A 32-year-old woman in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district allegedly died by suicide after consuming poison, leaving behind an unusual message written with mehendi on her hands and feet that police are treating as an important piece of evidence in the investigation.

The deceased, identified as Preeti Verma, was married around 13 years ago. According to police, she was initially admitted to the district hospital after consuming a poisonous substance and was later shifted to a private medical facility, where she died during treatment on Saturday. A post-mortem examination was conducted on Sunday.

Mehendi Message Becomes Key Evidence

Investigators said Preeti had written detailed messages on her hands and feet using mehendi before allegedly taking the extreme step. Police have photographed and recorded videos of the writings, which will form part of the investigation.

According to her family, Preeti chose to write on her body because she feared that a suicide note written on paper could be destroyed. They claimed she wanted the message to remain intact so that investigators could examine it.

Police officials confirmed that the writings reportedly mention her husband and members of her in-laws' family. However, authorities have stated that the contents are being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Family Alleges Long-Term Harassment

Preeti's brother alleged that she had been facing mental and physical harassment from her in-laws for a prolonged period. According to him, complaints had previously been lodged with the police on multiple occasions.

He claimed that although assurances of reconciliation were given after earlier complaints, the alleged harassment continued. The family believes these circumstances led her to take the extreme step.

These allegations are currently under police investigation and have not been established in court.

Police Recording Statements

Chaurai police said they have begun recording statements from the victim's family members and are collecting all available evidence related to the case.

The investigating team has preserved photographic and video documentation of the mehendi writings and will examine them alongside witness statements and other material evidence before determining further legal action.

Officials said the investigation would establish whether any offences related to abetment or cruelty are made out based on the available evidence.

Investigation Underway

Police have not yet announced any arrests in the case. Investigators said every aspect of the incident, including the allegations mentioned in the writings and by the victim's family, will be thoroughly examined before any conclusions are drawn.

Authorities have reiterated that legal action, if warranted, will depend on the findings of the investigation and the evidence collected during the probe.

The case has drawn attention because of the unusual manner in which the deceased allegedly attempted to preserve her final message, making it a significant focus of the ongoing investigation.

A major political flashpoint has emerged in Madhya Pradesh's Datia ahead of the 30 July Assembly by-election, with protests breaking out after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) replaced former Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra with Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate.

The agitation, which began on Friday evening, escalated into violence in the early hours of Saturday, leading to a 15–20 kilometre traffic blockade on the Gwalior–Jhansi National Highway. Police resorted to firing tear gas shells after clashes with protesters, while several vehicles were damaged during stone-pelting.

Eight Police Personnel Injured

According to district officials, eight police personnel, including the Superintendent of Police (SP) and the SDOP of Bhander, sustained injuries during the violence. Some supporters of Dr. Narottam Mishra were also reportedly injured.

Officials said protesters overturned police vehicles, damaged several trucks, smashed the windshield of the SDOP's vehicle, and allegedly attempted to set a police vehicle on fire.

Hundreds of BJP Workers Join Protest

More than 500 BJP workers, including a large number of women, participated in demonstrations against the party's decision. Protesters staged road blockades at multiple locations, including Haripur Tiraha in Dabra, while slogans were raised against BJP candidate Ashutosh Tiwari.

Supporters from neighbouring districts also reached Datia to participate in the protest, further intensifying the situation.

Leaders Submit Resignations

The political fallout extended beyond street protests. BJP Datia district president Raghuveer Saran and several party office-bearers resigned from their posts in protest against the denial of a ticket to Narottam Mishra.

According to supporters, the BJP's city minister, party treasurer, and several municipal councillors have also tendered their resignations.

Narottam Had Already Begun Campaign

Dr. Narottam Mishra had already launched his election campaign after the bypoll was announced. He had purchased nomination papers, addressed public meetings, and sought public support before the party announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its official candidate.

The BJP declared Tiwari's candidature after legal developments relating to the by-election.

