Police in Chhattisgarh's Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district have claimed to have solved a murder case dating back nearly six months, arresting four people, including a minor, in connection with the killing of a 36-year-old man.

According to police, the victim, Kadam Bhuwarya, was allegedly strangled with a towel after being taken to a field on the pretext of drinking alcohol. His body was subsequently buried in sand near a nallah in an alleged attempt to conceal the crime. Police said a family dispute and a suspected relationship involving the victim's wife were behind the alleged murder.

The case falls under Madanwada police station limits.

Body Found Near Kohka Nallah

The incident came to light on March 5, 2026, when Sanjay Hathgya, a resident of Bhainsaratola, informed police about an unidentified body lying near Kohka Nallah.

Madanwada police reached the location, conducted the necessary proceedings and sent the body for post-mortem examination. The report raised suspicion of murder, following which a case was registered under Sections 103(1) and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

During the investigation, police used technical evidence to establish the identity of the deceased as Kadam Bhuwarya, a resident of Rajkatta under Aundhi police station.

Main Suspect Traced to Hyderabad

A special investigation team was formed under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police Y.P. Singh and guidance of SDOP Vinod Minj. Police said the team worked with the cyber cell and local informants to identify and trace the suspects.

During the investigation, the location of the main suspect, Chandan Andhare, was traced to Hyderabad. A police team subsequently travelled there and detained him for questioning.

Police said questioning of Chandan provided details about the alleged conspiracy and the circumstances surrounding Kadam's death.

Family Dispute Allegedly Behind Killing

According to the police investigation, Kadam frequently quarrelled with and allegedly assaulted his wife, Parmeshwari, because he suspected that she was in a relationship with her maternal cousin Chandan.

Police said the suspicion had led to hostility between Kadam and Chandan. Parmeshwari's brother, Chaman Lal Dehari, was also allegedly unhappy with Kadam's behaviour towards his mother and sister.

Investigators claim that the family dispute eventually resulted in Chandan and Chaman allegedly planning Kadam's murder. Police said Hemant Rana and a minor were also allegedly involved in the plan.

Victim Taken to Field on Pretext of Drinking

Police said the accused stopped Kadam near the Sitagaon bus stand on February 28 and took him to a field near Chandan's house on the pretext of drinking alcohol.

According to the investigation, the group drank together and allegedly waited until Kadam was heavily intoxicated. Police said the accused then allegedly strangled him using a towel.

After the alleged murder, the accused reportedly carried the body to the nearby nallah, dug a pit and buried it in the sand.

Mobile, Wallet and Shoes Disposed Of

Police further alleged that the suspects threw Kadam's mobile phone, wallet and shoes into the nallah to destroy or conceal evidence connected with the crime.

The police have arrested four accused, including a minor, in connection with the case. A motorcycle allegedly used during the crime has also been seized as part of the investigation.

The arrests follow a months-long probe into the unidentified body recovered near Kohka Nallah, with investigators relying on technical evidence and questioning of suspects to reconstruct the alleged sequence of events.

Raipur Police have arrested seven alleged members of a fraud syndicate accused of cheating people by promising to double their money and convert bundles of black paper into genuine currency using chemicals. The arrests were made at a resort in Pune during an investigation into a ₹1.13 crore cheating case involving a businessman from Balod, Chhattisgarh.

According to police, two women were arrested earlier in connection with the Balod case. Their interrogation reportedly provided digital leads, including mobile chats, contact numbers and social media accounts, which helped investigators trace the alleged masterminds to Pune. Police then kept the suspects under surveillance for nearly a week before raiding a resort in Khandala. The accused were allegedly attempting to convince another person from Varanasi to hand over money as part of the same fraud.

