Madhya Pradesh is expected to witness another spell of heavy rainfall from August 4 and 5, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intense showers across several northern and eastern districts. Until then, light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue across most parts of the state, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur.

According to the IMD's Bhopal Meteorological Centre, two active weather systems, including a low-pressure area over Rajasthan and the monsoon trough passing through Madhya Pradesh, are influencing the state's weather pattern. However, their impact remained limited on Saturday, with only light rainfall reported in districts such as Bhopal, Ratlam and Khargone.

Heavy Rain Alert for August 4-5

The weather department has not issued any heavy rainfall warning for the next 48 hours. However, rainfall activity is expected to intensify from August 4, particularly in the northeastern region of the state.

On August 4, heavy rain is forecast in Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Maihar, Sidhi, Umaria, Shahdol and Anuppurdistricts.

The alert expands on August 5, covering Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa and Mauganj, where heavy rainfall is likely.

Rainfall Deficit Continues

Despite an active final week of July, Madhya Pradesh continues to record a rainfall deficit this monsoon season.

The IMD said the state received 14% below-normal rainfall in June. Although rainfall improved during the first week of July, two prolonged monsoon breaks significantly affected seasonal totals. As a result, cumulative rainfall remains 13% below the seasonal average.

The state's normal seasonal rainfall stands at 37.3 inches, while major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior usually receive around 38 to 39 inches during the monsoon.

Uneven Rainfall Across Districts

The rainfall distribution remains highly uneven, with 43 districts reporting below-normal rainfall, including Jabalpur, Ujjain, Guna, Dhar, Ratlam, Vidisha, Morena, Satna, Sidhi and Tikamgarh.

Meanwhile, 12 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Dewas and Shahdol, have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Tourist Spots Come Alive

Recent showers have transformed several tourist destinations across the state. Khargone's Kunda Waterfall is flowing at full capacity following heavy rainfall over the past two days. Authorities have temporarily restricted entry to Sirwel Mahadev as a precaution.

In Ratlam, continuous rain since Saturday morning has pushed seasonal rainfall beyond 13 inches, with the city's Hanuman Tal reservoir reaching full capacity.

Gwalior also witnessed moderate to heavy showers on Saturday afternoon, followed by intermittent drizzle through the night.

August Usually Brings Peak Monsoon

Meteorological records indicate that August is historically the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal recorded its wettest August in 2006, when nearly 35 inches of rain fell, including over 12 inches in a single day. Indore's highest August rainfall was recorded in 1944, while Jabalpur still holds a century-old record of 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923.

Weather experts expect rainfall activity to strengthen further during the first week of August as fresh monsoon systems become active over central India.

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 55-year-old havildar posted at the 40 Wing Air Force Station in Gwalior died during treatment at the Military Hospital (MH), Murar, four days after his health reportedly deteriorated inside the Air Force campus.

Police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated legal formalities. The body has been kept in the mortuary, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted after the arrival of the deceased's family.

Health Deteriorated After Duty

According to police, the deceased has been identified as Naresh Kumar, a resident of Bharmar village in Jawali tehsil of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

As per the information provided by Subedar Sudhir Dubey, Naresh Kumar completed his duty on the night of July 22 and returned to his barracks inside the 40 Wing Air Force Station.

While resting in his accommodation around midnight, his health suddenly worsened.

Shifted to Military Hospital

Fellow servicemen and senior officers immediately rushed him to the Military Hospital, Murar, where he was admitted for treatment.

Doctors monitored his condition over the next four days. However, despite medical efforts, the havildar died on Sunday evening (July 26) during treatment.

Police Begin Legal Proceedings

Following information from the Military Hospital, Maharajpura Police took the body into custody and shifted it to the mortuary.

A case has been registered, and police have completed the inquest proceedings. Officials said the post-mortem will be carried out on Monday as part of the legal process.

The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem report and medical examination.

Family Informed

Authorities have informed the deceased's family in Himachal Pradesh about the incident.

Police said further action will be taken in accordance with the post-mortem findings and standard legal procedures.

Gwalior, widely regarded as the cradle of Hindustani classical music and the land of legendary musician Miyan Tansen, is set to receive a major cultural landmark. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has announced plans to establish a high-tech Museum of Music within the historic Moti Mahal complex, combining heritage conservation with modern museum technology.

The project aims to preserve the architectural character of Moti Mahal while transforming it into an interactive cultural destination that highlights Gwalior's centuries-old musical traditions for visitors from India and abroad.

Heritage Meets Modern Technology

Under the proposed project, the original structure of Moti Mahal will be carefully conserved while being equipped with advanced digital exhibition systems, immersive galleries, and interactive displays.

The museum is expected to narrate the evolution of Indian classical music through multimedia installations, archival collections, digital storytelling, and audio-visual experiences. Visitors will be able to explore the history of the Gwalior Gharana, one of the oldest and most influential schools of Hindustani classical music, along with the contributions of Tansen and several other renowned musicians associated with the city.

