The rehabilitation dispute surrounding Chhattisgarh's Nakti village escalated on Friday as displaced residents, accompanied by Congress leaders and workers, staged a protest outside the Chief Minister's residence in Raipur. The demonstrators demanded compensation, restoration of their land, and withdrawal of criminal cases filed against villagers, warning the state government that they would intensify their agitation if their demands were not addressed within five days.

Security was tightened around the Chief Minister's residence as a large police contingent was deployed to prevent any breach of law and order. Protesters remained seated on the road for several hours and even ate meals at the protest site as a mark of defiance.

When police personnel reportedly asked them to vacate the area, villagers responded by saying that after losing their homes, they were now being prevented from even eating in public. The emotional scenes reflected growing resentment among families displaced following the recent demolition drive in Nakti village.

The latest demonstration comes just days after the affected residents surrounded the official residence of state minister O.P. Choudhary. Since the demolition, several families have continued to stay near the remains of their demolished houses despite heavy rain and muddy conditions. The villagers had earlier also staged protests outside the Raipur Collectorate, demanding relief and rehabilitation.

Villagers Seek Compensation, Land and Withdrawal of FIRs

During Friday's protest, the administration invited a delegation of ten women representatives to meet the Raipur Collector.

According to the protesters, they reiterated three key demands before the district administration:

• Restoration of their land or suitable rehabilitation.

• Adequate compensation for demolished houses.

• Withdrawal of police cases registered against affected villagers.

Officials assured the delegation that their demands would be forwarded to the state government for consideration. However, no immediate decision was announced.

The protesters subsequently dispersed after issuing a five-day ultimatum, warning that they would launch a larger statewide movement if no concrete action was taken.

Congress Warns of Statewide Protest

Congress leaders supporting the agitation accused the state government of ignoring the concerns of displaced families.

Party representatives said that if the administration failed to resolve the issue within the stipulated period, they would first approach the Governor seeking intervention. If that also failed to yield results, the Congress would consider calling for a Chhattisgarh bandh in support of the displaced villagers.

Demolition Followed Bulldozer Drive

The controversy stems from a demolition drive carried out three days earlier in Nakti village, where authorities used bulldozers to demolish around 85 houses.

According to the Housing Board, 77 individuals had allegedly encroached upon nearly 15 hectares of government land earmarked for development. Officials have maintained that rehabilitation measures, including allotment of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing, have been initiated for affected families. However, several displaced residents claim that many families are yet to receive alternative accommodation.

Political Row Deepens

The issue has generated political debate across party lines.

Reports indicate that two days before the demolition, villagers had met Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal, who allegedly assured them that no demolition would take place during the monsoon while discussions were underway to find a solution. Despite those assurances, the demolition was carried out on June 29, prompting criticism from local residents.

Adding to the controversy, BJP leader Devji Bhai Patel has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, describing the demolition as harsh and urging the government to rehabilitate villagers at their original location. He suggested that the proposed MLA residential colony could instead be developed elsewhere, including in Nava Raipur.

An earlier letter written by MP Brijmohan Agrawal to the Chief Minister has also resurfaced on social media. In the correspondence, reportedly written nearly a year ago, the MP had expressed reservations over selecting Nakti village for the proposed MLA colony, arguing that evicting economically weaker families would not be appropriate from a humanitarian perspective.

Congress MLA Chaturi Nand has also urged the government to shift the proposed MLA housing project to available government land in Nava Raipur rather than displacing poor families. In her letter, she described the demolition as "inhuman" and maintained that public representatives should protect citizens' rights rather than benefit at their expense.

As political pressure mounts and displaced families continue their protests, the state government faces increasing scrutiny over its rehabilitation policy and handling of the Nakti village eviction.

According to the New York Police Department, the man allegedly poured a flammable liquid over himself before setting himself ablaze outside the UN complex. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital with severe burn injuries, where he later died during treatment.