Police identified the arrested suspects as Gyan Prakash Srivastava alias Yogi, Praveen Kumar Srivastava alias Captain, Shetty and Reddy, Manoj Kumar Srivastava alias Bade Sir, Vivek Singh, Shubham Pandey, Yogendra Chauhan and Balmukund Dixit. The investigation has also indicated that the alleged syndicate had been operating since around 2005 and may have targeted more than 100 people across different cities. Police said some members of the network are still absconding.

The alleged fraud was based on what is commonly known as a “wash-wash” or black currency scam. Investigators said the suspects used black paper cut to the size of currency notes along with chemicals and staged demonstrations to convince potential victims that blackened notes could be converted into genuine currency. In some cases, genuine currency was reportedly used during demonstrations to establish credibility.

The suspects allegedly approached prospective victims at clubs, parties, yoga centres and high-profile gatherings, where they built contacts with financially well-off people. They reportedly presented themselves as members of influential business networks and claimed links with the Reserve Bank of India, senior officials and other powerful individuals. Police said the accused also used photographs with politicians and film personalities and sometimes appeared with private security personnel to create an impression of influence.

Meetings were allegedly arranged at expensive hotels, villas and resorts in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Rajasthan and Gujarat. During these meetings, victims were reportedly promised access to foreign investment, influential contacts or schemes that could multiply their money. Once trust was established, the accused allegedly demanded money in instalments under different pretexts, including chemicals, testing, security clearances and fund-release procedures.

Police said the gang had a specific method for gaining the confidence of victims. In the initial stage, victims were allegedly given genuine currency and shown a demonstration involving chemical treatment. After the victim became convinced, the accused would allegedly replace genuine notes with bundles of black paper made to resemble currency. The victim was then persuaded to invest a much larger amount, after which the suspects would disappear or demand additional money.

More than ₹4 crore in cash, 17 mobile phones, black paper cut into currency-note sizes, glass plates and other materials were reportedly seized during the investigation. Police said the accused have admitted to similar offences in Chhattisgarh, Noida, Pune, Vadodara, Udaipur and Delhi. Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Manoj Kumar Srivastava have also reportedly faced previous cheating cases in Mumbai and Varanasi.

The investigation has revealed another unusual aspect of the alleged operation. Police said some of the accused had themselves fallen victim to a similar scam before 2005. After losing money, they allegedly learned the method and subsequently built their own network to target others.

The case came to light after Balod businessman Umesh Kumar Sinha allegedly lost ₹1.13 crore after being promised ₹45 crore in investment for expansion of his company. The investigation into that complaint eventually led police to the wider alleged syndicate. Further investigation is underway to identify additional victims, trace the money trail and locate other suspects.

Police in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur have arrested three men from Nagpur in connection with an alleged occult ritual carried out at a cremation ground, where photographs of Chhattisgarh High Court Chief Justice Ramesh Sinhaand two other people were reportedly placed.

According to police, the ritual was not intended to harm the Chief Justice. Investigators believe the accused allegedly used the ritual as a means to frighten a family involved in a knife-attack case and pressure them into paying money and withdrawing the case.

One accused had already been caught by local residents at the cremation ground while the alleged ritual was taking place. Police said he was the person who had allegedly arranged and performed the occult activity.

₹1 Lakh Demand Over Bail

According to the investigation, Om Bole, 23, a resident of Dayalband, is the brother of Priyanshu Bole, who is currently in jail in connection with a knife-attack case.

Police allege that Om and his associates approached the victim's family and demanded ₹1 lakh, claiming that the money had been spent on securing Priyanshu's bail.

When the family allegedly refused to pay, the accused threatened them and pressured them to withdraw the case.

Police said the accused allegedly warned the family that an occult ritual would be performed against them if they did not pay the money.

Ritual Conducted at Cremation Ground

Investigators said the accused allegedly planned the ritual specifically to create fear among the complainant and his family.

The group reportedly contacted Rishikesh Kumar, 28, through Instagram for the alleged ritual. Police said Rishikesh was subsequently found at the Deori cremation ground, where he was allegedly performing the activity.

