Madhya Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall on Sunday as a low-pressure area and the monsoon trough remain active over the eastern parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for 14 districts, while several other areas are expected to receive light to moderate showers.

The weather system is expected to remain particularly active over the Jabalpur, Chambal and Narmadapuram divisions. According to the IMD Bhopal forecast, heavy rainfall is likely in Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Shivpuri, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Dindori and Sidhi during the next 24 hours.

Bhopal is likely to receive light rain, while several other districts may experience spells of heavy or light rainfall. The forecast comes after widespread rain across eastern Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, with rising water levels in rivers and streams reported from several districts.

Rivers and Streams in Spate

Continuous rainfall pushed several water bodies beyond their normal levels. In Balaghat, the Bhima stream near Nainpur was in spate, disrupting movement in the area.

Narsinghpur also witnessed a rise in the Narmada's water level amid continued rainfall and the opening of gates at Bargi Dam. The bridge at the Barman sand ghat was submerged, while the Jhansighat bridge connecting Narsinghpur and Jabalpur was also nearing inundation.

In Panna, a dumper was swept away in the strong current of the Shahpura River in the Dharampur police station area. The driver, identified as Sunny alias Rohit Singh, reportedly managed to swim to safety.

Road Washed Away in Sidhi

Heavy rain also damaged infrastructure in several parts of the state. In Sidhi, a large section of a road constructed around six months ago at a reported cost of ₹104 crore was washed away by strong water currents.

In Satna's Nagod area, three people were reportedly swept away along with a motorcycle while attempting to cross a swollen drain late Friday night. Two of them, Balendra Singh and Deepu Pandey, managed to swim out, while the third person remained missing.

In Chhatarpur's Maharajpur area, rising water in the Kumhed River created difficulties for residents of Harpai Purwa. Around 250-300 people were reportedly affected as the absence of a bridge makes connectivity difficult during periods of high water.

23-26 August Rain Forecast

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Naik said eastern Madhya Pradesh remained particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall on August 21 and 22. Rain activity is expected to continue between August 23 and 26, with the western parts of the state also likely to receive spells of heavy rain.

The IMD has forecast rain ranging from light to heavy across a large part of the state. Besides the 14 districts under the heavy rain alert, areas including Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Harda, Gwalior, Guna, Datia, Ashoknagar, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari may receive rain.

Rainfall Deficit in 40 Districts

Despite the recent spell of rain, rainfall remains below normal in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. The eastern divisions of Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol have recorded rainfall up to 19% below normal.

Several individual districts have recorded deficits ranging from 1% to 51%. These include Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Dindori, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Pandhurna, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Seoni and Tikamgarh.

In the western region, districts including Agar-Malwa, Alirajpur, Ashoknagar, Betul, Datia, Dewas, Dhar, Harda, Indore, Jhabua, Morena, Mandsaur, Narmadapuram, Neemuch, Raisen, Ratlam, Sehore, Shajapur, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha have also recorded rainfall below normal.

Bhopal's August Rainfall History

Bhopal typically receives significant rainfall during August. The city recorded around 35 inches of rain during August 2006, its highest monthly August rainfall in the figures cited in the report. The highest 24-hour rainfall was around 12 inches on August 14, 2006.

Jabalpur has recorded even higher August rainfall, with around 44 inches reported in August 1923. The city received about 13 inches in a single day on August 20 that year.

The state receives an average annual rainfall of around 37.3 inches. While June recorded a rainfall deficit, improved rainfall in July and August has helped narrow the gap, although the overall deficit remains.

Commuters in Bhopal are set to get more electric buses from Monday, August 24, with 10 additional buses being added to the city's existing fleet. The number of operational e-buses will rise from 20 to 30, with services expected every 10 to 15 minutes on the three existing routes.

The expansion is expected to improve connectivity between key areas including Kolar Road, Bawadiya Kalan, Bairagarh, MP Nagar and the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT). All three routes pass through MP Nagar, making the service particularly useful for office-goers and students travelling to one of the city's major commercial and educational hubs.

At present, 20 electric buses are operating on three routes covering several parts of the city. These include Bairagarh, Kolar Road, MP Nagar, New Market, Bawadiya Kalan, Salaiya, Rohit Nagar, Ashoka Garden, Subhash Nagar, Kohefiza and Peer Gate. The minimum fare is around Rs 6-7, while the maximum fare is Rs 40.

