Continuous rainfall across Chhattisgarh has claimed three lives in separate weather-related incidents, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast widespread rainfall across the state over the next four days. Two young sisters were killed after the wall of an old mud house collapsed in Bemetara district, while an 18-year-old youth lost his life in a lightning strike in Sukma.

According to the Meteorological Centre, the southwest monsoon is advancing steadily and is expected to cover the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh within the next two to three days. Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in several districts during this period.

The most tragic incident occurred in Raurpur village of Bemetara district, where an old mud wall collapsed following overnight rainfall. The wall fell on two sisters, Vanshika Kosle (12) and Radhika Kosle (9), who were playing in the courtyard of their house on Sunday morning. Both girls sustained severe head injuries and were rushed for medical assistance, but doctors declared them dead. A woman was also injured in the accident.

Family members said the house owner, Chandraprakash Kosle, had recently shifted to a newly constructed home. However, the old mud structure had not been demolished, and continuous rainfall weakened the wall, eventually leading to the fatal collapse.

In another weather-related tragedy, lightning struck a group of young men in Kukanar village of Sukma district. The victims had reportedly taken shelter under a tamarind tree after finishing work in the fields when a thunderstorm developed on Sunday afternoon.

The lightning strike injured five people. Eighteen-year-old Ajay Nag succumbed to his injuries while being taken to hospital, while the remaining four victims are undergoing treatment. Local authorities have appealed to residents to avoid taking shelter beneath trees or remaining in open fields during thunderstorms.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across most parts of Chhattisgarh on Monday, with isolated areas likely to witness heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. In Raipur, cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall are expected, with temperatures likely to range between 27°C and 38°C.

The monsoon has already covered more than 18 districts, including Raipur, Durg, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Bemetara, Kabirdham, Rajnandgaon, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur. The remaining districts, including Bilaspur, Korba, Jashpur, Surguja, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh and Mungeli, are expected to receive the official monsoon onset within the next 48 hours.

Despite the arrival of monsoon, rainfall across the state continues to remain significantly below normal. Rajnandgaon has recorded one of the sharpest deficits, receiving only 8.3 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 100.3 mm, representing a 92 percent shortfall. Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki has reported a 95 percent rainfall deficit, while Balodabazar and Sakti have recorded deficits exceeding 80 percent.

Central Chhattisgarh remains among the worst-affected regions in terms of rainfall deficiency. Raipur has received only 25.3 mm against the normal 90.1 mm, while Durg, Dhamtari and Mahasamund have also recorded substantially below-normal precipitation.

The weather department has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms, avoid unsafe structures, and strictly follow lightning safety guidelines as rainfall activity intensifies across the state over the coming days.

BJP MLA Dipesh Sahu from Bemetara will exchange vows with Taruna Sahu, a young woman from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, in a collective marriage ceremony today, May 31, under the state government's Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana.

The wedding has drawn significant attention, not just for the unique setting but also for the political debate it has triggered in Chhattisgarh.

From Classroom to Assembly

Dipesh Sahu, who served as a government school teacher for nearly a decade until 2018, made a successful transition into politics. Born on January 23, 1988, he holds a Master's degree in Political Science. After joining the BJP, he held various organisational posts, including district president of the Backward Class Morcha, before winning the Bemetara seat in the 2024 Assembly elections.

Taruna Sahu, originally from Biroudha village in Dhamdha tehsil of Durg district, has completed her MA. Her father, Devnarayan Sahu, works as a driver, while her mother Malati is a homemaker. The family currently resides in Bemetara.

Simple Traditions Mark the Celebrations

In keeping with local rural traditions, the baraat for the groom will proceed in a traditional bullock cart. Haldi ceremonies for both the bride and groom were performed earlier, with women from the community applying turmeric paste amid customary songs and celebrations.

The couple will be among 21 pairs taking the seven pheras together on a common stage at the mass wedding event organised by the Women and Child Development Department in Bemetara.

MLA Pledges to Donate Scheme Benefits

Dipesh Sahu has stated that he will not keep the financial assistance provided under the Kanya Vivah Yojana for personal use. Instead, he plans to utilise the amount for the education of meritorious girl students. 

"This money will be used for the education of bright girl students," the MLA told reporters, emphasising his commitment to social causes.

Congress Raises Eligibility Questions

The wedding has sparked a political row. State Congress chief Deepak Baij questioned whether a sitting MLA should avail benefits under a scheme meant for poor and needy families. 

