Students of Shivpur Eklavya Residential School in Surguja walked to the collector’s office to complain about months-long electricity failure, teaching issues and poor hostel conditions. The principal has now been removed and the warden issued a notice.

The principal of Shivpur Eklavya Residential School in Surguja district has been removed after girl students walked several kilometres to meet the collector and raise complaints about basic facilities at the institution.The students had alleged that the school and hostel had been without electricity for nearly three months, along with problems related to teaching and cleanliness in the mess.Following an inquiry ordered by the district administration, Principal Om Narayan Srivastava was removed from the post and attached to the office of the Assistant Commissioner. The hostel warden has also been issued a show-cause notice for alleged negligence.

Students walked to collector’s office

According to officials, around 45 girl students from the residential school decided to approach the collector after repeated complaints allegedly failed to resolve their problems.The students started walking towards Ambikapur, around 30 km away from the school. Teachers accompanied them as a safety measure.When Tribal Assistant Commissioner Lalit Shukla reached Bailkota to speak with the students, they reportedly refused to discuss their issues with him and insisted on meeting the collector directly.After the students had walked around 16 km, arrangements were made to take them to Ambikapur by bus.

Students raised three major complaints

After meeting Collector Ajit Vasant, the students highlighted three key issues:

• Electricity supply in the school and hostel had remained disrupted for around three months

• Problems with teaching, particularly in subjects including mathematics and chemistry

• Poor cleanliness arrangements in the mess

The students also alleged that their earlier complaints to the school principal did not result in corrective action.

Three-member committee submitted inquiry report

The collector had formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by Joint Collector Sharda Agrawal to examine the allegations.The committee spoke with students and staff members and submitted its report to the district administration.Based on the findings, the administration removed the principal from his post. Teacher Pratiksha Tripathi (PGT English) has been given additional responsibility as school principal

.Another teacher, Arvind Ashok Tigga , has been sent back to his original posting at Eklavya School Mainpat.The hostel warden Ayushi Soni has received a show-cause notice over alleged negligence in government duties.The salaries of employees working at Eklavya School Shivpur will now be released only after approval from the collector and district-level committee.

CM orders action against negligence

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed displeasure over the incident and spoke to the collector.The Chief Minister said that students having to walk to raise their concerns was not acceptable and directed officials to identify responsibility and take action against those found negligent.Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam has also sought an inquiry report from officials and said that students’ problems would be addressed.The administration has assured that necessary steps will be taken to improve facilities at the school.

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 fresh security breach has been reported from the Juvenile Observation Home in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, where 13 juveniles escaped after breaking open a dilapidated door, barely three weeks after an earlier jailbreak at the same facility. Authorities said the latest incident occurred on the night of July 14, raising serious concerns over security arrangements and infrastructure at the state-run correctional institution.

According to police, the escaped juveniles were lodged in connection with serious criminal cases, including murder, rape, robbery and theft. Following the incident, police launched an overnight search operation and managed to apprehend two of the escapees, while efforts are continuing to trace the remaining 11 juveniles.

Second Escape in 21 Days

The latest escape comes less than a month after 11 juveniles fled the same observation home on June 24 by breaking a window grille during heavy rain and a power outage. All 11 were subsequently tracked down and taken back into custody.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the alleged mastermind behind the latest jailbreak is the same juvenile who had allegedly planned the June 24 escape. After being recaptured in the earlier incident, he was returned to the facility, where he is now accused of organising another coordinated escape involving both previously detained and newly admitted juveniles.

Door Broken After Dinner

Observation Home in-charge Shama Noori said the juveniles were served dinner at around 8 pm before returning to their rooms. Investigators believe they took advantage of an old and weakened door inside the barrack, broke it open and escaped from the premises.

Officials said the escape appears to have been pre-planned, with the accused exploiting structural weaknesses in the facility rather than overpowering staff.

Security Concerns Under Spotlight

The repeated breaches have intensified scrutiny of security arrangements at the Ambikapur Juvenile Observation Home.

Shama Noori said the administration had already approached the district police seeking additional security personnel before the latest incident. According to her, the proposal received in-principle approval, and reinforcement of security is expected soon.

She added that repair work is currently underway, with authorities welding doors, windows and other vulnerable entry points to strengthen the facility against future escape attempts.

Police Launch Massive Search

Gandhinagar police registered the incident immediately after receiving information from the observation home.

Station House Officer Praveen Kumar Dwivedi confirmed that two juveniles had been detained shortly after the escape. Search teams have been deployed across Ambikapur and adjoining districts, with surveillance intensified at bus terminals, railway stations and other transit points.

