Kondagaon Police have uncovered an alleged inter-district financial fraud in which at least 43 teachers were reportedly cheated of ₹10–12 crore through a network that promised quick personal loans and high financial returns. Following a nearly three-month technical and financial investigation, police arrested five accused from Ambikapur, Jashpur and Sarangarh.

Investigators believe the fraud may have affected more victims than those identified so far, and the probe has now been expanded to trace additional suspects and possible accomplices.

43 Cases Confirmed, More Victims Suspected

According to police, 43 teachers have so far been identified as victims of the alleged scam. However, some teachers have claimed that many others have not approached authorities due to concerns over social stigma and reputational damage.

While police have officially confirmed fraud involving 43 complainants, local estimates suggest that 150 to 200 teachers across the district may have fallen prey to the scheme. These claims are yet to be independently verified.

How the Alleged Fraud Worked

Investigators said the accused approached teachers with promises of arranging multiple personal loans from different banks within a short period.

After securing loan approvals, the victims allegedly received only 40% of the sanctioned amount, while the remaining 60% was transferred into bank accounts controlled by the accused and their associates.

To gain the teachers' confidence, the accused allegedly assured them that the entire loan liability, including instalments and housing-related benefits, would be settled within two to three years. Believing these assurances, the victims signed loan-related documents.

Police said the accused later disappeared with the money, leaving the teachers responsible for repaying the full loan amount and monthly EMIs.

Fake Documents and Identity Manipulation

The investigation also revealed the alleged use of forged identity documents.

According to police, fake Aadhaar cards and other fabricated records were prepared in several cases. Investigators allege that victims' residential addresses were altered on official documents, enabling the accused to obtain loans from multiple banks using manipulated records.

Authorities are examining whether additional forged documents were used to facilitate the fraud.

Complaints Triggered Investigation

The case came to light after several teachers approached police with complaints of financial fraud.

Farasgaon resident Sanjay Kodopi alleged that he and his associates were cheated of nearly ₹2 crore on the pretext of securing personal loans.

Similarly, Anant Kumar Nirmalkar from Bade Dongar reported an alleged fraud of around ₹4 crore. Teachers including Devendra Kishore Khawas, Yogeshwar Baidya and others from the Keshkal area also filed complaints regarding similar transactions.

Based on these complaints, police registered four criminal cases at the Farasgaon and Keshkal police stations and launched a detailed investigation.

Five Arrested After Three-Month Probe

Under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Pankaj Chandra (IPS) and Additional SP Kapil Chandra, a special investigation team analysed bank records, mobile phone data, digital transactions and financial documents over three months.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of:

• Shivshankar Das (Ambikapur)

• Dilip Kumar Soni (Ambikapur)

• Virendra Tirkey (Jashpur)

• Shyamsundar Jangde (Sarangarh)

• Anshuman Singh (Ambikapur)

Police have seized mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, bank passbooks, cheque books, ATM cards, diaries, registers and other financial documents from the accused. These materials are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Banking System Loophole Under Examination

Investigators also found that the accused allegedly exploited delays in the banking system's credit reporting mechanism.

Officials said that loans obtained from one bank often take several days to appear in the central credit database. During this gap, the accused allegedly secured multiple loans from different banks in the names of the same individuals before previous borrowings were reflected in the system.

Financial experts say stronger real-time coordination among banks and faster verification of borrowers' credit records could help prevent such frauds in the future.

Investigation Continues

Police said questioning of the arrested accused is continuing and the investigation has now widened to examine the possible involvement of bank agents, intermediaries and other members of the alleged network.

Authorities suspect that the group may have carried out similar operations in other districts of Chhattisgarh, and further arrests are not being ruled out.

A 21-year-old man was arrested within 24 hours after allegedly entering an elderly couple's house at knifepoint and robbing a gold necklace in Chhattisgarh's Durg district. The incident, captured on CCTV cameras installed inside the house, took place in the Nevai police station area.

According to police, the accused, identified as Vibhanshu Mahobia, a native of Mandla district in Madhya Pradesh, entered the residence with his face covered using a cloth. Armed with a sharp-edged weapon, he allegedly threatened the elderly couple and demanded cash and jewellery before fleeing with a gold necklace.

Incident Captured on CCTV

The CCTV footage of the robbery has surfaced, showing the masked accused entering the house while the elderly man was resting on a sofa. The video also captures the accused threatening the elderly woman with a knife, demanding valuables, and dragging her back when she attempted to move outside the house.

