The investigation into Chhattisgarh’s alleged ₹17-crore fake snakebite compensation scam has intensified after three clerical staff members of the Bilaspur tehsil office were suspended following their arrest, triggering protests by government employee unions and raising concerns over administrative functioning in the district.

The latest development comes after Bilaspur Police arrested revenue clerks Garib Binjhwar, Narendra Kaushik and Hariram Rathore in connection with the alleged fraudulent disbursement of compensation meant for families of snakebite victims. The three were subsequently suspended from service. Police have also indicated that statements from eight more revenue employees are yet to be recorded as the probe expands.

The arrests have prompted strong opposition from the Chhattisgarh Revenue Clerks’ Association and the Chhattisgarh Junior Administrative Service Association. Both organisations have demanded an impartial investigation and warned of a collective leave if action against employees continues without what they describe as a fair and transparent inquiry.

Earlier, police had already arrested Govind Vishwakarma, Vakil Khandekar and Dr Priyanka Soni in the same case. Investigators say more employees could come under scrutiny as evidence is examined.

Tehsil Work Comes to a Halt

In protest against the arrests, clerical staff in the Bilaspur tehsil office observed a day-long strike under the banner of the Revenue Clerks’ Association. The protest disrupted routine public services, including mutation, land partition and demarcation proceedings.

Citizens visiting the tehsil office from distant areas reportedly returned without getting their work done. Even though the tehsildar remained present in court, proceedings could not move forward because supporting staff and files were unavailable during the strike.

The unions claim employees were arrested after being called to police stations merely for recording statements, creating an atmosphere of fear among revenue personnel across the district.

More Employees Under Scanner

According to police, eight additional clerks have been summoned for questioning in connection with separate FIRs registered at Sarkanda police station. Employee representatives say all of them cooperated with investigators when they appeared before police on July 23, but now fear further arrests.

As the probe gathers pace, reports suggest several employees are attempting to secure transfers to other offices amid concerns over the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, notices have also been served to seven tehsildars. The Junior Administrative Service Association has submitted a memorandum to senior government officials, arguing that responsibility for approving compensation rests with the presiding authority rather than clerical staff.

Unions Question Role of Clerks

Employee organisations maintain that revenue clerks and readers are responsible only for placing documents and maintaining court records. They argue that final approval of compensation claims lies with the competent authority and that clerical staff should not be held solely accountable before the investigation is completed.

The unions have sought a comprehensive inquiry into allegations involving forged signatures, fake seals and fabricated affidavits, insisting that action should target those directly responsible for approving fraudulent claims rather than employees handling documentation.

How the Alleged Scam Worked

The alleged fraud surfaced after a significant mismatch was found between official snakebite deaths and compensation claims.

According to figures cited in the investigation, Jashpur district recorded 96 snakebite deaths over the past three years, while Bilaspur alone allegedly processed compensation for 431 snakebite deaths worth around ₹17.24 crore.

The issue gained political attention after it was raised in the Chhattisgarh Assembly by BJP MLA Sushant Shukla. Following the uproar, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma ordered a high-level inquiry and assured strict action against those found guilty.

Under government norms, the family of a person who dies from a snakebite is entitled to financial assistance of ₹4 lakh.

Investigators allege that forged medical records, fabricated official documents and fake snakebite certificates were used to claim compensation in cases where deaths had occurred due to other causes. Police also claim that in several instances compensation was withdrawn without the knowledge or consent of the deceased's family members.

The investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of 17 people, including doctors, police personnel and revenue department employees. According to investigators, an organised network allegedly facilitated fake compensation claims by preparing forged documentation in exchange for money, with multiple departments suspected to have been involved.

Authorities say the investigation is continuing, and further arrests are possible as police examine financial transactions, official records and the role of additional government employees.

In a major crackdown on the illegal narcotics trade, Rewa Police raided a rented house in Jhanzhar Colony under the University Police Station limits and seized 930 bottles of banned intoxicating cough syrup along with ₹1.70 lakh in cash. A husband and wife were arrested from the premises, and police have launched an investigation to trace the supply network behind the alleged racket.

The operation was carried out following a tip-off about the illegal storage and sale of prohibited cough syrup from the rented accommodation.

Raid Conducted on Specific Information

According to police, the University Police Station received credible information that a rented house in Jhanzhar Colony was being used for the illegal distribution of narcotic cough syrup.

Acting swiftly, a police team conducted a raid at the location. During the search, officers recovered 930 bottles of prohibited cough syrup, estimated to be worth more than ₹2 lakh in the illegal market.