Police have also alerted authorities in Surguja, Surajpur and Korea districts, as several of the absconding juveniles belong to these areas.

Officials expressed confidence that the remaining escapees would be traced and brought back into custody at the earliest.

Incident Follows Bilaspur Juvenile Home Murder

The latest escape comes days after another serious incident involving a juvenile correctional facility in Chhattisgarh.

Recently, four juveniles escaped from a juvenile home in Bilaspur after allegedly murdering a security guard. Investigators said the accused, who were lodged in connection with serious offences, allegedly tied the guard's hands and legs, strangled him and fled from the premises.

The back-to-back incidents have sparked fresh debate over the safety, supervision and infrastructure of juvenile correctional institutions in the state.

Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the Ambikapur jailbreak to determine whether there were lapses in security protocols or administrative negligence. The findings are expected to guide further action aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Four people lost their lives in two separate road accidents in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district on Friday night. Three young men were killed in a head-on collision between two motorcycles in Mainpat, while a woman died after an unidentified truck hit the motorcycle she was travelling on along National Highway-43. Her husband sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.

Police have identified the deceased as Arjun Lohar (23), Viphal Kumar Majhi (21), Guddu Ram (22) and Rita Ekka (48). Separate investigations have been launched into both incidents.

Three Killed in Mainpat Bike Collision

The first accident took place at around 8 pm on the Narmadapur–Bijalhawa main road under Kamleshwarpur police station limits in Mainpat.

According to police, two motorcycles travelling at high speed collided head-on, throwing the riders onto the road. The impact was so severe that Arjun Lohar, a resident of Lundra, and Guddu Ram, a resident of Kot in Sitapur, died on the spot.

Third Victim Succumbs During Treatment

The third rider, Viphal Kumar Majhi, sustained critical injuries in the crash. He was initially taken to a Community Health Centre before being referred to Ambikapur Medical College Hospital.

Despite medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries, taking the death toll in the accident to three.

Family members said Viphal and his friend Guddu had gone to Mainpat for an outing and were returning home when the accident occurred. Arjun was reportedly travelling to Narmadapur to visit his in-laws. He had been married for about a year.

Police said weather conditions were clear at the time of the accident, and preliminary findings indicate that overspeeding may have been the primary cause of the collision.

Woman Killed on National Highway

In the second incident, a couple travelling on a motorcycle was hit from behind by an unidentified truck near Sedam Bazaar on National Highway-43.

The collision claimed the life of Rita Ekka (48), a resident of Deori village, while her husband, Sukhan Ekka, suffered serious injuries.

The couple was returning home from Sitapur when the accident occurred.

Search for Truck Driver Underway

Police have launched a search for the unidentified truck and its driver, who fled the scene after the collision.

Officials are examining evidence and speaking to witnesses to identify the vehicle involved. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

The twin accidents have once again highlighted concerns over road safety and speeding on highways and rural roads in the region.

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.

A 25-year-old woman has filed a complaint in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, alleging that a man from Surajpur district entered into a live-in relationship with her under the promise of marriage and later refused to wed her, citing differences in religion and caste. An FIR has been registered and police are searching for the accused.

According to the complaint filed with Gandhingar Police, the woman had been living in a rented room in the Nawapara area of Ambikapur since 2022, where she was pursuing her studies. Through a mutual friend, she came in contact with Shamsher Hussain, a resident of Bhatgaon in Surajpur district. The two grew close over time.

The woman told police that on January 26, 2025, Hussain invited her to Bhagwanpur. After spending time together there, he took her to his rented accommodation in Fundurdiari, where he allegedly established physical relations with her after promising marriage. On February 2, 2025, she moved in with him. The two lived together for nearly a year and a half — until June 12, 2026.

When she pressed him on marriage, the accused allegedly refused, telling her that their different religions and castes made it impossible. When she protested, he allegedly subjected her to verbal abuse, physical assault, and threats to her life.

Gandhingar Police Station in-charge Praveen Kumar Dwivedi confirmed that an FIR has been registered against Shamsher Hussain and that a search is underway. All aspects of the case are being investigated, he said.

The case falls under provisions related to rape and criminal intimidation. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

In a major security lapse, 11 juvenile inmates managed to escape from an observation home (Bal Sampreक्षण Griha) in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, after completely uprooting the iron grills of their barrack's window.

The incident took place under the jurisdiction of the Gandhinagar police station area on Tuesday evening. According to local authorities, the juveniles took advantage of severe weather, heavy downpours, and a subsequent power outage to execute their escape.

