The Madhya Pradesh Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has identified assets worth around ₹11 crore during searches at three premises linked to PWD executive engineer Kamal Kishore Singare, who is posted in Balaghat. The searches were conducted in Balaghat, Chhindwara and Bhopal in connection with a disproportionate assets case.

Three EOW teams from Jabalpur began the searches at around 6 am on Thursday, September 3. The agency is examining movable and immovable properties, bank accounts, documents and other financial records to determine whether the assets are disproportionate to Singare's known sources of income.

Searches Conducted at Three Locations

The simultaneous operation covered Singare's government accommodation in Balaghat and residences in Chhindwara and Bhopal. According to officials, the searches followed verification of a complaint alleging that the engineer had accumulated disproportionate assets through corrupt practices.

The EOW has registered a case under Sections 13(1)(b) and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended. The investigation is continuing and the value of the assets may change after detailed verification and valuation. 

Property and Cash Found in Chhindwara

A substantial portion of the assets identified so far is linked to Singare's Chhindwara residence and properties. EOW officials have assessed land and a house at around ₹3 crore.

The search also reportedly found ₹7.5 lakh in cash, household articles valued at around ₹1 crore and gold jewellery weighing approximately 350 grams, valued at about ₹52 lakh. Silver ornaments worth around ₹1.2 lakh were also identified.

Vehicles found during the search included an SUV valued at approximately ₹22 lakh, another four-wheeler valued at around ₹27 lakh and three motorcycles worth about ₹4 lakh. A shopping complex valued at approximately ₹1.5 crore was also identified, according to the reported search details. 

Farmhouse and Agricultural Equipment Under Probe

The EOW has also identified a farmhouse in Chhindwara. Land and construction expenditure associated with the property have been assessed at around ₹2 crore, according to the search details reported by officials.

A Mahindra tractor valued at approximately ₹8 lakh, a trolley worth around ₹1.5 lakh and other agricultural equipment valued at about ₹5 lakh were also found.

The agency is examining the ownership and source of funds for these properties as part of the disproportionate-assets investigation.

₹2 Crore Property Identified in Bhopal

At the Bhopal premises, investigators identified land and a house valued at approximately ₹2 crore, along with household items estimated at around ₹3.5 lakh.

At Singare's Balaghat government accommodation, EOW officials reportedly found ₹2.5 lakh in cash.

The combined assessment of properties and other assets across the three locations has taken the preliminary value to around ₹11 crore. 

12 Bank Accounts Being Examined

The investigation has also expanded to Singare and his family's bank accounts. EOW officials have identified 12 bank accounts held across different banks and are seeking details of the funds and transactions associated with them.

The agency is also examining lockers and documents linked to the properties. Officials have indicated that the final asset valuation could change as the search and verification process progresses. 

Complaint Triggered EOW Action

According to reports, complaints had been made against Singare alleging corruption and demands for commissions from contractors. One report said a complaint was lodged with the Jabalpur EOW on July 13, following which verification was carried out before the search operation.

The allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established as facts by a court.

Singare has been posted in Balaghat for around 14 months, according to officials cited in reports. The EOW is now examining whether the properties and financial holdings identified during the searches can be accounted for through his known and lawful sources of income. 

Investigation Still Underway

EOW officials have said the search is continuing and that additional properties, financial records or other assets could emerge during the investigation. The agency will also examine the bank accounts, lockers, property documents and ownership details before arriving at a final assessment.

The approximately ₹11-crore figure is therefore a preliminary assessment of assets identified during the searches, rather than a final judicial finding of illegal wealth.

A newborn baby died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Chhindwara District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh during the early hours of Saturday. Three newborns, aged between six and 12 days, were reportedly caught in the fire after a suspected short circuit in a plug set fire to the cot in which they were being kept. All three babies were initially treated at the district hospital before being referred to Jabalpur Medical College. One of them, reportedly a baby girl, died while being taken to Jabalpur.

The fire occurred between around 2 am and 3 am, according to the information provided. The three newborns were in the same cot when the suspected electrical fault occurred. Dr Kanchan Dubey said the exact extent of the burns had not yet been established and that the children might require surgical treatment. Since a paediatric surgeon was not available at Chhindwara District Hospital, the babies were referred to Jabalpur at around 5 am. According to the father of the deceased child, Aditya Verma, his wife had been admitted to the hospital three days earlier for delivery and gave birth to the baby girl at around 10:30 pm on Friday.

Fire Started Inside NICU

According to the preliminary account, a short circuit occurred in a plug inside the NICU and the electrical fault triggered a fire in the cot holding the three newborns. The flames then spread to plastic material and clothes placed in or around the cot. Hospital staff reportedly used fire extinguishers immediately after noticing the flames and shifted the babies out of the affected area. They were given initial treatment before being referred to Jabalpur.