Several items, including a dead fish, lemons, vermilion and other ritual materials, were reportedly recovered from the spot.

Photographs of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha, the jailed accused Priyanshu Bole and the complainant were also reportedly found at the location.

Police suspect that the photographs and ritual were used to create psychological pressure on the complainant rather than as part of any actual attempt to harm the Chief Justice.

Three Suspects Arrested in Nagpur

While Rishikesh was caught at the cremation ground by local residents, three other suspects allegedly fled from the spot.

Police later traced and arrested the three from Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The accused have been identified as Om Bole, Tarun Bajaj, 27, a resident of Torwa, and Mohammed Israr, 22, from Safed Khadan. Rishikesh Kumar was also taken into custody in connection with the case.

The police are now investigating the accused's Instagram contacts and whether other people were involved in arranging the alleged ritual.

Case Registered Under Threat and Tonhi Law

A case has been registered at Torwa police station based on the victim's complaint. Police have invoked provisions relating to criminal intimidation and alleged Tonhi harassment.

Bilaspur ASP City Pankaj Patel said police acted on the complaint and arrested the accused. The arrested persons were produced before a court and sent for judicial remand.

Investigation Continues

Police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the photographs and the alleged ritual, including how the accused came into contact with the person who reportedly conducted it.

The investigation will also focus on whether the accused had threatened the victim earlier and whether the alleged occult activity was part of a broader attempt to intimidate the family and influence the knife-attack case.

The incident came to light after local residents reportedly reached the Deori cremation ground on the night of August 7 and found four young men allegedly carrying out the ritual. One was caught at the spot, while the others escaped.

Three men have been arrested in Chhattisgarh’s Kabirdham district for allegedly printing ₹12.50 lakh in counterfeit currency using a colour printer to repay a loan. Police said the accused had rented a room near the New Bus Stand, where they allegedly scanned genuine notes, printed copies and manually cut them before attempting to circulate them.

The alleged fraud came to light when the accused handed over ₹4.50 lakh in counterfeit ₹500 notes to Dinesh Kumar Yadav as repayment of a loan. Dinesh reportedly noticed that several notes were unevenly cut and differed in size. The paper and colour quality also appeared inferior, prompting him to approach the police.

The case is from the Pondi police outpost area under Bodla police station. Police arrested the three accused on Tuesday and recovered counterfeit currency along with equipment and other items.

Loan Repayment Exposes Fake Notes

According to police, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, a resident of Kamarakhol village, had lent ₹3.75 lakh to Ghuruwa Ram in April 2026. An agreement was also reportedly signed between the two.

When Dinesh later demanded repayment, Ghuruwa Ram allegedly assured him that the money would be returned.

On the night of August 9, Ghuruwa Ram reportedly told Dinesh that the money would be sent through Satish Kumar. Dinesh was then called to an area near a liquor shop in Pondi village.

Dinesh reached the spot at around 9 pm with his acquaintance Kailash Chandravanshi. Satish Kumar and another man allegedly arrived carrying a black bag and handed over the money.

₹4.50 Lakh in Fake ₹500 Notes

Dinesh reportedly checked the cash and became suspicious. The bag contained ₹4.50 lakh in ₹500-denomination notesthat were allegedly counterfeit.

Police said the notes were not uniformly sized and had poor cutting quality. Their paper and colour also appeared different from genuine currency.

Dinesh subsequently filed a complaint at the Pondi police outpost on August 10.

Police Interrogation Reveals Alleged Operation

Police detained Satish Kumar and questioned him. During the investigation, he allegedly disclosed that he had been working with Ramprasad alias Ramau and Ghuruwa Ram to manufacture and circulate counterfeit notes.

Based on the information provided during the interrogation, police arrested the other two suspects as well.

Investigators said the three allegedly began producing counterfeit currency in July 2026.

Rented Room Used for Printing

According to police, the accused had rented a room near the New Bus Stand for the alleged operation.