The escapees were lodged at the facility for their alleged involvement in heinous crimes, including murder, rape, dacoity, and armed robbery.

Power Outage Handed Escape Window

According to administrative sources, the city witnessed severe thunderstorms on Tuesday evening, which led to a complete power failure in the area at around 7:30 PM.

The juveniles capitalized on the pitch-black darkness and the loud thundering to break open the window structure of their designated barrack. After dismantling the grill, they squeezed out, scaled the high boundary wall of the observation home, and fled into the night.

In a damning reflection on the facility's security apparatus, two armed guards were reportedly stationed at the main entrance of the observation home when the breakout occurred. However, neither guard noticed any suspicious activity or noise over the sound of the rain.

Management Alerted After One Hour

The facility's administration realized the inmates were missing nearly an hour after the escape during a routine headcount.

"After dinner, the boys had returned to their respective rooms. Some were watching television when the power snapped amid heavy rain and lightning. Taking advantage of the situation, they broke the window. The 11 missing boys belong to Surguja, Surajpur, and Korea districts," said Manish Kushwaha, House Father of the Observation Home.

The management immediately alerted the Gandhinagar police, triggering panic among senior administrative and police officials who rushed to the spot with forensic teams.

District Borders Sealed, Search Operations On

Following the alert, the Surguja police department formed multiple search teams and set up blockades across key arterial roads in Ambikapur. Intensive checking operations are currently underway at local railway stations, interstate bus terminals, and suspected hideouts.

Superintendents of police in neighboring Surajpur and Korea districts have been formally notified, given that the escaped juveniles hail from these regions. Police are also tracking and questioning the family members of the missing boys.

While senior police officials have maintained that the juveniles will be tracked down shortly, the incident has once again turned the spotlight on the crumbling infrastructure and lax security protocols at state-run juvenile rehabilitation centers. Just recently, a similar breach was reported at the Korba juvenile home, where multiple inmates managed to escape by breaking through a ventilation shaft.

The southwest monsoon has officially entered Chhattisgarh through Dantewada, marking the beginning of the rainy season in the state. Weather officials said the monsoon is expected to expand into more districts over the next few days, bringing increased rainfall activity across southern, central and northern regions.

Following the monsoon's arrival, several parts of the state witnessed a sudden change in weather on Monday afternoon. Raipur, Raigarh and nearby areas received heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, providing relief from the prevailing heat but also causing temporary disruptions in some localities.

In Raipur, intense showers led to waterlogging on Mahadevghat Road in the Sundarnagar area. Commuters faced difficulties as rainwater accumulated on sections of the road, slowing traffic movement and affecting daily travel.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a five-day alert for thunderstorms, lightning and light to moderate rainfall across the state. Meteorologists said weather conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon into additional parts of Chhattisgarh, including Raigarh and adjoining districts.

With the monsoon now active over Bastar division, rainfall intensity is expected to increase significantly in the region. Weather experts believe the seasonal system will gradually move northward and cover central and northern districts in the coming days.

Despite the arrival of monsoon conditions, parts of central Chhattisgarh may continue to experience above-normal temperatures over the next two days. According to the weather department, maximum temperatures in some districts could remain 3 to 5 degrees Celsius above normal, creating heatwave-like conditions before widespread rainfall brings relief.

Officials have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid open spaces during lightning events. The department has warned that strong winds may accompany rainfall in several areas.

Temperature data released by the weather department showed Bilaspur as the hottest location in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius. Ambikapur remained the coolest, with the minimum temperature settling at 22.9 degrees Celsius.

Raipur also experienced a sharp weather shift during the afternoon. After a hot and humid start to the day, dark clouds gathered over the city, followed by gusty winds and heavy showers in multiple areas. The city’s maximum temperature is expected to remain around 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to be close to 29 degrees Celsius.

The progress of the monsoon is being closely watched, particularly by farmers awaiting adequate rainfall for agricultural activities. A sustained spell of rain over the coming week could improve soil moisture levels and support the beginning of kharif sowing operations in several districts.

With favourable atmospheric conditions continuing over central India, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to remain active across Chhattisgarh throughout the week.

Ambikapur Horror: Woman’s Head Crushed, Plastic Bottle Found in Private Parts

Rape And Murder Suspected

A woman’s body with a crushed skull and a plastic bottle inserted in her private parts was found near the Mahamaya entrance on Ring Road here early Friday morning. Police have registered a murder case and suspect sexual assault before the killing, as per officials.