10,000-12,000 Daily Passengers

The number of passengers using the electric bus service has increased with the expansion of the fleet. According to the information provided, around 10,000 to 12,000 passengers currently travel on the e-buses every day.

Ten buses were added to the fleet last week, taking the operational strength to 20. With another 10 buses being introduced from August 24, passengers are expected to get more frequent services on the existing routes.

Three Routes Cover Major Areas

The B35 route operates between Chirayu Hospital in Bairagarh and Aakriti Eco City in Salaiya. It passes through Bairagarh Market, Lalghati, Collectorate, Hamidia Hospital, Royal Market, Peer Gate, Kamla Park, Polytechnic Square, Rangmahal Square, Roshanpura, Link Road No. 1, MP Nagar Metro Station, Board Office, Vitthan Market, 1100 Quarters, Rohit Nagar and Bawadiya Square.

The B36 route connects Coach Factory with Kolar Road. It covers Bhopal Railway Station, Pushpa Nagar, Ashoka Garden, Subhash Nagar, Chetak Bridge, Board Office, MP Nagar, Vitthan Market, Manisha Market, Bansal Hospital, Chunabhatti, Mandakini Square, Nayapura, Lalita Nagar, Gehun Kheda and Bairagarh Chichli.

The B37 route runs from the Bairagarh e-bus depot to ISBT. Major stops on the route include Lalghati, Collectorate, Hamidia Hospital, Royal Market, Shahjahanabad, Nadra Bus Stand, Bharat Talkies, Jahangirabad, PHQ, Malviya Nagar, Minto Hall, Birla Mandir, Vallabh Bhawan, District Court, DB Mall and Chetak Bridge.

Accessibility Features for Disabled Passengers

One of the key features of the electric buses is the provision of hydraulic doors to assist passengers with disabilities. The arrangement allows people using wheelchairs and tricycles to board and exit the buses more easily.

The space opposite the hydraulic door is also designed to accommodate two wheelchairs or tricycles at the same time, according to the information provided.

Smaller Size May Help in Traffic

The e-buses are around nine metres long and approximately 3.5 metres wide. This makes them smaller than conventional city buses, which can be up to 12 metres long.

The relatively compact size is expected to help the buses navigate narrower roads and congested stretches of Bhopal more easily. However, traffic congestion could still affect services on some routes.

With the fleet increasing to 30 buses from August 24, the higher frequency is expected to make public transport more convenient for daily commuters while improving connectivity between residential areas, commercial centres, railway stations and major transit points across Bhopal.

Indore police have arrested two more people in connection with the seizure of illegal liquor worth around ₹55 lakh from a container in the Kanadia area. The two accused allegedly arranged the transportation of beer from the Gwalior-Chambal region to Alirajpur on commission.

The accused have been identified as Honey alias Harbhajan Tuteja, a resident of Amitesh Nagar, and Monu alias Krishna, a resident of Rather in Morena. They were arrested by Kanadia police on Saturday and produced before a court, which sent them to five-day police custody.

According to police, both accused were allegedly involved in arranging liquor supplies from Gwalior and Shivpuri towards Alirajpur through Indore. During questioning, they reportedly disclosed the names of two liquor contractors allegedly linked to the supply chain. Police are now investigating other people connected with the network.

Liquor Seized After Road Accident

The case came to light on July 22 after a liquor-laden container collided with another vehicle on the bypass in the Kanadia area. Police personnel reached the spot after the accident and found a large quantity of liquor inside the container.

The five people travelling in the container were subsequently arrested. They were identified as Aakash Ahirwar, Rahul Namdev, Vijay Vaishnav, Deepash Sonone and Nitesh Prajapati.

When police asked for the liquor documents, the accused reportedly said that the consignment had been brought from Gwalior and was being transported to Alirajpur.

927 Cases of Beer Recovered

Police said approximately 927 cases of Mount brand beer were recovered from the container. The beer is reportedly manufactured at a factory in the Gwalior region.

According to the investigation, the beer was allegedly being transported to Alirajpur, where it was sold at small liquor outlets and roadside shops under the name “Lalten.”

