A security lapse was reported at Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla’s residence in Rewa after Youth Congress workers protesting over the death of a pregnant woman and her newborn allegedly crossed the security cordon and reached the premises on September 6.

The incident has raised questions over security arrangements at the Amhिया residence, particularly after reports emerged of a masked person being seen among those who entered the premises. Police are examining the circumstances and attempting to establish the identity and role of the individual. 

Protest over Kalpana Mishra’s death

The Youth Congress protest was linked to the death of pregnant woman Kalpana Mishra and her newborn at Rewa’s Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The case has triggered sustained political and public criticism of the hospital administration and the state health system.

Congress workers reached Shukla’s residence demanding accountability and action against those they hold responsible for the deaths. The protest escalated when some demonstrators allegedly crossed the police security arrangements and reached the entrance and parts of the residential premises. 

Masked person becomes focus of inquiry

A masked individual was reportedly seen amid the protesters during the incident. Some reports have also carried allegations from the Deputy CM’s family and staff that people with covered faces entered the premises with an intention to create a disturbance.

However, the identity and exact role of the masked person have not been independently established. Police investigation, including examination of available video footage, is expected to determine whether the individual was merely part of the protesting crowd or was involved in any specific unlawful activity. 

Police action after security breach

Following the confrontation, police intervened to remove protesters from the premises and several people were detained. Separate reports say an FIR has been registered in connection with the incident, with the number of accused varying across reports as police continue identifying people from video footage and other evidence. 

The incident has subsequently become a political issue in Rewa. BJP workers and local traders also held a protest on September 7, demanding action against those accused of entering the Deputy CM’s residence.

Hospital controversy intensifies

The protest comes against the backdrop of growing controversy over the Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital. The Madhya Pradesh government has already taken administrative action in connection with the episode.

Dr Rahul Mishra was removed as hospital superintendent and replaced by Dr Priyank Sharma. Earlier, two doctors and two nursing officers were suspended in connection with the case. The government has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Kalpana Mishra’s death. 

Political confrontation grows

The hospital controversy has increasingly turned into a political confrontation between the BJP and Congress in Rewa. Congress leaders have targeted Rajendra Shukla in his capacity as Health Minister and demanded accountability, while BJP leaders have criticised the manner in which the Youth Congress protest was conducted.

The dispute has now expanded beyond the hospital case, with the alleged breach of security at the Deputy CM’s residence becoming a separate law-and-order issue.

Police investigation will establish facts

The immediate focus is on determining how protesters crossed the security arrangements, who entered the premises and whether anyone committed a specific offence after entering.

The reported presence of a masked individual is also part of the emerging controversy, but there is currently no verified basis to describe that person as a criminal or intruder without the outcome of the police investigation.

The episode highlights the security challenge posed by high-profile political protests, while the underlying hospital controversy continues to await the findings of the administrative inquiry.

The indefinite hunger strike by Ramshiromani Mishra, father of Rewa woman Kalpana Mishra who died along with her newborn at Gandhi Memorial Hospital, entered its fifth day on Sunday. The family continues to demand an FIR against those they hold responsible and a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Mishra is sitting on a protest at Sirmour Chauraha in Rewa. Supporters of the family have appealed to people across the district to reach the protest site and extend support to the campaign seeking justice for Kalpana and her child.

The case has already led to departmental action against four healthcare workers, the removal of the hospital superintendent and multiple inquiries. However, the family says these measures are insufficient and is insisting on criminal proceedings.

Father refuses to end hunger strike

Ramshiromani Mishra has maintained that suspension alone cannot provide justice to his daughter and newborn grandson. His primary demand is that an FIR be registered against those found responsible, followed by an impartial investigation and legal action.

The continuing protest has also attracted support from political and social organisations.

Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla has previously met the family and assured them that the matter would be investigated and action taken if wrongdoing is established.

Despite that assurance and the administrative measures already taken, Kalpana’s father has continued his hunger strike.

Four healthcare workers suspended

Following the deaths, authorities took preliminary disciplinary action against two nursing officers and two doctorsassociated with the case.

The suspended doctors include Dr Sonal Agrawal, who was on duty in the obstetrics and gynaecology department, and Dr Nidhi Pandey from anaesthesia. The two nursing officers were also suspended following the initial allegations and inquiry.

The state government has said further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. (Web India News)

Importantly, the suspensions are administrative action and do not by themselves establish criminal liability.

Hospital superintendent removed

Another significant development was the removal of Dr Rahul Mishra from the post of superintendent of Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital.

