A CISF personnel was killed after two rounds were fired accidentally while he was cleaning his service rifle at the Bachheli camp in Dantewada. Police have started an investigation into the incident.

 A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Head Constable died after his service rifle accidentally fired two rounds while he was cleaning it at the CISF camp in Bachheli, Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district.The deceased has been identified as Head Constable Dattatraya (50), who was posted at the CISF Bachheli camp. He was a resident of Ahilyanagar district in Maharashtra.According to police, the incident took place at the 10-11 A camp area of CISF in Bachheli police station limits. The personnel was cleaning his AK-47 rifle (butt number 405) inside Potacabin No. 3 when the weapon suddenly fired.The bullets hit the head constable, leaving him critically injured. He was immediately taken to Apollo Hospital, Bachheli, where doctors declared him dead after examination.

Body Sent for Postmortem

Following the incident, the body was kept at the NMDC Bachheli mortuary. After completion of legal formalities, it has been sent to Dantewada District Hospital for postmortem.The family members of the deceased personnel have also reached Bachheli after receiving information about the incident.

Police Begin Investigation

Police officials reached the CISF camp and started investigating the circumstances that led to the firing. The exact reason behind the accidental discharge will be clear after the forensic examination and postmortem report.Officials said the investigation is underway and further details will be available after the completion of the probe.

The Tricolour Yatra in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region entered its second day on Thursday, with the procession travelling through areas that were once considered strongholds of Maoist violence. The journey, which began from Narayanpur on August 12, reached Dantewada via Barsur on its first day.

After an overnight halt in Dantewada, the yatra resumed on August 13 and is travelling towards Sukma and Bijapur. Hundreds of bikers are participating in the journey under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap.

Route From Dantewada to Bijapur

The second-day route begins in Dantewada and passes through Kuakonda, Bhusarās Valley, Chingavaram, Sukma, Errabor, Manikonta, Dornapal and Polampalli.

The procession will then pass through Burkapal, Minpa-Tadmetla, Chintalnar, Jagargunda, Silger and Tekalgudembefore reaching Bijapur.

Several of these locations have previously been associated with major Maoist attacks, security operations and prolonged insurgency in Bastar. The movement of a large Tricolour procession through these areas is being presented as a symbol of the changing security environment in the region.

Tributes to Fallen Security Personnel

During the journey, participants will pay tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in Maoist attacks.

Soil will also be collected from locations where security personnel were killed in major attacks. The organisers have said the initiative is intended to preserve the memories of the martyrs and highlight their sacrifice for future generations.

Burkapal, Minpa-Tadmetla, Chintalnar, Jagargunda, Silger and Tekalgudem are among the key locations where tributes will be paid during the second leg of the journey.

Areas Once Hit by Maoist Violence

Southern Bastar was for years among the regions most affected by Maoist insurgency. Armed encounters, attacks on security forces and disruption of administrative activities were frequent in several parts of the region.

The Tricolour Yatra is now passing through these same areas with a large group of participants, highlighting the government's efforts to underline improved security and greater administrative access in Bastar.

Final Leg on August 14

The third and final day of the yatra will be held on August 14.

From Bijapur, the procession will travel through Awapalli, Usur, Galgam, Nambi and Tadpala before reaching Kurreghutta Hill.

Kurreghutta was previously regarded as an area under strong Maoist influence and is being positioned as the most significant destination of the three-day journey.

The Tricolour will be hoisted on the hill on August 14, marking the conclusion of the yatra.

Message of Changing Bastar

The journey from Narayanpur through Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur is linking several areas that have witnessed years of conflict and security challenges.

By paying tribute at sites associated with the deaths of security personnel and concluding the journey with the hoisting of the national flag at Kurreghutta, the organisers aim to highlight national unity, the sacrifices of security forces and the changing situation in Bastar.

The yatra will formally conclude on August 14 after the Tricolour is hoisted at Kurreghutta Hill.