Cash Suspected to Be Drug Proceeds

Apart from the banned cough syrup, police also recovered ₹1.70 lakh in cash from the house.

Investigators suspect the money was generated through the alleged illegal sale of narcotic substances. Other materials found at the premises have also been seized for further examination as part of the investigation.

Husband and Wife Taken into Custody

Police arrested Vinay Deepankar and his wife Palak Pandey from the spot during the raid.

A case has been registered against both accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Actand other relevant legal provisions. They are currently being questioned regarding the source of the contraband and the distribution network.

Police Probe Supply Chain

Investigators are now working to identify where the banned cough syrup was sourced from and the areas where it was allegedly supplied.

Police are also trying to determine whether other individuals are linked to the network. Officials said further arrests could be made based on information gathered during interrogation.

CSP Confirms Action

City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Rajeev Pathak said the raid was conducted on the basis of specific intelligence received by the University Police Station.

He confirmed the recovery of a large quantity of prohibited cough syrup and ₹1.70 lakh in cash, adding that legal proceedings have been initiated against both accused.

The officer said police are focusing on identifying the entire supply chain and all individuals involved in the alleged illegal trade.

Drive Against Drug Trade to Continue

Police said the district-wide campaign against narcotics trafficking and illegal sale of intoxicating substances will continue with strict enforcement.

Authorities appealed to citizens to immediately report any suspicious activities related to illegal drugs so that timely action can be taken against offenders.

A 19-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend in Chhattisgarh's Surajpur district after he reportedly suspected her of being involved in another relationship. The accused allegedly lured her to Nehru Park, attacked her with a knife, and later attempted to end his own life before being arrested by police.

The deceased has been identified as Radhika Rajwade, while the accused is Ritesh Rajwade.

Called Her to Park Before Attack

According to police, the incident took place on Sunday evening when Ritesh allegedly called Radhika to Nehru Park to meet him.

During the meeting, he allegedly stabbed her in the neck with a knife. Police said the weapon pierced through her neck. After the attack, the accused allegedly pulled out the knife and fled the spot on a motorcycle.

Despite her critical injuries, Radhika reportedly managed to run a short distance before collapsing. People present in the park rushed her to the district hospital.

Victim Named Accused Before Death

Doctors referred Radhika to the Ambikapur Medical College Hospital due to the severity of her injuries.

Police said she was unable to speak because of the neck wound. During questioning, she reportedly gestured for a pen and paper and wrote down the name of the alleged attacker.

She later succumbed to her injuries during treatment at around 10:30 pm.

Suicide Note Found at Park

During the investigation, police recovered a handwritten note allegedly left by the accused at the park, in which he reportedly accepted responsibility for the attack.

Investigators believe the murder was triggered by the accused's suspicion that the victim was involved in another relationship.

Arrested Near Railway Track

After the incident, police examined CCTV footage from the area and identified the motorcycle rider.

Officials tracked the accused to a railway track, where he was allegedly preparing to die by suicide. He was taken into custody before any further incident occurred.

Investigation Underway

Police have registered a case of murder and are questioning the accused to establish the sequence of events and the motive behind the crime.

Investigators are also examining digital evidence, CCTV footage and statements of witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.

A family in Chhattisgarh's Balod district allegedly lost over ₹13.13 lakh after fraudsters posing as astrologers promised to cure a stage-IV cancer patient through religious rituals and spiritual practices. Police have registered a case against several accused from Uttar Pradesh and launched an investigation into the alleged fraud.

The complaint was filed by 55-year-old Premlata Chandrakar, a resident of Sirri village under Ranchirai police station limits. She alleged that the accused exploited her husband's critical illness and emotionally manipulated the family into making repeated online payments over nearly one-and-a-half years.

Television Advertisement Led to Contact

According to the complaint, Premlata came across an advertisement of Pandit Ved Prakash Tiwari's Lakshmi Narayan Jyotish Sanstha on a religious television channel while searching for treatment options for her husband, who has been diagnosed with stage-IV cancer.

After contacting the mobile number displayed in the advertisement, she was allegedly assured that special religious rituals and pujas could completely cure her husband's illness.

Initially, the accused reportedly asked her to transfer ₹30,000 through a QR code, followed by another ₹18,000 payment on November 28, 2024. Thereafter, they continued demanding money under different pretexts, claiming additional rituals were required for recovery.

Family Borrowed Money, Mortgaged Gold

Police said the complainant transferred money through multiple bank accounts, PhonePe, Google Pay and other digital payment platforms between November 2024 and May 2026.

