In a shocking incident from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district, an elderly man allegedly buried his newborn grandson alive in a heap of cow dung in an attempt to conceal the birth of his unmarried daughter's child. The accused later allegedly consumed pesticide in an apparent suicide attempt and is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.

The incident was reported from Nandgaon Panchayat under Waraseoni police station limits. Police said information about the suspected crime was received on July 31. However, continuous rainfall and darkness delayed the recovery operation, and the infant's body was exhumed on August 1 in the presence of administrative officials.

Villagers Grew Suspicious After Hearing Baby Cry

According to local residents, the incident came to light after neighbours heard the cries of a newborn during the night. When they questioned the family, they allegedly gave evasive responses, raising suspicion among villagers.

As doubts intensified, the village sarpanch convened a meeting where an ASHA worker reportedly informed those present that the family's unmarried daughter had been pregnant for several months. Based on this information, the sarpanch alerted the Waraseoni police.

Body Recovered From Cow Dung Heap

A rescue and recovery operation was conducted in the presence of Naib Tehsildar Chandrakishore Kakodia, medical officials and the police. The newborn's body was recovered from beneath the cow dung heap.

Officials said a cloth was found tied around the infant's mouth and neck, indicating the possibility that the child had been suffocated before being buried. The exact cause of death, however, will be confirmed only after the post-mortem examination.

Accused Hospitalised After Consuming Poison

Police said the infant's grandfather, identified as Dharasingh Madavi, allegedly consumed pesticide after the incident. He was admitted to a hospital in critical condition and remains under medical supervision.

Investigators are expected to record his statement once his condition stabilises.

Investigation Underway

Waraseoni police have launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities said further legal action will be taken after receiving the post-mortem report and completing the preliminary investigation.

Police are also examining the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and whether any other individuals were involved or had prior knowledge of the incident.

The case has sparked outrage in the area, with villagers expressing shock over the alleged attempt to conceal the birth through such an extreme act.

The southwest monsoon has regained momentum in Madhya Pradesh after a nine-day pause, bringing widespread rainfall to several districts on Friday. Heavy showers were reported in Balaghat, Umaria and Dindori, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Balaghat and Dindori and forecast thunderstorms and rain across 31 districts.

According to the IMD, the revival has been triggered by a low-pressure area developing over the Bay of Bengal, supported by three cyclonic circulations over the state. A western disturbance is also expected to become active over northwest India on July 19, which could further intensify rainfall across Madhya Pradesh.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows, But Concern Remains

The state had witnessed a prolonged weak monsoon phase over the past nine days, resulting in a decline in seasonal rainfall. Madhya Pradesh has received 243.3 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon, against the normal 281.3 mm, leaving the state with a 13% rainfall deficit.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh has recorded a 26% shortfall, while western districts remain 2% below normal.

Heavy Rain Warning for Two Districts

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for:

• Balaghat

• Dindori

Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in:

Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani, Indore, Khargone, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Betul, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Sagar, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Bhind, Datia, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Seoni, Mandla, Anuppur and Umaria.

However, districts including Bhopal, Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Sehore, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam and Jhabua are expected to continue experiencing warm and humid conditions with relatively limited rainfall.

Rainfall Distribution Across the State

As many as 35 districts continue to report below-normal rainfall, including Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna, Chhindwara, Dindori, Umaria and Balaghat.

On the other hand, 20 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Khandwa, Khargone, Sehore and Harda, have recorded above-normal rainfall this season.

Experts Expect Stronger Monsoon in Second Half of July

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the overall monsoon pattern remains favourable despite the temporary slowdown.

He noted that the intensity and movement of the developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal will determine how quickly rainfall activity strengthens across the state.

"If the weather systems remain favourable, most parts of Madhya Pradesh are likely to witness a fresh spell of widespread rainfall during the second half of July," he said.

July Crucial for Seasonal Rainfall

July contributes nearly 40% of Madhya Pradesh's annual monsoon rainfall, making it the most important month for agriculture and water resources.

The state's average annual rainfall is 37.3 inches, while major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior normally receive 38–39 inches during the season.

So far, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall in the state with nearly 18 inches, exceeding normal levels by more than 100%. Bhopal has received 13.1 inches, while Indore and Sehore have recorded around 14 inches.

In contrast, Alirajpur remains the driest district, receiving only about 2.25 inches of rainfall, nearly 74% below normal.

Three friends, including an employee of MOIL (Manganese Ore India Limited), lost their lives in a tragic road accident after a cement-laden truck collided with their motorcycle in Manegaon village under Bharveli police station limits in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat district on Wednesday night. Police have arrested the truck driver and seized the vehicle while initiating an investigation into the incident.

The deceased have been identified as Govind Marskole (41), a MOIL employee, Prakash Chaure (41) and Dhaneshwar Marskole (23), both daily wage workers. According to police, all three were residents of the same locality and were close friends.

