The Indore Municipal Corporation has taken major disciplinary action against a civic official accused of causing financial loss to the corporation through unauthorized modifications in property tax records. Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal ordered the immediate dismissal of in-charge Assistant Revenue Officer Arvind Nayak, whose original post was Assistant Revenue Inspector, after a departmental inquiry reportedly found serious irregularities against him.

Officials said the action was taken under provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966, after the accused officer failed to provide a satisfactory explanation during departmental proceedings. The development has become a significant Government Updates and Public Interest Story in Indore amid growing scrutiny over financial accountability within urban local bodies.

Departmental Inquiry Conducted

According to civic officials,the matter surfaced after complaints were received regarding modifications made in a property tax account linked to land located in Bicholi Mardana area of the city. The complaint was examined through an inquiry report submitted by the Additional Commissioner (Revenue) of the municipal corporation. During the investigation, officials reviewed records associated with property tax account number 1001346534, which was registered in Zone 19, Ward 76. The account reportedly belonged to Agarwal Public School under the Learn by Agarwal Charitable Trust. Authorities said the inquiry focused on changes made in the property’s classification, area details, and tax demand entries on the e-Nagar Palika portal.

Tax Record Discrepancy Found

According to municipal records, the property account had been registered since the financial year 2014-15. Officials stated that records available on the e-Nagar Palika portal as of August 23, 2025, showed the property classified under residential, commercial, and hostel categories with a total area of 577006 square feet. The total tax demand linked to the account was reportedly recorded at Rs 3.19 crore. However, investigators later found discrepancies in revised entries associated with the same account. The inquiry revealed that the total cumulative demand was reduced to around Rs 1.82 crore after modifications were allegedly made without proper approval.

Unauthorized Changes Alleged

Corporation officials alleged that Arvind Nayak used his personal user ID on the e-governance portal to make modifications in the property tax records. Authorities claimed the changes were carried out without obtaining approval from competent officials, resulting in financial loss to the civic body. The matter was treated seriously because the modifications allegedly impacted tax calculations and municipal revenue collection. Following preliminary findings, Nayak was suspended and a formal departmental inquiry was initiated. Officials said documentary and digital evidence collected during the investigation supported the allegations against him.

Explanation Found Unsatisfactory

Municipal authorities confirmed that the accused officer was issued a notice seeking clarification regarding the alleged irregularities. However, officials stated that the response submitted by Nayak failed to satisfactorily explain the discrepancies identified during the inquiry process. Based on the findings, the corporation decided to impose major disciplinary punishment under service conduct rules. The dismissal order was issued with immediate effect. Officials said the action was necessary to maintain transparency and accountability in municipal administration.

Commissioner Orders Strict Action

Municipal Commissioner Kshitij Singhal has been taking strict administrative measures in recent months related to governance, revenue recovery, and civic operations. Sources in the corporation said the latest action was intended to send a strong message against irregularities involving public revenue and misuse of official systems.

Senior officials indicated that digital property tax records and user activity on the e-governance portal are being closely monitored to prevent similar incidents. The corporation is also expected to strengthen internal verification mechanisms linked to tax modifications and approvals.

Civic Administration Under Watch

The dismissal has sparked discussion within administrative circles regarding financial monitoring in urban local bodies and the risks associated with unauthorized access to digital governance systems. Experts say municipal corporations increasingly depend on online platforms for tax assessment, revenue collection, and property management, making transparency and system accountability critical. Concerns have also been raised over whether similar irregularities may have occurred in other property tax accounts. Officials have not yet confirmed whether any criminal proceedings or recovery process will be initiated in the case.

Focus on Accountability

The incident comes at a time when civic bodies across Madhya Pradesh are under pressure to improve financial discipline and strengthen digital governance systems. Administrative observers believe strict departmental actions may increase accountability among officials handling sensitive revenue-related records. The Indore Municipal Corporation has stated that public funds and tax records must be protected from manipulation and unauthorized interference.

A forest encroachment removal drive in Madhya Pradesh’s Burhanpur district turned violent on Sunday after a joint team of forest officials, police and district administration personnel came under stone pelting in Nepanagar range. Four people, including forest staff and a JCB operator, were injured during the operation in Jhanjhar village, officials said.

The incident took place around 11 am when authorities launched a large-scale action to remove alleged external encroachers from forest land in the Nepa range under Burhanpur forest division. The operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal occupation and deforestation in the region.