Video circulating on social media showed the man dressed in robes resembling those worn by Buddhist monks. Footage also appeared to show him placing a Tibetan flag on the pavement outside the UN headquarters shortly before the incident. Authorities have not officially verified the authenticity of all videos being shared online.

Investigators recovered pamphlets from the scene carrying the message, "China, Get Out of Tibet." Officials said the material suggests the incident may have been linked to the Tibet issue, although the exact motive has not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains ongoing.

A spokesperson for the United Nations said the incident occurred after official meetings at the headquarters had concluded and did not affect the organisation's operations or scheduled activities.

The incident has once again drawn attention to self-immolation protests associated with the Tibet issue. According to Tibetan advocacy groups, more than 150 Tibetans—including Buddhist monks, nuns, students and civilians—have died by self-immolation since 2009 in protests against Chinese rule in Tibet.

The first widely reported case occurred in February 2009 when a young monk, Tapey, set himself on fire. The number of such incidents peaked between 2012 and 2013 before declining following tighter security measures imposed by Chinese authorities across Tibet.

Tibetan organisations say these protests reflect opposition to Chinese policies, restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms, and demands for the return of the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet. China, however, rejects these claims and has accused the Tibetan leadership in exile of encouraging such acts, an allegation the Central Tibetan Administration denies.

The Tibet issue remains one of the longest-running geopolitical disputes in Asia. China maintains that Tibet has been an integral part of its territory for centuries and says its administration over the region was formalised through the 1951 Seventeen-Point Agreement. Many Tibetans dispute that position, arguing the agreement was signed under coercion following the entry of Chinese troops into Tibet in 1950.

The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, continues to manage the educational, cultural and social affairs of Tibetan refugees worldwide. Although often referred to as the Tibetan government-in-exile, it is not recognised as a sovereign government by India, the United Nations or any other country.

India officially recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China while providing asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees on humanitarian grounds. The Indian government has consistently maintained that its territory should not be used for political activities directed against China.

Authorities in New York are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details are awaited.

The protest was against the demolition of 80 houses in Raipur's Naktī village to make way for an MLA colony; Congress leaders joined the agitation.

After an 11-hour sit-in outside the Raipur collectorate, residents of Naktī village called off their protest on Thursday following talks with administrative officials. However, they have issued a 24-hour ultimatum — if their demands are not met by Friday 11 am, they will launch an indefinite sit-in and a 'jail bharo' (go to jail) movement.

The protest was held against the demolition of 80 houses in Naktī village on Monday to make way for a proposed MLA colony. The affected families, supported by Congress leaders, staged the demonstration demanding rehabilitation and proper compensation.

On June 29, the administration demolished around 80 houses in Naktī village under Raipur's Mana area. The demolished structures reportedly included 32 houses built under PM Awas Yojana and Indira Awas Yojana.

The administration claimed that affected families have been offered rehabilitation in EWS (Economically Weaker Section) houses in Sector-30, Naya Raipur. However, villagers rejected this, saying the houses are too small for their families and lack basic facilities.

"We have been given houses, but they are so small that a family cannot live in them. There are no proper facilities," a protester told reporters.

Congress leaders, including Raipur district Congress functionaries, joined the protest. Saraypali Congress MLA Chaturinanda wrote to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, demanding that the MLA colony plan be scrapped or shifted to Naya Raipur.

"We are elected to give people a roof over their heads, not to take it away. We do not want such an MLA colony built by demolishing the homes of the poor," Chaturinanda said in his letter.

Congress MLA Kavita Lahre also wrote to the Chief Minister opposing the demolition. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel visited the affected families the day after the demolition and assured them of Congress support.

A year-old letter from Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has gone viral on social media. In the letter, Agrawal had objected to the land selection for the MLA colony, stating that displacing the poor was not humane.

Notably, villagers had met Agrawal just two days before the demolition. The MP had assured them that no demolition would take place until the monsoon ended and that efforts were being made to find a middle ground.