Body Found at Meat Shop

The blood-soaked body of a middle-aged woman was discovered inside a roadside meat shop around dawn. Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Agrawal and Additional SP Amolak Singh reached the spot along with forensic and dog squad teams. Officials said the throat was slit with a sharp weapon, and the face was deliberately smashed to hide identity.

Plastic Bottle Recovered

During the initial examination, investigators found a plastic bottle lodged in the woman’s private parts. “Prima facie, this appears to be a murder case. But the presence of the bottle points to a possible sexual assault,” a police source told this English news portal India. The forensic team collected blood samples and other evidence from the crime scene.

CCTV Footage Being Analysed

Police are now scanning multiple CCTV cameras installed in the vicinity. Local councillor Satish Bari said footage from one camera showed the woman walking with a man late Thursday night. “Another camera near the crime spot is also being examined. The accused will be arrested soon,” Bari added.

No Identification Yet

Authorities have not yet identified the victim. No missing person complaint matching her description has been filed in Ambikapur or surrounding areas. The body has been sent to the district hospital for post-mortem. Police have also questioned local residents and shopkeepers for any leads.

Public Outrage Grows

The brutal nature of the crime has sparked anger among residents of the Ring Road locality. Women’s rights groups have demanded fast-track court proceedings once the accused is caught. “Such savagery cannot be tolerated. We want immediate arrest and strict punishment,” said a local activist.

What Next for Investigation

Additional SP Amolak Singh said teams have been formed to nab the suspect within days. “We are working on multiple angles, including whether the victim was a sex worker or a homeless woman. The CCTV analysis is key,” he stated. Police have also alerted checkpoints across Sarguja district to track any suspicious movement.

According to officials, a dog squad traced a trail from the crime scene for nearly 200 metres before losing the scent on the main road. The police have appealed to citizens to report any information about missing women or unusual activity in the area. A reward for information leading to the arrest is being considered.

The city of Ambikapur is currently grappling with a severe health crisis as a sudden Ambikapur Jaundice Outbreak has claimed two lives in just 48 hours. With over 60 people reportedly infected, the local administration is under heavy fire for negligence. However, instead of taking accountability, Mayor Manjusha Bhagat has stirred a political storm by suggesting that the outbreak might be a "conspiracy."

Tragic Deaths and Rising Cases

The outbreak has taken the lives of a 13-year-old student and a 40-year-old man.

• Divyansh Rai (13): An 8th-grade student from Namnakala, Divyansh was diagnosed with jaundice on February 19. Despite being moved to a private hospital, he succumbed to the illness on Tuesday.

• Sona Lal (40): A resident of Janpad Para, Sona Lal passed away on February 22 after testing positive for jaundice at the Nawapara UPHC.

Health officials have confirmed that nearly 60 patients have emerged from the Navagarh and Mominpur areas in the last ten days.

Water Contamination: The E. coli Threat

Investigations by the health department have revealed a grim reality. Water samples collected from the affected wards showed dangerous levels of E. coli bacteria. This suggests a massive failure in the municipal water treatment or a leak in the supply lines leading to sewage mixing with drinking water.

While the Ambikapur Jaundice Outbreak spreads, the Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam) has only recently begun inspecting the supply lines and cleaning the surrounding filth.

Political Backlash: Congress to Gherao Municipal Office

Former Deputy CM TS Singhdeo has lashed out at the local administration, accusing them of gross negligence. Taking to social media platform X, Singhdeo stated that the signs of an outbreak were ignored for days, leading to preventable deaths.

In response to the administration's apathy, the Congress party has announced a massive protest today (Wednesday). Party workers plan to "Gherao" the Nagar Nigam office, demanding accountability and immediate relief for the affected families.

Mayor’s "Conspiracy" Remark Sparks Outrage

Amidst the mourning and public anger, Mayor Manjusha Bhagat visited the affected areas on Tuesday. However, her statement left many baffled.

"It smells of a conspiracy," the Mayor stated. "Why are patients only being found in this specific area when the entire city drinks the same municipal water?"

Critics have labeled this a "senseless statement" aimed at diverting attention from the failure of the Ambikapur Nagar Nigam to provide clean drinking water.

Practical Safety Tips for Residents

As the city fights this outbreak, residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Boil Your Water: Ensure all drinking water is boiled for at least 10–15 minutes.

• Avoid Street Food: Refrain from consuming cut fruits or juices from street vendors.

• Report Symptoms: If you experience yellowing of eyes, dark urine, or extreme fatigue, visit the nearest health camp immediately.

• Check Pipelines: Immediately report any leaks in your local water supply line to the ward councilor.