In Bhilai, police arrested two men in connection with the theft of ₹74,000 from a passenger travelling in an auto-rickshaw. According to Bhilai-3 police, the victim, Arvind Kumar, was carrying cash to deposit at a bank in Charoda when he boarded an auto-rickshaw. Investigators said he was allegedly shifted between seats during the journey before being dropped short of his destination. Upon checking his pocket, he discovered the money was missing.

Police detained the auto driver and his associate on suspicion and later arrested them following questioning. Officials identified the accused as residents of the Jammul area.

In another significant operation, Bhilai police arrested nine youths accused of providing bank accounts to cyber fraud networks in exchange for commission. Investigators said the accused allegedly rented out bank accounts to cyber criminals and received payments ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000.

Police recovered passbooks, ATM cards, cheque books, mobile phones, SIM cards and banking-related documents from the accused. The arrests form part of an ongoing campaign against financial fraud and cybercrime networks operating through mule accounts.

Meanwhile, Utai police arrested two men for allegedly selling liquor illegally near a village gaothan area. Authorities said country liquor bottles were seized during the raid and a case was registered under relevant excise provisions.

Away from police operations, a disturbing assault case has emerged from Chandkhuri village.

A school teacher, Narsingh Barle, alleged that he was attacked after repeatedly opposing the sale of illegal liquor and cannabis in the area. According to the complaint, he was stopped while returning home from school and assaulted after refusing to hand over money for alcohol. The teacher sustained injuries to his head and face and later filed a police complaint.

The victim claimed that illegal liquor and narcotics activities had become a persistent problem in the locality and had negatively affected the social environment. Police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the incident.

In a separate case in Jammul, police arrested a man accused of demanding money for alcohol, assaulting a resident and vandalising a vehicle. Investigators said the accused allegedly extorted money before later damaging the victim’s pickup vehicle.

The region also witnessed developments beyond crime and policing.

The Sports and Youth Welfare Department has invited applications for the State Sports Honours and cash awards for athletes, coaches and officials. Applications for various state-level sports recognitions and scholarships can be submitted until August 5, according to departmental officials.

In Rajnandgaon, agricultural trading activity was disrupted after labourers at the Agricultural Produce Market reportedly went on collective leave. The absence of workers affected weighing, loading and auction operations, resulting in lower activity than usual.

Market officials said the mandi typically receives between 30,000 and 35,000 sacks of paddy daily, but operations slowed considerably due to the labour shortage. Authorities are monitoring the situation and attempting to restore normal functioning.

Police in Rajnandgaon also took preventive action against six individuals accused of disturbing public order in separate incidents. The accused were produced before authorities and subsequently sent to jail under preventive provisions aimed at maintaining law and order.

On the political front, Khairagarh witnessed a small but notable shift when ten Congress workers formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party during a programme held in Gatapar Jungle village.

The induction was carried out in the presence of district and state BJP leaders, who welcomed the new entrants and highlighted the party’s organisational structure and development agenda. BJP leaders claimed that governance initiatives at both the Centre and state levels had encouraged workers from other parties to join their ranks.

The developments collectively reflect a busy day across the region, with law enforcement agencies intensifying action against crime while political activity and local governance issues continue to shape public discourse.