To arrange the money, Premlata allegedly mortgaged her gold jewellery and borrowed funds from relatives and acquaintances.

According to the FIR, payments included:

• ₹2.30 lakh through her daughter Ruhi Chandrakar

• ₹7.40 lakh through acquaintance Aman Dewangan

• ₹2.05 lakh through Chhatrapal Sahu

• Additional transfers through Nehul Nirmal, Tushar Sahu and Jayant Deshmukh

The total amount transferred allegedly reached ₹13,13,673.

Fresh Calls, Promise of Refund

The complainant alleged that after no improvement in her husband's condition, she demanded the money back.

She then reportedly received another call from someone claiming to be Ved Prakash Tiwari, who allegedly stated that some people had misused his institution's name and assured her that the entire amount would be refunded within two months.

However, according to the complaint, no refund was made.

Threatened With CBI and Police Action

The woman further alleged that the accused later contacted her again and claimed that Rahul Tiwari's father had died by suicide, leaving behind a note mentioning her and Ved Prakash Tiwari.

The callers allegedly threatened that if she did not continue making payments, Uttar Pradesh Police, the CBI, and other agencies would implicate her in a murder case.

Police said the complainant transferred additional money out of fear before eventually approaching law enforcement.

Police Register Case

Based on the complaint, Balod Police have registered an FIR against Ved Prakash Tiwari, Srijan Tiwari, Rahul Tiwari and other unidentified persons.

Additional Superintendent of Police Monika Thakur said a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to cheating and common intention. Investigators are examining the financial transactions, bank accounts and digital payment records submitted by the complainant.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the alleged fraud.

The investigation is continuing.

A shocking case of alleged highway extortion surfaced in Gwalior after armed men intercepted a goods container on the Agra-Mumbai National Highway (AB Road) and opened fire when the driver refused to pay protection money. The attackers allegedly punctured all 12 tyres of the container by firing multiple rounds before fleeing the spot.

Police have registered a case against one identified accused and two unidentified accomplices, and launched a search operation.

Container Intercepted on National Highway

The incident occurred around 6:30 pm on Sunday near Singhaigarh village under Ghatigaon police station limits.

According to police, Ghanshyam Gurjar (24), a resident of Nazirabad in Bhopal, was transporting grocery goods from Delhi to Bhopal in a container truck (RJ11 GB 8882) along with helper Chetaram Tomar.

As the vehicle reached the stretch near Sirsa on AB Road, a white Bolero SUV without a registration number allegedly overtook the container and blocked its path.

Gunpoint Extortion Bid

The complainant alleged that three armed men carrying rifles stepped out of the Bolero and demanded money from the driver, claiming it was "highway tax" for operating vehicles on the route.

When Ghanshyam refused to pay, the accused allegedly threatened him, saying that anyone driving on the highway would have to pay extortion.

The attackers then allegedly opened indiscriminate fire at the truck, targeting its tyres. Police said all 12 tyres were damaged in the firing, immobilising the vehicle.

Police Patrol Interrupts Attack

According to the complaint, the assailants fled after noticing a police patrolling vehicle approaching the area.

Before escaping, they allegedly threatened the driver and helper with dire consequences if they continued to operate vehicles on the route without paying the demanded amount.

The victims immediately contacted Dial-112, following which Ghatigaon police reached the spot and inspected the crime scene.

One Accused Identified

Police said one of the accused has been identified as Kalli Gurjar, a resident of Varwasin village in Devgarh police station area of Morena district.

Local residents reportedly told investigators that the accused and his associates had been involved in creating fear among transporters on the highway for some time.

Authorities are working to identify the remaining two accused.

Case Registered, Raids Underway

Based on the driver's complaint, Ghatigaon Police have registered a case against the accused under sections related to:

• Extortion

• Attempt to murder

• Criminal intimidation

• Mischief causing damage

• Arms Act provisions

Police teams have been dispatched to Morena and other suspected hideouts to arrest the accused.

Investigators are also examining CCTV footage from nearby toll plazas and highway surveillance cameras to trace the movement of the Bolero used in the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

A festive weekend at Seattle's annual Bite of Seattle food festival turned into a scene of panic after a mass shooting near the iconic Space Needle left two people dead and five others injured, including a two-year-old child. The incident occurred around 6 pm local time on Sunday at the Seattle Center, prompting a massive police response.

According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots and quickly secured the area. Two suspects have been taken into custody, although authorities have not yet disclosed their identities or the motive behind the attack. The investigation remains ongoing.

