Taking suo motu cognisance of the recent electrocution deaths of a former village sarpanch and her two sons in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district, the Chhattisgarh High Court has sought detailed affidavits from the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) and the state Energy Department regarding measures to prevent such incidents.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal treated media reports on the incident as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and directed the Managing Director of CSPDCL and the Principal Secretary of the Energy Department to explain the existing safety mechanisms, inspection protocols and preventive measures related to electrical infrastructure across the state.

Court Raises Public Safety Concerns

The High Court observed that deaths caused by electrically charged fencing have become a recurring concern in Chhattisgarh. Farmers and property owners often install live electric fencing around agricultural fields, farmhouses and residential premises to protect crops, livestock and property. However, such illegal practices have repeatedly resulted in fatal accidents involving unsuspecting people.

The bench remarked that the issue extends beyond human safety, affecting domestic animals and wildlife as well, making it a matter of broader public safety and environmental concern.

Criminal Cases Alone Not Enough

During the hearing, the court noted that merely registering criminal cases against those responsible after accidents is insufficient. The repeated occurrence of similar incidents indicates the need for a comprehensive and long-term preventive framework.

The judges stressed that authorities must establish effective monitoring systems, regular inspections and accountability mechanisms to minimise electrocution-related fatalities across the state.

Questions on Policy and SOP

The High Court has directed that the Managing Director of CSPDCL be formally impleaded as a respondent in the PIL. It has also sought clarification from the state government on whether a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or any specific policy currently exists to prevent deaths caused by illegal electric fencing and unsafe electrical infrastructure.

If no such policy exists, the court has instructed the authorities to specify the proposed timeline for formulating and implementing one. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 23.

Incident Triggering Court Action

The court's intervention follows the deaths of a former woman sarpanch and her two sons in Bhadam village of Kota block after they allegedly came in contact with an electrified fence while working in their agricultural field.

The tragic incident prompted widespread concern over the growing number of electrocution deaths in rural areas.

Eight Deaths in Two Months

According to reports placed before the court, Bilaspur district has witnessed at least eight electrocution-related deaths over the past two months. Residents have also raised concerns over sagging power lines, deteriorating electrical infrastructure and inadequate preventive action by authorities.

While the power department has largely issued public advisories urging caution, the High Court indicated that stronger institutional measures are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

The matter comes even as another case concerning the state's electricity infrastructure remains pending before the High Court.

Bail Rejected Four Times

A court in Rewa has once again rejected the bail plea of YouTuber Manish Patel, marking the fourth consecutive legal setback for the social media creator. The latest rejection came late on Thursday, effectively blocking any possibility of relief for the next 20 days, as per legal procedures. Patel, who has over 4 million followers, was arrested earlier this week following a complaint over offensive social media posts targeting the Brahmin community.

Judicial Magistrate Panna Nagesh had turned down his bail application on 28 May. This was followed by a dismissal from the court of Fourth Additional Sessions Judge R.K. Sharma on 30 May. Earlier, both the district court and the high court had also refused to grant him any relief.

Social Media Tensions

The arrest has triggered sharp reactions across Rewa and the Vindhya region. While some social groups have welcomed the action, others have gathered in support of the YouTuber. Several organisations from Uttar Pradesh have announced on social media that they will march to Rewa to show solidarity with Patel.

Local authorities confirmed that certain WhatsApp groups and other platforms have been used to circulate messages that could worsen social divisions. Police said they are monitoring posts that include calls to boycott specific communities and their businesses.

Police Advisory Issued

In response, Rewa police issued an advisory urging citizens to stay away from misleading or provocative content. “Social media groups are being closely watched. Anyone found sharing material that disturbs public order will face legal action,” an officer said, quoting from the advisory.

The police have also asked users to delete and not forward any posts or messages that could spread hatred. “Sensational claims, unclear photos, or old videos are often used to provoke. Do not trust such information without verification,” the advisory added.