The action followed controversy over a video of his interaction with Kalpana’s family after her death. The government subsequently transferred the hospital’s superintendence to Dr Priyank Sharma. 

Dr Rahul Mishra had denied allegations of medical negligence and maintained that Kalpana had been treated according to medical protocols. The circumstances surrounding her death remain subject to investigation. 

Inquiry examining treatment and circumstances

The government has constituted an inquiry into the deaths to determine what happened from Kalpana’s admission through her treatment and delivery.

A five-member committee was earlier constituted to examine the circumstances surrounding the death. Separately, the Rewa administration has ordered a magisterial inquiry, with the Sirmour SDM assigned to examine the case and submit findings. 

The investigation is expected to examine whether prescribed medical protocols were followed and whether any lapse contributed to the deaths.

The family also sought post-mortem examinations. The available reports indicate that the exact cause of death has not yet been conclusively established.

Video intensified public anger

The controversy escalated after a video surfaced showing Kalpana in distress shortly before her death, pleading with her family and expressing fear about continuing treatment.

The footage triggered widespread concern and protests, with the family alleging serious lapses in treatment. Hospital authorities, however, have maintained that the allegations must be examined through the inquiry process. 

The video has become an important part of the public debate, but it does not by itself establish the medical cause of death or criminal responsibility.

FIR demand remains central to protest

With the hunger strike entering its fifth day, the family’s demand has shifted the focus from departmental action to criminal accountability.

The government has already taken several administrative measures, including suspensions, a change in hospital leadership and inquiries. The next major development will depend on the findings of those investigations.

Until those findings are available, allegations of negligence should remain attributed to the family and protesters rather than presented as an established fact. The family, meanwhile, has appealed for greater public participation at the Sirmour Chauraha protest as it continues its demand for an FIR and legal action.

Congress workers protesting the death of Kalpana Mishra and her newborn child at Rewa’s Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital on Sunday reached the residence of Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla and demanded registration of an FIR against those they hold responsible for the deaths.

The demonstration escalated briefly when some protesters entered the premises of Shukla’s residence. Police intervened and removed the workers from the bungalow, leading to a heated exchange between the protesters and police.

The Congress workers were seeking criminal action over alleged medical negligence in the treatment of Kalpana Mishra. The family has maintained that departmental suspensions and administrative action are not enough and has been demanding an FIR and an impartial investigation.

Protesters demand criminal case

The protesters alleged that the treatment and healthcare arrangements at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital require scrutiny and demanded that those found responsible for lapses in Kalpana’s treatment be booked.

The demonstration comes amid continuing protests by Kalpana’s family. Her father, Ramshiromani Mishra, has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Sirmour Chauraha in Rewa, with Sunday marking the fifth day of his protest, according to reports.

The family’s demand for criminal action is separate from the ongoing administrative investigation, which is yet to establish whether negligence or any other wrongdoing occurred.

Kalpana and newborn died after delivery

Kalpana Mishra, 25, from Hatwa village in the Baikunthpur area of Rewa, was admitted to the government hospital for delivery in August. She underwent a Caesarean section on August 26, after which both she and her newborn died.

A video that surfaced before her death showed a woman identified as Kalpana leaving the ward and seeking help. The footage has become a major point of concern for her family and protesters. However, the circumstances surrounding the deaths and whether the treatment amounted to medical negligence remain subject to investigation. 

Doctors, nurses already suspended

Authorities have already taken departmental action in the case. Two doctors and two nursing officers involved in the treatment were suspended following the deaths, and a committee was constituted to examine the matter.

The state government subsequently removed Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital superintendent Dr Rahul Mishra from the post and assigned the responsibility to Dr Priyank Sharma. The superintendent’s removal came amid controversy surrounding his conduct with the deceased woman’s family, which had triggered criticism. 

The government has maintained that responsibility will be fixed if the investigation establishes negligence or other wrongdoing.

Magisterial inquiry ordered

A major development in the case came on September 4, when a magisterial inquiry was ordered into the deaths.

According to reports, Rewa district authorities assigned the inquiry to Sirmour SDM Drishti Jaiswal, with instructions to submit a factual report within 30 days. The inquiry is examining the sequence from the patient’s admission and treatment through delivery and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. 

The investigation is expected to examine whether prescribed medical protocols were followed and what role was played by the doctors, nursing staff and hospital administration.

Deputy CM had met the family

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who also holds the health portfolio, had met members of Kalpana’s family amid the protests and assured them of an impartial inquiry.

