The Kanhar River has risen sharply in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district as heavy rain continues in parts of Chhattisgarh, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas. Water has reached the CC road in Ward No. 9 of Ramanujganj town after what has been described as the biggest flood-like situation in the area this season. The local administration and municipal authorities have increased vigilance as the river continues to flow strongly.

Rain activity is expected to continue across Chhattisgarh over the next two days. The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at several places on Wednesday, with heavy showers possible in some areas. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely at isolated locations. The weather remains active because of a depression over Jharkhand and adjoining northern West Bengal, which is moving west-northwest and influencing rainfall over the region.

The system is expected to move further through Jharkhand and Bihar during the next 24 hours and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area. Its movement, along with an active monsoon trough, is contributing to the current rainfall pattern in Chhattisgarh. An upper-air cyclonic circulation is also present over eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas, adding to the weather activity.

In Balrampur, the heavy rain has pushed the Kanhar River close to residential and road areas. Water reaching the CC road in Ward 9 has increased concern among residents living in lower-lying parts of Ramanujganj. Officials and municipal teams are keeping watch on the situation, particularly as further rain could cause the river level to rise again. The exact extent of flooding will depend on rainfall in the river’s catchment areas and the movement of the weather system.

Raipur has also been seeing frequent rain for the past three days. The capital has remained under cloudy conditions, with intermittent showers continuing. On Wednesday, another spell of rain or thunderstorm activity was possible in the city. The maximum temperature was expected to remain around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could stay near 24 degrees.

Across the state, temperatures have remained relatively moderate because of the persistent cloud cover and rainfall. Bilaspur recorded the highest maximum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Durg recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 21.6 degrees Celsius. The state-wide maximum temperature was around 26 degrees, with the minimum close to 23 degrees.

The weather department has advised caution in areas that receive intense rainfall, particularly where water levels in rivers and streams are already rising. Lightning is another concern during thunderstorms, and people are advised to avoid exposed areas during such spells. In Balrampur-Ramanujganj, the immediate focus remains on monitoring the Kanhar River and keeping residents in vulnerable areas informed.

The rain is expected to continue for at least the next two days, although its intensity may vary from one district to another. For now, the situation in Ramanujganj remains under watch as authorities assess the river level and the possibility of further water entering low-lying areas.

The incident took place in Radhanagar village under the Trikunda police station limits, where the victim, identified as Jaykaran Jagte, was attacked while travelling to school on his motorcycle. Investigators believe the assault was linked to a family dispute over agricultural land that had reportedly been simmering for some time.

According to preliminary information, Jagte left his home around 9:30 am to attend school, which is located a short distance from the village. While passing through an area near a roadside cattle resting spot, he was allegedly intercepted by two of his cousins who had been waiting there.

Police said the accused, identified as Brijmohan, 25, and Harimohan, 24, allegedly attacked the teacher with a knife and a hammer. The victim suffered severe injuries, particularly to the neck, and collapsed at the scene.

Local residents informed police after discovering the injured teacher. By the time authorities arrived, he had succumbed to his injuries.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the village and surrounding areas, where the victim was known as a teacher and community member. The incident has also highlighted how unresolved property disputes within families can sometimes turn deadly.

Investigators revealed that discussions regarding the disputed land had taken place only a day before the murder. Villagers had reportedly gathered on Sunday in an attempt to resolve the issue between family members.

According to accounts emerging from the village, disagreements centred around agricultural land that had already undergone partition among relatives. Some family members allegedly claimed they were being prevented from cultivating or measuring portions of land that they believed belonged to them.

Police are examining whether the dispute discussed during the village meeting may have directly contributed to Monday’s attack.

Soon after receiving information about the incident, officers from Trikunda police station reached the village and launched an investigation. The crime scene was secured, evidence was collected and the victim’s body was sent for post-mortem examination.

Both accused were taken into custody shortly after the incident. Police officials confirmed that they are being questioned as part of the investigation.

Station House Officer Vyas Narayan Churendra said initial findings indicate that the murder appears to be linked to the land dispute, though investigators are examining all aspects of the case before drawing final conclusions.

Authorities have registered a murder case and are gathering statements from family members, villagers and others who may have knowledge of the dispute.

The incident once again underscores the recurring challenge of property-related conflicts in rural areas, where disagreements over land ownership and usage often become prolonged legal and social disputes. In several cases across central India, such disputes have resulted in violent confrontations among relatives.

Residents of Radhanagar expressed grief over the death of the teacher and called for a thorough investigation. Many villagers gathered near the victim’s residence after news of the murder spread through the area.

Police officials said further details would emerge after questioning the accused and reviewing evidence collected from the scene. The post-mortem report is also expected to play an important role in establishing the sequence of events and the nature of injuries sustained by the victim.

For now, investigators are treating the land dispute as the primary motive while continuing to examine all circumstances surrounding the killing.

A sharp rise in snakebite incidents during the ongoing monsoon has claimed six lives in northern Chhattisgarh within just three days, raising concerns over public safety in rural areas. The latest fatalities include two young brothers from Balrampur district and a woman from Jashpur, all of whom succumbed to krait snake bites despite receiving medical treatment at Ambikapur Medical College Hospital.

According to officials, the two brothers were bitten while sleeping on a cot outside their home in Piprasot village of Balrampur district late on Thursday night. The deceased have been identified as Vikas Nageshia (9) and his younger brother Vikrant Nageshia (3).

Family members said the incident occurred around 11:30 pm when Vikas suddenly woke up after feeling something bite him. As relatives rushed to the spot, they noticed a krait snake on the cot. Both children were immediately taken to the local health centre before being referred to Ambikapur Medical College due to the seriousness of their condition.

