physical exchange of cash took place at Chandrakar’s factory, 'Aastha Trolley', located in Paraswani village. Investigators are also looking into claims that certain food department officials accompanied Chandrakar in private vehicles during the execution of the logistics.

Facing Severe Criminal Charges

To give the illegal offloading a semblance of legitimacy, the accused prepared a fraudulent panchnama (site memo) at the Food Department office, naming co-conspirators as independent witnesses.

The Mahasamund police have registered a case under multiple stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, black marketing, and misappropriation of government property. The police are now planning a joint interrogation, confronting the freshly arrested owners of Thakur Petrochemicals with the already detained mastermind Ajay Yadav, manager Nikhil Vaishnav, and other intermediaries to unearth the full extent of the institutional fraud.

In a major crackdown on suspected illegal transport of precious metals, police in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district seized more than 7.5 kilograms of gold jewellery worth over Rs 9 crore from a luxury car fitted with a secret chamber. Three men from Gujarat were detained after failing to produce valid documents related to the gold consignment.

The operation was carried out late Sunday night during vehicle checking on National Highway-353 near the Rehtikhol check post under the Singoda police station limits. Officials said police personnel were conducting routine checking of vehicles entering Chhattisgarh from Odisha when they intercepted a Volkswagen Virtus car bearing Gujarat registration number GJ 03 NP 4230.

Hidden Chamber Found

According to police officials, the occupants of the car appeared nervous during questioning, which raised suspicion among the checking team. The three men identified themselves as Jayesh Akbari, Sunit Karena and Rushi Agrawat, all residents of Rajkot in Gujarat. During a detailed search of the vehicle, police discovered a specially designed secret chamber beneath the rear seat of the car. Inside the hidden compartment, officers recovered two backpack bags containing six plastic containers filled with gold jewellery. Police said the total weight of the recovered ornaments was found to be 7512.488 grams, or more than 7.5 kilograms. The estimated market value of the seized gold jewellery has been pegged at nearly Rs 9.17 crore. The car used for transporting the consignment was also seized and valued at around Rs 10 lakh.

Documents Not Produced

Investigators said the accused could not provide any purchase invoices, ownership proof or transport documents linked to the gold jewellery. Following this, the police confiscated both the gold and the vehicle under relevant legal provisions. Officials stated that the case is being treated seriously due to the high value of the seized material and the suspicious manner in which it was being transported. Police suspect that the gold may have been moved illegally across states to avoid tax scrutiny or for organised smuggling operations. Authorities have informed the Income Tax Department and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to examine the financial and legal aspects connected to the consignment. Investigators are now trying to determine the origin of the jewellery and the intended delivery destination. The seizure quickly became part of the Latest News Today cycle as law enforcement agencies intensified monitoring of inter-state movement of high-value goods.

Probe Into Network

Police sources indicated that investigators are also examining whether the accused are linked to a larger smuggling or hawala network operating between Gujarat, Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Call records, financial transactions and travel history of the detained individuals are being verified. Senior officials said the use of a concealed chamber inside the vehicle suggested prior planning and possible involvement in organised illegal transport activities. The accused are currently being questioned, and more arrests may follow depending on the findings of the investigation. The incident has emerged as a major Public Interest Story due to growing concerns over illegal transport of gold and other valuables through interstate highway routes.

Silver Seized In Ambikapur

In a separate operation in Ambikapur, police seized more than 95 kilograms of old silver anklets and 760 used mobile phones from an Omni van during routine checking. Five men from West Bengal were arrested in connection with the recovery. The action was carried out by Gandhinagar police during vehicle checking near Banaras Road. Officials said the vehicle was stopped after police noticed suspicious movement by the occupants during inspection. Upon searching the van, police recovered 95.5 kilograms of old silver anklets packed inside bags along with hundreds of old mobile phones. The accused allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the ownership and transportation of the seized items.

Five Accused Arrested

The arrested individuals have been identified as Sentu Sheikh, Gaffar Sheikh, Asim Sheikh, Ibrahim Sheikh and Mashdul Sheikh, all residents of Murshidabad district in West Bengal. Police suspect the silver ornaments and mobile phones may have been collected through illegal means. Investigators are particularly examining whether the old mobile phones were intended for use in cyber fraud or online scam operations. Officials said the silver jewellery is worth several lakh rupees in the market. A case has been registered against the accused, and all five were produced before a local court before being sent to judicial custody.

Security Agencies Alert

The back-to-back recoveries in Mahasamund and Ambikapur have prompted security and intelligence agencies to step up surveillance on interstate vehicle movement in Chhattisgarh. Police officials said special checking drives are being conducted on major highways and border routes to track suspicious movement of valuables and electronic items. Authorities are also examining whether the two incidents have any connection with larger interstate smuggling or illegal trade networks. Investigators believe organised groups may be using highway routes through Chhattisgarh to transport unaccounted valuables and second-hand electronic devices.