A three-day Bastar Tricolour Yatra began from Narayanpur on Wednesday, taking a large convoy of bikers through areas of Bastar that were once considered strongholds of Maoist insurgents. The yatra, organised by the Chhattisgarh BJP, will pass through sensitive parts of Narayanpur, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur before concluding at Karregutta hill on August 14, where the Tricolour is scheduled to be hoisted.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma is leading the motorcycle rally, with Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap and a large number of bikers, including women riders, participating in the event.

Security Checks Along Route

Given the security sensitivity of the region, teams from the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) are checking the roads and surrounding areas along the yatra route. Metal detectors are being used to inspect stretches of road before the convoy passes through.

The security arrangements are particularly significant as the route includes areas that were earlier regarded as Maoist core zones.

The convoy travelled through Barsur and the Indravati Satdhar bridge, an area described as a gateway towards Abujhmad from the Dantewada side. The bikers carried the national flag as they moved through the region.

Tribute to Maoist Attack Victims

The yatra will cover locations associated with major Maoist attacks, including Burkapal, Minpa-Tadmetla, Jagargunda, Silger and Tekalgudem.

Tributes will be paid to security personnel and civilians who lost their lives in Maoist violence. Organisers also plan to collect soil from sites where security personnel were killed.

The collected soil is proposed to be preserved in a future memorial museum dedicated to those who lost their lives in the conflict.

‘One Tree in the Name of Martyrs’

As part of the ‘Ek Ped Shaheedon Ke Naam’ campaign, saplings will also be planted at selected locations along the route.

The organisers said the initiative is intended to remember the sacrifices made by security personnel and civilians while also promoting a message of peace, democracy and development in Bastar.

Women Bikers Join Rally

The yatra has also drawn participation from women bikers from different districts. Local youth, voluntary organisations, women's groups, NCC and NSS members, Nehru Yuva Kendra representatives, Scouts and Guides and public representatives are also participating.

At several locations, local residents and schoolchildren gathered to welcome the convoy. In Kadenar, schoolchildren were seen holding Tricolours as the bikers passed through the village.

The organisers said the participation of young people is aimed at highlighting a changing social environment in areas that witnessed prolonged violence.

From Maoist Zone to Tricolour Route

The convoy also passed through Dhaudai, Munjmeta, Jharagaon and Kanharagaon, among other locations. These areas have historically been associated with Maoist activity and security operations.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma said the objective of the yatra is to take the Tricolour to areas where movement was once restricted because of the security situation. The programme also seeks to remember those who sacrificed their lives and encourage young people to participate in the democratic mainstream.

The yatra will continue through the sensitive Bastar belt before reaching Karregutta hill on August 14, where the organisers plan to mark the conclusion by hoisting the national flag.

Message of Peace and Democracy

Beyond being a motorcycle rally, organisers have described the event as an attempt to connect remote areas of Bastar with a broader message of national unity, peace, security and democracy.

The combination of tributes, plantation drives, collection of soil from martyr sites and interaction with local communities is intended to underline the transition the region has undergone after years of Maoist violence.

The incident took place under the City Kotwali police station limits, where the accused, identified as Lakshman Kunjam, allegedly killed his 35-year-old wife, Jhumki Kunjam, before abandoning her body behind their residence. Police have taken the accused into custody and launched a detailed investigation into the case.

According to preliminary police findings, Lakshman had long suspected his wife of having an affair, leading to frequent disputes between the couple. Investigators believe the argument escalated on July 17 when the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Police said Lakshman first made his wife consume liquor before attacking her with a kitchen knife used for cutting vegetables. He allegedly slit her throat and severed her head before dumping the body behind the house and fleeing the scene.

The body remained undiscovered for several days. As decomposition advanced, a strong stench spread through the neighbourhood, prompting residents to alert the police. Officers reached the spot and recovered the remains, which had already begun decomposing and were infested with insects.

Investigators suspect the husband immediately after the recovery because he had disappeared from the village following the incident. A search operation was launched, and he was later traced and detained by the police.