Administration Tightens Security

As the situation deteriorated, authorities deployed additional police personnel across the district and sought reinforcement from the Police Headquarters (PHQ). Security was intensified around the BJP office, where nearly 250 party workers were prevented from leaving as a precautionary measure.

Traffic on the Gwalior–Jhansi route was diverted, while police from Datia and Gwalior jointly managed the movement of vehicles.

District Collector Swapnil Wankhede said the administration had exercised restraint despite the violence but warned that strict action would be taken if law and order was disturbed again.

Markets Shut, Political Activity Intensifies

Several markets in Datia remained closed on Saturday morning as trader associations extended support to the protest. Meanwhile, Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad is scheduled to address a public meeting in support of the party's candidate later in the day.

With campaigning intensifying and political tensions rising, the Datia Assembly by-election has quickly become one of the most closely watched electoral contests in Madhya Pradesh.

The Madhya Pradesh government is set to release the 38th installment of the Ladli Bahna Yojana on 12 July, transferring ₹1,500 directly into the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries across the state.

The fund transfer programme will be held at Mehgaon Mandi in Bhind district, where Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is expected to participate and address beneficiaries.

Under the flagship welfare scheme, eligible women receive monthly financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The initiative aims to strengthen the economic independence of women and improve their financial security.

During the event, the Chief Minister is likely to interact with beneficiaries and highlight the state government's commitment to women-centric welfare programmes. Senior ministers, public representatives and district administration officials are also expected to be present.

The Ladli Bahna Yojana remains one of the Madhya Pradesh government's flagship social welfare initiatives, benefiting millions of women across the state through regular financial assistance.

The release of the 38th installment comes as the government continues to focus on women's empowerment and inclusive social security measures.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate for the Datia Assembly by-election, ending speculation over the party's nominee. The decision comes after the Delhi High Court refused to stay the conviction of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti, prompting the BJP to release its candidate list on Friday.

Ashutosh Tiwari had earlier sought a BJP ticket from the Sevda Assembly constituency in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections but was overlooked in favour of Pradeep Agrawal. Tiwari has served as the BJP's Divisional Organisation Minister and was also the Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Housing Board, holding the rank of a Cabinet Minister.

Narottam Mishra's Preparations Fall Short

The announcement came as a surprise since former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra had already begun campaigning after the by-election was announced. He had addressed multiple public meetings and had even purchased his nomination form earlier this week, leading to widespread speculation that he would be the BJP's candidate.

Despite these preparations, the party leadership chose Ashutosh Tiwari instead. So far, 13 candidates have purchased nomination forms, while four have already filed their nominations.

Mishra Had Purchased Nomination Form

Dr. Narottam Mishra, a senior BJP leader and former state Home Minister, purchased his nomination papers on Wednesday and was expected to file his nomination on Friday. However, before the filing process could begin, the BJP's central leadership officially announced Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate.

Rajendra Bharti's Legal Challenge Rejected

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition of former Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti on Friday. Earlier, Bharti had stated that if the Congress chose not to field a member of his family, he would fully support whichever candidate the party nominated for the by-election.

Narottam Mishra Had Sought Public Forgiveness

Following the announcement of the by-election, Dr. Narottam Mishra had actively campaigned across the constituency and even publicly acknowledged past mistakes.

At his first public meeting near Chhote Fubbare on Thandi Road, Mishra appealed to voters for forgiveness, saying he had reflected on his past conduct and had changed his approach. He assured residents that they would always be welcomed and respected whenever they visited him.

During another rally at Rawatpura College, Mishra rejected the Congress' allegation of a ₹70-crore political deal, remarking that the BJP does not accept "discarded material." He also challenged Congress leaders to identify the alleged aide of a Union Minister they had referred to in their accusations.

Election Campaign Gains Momentum

With the BJP officially naming Ashutosh Tiwari as its candidate, the campaign for the Datia Assembly by-election has intensified. The BJP, Congress, and Azad Samaj Party have all stepped up their outreach efforts as the constituency heads toward polling.