Festival Erupts into Chaos

The shooting occurred while thousands of visitors were attending the popular three-day food festival, which attracts more than 350,000 people annually. Witnesses described hearing several loud bangs before crowds began running for safety.

Videos shared on social media captured people taking cover as repeated gunshots rang out across the festival grounds.

Victims Undergoing Treatment

The Seattle Fire Department confirmed that two victims died despite emergency lifesaving efforts. Five others suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to Harborview Medical Center, the region's leading trauma hospital.

Hospital officials said one woman underwent emergency surgery and remained in critical condition, while the remaining injured—including a two-year-old boy—were reported to be in stable or satisfactory condition.

Eyewitnesses Describe Panic

Festival-goers said they initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks before realising an active shooting was underway.

Witnesses reported scenes of panic as families abandoned food stalls, people hid behind structures, and parents rushed to protect children. Authorities also temporarily shut down the Seattle Center Monorail as emergency operations continued.

Investigation Continues

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson confirmed that two suspects had been detained and praised police officers for their swift response. Officials said investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting and have appealed to witnesses to provide information.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal expressed condolences to the victims' families and thanked emergency responders for their efforts.

Police have urged the public to avoid the area while forensic teams continue examining the crime scene.

A watchman posted at the Forest Division Office in Bijapur was found dead under suspicious circumstances during his night shift, prompting a police investigation into the incident.

The deceased has been identified as Lingam Chandru, who was on regular night duty at the Forest Division Office on Saturday night (July 25). His body was discovered near the main entrance gate of the office premises on Sunday morning.

Body Found Near Main Gate

According to preliminary information, Forest Department employees found Chandru lying near the main gate when they arrived for work in the morning. Officials said the main gate was reportedly locked from inside when the body was discovered.

The incident was immediately reported to senior Forest Department officials and the police, who reached the spot and initiated an investigation.

Cause of Death Yet to Be Determined

The sudden death has left officials and colleagues shocked, with the Forest Department expressing grief over the loss of its employee.

Police said the exact cause of death remains unclear at this stage, and no conclusions have been drawn regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Investigators are examining all possible angles as part of the inquiry.

Post-Mortem Ordered

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Police officials stated that further action will depend on the findings of the autopsy report and the evidence collected during the investigation.

Authorities have urged people to avoid speculation until the medical examination and investigation are completed.

he incident has drawn widespread attention because the criminal case remains pending, while the couple has now entered into a legally recognised marriage through judicial permission.

According to officials, the couple had been in a relationship for a considerable period after meeting while working together at a petrol pump in Jagdalpur. The woman alleged that the man had promised to marry her but later refused after facing opposition from his family. Following the breakdown of their relationship, she lodged a complaint at Parpa police station accusing him of establishing physical relations on the false promise of marriage.

The case was registered under relevant provisions, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The accused was arrested and has remained lodged in Jagdalpur Central Jail for nearly seven months.

During his incarceration, the woman continued to visit him in jail. Over time, both expressed their willingness to marry and jointly approached the court seeking permission to solemnise their marriage despite the pending criminal proceedings.

After considering their application, the Special Court permitted the wedding to be conducted in accordance with prison rules. Acting on the judicial order, jail authorities arranged the ceremony within the premises of Jagdalpur Central Jail.

A temporary wedding pavilion was set up inside the prison, where the couple performed the traditional Hindu marriage rituals in the presence of lawyers, police officials, prison authorities and family members from both sides. One police constable performed the ceremonial role of kanyadaan during the wedding.

After completing the marriage rituals and exchanging seven traditional vows, the groom was escorted back to his barrack because his release depends on the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings. Jail officials clarified that the marriage does not automatically affect the criminal case, which will continue under due process of law.

Speaking after the ceremony, the woman said the relationship had begun with mutual affection while they worked together and that she had filed the complaint after feeling abandoned when the marriage proposal was rejected. According to her, the criminal case had severely affected her social standing, but subsequent discussions between the two eventually led to reconciliation.

The groom also acknowledged that both had been in a relationship before the dispute arose. He said they ultimately decided to resolve their differences and proceed with marriage after discussions involving lawyers and family members.

Advocate Avadhesh Jha, who represented the couple, said both individuals had voluntarily submitted a joint application before the Special Court seeking permission to marry. Since both are adults and expressed their willingness to enter into the marriage without coercion, the court directed jail authorities to facilitate the ceremony in accordance with prison regulations.