Baij asked for clarity on whether the marriage falls within the eligibility criteria of the scheme, which is primarily designed to support economically weaker sections.

In response, Dipesh Sahu clarified that eligibility under the scheme is determined by the bride’s family status. Since Taruna belongs to a BPL family, the registration was done accordingly.

CM Praises the Decision

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has welcomed the development. In a post on X, he described Dipesh Sahu’s decision as a message of simplicity, social harmony, and public participation. He noted that it connects marriage with social values rather than ostentation.

Senior ministers and public representatives are expected to attend the event, with the administration putting in place necessary security and logistical arrangements.

Significance of the Event

The Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana aims to help families from economically weaker backgrounds conduct marriages with dignity. By choosing to marry within this framework, the Bemetara MLA has brought the scheme into the spotlight.

Local residents in Bemetara and surrounding villages have been discussing the unique wedding, particularly the decision to use a bullock cart for the baraat, which reflects a conscious effort to stay connected with grassroots culture.

As the ceremony unfolds today, all eyes remain on how this high-profile yet simple wedding plays out and what it means for the perception of welfare schemes in the state.

Raipur police have made fresh arrests in the Class 12 board Hindi question paper leak case, deepening the investigation into what officials describe as a wider network of academic malpractice. A physical training instructor (PTI) teacher from Bemetara district has been arrested along with another accused after revelations that the paper was sold for ₹3,000 to a political student leader.

The case, initially registered on March 17, 2026, after a complaint from the state education board, has now expanded to include scrutiny of examination centre officials and administrative staff. Police said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely.

PTI Teacher Under Scanner

According to Raipur Kotwali police, the PTI teacher, identified as Jawahar Lal Kurre from a government higher secondary school in Bemetara’s Boratra village, allegedly prepared a handwritten version of the leaked question paper. Officials said the handwritten document was then passed on to NSUI leader Venu Kumar Janghel, who is now considered the alleged mastermind in the case. Police further stated that the paper was exchanged for ₹3,000, raising concerns over internal security lapses within the examination system.

Arrests Expand Investigation Scope

Along with the PTI teacher, another accused identified as Vikas Sen has also been arrested. Both are currently being interrogated to determine the full chain of transmission of the leaked paper. Investigators believe the leak was not an isolated incident but part of a coordinated effort involving multiple individuals connected to the examination process. Police sources said the role of additional individuals is under review, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.

NSUI Leader Named Mastermind

During interrogation, NSUI leader Venu Kumar Janghel allegedly admitted that he received the handwritten paper from the PTI teacher. Police described him as the central figure in the leak network. Officials said that the accused was present during the exchange of the question paper along with others involved in the case. The development has intensified political and administrative scrutiny around the incident, although no official political link has been formally established in the investigation so far.

Examination Officials Under Probe

As the investigation deepened, authorities also began examining the role of the examination centre in-charge and the exam controller in Bemetara district. Police said preliminary findings indicate possible negligence and procedural lapses in handling confidential examination material. Officials are now verifying whether internal staff had any direct or indirect involvement in the leak or failed to maintain required security protocols.

How Paper Was Circulated

According to police, the initial complaint was filed after reports surfaced that the Hindi question paper had been circulated on social media platforms before the scheduled examination. Investigators said the paper first appeared on Telegram groups on the night of March 13, 2026, nearly 10 hours before the exam. The leaked document, reportedly handwritten, was shared as an image and quickly spread across multiple online groups, reaching thousands of students within minutes. Officials said the rapid circulation raised serious concerns about digital misuse of examination material.

Social Media Spread Under Lens

Police sources said the leaked paper contained questions that closely resembled the actual examination format, increasing suspicion among officials and students. The image was reportedly shared widely across Telegram channels and later circulated on other social media platforms, reaching an estimated large number of users within a short span of time. Authorities are now investigating the origin of the digital leak and identifying the individuals responsible for uploading and distributing the content online.

Wider Administrative Action Expected

With the involvement of multiple individuals now confirmed, the education department and police are jointly reviewing systemic loopholes in the examination process. Officials said disciplinary action may also be initiated against those found responsible for negligence or procedural failure. Police ACP Deepak Mishra said the investigation is active and more people are likely to be questioned in the coming days as the network behind the leak is being mapped. The case has become a major point of concern in Chhattisgarh’s education system, raising questions about exam security, internal monitoring, and accountability.