Around 400 students of Classes 9 to 12 at Swami Atmanand English Medium School in Pendrawan, Durg district, staged a road blockade for nearly 12 hours over a shortage of teachers. The protest, which began on Tuesday afternoon on the Khairagarh-Dhamdha main road, continued until around midnight before the students agreed to withdraw it following assurances from the administration and a phone conversation with School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav.

The students were demanding adequate teaching staff at the school, claiming that only three teachers and a principal were available for around 400 students. According to the students, the school needs at least 17 teachers, particularly for Arts and Commerce, to ensure regular classes and timely completion of the syllabus.

Students Demand More Teachers

The students said the shortage has affected classroom teaching and examination preparation. They argued that with so few teachers available, completing the syllabus on time has become difficult.

The protest was not the first such demonstration. Students had also staged a protest and road blockade on August 21 over the same issue. Following discussions with officials, they expected teachers to be arranged soon. However, with their main demand still unresolved by August 25, the students returned to the road.

Officials Reach Protest Site

Several officials, including the SDOP, tehsildar, SDM and an assistant director from the School Education Department, reached the spot and attempted to persuade the students to end the blockade.

The students, however, remained firm and demanded intervention at a higher level. They wanted to meet either the collector or the education minister and insisted that the teacher shortage be addressed.

The prolonged protest also led to arrangements being made for food for the students during the demonstration.

Four Teachers Arranged

Following discussions and assurances, the authorities arranged four additional teachers for the school. With the new appointments, the school is expected to have a total of seven teachers.

The department also assured the students that arrangements would be made for a Commerce teacher soon, as the shortage of teachers in the subject was among their major concerns.

However, this falls short of the students' demand for 17 teachers.

Principal Removed, New One Appointed

The administration also agreed to remove the existing principal and appoint a new principal at the school.

Another decision taken after the students' protest was to discontinue the open-school arrangement operating at the institution from the next academic session.

The measures were presented to the students during discussions as part of the effort to address their concerns and restore regular academic functioning.

Protest Ends Around Midnight

The students eventually ended the road blockade at around midnight after speaking to Education Minister Gajendra Yadav over the phone and receiving assurances regarding their demands.

The protest had lasted for nearly 12 hours, with the students maintaining that they did not want to remain on the road but were compelled to protest because of concerns over their education.

The incident has again brought attention to teacher shortages in government schools in the Durg region. Pendrawan falls in the Dhamdha area of Durg district, where students have previously raised concerns regarding staffing and academic facilities.

Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV) has cancelled two BSc Agriculture examinations after investigators found that their question papers were allegedly leaked before the scheduled tests. Police have arrested six people in connection with the case, while the management of Bharti Agricultural College in Durg has dismissed its principal and an assistant lecturer accused of being the alleged mastermind.

The latest action follows the cancellation of the BSc Agriculture first-year Plant Pathology examination held on August 7. Investigators reportedly found that the question paper had also been leaked. Earlier, the university had cancelled the second-year Entomology examination held on August 20. Both examinations are now expected to be conducted again in the first week of September.

Police have registered an FIR at TeliBandha police station in Raipur in connection with the case. The arrested accused include Bharti College assistant lecturer Yogesh Sonkesariya, who has been described by investigators as the alleged mastermind, along with five others. Police have also seized cash and mobile phones during the investigation.

Students allege papers were sold

The case has also brought forward allegations from some agriculture students, who claimed that question papers were reaching selected students well before examinations. According to these students, papers were allegedly circulated as PDF files through WhatsApp and other messaging platforms.

Some students claimed that papers were being sold for between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000, with groups of students pooling money to purchase them. They alleged that a paper could reach students around a day before the examination and was then circulated among others.

These claims have not yet been independently established by the police and remain part of the ongoing investigation.

Students also alleged that the practice was not restricted to the two examinations that have already been cancelled. According to their claims, question papers for several subjects had allegedly reached some students before the scheduled examinations.

Suspicion grew after paper surfaced

According to the information provided in the report, suspicion intensified after a question paper allegedly surfaced online. A photograph reportedly showed the staircase of Bharti College in the background, raising questions about whether the paper had been taken out of the institution.

The case subsequently attracted wider attention on social media, prompting police and university authorities to investigate the source of the leaked papers.

College dismisses principal, lecturer

Bharti Agricultural College has taken disciplinary action against both principal Dr AK Dubey and assistant lecturer Yogesh Sonkesariya.

