Panic gripped a weekly vegetable market in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur after a cobra hidden inside a pile of bitter gourds (karela) bit a man who was selecting vegetables. The victim was rushed to hospital, while frightened shoppers and vendors scattered as the snake emerged with its hood raised.

The incident occurred at the weekly vegetable market in Nehru Nagar, and a video showing the cobra inside the vegetable pile has since gone viral on social media.

Shopper Bitten While Selecting Vegetables

According to officials, Bihari Sahu, a resident of Bahtarai in the Sarkanda area, had visited the market on Tuesday to buy vegetables.

While sorting through a pile of bitter gourds, a cobra that was allegedly hiding beneath the vegetables suddenly emerged and bit him on the leg before people nearby could react.

He was immediately taken to the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) in Bilaspur, where he is undergoing treatment.

Market Witnessed Panic

The snakebite triggered panic across the crowded marketplace.

Shoppers reportedly abandoned their purchases and ran for safety, while vegetable vendors also rushed away from their stalls. The sudden commotion created a stampede-like situation before the area was brought under control.

Cobra Believed to Have Entered from Nearby Bushes

Eyewitnesses said the cobra had crawled into the market from nearby bushes and concealed itself inside the pile of bitter gourds being sold by a vendor.

When the customer began picking vegetables, the reptile emerged with its hood spread and attacked.

Video Goes Viral Online

Several bystanders recorded videos of the incident, showing the cobra sitting inside the vegetable pile with its hood raised.

The footage has been widely circulated on social media, prompting renewed warnings for people to remain cautious during the monsoon season, when snakes and other venomous creatures frequently move into residential areas, markets and agricultural fields in search of shelter.

Authorities have advised residents to remain alert while handling vegetables stored near open fields or bushes and to seek immediate medical attention in case of any snakebite.

The complaint was registered at Kotwali police station after the victim claimed he was promised a canteen contract at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) and jobs in the Enforcement Directorate for two youths. Neither of the promises materialised despite substantial payments allegedly being made over a period of time.

According to police, the complainant, Devendra Thakkar, a resident of Tikerapara associated with the Railway Maharashtra Division, came into contact with Rahul Mishra and his wife Padma Janardan while visiting SIMS Hospital.

During their interactions, Rahul Mishra allegedly introduced himself as an influential ED officer and claimed that he could arrange a canteen contract at SIMS Hospital in Bilaspur. He also reportedly assured the family that he could secure employment in the Enforcement Directorate for the complainant’s son and one of his friends.

Believing the claims, the family allegedly agreed to pay money for the promised arrangements.

Investigators said the accused couple allegedly collected funds through multiple instalments. The payments were reportedly made both through bank transactions and cash. The total amount transferred to the accused is stated to be ₹6.82 lakh.

As months passed without any progress regarding the canteen contract or employment opportunities, the complainant began to suspect that he had been misled.

According to the complaint, repeated inquiries yielded no concrete results. When the promised contract and jobs failed to materialise, Devendra Thakkar allegedly demanded that the money be returned.

The complainant has claimed that after sustained pressure and repeated demands, the accused returned a portion of the amount. However, an outstanding sum of approximately ₹1.62 lakh remains unpaid, according to the allegations made before police.

Realising that he may have been cheated, Thakkar approached Kotwali police and submitted a written complaint detailing the sequence of events and the payments allegedly made to the accused.

Based on the complaint and preliminary verification, police registered a case of cheating against Rahul Mishra and Padma Janardan.

Officials said the investigation is currently focused on examining bank transactions, financial records and communication between the parties. Investigators are also attempting to verify the claims allegedly made by the accused regarding their identity and influence within government agencies.

Police have not indicated whether the accused held any official position or had any connection with the Enforcement Directorate. That aspect is expected to form a key part of the investigation.

The case highlights a recurring pattern of fraud in which individuals allegedly exploit the names of government departments and law enforcement agencies to gain trust and extract money from job seekers and business aspirants.

Authorities have repeatedly advised citizens to verify official claims before making payments for employment opportunities, government contracts or recruitment-related assurances. Recruitment to government organisations and agencies follows prescribed procedures, and officials caution that promises of direct appointments in exchange for money should be treated with suspicion.

The Kotwali police are continuing the investigation and are expected to record additional statements from the complainant and other individuals connected to the case. Further action will depend on the findings of the financial and documentary examination.

Two young men were seriously injured in Bilaspur after a group of attackers allegedly first tried to run them over with a pickup vehicle and then chased and assaulted them with pipes and sticks in what police believe was an old-rivalry attack.

The incident took place late on 26 June in the Sarkanda police station area, and a video of the attack has since gone viral on social media. The injured youths were taken to SIMS Hospital for treatment, while police have registered a case and begun investigating the matter.

According to the complaint, Nikhil Dhruv, who lives in Lingiadih and works in दूध वितरण, said he was standing on the terrace of his house around 11 pm when he noticed his friends Aditya Maht and Ravi Gandharv standing near Dilip Patil’s house close to Apollo Chowk.