The family, however, has continued to press for criminal proceedings, arguing that suspension and administrative action alone cannot deliver justice.

The Congress has also criticised the state government over the matter and questioned the functioning of the government hospital.

CBI probe demand raised in Bhopal

The controversy has also moved beyond Rewa. A group identifying itself as the Vindhya Nagarik Adhikar Manch held a symbolic protest at the Gandhi statue in Bhopal on Sunday and demanded a CBI investigation into the deaths.

With the magisterial inquiry now underway, the immediate focus is on establishing what happened during Kalpana’s treatment, whether any protocol was breached and whether responsibility can be fixed on specific individuals.

For now, the FIR sought by Congress workers and the family remains a demand. The official inquiry will determine whether the allegations of medical negligence are substantiated and what further action may follow. 

The long-awaited direct flight service connecting Rewa with Kolkata is likely to commence from August 8, according to the latest update shared by the Madhya Pradesh government. Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said preparations are in the final stage and coordination with the airline and aviation authorities is nearing completion.

The proposed Rewa–Bhopal–Kolkata route was earlier expected to become operational in the last week of July. However, its launch was postponed due to technical and operational reasons. Officials now expect the service to begin next week, subject to the completion of all mandatory formalities.

Coordination in Final Phase

Speaking about the project, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said the process of launching the Kolkata flight from Rewa Airport is almost complete. Continuous coordination is underway with the airline operator and civil aviation authorities to ensure the service starts at the earliest.

He expressed confidence that if all approvals are received on schedule, the new route will become operational from August 8.

Boost for Vindhya Region Connectivity

At present, Rewa Airport operates regular flights to Delhi, Indore and Raipur. The addition of Kolkata will establish the first direct air link between the Vindhya region and eastern India.

The new service is expected to improve regional connectivity while supporting trade, business, education, healthcare access and tourism. It will also provide faster and more convenient travel for passengers heading to West Bengal and other parts of eastern India.

Final Approval Awaited

Authorities clarified that the official launch date will be confirmed only after all operational clearances and approvals from the airline and the civil aviation department are completed. While August 8 is the proposed date, a final announcement is expected soon.

The launch of the Kolkata route is seen as another significant step in expanding Rewa Airport's connectivity and strengthening air travel infrastructure in eastern Madhya Pradesh.

 In a significant step towards improving healthcare facilities for persons with disabilities, the Rewa Red Cross Society has inaugurated a modern artificial limb manufacturing unit, enabling the production and distribution of advanced prosthetic limbs locally. The facility was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, who said the initiative would make the Red Cross Society self-reliant while extending quality rehabilitation services across the Vindhya region.

Equipped with computer-assisted and sensor-based technology, the new unit is expected to reduce the waiting period for beneficiaries who previously depended on institutions outside the state for prosthetic limbs.

Local Production to Reduce Waiting Time

Until now, people with disabilities from Rewa and other districts of the Vindhya region largely depended on specialised institutions in Jaipur for artificial limbs. The process often involved long waiting periods due to transportation, manufacturing and distribution constraints.

With the commissioning of the new unit, prosthetic limbs will now be manufactured and fitted locally, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive timely assistance without travelling to other states.

Advanced Technology for Better Mobility

Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said the Red Cross Society has installed modern computerised equipment and sensor-based technology to manufacture high-quality prosthetic limbs.

He noted that the upgraded facility would produce more precise and technologically advanced artificial limbs, improving mobility, comfort and rehabilitation outcomes for persons with disabilities.

From Dependence to Self-Reliance

Recalling earlier efforts to support persons with disabilities, Shukla said that Jaipur had long been recognised as the primary centre for artificial limb manufacturing. He referred to a large disability assistance camp organised in Rewa between 2003 and 2008, during his tenure as an MLA, when specialists from Jaipur had provided prosthetic limbs to thousands of beneficiaries.

He said the launch of the new manufacturing unit marks an important milestone, making the Rewa Red Cross Society self-sufficient in delivering prosthetic and rehabilitation services.

Benefit for the Entire Vindhya Region

The Deputy Chief Minister said trained doctors and technicians would operate the facility using modern equipment to manufacture prosthetic limbs and provide related rehabilitation services.

The unit is expected to serve not only Rewa district but also neighbouring districts across the Vindhya region, significantly improving access to assistive devices for persons with disabilities and reducing their dependence on external institutions.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the state's efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and promote inclusive development by ensuring accessible and timely rehabilitation services for differently-abled citizens.