College director Sushil Chandrakar said Sonkesariya had been working at the institution since 2019 and had been given responsibility for receiving and submitting question papers during the past year.

The college management also held the principal responsible for lapses in securing the examination papers. According to the management, once question papers arrived from the university, ensuring that they were safely stored and kept secured was the principal's responsibility.

Earlier complaints also surface

NSUI Raipur district president Prashant Goswami claimed that allegations of question-paper leaks at IGKV were not new. He alleged that similar complaints had surfaced in 2022 and 2024 and that students had raised concerns about papers reaching them before examinations.

He further claimed that a five-member committee had been formed in 2024 to examine the issue. However, these previous allegations are separate from the current police investigation and have not been independently verified.

The latest case has therefore raised broader questions about examination-paper security at affiliated colleges. Police are continuing to investigate how the papers were accessed, how they were allegedly circulated and whether more people were involved in the network.

Two exams to be held again

With the cancellation of the Plant Pathology and Entomology examinations, affected students will have to appear for fresh examinations. The university is expected to conduct both papers in the first week of September.

The police investigation will determine the exact role of the arrested individuals and whether the alleged leak involved additional examination papers or students.

Police have arrested two men for allegedly selling counterfeit cigarettes of a premium brand at Indira Market in Durg, Chhattisgarh. The action was taken at SSD Traders under the City Kotwali police station limits.

Police seized 18,000 counterfeit cigarettes along with packaging material allegedly used to imitate the original brand. The total value of the seized cigarettes has been estimated at around ₹2.07 lakh.

Complaint Led to Police Action

According to police, an authorised representative of the company approached the City Kotwali police station on August 11 and lodged a complaint.

The complainant, who works as a field officer for the company, told police that he was authorised to initiate action against people involved in manufacturing or selling counterfeit versions of the company’s products.

He reportedly received information that fake cigarettes carrying the company’s branding were being sold at SSD Traders in Indira Market.

18,000 Fake Cigarettes Seized

Following the complaint, a police team reached the shop and conducted a search.

During the operation, police allegedly found a large quantity of cigarettes manufactured and packed using the company’s name and branding.

A total of 18,000 cigarettes were seized.

The seized stock included 24 bundles containing 12,000 cigarettes and another 12 bundles containing 6,000 cigarettes.

Police also seized material allegedly used for packaging the counterfeit products.

Packaging Allegedly Imitated Original Brand

Police said some of the packets carried an MRP of ₹115 along with a QR number.

According to investigators, the packaging of both varieties used the company's name and identifying marks, allegedly making the products appear similar to genuine cigarettes.

Police suspect the accused were using the brand name and packaging to sell counterfeit products for financial gain.

Two Men Arrested

The arrested accused have been identified as Vishal Jaswani, 36, a resident of Gurunanak Nagar, Satya Bakery Gali, Durg, and Nikhil Sihani, 29, a resident of Sadani Nagar, Sindhi Colony, Durg.

Police said both men are residents of the Mohan Nagar police station area.

Following their arrest, the accused were produced before the court and sent to judicial remand.

Case Registered Under BNS, Copyright Act

City Kotwali police registered a case under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957.

The investigation is now focused on identifying the source of the counterfeit cigarettes and determining whether the products were being supplied to other shops in Durg.

Supply Network Under Scanner

Police are also investigating whether the two arrested men were manufacturing the counterfeit products themselves or obtaining them from another supplier.

Investigators are trying to determine where the fake cigarettes were sourced, how they reached SSD Traders and whether additional people were involved in the alleged counterfeit supply network.

Police are also examining whether the seized stock was intended for distribution to other retail outlets in the city.

The investigation is continuing.

A 28-year-old man died under suspicious circumstances at his girlfriend’s house in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district following an alcohol party, police said. The incident occurred in the Anjora police outpost area.

The deceased, identified as Siddhant Daan (28), was reportedly found unconscious on the terrace of his girlfriend Anjalina Tanwar’s house after an argument between the two. Anjalina, a nursing student, allegedly slapped Siddhant during the dispute. She later found him unconscious on the terrace and attempted CPR, but he did not respond.

He was subsequently taken to a district hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police have started questioning the people who were present at the house at the time of the incident. The exact cause of death is yet to be established and is expected to become clear after the post-mortem report.

Couple Was Planning to Marry

According to preliminary information, Siddhant and Anjalina were in a relationship and were reportedly planning to get married.