Jail Superintendent S.L. Nair described it as the first wedding to be conducted inside Jagdalpur Central Jail. He said the prison administration implemented the court's directions after completing all necessary formalities.

The case has generated debate because it combines a pending rape prosecution with a subsequent consensual marriage between the complainant and the accused. Legal experts note that while courts may permit marriage between consenting adults, such permission does not automatically determine the outcome of a criminal case. The judicial process will continue independently based on the evidence placed before the court.

The unusual sequence of events—from a workplace relationship to criminal litigation and finally a marriage inside a correctional facility—has made the case one of the most widely discussed legal developments in Bastar in recent days.

The operation was carried out under the Nagarnaar police station limits following a tip-off about two suspicious men waiting near the Dhanpunji Forest Check Post with travel bags. Police officials said the seized contraband is valued at approximately ₹5.84 lakh in the illegal market.

According to police, information was received on July 21 that two individuals carrying suspicious luggage were waiting for a bus near the forest check post. Acting on the input, a police team reached the location, surrounded the suspects and detained them for questioning.

The accused were identified as Lalit Kushulia and Biranchi Gorodia, both residents of Rayagada district in neighbouring Odisha.

During a search of their bags, police recovered 10 packets containing suspected ganja. The seized material weighed 11.673 kilograms after being measured on the spot.

Investigators said the accused were allegedly transporting the consignment from Odisha and planned to deliver it in Raipur before they were intercepted.

Police have registered a case under Section 20(b) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Both accused were arrested and later produced before a local court, which remanded them to judicial custody.

Officials said the seized narcotics have been sent for further legal procedures, while investigators are attempting to identify the source of the consignment and determine whether the accused were acting independently or were part of a larger interstate drug trafficking network.

The investigation is also expected to focus on the intended recipients of the consignment in Chhattisgarh and any possible links to organised narcotics supply chains operating across state borders.

Bastar has emerged as a sensitive transit corridor for narcotics smuggled from neighbouring states, particularly Odisha. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance along interstate routes, forest check posts and transport corridors to curb the movement of illegal drugs.

Police officials noted that intelligence-based operations have resulted in several recent seizures, with authorities maintaining close coordination between district police units and neighbouring states to disrupt trafficking networks.

City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sumit Kumar said strict action would continue against those involved in the illegal transportation and sale of narcotic substances. He added that police are maintaining constant vigilance over routes commonly used by smugglers and appealed to the public to report any suspicious activity related to drug trafficking.

The latest seizure is part of the ongoing crackdown on narcotics in the Bastar region, where authorities have stepped up enforcement efforts to prevent illegal substances from entering major urban centres across Chhattisgarh.

The judgment was delivered by the Court of the Sixth Additional Sessions Judge, which held the accused guilty of murder after examining eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence and other material presented during the trial.

The case dates back to January 28, 2024, when Chakradhar Nagar police received information that a man had been found dead near the main road in Navapali village. The victim, identified as Vishal Singh Thakur, had suffered multiple fatal injuries to his head and neck caused by a sharp-edged weapon.

Police reached the spot, registered a case and began an investigation. During the preliminary inquiry, investigators inspected the crime scene, collected physical evidence and recorded statements from eyewitnesses.

According to the prosecution, Vishal Singh Thakur had been supervising land levelling and bush-clearing work on a disputed piece of land when an argument broke out with Harilal Khadia over the filling of soil on the property.

The dispute allegedly escalated, following which the accused attacked Vishal repeatedly with an axe, inflicting severe injuries to his head and neck. The victim died at the scene.

Investigating officers seized several articles from the crime scene, including the victim's motorcycle, blood-stained cap, spectacles, footwear and soil samples. These materials were later sent for forensic examination as part of the investigation.

Police arrested Harilal Khadia on January 29, 2024. During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to committing the crime. Based on his disclosure, investigators recovered the axe believed to have been used in the attack along with blood-stained clothing.

The recovered articles were forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), whose findings were presented during the trial as supporting evidence.

During court proceedings, Additional Public Prosecutor Tanmay Banerjee represented the prosecution, while the investigation was led by Inspector Prashant Rao Aher. The prosecution examined 20 witnesses and relied on documentary, forensic and scientific evidence to establish the sequence of events.

After evaluating the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the court concluded that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

The court convicted Harilal Khadia under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code for murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment. It also imposed a fine of ₹100.

In addition to the sentence, the court recommended that the victim's family receive ₹1 lakh as compensation under the Chhattisgarh Government's Victim Compensation Scheme, recognising the impact of the crime on the deceased's dependants.