A 20-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh's Satna district, who had been missing for nearly three months after visiting his in-laws' home in Rewa, was allegedly murdered and secretly buried, police said after recovering his decomposed body from a village on Thursday.

The victim, identified as Vipin Kumar Yadav, a resident of Mohar Tola (Bhagdevra) in Rampur Baghelan, had gone to his in-laws' house in Tikar village under Govindgarh police station limits on March 26. His family lost contact with him the following day, prompting his father to file a missing person complaint on March 28.

Missing Person Case Turns Into Murder Probe

Initially, investigators believed Vipin might have left on his own after a family dispute. However, despite questioning relatives and acquaintances, police failed to trace him.

The investigation took a crucial turn after technical surveillance placed Vipin's last mobile location in Tikar village. Police then scrutinised the call records of his wife, which allegedly revealed frequent and lengthy conversations with a local resident, Sunil Kushwaha.

Based on the findings, police detained Sunil for questioning.

Accused Confesses During Interrogation

According to police, the accused allegedly confessed to strangling Vipin on March 27 before disposing of the body in a well.

During interrogation, he reportedly told investigators that the body later floated to the surface, raising fears of discovery. He then removed the body from the well and buried it about 300 metres from his house near a drain so he could monitor the location and avoid suspicion.

Body Recovered After Three Months

Acting on the accused's disclosure, police carried out an excavation in Tikar village on Thursday evening in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.

The victim's body was recovered from several feet below the ground. Officials said the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition after being buried for nearly three months.

The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, while forensic experts are expected to assist in determining the exact cause of death.

Police Probe Motive

Police have taken both the accused and the victim's wife into custody for questioning. Investigators are examining whether the murder was linked to an alleged extramarital relationship or any other motive.

Authorities are also verifying ownership of the land where the body was buried by examining revenue records.

Further Investigation Underway

Additional Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mishra said a murder case has been registered and the investigation is continuing.

He said further charges will be added based on the post-mortem report, forensic examination and other technical evidence collected during the investigation. Police are exploring all possible angles before filing the final chargesheet.

In a first-of-its-kind administrative move in Madhya Pradesh, the Guna Municipal Council has assigned a Revenue Department Patwari to examine pending property mutation (Naamantaran) cases. The initiative has been taken to expedite the disposal of 629 pending mutation applications, most of which have remained stalled at the Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) level.

The order, issued by the Guna Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on the directions of the District Collector, marks the first instance in the state where a Patwari has been entrusted with verifying mutation cases under a municipal body.

Officials believe the decision will help reduce the backlog and streamline the mutation process, which is crucial for updating property ownership records and facilitating property-related transactions.

Patwari Appointed for Physical Verification

Under the new arrangement, Saurabh Bansal, Patwari of Barkheda Gird in Guna Rural Tehsil, has been assigned the responsibility of conducting the physical verification of pending mutation cases for a period of one month.

The appointment has been made through an official order issued by the SDM. After the verification process is completed, the files are expected to move forward for administrative approval, allowing long-pending cases to be resolved more quickly.

The initiative has been launched following instructions from the District Collector as part of efforts to improve administrative efficiency within the municipal system.

629 Mutation Cases Await Disposal

According to official records, the Guna Municipal Council currently has 629 pending mutation cases.

Officials said none of these files are pending at the level of the Municipal Council Chairperson. Instead, all the cases are awaiting approval at the Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) level.

The majority of the backlog accumulated during 2025 and 2026, with 260 cases pending from 2025 and 255 cases from 2026. During this period, the CMO's responsibilities were reportedly being handled by a Deputy Collector serving as the in-charge officer.

The large number of pending applications has delayed ownership transfers for property holders, affecting various administrative and legal processes.

Municipal Revenue System Explained

Property mutation in municipal areas is governed by the Madhya Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1961.