Siddhant had previously worked in a private company but had lost his job some time ago. His mother is reportedly a government school teacher in Raipur.

Police are currently examining the circumstances surrounding his death, including the argument that reportedly took place shortly before he was found unconscious.

Alcohol Party at Girlfriend’s House

According to the information gathered so far, Siddhant went to Anjalina’s house on Monday night.

At the time, Anjalina’s friend Nimisha, who is from Raigarh, her boyfriend Gaurav, and Gracy, a resident of Borsi, were also present at the house.

The group reportedly consumed alcohol together during the night.

During the gathering, Siddhant and Anjalina allegedly got into an argument over an unspecified matter. Preliminary police inquiry suggests that Siddhant allegedly abused Anjalina while under the influence of alcohol, following which she slapped him.

After the argument, Siddhant reportedly went upstairs to the terrace.

Found Unconscious on Terrace

After some time, Anjalina went to check on Siddhant and found him lying unconscious on the terrace.

She reportedly tried to revive him and performed CPR. However, there was no response.

Anjalina and the other people present at the house then took Siddhant to the district hospital. Doctors examined him and declared him dead.

Police Informed Around 5 AM

Police received information about the incident at around 5 am on Tuesday.

A police team reached the location and sent Siddhant’s body for post-mortem examination. Following the procedure, the body was handed over to his family.

Police said the initial investigation has established that an argument took place between Siddhant and Anjalina before he was found unconscious. However, this alone does not establish the cause of death.

The post-mortem examination is expected to provide important information regarding the circumstances and possible cause of death.

Statements of Those Present Being Recorded

Police are questioning Anjalina, Nimisha, Gaurav and Gracy, who were reportedly present at the house during the alcohol party.

Investigators are trying to establish the sequence of events from the time Siddhant arrived at the house until he was taken to the hospital.

Police are also examining how Siddhant became unconscious on the terrace and whether any other circumstances contributed to his death.

Officials said the case will become clearer after the post-mortem report and statements of those present are examined.

For now, police have not established a definitive cause of death, and further investigation is underway.

Police in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district have arrested a 21-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman in two separate cases related to illegal drug trafficking. The action was carried out as part of the district police’s ongoing campaign against narcotics.

In the first case, personnel from the Smritinagar Police Outpost under Supela Police Station arrested a 21-year-old man in the Khamharia area with 15 grams of chitta, identified by police as heroin. The accused was allegedly looking for customers to sell the substance.

In the second case, Khursipar police arrested a woman who had been absconding for nearly four months in connection with an alleged ganja-selling case. Both accused were produced before a court and sent to judicial remand.

Police Trap Suspect in Khamharia

According to police, a tip-off was received on August 6 that a person was travelling from Junwani towards Khamharia carrying a prohibited narcotic substance and was looking for potential customers.

Acting on the information, a police team reached the area and surrounded the suspect. During a search, officers allegedly recovered two packets containing a total of 15 grams of chitta/heroin.

Police estimated the value of the seized narcotic substance at around ₹3.40 lakh. A Redmi mobile phone was also recovered from the accused, taking the total estimated value of the seizure to approximately ₹3.70 lakh.

Accused Identified as 21-Year-Old

The accused has been identified as Harsh Dev Singh Vij, 21, a resident of Shantinagar in Bhilai.

Police alleged that he was carrying the narcotic substance with the intention of making illegal financial gains by selling it to customers.

A case has been registered under Section 21(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused was arrested and subsequently produced before the court, which sent him to judicial custody.

Woman Was Absconding Since April

The second action was linked to a case involving alleged illegal ganja sales in the Dewar Basti area under Khursipar Police Station.

Police said they had received information on April 30 that several people, including a woman, were allegedly selling ganja illegally in the area. Following the information, police conducted a raid.

A man identified as Hira Singh, 18, was arrested during the operation. However, his alleged associate, Savita Dewar, managed to escape from the spot.

Police said they had been searching for her since then.

Arrest After Four Months

After continued efforts to trace the accused, police arrested Savita Dewar, 45, a resident of Dewar Basti in Khursipar, Bhilai, on August 7.

According to police, she was questioned after her arrest and allegedly admitted her involvement in the sale of ganja. She was then formally arrested and produced before the court, which sent her to judicial remand.

Police had earlier seized 3.2 kg of allegedly illegal ganja in the case. The estimated value of the seized substance was put at ₹1,69,550.

NDPS Act Cases Registered

The ganja case has been registered under Sections 20(b) and 27A of the NDPS Act, according to police.