Police said the product reportedly has demand in rural areas. However, the claims regarding the manner and extent of its sale are part of the ongoing investigation.

Two Contractors Under Scanner

During questioning, the two newly arrested accused allegedly told investigators that they arranged liquor transportation on commission. They also reportedly named two liquor contractors who allegedly procured the stock from the factory and liquor outlets in the Gwalior-Chambal region before arranging its movement towards Alirajpur.

Investigators are now attempting to establish the complete chain, including the source of the liquor, the people involved in its transportation and those allegedly responsible for its distribution.

Police Investigating Wider Network

The arrest of Honey Tuteja and Monu alias Krishna has taken the number of people arrested in connection with the case to seven. The initial five arrests were made after the container was intercepted following the road accident.

Police are questioning the two newly arrested accused during their remand period and are examining the information provided by them. Investigators are also trying to identify other people who may have been involved in the alleged illegal liquor supply network.

The police investigation is expected to focus on the movement of liquor from the Gwalior-Chambal region to Alirajpur and the alleged commission-based distribution system.

The farmers' protest in Jhabua over compensation for land acquired for the Badnawar-Timrwani four-lane road entered its fourth day on Sunday, with farmer representatives meeting Madhya Pradesh ministers Nirmala Bhuria and Nagar Singh Chauhan to press for four-times compensation for the acquired land.

A provincial delegation of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh met the two Cabinet ministers at the government rest house in Jhabua. During the meeting, the farmers explained their concerns regarding the compensation being sought for land acquired for the road project.

The ministers heard the delegation and assured the farmers that their concerns would be raised at the government level in Bhopal. They also said they would convey the farmers' demands to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and attempt to facilitate a direct interaction between the farmers and the Chief Minister.

Farmers Seek Four-Times Compensation

The central demand of the protesting farmers is compensation equivalent to four times the value of the land acquired for the Badnawar-Timrwani four-lane road project.

The issue has led to continued protests in Jhabua, with farmers maintaining that the compensation matter needs to be resolved before the agitation can be called off.

Following the meeting, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh Indore division president Krishnapal Singh Rathore said the discussion with the ministers was positive, but added that the protest would continue until a concrete and satisfactory solution was reached.

Protest to Continue

Farmer representatives said the assurances given during the meeting were not enough to end the agitation immediately. According to Rathore, the farmers will continue their protest until their demands receive a firm resolution from the government.

The organisation has also shifted its planned provincial executive meeting from Indore to Jhabua in view of the ongoing agitation. Senior office-bearers of the organisation have already reached Jhabua for the meeting.

Warning of Major Jhabua Gherao

Farmer leaders have warned of a larger mobilisation if the government fails to resolve the compensation issue soon.

They said workers and representatives from 18 districts across Madhya Pradesh could be called to Jhabua for a major gherao if their demands are not accepted. The warning indicates that the ongoing agitation could expand beyond the farmers currently protesting in the district.

The farmer organisation has maintained that the issue will remain active until the government provides a satisfactory response on the compensation demand.

Delegation Meets Ministers

The delegation that met the ministers included Bharatiya Kisan Sangh provincial vice-president Dayaram Dhadak, provincial co-organisation secretary Atul Maheshwari, provincial minister Mahesh Thakur and Indore division president Krishnapal Singh Rathore.

The meeting has provided an avenue for further discussions between the farmers and the state government, with the ministers promising to take the matter to the Chief Minister.

For now, however, the farmers have made it clear that the protest will continue and that a wider mobilisation remains possible if no concrete decision is taken on the four-times compensation demand.

A newborn baby died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Chhindwara District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh during the early hours of Saturday. Three newborns, aged between six and 12 days, were reportedly caught in the fire after a suspected short circuit in a plug set fire to the cot in which they were being kept. All three babies were initially treated at the district hospital before being referred to Jabalpur Medical College. One of them, reportedly a baby girl, died while being taken to Jabalpur.

The fire occurred between around 2 am and 3 am, according to the information provided. The three newborns were in the same cot when the suspected electrical fault occurred. Dr Kanchan Dubey said the exact extent of the burns had not yet been established and that the children might require surgical treatment. Since a paediatric surgeon was not available at Chhindwara District Hospital, the babies were referred to Jabalpur at around 5 am. According to the father of the deceased child, Aditya Verma, his wife had been admitted to the hospital three days earlier for delivery and gave birth to the baby girl at around 10:30 pm on Friday.