Investigators found that Ramprasad and Satish had purchased a colour printer on July 13. Ramprasad allegedly rented the room afterwards, where the three men reportedly worked together.

Police said the accused had limited computer knowledge and no previous experience in making counterfeit currency. Despite this, they allegedly used a colour printer to reproduce notes and then cut them manually.

Fake Currency Used to Repay Loan

Police suspect the accused intended to circulate the counterfeit notes as genuine currency.

As part of the alleged plan, the accused gave Dinesh ₹4.50 lakh in counterfeit notes while claiming it was repayment of the outstanding loan. Police said Satish and Ramprasad were involved in delivering the counterfeit currency.

The poor quality of the notes, however, allegedly led to the fraud being detected.

₹12.50 Lakh in Fake Currency Seized

Police said counterfeit currency was recovered from the three accused as well as from the amount handed over to Dinesh.

• Satish Kumar: ₹2 lakh

• Ramprasad alias Ramau: ₹4.50 lakh

• Ghuruwa Ram: ₹1.50 lakh

• Dinesh Kumar Yadav: ₹4.50 lakh

The total amount of counterfeit currency seized in connection with the case was therefore ₹12.50 lakh.

Police also seized a printer/photocopy machine, mobile phones and a Tata Punch EV.

Case Registered Under BNS

A case has been registered at Pondi outpost under Bodla police station as Crime No. 101/26 under Sections 179 and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Sections 178, 180 and 181 were also added during the investigation.

Police are now investigating how many counterfeit notes the accused allegedly printed and where they may have circulated them.

Investigators are also examining whether other people were involved in the alleged operation and whether the three accused had previously supplied counterfeit currency elsewhere.

The arrested accused have been sent to jail, while further investigation into the alleged counterfeit currency network is underway.

 A special tobacco control drive was conducted in Bijapur district on Friday to ensure compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

A joint team comprising personnel from the Kotwali Police, Drug Department and Health Department carried out inspections across the area and took challan action against 12 individuals and establishments for alleged violations of the tobacco control law.

Officials said action was taken under Sections 4 and 6 of the COTPA Act, covering smoking in public places and restrictions related to the sale of tobacco products at prohibited locations.

Action Against COTPA Violations

During the campaign, the joint team inspected locations where tobacco products were being used or sold.

Officials issued challans against 12 people and establishments found allegedly violating provisions of the tobacco control law.

The campaign was aimed at discouraging tobacco use in public places and ensuring that restrictions on tobacco sales are followed.

Tobacco Sales Near Schools, Hospitals Banned

During the inspections, officials also informed shopkeepers and members of the public about the legal restrictions on tobacco products.

They explained that the sale of tobacco products is prohibited in and around schools, colleges, hospitals and other educational and healthcare institutions.

Authorities urged shopkeepers to ensure that tobacco products are not sold in restricted areas.

Selling Tobacco to Minors Is an Offence

The joint team also warned traders against selling tobacco products to people below the age of 18.

Officials said that selling tobacco products to minors and promoting tobacco use among them are offences under the applicable law.

Shopkeepers were advised to check the age of customers and comply with the legal restrictions.

Awareness Alongside Enforcement

The campaign was not limited to challan action. Officials also conducted awareness activities and explained the health risks associated with tobacco consumption.

Residents and shopkeepers were encouraged to follow the provisions of the COTPA Act and avoid activities that could promote tobacco use.

More Drives Planned

The administration said similar enforcement and awareness campaigns will continue in the district.

Officials said violations of tobacco control regulations will be dealt with according to law and urged the public to cooperate with authorities.

The administration also appealed to residents to remain aware of the harmful effects of tobacco and support efforts aimed at reducing tobacco consumption.

Authorities in Chhattisgarh rescued 16 children, including seven minors, from a bus at the Durg bus stand after receiving inputs about suspected child labour and possible human trafficking. The children, all from Kabirdham district, were allegedly being transported for work after being lured with promises of employment.