The two arrests come amid intensified action against narcotics in Durg district. Police said surveillance and enforcement efforts against the illegal sale and transportation of drugs would continue.

The accused in both cases will face further legal proceedings as per the investigation and court process.

It is the kind of late evening shower that offers little real relief. Short and sharp, it left the streets of Bhilai and Raipur damp but did little to move the needle on the mercury.

Meteorologists said these isolated spells mark the beginning of a broader transition, with conditions now aligning for a more definitive change.

“The southwest monsoon is expected to advance into parts of Chhattisgarh over the next two to three days,” an official from the India Meteorological Department said. The weather bureau has indicated that the monsoon is likely to pick up pace, bringing more organised rainfall activity across the state by the weekend.

Five-day warning issued

The IMD has issued a forecast predicting thunderstorm activity across many districts over the next five days. Gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kilometres per hour are expected, accompanied by lightning and brief spells of rain. Officials said multiple weather systems, including cyclonic circulations and a trough line passing through the state, are pulling moisture into the region and driving the current pre-monsoon conditions.

While the rain has brought some cloud cover, maximum temperatures have not seen any significant drop. Raipur’s Mana area recorded the highest temperature at 42.6 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, while the coolest spot was Pendra Road at 23.2 degrees.

Scattered showers across districts

On Monday evening, residents in parts of Raipur and Durg districts saw a sudden change in weather. The Bhilai township in Durg experienced a spell of heavy rain, while several pockets in the capital also received short-lived showers.

The weather department has said that monsoon conditions are becoming favourable for further advance into Chhattisgarh, with officials pointing to increased moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal. However, widespread monsoon conditions are yet to set in across the state.

Temperature remains high

Despite the cloud cover and intermittent rain, the heat continues to persist in most parts. Rajnandgaon remained the hottest location in the state, recording a maximum of 43.5 degrees Celsius. Ambikapur saw the lowest minimum temperature at 24.5 degrees.

For Raipur, the forecast for the coming days indicates partly cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorms and dust storms. Humidity levels, however, are expected to remain high, ensuring that discomfort levels stay elevated despite the rain.

What lies ahead

The IMD has maintained that the southwest monsoon is progressing steadily across the country. Officials said conditions are favourable for the monsoon to move into remaining parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Vidarbha over the next 48 to 72 hours.

For now, the state remains in a waiting period. The pre-monsoon showers offer glimpses of what is to come, but the real change will only arrive when the monsoon current establishes itself fully. That, according to the weather bureau, is now just days away.

A case involving the alleged illegal occupation of a mortgaged residential property has come to light in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district. Police have registered an FIR against a man accused of breaking official seals placed by a bank and forcibly reoccupying a property that had been taken into possession under recovery proceedings.

The complaint was filed by officials of Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, who alleged that the accused twice broke the bank’s sealed locks and removed notices placed on the property. Authorities claim the actions interfered with the legal recovery process and caused financial losses to the bank.

The dispute is linked to a home loan of ₹26 lakh obtained by Mohammad Kasim Khan and Mohammad Naseem Khan. The borrowers had mortgaged a 1,200-square-foot residential property located in Subhash Nagar, Kasaridih, to secure the loan.

According to bank officials, following the death of Mohammad Kasim Khan, loan repayments were allegedly discontinued. As a result, the account was classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA), leading the bank to initiate recovery proceedings under the SARFAESI Act.

Property Sealed Twice

Officials stated that on March 21, 2025, the property was formally taken into possession and sealed in the presence of administrative officials and police personnel following an order issued by the District Magistrate.

However, the bank alleges that Kasim Khan’s son, Mohammad Wasim Khan, broke the lock on the same day and reoccupied the premises along with his family members.

Following complaints by the bank, authorities again took possession of the property on March 10, 2026, and sealed it under administrative supervision. Despite the second action, officials allege that the accused once again entered the property and resumed occupation.

E-Auction Process Delayed

The bank had initiated an e-auction process for the property on April 27, 2026, as part of loan recovery efforts. However, the auction was temporarily halted after the accused reportedly obtained interim relief from the Bilaspur High Court for a limited period.

Bank authorities stated that legal proceedings related to the property remain ongoing.

Inspection Reveals Irregularities

According to the complaint, a team led by the Regional Manager and NPA Manager visited the property on April 28, 2026. During the inspection, officials allegedly found that the bank’s sealed locks had been removed and replaced with different locks.