Protesters are demanding:

- Immediate halt to the demolition drive

- Proper rehabilitation and compensation for affected families

- Alternative land for the MLA colony in Naya Raipur

MLA Chaturinanda has suggested that the government develop the MLA colony in Naya Raipur, where hundreds of acres of government land are available.

"Demolishing the homes of the poor to build luxury accommodations for public representatives is not right under any circumstances," he wrote.

Police had barricaded the collectorate and deployed additional forces to manage the protest. Officials held discussions with the protesters and convinced them to call off the sit-in temporarily.

The district administration has maintained that the demolition was carried out after following due process and that rehabilitation is being provided. However, villagers remain unsatisfied.

The situation is being closely watched as the 24-hour deadline approaches.

Guards allege they receive only ₹7,400 despite university paying agency over ₹15,000 per guard; PF irregularities, fake attendance records surface

Security personnel at Awadhesh Pratap Singh University in Rewa staged a dharna outside the Registrar's office on Monday, alleging economic exploitation, wage irregularities and threats of termination. They were supported by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), which joined the protest and demanded immediate action.

The guards claimed that while the university pays the security agency more than ₹15,000 per guard, they receive only around ₹7,400 per month. They also alleged that Provident Fund (PF) contributions are being deposited in amounts lower than promised at the time of recruitment.

Questions raised over payment and staff count

During the protest, questions were also raised regarding the number of security personnel and the payments being made. It was alleged that while 35 to 36 security guards are currently working at the university, payments are being processed for 50 personnel. The protesters demanded a fair investigation into the matter.

"At the time of recruitment, we were assured that PF would be deposited properly. But the amounts being credited to our accounts are much less than what was promised," a security guard said.

Attendance register irregularities

The protesters also alleged that the attendance register has been tampered with. They claimed that records have been manipulated and some records are not available at all, raising serious questions about the attendance and payment process.

NSUI leaders who were present at the protest demanded a high-level inquiry into the financial irregularities and exploitation of workers. They warned that if action is not taken soon, the protest will be intensified.

Agency assures investigation

During the dharna, discussions were held with the security agency's supervisor, security officer and field in-charge. Officials said the matter has been brought to the attention of the company management. The company owner, during a telephonic conversation, assured that an investigation would be conducted and action would be taken on the wage-related complaints.

Police present at the spot assured the protesters that the complaints would be investigated and necessary action would be taken.

NSUI and the security guards have warned that if a probe is not conducted and the guilty are not punished soon, the movement will be escalated further.

The Cockroach Janata Party has placed posters of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak, demanding ₹1 crore compensation for each family.

Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke arrived at the Jantar Mantar protest site in Delhi on Saturday, with organizers displaying posters of NEET aspirants who have died by suicide following the examination paper leak controversy.

Delhi Police has granted permission for the protest, which has drawn a significant turnout according to early visuals from the site. The demonstration comes amid growing outrage over student suicides linked to the NEET paper leak, with 13 such deaths reported across the country in the past 38 days.

Dipke's Letter to PM Modi

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Dipke demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of each student who died by suicide. He also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"The atmosphere in the country is affecting the lives and mental health of youth," Dipke wrote in the letter, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Despite re-exams being held, student suicides have not stopped, and the government should focus on the real problem, he said. Dipke warned that if no action is taken, frustration among students and parents may increase further.

The Five Key Demands

The CJP has outlined five key demands in its protest:

1. Immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

2. ₹1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide

3. Comprehensive investigation into the NEET paper leak

4. Systemic reforms in the examination process

5. Mental health support for students preparing for competitive exams

Background: The Birth of CJP

The Cockroach Janta Party was launched after a controversial remark by Justice Suryakant during a court hearing on May 15, when he reportedly compared some unemployed youths to "cockroaches" who challenge the system through media, social media or RTI activism.