Four Injured On Spot

Officials said the injured included a JCB operator identified as Kamal Bansal, a resident of Sidhi, who was rushed to the district hospital after sustaining head injuries. According to preliminary reports, stones were hurled at the earthmover during the demolition drive, causing the driver to lose control and the machine to overturn.

Bansal told officials that a large group, estimated at over 150 people, attacked the enforcement team during the operation. He said the stone pelting caused panic, forcing personnel to retreat briefly to avoid further injuries.

Massive Force Deployed

The forest department had deployed more than 500 officials and staff for the anti-encroachment operation. The team included personnel from Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone and Barwah forest divisions, supported by local police and district administration staff.

Heavy machinery, including JCBs, was moved into the area early on Sunday as part of the coordinated action. The deployment had been planned in advance, with personnel assembled at Burhanpur police lines on Saturday evening before being sent to the field.

Action Planned Earlier

According to officials, the forest encroachment removal drive had been under preparation for several weeks. Authorities had been planning action against alleged outside encroachers occupying protected forest land, but the date of execution had not been finalised until now.

Divisional Forest Officer Vidyabhushan Singh said the operation was aimed at identifying and removing unauthorised occupants from forest land in the Nepanagar range. According to officials, eligible forest rights claimants would not face eviction, but action would continue against those lacking valid documentation.

Years Of Encroachment

Forest officials said Nepanagar and Navra ranges have witnessed large-scale encroachment and forest cutting over the past several years. According to officials, large tracts of forest land were cleared by alleged encroachers, damaging plantation zones created after earlier restoration efforts.

Sources indicated the forest department had carried out plantation work in the area after earlier encroachment drives, but officials feared renewed occupation could undo those efforts. Saplings planted in recent years are still in the growth phase and require long-term protection.

Earlier Crackdown Recalled

Officials said this is not the first major enforcement action in the area. Around two-and-a-half years ago, the district administration, police and forest department had jointly removed more than 1,000 temporary structures from forest land in Navra range during a 17-day anti-encroachment drive.

Following that operation, notices were issued asking alleged encroachers to vacate forest land. However, officials said several occupants continued to remain in the area despite repeated warnings and legal notices.

More Action Likely

Authorities said the current operation would continue despite Sunday’s violence. According to officials, those with valid claims under applicable forest rights provisions would be protected, while action would proceed against ineligible occupants claiming possession without documentary proof.

The latest forest encroachment action in Burhanpur is likely to remain under close administrative watch as officials push ahead with eviction, restoration and enforcement measures.

 Infant Dies of Malnutrition in MP, Twin Critical

Quack Clinic Sealed After Death

A four-month-old girl died of severe malnutrition in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district, officials confirmed on Wednesday. Her twin brother remains critical and is battling for life at Rewa Medical College.

The children, identified as Supranshi and Naitik, were born to Vimla and Natthu Prajapati, residents of Surangi village. According to sources, both infants had been suffering from fever, diarrhoea and vomiting for nearly 15 days before the situation turned fatal.

Twin Battles in PICU

The family first approached a quack in Jugulpur village for treatment. When the condition worsened, they took the children to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Majhgawan on Tuesday evening. After primary care, doctors referred them to Satna district hospital.

Both babies were admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) around 8 pm. Medical examination revealed extreme malnutrition and dangerously low body weight for their age. Supranshi passed away during treatment at 4 pm on Wednesday. Naitik was shifted to Rewa Medical College in a critical state.

Officials Issue Show-Cause Notices

Following the deaths, Collector Dr Satish Kumar ordered an immediate probe. Women and Child Development Department officer Rajiv Singh issued notices to sector supervisor Karuna Pandey and anganwadi worker Pooja Pandey, seeking explanations for their alleged negligence.

The Majhgawan SDM led a raid on the clinic of quack Premlal Anuragi late Wednesday night. Authorities seized nearly 100 types of medicines and sealed the premises for operating without a valid licence.

Mother Lacked Breastfeeding Guidance

Investigations revealed a deeper failure. Due to the mother’s weakness, the twins did not receive breast milk. Relatives fed them goat and cow milk instead. Doctors said this is highly dangerous for infants under six months, who require only mother’s milk for adequate nutrition.