They also claimed that physical possession notices painted on the property walls had been erased through repainting and renovation work.

Local residents reportedly informed officials that the accused had re-entered the premises after removing the seals, though these claims remain part of the ongoing investigation.

Mutation Allegations Examined

The complaint further alleges that changes were made in revenue records relating to the mortgaged property. Bank officials have claimed that names were added or altered without obtaining the bank’s consent, despite the property being under mortgage.

Authorities are examining the relevant land and revenue documents as part of the investigation.

A shocking family tragedy has surfaced from Durg, where a couple and their two children were found dead inside their home under suspicious circumstances. Police recovered the bodies of the husband and wife hanging from the ceiling, while the two children were found lying dead on a bed inside the room.

The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Mohan Nagar police station and has triggered widespread concern across the state. Investigators recovered suicide notes from the house in which the woman allegedly described marital disputes, her husband’s extra-marital affair, and details related to the deaths of the children. According to police officials, the deceased were identified as Govind Sahu (45), his wife Chanchal Sahu (40), daughter Drishti Sahu (13), and son Yashant Sahu (11). The incident has become one of the major Public Interest Story and Trending News India developments due to the disturbing nature of the case and the involvement of minor children.

Bodies Found Inside Room

Police officials said the bodies were discovered inside a room of the family’s residence. Govind Sahu and Chanchal Sahu were found hanging from separate nooses, while the bodies of their children were lying on the bed nearby. Local police teams reached the spot after receiving information and immediately sealed the area for forensic examination. Initial investigation indicated that the deaths may be linked to a murder-suicide case, though officials stated that final conclusions will depend on the postmortem report and forensic findings.

Suicide Notes Recovered

According to investigators, two handwritten suicide notes were recovered from the house. One of the notes reportedly contained writing believed to belong to both husband and wife. Police sources indicated that the contents suggest the couple may have taken the extreme step together after prolonged domestic disputes. In the note allegedly written by Chanchal Sahu, she accused her husband of having extra-marital affairs and expressed dissatisfaction with her married life. Police officials said the authenticity of the notes is being verified as part of the investigation.

Disturbing Claims In Note

The suicide note allegedly contains disturbing details regarding the deaths of the children. According to preliminary police findings, the woman claimed that she first gave alcohol to the children and later administered sleeping injections.

The note further mentioned that when the children’s deaths were not confirmed, they were allegedly strangled using a rope. Investigators also recovered liquor bottles from inside the house, indicating alcohol consumption before the incident. Police said injury marks resembling slap marks were also noticed on the woman’s face, raising suspicion that a heated argument may have occurred before the deaths.

Love Marriage Against Family Wishes

Family members told investigators that Govind and Chanchal had married against the wishes of their families. According to relatives, Chanchal remained unhappy in her married life for several years after the marriage. In the note, she reportedly apologised to her parents and family members before taking the extreme step. Police sources said the woman had mentioned emotional stress and repeated disputes in the relationship.

Children Studied At Private School

The couple’s two children were students of a private school in Bhilai. Their son Yashant had recently passed Class 5 and was preparing to enter Class 6, while daughter Drishti had completed Class 8 and moved to Class 9. Relatives described the children as academically active and well-behaved. The deaths of the two minors have left relatives and neighbours in deep shock.

Husband Worked In Share Trading

According to officials, Govind Sahu worked in share trading and reportedly operated an office in Bhilai’s Priyadarshini area. Police said the family lived in a joint household arrangement with Govind’s brothers. Relatives informed investigators that Govind had recently returned from a pilgrimage to Balaji around eight days before the incident. Other members of the extended family had reportedly travelled to Puri and returned shortly before the bodies were discovered.

Police Probe Continues

Additional Superintendent of Police Sukhnandan Rathore said the exact cause of death would become clear only after postmortem reports are received. Police teams are currently examining mobile phones, call details, and digital records linked to the family. Statements of relatives, neighbours, and acquaintances are also being recorded. Investigators said they are trying to determine whether prolonged domestic conflict, mental stress, or other factors contributed to the deaths. Forensic experts inspected the room and collected evidence from the spot for detailed analysis.

The incident has once again raised concerns regarding mental health, family disputes, and emotional distress inside households. Officials stated that all aspects of the case are being investigated carefully and no final conclusion has been reached so far.

Family of Four Found Dead in Durg Room, Suicide Note Recovered

Chhattisgarh tragedy points to financial strain and domestic discord, police investigation underway.