Fire Started Inside NICU

According to the preliminary account, a short circuit occurred in a plug inside the NICU and the electrical fault triggered a fire in the cot holding the three newborns. The flames then spread to plastic material and clothes placed in or around the cot. Hospital staff reportedly used fire extinguishers immediately after noticing the flames and shifted the babies out of the affected area. They were given initial treatment before being referred to Jabalpur.

More than 20 newborns and three staff members were reportedly present in the NICU when the incident occurred. The fire remained confined to one unit, which sustained damage. The three affected babies had been admitted to the NICU after developing infections following birth. The incident has raised concerns among the families of patients, who have sought clarity on the electrical safety arrangements and emergency preparedness inside the neonatal unit.

Police Begin Investigation

Police reached the hospital after being informed about the incident and have started examining the circumstances surrounding the fire. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation. Hospital authorities are separately examining the cause of the suspected short circuit and the safety arrangements inside the NICU. The exact cause of the electrical fault and whether there were any lapses in maintenance or safety procedures will become clearer after the inquiry.

The families of the affected children have also requested the administration to bear the cost of treatment at Jabalpur Medical College. Relatives said they are financially constrained and may find it difficult to manage the expenses associated with prolonged treatment outside Chhindwara. Meanwhile, the condition of the other two injured newborns and the extent of their burns will require further medical assessment at Jabalpur. The death of one baby during the transfer has added urgency to the investigation into the hospital fire.

Traders in Bhopal's Awadhpuri area staged a protest on Saturday against notices issued by the municipal corporation for sealing commercial establishments operating in residential areas. Shopkeepers kept their businesses closed and took out a rally carrying banners and posters, objecting to the civic body's action. The protest comes amid a wider dispute over commercial activities and alleged unauthorised construction in residential colonies. Residents opposing such activities have also announced a torchlight march in Gulmohar-Trilanga on Saturday evening.

The protest in Awadhpuri began around 11:30 am, with traders moving through the market while raising objections to the sealing notices. Women and children also participated in the demonstration. The traders argued that taking sealing action around the Raksha Bandhan period was inappropriate and sought relief from the civic action. A similar protest by traders had been held in Bagsewaniya a day earlier. The dispute centres on the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's action against commercial activities in areas designated for residential use, with traders questioning the manner and timing of the notices.

Residents Question Civic Action

Residents who have been demanding action against unauthorised commercial activity have raised a different set of concerns. Vivek Tripathi, a resident of Arera Colony who has filed a petition, claimed that the municipal corporation had reported action against several establishments on August 1. According to him, some businesses had displayed notices stating that they had shut operations following directions from the civic body, but “TO-LET” boards are now appearing at some of the same locations as new tenants are reportedly being sought.

Residents have questioned why sealing and demolition action has not progressed if unauthorised constructions have already been identified. They have referred to a Supreme Court direction dated May 20, 2026, concerning action against illegal constructions in residential premises and the submission of an action-taken report. According to the residents, the civic authorities have conducted surveys and issued notices, but stronger enforcement measures are still awaited. Their stated demand is that the authorities should move beyond notices and surveys and take effective action against illegal construction and commercial use.

Torchlight March in Gulmohar

Residents say large commercial establishments operating on residential plots have affected parking availability, traffic movement, pollution levels and the use of public infrastructure in the affected colonies. They argue that continued notices without effective enforcement could allow unauthorised activities to continue.

A torchlight march has been planned for Saturday evening under the banner of the Sanyukt Rahvasi Sangharsh Samiti. The march will begin from Seva Market in Gulmohar and proceed as part of the residents' protest. The latest developments indicate that the dispute has now widened beyond individual sealing notices, with traders opposing the municipal action while residents are demanding stricter enforcement against alleged unauthorised commercial activity in residential areas.

Construction workers across Madhya Pradesh, including carpenters, welders, plumbers and masons, can receive financial assistance of up to ₹40,000 from the state government to purchase an electric scooter. The scheme is being implemented through the Madhya Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board under the Labour Department.