Under the existing system, municipal revenue officials, including Revenue Inspectors, examine mutation applications before forwarding them for approval. Once verified, the files are sent to the CMO and subsequently to the Municipal Chairperson for final approval. The mutation process is completed only after all required signatures are obtained.

The latest arrangement introduces an additional verification stage by involving a Revenue Department Patwari before the files proceed further.

Administrative Concerns Over New Arrangement

While the move is expected to accelerate the disposal of pending cases, it has also raised administrative questions regarding the chain of authority.

Traditionally, Revenue Inspectors within municipal bodies are senior to Patwaris in matters related to revenue administration. Under the new arrangement, however, a Patwari will verify cases after they have already been processed by the Municipal Revenue Inspector.

Officials believe this overlapping responsibility could create coordination challenges between the two departments. However, the administration maintains that the temporary arrangement has been introduced solely to clear the backlog and improve public service delivery.

The success of the initiative could serve as a model for other municipal bodies across Madhya Pradesh if it effectively reduces delays in property mutation cases.

The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Gwalior has issued show-cause notices to eight health department employees after they were found absent without prior permission during a monthly review meeting of government health programmes in Bhitarwar block. The action comes as the district health administration tightens accountability to ensure the effective implementation of public healthcare services and national health schemes.

The review meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on assessing the progress of various national health programmes and government-sponsored healthcare initiatives. During the meeting, several officials and staff members were found absent without informing the department in advance, prompting the CMHO to seek explanations from the concerned employees.

According to health department officials, the unexplained absence was treated as a serious case of indiscipline, particularly because such review meetings play a crucial role in monitoring the implementation of healthcare services at the grassroots level.

Review Meeting Focused on Health Schemes

The monthly review meeting was organised to evaluate the performance of various health programmes being implemented in Bhitarwar block. Officials reviewed the progress of ongoing schemes, service delivery, and the functioning of health centres across the region.

During attendance verification, eight employees were found missing without any prior intimation or approved leave. Taking serious note of the absence, CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar directed that show-cause notices be issued immediately to all concerned staff members.

Officials said regular participation in review meetings is essential for monitoring field-level performance and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently to beneficiaries.

Eight Employees Receive Show-Cause Notices

The employees who have been served notices include Community Health Officer (CHO) Prabha Shankar Kourav of Bhauri Sub Centre, Priyanka Solanki, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) at Toda Sub Centre, Parvati Choudhary, ANM at Antari, Ritu Choubey, ANM at Gohinda, and Archana Kumari, CHO at Sakhni.

The notices have also been issued to Data Entry Operators Abhishek Shrivastava, Ram Milan Rawat, and Komal Singh Rawat.

All eight employees have been directed to submit their explanations within the stipulated time frame.

Strict Action Warned for Unsatisfactory Replies

CMHO Dr. M.S. Sagar said that attendance at departmental review meetings is mandatory for all health officials and employees, as these meetings help assess the implementation of health services and government welfare schemes.

He instructed the concerned employees to submit written explanations within the prescribed deadline and warned that disciplinary action would be initiated under departmental rules if their responses are found unsatisfactory.

The CMHO also directed all health officers and staff to ensure mandatory participation in future review meetings and maintain accountability in discharging their official responsibilities.

According to officials, the district health administration has been placing greater emphasis on regular monitoring and timely implementation of healthcare programmes to improve public health services across Gwalior district. Authorities believe that strict adherence to departmental procedures and attendance norms is essential for achieving better outcomes under various national and state health initiatives.

A 24-year-old woman in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has accused a man of sexually exploiting her for nearly a year after allegedly promising to marry her while concealing the fact that he was already married and the father of two children. The case came to light after the woman became pregnant and allegedly discovered the accused's marital status.

Based on the victim's complaint, Gola Ka Mandir Police have registered an FIR against the accused under relevant sections related to rape and criminal intimidation. Police said efforts are underway to trace the accused, identified as Ashish Gurjar.