After snatching the gold necklace from the victim, the accused fled from the scene.

Victims Were Alone at Home

Police said the complaint was lodged by V. Kumar (59), a resident of Flat No. 109, Shubhkamna Heights, Pragati Nagar. Kumar told investigators that he was at work on July 4 when the family's domestic helper, Girja Yadav, informed him over the phone that an unknown person had entered his house where his elderly parents were alone.

Based on the complaint, Nevai police registered a robbery case and launched an investigation.

Accused Traced Through Technical Evidence

Investigators inspected the crime scene, questioned witnesses and analysed technical evidence, including CCTV footage, to identify the suspect.

Police later arrested Vibhanshu Mahobia, who was staying in a rented accommodation in the Hospital Sector area under Bhilai Nagar police station limits.

Bike, Weapon and Clothes Seized

During interrogation, police recovered the motorcycle allegedly used in the crime, the sharp-edged weapon and the clothes worn by the accused during the robbery.

The accused was produced before a local court and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.

Probe Continues

Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused had entered the house with the intention of committing robbery. Police are also verifying whether he has any previous criminal record or involvement in similar offences.

The investigation is continuing.

The West Bengal government on Thursday announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening women's safety and tackling cybercrime, including the launch of the 'Durga Squad', Women's Help Desks in every police station and dedicated Cyber Crime Help Desks across the state.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, while unveiling the new initiatives from Nabanna, said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and directed police to take prompt action on every complaint without any interference.

The Chief Minister said police personnel have been given complete operational freedom to register First Information Reports (FIRs), conduct investigations and proceed against offenders in accordance with the law. He stressed that no complaint related to women's safety should be ignored or suppressed.

As part of the initiative, Women's Help Desks will be established in every police station to provide easier access and support for women seeking assistance. The government said the move is intended to improve complaint registration, counselling and immediate police response.

To enhance security in public places, the state has also launched the 'Durga Squad', a dedicated women-led patrol unit. A total of 213 uniformed personnel riding Royal Enfield Bullet 350 motorcycles will patrol cities and towns across West Bengal, responding quickly to incidents involving women in distress.

The government has also focused on the growing threat of cybercrime by announcing Cyber Crime Help Desks in all police stations. Officials said the specialised units will assist victims of online fraud and ensure faster registration and processing of complaints.

According to the government, every cybercrime complaint received at a police station will be uploaded immediately to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Cases will also be processed through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, enabling authorities to freeze fraudulent transactions at the earliest and improve the chances of recovering lost money.

Describing cybercrime as an increasing challenge, Chief Minister Adhikari urged people to report incidents without delay, noting that quick reporting significantly improves the effectiveness of financial fraud investigations.

During the event, the Chief Minister also praised Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta for implementing Women's Help Desks across the state within a short period. He said the police leadership had acted swiftly to strengthen citizen services and improve public safety.

Addressing senior police officers, Adhikari instructed them to ensure that every complaint is registered and investigated strictly according to legal procedures. He emphasised that police stations should function without external influence and that officers would be held accountable for any negligence in handling complaints.

The new measures form part of the state government's broader efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve women's safety and enhance cybercrime response through better infrastructure and quicker police intervention.

Massive anti-encroachment drive in Amakhujari forest; tear gas canister accidentally bursts during operation

In a massive crackdown, a joint team of forest, revenue and police departments cleared approximately 200 acres of forest land from encroachment in Amakhujari forest of Khandwa district on Monday. The operation, which lasted about six hours, saw the deployment of 600 officials and employees along with 30 JCB machines.

The action came a day after a team of 40 forest guards was attacked by encroachers when they attempted to stop illegal sowing in the same forest area. Eight forest staff were injured in Sunday's stone-pelting attack.

Monday's operation was conducted under heavy security cover. A 60-member contingent of women police personnel was also deployed to handle any potential resistance. The team carried tear gas shells for crowd control, though one canister accidentally burst due to the bumpy forest terrain, affecting some police personnel.

Administrative Officials Oversee Operation

District Collector Rishabh Gupta, Superintendent of Police Agam Jain, Additional SP Mahendra Taranekar and DFO Rakesh Kumar Damor were present at the site throughout the operation.

The encroachers had cleared trees and shrubs from the forest land and planted maize crops. The team used JCB machines to dig large contours across the area, making it impossible for encroachers to prepare fields or carry out sowing in the future.