According to the scheme details provided, around 17 lakh construction workers are registered in Madhya Pradesh, while a quota of 1,000 beneficiaries has been fixed for the current year. Benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning eligible workers whose applications are approved first will be considered until the annual quota is exhausted.

Scheme Name and Eligibility

The initiative is officially known as the ‘Bhavan Evam Anya Sannirman E-Scooter Hetu Anudan Yojana, 2024’. It has been introduced for registered construction workers covered under the welfare board.

The scheme covers workers engaged in various construction-related occupations. These include carpenters, welders, plumbers, masons and other eligible categories among the 49 types of construction workers covered under the programme.

Workers seeking the benefit must meet the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Labour Department and the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

Up to ₹40,000 Assistance

Under the scheme, an eligible worker can receive financial assistance equivalent to 50% of the cost of the electric scooter or ₹40,000, whichever is lower.

For example, if the eligible e-scooter costs ₹70,000, the worker can receive assistance of ₹35,000. If the scooter costs ₹90,000, the maximum assistance would be ₹40,000.

The approved assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account, according to the scheme details.

1,000 Beneficiaries This Year

The state has fixed an annual limit of 1,000 beneficiaries under the scheme. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Once 1,000 applications have been approved, the annual beneficiary quota will be treated as complete. This means eligible workers may need to apply early if they want to be considered for the current year's assistance.

The scheme also provides a specific reservation for workers with disabilities.

60 Seats Reserved

Out of the annual quota of 1,000 beneficiaries, 60 seats have been reserved for workers with disabilities.

The provision is intended to ensure that eligible disabled construction workers also receive an opportunity to benefit from the electric vehicle assistance programme.

Scooter Cannot Be Sold for Three Years

Workers receiving assistance under the scheme cannot immediately sell or transfer the electric scooter purchased with the subsidy.

As per the conditions mentioned in the scheme, the beneficiary is required to retain the e-scooter for at least three years. It cannot be sold to another person during this period.

The restriction is aimed at ensuring that the financial assistance is used for the intended purpose and that beneficiaries continue to use the vehicle after receiving government support.

Support for Construction Workers

The e-scooter assistance scheme is part of the welfare measures available to registered construction workers in Madhya Pradesh. The state has a large construction workforce registered with the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, through which various welfare schemes are implemented.

For eligible workers, the electric scooter subsidy can reduce the upfront cost of purchasing a vehicle while providing an additional means of personal transportation for work-related travel.

Workers planning to apply should check the latest eligibility requirements, application process and availability of the annual quota through the Madhya Pradesh Labour Department/Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, as scheme conditions and application procedures may be updated.

The CBI has detailed the final months of model-actor Twisha Sharma’s life in its 636-page chargesheet filed in connection with her death in Bhopal. The investigation describes the sequence of events from her meeting with her husband Samarth Singh through a dating app to their marriage, disputes over her past relationships, pregnancy and her eventual death at her matrimonial home.

According to the chargesheet, Twisha and Samarth met through an online dating application in February 2025. A month later, Twisha reportedly informed her family about the relationship and her intention to marry Samarth. After both families agreed, the couple got married in December 2025.

Alleged Harassment After Marriage

The CBI has alleged that Twisha faced mental and physical harassment after her marriage. The chargesheet reportedly contains allegations that Samarth made derogatory remarks about her previous relationships, which allegedly caused her emotional distress.

The investigation has also referred to alleged arguments and comments made during the marriage. These allegations form part of the CBI's case against Samarth and his mother, Giribala Singh.

Twisha was later found dead under suspicious circumstances at her matrimonial home in Katara Hills, Bhopal, on the night of May 12, 2026.

Dispute After Pregnancy

According to the chargesheet, tensions between the couple intensified after Twisha's pregnancy came to light in April 2026.

The investigation states that on April 16, Twisha informed others that she had allegedly been subjected to harassment at her matrimonial home and mentioned taking medication related to termination of the pregnancy. The following day, she and Samarth reportedly went to Hajela Hospital to confirm the pregnancy.

The CBI has described the pregnancy as unplanned. Samarth allegedly informed his mother about it, after which a dispute reportedly took place between the couple on April 17. The chargesheet alleges that abusive language was used against Twisha during the dispute.

Twisha Left Matrimonial Home

The investigation states that Twisha left her matrimonial home on April 17 and travelled to her parents' home in Rajasthan.