He said a pickup vehicle came speeding from the Chingrajpara side and hit Aditya and Ravi, causing them to fall on the road. As soon as the vehicle stopped, attackers identified as Bandya, Bauwa and their associates allegedly stepped out and began abusing the victims over an old dispute.

The assault escalated quickly. The attackers allegedly chased the two youths and beat them repeatedly with a fibre pipe and sticks. Another accused, Aman Naidu, reportedly arrived in a car and joined the attack, threatening to kill the victims along with his associates.

Friends of the injured youths rushed them to SIMS Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Nikhil Rakesh later went to the police station and filed a report. Based on the complaint, Sarkanda police have booked Bandya, Bauwa, Aman Naidu and two others.

Police said CCTV footage shows around 8 to 10 attackers armed with pipes and sticks taking part in the assault. ASP City Pankaj Patel said the incident appears to have been carried out due to a long-standing rivalry, and five people, including a minor, have been arrested so far.

The case has once again raised concerns about street violence, revenge attacks and the use of vehicles as weapons during personal disputes. Authorities are now examining the viral footage and other evidence to identify all those involved.

Rupnarayan Sinha, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission and a senior BJP leader holding cabinet minister rank, died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday. His sudden demise during a party training camp has left the BJP organisation in the state in shock.

Sinha, who was actively participating in the two-day district-level training programme of the BJP in Tifra, Bilaspur, complained of uneasiness on the second day of the event. He was immediately rushed to the state-run SIMS hospital in Bilaspur, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Sudden Health Deterioration at Training Camp

The incident occurred on Tuesday during the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Training Mahabhiyan 2026. Sinha, who was also the in-charge of the training camp, had been present since its inauguration on Monday, May 25. Several senior leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, MP Rupakumari Chaudhary, and MLA Amar Agrawal, attended the programme.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Sinha’s health deteriorated during the proceedings on the second day. Party workers and officials present at the venue acted swiftly and shifted him to the hospital, but he could not be revived. 

Last Rites Performed in Raipur

The mortal remains of Rupnarayan Sinha were brought to his residence in Kabir Nagar, Raipur, where the last rites were performed on Wednesday. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai visited the residence to pay his respects and offered floral tributes. Several other leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Minister Kedar Kashyap, MLA Purandar Mishra, and BJP state president Kiran Singh Dev, also reached the residence to offer condolences. 

A large number of party workers and local residents gathered at the residence, creating an atmosphere of mourning.

Long Association with BJP and Yoga Movement

Rupnarayan Sinha had been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party for a long time. He held various organisational responsibilities within the party and was known for his active involvement in social service and yoga promotion activities. His appointment as Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission reflected his deep commitment to promoting yoga and wellness in the state. He was conferred the status of a cabinet minister in the Sai government.

Senior BJP leaders described his passing as an irreparable loss. Bilha MLA Dharamlal Kaushik, a prominent party figure, said that Sinha had served the party with dedication in different capacities and played a key role in strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level.

Leaders Express Grief

The news of Sinha’s death spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum. Many leaders recalled his simplicity and dedication towards party work and social causes. 

Family members and party colleagues were seen consoling each other at both the hospital in Bilaspur and the residence in Raipur. Photographs from the training camp showing Sinha in apparently good health have been widely circulated on social media, adding to the sense of suddenness surrounding the tragedy.

Impact on Local BJP Unit

The training camp in Tifra was an important organisational exercise for the BJP ahead of future political battles. Sinha’s active role in it underlined his importance within the party structure in Bilaspur district. His untimely death has temporarily disrupted the momentum of the ongoing programme, with many participants expressing deep sorrow.

As news of the cardiac arrest reached senior leadership, several ministers and MLAs made their way to Bilaspur to stand with the family. The swift response from the administration and party workers was visible as the body was transported to Raipur for final rites.

Rupnarayan Sinha’s contribution to the promotion of yoga in Chhattisgarh and his long service to the BJP will be remembered by party workers and yoga enthusiasts across the state. His demise has come as a significant blow to both the party and the yoga movement he championed. 

As the state BJP unit comes to terms with this loss, many are reflecting on the importance of health awareness, especially among senior leaders engaged in demanding political and organisational work. 

Two seriously injured after group attacks youth at Bilaspur fuel station; CCTV captures lathi assault

Bilaspur petrol pump beating after a bike collision; primary keyword: Bilaspur petrol pump attack

 Two young men were left in serious condition after a group armed with belts, lathis and iron rods stormed into a petrol pump office and attacked them on Sunday afternoon, police and local witnesses said. The incident, captured on a petrol pump CCTV camera, unfolded in Pachpedi area and has prompted an enquiry by the Pachpedi police station.

What happened
According to officials, the violence began around 12:30pm when three students — identified by police as Prabhakar Marshal Chouksey (a B-Pharmacy student from Pachpedi), Nimesh Rai and Dileshwar Marshal — were riding a bike through the village to announce a community bathing ritual using a loudspeaker. Their motorcycle was reportedly bumped by another rider, later named as Badal Jangde, causing all three to fall.