Mass yoga event held at sports complex on Sunday; hundreds of participants including MP, IG, officials join

On the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day, a mass yoga program was organized at the sports complex in Rewa on Sunday morning. Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla performed yoga and gave a message of healthy living to the people.

Rewa MP Janardan Mishra, Vindhya Vikas Pradhikaran chairman, Rewa IG Gaurav Rajput, administrative officials, employees and a large number of citizens participated in the event.

Under the guidance of yoga instructors, everyone performed various asanas, pranayama and meditation. The entire complex was filled with enthusiasm and positive energy. Participants practiced yoga with discipline and concentration and took a pledge for a healthy lifestyle.

Shukla said yoga is not just a one-day event but a complete discipline for living a healthy and balanced life. "If a person wants a disease-free body and a healthy mind, they must do yoga daily. Regular yoga keeps the body healthy and also relieves mental stress," he said.

He emphasized that yoga is India's ancient tradition and cultural heritage. Today the entire world is recognizing its importance. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts for giving yoga global recognition, with many countries now observing Yoga Day.

"Yoga is our ancient Indian discipline. If you want to stay healthy, you have to make yoga, pranayama and meditation a part of your life. Today the whole world is adopting this tradition of India, and this is a matter of pride for us," Rajendra Shukla said.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that amid growing stress and lifestyle diseases, yoga, pranayama and meditation have become extremely essential. He appealed to people to include yoga in their daily routine and inspire their family members and others in society to do the same.

"A healthy society and a strong nation can only be built when yoga reaches every household," he added.

Bilaspur: ‘Chor’ Slogans Trigger MLA’s Outburst

A routine governance outreach programme in Bilaspur’s Godhi village turned volatile after a BJP MLA was caught on camera using abusive language against Congress workers, who had surrounded the stage with “chor-chor” (thief-thief) slogans.

The incident occurred during a ‘Sushasan Tihar’ camp on Saturday, an event meant to address public grievances. The video, now circulating widely on social media, shows the moment the ruling party representative lost his cool, escalating a heated debate into a full-blown political face-off.

Verbal Clash Erupts on Stage

The confrontation began when senior Congress leader Rajendra Shukla raised a list of local issues from the podium. According to sources present at the event, Shukla questioned the authorities over poor road conditions, inconsistent electricity supply, and delays in distributing fertiliser and seeds to farmers.

As the Congress leader pressed for answers, officials on stage reportedly struggled to provide satisfactory responses. This is when the atmosphere, officials said, began to shift from a question-answer session to an argument.

Bilha MLA and former state assembly speaker Dharam Lal Kaushik stepped in to defend the government’s record. But instead of calming things down, his intervention led to a sharp exchange.

MLA Responds to ‘Chor-Chor’ Slogans

Matters spiralled when Congress supporters present at the camp began chanting “chor-chor,” targeting the ruling dispensation over allegations of corruption and poor implementation of welfare schemes.

Initial reports indicate the slogans were a reaction to Shukla’s allegations that applications from villagers were being ignored by the administration.

Witnesses said Kaushik, visibly agitated by the chants, stood up and hurled an expletive in the direction of the Congress workers. The moment was captured on mobile phones and has since been shared across WhatsApp and other platforms.

“The slogans crossed a line, and the MLA reacted. It happened very fast,” said a villager who did not wish to be named.

Administration Steps In to Restore Order

For about ten minutes, the stage resembled a political battlefield. Both sides shouted at each other, and the camp’s focus on governance was completely lost. Local administrative officers and other public representatives had to physically intervene to separate the two groups.

Following the intervention, the event resumed but the tension remained palpable. No formal complaint was filed immediately from either side, though sources said the district administration has taken note of the visuals.

Kaushik Denies Personal Dispute

A day after the incident, on Sunday, MLA Kaushik sought to downplay the event. Speaking to reporters, he denied any personal dispute with Shukla. He explained that when he arrived at the camp, the Congress leader was already engaged in a heated exchange with officials.

“The purpose of Sushasan Tihar is to solve people’s problems. Everyone has the right to speak. But disrupting government work is not right,” Kaushik said, without directly addressing the abusive language used by him.

Another Incident in Durg Adds to Concerns

This is the second such controversy linked to the state government’s flagship grievance camps in recent days. On Friday, in Durg district’s Thanoud village, a Janpad CEO and a BJP leader engaged in a shouting match at a similar event.

The argument there reportedly began over a missing file related to community hall funds. A video showed the CEO challenging the BJP leader with the words, “Do whatever you want.” That clip too went viral.