Timber, Beds Seized from 13 Huts

Encroachers had built 13 temporary huts inside the forest. When the team demolished these structures, they recovered valuable teak wood logs and wooden beds (khatiyas). The seized material is being transported to the forest department office in tractors.

DFO Rakesh Kumar Damor said that after Sunday's stone-pelting incident, an FIR was registered and action has been taken against nine individuals.

Officer Injured in Bike Accident

Forest guard Pankaj Porwal, who was deployed in the Khalwa range, was called in from Burhanpur for the operation. While riding his bike to Amakhujari, he slipped near Gudi and fell, sustaining head injuries. He was initially taken to the district hospital but was later referred to Indore due to the severity of his injuries.

Sunday's Attack: Women Used as Shields

On Sunday, when the forest team arrived to clear the encroachment, nearly 400 encroachers attacked them. Women were pushed to the front and used as shields while the attackers pelted stones using slingshots (gofan). The forest guards were also attacked with sticks.

Eight forest guards suffered injuries in the attack. Some suffered head injuries while others had their ears cut. All injured were admitted to the district hospital.

The injured guards have been identified as Jwala Singh, Romank Nayak, Shailendra Yadav, Rajendra Singh Saktawat, Rajendra Bagdi, Pradeep Baghel, Chandrapal Tomar and Rahul Lodhi. They are part of a special flying squad recruited in 2025 to prevent encroachment in forests.

Allegations of Delayed Response

Injured forest workers have alleged that they did not receive help for nearly two hours after the attack. They claimed that police and ambulances did not arrive on time.

Massive Deployment for Monday's Operation

Around 600 employees from forest, revenue and police departments reached Amakhujari in approximately 200 vehicles, including both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. Additional SP Mahendra Taranekar confirmed that the police deployment included 14 officers and 200 personnel, while 400 forest staff participated in the operation.

"Due to moisture in the morning, there was some difficulty in removing the encroachment. About 30% of the encroachment has been cleared so far. There is no resistance at the moment," Taranekar said.

Raipur double murder: Bouncer shoots two sisters-in-law after feud

Raipur double murder: Bouncer shoots two sisters-in-law after feud

 In a Raipur double murder, a bouncer allegedly opened fire on his sisters-in-law after a domestic dispute and later surrendered at the police station.

Domestic dispute turns deadly

A domestic row in Raipur’s Mowa area ended in a double murder late Tuesday night after a bouncer allegedly shot dead his two sisters-in-law and then walked into a police station to surrender, officials said.

The accused, identified as Jitendra Verma alias Jittu, worked as a bouncer and reportedly had repeated disputes with his wife over suspicion about her character. According to the account shared by police and local reports, the argument escalated after his wife left for her parental home with the child, following a fresh quarrel.

Gunman reaches in anger

Around 9 pm to 9.30 pm, the accused reportedly arrived at the house near Mowa market carrying a licensed pistol and insisted on meeting his child. When Geetanjali, 26, and Durgeshwari, 24, tried to calm him down and asked him to leave, he allegedly opened fire.

Police said one bullet struck Geetanjali in the forehead, killing her on the spot, while another hit Durgeshwari in the back. Both women were rushed to hospital by people from the neighbourhood, but Durgeshwari later died during treatment.

Pistol and cartridges found

After the shooting, the accused did not flee the area, according to the initial report. He reportedly stepped outside the house, fired a round in the air on the street and then went to the police station to surrender.

Police recovered the licensed pistol from him and also found bullets and empty cartridges at the spot, officials said. Raipur Deputy Commissioner of Police Mayank Gurjar told Dainik Bhaskar that the incident appeared to have stemmed from a domestic dispute and that the weapon had been seized.

Tension in the neighbourhood

Residents in the area said the couple had frequent disagreements, and the accused often suspected his wife, leading to repeated tension at home. On Tuesday as well, the dispute allegedly continued after the woman went to her parental home, and the argument spilled over into violence when the husband arrived there.

The incident has once again drawn attention to how domestic conflict, if left unresolved, can quickly turn fatal when firearms are involved. In this case too, the presence of a licensed pistol made the situation far more dangerous within minutes.

Investigation underway

Police have taken Jitendra Verma into custody and are questioning him. Officers are also examining the sequence of events, the licensing details of the pistol and the circumstances that led to the firing.