Bodies Found in Locked Room

In a tragic incident reported from Chhattisgarh’s Durg district on Friday, a family of four was found dead inside a locked room in the Mohan Nagar police station area. The bodies of a couple and their two young children were discovered under circumstances that have pointed investigators towards a suspected murder-suicide.

Police officials who reached the spot late in the morning found the parents, identified as Govind Sahu (45) and Chanchal Sahu (40), hanging from separate nooses. Their children—daughter Drishti (13) and son Yashant (11)—were lying on a bed in the same room, with visible injury marks on their necks.

Suicide Note Points to Family Discord

Officials have recovered a handwritten suicide note from the room, which is now a central piece of evidence. According to sources familiar with the matter, the note mentions ongoing family discord and financial strain as major factors.

“Initial reports indicate the note contains personal grievances. The exact wording is being verified,” a local police officer said, requesting anonymity as the investigation is at a preliminary stage. The authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the couple first killed the children before taking their own lives.

A Family Just Back from Pilgrimage

Neighbours and relatives have told police that the Sahu family had recently returned from a pilgrimage to the Tirupati Balaji temple. Govind Sahu worked with a private firm in the area, and the family had been residing in the rented accommodation for several years.

The bodies were discovered by the children’s grandmother. On Friday morning, when she went to call them and got no response, she alerted other family members. The door was eventually broken open, revealing the scene inside.

Post-Mortem Underway, Call Details Scrutinized

Police teams have sent all four bodies to the Durg district hospital for post-mortem examination. While the suicide note offers a apparent motive, officials are treating the case with caution.

“We are investigating the sequence of events. The call detail records of the parents are being pulled, and we are also questioning close relatives and neighbours,” said a spokesperson from the Mohan Nagar police station. The children's bodies have been sent for a separate forensic analysis to conclusively determine if they were smothered or strangled.

Economic Pressure Emerges as Likely Trigger

Preliminary inquiries with people in the locality suggest that the family had been facing a persistent economic crunch. While police have not officially confirmed the financial distress angle, sources on the ground indicate that mounting debts and daily pressures may have pushed the couple to take the extreme step.

The authorities have cordoned off the crime scene and are expected to release a detailed statement once the forensic reports and post-mortem results are submitted. No arrests have been made, and the case is currently being treated as an unnatural death.

A sudden Durg fuel rush was witnessed across the city after rumours of petrol and diesel shortage spread rapidly on social media. Within hours, fuel stations in multiple areas saw long queues of vehicles as residents rushed to fill their tanks, fearing an imminent shortage. The situation escalated from Thursday evening and continued till late Friday night, with several petrol pumps reporting unusually high footfall compared to normal days.

Long Queues at Pumps

By early morning, most fuel stations in Durg were crowded with bikes, cars, and other vehicles waiting for their turn. In several locations, queues stretched onto main roads, leading to traffic congestion and chaos. At peak hours, the demand became so high that some fuel pumps temporarily ran out of stock. However, officials clarified that this was due to sudden surge in demand rather than any actual supply crisis.

Stock Status Confirmed

Despite the panic, district administration confirmed that there is no shortage of fuel in Durg. According to official data, the district has sufficient petrol and diesel stock to meet demand for more than five days. Authorities stated that on average, the district consumes around 293 kilolitres of petrol and 374 kilolitres of diesel daily. Current reserves are well above this requirement, ensuring stable supply.

Bottles and Containers Misuse

Amid the panic, several individuals were seen violating safety norms by filling petrol and diesel in bottles, cans, and large containers. Such practices are strictly prohibited due to fire and safety risks. Officials noted that this behaviour contributed to additional chaos at fuel stations and slowed down regular operations for other consumers.

Rumours Trigger Crisis

The entire situation was triggered by unverified rumours suggesting a possible fuel shortage in the city. As misinformation spread, people began panic buying fuel far beyond their immediate needs. On Thursday, fuel sales reportedly doubled compared to normal consumption levels, putting sudden pressure on supply chains at retail outlets.

Temporary Supply Disruption

Due to the sudden spike in demand, several petrol pumps experienced temporary depletion of stock. However, oil companies quickly replenished supplies to restore normal operations. Administration officials confirmed that continuous monitoring is being carried out to ensure smooth fuel distribution across all 189 petrol pumps in the district.