The rescue operation was carried out jointly by the Child Helpline (1098), the Special Juvenile Police Unit (SJPU), the Padmanabhpur police, and officials from the Women and Child Development Department following an alert from the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

Joint Rescue Operation

According to Child Helpline District Project Coordinator Chandraprakash Patel, authorities received information on Wednesday evening that more than 10 children were travelling on a bus and were allegedly being taken for employment.

The joint team reached the Durg bus stand and intercepted the bus around 8.30 pm. During verification, officials found 16 children on board. All were safely escorted to the Child Helpline office for identity verification, counselling and questioning.

Children Lured with Job Offers

During preliminary questioning, several children said they had initially been told they would be taken to Raipur for work but were instead brought to Durg without being informed of their final destination.

Some children also claimed they had been promised jobs in Uttar Pradesh with a monthly salary of ₹15,000. Others stated they were told they would be employed at a mushroom factory. Officials are yet to ascertain where they were ultimately being taken.

Authorities said the children had been travelling without proper clarity about their destination or employment arrangements.

Seven Found to be Minors

Verification revealed that seven of the 16 rescued children were minors, while the remaining nine were adults. Some children carried Aadhaar cards, while others disclosed their ages verbally during questioning.

All of them are residents of different villages in Kabirdham district.

The rescued minors have been shifted to a government shelter home, while officials continue to verify the identities and circumstances of all those rescued.

Children Were Hungry and Exhausted

Officials said the children had reportedly remained without food or water since morning. After the rescue, they were provided meals and medical attention before being taken to the Child Helpline facility.

Individual counselling sessions and detailed statements will now be recorded to determine whether the children were being trafficked, recruited for child labour, or misled by employment agents.

One Person Detained

District Women and Child Development Officer Ajay Kumar Sahu said a man who arrived at the Durg bus stand to receive the children was detained for questioning.

Police suspect he may have been acting as a contractor or recruiter. His role, along with the involvement of other individuals connected to the transportation of the children, is currently under investigation.

Authorities are also examining who organised the journey, who financed it, and whether an organised child trafficking or illegal labour network is involved.

Minors to Be Produced Before CWC

Officials said all seven rescued minors will be produced before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which will decide the next course of action regarding their care, rehabilitation and repatriation.

Police and child protection authorities have stated that if evidence of child trafficking or illegal child labour emerges during the investigation, strict legal action will be initiated against all those involved.

Aban Ahmed, the youngest son of slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, was killed in a road accident in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district on Thursday morning while travelling to meet his elder brother, Ali Ahmed, who is lodged in Jhansi Jail.

The 21-year-old was travelling from Prayagraj in a Creta SUV along with four friends when the vehicle crashed into a road divider in the Poonch police station area, around 70 kilometres before Jhansi.

Two Killed, Three Injured

The accident occurred at around 10.30 am. According to police, the SUV rammed into the divider with considerable force, leaving its front portion completely damaged and trapping all five occupants inside.

Police personnel, assisted by local residents, broke open the vehicle's doors to rescue those trapped.

Aban Ahmed, who was seated in the front passenger seat, and the driver, identified as Sonu, died at the scene. Three other occupants—Umar Ahmed, Mohammad Zaid and Aslam—sustained injuries and were shifted to the district hospital for treatment.

Cause of Crash Under Investigation

Authorities are examining the exact cause of the accident as differing accounts have emerged.

One of the injured occupants reportedly told investigators that the SUV lost control after hitting bricks lying on the highway.

Police, however, said the preliminary investigation suggests the driver lost control while attempting to avoid an animal that suddenly came onto the road.

Officials added that the vehicle was travelling at a high speed when the accident occurred. The rain-soaked highway may also have contributed to the crash.

Eyewitness Recounts High-Speed Collision

An eyewitness, Deepak Yadav, claimed the SUV was moving at a very high speed before the collision.