According to the CBI, she told her mother that she had left following a dispute with Samarth. The agency has also alleged that when Twisha complained to her mother-in-law about Samarth's conduct, Giribala allegedly sided with her son.

The CBI has accused both Samarth and Giribala of subjecting Twisha to alleged mental and psychological harassment.

Job and English Remarks

The chargesheet also refers to Twisha's professional circumstances.

She reportedly joined DADB in March 2025 as an Onboarding and Communication Manager. The company later temporarily stopped operations in September 2025, following which her salary could not reportedly be paid.

The investigation has also referred to alleged derogatory comments concerning her English and employment circumstances. These details have been included by the CBI as part of the broader circumstances surrounding the alleged harassment.

Death on May 12

Twisha was found dead at her matrimonial home in Katara Hills on May 12, 2026.

The CBI has named her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh as accused in the case. The chargesheet invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 80(2), 85, 108 and 3(5), along with provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

The charges include allegations relating to mental and physical cruelty and abetment of suicide.

The allegations contained in the chargesheet are the CBI's case and will be subject to judicial consideration. The filing of a chargesheet does not by itself establish the guilt of the accused.

A nearly 65-year-old dilapidated structure located opposite the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain was demolished late Wednesday night after the temple's Shayan Aarti. The municipal corporation carried out the demolition around 11 pm, completing the operation in nearly 60 minutes in compliance with a High Court order.

The building, known as Parchure Bhawan, was considered structurally unsafe. The authorities had earlier obtained a technical assessment from a team of the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, to determine the condition of the structure.

Building Found Structurally Unsafe

Ujjain Municipal Corporation Superintendent Engineer Pramod Malviya said the building was approximately 60 to 65 years old and was not built as an RCC structure. It stood on an open foundation and its structural condition had deteriorated significantly over the years.

The building was evacuated before demolition. Municipal teams then used heavy machinery, including JCB equipment, to bring down the structure.

The demolition was conducted at night after the Shayan Aarti to avoid disruption to devotees and manage the operation amid security arrangements in the busy Mahakal Temple area.

MANIT Report Flagged Risks

The MANIT technical assessment reportedly identified several structural deficiencies in the building.

These included outward tilting of load-bearing masonry walls, extensive cracks in the walls, corrosion in supporting steel girders, deterioration of the traditional roofing system, dampness at several locations and damage to the staircase.

The assessment considered the continued use of the building during periods of heavy crowd movement to be risky.

Crowd Pressure Raised Safety Concerns

According to municipal officials, the location becomes particularly crowded during religious events and the Mahakal Sawari, when large numbers of devotees gather in the area.

Officials said there was a possibility of people accessing the roof or upper floor of the old structure during such occasions. This could have placed additional load on the already weakened building and increased the risk of a structural accident.

The authorities therefore decided to remove the building as a safety measure.

G+1 Structure Demolished

The Parchure Bhawan occupied an area of approximately 1,200 to 1,500 square feet and was a G+1 structure.

The demolition operation was carried out under tight security arrangements. Officials ensured that the premises were vacated before machinery was deployed.

The entire structure was brought down in about an hour.

Linked to Mahakal Expansion

The demolition is also linked to the second phase of the Mahakal Temple expansion project.

The Mahakal Temple area has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years, with authorities working on infrastructure and facilities to manage the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the temple.

Officials said the removal of structurally unsafe buildings in the temple's surrounding area is also important from the perspective of crowd management and public safety.

The demolition of the Parchure Bhawan marks another step in the ongoing changes around the Mahakal Temple precinct, while the immediate focus remains on ensuring that old and unsafe structures do not pose a risk to devotees.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed all writ appeals challenging the decision to revisit the selection process for the Primary Teacher Selection Test 2025, paving the way for verification of RCI qualification claims and preparation of a fresh merit list.

A division bench comprising Justice Anand Pathak and Justice B.P. Sharma upheld the May 6, 2026 order of the single judge, which had directed the Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board to re-examine candidates who had claimed eligibility for 5% bonus marks on the basis of qualifications recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

The controversy affects the selection process for 13,089 primary teacher posts. According to the case details, a large number of candidates had received the additional marks after indicating in their online applications that they possessed the required RCI qualification. Subsequent verification raised questions over the eligibility of several candidates.