Sources associated with the investigation said the accused has admitted to killing his wife during questioning. According to police, he claimed he believed his wife was involved in an extramarital relationship, which allegedly motivated the crime. Officials, however, said his statement is being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Assistant Superintendent of Police R.K. Barman confirmed that the husband has been taken into custody and that the investigation is continuing. Police are collecting forensic evidence and recording statements from family members and local residents before filing the final chargesheet.

Lakshman Kunjam had previously served as the elected sarpanch of his village. His first wife had died several years ago, and he had four children from that marriage. Following her death, he married Jhumki Kunjam. Police said the children were not present at the house when the alleged murder took place.

The victim's relatives have also lodged a complaint, demanding strict action against the accused. Authorities are examining the family's statements along with other evidence recovered from the scene.

The brutal nature of the killing has shocked residents of Dantewada and renewed concerns over crimes linked to domestic disputes and suspicions within relationships. Local residents described the incident as deeply disturbing, particularly because the body remained unattended for several days before being discovered.

Police are expected to complete the investigation after forensic examination of the crime scene and the recovered weapon. Further legal action will proceed based on the evidence collected during the inquiry.

In a significant breakthrough in the ongoing anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, security forces in Dantewada district have recovered a large cache of weapons, explosives, cash and gold allegedly hidden by Maoists in forested areas under the Barsur police station limits.

The recovery was made during a search operation conducted in the forests near Todma village based on intelligence provided by surrendered Maoists. According to police officials, the seized materials are valued at nearly ₹18 lakh and include firearms, ammunition, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), cash and gold.

Operation Based on Surrendered Maoists’ Inputs

Police said the operation was launched as part of the intensified anti-Maoist campaign being carried out across Bastar division. Acting on information provided by former Maoist cadres who had surrendered, security personnel conducted extensive searches in remote forest and hill terrain.

During the operation, multiple underground dumps allegedly used by Maoists to store weapons and logistics were identified and excavated by the security teams.

Gold and Cash Among Key Recoveries

Among the most notable recoveries were a 116-gram gold biscuit valued at approximately ₹16 lakh and cash amounting to ₹2 lakh.

Officials believe the recovered valuables were part of the Maoist network’s financial reserves and may have been intended for operational activities, procurement of supplies or logistical support.

The discovery of both gold and cash highlights the financial infrastructure maintained by insurgent groups operating in the region.

Large Quantity of Weapons Seized

Security personnel also recovered a substantial quantity of arms and ammunition from the hidden caches.

The recovered weapons include one INSAS rifle, 16 INSAS magazines, four AK-47 magazines, 68 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 23 SLR magazines and 34 SLR rounds.

Additionally, five 12-bore guns, seven cartridges, three BGL launchers, one BGL shell, two carbine magazines, .303 rounds and chargers were seized during the operation.

Police officials said the recovery has significantly weakened the operational capability of Maoist cadres active in the area.

Explosives and Bomb-Making Material Found

The search team also recovered a large quantity of explosive materials and improvised weapons.

The seized explosives include six tiffin bombs, four pipe bombs, 122 arrow bombs, one para bomb, two country-made hand grenades and two improvised mortars. Security personnel also found detonators, codex wire, gelatin sticks and 14 pressure-cooker-based explosive containers.

According to investigators, the explosives could have been used to target security personnel, road-opening parties or public infrastructure in the region.

Other Maoist Materials Recovered

Besides weapons and explosives, the security forces seized several other items linked to Maoist activities. These included country-made firearms, revolvers, an air gun, uniform cloth, medicines, Maoist pamphlets, literature and other logistical supplies.

Officials believe the recovered materials were part of a larger support network operating in the dense forest region of south Bastar.

Major Blow to Maoist Network

Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai described the operation as a major success in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism.

He said the recovery has dealt a significant setback to Maoist activities in the area and may have prevented potential attacks targeting security forces.

Security agencies have intensified operations across Bastar in recent months, supported by intelligence gathered from surrendered cadres and local sources. Authorities believe continued pressure on Maoist networks is yielding results, with increasing recoveries of weapons and a growing number of surrenders.

Further investigation is underway to determine the origin of the recovered materials and identify the Maoist units that had stored them in the forest area.