Accident While Returning Home

Police said the trio had gone to Tekadi for tea and refreshments on Wednesday evening and were returning home on Govind Marskole's motorcycle when the accident occurred.

A cement-laden truck (registration number MH-34-BG-9316) travelling from Balaghat towards Malajkhand allegedly struck the motorcycle near Manegaon. The impact threw all three riders onto the road.

MOIL Employee Dies at Spot

Investigators said Govind Marskole, who was riding the motorcycle, came under the wheels of the truck and was dragged for nearly 50 to 60 metres, suffering fatal injuries. He died on the spot.

The two pillion riders, Prakash Chaure and Dhaneshwar Marskole, sustained critical injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.

Two Injured Succumb During Treatment

Prakash Chaure succumbed to his injuries at the district hospital at around 11 pm on Wednesday.

Dhaneshwar Marskole, who was referred to Nagpur for advanced treatment, died on Thursday morning at around 4:30 am while being transported to the hospital.

With the death of all three victims, the accident has left three families grieving.

Families Left Devastated

Govind Marskole was reportedly the only son in his family and is survived by his wife, two children and his elderly mother.

Prakash Chaure is survived by his wife and five children, while 23-year-old Dhaneshwar Marskole was unmarried.

Local residents described the incident as one of the most tragic road accidents in the area in recent times.

Driver Arrested, Probe Underway

Bharveli police station in-charge Bhupendra Singh Pandro said the truck driver, Nasrat Ali, a resident of Ballarshah, has been arrested in connection with the case. The truck involved in the accident has also been seized.

Police have registered a case and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination at the district hospital. Investigators are examining the exact circumstances that led to the collision.

Local representatives have demanded strict legal action against the driver and adequate financial assistance for the bereaved families.

Persistent monsoon showers have disrupted normal life across several parts of Madhya Pradesh, with rising rivers, flooded homes and damaged infrastructure reported from multiple districts. In Balaghat, heavy rain triggered a surge in the Bagh River, sweeping away construction vehicles at an under-construction bridge site, while floodwaters entered houses in Dindori, forcing residents to cope with significant property damage.

According to officials, the bridge over the Bagh River near the Maharashtra border was being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana at an estimated cost of over ₹10 crore. As water levels rose sharply following continuous rainfall, several vehicles deployed for construction work, including a car, a JCB machine and a loader, were washed away by the strong current. Videos from the site showing vehicles being carried downstream have circulated widely on social media.

In Dindori district, intermittent rainfall has caused the Narmada River and its tributaries to swell. Water flowed over a culvert on the Tudar River, cutting off connectivity to several villages in Karanjia block. Local authorities said floodwaters entered at least 11 houses, damaging household belongings and affecting residents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall in nine districts on Monday. Sagar, Damoh, Betul, Dewas, Alirajpur, Umaria, Seoni, Chhindwara and Anuppur are expected to receive very heavy rainfall.

Heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for Ratlam, Ujjain, Dhar, Shajapur, Sehore, Vidisha, Guna, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Dindori and Panna. Besides these, several other districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Satna, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Neemuch, Khargone and Burhanpur, are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells.

The rainfall has remained widespread over the past 24 hours, with more than 30 districts recording precipitation. Chhindwara received nearly three inches of rain, while Ujjain and Balaghat recorded around 2.25 inches. Umaria and Khajuraho also received approximately two inches of rainfall. Moderate rainfall was reported from Bhopal, Gwalior, Seoni, Mandla, Jabalpur, Ratlam, Damoh, Vidisha, Sehore and several other districts.

Despite the active monsoon, Madhya Pradesh has so far recorded 163.1 mm of seasonal rainfall, about six per cent below the normal average of 172.8 mm. Rainfall distribution, however, remains uneven. Eastern Madhya Pradesh continues to face a 29 per cent deficit, while western districts have received around 17 per cent more rainfall than usual.

Meteorologists expect rainfall activity to intensify further through July, which is traditionally the wettest month of the southwest monsoon season in the state. Historically, nearly one-third of Madhya Pradesh's annual rainfall is recorded during July, making the month crucial for agriculture, reservoirs and groundwater recharge.

The state receives an average annual rainfall of about 37.3 inches. Cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally record between 38 and 39 inches annually. Among districts this season, Dewas has received the highest rainfall at around 14.2 inches, exceeding its seasonal average by 125 per cent, while Alirajpur has recorded the lowest rainfall at approximately one inch.

Authorities have advised residents living near rivers and low-lying areas to remain alert as water levels continue to rise. Disaster management teams and local administrations are monitoring vulnerable locations, while officials have urged people to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and overflowing culverts until water levels recede.