Bonus Marks Under Scrutiny

Under the recruitment rules, candidates holding an RCI-recognised special education diploma were eligible for an additional 5% bonus in the selection process.

The information provided in the case indicates that around 14,964 candidates claimed the RCI qualification and received the additional marks. However, RCI records reportedly showed that only about 5,271 candidates met the relevant qualification requirement.

The dispute arose because the online application system awarded the bonus marks when candidates selected “yes” against the RCI qualification field. The qualification documents were not verified at that stage.

Court Rejects ‘Mistake’ Argument

Some candidates approached the High Court arguing that they had mistakenly selected “yes” while filling out the application form. They sought removal of the bonus marks but requested that they should continue in the selection process on the basis of their actual examination scores.

The division bench, however, found no grounds to interfere with the earlier order. The court noted that candidates had been given opportunities to correct information submitted in their applications.

According to the court's reasoning as reported in the case, a candidate cannot seek to retain a benefit obtained from incorrect information after the result has been declared, particularly when opportunities had been available to rectify the information earlier.

Verification of RCI Certificates

Following the High Court's decision, the Employees Selection Board will have to undertake verification of the RCI certificates claimed by candidates who received the bonus marks.

Candidates whose claims are found to be unsupported by valid RCI-recognised qualifications will face cancellation of their applications or removal of the corresponding benefit, as directed under the recruitment process.

The verification exercise is expected to have a direct impact on the existing selection list because the removal of bonus marks can change candidates' relative positions in the merit order.

Fresh Merit List Expected

The earlier single-bench order had directed the selection authority to provide candidates claiming RCI eligibility an additional opportunity to submit the relevant qualification documents. After verification, candidates who fail to establish the required qualification are to be excluded from the applicable benefit.

A revised merit list will subsequently be prepared.

The process could therefore affect the appointments already linked to the 2025 primary teacher recruitment examination, particularly where candidates' positions depended on the disputed bonus marks.

Impact on Other Candidates

The High Court also considered the impact of retaining wrongly awarded bonus marks on candidates who had correctly provided their qualifications.

If candidates who were not eligible for the additional marks were allowed to retain them, it could adversely affect the ranking of candidates who had followed the rules while submitting their applications.

The court consequently declined to grant relief that would allow disputed bonus marks to remain part of the selection process.

Recruitment Process to Be Reworked

With the appeals dismissed, the recruitment authorities will now proceed with the next stage of verification and merit revision.

The broad process will involve checking RCI qualification documents, identifying candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements, removing the disputed bonus benefit and preparing a revised merit list. Further appointments will then be processed according to the revised ranking and applicable recruitment rules.

The High Court's decision brings the immediate legal challenge to the disputed bonus-mark provision to an end, while leaving the selection authority with the task of completing the verification and fresh merit exercise.

The Food Safety Department has seized 25 quintals of analogue paneer from a dairy in Sehore district, days after Madhya Pradesh imposed a ban on its manufacture and sale. The action was carried out late Wednesday night at Rudransh Dairy in Pachama village following complaints about the production of substandard and analogue paneer.

The raid was conducted jointly by the Bhopal Divisional Flying Squad and officials of the Food and Drug Administration Department, Sehore. Officials said the dairy had allegedly continued producing analogue paneer despite the state government's restrictions.

The latest action is significant because the same facility had reportedly been inspected earlier, with more than two quintals of analogue paneer seized during a previous operation.

25 Quintals Seized

According to officials, the inspection team recovered a large quantity of the suspected analogue paneer from the Rudransh facility. The seized material, weighing around 25 quintals, was sealed after the inspection.

Divisional flying squad in-charge Pankaj Srivastava said the team acted after a complaint regarding the alleged manufacture of fake and analogue paneer in Sehore reached the Food Commissioner.

The officials conducted the inspection late at night and examined the manufacturing area and products stored at the facility.

Production Continued After Ban

The action comes shortly after Madhya Pradesh imposed restrictions on the manufacture and sale of analogue paneer.

Officials said the Rudransh Dairy was allegedly continuing production even after the restrictions came into effect on August 12. The latest seizure has raised questions about compliance with the ban and the monitoring of dairy-product manufacturing units in the district.