In the dense forests and tough terrain of Bastar, one woman’s quiet determination has left a mark on hundreds of tribal villages. Dr. Budhri Tati, a social worker from Dantewada, was conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu for her extraordinary service to society.

For 35 years, Budhri Tati has walked on foot across more than 545 villages in the Naxal-affected region. She focused on women’s empowerment, education, health, and environmental awareness, often putting her own life at risk. Despite facing life-threatening attacks and opposition, she never turned back.

At the award ceremony, she stood out in traditional tribal attire of Bastar, choosing it over modern clothes. This simple gesture spoke volumes about her deep connection with her roots and the people she serves. Locals fondly call her ‘Bua’ or ‘Badi Didi’.

Her journey began at the age of 15. Inspired by Lakhmu Baba of the Gurmagunda Ashram in 1984-85, she decided to dedicate her life to social work. After training with the Rashtriya Seva Samiti in Nagpur, she returned to Bastar and started working in remote areas where women rarely stepped out of their homes.

She took on illiteracy, superstitions, and harmful social practices head-on. Over the decades, Budhri Tati helped more than 500 women become self-reliant by training them in sewing, embroidery, and other livelihood skills. Her belief is simple — when women become financially strong, the entire society grows stronger.

Along with women’s empowerment, she ran campaigns on cleanliness, nutrition, maternal and child health, and de-addiction. Many villagers gave up liquor after her persistent efforts. She also set up an old-age home in Hiranar for the destitute elderly and took responsibility for educating and caring for orphaned tribal children. Her niece Antwi Vek assists her in this work.

The path was never easy. In one incident in the Abujhmar region, angry villagers chased her with sharp weapons. She narrowly escaped, but such attacks did not break her resolve. “If I had feared that day, many women in that village would still be living in darkness,” she later reflected on her experiences.

Budhri Tati chose not to marry, considering society as her family. Today, in Bastar’s villages, every child is like her own, every woman part of her extended family, and every elder worthy of respect.

This Padma Shri is her 23rd honour, including three national-level awards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted her warmly at the ceremony.

Her recognition comes at a time when stories of quiet, grassroots changemakers from conflict zones are gaining attention. Just days ago, another doctor couple from the same Dantewada-Abujhmar region — Dr. Ramchandra and Dr. Sunita Godbole, known as ‘Doctor Bhaiya-Bhabhi’ — also received the Padma Shri for providing free treatment to over one lakh patients.

Officials and locals say Budhri Tati’s work has brought visible change in some of the most backward pockets of Chhattisgarh. Yet she remains grounded, continuing her mission even after the national honour.

The award has sparked pride across the state, especially among tribal communities and women’s groups. Many see her as an inspiration for the next generation of social workers who want to work in difficult areas.

As Budhri Tati returns to Bastar after receiving the honour, her focus remains unchanged — reaching more villages, helping more women, and building a better future for the region’s children. Her story is a reminder that real change often walks on dusty forest trails, one step at a time.

The southwest monsoon has officially entered Chhattisgarh through Dantewada, marking the beginning of the rainy season in the state. Weather officials said the monsoon is expected to expand into more districts over the next few days, bringing increased rainfall activity across southern, central and northern regions.

Following the monsoon's arrival, several parts of the state witnessed a sudden change in weather on Monday afternoon. Raipur, Raigarh and nearby areas received heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, providing relief from the prevailing heat but also causing temporary disruptions in some localities.

In Raipur, intense showers led to waterlogging on Mahadevghat Road in the Sundarnagar area. Commuters faced difficulties as rainwater accumulated on sections of the road, slowing traffic movement and affecting daily travel.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a five-day alert for thunderstorms, lightning and light to moderate rainfall across the state. Meteorologists said weather conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon into additional parts of Chhattisgarh, including Raigarh and adjoining districts.

With the monsoon now active over Bastar division, rainfall intensity is expected to increase significantly in the region. Weather experts believe the seasonal system will gradually move northward and cover central and northern districts in the coming days.

Despite the arrival of monsoon conditions, parts of central Chhattisgarh may continue to experience above-normal temperatures over the next two days. According to the weather department, maximum temperatures in some districts could remain 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, creating heatwave-like conditions before widespread rainfall brings relief.