According to him, the driver first swerved to avoid a calf crossing the highway and then made another sharp turn to avoid a motorcycle before losing control and crashing into the divider.

He alleged that the impact was so severe that vehicle parts were scattered across nearly 40 feet of the highway.

Yadav said local residents rushed to the scene, used an iron rod to force open the doors and rescued the occupants before police arrived. Police reached the spot shortly after receiving information and shifted the injured to hospital.

Body Sent for Post-Mortem

Police said Aban sustained severe head injuries along with multiple fractures and died on the spot.

His body has been sent to the post-mortem facility at Jhansi Medical College. After the examination, the body will be handed over to the family.

According to local reports, he is expected to be buried in Prayagraj alongside the grave of his father.

Family Remains Under Legal Spotlight

Atiq Ahmed had five sons, with Aban being the youngest.

His brother Asad Ahmed was killed in a police encounter in Jhansi in 2023. Another brother, Ali Ahmed, is currently lodged in Jhansi Jail, while Umar Ahmed is imprisoned in Lucknow. Their elder brother, Ahzam, is pursuing higher education.

The family has remained under legal scrutiny since the murder of lawyer Umesh Pal in 2023. Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were shot dead during a police escort in Prayagraj in April 2023 while being taken for a medical examination.

Atiq Ahmed's wife, Shaista Parveen, continues to remain absconding, and Uttar Pradesh Police has announced a reward for information leading to her arrest.

Police said further investigation into Thursday's accident is underway.

A trader from Rewa has allegedly been duped of nearly ₹20,000 after placing an online order for edible oil through a business-to-business trade portal. The victim transferred the payment after confirming the order, but neither received the goods nor managed to contact the seller, prompting a police complaint and a cyber fraud investigation.

The incident was reported under the Civil Lines police station limits, where authorities have begun examining bank transaction details and other digital evidence to trace the accused.

Order Placed Through Trade Portal

According to the complaint, the victim, Nilesh Kumar Tripathi, a resident of Dhekha area in Rewa, had placed an order for Sikka-brand edible oil for business purposes through a profile operating under the name Shree Balaji Traders on the TradeIndia portal.

After the order was confirmed, the trader transferred approximately ₹20,000 online to complete the purchase.

Delivery Never Arrived

Despite making the payment, the ordered consignment was never delivered.

When the trader attempted to contact the seller using the mobile number provided on the portal, he reportedly found that his number had been blocked. Calls made from another phone also went unanswered.

Suspecting that he had fallen victim to an online fraud, the trader approached the Civil Lines police station and lodged a formal complaint.

Police Begin Investigation

Police have registered the complaint and initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Investigators are examining bank transaction records, payment details, the mobile numbers used during the transaction and other technical evidence to identify those involved in the alleged fraud.

Officials are also verifying the authenticity of the seller's profile and related digital records linked to the online transaction.

Police Issue Advisory

Civil Lines police station in-charge Vijay Singh confirmed that a complaint regarding an online cheating case involving approximately ₹20,000 had been received.

He said the investigation is underway and that police are analysing the financial transaction trail along with other electronic evidence.

The officer also advised traders and consumers to verify the credibility of online sellers before making advance payments, particularly during business transactions conducted through digital platforms.

He urged citizens to immediately report any suspected cyber fraud by contacting the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or approaching the nearest police station.

Growing Concern Over Online Business Frauds

The incident highlights the increasing risks associated with online commercial transactions, where fraudsters allegedly create fake business profiles to lure buyers into making advance payments.

Cybercrime experts advise businesses to verify company credentials, check GST registration details, review seller ratings, and avoid making full advance payments without proper verification.

Police have appealed to traders to exercise caution while dealing with unfamiliar vendors and to promptly report suspicious online activities to help prevent financial fraud.

At least three people were killed and several others were injured after a shooting at an In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Saturday afternoon. Authorities said the suspected gunman is dead and there is no longer any threat to the public.