The department's intervention also follows an earlier raid at the same facility.

Earlier Raid Also Conducted

The Food and Drug Administration Department had previously inspected the Pachama-based dairy after receiving information about the alleged production of analogue paneer.

During that operation, officials seized more than two quintals of the suspected product. Despite the earlier action, authorities found a substantially larger quantity during the latest inspection.

The repeated seizure has prompted renewed scrutiny of the dairy's operations and compliance with food safety requirements.

Labelling Irregularities Found

Apart from the suspected analogue paneer, officials also reported irregularities in the packaging and labelling of the products.

The inspection team reportedly found salt and sugar at the facility and identified shortcomings in the manufacturing process. Officials said the packets did not properly mention the company and product names and that the labelling did not comply with the required standards.

The authorities sealed the seized stock following the inspection.

Food Safety Concerns

Analogue paneer is generally produced using ingredients other than the conventional milk-based ingredients used for paneer. The Madhya Pradesh government's restrictions have been aimed at preventing the manufacture and sale of such products and addressing concerns over food quality.

The seizure in Sehore comes amid increased scrutiny of dairy products and food items suspected to be substandard or improperly labelled.

Further Action Likely

The latest seizure is expected to lead to further proceedings under applicable food safety regulations. Authorities will examine the products and the manufacturing practices at the facility before deciding on additional action.

The repeated discovery of analogue paneer at the same dairy also highlights the challenge of enforcing restrictions after an initial inspection.

For consumers, officials have advised caution when purchasing packaged dairy products and checking product labels and other mandatory details before buying them.

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation Council will hold its first regular council meeting of the year on Wednesday, with the opposition preparing to raise issues related to damaged roads, waterlogging and sanitation despite these matters not being part of the official agenda.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 11 am at the ISBT meeting hall. With several civic issues affecting residents during the monsoon, opposition councillors have questioned why matters directly concerning the city's residents have not been included for discussion.

Opposition Targets City Government

Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki said public-interest issues have repeatedly been left out of council meetings. She said the opposition had sought discussion on such matters during the previous meeting as well, but the demand was not accepted.

The opposition is expected to question the civic administration over the condition of roads, drainage and sanitation during the meeting.

Senior councillor Yogendra Singh Guddu Chauhan said several roads in Bhopal have deteriorated following heavy rainfall. Waterlogging has also affected several low-lying areas, while sanitation arrangements remain a concern in parts of the city.

Roads Damaged After Rain

Heavy rainfall over the past few days has damaged roads across several parts of Bhopal. In some areas, potholes and dug-up stretches have made movement difficult for motorists and pedestrians.

Opposition councillors are expected to seek an explanation from the municipal administration on the condition of these roads and the timeline for repairs.

Waterlogging is another issue likely to come up during the meeting, particularly in low-lying areas where heavy rain has resulted in accumulation of water.

Sanitation Also Under Question

Sanitation is another major civic concern during the monsoon. Opposition councillors have alleged that cleaning arrangements in several areas are inadequate.

They are likely to ask why sanitation and drainage-related issues have not been included in the council's agenda despite their direct impact on residents.

Questions Before Proposals

The council meeting will begin with a question-and-answer session, allowing councillors to raise questions before the listed proposals are taken up.

The meeting will subsequently consider items approved by the Mayor-in-Council (MIC).

According to the scheduled agenda, the meeting will conclude with a proposal concerning the rental of a vacant municipal building.

First Regular Meeting of Year

Wednesday's meeting is being described as the first regular council conference of the year in which councillors will be able to raise questions and discuss the MIC-approved agenda.

Two other council meetings have already been held this year, but they were focused on specific subjects. One dealt with women's empowerment, while another concerned new rules related to waste management. Councillors did not have the same question-and-answer format during those meetings.

Possibility of Heated Exchange

With public-interest civic issues absent from the formal agenda, the opposition is expected to use the question-and-answer session to raise matters concerning roads, rainwater drainage and sanitation.

The condition of roads following the monsoon and repeated waterlogging are likely to be among the key issues that could lead to heated exchanges between opposition councillors and the ruling side.

The municipal council meeting will therefore provide an opportunity for councillors to seek responses from the civic administration on the city's monsoon preparedness and ongoing infrastructure problems.