Strict Action Warning

The district administration has issued a warning against hoarding, black marketing, and violation of fuel distribution rules. Officials stated that strict action will be taken against anyone found creating artificial scarcity or exploiting the situation. Authorities are also coordinating with oil companies to maintain uninterrupted supply and prevent any further disruption.

Social Media Role

Officials have urged citizens to avoid believing or spreading unverified information circulating on social media. They emphasized that misinformation played a major role in triggering the Durg fuel rush. The administration has appealed to residents to rely only on official statements and avoid unnecessary panic buying.

Public Reaction and Chaos

Across the city, residents expressed frustration over long waiting times at petrol pumps. While some rushed to fill tanks fully, others were seen carrying extra fuel in containers, worsening congestion at stations. Despite confirmation of adequate stock, fear-driven buying behaviour continued to dominate fuel stations for most of the day.

Administrative Control Measures

Collector Abhijit Singh directed continuous monitoring of petrol pumps and instructed officials to stay in constant coordination with fuel supply companies. The administration also ensured that pumps that temporarily ran dry were refilled promptly to restore normalcy.

Situation Normalising

By late Friday, fuel supply began stabilising as awareness increased about the actual stock availability. Authorities expect the situation to return to normal once panic subsides completely. Officials reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the district and urged citizens to purchase fuel as per actual requirement only.

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Hundreds of law students staged a protest at Hemchand Yadav University on Tuesday over poor results in the LLB first semester examination. The protesting students surrounded the university campus and accused the administration of unfair evaluation practices in the Legal Language subject.

Students alleged that answer sheets written in Hindi were marked incorrectly or failed during evaluation, severely affecting the overall result of the semester examination. The issue quickly turned into a major protest as students demanded re-evaluation and immediate intervention by university authorities.

Large Number of Students Affected

According to the result data released by the university, only 101 students passed out of 417 candidates who appeared for the LLB first semester examination. Officials stated that nearly 230 students were placed in the supplementary category, while 77 students were declared failed completely.

Students claimed that the unusually low pass percentage was mainly due to the Legal Language paper, where many Hindi-medium students allegedly received low marks or failed despite attempting the examination properly. The result has triggered concern among students preparing for the next semester examinations.

Hindi Medium Students Angry

Protesting students argued that in previous academic sessions, candidates had written answers in Hindi in the same subject and were awarded marks without objection. However, this time, students alleged that only answers written in English were evaluated properly. They claimed the rule was changed suddenly without prior notice from the university administration.

Students said most candidates from Hindi-medium backgrounds were directly affected because they attempted the paper based on earlier academic practices. Several students stated that if language-related rules had been changed, clear instructions should have been issued before the examination.

University Defends Evaluation Process

Responding to the controversy, university officials maintained that the evaluation process followed existing academic guidelines. Vice Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Tiwari stated that as per Bar Council regulations, answers in the Legal Language subject were required to be written in English.

According to the university administration, the examination and evaluation process was conducted on the basis of those prescribed norms. However, protesting students argued that neither the university nor affiliated colleges had communicated such instructions clearly before the examination.

Demand for Re-Evaluation

Students submitted a memorandum addressed to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar demanding rechecking of answer sheets related to the Legal Language subject. They requested the university to ensure fair evaluation for students who may have lost marks due to language-related confusion. Protesters also demanded restoration of the re-evaluation system for law examinations. Students said the facility existed earlier but was discontinued later by the university administration. Many students argued that re-evaluation would help restore confidence among candidates affected by the unexpectedly poor results.

College Students Also Protest

Students from Dhanrasayan Singh Gurul College also joined the protest and expressed anger over the examination results. According to students, nearly 50 out of 56 students from one class were placed in the supplementary category in the English subject alone. Students claimed the issue was not limited to a single college and that candidates from all four affiliated law colleges faced similar problems. The widespread dissatisfaction has increased pressure on the university administration to review the evaluation process.

Delay in Result Raises Questions

Apart from the evaluation dispute, students also raised concerns regarding the delay in declaration of results. The LLB first semester examination was conducted during the December-January academic session, but the results were released only in May.

Students said university results are generally expected within around 45 days of examinations, but the delay this year caused academic uncertainty and mental stress among candidates. Many students pointed out that preparations for second semester examinations had already begun and exams are expected next month. The delayed result and poor performance have reportedly created anxiety among law students regarding their academic future.