A major online IPL betting racket linked to hawala transactions and international betting networks has been busted by Chhattisgarh Police after a raid in Goa led to the arrest of six accused allegedly operating illegal cricket betting operations. Investigators revealed that the accused were using an application capable of providing live cricket match updates nearly seven seconds before public television broadcasts, helping them manipulate betting rates and gain an advantage during IPL matches.

The operation was carried out by Raigarh Police in connection with an online cricket betting case registered under the Kotwali police station limits. Officials said the accused were operating from a rented villa near Candolim Beach in Goa, where they managed betting IDs, coordinated transactions and handled real-time IPL betting activities connected to several cities across central India.

According to police officials, the arrested accused have been identified as Amit Mittal, Mohit Somani, Prakash Wadhwani, Akash Motwani, Rahul Khandelwal alias Babu and Sulabh Khandelwal alias Chhota Babu. Investigators said all six accused were actively engaged in online cricket betting and were linked to a larger betting syndicate associated with a network allegedly operated by a figure identified as “Mannu Nathani,” who is believed to be connected to a wider illegal betting operation in central India.

Police sources stated that the accused received betting IDs from Dubai-based operators and distributed them to local agents and players across multiple cities. The betting network reportedly functioned in a layered structure where larger handlers supplied IDs to smaller operators and agents in exchange for commissions on transactions and betting activities.

Officials revealed that the accused used a specialised live-update application that delivered match developments approximately seven seconds earlier than regular television or online streaming broadcasts. This time advantage allowed the syndicate to update betting rates instantly during IPL matches and profit from rapid changes in odds before regular users could react. Investigators believe the technology gave operators a significant edge over ordinary bettors and generated large-scale profits during ongoing IPL matches.

The investigation reportedly began after earlier arrests in an online cricket betting case involving accused Karan Chaudhary alias Karan Agrawal, Pushkar Agrawal and Sunil Agrawal. During questioning, police received important leads regarding a wider hawala network and connections to major betting syndicates operating across multiple states. Following these disclosures, cyber cell officials and Kotwali police initiated a technical investigation that eventually traced digital activity from Raigarh, Raipur, Sakti and Kharsia to Goa.

Acting on the inputs, police teams conducted raids at the rented villa in the Candolim Beach area. Officials claimed the accused attempted to destroy mobile phones and important documents after receiving information about the police action. However, police teams managed to seize 10 mobile phones and several digital records during the operation. Authorities are now examining electronic evidence to identify additional operators, financial links and betting transactions associated with the network.

Investigators said preliminary examination of seized devices revealed evidence of hawala transactions used for transferring large sums linked to betting operations. Police sources stated that serial numbers of currency notes and coded financial details were allegedly shared through mobile applications as part of the illegal money transfer mechanism. Earlier during the investigation, authorities had also seized more than Rs 1 crore in cash from persons linked to the betting network.

Police officials further stated that several of the accused already have criminal cases related to online betting registered against them in different districts. Amit Mittal reportedly faces cases connected to cricket betting in Raigarh, Kharsia and Gharghoda, while Mohit Somani is said to have multiple betting-related cases registered in Raipur. Authorities believe the remaining accused were also actively associated with illegal betting operations for a considerable period.

The investigation has also pointed toward similarities with the controversial Mahadev betting app network, where betting IDs allegedly originated from Dubai-based handlers before being routed to operators in Indian metropolitan cities. From there, agents reportedly distributed the IDs to smaller betting operators and players across cities including Nagpur, Raipur and other parts of central India.

Officials said the latest arrests have exposed another layer of organised online betting operations that combine digital platforms, offshore operators and hawala networks. Police are now examining whether additional financial channels, shell operators or interstate syndicates are connected to the racket. Authorities are also investigating the scale of online transactions conducted through the betting network during the ongoing IPL season.

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Chhattisgarh: Bride's Boyfriend Storms In-Laws' House Two Days After Wedding

In a dramatic turn just days after a traditional wedding, a young man claiming to be the bride’s long-time boyfriend created a major uproar at her marital home in Kathotiya village under Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district of Chhattisgarh.

The incident has left the newly-wed couple’s future in uncertainty, with the groom reportedly refusing to accept the bride and expressing his desire for separation.

Boyfriend’s dramatic claim

According to initial reports, the wedding between Naveen Kumar, who runs a kirana store, and Anita from Koda village took place on May 6 with all customary rituals. The bride reached her in-laws’ house in Kathotiya on May 7 after the vidai ceremony. Preparations for the reception were underway when Mayur Agarwal, a dry fruits shop owner, arrived at the house.

Agarwal reportedly told the family that Anita had been his girlfriend for the past three years and that he could not live without her. He also claimed to possess videos and photographs of the pair. His sudden appearance and assertions triggered heated arguments between both sides.

Families clash, police called in

Tensions escalated quickly inside the house as members from both families exchanged heated words. The situation prompted locals to alert the police. Officers from Manendragarh City Kotwali reached the spot and brought the groom, bride, and the boyfriend to the police station for questioning.