Twin Falls Public Information Officer Josh Palmer confirmed that all shelter-in-place orders have been lifted, while Police Chief Matthew Hicks said investigators believe the incident involved a single shooter.

Attack at Newly Opened Restaurant

The shooting occurred at an In-N-Out restaurant that had opened in Twin Falls only a week ago and had quickly become a popular destination for residents and visitors.

Videos circulating on social media showed customers and employees, many wearing the restaurant's signature red aprons and paper hats, running from the building as multiple gunshots rang out.

Police Probe Motive

Investigators said the suspected shooter was found near the scene, but authorities are still working to confirm the person's identity and determine the motive behind the attack.

Police have not disclosed the identities of the victims or provided details about the injured.

Officials also said they are examining whether anyone else may have been connected to the incident, although preliminary findings indicate there was only one active shooter.

Authorities Warn Against Rumours

Police urged the public to rely only on official information and avoid sharing unverified claims circulating on social media.

Authorities noted that the exact death toll is still under verification, as earlier reports indicating three fatalities had not clarified whether the suspected gunman was included in that number.

Busy Commercial Area Sealed Off

The shooting took place in one of Twin Falls' busiest commercial districts, which includes hotels, restaurants and major retail outlets.

During the emergency response, police closed several nearby roads, including the Perrine Bridge, the primary crossing over the Snake River Canyon, before reopening the area once the situation was brought under control.

Leaders Thank First Responders

Several Idaho leaders praised emergency personnel for their swift response.

US Senator Mike Crapo thanked first responders for their efforts in securing the area and assisting victims.

The incident is the latest in a series of mass shootings in the United States in recent months, with attacks reported at public gatherings, restaurants, festivals and other community locations.

Raipur Police has intensified efforts to tackle traffic congestion by deploying Quick Response Teams (QRTs) that are dispatched immediately after receiving reports of traffic jams through the Daksh (ITMS) Control Roomhelpline.

According to police officials, the dedicated teams are reaching congestion points within five to eight minutes on average, helping restore normal traffic flow across the city. So far, authorities say 88 complaints received through the helpline have been successfully resolved.

10 Dedicated QRTs Deployed

The initiative has been launched under the direction of Raipur Police Commissioner Dr. Sanjeev Shukla, who ordered the formation of 10 Quick Response Teams to respond to sudden traffic congestion at key locations across the city.

Citizens can report traffic jams directly by calling the dedicated traffic helpline 94792-10632, enabling police to respond without delay.

ITMS Control Room Monitors City Traffic

The operation is managed from the city's Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) control room, where police personnel continuously monitor traffic conditions using CCTV cameras installed across Raipur along with Google Maps.

Whenever traffic congestion is detected through surveillance or reported via the helpline, the nearest QRT receives the exact location and is immediately dispatched to the spot.

Officials said the system allows traffic personnel to reach affected areas quickly and ensure smoother movement of vehicles.

Police Appeal to Citizens

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Protocol) Dr. Archana Jha has appealed to residents to immediately inform the traffic control room whenever they encounter major traffic congestion in any part of the city.

To improve public awareness, the police have also installed information boards displaying the traffic helpline numberat major intersections and public places across Raipur.

Officials believe timely information from commuters, combined with real-time surveillance through the ITMS network, will help minimise traffic disruptions and improve overall traffic management in the state capital.

 Tension prevailed in Madhya Pradesh's Indore on Saturday after a group of Kanwar pilgrims staged a protest in Chandan Nagar, demanding legal action against a cleric over alleged objectionable remarks about Lord Shiva.

The protest, led by Akhil Bharatiya Balai Mahasangh National President Manoj Parmar, saw a large number of devotees gather outside Chandan Nagar Police Station, where they submitted a memorandum seeking registration of an FIR against Maulana Jargis Ansari.

Protest Outside Police Station

The protesters raised slogans outside the police station, alleging that the cleric's purported comments had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus and millions of devotees of Lord Shiva.