The Raipur double murder has left the Mowa locality shaken, with investigators expected to piece together the exact trigger for the shooting in the coming hours.

Rewa Road Accident: Speeding Trailer Crushes Youths on NH-39, One Dead

A tragic road accident on the Rewa-Sidhi highway claimed one life and left two others critically injured after a speeding trailer hit them late at night.

A festive atmosphere turned into a scene of mourning in the Gurh police station area late last night after a high-speed trailer mowed down three youths standing by the roadside. The incident, which occurred on National Highway 39 near the Mahsaon Chauriyar turn, resulted in the immediate death of a 35-year-old man, while two of his relatives are currently battling for their lives at a state-run hospital.

Midnight horror on NH-39

The accident took place between 2:30 AM and 3:00 AM on Thursday. According to local sources, the victims were standing near their motorcycle by the side of the road, engaged in conversation. A trailer truck, reportedly traveling at a high speed from the Sidhi side, lost control and crashed into them. The impact was so severe that one individual died on the spot due to catastrophic injuries. Taking advantage of the dark and the deserted stretch, the truck driver managed to flee the scene with the vehicle.

Victim identified as wedding guest

The deceased has been identified as Manoj Kol, son of the late Sudama Kol, a resident of Mahsaon Bhaiya Tola. Family members revealed that Manoj had come to Chauriyar turn to attend his brother-in-law's wedding. The accident happened just a short distance from the wedding venue. The injured, identified as Chhote Kol and his brother-in-law, were rushed to the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Rewa by locals and police.

Villagers block National Highway

As news of the death spread, a large number of angry villagers and relatives of the deceased gathered at the spot. The protesters placed the body on the road and staged a sit-in, blocking National Highway 39 for nearly two hours. The blockade led to long queues of trucks and passenger vehicles on both sides of the Rewa-Sidhi route.

Massive police deployment at spot

Sensing the gravity of the situation, Gurh Station House Officer (SHO) Shail Yadav reached the location with a police team. Given the rising tension, additional forces from Govindgarh, Saman, Civil Lines, Vishwavidyalaya, and Raipur Karchulian stations were summoned to maintain law and order. The heavy police presence remained on-site until the situation was defused.

Administration promises assistance

Gurh Tehsildar Arun Yadav also reached the protest site to mediate with the grieving family. He assured them of all possible government assistance under prevailing schemes. In a gesture of immediate relief, Mahsaon Sarpanch Abhijit Singh provided Rs 5,000 to the family for the last rites. Following these assurances, the villagers agreed to lift the blockade, allowing traffic to resume.

Manhunt launched for driver

The police have sent the body for a post-mortem examination at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital. A case has been registered against the unknown trailer driver under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). "We are scanning CCTV footage from nearby dhabas and toll plazas to identify the offending vehicle. The driver will be arrested soon," a senior police official stated.

Korba Man Beheads Wife After Domestic Dispute, Arrested

A man in Korba, Chhattisgarh, allegedly killed his wife by beheading her after a domestic dispute over character suspicion, police said. The accused was later arrested after he was seen roaming in the village with the severed head.

Brutal crime scene

A shocking murder in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district has left villagers stunned after a man allegedly attacked his wife with a knife and severed her head during a heated quarrel. The incident took place in Bundeli village under the Jamagaar police station area on Wednesday. Police said the accused, identified as Salik Ram Yadav Satranga, later walked around the village carrying the severed head.stgpaper.

The murder allegedly happened in front of the couple’s children, who were present at home when the violence broke out. The gruesome nature of the crime and the accused’s behaviour after the killing sparked panic in the village.

Accused identified

Police said Salik Ram, 45, worked as a watchman at a poultry farm owned by Kaushal Sahu and had been living there with his wife, Chhek Bai, 42, and their four children. The family had been staying in the same premises for several years.

Officials said the couple often fought over suspicion about the woman’s character. Investigators believe the latest argument escalated after both had consumed alcohol. Police are now examining the sequence of events that led to the killing.

Police reach spot

After the killing, the accused allegedly kept roaming in the village with the severed head before sitting with it in a sack. Villagers informed the police, following which a team led by Korba CSP Prateek Chaturvedi and the Rajgamar outpost staff reached the spot.

When officers questioned him about the bloodstains on his body, the accused reportedly said they were his wife’s blood and claimed he loved her deeply. Police later arrested him and began further legal action.