The back-to-back episodes have raised questions about the conduct of public representatives and officials at events meant to bring the administration closer to people. Political observers say such clashes only undermine the purpose of governance outreach. With local body elections expected later this year, both parties are likely to use these videos to make their case on the ground.

Rewa: NSUI protests mandatory bus fee at PM Excellence College

Student union submits memorandum to Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla, warns of large-scale agitation if fee structure is not revised within 10 days.

The PM Excellence College (Model Science College) in Rewa has been hit by a wave of student unrest over the mandatory imposition of bus fees. On Tuesday, members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) took to the streets to protest against what they termed "forced collection" from students who do not even utilize the college transport facility.

Memorandum handed to Deputy CM

Led by NSUI District President Pankaj Upadhyay, a delegation of students met with Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla to voice their grievances. The representatives submitted a formal memorandum detailing the financial burden being placed on the student body. The meeting, which took place late yesterday, saw the Deputy CM listen to the concerns, though students are demanding immediate administrative action rather than just verbal assurances.

Limited infrastructure, high charges

The core of the dispute lies in the college's limited transport infrastructure. According to NSUI leaders, the number of buses available is nowhere near sufficient for the total student strength. "The college has a very limited number of buses and the capacity is low. Furthermore, the buses are proposed to run only in two rounds," Pankaj Upadhyay told reporters. He argued that under these circumstances, making the fee compulsory for every student—regardless of whether they live nearby or use private transport—is logically and ethically flawed.

Pressure on middle-class families

The student body pointed out that the flat fee structure is hitting those from economically weaker sections the hardest. Many students enrolled in the Model Science College come from rural pockets of Rewa and nearby districts, often relying on bicycles or public transport to save costs. "Imposing a uniform bus fee is an unnecessary financial load on poor and middle-class students. It is simply not justified," a protesting student said.

Demand for "Pay-per-use" model

The NSUI has demanded that the college administration shift to a voluntary fee model. The union’s stand is clear: bus fees should only be charged to those who actually opt for the service. They have called for a transparent registration process where students can sign up for the transport facility at the start of the semester, rather than having the amount bundled into the general tuition and development fees.

Ten-day ultimatum for administration

The protest has concluded for now, but the atmosphere remains tense on campus. The NSUI has issued a strict 10-day ultimatum to the college management and the district administration to resolve the fee disparity. Union leaders warned that if no concrete decision is taken within this window, hundreds of students will launch a "forceful agitation" across the city.

Local authorities confirmed that they are looking into the fee structure of the PM Excellence College to see if any middle ground can be reached. For now, the ball is in the administration's court as students wait for the 10-day deadline to expire.

Rewa-Mumbai Train Service Now Regularized, Operations Begin April 23

Better connectivity for Vindhya region

The long-standing demand for consistent rail connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and the financial capital has finally been met. The Indian Railways has officially regularized the Rewa-Mumbai train service, marking a significant milestone for the Vindhya region.

Official launch scheduled soon

Sources indicated that Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla is set to flag off the regular service on April 23. This transition from a limited-run arrangement to a permanent schedule ensures that the train will operate as a staple connection, providing much-needed reliability for thousands of daily commuters and traders.

Fulfilling public demand

For years, residents, local business owners, and frequent travelers have petitioned the government for a dedicated, year-round train route to Mumbai. The lack of consistent connectivity often forced passengers to rely on indirect routes or limited special trains, causing significant inconvenience for those traveling for medical needs, education, or employment.

Boosting regional economic growth

Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla emphasized that this regularization is a major achievement for the development of the Vindhya belt. During a recent interaction, he noted that the move is designed to integrate the region more effectively with the country's economic mainstream. By simplifying travel to a major metropolitan hub, the government expects a direct surge in commercial activity and job opportunities.

Strengthening state infrastructure

The initiative aligns with broader government updates regarding the modernization of rail networks in Madhya Pradesh. As the state focuses on decentralizing growth, reliable rail links serve as the backbone for industrial and social development. Officials believe that this new link will alleviate the heavy load on existing transit corridors in the region.

Impact on daily passengers

Local trade bodies and commuters have lauded the decision as a progressive step. Frequent travelers expressed relief, noting that a regularized schedule will eliminate the uncertainty associated with seasonal train operations. This development is expected to drastically reduce transit time and improve the overall quality of travel for the public.

Future outlook for connectivity

Looking ahead, the administration is focusing on further expanding rail footprints to ensure seamless logistics across the state. With the Rewa-Mumbai route now a permanent feature, stakeholders are optimistic that this will pave the way for more infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the Vindhya region.