A day later, US-based Abhijeet Dipke launched the CJP and created social media accounts for the movement. The 30-year-old is a digital media strategist from Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, who studied journalism in Pune and is currently pursuing a master's degree in public relations at Boston University.

On May 22, the group started an online petition seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, which it claimed received support from more than 800,000 people.

Social Media Surge

The party's social media presence grew rapidly. By June 10, its Instagram account had reportedly crossed 22.7 million followers, though the number has since fallen by around 200,000. Even after the decline, CJP's follower count remains higher than that of both the BJP and the Congress on Instagram. The group also has around 279,000 followers on X.

Appeal to Political Leaders

Dipke appealed to political leaders concerned about students' future to come forward in support. "Whatever political leaders are concerned about the future of students and believe that paper leaks are damaging the country's education system, they should come forward in support of students," he said.

He confirmed that he has not had any conversation with Rahul Gandhi regarding the issue. Dipke also criticized the political class, saying leaders have money to win over MLAs and MPs but not to help students' families.

"The education system is gradually turning into a business, and public representatives are more interested in running private institutions rather than strengthening government schools," he said.

The Toll on Students

The protest comes amid a heartbreaking toll. In the past 38 days, 13 students related to the NEET exam have died by suicide across the country. In Indore, a female student preparing for NEET fell from the third floor late Thursday night and died on Friday morning. A video of the student's fall has also surfaced.

Previous Protests

The CJP has previously held demonstrations at Jantar Mantar on June 6. The party has also organized protests in Pune, Lucknow, Amritsar, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Nagpur so far.

Saturday's protest at Jantar Mantar has seen a better turnout than the previous demonstration, according to reports from the site. Supporters were seen waving the Indian flag and party flags during the protest, carrying CJP posters and placards demanding justice for students.

Nine months and still waiting

More than ten thousand selected teacher candidates in Madhya Pradesh have run out of patience. It has been roughly nine months since the merit list for secondary and primary school teachers was released. But appointment letters? Still not issued.

On Wednesday, a substantial crowd of these aspirants gathered outside the Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) in Bhopal. Under a harsh summer sun, they staged a sit-in demonstration, demanding that the recruitment process be completed without further delays. Officials from the directorate watched from behind barricades as the protest swelled through the afternoon.

Selection list out, no joining in sight

The recruitment process began back in 2022. Eligibility tests were held in 2023, followed by the selection examination in April 2025. After a drawn-out procedure, the results were declared in September 2025, and the final selection list was published. That was nearly three fiscal quarters ago.

According to the candidates, the examination conduct rulebook – specifically section 3.28 – makes it mandatory to issue appointment orders within three months of releasing the selection list. That deadline passed long ago. “We have crossed eight, almost nine months now,” said a candidate from Vidisha, declining to be named. “There is no court stay. No legal hurdle. So why are we still waiting?”

‘Broken promises and endless assurances’

This isn’t the first time these candidates have taken to the streets. Between November 2025 and April 2026, aspirants made multiple trips to Bhopal, meeting departmental officers. Each time, they were sent back with verbal assurances. In March, officials reportedly said choice filing would begin soon. Then came word that joining might start in April. Neither happened.

The candidates’ core demand is simple: release the eligibility lists, complete the choice filing process, and issue appointment orders. “We are not asking for anything extra. Just what is already written in the rulebook,” said Dheerendra Chaurasia, one of the aspirants who has been following the matter closely.

Over 10,700 lives caught in limbo

The numbers tell a grim story. Nearly 10,700 selected candidates are directly affected. Many belong to farming families. Some run small tuition centres to make ends meet. A few have been surviving on odd jobs while waiting for this government job to materialise.

The new academic session began in April 2026 – but these teachers aren’t inside classrooms. Candidates point out that reports have repeatedly highlighted a severe shortage of teachers across the state. According to recent official data, nearly 1,895 schools in Madhya Pradesh do not have a single teacher on staff. Another 29,116 schools face a cumulative shortage of approximately 99,682 teachers. Rural areas are the worst hit, with only about 70 per cent of sanctioned posts filled.