Students Warn of Bigger Protest

During the demonstration, students warned the university administration that failure to address their concerns could lead to larger protests in the coming days. They demanded transparent communication regarding examination rules, fair evaluation procedures, and quicker grievance redressal mechanisms. University officials have not yet announced any final decision regarding re-evaluation or changes in the result process. However, discussions are reportedly ongoing within academic committees regarding the concerns raised by students.

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A major illegal gambling network has been exposed in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, where police have busted an IPL betting racket allegedly operating through online applications and mobile phones. The city Kotwali police action has led to the arrest of seven accused so far, with investigators claiming that crores of rupees were being circulated through the network during ongoing IPL matches.

According to officials, the racket was being operated in a highly organised manner, using digital platforms, cash exchanges and coded communication to avoid detection. The operation came to light after sustained surveillance and intelligence inputs.

Police Conduct Coordinated Raids

The crackdown on the IPL betting racket began after police received specific inputs about illegal betting activities being conducted during live IPL matches. Acting swiftly, the Durg city Kotwali police team carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations.

During the initial raid, three accused were caught red-handed while allegedly placing and managing bets during a live IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The accused were identified as Vikas Jain, Raunak Tamrakar, and Praveen Tamrakar. Police officials said that betting activities were being conducted using mobile phones and online applications that allowed real-time wagering on match outcomes, player performances and in-game events.

Four More Accused Arrested

Following sustained interrogation and digital tracking, police expanded their investigation into the IPL betting racket and arrested four more individuals linked to the network. The newly arrested accused have been identified as Akshat Bohre, Mohammad Adil, Mohammad Ayyub, and Prakash Soni. All four were taken into custody after their alleged involvement surfaced during questioning of the earlier arrested suspects. Police stated that these individuals played different roles, including handling transactions, managing clients, and maintaining betting records.

Digital Betting Network Exposed

Investigators revealed that the IPL betting racket was not limited to physical interactions but was largely driven by mobile technology and online betting platforms. The accused reportedly used smartphones, encrypted messaging apps and betting software to coordinate wagers. Transactions were often routed through multiple accounts to avoid detection by authorities. Officials believe the network was structured in a way that allowed quick movement of money during live matches, making it difficult to trace without digital forensics.

Cash, Devices and Records Seized

During the raids linked to the IPL betting racket, police recovered several key pieces of evidence. These include eight mobile phones, ₹9,810 in cash, pocket diaries containing betting entries, and pen drives with transaction records.

Authorities said the seized diaries contained detailed accounts of betting amounts, player selections, match outcomes and payouts. These records are now being analysed to understand the financial scale of the operation. Police officials also confirmed that multiple mobile devices contained chat histories and app-based transaction logs that directly connect the accused to betting activities.

Key Role of Main Accused

According to police, the IPL betting racket was allegedly being operated by Vikas Jain, a resident of Rishabh Nagar in Durg. He is believed to be one of the key operators managing the betting network at the local level. Investigators said Jain used mobile apps to coordinate bets during live IPL matches, while maintaining contact with other accused who handled money collection and client coordination. Police sources added that the accused were highly active during match hours, placing and settling bets in real time to maximise turnover.

Initial Arrests Trigger Breakthrough

The first breakthrough in the IPL betting racket came when police conducted a raid during a live IPL match and detained three individuals on the spot. The accused were found actively involved in betting operations, with mobile phones displaying live betting interfaces and ongoing transactions. Subsequent interrogation led to the identification of additional members of the network. Officials believe this initial arrest helped expose a wider syndicate operating within and beyond Durg district.

Wider Network Under Scanner

The IPL betting racket investigation has now expanded as police attempt to trace the full extent of the illegal gambling network. Authorities suspect that the racket may have connections in other districts and possibly interstate links. Cybercrime and financial investigation teams are currently analysing call detail records, digital payment trails and online betting app data to identify additional suspects. Police officials have indicated that more arrests are likely as the probe progresses.

Financial Trail Under Investigation

Investigators are also focusing on the financial structure of the IPL betting racket, which allegedly involved continuous money circulation through cash and digital transfers. Preliminary findings suggest that funds were being routed through multiple channels to disguise the origin and destination of money. Authorities are now tracking bank accounts, UPI transactions and cash flows linked to the accused. Officials believe that the total betting turnover could be significantly higher than initial estimates.

Legal Action and Custody

All seven accused in the IPL betting racket have been booked under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act. Following their arrest, they have been sent to judicial custody as further investigation continues. Police officials stated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in organising or facilitating illegal betting activities during IPL matches. Authorities have also warned that digital betting platforms are under close surveillance.

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