More than 20 newborns and three staff members were reportedly present in the NICU when the incident occurred. The fire remained confined to one unit, which sustained damage. The three affected babies had been admitted to the NICU after developing infections following birth. The incident has raised concerns among the families of patients, who have sought clarity on the electrical safety arrangements and emergency preparedness inside the neonatal unit.

Police Begin Investigation

Police reached the hospital after being informed about the incident and have started examining the circumstances surrounding the fire. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation. Hospital authorities are separately examining the cause of the suspected short circuit and the safety arrangements inside the NICU. The exact cause of the electrical fault and whether there were any lapses in maintenance or safety procedures will become clearer after the inquiry.

The families of the affected children have also requested the administration to bear the cost of treatment at Jabalpur Medical College. Relatives said they are financially constrained and may find it difficult to manage the expenses associated with prolonged treatment outside Chhindwara. Meanwhile, the condition of the other two injured newborns and the extent of their burns will require further medical assessment at Jabalpur. The death of one baby during the transfer has added urgency to the investigation into the hospital fire.

Petrol and diesel prices increased by 90 paise per litre across the country from Tuesday, marking the second fuel price hike within less than a week. Earlier on May 15, oil companies had already raised prices by ₹3 per litre for both petrol and diesel.

Following the latest revision, petrol prices in Bhopal reached ₹110.75 per litre, while diesel climbed to ₹95.91 per litre. In Indore and Jabalpur, petrol prices increased to ₹110.79 per litre, while Gwalior recorded ₹110.69 per litre. Ujjain registered the highest petrol price among major cities in Madhya Pradesh at ₹111.27 per litre. Diesel prices also witnessed a fresh jump, touching ₹96.40 per litre in Ujjain. In Indore, diesel reached ₹95.97 per litre, while Jabalpur recorded ₹95.98 and Gwalior ₹95.86 per litre. The fuel price rise quickly became part of the Latest News Today developments due to its expected impact on transportation, agriculture and household expenses.

Chhindwara Imposes Fuel Limit

Amid concerns over fuel availability and increasing pressure on supply, petrol pumps in Chhindwara have introduced restrictions on fuel sales. Dealers have reportedly been instructed not to provide petrol or diesel beyond a fixed limit to consumers.

Under the current restrictions, two-wheelers are being supplied fuel worth only ₹200, while small cars are limited to ₹500 worth of petrol. Larger vehicles are reportedly being allowed a maximum of 50 litres of petrol and 200 litres of diesel. Sources said oil companies issued verbal instructions to dealers and have started strict online monitoring of stock levels and fuel sales at petrol pumps. Officials warned that if pumps exceed the prescribed fuel limit, dispensing machines could be locked immediately by the companies.

Supply Under Monitoring

Petrol pump operators stated that fresh fuel tankers are being dispatched only when existing stock reaches near depletion levels. In several locations, consumers are reportedly receiving fuel equivalent to nearly 25 percent of vehicle tank capacity.

The monitoring mechanism has intensified after rising crude oil prices increased operational pressure on oil marketing companies. Dealers indicated that authorities are attempting to prevent panic buying and ensure controlled distribution of available fuel stock until supply conditions stabilise. The restrictions in Chhindwara have raised concerns among commuters, transport operators and traders dependent on daily fuel consumption.

Ujjain Promotes Fuel Saving

Amid rising fuel prices, a religious gathering in Ujjain also promoted fuel conservation and responsible consumption. During a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha programme, devotees were asked to pledge reduced use of petrol and diesel vehicles.

National saint Dr Santosh Maharaj from Amravati urged followers to avoid using petrol and diesel vehicles for at least one day every week or month. He encouraged greater use of e-scooters, e-rickshaws and bicycles to reduce fuel dependence and support environmental protection. The event was organised at Sant Leelashah Convent Higher Secondary School in Ujjain, where devotees also took a pledge to avoid purchasing gold for one year. Organisers linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal encouraging cautious use of petroleum products.

Daily Life May Get Costlier

Experts believe the latest fuel price hike could increase transportation and commodity costs in the coming weeks. Freight charges for trucks and commercial transport vehicles are expected to rise, potentially making vegetables, fruits and essential goods more expensive.

Agricultural costs may also increase because tractors, irrigation pumps and transport vehicles depend heavily on diesel. Economists warn that rising fuel prices could eventually affect food prices and rural production costs. Public transport fares, including buses, school transport and auto-rickshaws, may also witness upward revision if fuel prices remain elevated for a prolonged period. The issue has emerged as a major Public Interest Story because of its widespread economic impact on households and businesses.