They urged police to register a case immediately and initiate strict legal action. Representatives of the organisation later handed over a written complaint along with supporting material to police officials.

The demonstrators warned that if prompt action was not taken, they would intensify their agitation in the coming days.

Police Begin Preliminary Verification

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Shivendra Joshi said the protest took place while a Kanwar Yatra was passing from Chandan Nagar towards Gangwal.

He confirmed that the complainants had submitted an application alleging that a religious leader from another community had made objectionable remarks about Hindu deities. A video was also submitted along with the complaint.

"The video is being examined to verify where it was recorded and to establish the identity of the person seen in it. Appropriate legal action will be taken after the facts are verified and the findings are placed before senior officers," the ACP said.

Organisers Warn of Larger Agitation

Speaking after submitting the complaint, Manoj Parmar alleged that the remarks made by Maulana Jargis Ansari about Lord Shiva, whom devotees also worship as Mahakal, were offensive and deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community.

He said the Kanwar pilgrims, under the guidance of Mahamandaleshwar Nitin Das Maharaj, approached the police seeking immediate registration of an FIR.

According to Parmar, police officials assured the delegation that the matter would be examined, following which the Kanwar Yatra resumed.

However, he warned that if an FIR is not registered and the accused is not arrested, the organisation would launch a larger protest. He said a Kanwar Yatra involving around 5,000 participants is planned for next Monday and further demonstrations, including a possible gherao of the police station or the Superintendent of Police's office, could be organised if no action is taken.

Police have stated that the matter remains under investigation and that any legal action will be based on the outcome of the verification process.

 Police have arrested five persons and launched a search for two absconding accused in connection with the alleged attempted gang rape, assault and robbery of a young couple returning from Hanuman Tekri in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district.

According to police, the victims—a man from Jharkhand, who works at the National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) unit in Vijaypur, and his 26-year-old fiancée—had visited Hanuman Tekri for darshan and were returning on a motorcycle on Wednesday night.

Couple Allegedly Lured Into Forest

The incident reportedly took place around 8 pm near a Reliance petrol pump, where three men allegedly stopped the couple, claiming that their motorcycle had suffered a puncture.

Police said that when the victim stopped to check the vehicle, the accused allegedly took away the motorcycle key and forcibly dragged both victims by their hair into a nearby forested area. According to the complaint, three more men later joined them.

The accused allegedly assaulted both victims with sticks and fists, threatened them with dire consequences and robbed them of their motorcycle and mobile phones.

Woman Alleges Attempted Gang Rape

According to the woman's statement to police, the accused separated the couple, taking the man away while several assailants allegedly attempted to sexually assault her.

The complainant alleged that her clothes were torn, her hands were tied using pieces of cloth, and she was physically assaulted after resisting the attack. She further claimed that she fought back by scratching and biting the accused.

The woman also alleged that one of the accused attempted to insert a wooden stick into her private parts, causing injuries.

Police Arrival Forced Accused to Flee

The victim told investigators that she could hear her fiancé screaming from a distance during the assault.

Police said the accused fled into the nearby forest after officers reached the spot, leaving the woman behind.

Based on the complaint, Dharnaoda Police Station registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to attempted gang rape, assault, robbery and other offences. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was subsequently constituted to identify and arrest the accused.

Five Accused Arrested

Superintendent of Police Hitika Vasal said a reward of ₹10,000 each had been announced for information leading to the arrest of the accused.

Using technical evidence and field investigation, police arrested five suspects identified as:

• Bablu (23), resident of Borkheda

• Chhotu (28), resident of Khejra, Raghogarh

• Sardar (30), resident of Vinayaki, Raghogarh

• Mahendra (20), resident of Borkheda

• Dinesh (28), resident of Borkheda

Police said two accused remain absconding, and search operations are underway to trace and arrest them.

The investigation into the case is continuing.