The verdict brings the trial to a close more than two years after the fatal incident and reinforces the importance of forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony in securing convictions in serious criminal cases.

The accused, Dr Santosh Kumar Patel, was arrested by the ACB's Bilaspur unit during a planned trap operation on Wednesday night. Officials said the doctor had allegedly demanded the money in exchange for forwarding salary-related pay data required for the release of the complainant's pending wages.

According to the ACB, the complainant, Ganga Prasad Ratnakar, is a Grade-II pharmacist who has been attached to the District Hospital in Sakti since February 2026. His original posting is at the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) office in Portha, Sakti district.

Ratnakar alleged that despite performing his duties, his salary for May and June 2026 had not been processed because the required pay data had not been forwarded to the CMHO office. He claimed that Dr Patel demanded ₹20,000 per month for forwarding his pay records from February to June 2026, taking the total alleged bribe demand to ₹1 lakh.

Instead of paying the amount, the pharmacist approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and lodged a formal complaint. After verifying the allegations, ACB officials concluded that a prima facie case existed and decided to organise a trap operation.

According to investigators, Dr Patel instructed the complainant to bring the money to Dabhra on July 23. The meeting was reportedly fixed near Dabhra College Chowk, where the complainant arrived in a Scorpio vehicle carrying the marked currency notes provided as part of the trap.

Officials said that at around 9 pm, the accused entered the complainant's vehicle and accepted the cash. The ACB team, which had been monitoring the transaction, immediately intervened and caught the Civil Surgeon while he was allegedly in possession of the bribe amount.

The entire sum of ₹1 lakh was recovered from the accused at the spot. Following the arrest, the ACB registered a case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and initiated further legal proceedings.

Investigators are now examining whether similar demands were made from other employees in the department and whether additional officials were involved in the alleged corruption. Officials indicated that further questioning and scrutiny of official records would form part of the investigation.

The arrest has triggered concern within the district's health administration, where the accused held a key supervisory position at the government hospital. The incident has also raised questions regarding administrative procedures linked to salary processing and internal oversight in the health department.

The ACB has reiterated that government employees facing demands for illegal gratification should report such incidents instead of paying bribes. Officials said public cooperation remains an important factor in identifying and acting against corruption in government offices.

The investigation is continuing, and the agency is expected to present the accused before the competent court while pursuing additional evidence in the case.

The incident took place under the City Kotwali police station limits, where the accused, identified as Lakshman Kunjam, allegedly killed his 35-year-old wife, Jhumki Kunjam, before abandoning her body behind their residence. Police have taken the accused into custody and launched a detailed investigation into the case.

According to preliminary police findings, Lakshman had long suspected his wife of having an affair, leading to frequent disputes between the couple. Investigators believe the argument escalated on July 17 when the accused was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Police said Lakshman first made his wife consume liquor before attacking her with a kitchen knife used for cutting vegetables. He allegedly slit her throat and severed her head before dumping the body behind the house and fleeing the scene.

The body remained undiscovered for several days. As decomposition advanced, a strong stench spread through the neighbourhood, prompting residents to alert the police. Officers reached the spot and recovered the remains, which had already begun decomposing and were infested with insects.

Investigators suspect the husband immediately after the recovery because he had disappeared from the village following the incident. A search operation was launched, and he was later traced and detained by the police.

Sources associated with the investigation said the accused has admitted to killing his wife during questioning. According to police, he claimed he believed his wife was involved in an extramarital relationship, which allegedly motivated the crime. Officials, however, said his statement is being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Assistant Superintendent of Police R.K. Barman confirmed that the husband has been taken into custody and that the investigation is continuing. Police are collecting forensic evidence and recording statements from family members and local residents before filing the final chargesheet.

Lakshman Kunjam had previously served as the elected sarpanch of his village. His first wife had died several years ago, and he had four children from that marriage. Following her death, he married Jhumki Kunjam. Police said the children were not present at the house when the alleged murder took place.

The victim's relatives have also lodged a complaint, demanding strict action against the accused. Authorities are examining the family's statements along with other evidence recovered from the scene.

The brutal nature of the killing has shocked residents of Dantewada and renewed concerns over crimes linked to domestic disputes and suspicions within relationships. Local residents described the incident as deeply disturbing, particularly because the body remained unattended for several days before being discovered.

Police are expected to complete the investigation after forensic examination of the crime scene and the recovered weapon. Further legal action will proceed based on the evidence collected during the inquiry.