“The family received no proper guidance,” a health official said. The children’s birth weight at Majhgawan CHC on December 21 was recorded at 2.95 kg for Naitik and 2.86 kg for Supranshi. At four months, their weight remained critically below the normal range of 4-5 kg.

ASHA Worker Failed to Stay in Touch

Mother Vimla alleged that apart from vaccination drives, no government scheme benefits reached them. “The ASHA worker did not keep regular contact. We got no timely advice or help,” she said. Field-level negligence is now being examined as a possible contributing factor.

The Chief Medical Officer confirmed that Premlal Anuragi had no valid licence. “He treated the children for 15 days and never referred them to a hospital,” said Dr Rupesh Soni, BMO. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the MP Swasthya Chikitsa Adhiniyam.

Majhgawan Remains Malnutrition Hotspot

Majhgawan block in Satna has recorded previous malnutrition deaths. In September 2022, a child named Somwati Mavasi died under similar circumstances in the same area. Officials admit that despite past incidents, ground-level conditions have shown little improvement.

As per latest government updates, health teams have been directed to conduct door-to-door surveys in high-risk villages. The administration has also ordered a review of all anganwadi centres in the block. What happens next depends on whether these orders translate into action before another family loses a child to hunger and neglect.

Gas Cylinder Black Marketing: ₹918 Cylinder Sold for ₹2,500, Agency Employee Held in Bhopal

Food department seizes 68 cylinders in single-day raids; four-day LPG stock available, says minister

Bhopal Black Market Busted

Bhopal's food supply department cracked down on rampant gas cylinder black marketing on Saturday, seizing 68 domestic and commercial LPG cylinders across the city in coordinated raids. The day-long operation exposed a network where a subsidised domestic cylinder priced at ₹918 was being resold for ₹2,500 — nearly three times its official rate.

Agency Employee Caught Red-Handed

Acting on specific intelligence, officials laid a decoy trap and arrested Salman, an employee of Rishabh Indane Gas Agency, along with his associate Shalig Qureshi, a resident of Barkhedi. Salman arrived on a scooter carrying a cylinder and accepted ₹2,500 from the decoy buyer before being apprehended. According to officials, Salman had been buying cylinders from consumers standing in booking queues by paying an extra ₹500, then reselling them at inflated prices.

Mobile Reveals Scale of Racket

Assistant Supply Officer Ashok Satyarthi stated that Shalig's mobile phone revealed the full extent of the operation. Records showed two cylinders had been sold for ₹5,000 in a single transaction. Commercial cylinders were being offered at ₹3,500, while domestic ones fetched ₹2,500 — all arranged via phone deals struck throughout the day.

Ideal HP Agency Under Scanner

One of the seized cylinders was traced back to Ideal HP Gas Agency. The accused claimed it had been purchased from a consumer, but food department officials indicated the agency operator's role remained suspect. The matter is under further scrutiny.

Seven Cylinders Seized Near Peepal Chauraha

District Supply Controller Chandrabhan Singh Jadon confirmed that seven Indane cylinders — five empty, two full — were seized from Suyash and Samit Jain near Peepal Chauraha. Officials received information suggesting gas was being illegally transferred into smaller cylinders at the location, a practice that poses significant safety hazards.

Demand Outpacing Supply at Agencies

Crowds have been building at Rai, Saini, Mamta, and Happy Gas agencies across Bhopal. These outlets are recording between 1,000 and 1,500 daily bookings, while available stock stands at only 300 to 400 cylinders per agency. Officials attributed the surge to panic booking triggered by misinformation, not any actual shortage. Combined LPG stock across Indane, Bharat, and Hindustan Gas depots in the district stands at 2,183 tonnes, with a daily supply capacity of 450 tonnes — enough for four days. However, panic-driven demand has pushed requirements to 1,300 tonnes per day.

State Has Adequate LPG Stock: Rajput

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Govind Singh Rajput assured residents that Madhya Pradesh faces no fuel crisis. Refineries are operating at full capacity, crude oil supply is uninterrupted, and bottling plants are running extended hours to meet demand. As per reports, inspections at 2,050 locations have so far resulted in the seizure of 2,912 cylinders and registration of nine FIRs across the state. The PNG connection process has also been expedited to reduce long-term dependence on cylinders. The minister urged citizens to avoid acting on rumours and not to panic-book, which is the primary driver of the current supply strain. The gas cylinder black marketing network in Bhopal is expected to face further legal action as investigations continue.