“If schools are running without teachers, why delay our appointments?” asked Vivek Tiwari from Chhatarpur. His voice carried the weight of years. He said many selected candidates are now past 40 years of age. Personal lives are on hold – marriages, family planning, all deferred. “Some parents passed away waiting for their children to get this job. That is not an exaggeration. That is what has happened.”

What next? Agitation to escalate

Sources familiar with the matter said the DPI has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum submitted by the protesting group. However, no official statement or timeline has been issued yet.

Dinesh Thakur from Indore said all formalities – document verification, eligibility checks – are complete for most candidates. “The portal shows no update. We were told March, then April. Now April is also over. What do we tell our families?”

The candidates have made their position clear. If appointment orders are not issued within a reasonable timeframe now, they will scale up the agitation. “We have waited nine months. We cannot wait nine more,” said another protester as the evening crowd began to disperse. Bhopal’s police presence remained light, and no untoward incident was reported. But the simmering anger among these ten thousand aspirants is unlikely to fade unless the education department acts – and fast.

Bhopal Encounter: Murder Accused Arrested Amid Protests by Hindu Organisations

Police apprehend Asif alias Bomb in a short exchange of fire, hours after protests over the killing of a 35-year-old tea seller turned violent near the Chief Minister’s residence.

Police on Wednesday arrested the prime accused in the murder of a tea seller following a brief encounter in Bhopal, even as protests by Hindu organisations demanding stringent action escalated in the city. The accused, identified as Asif alias Bomb, was injured in the leg during the exchange of fire with a police team and is currently undergoing treatment at Hamidia Hospital.

Accused Neutralised in Short Encounter

Police sources confirmed that the arrest was made late Wednesday evening based on a specific tip-off regarding the accused’s location. As the police team attempted to corner him, the accused opened fire at the officers. In the retaliatory firing, Asif sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was subdued. A country-made pistol and the knife used in the murder were reportedly recovered from his possession.

Protests Intensify Near CM Residence

The police action came against the backdrop of massive protests by the Sakal Hindu Samaj and other groups. Demonstrators broke through barricades at the Roshanpura intersection earlier in the day and marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence. The crowd was stopped by heavy police deployment at the Polytechnic crossing, just 100 meters from their target, leading to a sit-in protest and a road blockade.

Victim Killed Over Minor Argument

According to the police, the victim, Vijay Mewada (35), a resident of Subhash Colony, was attacked late Sunday night. Mewada, who ran two tea stalls in the Ashoka Garden and Kolar areas, had gone to drop off his employees near Pragati Nagar around 1:30 am when the incident occurred.

Dispute Over Employee Altercation

Investigations reveal that Asif and his accomplices—Farhan, Kalu, and Imran—were seated at the location and began misbehaving with Mewada’s staff. When the staff refused to accompany them citing early morning work, the argument escalated. Mewada intervened, trying to calm the situation, but was allegedly stabbed in the stomach by Asif.

Family Protests and Public Outrage

The murder sparked widespread anger, with the victim’s family and locals staging a blockade in Subhash Colony on Monday. They also protested outside the Hamidia Hospital mortuary and the local police station. The family has been demanding the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) against the accused, a demand echoed by the protesting Hindu organisations.

Police Maintain Presence in Key Areas

Authorities have deployed additional police forces in sensitive areas, including the Hamidia Hospital and Ashoka Garden, to prevent any untoward incident. A senior police official stated that investigations are ongoing to track down the remaining accused, who are still at large following the initial attack.

Government and Future Outlook

Officials have assured that strict legal action will be taken against all perpetrators involved in the crime. With the primary accused now in custody, police are focusing on the swift arrest of his accomplices. The administration remains on high alert to maintain law and order, while community leaders have called for calm following the police action.