‘Rewa Chalo’ Call Grows

Support for Patel appears to be consolidating in certain quarters, with calls for a ‘Rewa Chalo’ campaign gaining traction online. Messages circulating on social media urge supporters to gather in large numbers in Rewa. Meanwhile, the police have said they are prepared to handle any law and order situation that may arise from such mobilisation.

Criminal Record

According to advocate Vivek Mishra, who is the complainant in the case, Patel has several criminal cases registered against him since 2016. These include incidents of mobile phone theft, assault, and other charges at various police stations, including University, Civil Lines, and Samaan. In one case, Mishra claimed, Patel remained a fugitive for a long time, leading to a permanent warrant.

Legal Provisions

Legal experts pointed out that the action falls under specific provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Advocate B.K. Mala explained that sections 196(1)(A) and 353(3) deal with acts that promote enmity or hatred between groups. Offences under these sections can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine, or both.

The high court, while earlier rejecting Patel’s anticipatory bail, had noted that the content was created deliberately. As of late evening, Patel remained in judicial custody. Officials said the investigation is ongoing and more digital evidence is being examined.

A Bhopal court on Wednesday rejected a plea seeking a second postmortem of actress and model Twisha Sharma, whose death under suspicious circumstances has triggered widespread public attention in Madhya Pradesh. The court, however, directed police to preserve the body in a mortuary facility capable of preventing decomposition for an extended period.

Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to write to the Centre seeking a CBI investigation into the case. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav also assured Twisha Sharma’s family that the state would support further legal proceedings, including arrangements to shift the body to AIIMS Delhi if ordered by the court.

Court Rejects Second Postmortem

The order was passed by Judge Anudita Gupta’s court in Bhopal after hearing arguments related to the demand for a second postmortem examination outside the state. In its observation, the court stated that allowing a second postmortem in another state did not fall within its jurisdiction. The court also noted that the first postmortem conducted at AIIMS Bhopal followed due procedure and there was no evidence on record indicating collusion between doctors and the accused. The court said suspicion alone could not justify ordering another postmortem examination at this stage.

Body Preservation Ordered

While rejecting the plea, the court instructed the Katara Hills police station SHO to ensure proper preservation of the body. The order highlighted concerns regarding the existing mortuary facility at AIIMS Bhopal, where the body is reportedly being stored at minus 4 degrees Celsius, allowing preservation for only four to five days. The court observed that long-term preservation would require storage at nearly minus 80 degrees Celsius to prevent decomposition. Twisha Sharma’s family has now indicated that they will approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking permission for a second postmortem at AIIMS Delhi.

CM Assures Family Support

Twisha Sharma’s father Navnidhi Sharma met Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav in Bhopal along with a group of retired armed forces personnel. During the meeting, the Chief Minister reportedly assured the family of all possible assistance from the state government. He also stated that the government would facilitate transportation of the body to Delhi if the High Court orders a second postmortem. The state government additionally plans to request a CBI investigation into the case through an official communication to the Centre.

Bail Cancellation Plea Planned

The Madhya Pradesh government is also expected to file an application seeking cancellation of anticipatory bail granted to Twisha Sharma’s mother-in-law, retired judge Giribala Singh. Twisha’s family has accused Giribala Singh and husband Samarth Singh of dowry harassment and linked them to the actress’s death. The family has separately written to Governor Mangubhai Patel demanding removal of Giribala Singh from her current position in the district consumer forum, arguing that an accused in a dowry death case should not continue in office.

Husband Still Absconding

Bhopal Police has issued a lookout notice against Twisha Sharma’s husband Samarth Singh, who remains absconding. Police Commissioner Sanjay Singh said a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter from every possible angle and efforts to trace the accused are ongoing. Authorities have also increased the reward for information leading to Samarth Singh’s arrest from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. The court has directed Samarth Singh to appear before it on May 23 and present his side in the matter.