According to investigators, the woman alleged that the accused introduced himself as an unmarried man and developed a romantic relationship with her before repeatedly establishing physical relations on the pretext of marriage. The alleged deception surfaced only after she insisted on marriage following her pregnancy.

Friendship Began at a Gym

According to police, the complainant, a resident of Thatipur in Gwalior, stated that she met Ashish Gurjar in March 2025 at a gym in the locality where both regularly worked out.

Their acquaintance gradually turned into a friendship and later a romantic relationship. The woman alleged that during this period, Ashish claimed he was unmarried and assured her that he intended to marry her. Trusting his assurances, she agreed to continue the relationship.

Allegedly Exploited on Promise of Marriage

In her complaint, the woman alleged that from December 2025 onwards, the accused repeatedly took her to different locations and established physical relations with her on the promise of marriage.

She claimed that Ashish would drive her in his SUV to Bhausaheb Society and also to a friend's apartment, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her after reassuring her that they would soon get married.

The victim alleged that every time she questioned him about marriage, he convinced her to continue the relationship by repeating the same promise.

Pregnancy Revealed the Alleged Deception

The woman told police that she became pregnant in April 2026 and subsequently asked the accused to fulfil his promise of marriage.

Instead of agreeing, she alleged, Ashish refused to marry her and began pressuring her to terminate the pregnancy.

Suspecting something was wrong, the woman contacted the accused's elder brother. It was then, according to her complaint, that she learned Ashish was already married and had two children.

The revelation, she alleged, left her shocked as she had been unaware of his marital status throughout their relationship.

Threats After Complaint

The complainant further alleged that after she confronted the accused and decided to approach the police, Ashish and his family members threatened and defamed her.

She claimed they warned her against filing a complaint and allegedly threatened to kill her if she pursued legal action.

Police have included the allegations of criminal intimidation in the FIR and said they are verifying all claims made by the complainant during the investigation.

Police Register Case, Search for Accused

Based on the woman's complaint, Gola Ka Mandir Police have registered a case against Ashish Gurjar under relevant provisions related to rape and criminal intimidation.

Investigating officers said the accused is currently absconding, and search operations are underway to locate him. Police added that further action will be taken based on evidence collected during the investigation.

Authorities have not released additional details, and the allegations made in the FIR are yet to be tested in court.

The Madhya Pradesh government has taken a major step towards reviving and modernising public transport by finalising 40 intercity routes for the operation of state-run buses. As part of the proposed State Road Transport Scheme, the government has invited objections and suggestions from the public within 30 days before the plan is formally implemented.

Once the notification process is completed, the government will begin operating buses on the notified routes through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The initiative aims to provide safe, reliable and time-bound public transport services while leveraging technology to improve passenger convenience.

One of the key highlights of the new transport system is the introduction of electronic ticketing and real-time GPS tracking. According to the Transport Department, every bus will be equipped with tracking devices that will update its live location every 10 seconds. Passengers will be able to monitor the exact location of buses through an official website, making travel planning easier and more transparent.

E-Tickets and Live Tracking to Enhance Passenger Experience

Under the new policy, passengers will receive electronic tickets instead of conventional paper tickets. The digital ticketing system is expected to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual errors and make fare collection more transparent.

Additionally, GPS-enabled tracking devices installed in every bus will transmit real-time location updates every 10 seconds. This feature will allow commuters to check bus movements online, helping them estimate arrival times and reduce waiting periods at bus stops.

The government also plans to deploy a higher number of buses on routes experiencing heavy passenger traffic to ensure better connectivity and reduce overcrowding.

Operations to Be Managed Under PPP Model

The Transport Department has issued a notification stating that the services will be operated by Madhya Pradesh Passenger Bus Transport and Infrastructure Limited on the notified routes.

Permits will be issued in the name of the state transport undertaking, while private bus operators will be engaged through agreements under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The state government believes this model will combine public oversight with private sector efficiency to deliver improved transport services across Madhya Pradesh.