Discussions and counselling continued late into the night, with police intervening till around 2 am. Despite prolonged efforts, no immediate resolution emerged. Sources familiar with the matter said the groom made it clear he was unwilling to keep the bride with him after learning of her alleged prior relationship.

Groom refuses to accept bride

Naveen reportedly told his family and police that he could not accept a wife who was already in a relationship with someone else. He expressed his intention to seek a legal separation. As a direct consequence, the reception programme scheduled for the night was cancelled, and the families remained at the police station for several hours.

Local authorities confirmed that the matter was handled with counselling. City Kotwali in-charge Vivek Patle stated that all three families were counselled extensively. As of now, no formal written complaint has been lodged, and police have left the matter for mutual settlement.

Background and village reaction

Kathotiya village, like many rural areas in the district, witnessed the wedding celebrations with usual fanfare just days earlier. The sudden turn of events has shocked residents and triggered widespread discussion in the locality. Many locals expressed concern over the emotional and social impact on the young families involved.

Such incidents, though uncommon, highlight the complexities that can arise when pre-existing personal relationships surface after arranged or semi-arranged marriages in smaller towns and villages.

Police await formal complaint

Officials maintained a cautious approach, focusing on de-escalation rather than immediate legal action. Police sources indicated they are monitoring the situation and hope the families will resolve the dispute amicably to avoid long-drawn legal proceedings.

The case has once again brought attention to the challenges of compatibility and transparency in marriages, particularly in close-knit communities where social reputation carries significant weight.

As the dust settles in Kathotiya, both families are expected to deliberate on the next course of action. Whether the matter ends in mutual understanding or moves to the court will only become clear in the coming days.

Raipur Online Betting Racket: Three Held, Business Links Suspected

Raipur online betting racket bust sees three arrests; probe into ‘Teen Panel 777’ network and possible links to businessmen intensifies

 In a fresh crackdown on illegal online gambling, police in Raipur have arrested three individuals allegedly running an organised betting syndicate under the name “Teen Panel 777”. The Raipur online betting racket, officials say, may have links to influential business circles in the city, prompting a wider probe.

The arrests were made on Tuesday in the Telibandha police station area. The accused have been identified as Naman Jaggi, Ayush Jain and Mohammad Sarfaraz. Acting on their inputs, police have detained nine more suspects for questioning, as the investigation begins to widen.

Network under scanner

According to officials familiar with the matter, the accused were operating multiple online betting platforms simultaneously. These platforms functioned through a layered system of “master IDs” and sub-panels, allowing users to place bets while masking the identity of operators.

Preliminary findings suggest the network had been running in a structured manner for some time. “Initial reports indicate a well-coordinated setup, with clear roles assigned within the syndicate,” a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity.

Digital trail and seizures

During the operation, police seized several electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops, along with betting records and documents linked to financial transactions running into crores. Two cars and a small amount of cash were also recovered.

Investigators are now examining the digital evidence to map out the extent of the operation and identify other beneficiaries. “The documents recovered are being analysed. They could reveal the scale of transactions and those involved,” an official said.

Business links suspected

One of the more significant angles emerging from the probe is the possible involvement of local businessmen and jewellers. Sources said the accused may have been in contact with individuals from the सर्राफा (bullion) and hotel sectors.

While officials have not confirmed any names, they indicated that this aspect is under active investigation. “We are verifying financial linkages. If there are connections with larger कारोबारी groups, action will follow accordingly,” a police official noted.

Social media role

Investigators believe the network relied heavily on messaging platforms and social media to expand its reach. Users were reportedly added through invitation links and then assigned unique IDs to participate in betting activities.

The ease of access and anonymity offered by such platforms has made online betting networks harder to track, officials admitted. However, they added that sustained surveillance helped in building the case against the accused.

Earlier arrest of mastermind

The latest arrests come weeks after the arrest of alleged mastermind Babbu Khemani—also known as Gulshan Khemani—on April 17 from Mumbai. Police had then described him as a key figure behind a high-profile betting operation inspired by popular illegal apps.

Khemani was linked to an online platform named “3 Stumps”, reportedly modelled on similar betting applications. Authorities had seized assets worth around ₹60 lakh, including a luxury car, during that कार्रवाई.

International angle probed

The investigation into Khemani also revealed a possible international dimension, particularly links to Dubai. Officials are examining whether overseas connections played a role in funding or operating the network.

There were also indications that Khemani had interacted with former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi during his travels. However, police clarified that no direct link between that meeting and the betting operations has been established so far.

Image-building strategy

Sources involved in the probe said Khemani projected himself as a successful influencer on social media, showcasing a lavish lifestyle. This, they believe, helped him attract followers and lure them into betting networks under the guise of match predictions, particularly during Indian Premier League seasons.

“Users were drawn in through prediction tips and then redirected to betting panels,” a source said.

Investigation continues

Police officials indicated that further arrests in the Raipur online betting racket are likely in the coming days. The focus remains on dismantling the entire network and identifying its financial backbone.

A detailed disclosure of the matter is expected later in the evening, as investigators continue questioning suspects and analysing seized material.