Questions Over Investigation

The case has sparked debate over forensic procedures and handling of evidence during the initial postmortem process. According to information emerging from the investigation, the belt allegedly used in the hanging incident was not brought to AIIMS Bhopal during the postmortem examination. As a result, forensic experts could not scientifically compare the ligature marks on Twisha’s neck with the alleged object used. Police officials have maintained that preliminary findings indicate suicide and that the neck injuries appear consistent with hanging. However, Twisha Sharma’s family has pointed to injury marks found on her body and continues to allege dowry harassment and foul play.

National Attention On Case

The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought an Action Taken Report from the Madhya Pradesh government within seven days. The commission has asked officials to provide details regarding FIR provisions, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, call records and measures taken to ensure safety of the family. Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha has also written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav seeking a CBI probe into the actress’s death. Retired armed forces personnel additionally organised a motorcycle rally in Bhopal demanding an impartial investigation into the Twisha Sharma death case.

The NEET-UG 2026 paper leak investigation has taken a major turn after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented shocking allegations in court, claiming that a senior botany teacher appointed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) was actively involved in the conspiracy. The accused, Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, has been sent to 14 days of CBI custody by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, marking a significant escalation in one of India’s most sensitive examination fraud cases.

According to the CBI, the accused was not just a passive participant but a key figure in the alleged paper leak network. Investigators claim that Mandhare, who is based in Pune, had professional expertise in biology and was directly involved in translating NEET question papers. This access, combined with her alleged association with other suspects, has raised serious concerns about internal vulnerabilities within the examination system.

The agency informed the court that Mandhare worked closely with other accused individuals, including Professor P.V. Kulkarni and consultant Manisha Waghmare. Together, they are suspected of planning and executing a coordinated strategy to access and distribute confidential examination material. The CBI argued that this was not an isolated incident but part of a structured network designed to compromise the integrity of one of India’s most competitive entrance examinations.

During the court hearing, the CBI made another startling claim: Mandhare allegedly handed over parts of the question paper to another accused named Shubham. Investigators believe this transfer played a crucial role in spreading the leaked content further through unauthorized channels. The agency has stated that the investigation is still ongoing across multiple states, and custodial interrogation is necessary to uncover the full extent of the network.

The role of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for conducting major entrance exams in India, has also come under scrutiny. Officials appointed Mandhare as a senior subject expert in botany, which allegedly gave her access to sensitive materials. This has raised serious questions about the vetting process and internal security protocols used by exam authorities.

CBI officials emphasized in court that the accused’s specialization in translation work was a critical factor in the case. Since NEET question papers often undergo linguistic and technical processing, experts like Mandhare are given access under strict confidentiality agreements. However, investigators believe this trust may have been misused to facilitate the leak.

The Rouse Avenue Court, after hearing arguments from both sides, agreed with the CBI’s request for custody. The court stated that the seriousness of the allegations and the need for deeper investigation justified granting 14 days of remand. The accused will now be interrogated further to determine her exact role and connections within the alleged network.

Sources from the investigation suggest that the CBI is examining digital evidence, financial transactions, and communication records linked to multiple suspects. The agency is also tracking whether the leaked material was distributed through coaching networks, private tutoring groups, or online platforms.

The NEET paper leak case has once again brought attention to the recurring issue of examination security in India. Over the past few years, several high-profile exam leaks have raised concerns among students and parents about fairness and transparency in competitive testing systems. The latest allegations have intensified demands for stronger safeguards and technological upgrades.

Education experts say that if internal experts involved in exam preparation are found guilty, it could point to systemic weaknesses rather than isolated wrongdoing. The alleged involvement of a subject specialist in such a sensitive role highlights the need for stricter background verification and monitoring mechanisms.

Meanwhile, student communities across the country have expressed frustration and anxiety over the ongoing investigation. For many aspirants, NEET represents a critical gateway to medical education, and any compromise in its integrity directly affects thousands of futures.

As the investigation continues, the CBI is expected to expand its probe into multiple states and examine whether a larger syndicate is involved. Officials have indicated that more arrests could follow as digital and financial trails are analyzed in detail.

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