Crude Oil Prices Behind Hike

According to officials, the latest fuel price increase has been triggered primarily by rising crude oil prices in the international market. Before escalating tensions involving Iran and the United States, crude oil prices were reportedly around 70 dollars per barrel. However, global crude prices have now crossed the 100-dollar-per-barrel mark, increasing pressure on oil marketing companies. Government officials stated that public sector oil companies including Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum were facing heavy financial losses because of rising import costs. Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma reportedly said oil companies were losing nearly ₹30,000 crore every month on the sale of petrol, diesel and LPG.

Three Youths Killed in Head-On Bike Collision Near Hanotiya in Chhindwara

Two speeding motorcycles collided head-on near Hanotiya village under Junnardeo police station late Sunday evening, claiming the lives of three young riders and leaving another critically injured. The tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents pointing to reckless speeding as the primary cause.

The incident occurred on the road close to the Hanotiya Community Health Centre. According to preliminary police information, both bikes were carrying two riders each and were moving at high speed in opposite directions when they crashed violently. The impact was so severe that two youths died on the spot, while the third succumbed to injuries during treatment at Junnardeo hospital.

 Fatal Crash Claims Young Lives

The deceased have been identified as 20-year-old Chandrabhan Yadav, 15-year-old Chaman Yadav, and 20-year-old Sonu Uike. Chaman, a minor, was among those who lost their lives in the collision. The fourth rider, whose identity is yet to be officially released, is undergoing treatment for serious injuries.

Local residents who rushed to the spot described a chaotic scene with mangled motorcycles and injured youths lying on the road. Prompt action by bystanders helped in alerting emergency services. The 108 ambulance pilot Ashok Malvi along with Dial 112 team including pilot Shiv Amravati and Head Constable Dilip Upadhyay reached the location quickly and shifted the victims to the hospital. 

Doctors at the Junnardeo facility, including Dr. Prachi Sahu, provided immediate medical care, but one of the youths could not be saved due to the extent of his injuries.

 Speeding Blamed for Deadly Smash-Up

Initial investigations by Junnardeo police suggest that over-speeding was the main reason behind the accident. The stretch near Hanotiya is reportedly used by riders for fast travel, raising concerns about road safety in the area. Police officials have registered a case under relevant sections and initiated further probe to determine if any other factors, such as road conditions or mechanical failure, contributed to the tragedy.

No formal statements have been issued by senior police officers yet, but sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the bodies were sent for post-mortem examination and efforts are underway to inform and support the grieving families.

 Community Mourns Loss of Young SoulsThe deaths have left families devastated, particularly that of 15-year-old Chaman Yadav. In rural parts of Chhindwara, such accidents involving young motorcycle riders are becoming distressingly common, often linked to lack of enforcement of traffic rules and limited awareness about road safety among youth.

Locals expressed anguish over the incident, with many calling for stricter patrolling and installation of speed breakers on vulnerable stretches. Similar accidents in the past have highlighted the need for better infrastructure and stricter licensing norms for two-wheeler riders in the district.

 Police Investigation Underway

Junnardeo police have started collecting evidence from the spot, including statements of eyewitnesses. The mangled remains of the motorcycles have been seized for technical examination. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage, if available in the vicinity, to reconstruct the sequence of events.

District administration is expected to review road safety measures in the Junnardeo region following this latest fatality. Officials indicated that awareness drives and enforcement actions against over-speeding could be intensified in the coming days.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of reckless driving, especially on district roads where emergency response times can be critical. As the families prepare to cremate their loved ones, the community hopes that this tragedy leads to meaningful steps that prevent such loss of young lives in the future.

Chhindwara erupted in tension Tuesday night after a 22-year-old woman received chilling death threats from men claiming Pathan identity over her social media post. The incident, linked to ongoing communal friction from a recent rally, led to hundreds protesting outside the police station demanding swift arrests.

Incident Unfolds Over Social Media Post

The woman shared a statement by Hindu leader Arvind Rajput, president of Historical Ramlila Mandal, opposing a counter-rally. Around 2 PM, she got an Instagram call from 3-4 youths identifying as Pathans. They demanded she delete the post, boasted of "running four girls" from her community who would "take poison" for them, and admitted to rape allegations while threatening her and Rajput, called "that bald man."

Audio excerpts reveal the callers pressuring her: "Delete your story... we have the guts to deal with that bald man." Abuses echoed in the background as she refused, saying it would vanish in 24 hours. She challenged them to meet at the police station.