In a major administrative shake-up, the Home Department of Madhya Pradesh issued transfer and posting orders for 65 state police service (SPS) officers on Saturday night. The reshuffle primarily targets Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and City Police Superintendents (CSPs) across major urban zones, alongside a heavy security reinforcement in the Naxal-affected Balaghat region.

According to the official directive released by the Police Headquarters (PHQ), key City Superintendant of Police (CSP) positions have been overhauled in tier-1 and tier-2 urban clusters, including Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Pithampur. Additionally, equivalent urban-cadre postings have been reshuffled across the metropolitan layouts of Bhopal and Indore.

Heavy Security Reinforcement in Balaghat

A major highlight of this administrative layout is the strategic deployment of 18 DSP-level officers into the specialized anti-Naxal unit, the Hawk Force, headquartered in Balaghat. These officers will assume operational charges as Assistant Commandants (सहायक सेनानी).

Hawk Force Deployment Roster (Assistant Commandants):

├── Core Tactical Team: Udit Mishra, Abhilash Kumar Bhalavi, Akash Amalkar

├── Operational Units: Ravi Soner, Umesh Prajapati, Ritesh Kumar Shiv

├── Field Leadership : Ravindra Singh Rathi, Ayush Kumar Alawa, Sachin Patel

└── Special Wings    : Kundan Mandlooi, Rahul Kumar Sayyam, Akshay Choudhary, 

                       Atul Kumar Soni, Aman Mishra, Rohit Rathore, Rakesh Arya

Alongside the specialized anti-guerilla combat wing postings, the state government has plugged crucial structural vacancies in the sub-divisional police architecture of Balaghat by appointing 4 new Sub-Divisional Officers of Police (SDOPs).

Sub-Divisional Policing Realignment (Balaghat):

├── Deepak Tomar       : SDOP Lanji (Balaghat)

├── Chandrashekhar Pande: SDOP Baihar (Balaghat)

└── Abhishek Gautam    : SDOP Paraswada (Balaghat)

The extensive restructuring is viewed by political circles as a tactical consolidation phase to enhance urban policing efficiency while ensuring experienced boots on the ground along the vulnerable interstate forest corridors.

After making an entry into 15 southeastern districts on June 24, the southwest monsoon has remained almost stationary in Madhya Pradesh for the last three days, leaving several parts of the state still waiting for its arrival.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement, and the monsoon is likely to reach Bhopal and Ujjain divisions in the next two to three days. It will cover Gwalior-Chambal region towards the end.

On Saturday, Ratlam and Dhar received heavy rainfall. Several other places also experienced thundershowers, bringing some relief from the prevailing heat. The weather department has issued rain alerts for 41 districts, including Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Ujjain, Ratlam, Agar-Malwa, Shajapur, Dewas, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Jabalpur and others. Light to moderate rain is possible in Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Niwari and Tikamgarh.

The fresh spell of rain has helped improve the state’s overall rainfall deficit. From June 1, the state has received 58.5 mm rainfall against the normal 99 mm — a deficit of 41 per cent. Earlier, the shortfall was around 50 per cent. Western MP has received relatively better rain compared to the eastern parts.

However, the monsoon progress has come at a cost. Lightning strikes claimed five lives in the last two days. In Balaghat’s Birwa gram panchayat, two children and one adult died after lightning struck, while six others were injured. In Dewas’ Khatamba village, a gallery collapsed during a Surya Puja event due to strong winds and rain, killing two women and injuring three others, including a child.

Day temperatures dropped noticeably in many places. Khargone recorded the lowest maximum at 30 degrees Celsius, followed by Khandwa at 30.1. Major cities saw Bhopal and Indore at 33.8, Ujjain 33.5, Jabalpur 36.7 and Gwalior 41.8 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said the monsoon is currently lingering in the southeastern parts and is expected to gain momentum soon. The delay has been attributed to prevailing atmospheric conditions, but no major concern has been flagged yet.

Farmers in rain-deficient districts are anxiously waiting for widespread showers to begin sowing activities. The coming week will be crucial for the state’s kharif season prospects.

As of now, the focus remains on the monsoon’s further movement and its distribution across the state. The IMD will continue to monitor the situation closely in the next few days.

Scattered rains accompanied by strong winds brought some relief from the scorching heat in parts of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, even as the state awaits the official arrival of the monsoon in the next couple of days.

Balaghat recorded the highest rainfall of 1.25 inches, followed by Raisen with 0.75 inches. Other districts that saw rainfall included Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Indore, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Seoni, Tikamgarh, and Rajgarh. In many places, the showers were accompanied by thunderstorms, leading to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.

Pachmarhi remained the coolest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius. Khargone recorded 30.4, Dhar 31, while several other places stayed below the 36-degree mark. However, heat continued to grip parts of the state, with Datia and Sidhi recording the highest temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius.