Officials said the new transport policy is designed to establish a structured, safe and punctual public bus network across the state. Bus operations are expected to commence within seven days after the scheme is officially implemented.

40 Major Intercity Routes Notified

The proposed network will connect several key districts across Madhya Pradesh through 40 major intercity routes.

Cities and districts included in the scheme include Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Chhindwara, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Ratlam, Dhar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Shivpuri, Guna, Shajapur, Dewas, Sehore and Narsinghpur, among others.

The government expects the expanded network to improve regional connectivity and provide affordable public transport options for daily commuters as well as long-distance travellers.

Different Categories of Buses Planned

According to the scheme, different categories of buses will be deployed depending on the route and passenger demand.

For regular routes, midi buses with a seating capacity of 23 to 34 passengers will operate in Ordinary, Semi-Deluxe and Deluxe categories.

For major intercity routes, standard buses with seating capacities ranging from 35 to 70 passengers will be introduced. These buses will be available in AC Deluxe, AC Luxury and AC Super Luxury categories to offer enhanced comfort for long-distance travel.

The state government believes the initiative will significantly strengthen Madhya Pradesh's public transport infrastructure while encouraging greater use of organised and technology-driven bus services.

The speeding truck hit the bike late Saturday night near Chorhata airstrip; police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

Two young men were killed and another critically injured after a speeding truck rammed into their bike late Saturday night in Rewa district's Chorhata police station area. All three victims belong to the same family.

The accident occurred in front of the Chorhata airstrip in Agdal. The truck hit the bike with such force that two of the riders died on the spot. The third was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Family member Sanjay Kol identified the deceased as Chhotu Kol and Dilip Kol. The injured person was named as Pankaj Kol. All three were travelling together on the bike late at night when the accident happened.

Injured Undergoing Treatment

Locals informed the police immediately after the accident. Police arrived at the scene and rushed the injured Pankaj to a hospital, where he continues to receive treatment.

Chorhata police station in-charge Pawan Shukla said a police team reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. The bodies of the two deceased were taken into custody and sent to the mortuary for post-mortem.

"The accident occurred late Saturday night. Our team is investigating the matter. A case has been registered," Shukla said.

Rising Concern Over Road Safety

The accident is the latest in a series of fatal road incidents in Rewa district. Speeding trucks on highways and poorly lit roads have been identified as major contributing factors to such tragedies.

This incident also highlights the vulnerability of two-wheeler riders, especially at night. The loss of two young lives from the same family has left the community in shock.

Police officials have urged riders to exercise caution while travelling at night and to ensure proper lighting and reflective gear on their vehicles. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.

Metro work, flyover construction, and road widening projects in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior have left streets scarred just as the rainy season arrives.

The monsoon is knocking on Madhya Pradesh's door, but several cities appear woefully unprepared. In Bhopal, roads remain dug up due to metro rail, flyover, and elevated corridor projects. In Indore, similar chaos prevails. Ujjain is grappling with massive Simhastha-related construction. And Gwalior? Its drainage system is already choked.

The question isn't whether there will be waterlogging — it's how bad it will get after the first heavy spell.

Officials claim preparations are underway, but ground reports from Dainik Bhaskar paint a worrying picture across the state's major urban centres.

Bhopal: Narrowed Roads, Traffic Jams, and Recent Sinkholes

The state capital is perhaps the worst hit. Work on the Orange Line's second route — between Subhash Nagar and Karond — is in full swing across 10 kilometres. From underground work near Bhopal station to pillars coming up in Sindhi Colony, Karond, Arif Nagar, and the old city, road widths have been reduced by nearly half.

Locals say even light rain triggers massive jams. Local MLA Atif Aqeel has already expressed frustration over traffic chaos, but little has improved.

The Blue Line stretch from Bhadbhada to Ratnagiri tells a similar story. The road between New Market and Bhadbhada has narrowed considerably. Raisen Road faces identical problems, with evening commuters getting stuck for hours daily.