Children at home

The presence of the couple’s two children at the time of the incident has added to the shock surrounding the case. Police are expected to record statements and assess the impact of the crime on the minors. Such cases often require immediate child protection support along with criminal investigation.

The village has remained tense since the incident, with residents describing the crime as one of the most disturbing acts they have seen in recent years. Some locals also recorded videos of the accused, which later spread on social media.

Official action

Police have taken the accused into custody and sent the body for post-mortem examination. Authorities are also checking whether previous complaints, alcohol use, or repeated domestic quarrels played a role in the murder.

The case is being handled as a serious murder investigation, and officials said all possible angles are under review. For now, the accused remains in custody while forensic and legal procedures continue.

Wider concern

The case once again highlights the deadly consequences of domestic conflict, alcohol abuse, and unchecked mistrust inside families. In many such Latest News Today and India News Update cases, violence begins with repeated arguments and ends in irreversible loss.

For readers of an English News Portal India, this is not just a Public Interest Story from Korba, but also a grim reminder of how quickly domestic tension can turn into extreme crime.

What lies ahead

The police investigation will now focus on forensic evidence, witness accounts, and the children’s statements to establish the full chain of events. Officials are also likely to examine the role of alcohol and the couple’s history of disputes. The final charge sheet will depend on the post-mortem report and other evidence gathered from the scene.

BJP Leader Gauri Gupta Clashes With Police Over Entry In Bilaspur

Viral video shows BJP leader arguing with security personnel over protocol during Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s visit to the Circuit House.

BILASPUR: High drama unfolded at the Circuit House in Bilaspur late Sunday night after Gauri Gupta, a senior BJP leader, engaged in a heated exchange with security personnel. The confrontation reportedly began when police officers stationed at the gates denied her entry, citing security protocols during the stay of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The incident, captured on camera, has since gone viral across social media platforms, sparking a debate on administrative procedures and political conduct.

Tense standoff at Circuit House

The incident occurred shortly after Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai arrived at the Circuit House following a public event at River View. Given the Chief Minister’s presence, the local administration had enforced a multi-tier security ring around the premises. According to eyewitnesses, Gupta attempted to drive into the campus but was intercepted by the on-duty police team. The refusal sparked an immediate reaction from the leader, leading to a loud verbal spat that lasted several minutes in the high-security zone.

Heated exchange over protocol

In the viral footage, Gupta is heard reprimanding the police officers for blocking her path. Visibly agitated, she questioned the officers' understanding of "protocol" and demanded they connect her with the Superintendent of Police (SP). "Do you not know the protocol? Even the SP does not stop me," she was heard saying in the video. She further emphasized her political standing as a State Vice President of the BJP Yuva Morcha, asserting that the Chief Minister belonged to her own party.

Security measures during visit

The security apparatus was particularly tight on Sunday as the Chief Minister was in Bilaspur to unveil a statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Police officials on the ground maintained that they were following standard operating procedures (SOPs) which restrict unauthorized movement when the VVIP is indoors. The officers reportedly informed the leader that they had strict instructions to verify every individual entering the gates, regardless of their political affiliation or designation.

Intervention by party colleagues

The stalemate at the gate continued until another senior BJP leader arrived at the spot. Seeing the escalating tension, the leader intervened and spoke with the security detail. After a brief discussion and verification, the police eventually allowed Gupta to enter the Circuit House premises. While the entry was granted, the atmosphere remained charged, and the video of the initial argument began circulating on local news groups and X (formerly Twitter) within hours of the event.

Public reaction and viral footage

The video has triggered a wave of reactions online, with many questioning the behavior of political representatives toward uniformed personnel. While some supporters of the leader claimed it was a matter of administrative overreach, others praised the police for sticking to their duty. This incident follows a string of similar reports in the state where individuals claiming political influence have been caught on camera in disagreements with law enforcement agencies over traffic or security rules.

Official silence on incident

Despite the video gaining significant traction, neither the Bilaspur Police nor the district administration has released an official statement regarding the altercation. Sources indicated that no formal complaint has been lodged by the personnel on duty. Similarly, the state BJP unit has not officially commented on the video or the conduct of its office-bearer during the Chief Minister’s official tour. The police continue to maintain that security protocols remain non-negotiable during VVIP movements.

Future outlook on discipline

The incident highlights the recurring friction between political cadres and administrative security during high-profile visits. As digital transparency increases, such interactions are being closely monitored by the public and the media alike.