Doctors declared Vikas dead shortly after admission. Vikrant, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), continued to battle the effects of the venom but died later on Friday afternoon.

In a separate incident, 43-year-old Sebepitya, a resident of Dokda village in Jashpur district, also lost her life after suffering a snakebite.

The woman was sleeping on a mat placed on the floor of her house on the night of June 30 when she was bitten. Family members later spotted a krait snake inside the room. She was first taken to Farsabahar Hospital before being referred to Ambikapur Medical College as her condition deteriorated. Despite treatment, she died on Friday.

Police have registered separate cases in both incidents and have initiated investigations as part of the standard legal procedure.

The latest deaths come just days after three other people died in similar snakebite incidents across the Surguja region, taking the death toll to six within 72 hours.

Among the earlier victims were a father and daughter from Dambhatoli village in Balrampur district, who were reportedly bitten while sleeping on the floor. Another victim was a 13-year-old girl from Lakhanpur in Surguja district, who also died after being bitten by a krait snake.

Health officials say snakebite cases typically rise during the monsoon season as snakes leave flooded burrows and enter residential areas in search of dry shelter. Rural households, particularly those where people sleep on the floor or outdoors, remain at greater risk.

Wildlife rescue teams have also reported increased snake activity across the state. In a recent operation in Raigarh district near the Chhattisgarh–Odisha border, rescuers recovered 10 baby cobras and 27 cobra eggs from beneath the foundation of a house in Kandadora village. Rescue officials said several hatchlings had already emerged before the team reached the site.

Medical experts advise residents to remain vigilant during the rainy season by avoiding sleeping directly on the ground, keeping surroundings clean, using mosquito nets tucked beneath bedding, and seeking immediate medical attention if a snakebite occurs. They also caution against relying on traditional remedies, stressing that timely administration of anti-snake venom remains the most effective treatment.

With monsoon rains continuing across Chhattisgarh, authorities have urged residents in snake-prone areas to exercise additional caution and report snake sightings to local forest or rescue teams instead of attempting to handle the reptiles themselves.

In two separate incidents over the past 30 hours, wild elephant attacks in Chhattisgarh left four people dead, officials said on Tuesday. The deaths, reported from Balrampur and Korea districts, have prompted stepped-up forest department patrols and local warnings to residents.

Elephant tramples couple

What happened: Early Tuesday morning, a couple walking toward a nearby forest in Rajpur range of Balrampur district were trampled to death after encountering a lone tusker, forest officials said.

Where and when: The attack occurred around 5am near Bandhapara in Kundi village, about 200 metres from the victims’ home.

Who: The deceased were identified as Juthan Gond (65) and his wife Sundari Bai (56), residents of Kundi, according to the forest department.

Sequence: Initial reports indicate the pair set out from home toward the forest when they came across a solitary male elephant. “They tried to run, but the animal chased and trampled them,” a forest official at the scene said. Locals informed the forest staff; the SDO (Forest) R.S.L. Srivastava, ranger Ajay Verma and a team reached the site, examined the scene and sent the bodies for post-mortem.

Forest response: Ranger Verma said the deceased were attacked by a tusker that had separated from a herd of five elephants seen roaming the Kalyanpur forest area. “The animal moved toward Kundi late last night and was still in nearby forest this morning. We have increased surveillance and are advising villagers to stay alert,” he added.

Relief announced: The forest department said it has provided immediate ex gratia of Rs 25,000 each to the families and will process further assistance as per rules.

Workers killed on roadside

What happened: In an unrelated late-night incident in Korea district, two labourers sleeping beside a road under construction were trampled by a wild elephant, officials said.

Where and when: The attack took place near Devseel basti on the Ramgarh–Kotadol road stretch, around 11:30pm on Sunday, within the Sonhat range bordering the Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve.

Who: The victims were named as Gaurav (22) and Amar Singh (35), both residents of Gram Nagar and employed on the road project.

Sequence: Sources familiar with the matter said a lone tusker — apparently separated from an eight-elephant herd observed in the tiger reserve area — approached the sleeping workers and attacked them. Other labourers working at the site ran to safety and alerted locals and forest teams. Gaurav died at the spot; Amar Singh, critically injured, died while being transported to Sonhat hospital.

Forest action: Ranger Rajaram said the separated tusker carried out the attack. “An elephant herd has been moving in the reserve for days; one animal strayed from the group and reached the road work site late at night. We have warned nearby hamlets and asked construction crews to avoid sleeping outdoors,” he said.

Local impact and warnings

Residents and workers in both districts reported heightened fear after the incidents. The forest department said teams are conducting regular foot and vehicle patrols, using public announcements and community volunteers to spread warnings. Temporary movement restrictions in fringe areas may be implemented if the animals continue to approach villages.

Background context

Human-elephant conflicts have risen in parts of central India as expanding agriculture, road projects and seasonal water levels push elephants out of traditional corridors. Officials noted the recent movements of herds in Kalyanpur and the tiger reserve area, and attributed some incidents to solitary tuskers separating from groups at night.

What’s next

Forest officials said they will monitor the animals with intensified patrolling and coordinate with local administrations to reduce risk to villagers. Post-mortems and standard investigations into each attack are complete, and authorities are exploring longer-term measures — from night-time movement advisories to temporary barriers — to prevent similar tragedies.

Nearby districts have been asked to share real-time information on elephant movements. “We are advising people not to venture into forested patches alone, and construction crews must arrange safe sleeping facilities away from work sites,” a senior forest official said.