Escalation and assault
Initial reports indicate the students asked the other rider to slow down after the collision. The request led to an argument, officials said, and Badal allegedly responded with abusive language before striking one student with his belt. The confrontation intensified when Vikki Jangde and Vikas Marshal arrived, and the three assailants — joined shortly afterwards by Saroj Jangde and others — attacked the students with sticks, rods and belts, sources familiar with the matter said.

CCTV footage shared with reporters shows multiple attackers chasing the youths and then forcing entry into the petrol pump office. One victim is seen running into the office and pulling the door shut; attackers followed and continued to beat the occupants. The video, viewed by this reporter, clearly captures blows being delivered with lathis inside the small office area.

Injuries and medical response
Local residents helped the injured and alerted the police. An ambulance transported at least one seriously wounded youth to the Government-run Sarguja Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SIMS) in Bilaspur, where doctors said one patient sustained a deep head injury. The second injured man is also reported to be in serious condition and receiving treatment. Medical authorities declined to release names beyond what police provided.

Police action
Pachpedi police confirmed a case has been registered and said legal action is underway. “The dispute began after a bike collision and escalated into a group assault,” a station officer told reporters. “We have recorded statements, are reviewing the CCTV footage, and will identify and arrest the accused soon.” No arrests were announced early Monday.

Community reaction
Villagers described the attack as sudden and brutal, saying the scale of violence shocked bystanders. “They came with sticks and did not stop even after the boys ran into the office,” said a shopkeeper near the petrol pump who asked not to be named. Several residents said the petrol pump’s CCTV played a vital role in documenting the sequence of events and hoped it would speed up police action.

Background and context
Incidents of mob violence following minor road disputes are not uncommon in parts of India, where quick escalations and groups joining conflicts can turn brief arguments deadly. Local activists called for calm and urged police to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.

What happens next
Police said they will file charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code relating to voluntarily causing grievous hurt, unlawful assembly and rioting with deadly weapons. Investigators are cross-checking medical records, witness statements and the CCTV recording to establish the full timeline and number of participants.

For now, residents remain on edge. The petrol pump near Pachpedi remains cordoned off for initial inquiry, and authorities have stepped up patrols in the area to prevent any further clashes while the investigation continues.

Bilaspur Road Carnage: 4 Dead in Separate Crashes

Bilaspur road accidents claim 4 lives, 29 injured as doctor’s car, wedding vehicles crash in tragic series.

Separate road mishaps rocked Bilaspur district in Chhattisgarh, leaving four people dead and 29 others injured over a short span. Initial reports point to drowsiness, overcrowding and speeding as key factors behind the chaos. Police have launched probes while hospitals scramble to treat the wounded.

Doctor’s Drowsy Collision

A doctor from Mahasamund lost control of his car near Lalkhadan overbridge after dozing off, slamming into an oncoming auto-rickshaw. The impact killed Beera Bai Dahariya (50), a labourer returning from Gujarat, on the spot. Auto driver and three other passengers suffered serious injuries, with the driver's legs fractured.

T Kendra Prasad Patel (29), a SIMS surgery resident heading back from home leave, tested negative for alcohol, said Torwa TI Rajnish Singh. Locals confronted him at the scene before police intervened, seizing the vehicle (CG 04 PA 3294) and filing an FIR.

Wedding Scorpio Overturns

In another blow, a Scorpio packed with wedding guests from Kota to Mungeli flipped near Nagchui village after the driver braked suddenly for a cyclist. Sushila Manikpuri from Ghoramar died, with 13 injured including Meleudas from Lamkena and Akhilesh from Sirgitti. Overloading emerged in early checks, police noted.

Bystanders pulled victims out and rushed them to Kotha health centre. Families gathered weeping outside as post-mortem got underway.

Pickup Flips on Sharp Turn

Baratis returning from a Seepat wedding in a overloaded pickup (CG 12 AX 9589) met disaster at Karma Busaha bend. Driver lost grip, vehicle rolled, killing Ram Jhul Singh (40) from Umaria Dadar instantly. Twelve others hurt, all admitted nearby.

The group, over 25 strong from Ratanpur’s Umaria Dadar, had attended late-night festivities. Takhatpur police are investigating.

Bike Rider Crushed by Car

Gautam Yadav (24) from Seepat Nyapara fell victim to a rash driver while biking his sister home post-wedding. A white car (CG 12 BP 5061) struck him near Raliya around 2 pm, mangling bike and vehicle fronts. He succumbed at Masturi CHC.

Brother Rajesh got the call from a stranger. Masturi police hunt the absconding driver.

Police Response, Hospital Strain

Cases span Torwa, Takhatpur, Seepat and Masturi stations. FIRs filed, vehicles impounded where possible. Breath tests cleared some drivers but probes continue into negligence.

Over 29 injured strain local facilities, some critical. Officials urge caution on busy routes.

Road Safety Echoes

These crashes highlight persistent risks on Bilaspur roads—fatigue after long drives, wedding-season overloading, sharp bends. Similar incidents plague Chhattisgarh highways lately. Authorities may step up checks ahead.