Officials have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid open spaces during lightning events. The department has warned that strong winds may accompany rainfall in several areas.

Temperature data released by the weather department showed Bilaspur as the hottest location in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius. Ambikapur remained the coolest, with the minimum temperature settling at 22.9 degrees Celsius.

Raipur also experienced a sharp weather shift during the afternoon. After a hot and humid start to the day, dark clouds gathered over the city, followed by gusty winds and heavy showers in multiple areas. The city’s maximum temperature is expected to remain around 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to be close to 29 degrees Celsius.

The progress of the monsoon is being closely watched, particularly by farmers awaiting adequate rainfall for agricultural activities. A sustained spell of rain over the coming week could improve soil moisture levels and support the beginning of kharif sowing operations in several districts.

With favourable atmospheric conditions continuing over central India, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to remain active across Chhattisgarh throughout the week.

Ex-MLA Kunjam Claims Naxal Gold From Switzerland

Former tribal leader Manish Kunjam alleges the gold recovered from surrendered Naxalites in Chhattisgarh came from Swiss banks, not local funds, and questions the real aim behind their long-standing “jal-jungle-jameen” campaign.

Kunjam Speaks at Dantewada  

Former MLA from Konta in Sukma district and prominent tribal leader Manish Kunjam has made a sensational claim about the source of gold recovered from Naxalites. Addressing the media at the Dantewada Circuit House, Kunjam said the gold found with the extremists originated from Switzerland. He demanded that the state government launch a thorough probe into the foreign link.

Gold Haul From Recent Surrenders  

On March 31, the deadline set for ending Naxalism in Chhattisgarh, 25 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district. Police recovered more than seven kilograms of gold from them, valued at over ₹11 crore. Earlier, another 1.5 kg of gold was seized from Naxalites who surrendered in Jagdalpur. The recoveries have been described as one of the biggest hauls in recent anti-Naxal operations.

Naxal Gold From Switzerland  

Kunjam asserted that while local people may have provided some funds to the Naxalites, the gold itself reached them through foreign banks. “The gold recovered from Naxalites came from Switzerland. The money they got was from our own people, but the gold came from banks abroad,” he said. He urged authorities to trace the international trail without delay.

Real Motive Behind ‘Jal-Jungle-Jameen’  

The former MLA challenged the Naxalites’ decades-old slogan of protecting water, forests and land. According to him, saving hills, rivers and jungles was never their goal. “They talked about the fight for jal-jungle-jameen for years, but their real target was to hoist the red flag at the Red Fort,” Kunjam stated. He accused them of using the tribal cause only as a cover for larger political ambitions.

Mining Extortion Alleged  

Kunjam raised serious questions about mining activities in the region. He recalled how villagers in several districts had launched prolonged protests against mining in areas like Amdai and Raoghat. Despite the resistance, the mines became operational. He alleged that Naxalites started allowing mining only after receiving payments. “Rates were later hiked and extortion began,” he claimed.

Agents Delivered Crores  

The tribal leader said his team possesses evidence of large cash transfers. “Agents used to deliver crores of rupees to the Naxalites. Mining work began the moment the money reached them,” Kunjam revealed. He added that if payments were delayed, the Naxalites would trigger some incident to pressure the payers. He promised to make the evidence public at the appropriate time.

Impact on Anti-Naxal Campaign  

The claims come at a time when the Chhattisgarh government has intensified its drive against left-wing extremism. The March 31 surrenders and the massive recovery of gold and cash worth nearly ₹14 crore have boosted morale in security circles. Kunjam’s statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing operations, shifting focus towards possible foreign funding networks.

What Lies Ahead  

Security forces and the state administration are expected to examine Kunjam’s allegations closely. If verified, the Switzerland link could expose deeper international connections in the Naxal network. Tribal leaders and local communities are watching the government’s response, as the issue touches both development concerns and internal security. The coming days may see further statements from officials and possibly fresh investigations into the funding trail of Naxalites in Bastar.