Rally Backdrop Fuels Tensions

Tension traces to Telangana MLA T Raja Singh's February 16 Hindu Garjana rally in Chhindwara, where he made controversial remarks on "Vande Mataram" and alleged threats from certain communities, sparking a Gondwana Gantantra Party counter-protest on February 23. Hindu groups claimed it supported "terrorists," with Rajput warning "brick for stone" response.timesofindia.

This context amplified the woman's post, turning a simple status into a flashpoint. Experts note rising social media vigilantism amid polarized local politics, urging platforms to monitor inflammatory content faster.

Protests Surround Police Station

By 10:30 PM, the woman reached Kotwali police station with family. Rajput arrived with supporters, swelling the crowd to 1,000 by 1 AM. Protesters chanted for arrests by 11 AM Wednesday or they'd shut down Chhindwara. CSP Ajay Rana assured action, calming the mob past 2 AM.

• Key demands: Immediate arrest of callers.
  
  

• Police response: Teams hunted four suspects; sources confirmed three detained – Bilal, Dilawar, Salman.
  
  

• Current status: City normal, but vigilant policing continues.
  
  

Kotwali Inspector Ashish Kumar confirmed investigation via call details and Instagram data.

Police Action and Ongoing Probe

Police sources say three youths identified late night. Investigation examines audio, social media trails under relevant IPC sections for threats and abuse. No formal shutdown as deadline passed peacefully post-detentions.

Legal experts advise women facing online threats to screenshot evidence, report immediately, and avoid engaging callers. Community leaders call for de-escalation to prevent wider clashes in tribal-heavy Chhindwara.

This case highlights dangers of social media in heated communal debates, especially post-rallies. With detentions, tensions ease, but probe outcomes will test law enforcement's resolve. Stay tuned for updates

Chhindwara Gang Rape Case: Survivor Alleges Assault After Being Intoxicated at Hotel Party

In a shocking development in the Chhindwara gang rape case, police have arrested one accused while another remains absconding after a young woman alleged she was sexually assaulted at a hotel following a party invitation. The incident occurred late Monday night in Chhindwara, triggering widespread concern over women’s safety in the region.

According to police officials, the survivor claimed that two men took her to Amber Hotel near Alka Talkies under the pretext of attending a party. She alleged that the accused offered her beer and, after she became intoxicated, sexually assaulted her one after the other.

The case has been registered at Kotwali police station, and further investigation is underway.

Acquaintance Intervenes, Survivor Taken for Medical Care

The Chhindwara gang rape case came to light when an acquaintance of the woman learned about the incident and rushed to the hotel. She then escorted the survivor to Kotwali police station.

Police sources said the woman was heavily intoxicated at the time and unable to give a detailed statement. She was admitted to the district hospital for primary treatment and medical examination.

On Tuesday, following medical procedures and preliminary verification, a formal case was registered against the two accused — identified as Durgesh Harode and Atul Ghorase.

Police Action: One Arrested, Search On for Second Accused

Confirming developments in the Chhindwara gang rape case, Kotwali Inspector Ashish Kumar stated that the survivor and the accused were previously acquainted. Based on this familiarity, she had agreed to attend the gathering.

Police officials said:

 One accused has been taken into custody.

 Raids are ongoing to trace the absconding suspect.

 CCTV footage from the hotel and nearby areas is being examined.

 Forensic evidence is being collected as part of the investigation.

Authorities have assured that strict legal action will follow as per relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Why This Case Matters Now

Incidents like the Chhindwara gang rape case highlight ongoing concerns around women’s safety, especially in social settings involving acquaintances. Crime data trends in Madhya Pradesh have repeatedly brought focus to preventive policing, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement.

Experts in criminal law emphasize:

 Consent cannot be assumed under intoxication.

 Hotels and hospitality establishments must enforce guest safety protocols.

 Quick medical examination is critical for evidence preservation.

Women’s rights activists have called for stronger monitoring of public venues and faster trial processes in sexual assault cases.

Actionable Safety Takeaways

While responsibility always lies with perpetrators, safety experts suggest:

 Inform trusted contacts before attending private gatherings.

 Avoid excessive alcohol consumption in unfamiliar environments.

 Use verified transportation when returning home.

 Immediately report suspicious behavior to authorities.

Police have urged citizens to report any information related to the absconding accused to help expedite the investigation.

The Chhindwara gang rape case has once again raised pressing questions about safety, accountability, and community vigilance in Madhya Pradesh. With one accused in custody and search operations underway for the second suspect, authorities have promised swift justice.

As investigations continue, the case serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective responsibility — from law enforcement to civil society — in ensuring safer public and private spaces for women.