Then there's the Rs 836 crore Ayodhya Bypass project — converting the route into a 10-lane highway. Sixteen kilometres of road, eight new bridges, and diversions at multiple points. At night, the lack of lighting makes the route particularly hazardous, residents complain.

Over the past year, Bhopal has witnessed three road cave-ins. The MP Nagar area saw two collapses, while another occurred near Bilkhiriya on Raisen Road. One sinkhole near MP Nagar was so deep — 8 feet — that a car could have disappeared into it.

Ujjain: Simhastha Preparations Turn City Into Construction Zone

With Simhastha-2028 on the horizon, Ujjain has become one giant construction site. Nearly Rs 13,000 crore worth of development projects are underway — road widening, bridges, tunnels, an elevated corridor, a ropeway, shopping malls, parking lots, temple expansion, and a medicity project.

Just last week, a child drowned in a rainwater-filled pit dug for ropeway work near the railway station. The tragedy has become a grim warning of what monsoon could bring.

Officials have identified multiple danger zones. The road widening and sewerage work between Koyla Fatak and Teliwada Chowk has left roads pitted — several people have already fallen in recent pre-monsoon showers.

Other high-risk stretches include the Gail India-Nilganga crossing, Tagore Chowk-Do Talab, Revenue Colony, Nanakheda-Shanti Palace, Bijasan Mata Temple-Dewas Road, and the Gaadi Adda Chowk-Rankeshwar Mahadev Temple route.

Construction pits near Regal Talkies, Chhatri Chowk, Kamri Marg, and Harsiddhi Pal to Ramghat are also major concerns.

Municipal Commissioner Abhilash Mishra has directed all zonal officers and engineers to remain on alert mode. He has ordered quick removal of debris and waterlogging during rainfall and ensuring drain cleaning.

Indore: Elevated Bridge Work, Waterlogging Spots

The city's elevated bridge project between Devas Naka and Vijay Nagar Chowk is expected to cause major disruptions once heavy rains begin.

Areas like Press Complex on the BRTS road — notorious for waterlogging — will likely worsen. MIG police station area, Nehru Nagar Road No. 2, and the stretch near Lakshmi Memorial Hospital where road digging is underway, are also flood-prone.

Hukumchand Ghantaghar area, Moosakhedi Ring Road crossing, and Khajrana to Robot crossing remain perennial trouble spots.

Dwarkapuri area still haunts residents. Last year, vehicles were swept away in the Ram Mandir lane. The upcoming monsoon is already a source of anxiety.

Gwalior: Choked Drains, Shrunk Rivers

Gwalior's drainage system is in critical shape. Nearly 10 major drains remain choked, while encroachments have narrowed the Swarnarekha and Murar rivers at multiple points. A half-hour spell of rain last week caused waterlogging in Murar, railway station, Hajira, Thatipur, City Centre, and Lashkar areas.

Baradari, Sadar Bazar, Suresh Nagar, Jiwaji Nagar, Govindpuri, Patel Nagar, Falka Bazaar, and Jinsi Nala are identified as the most vulnerable spots.

Experts warn of road cave-ins, traffic disruption, and waterborne diseases.

Municipal officials, however, claim a two-month-long drain cleaning drive has been underway, with JCBs and pokelens deployed across all four assembly constituencies.

Past Incidents: A Grim Reminder

Four months ago in Indore, 33-year-old Rakesh Yadav died after his bike fell into an open pit dug for the Narmada pipeline on VIP Paraspar Road. His leg was severed in the accident. He died during treatment.

Bhopal has seen three major road cave-ins in the past year alone. Though no fatalities occurred, the incidents underscore a systemic failure in urban planning and safety compliance.

As Madhya Pradesh braces for the monsoon, these cities stand at a precarious crossroads. Officials are making promises. Residents are hoping for the best — but preparing for the worst.