Among major cities, Gwalior sizzled at 41 degrees, Jabalpur recorded 35.4, Indore 33.9, Ujjain 34.8, and Bhopal 32.2 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has forecast further pre-monsoon activity. Thunderstorms with rain are likely in 26 districts, including Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Balaghat, Seoni, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Betul, Bhopal, Sehore, Harda, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Indore, Alirajpur, and Jhabua. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions may persist in Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh, and Umaria.

Officials said the monsoon is expected to enter the state within the next two days. Normally, it arrives around June 15, but this year the wait has been slightly longer. In the past decade, the earliest entry was on June 9 in 2021, while the latest was June 25 in 2018.

Rainfall deficiency remains a concern. According to data, 48 districts have received 52 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this season. Only a few districts, including Bhopal, Ashoknagar, Agar-Malwa, Guna, Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Sheopur, have recorded above-normal rains. On Monday, Dhar received nearly 2 inches, while Bhopal got 0.75 inches.

The showers on Tuesday brought much-needed respite in several areas, though some regions continue to face dry conditions. Farmers and residents in rain-deficient districts are hoping for a timely and widespread monsoon arrival to ease the pressure on water sources and agriculture.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the progress of the monsoon trough. Meteorologists said conditions are becoming favourable for its advance into Madhya Pradesh shortly.

In the last 24 hours, the mix of rain and gusty winds also led to minor disruptions in some places, though no major damage has been reported so far. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms.

As the state stands on the threshold of the monsoon season, officials are keeping a close watch on both rainfall distribution and temperature trends. Further updates on monsoon onset and expected rainfall in the coming days are awaited.

The current weather pattern reflects the typical transition phase seen in June, where pre-monsoon activities often bring temporary relief before the full-fledged rainy season sets in. How the monsoon performs this year will be critical for the state's kharif crops and overall water availability.

The southwest monsoon may make its entry into parts of Madhya Pradesh on June 18–19, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicated on Tuesday, as pre-monsoon activity brings thunderstorms and heavy rain to over 30 districts.

IMD data show the state is 29% below average for June so far, with just 22.7 mm of rain recorded against the normal 31.9 mm up to June 15. Officials said 35 of the state’s 55 districts — including Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain, and Ratlam — have received below-normal rainfall in the month.

“The southwest monsoon is likely to advance into parts of Madhya Pradesh between June 18 and 19,” an IMD bulletin said, adding that pre-monsoon systems may trigger thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy showers across more than 30 districts on Tuesday. Areas under alert include Bhopal, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Guna, Vidisha, Sehore, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Betul, Narmadapuram, Sagar, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori and several others.

Monday saw a fresh spell of rain in parts of the state, with Bhopal, Raisen and Sehore recording heavy showers. Bhopal and Sagar recorded over half an inch of rainfall, and thunderstorms helped bring down daytime temperatures in some pockets.

Despite the recent activity, the cumulative shortfall is clear: districts in the Jabalpur and Indore divisions — historically significant for early monsoon inflow — remain notably behind. The IMD said the current rainfall has largely been pre-monsoon in character and the situation should improve once the main monsoon arrives.

Temperature trends remain mixed. Five major urban centres recorded high daytime readings on Tuesday: Bhopal 34.5°C, Indore 37.1°C, Ujjain 38°C, Jabalpur 38.7°C and Gwalior 39.2°C. Khajuraho logged the state’s highest maximum at 42.6°C, while Naogaon saw 42°C. Several stations including Datia, Damoh and Satna crossed 40°C. Pachmarhi was relatively cool with a maximum of 34.2°C.

IMD forecasters flagged that several districts — Indore, Ujjain, Shajapur, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Khargone and parts of western Madhya Pradesh — could see strong sunshine and continuing heat after brief rainy spells, keeping the heat‑stress risk alive for vulnerable groups.

How the monsoon approaches matters. Meteorologists say the monsoon is likely to push into the state via the southeast, advancing through Balaghat, Chhindwara and Pandhurna before fanning out. If the expected 18–19 June advance happens, it should narrow the rainfall deficit and boost inflow to districts that are currently lagging.

Local climatology underscores regional differences: Jabalpur typically sees an earlier and stronger monsoon onset compared with western districts, and historical records show wide variability. For instance, Indore’s June rainfall records include extremes — 17 inches in 1980, while June day temperatures have once touched 45.8°C (3 June 1991). Gwalior has seen maximums near 47.8°C in extreme years.

Officials urged residents to stay alert to short‑term weather warnings, particularly where thunderstorms and gusty winds are forecast. Agriculture and water‑management officials said they will monitor the monsoon’s arrival closely, since early rains are critical for sowing in rain‑fed areas and for replenishing reservoirs that feed irrigation schemes.

The IMD will issue updated bulletins as the situation evolves. For now, Tuesday’s advisory covers more than 30 districts with potential thunderstorm and heavy‑rain warnings; exact intensity and timing will depend on the monsoon’s progress from the southeast corridor.