Officials believe the initiative will offer a unique blend of history, culture, education, and technology under one roof.

New Cultural Tourism Destination

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has invited proposals from interested agencies to undertake the ambitious project.

The selected agency will be responsible for the restoration, development, operation, maintenance, and overall management of the museum while ensuring that the historic integrity of the Moti Mahal complex is preserved.

Beyond conservation, the project seeks to transform the heritage site into a vibrant cultural, educational, and tourism hub capable of attracting domestic and international visitors throughout the year.

Boost After UNESCO Recognition

The significance of the project has increased following Gwalior's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The proposed museum is expected to complement the city's global cultural identity by providing an engaging space where visitors can experience the history and evolution of Indian classical music.

Interactive exhibits are likely to showcase the traditions of the Gwalior Gharana, the life and musical achievements of Tansen, and the contributions of generations of classical musicians who shaped India's musical heritage.

Benefits for Tourism and Research

Officials expect the Museum of Music to strengthen Gwalior's position as a leading destination for cultural tourism.

The project is anticipated to:

• Enhance domestic and international tourism.
• Generate new employment opportunities in tourism and heritage management.
• Serve as a valuable learning centre for music students, scholars, and researchers.
• Promote awareness of India's classical music traditions through modern exhibition techniques.
• Encourage cultural events, educational programs, and heritage-based tourism initiatives.

Project Timeline

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has begun the process of selecting a development partner.

Interested agencies have been invited to submit proposals by August 13 at 5:00 PM. After the completion of the tender process, the selected agency will receive the work order, following which restoration and construction activities at the Moti Mahal complex are expected to begin.

Strengthening Gwalior's Cultural Identity

The proposed Museum of Music represents an important step toward preserving one of India's richest musical traditions while making it more accessible to future generations.

By integrating heritage conservation with digital technology, the project aims to create a world-class cultural institution that celebrates Gwalior's enduring contribution to Indian classical music. If completed as envisioned, the museum could become a landmark destination for music lovers, researchers, students, and tourists from across the globe.

Devotees across Madhya Pradesh celebrated the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra with religious fervour on Thursday as grand chariot processions were taken out in several cities, including Ujjain, Harda, Maheshwar, Begamganj and Gwalior. Thousands of devotees gathered along the procession routes, offering prayers, pulling the chariots and welcoming Lord Jagannath with flower showers, devotional music and traditional rituals.

The festival marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, accompanied by his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, from the temple to devotees, symbolising divine blessings and equality.

Harda Chariot Decorated With 51 kg of Flowers

In Harda, the traditional Rath Yatra began from the historic Jagdish Temple, where the deities were seated on a beautifully decorated chariot adorned with 51 kilograms of flowers. The procession, now in its third consecutive year, passed through major city roads as devotees welcomed the chariot with floral offerings, aarti and chants of "Jai Jagannath."

Large crowds lined the streets to seek blessings from the deities during the city procession.

Maheshwar Hosts 11th Rath Yatra

In Maheshwar of Khargone district, Lord Jagannath emerged for public darshan after the customary 15-day Anasara period, during which the deities remain in seclusion following the Snana Purnima rituals.

The town witnessed its 11th annual Rath Yatra, with 16 devotees ceremonially placing the idols on the chariot. Accompanied by traditional bands, drums and devotional singing, the procession drew thousands of devotees who prayed for prosperity, good rainfall and peace.

Ujjain Prepares Twin Rath Yatras

In Ujjain, two separate Rath Yatras were scheduled to begin in the afternoon.

The first procession is being organised by ISKCON Temple from Indira Nagar Square, while the second is being taken out from Lord Jagdish Temple at Kartik Chowk by the Khati community.

For the occasion, artisans from West Bengal prepared special ceremonial attire for Lord Jagannath using imported Japanese threads and pearls at an estimated cost of ₹2.5 lakh. Three specially designed chariots have also been prepared for the procession.

The route includes Mandi Chowk, Chamunda Mata, Freeganj Bridge, Tower Chowk, Teen Batti and Vikramaditya Research Institute before returning to the temple.

Begamganj Witnesses Political Unity

In Begamganj of Raisen district, the Rath Yatra reflected an atmosphere of communal harmony and political unity. Before the procession began, Congress MLA Devendra Patel and senior BJP leader and former minister Thakur Rampal Singh Rajput jointly offered prayers at the Jagdish Temple.

The procession later moved through the town amid devotional music and religious celebrations before reaching Dussehra Maidan, where Lord Jagannath's chariot will halt overnight before returning to the temple the following day.

Organisers estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 devotees would participate in the celebrations.

Preparations Continue in Gwalior

In Kulaith village near Gwalior, devotees gathered at the Jagannath Temple for devotional singing and community feasts ahead of the Rath Yatra. The procession was scheduled to begin in the afternoon, with elaborate security arrangements and a village fair organised to accommodate the expected crowd.

Festival Symbolises Devotion and Inclusivity

Jagannath Rath Yatra is among India's most significant religious festivals and is celebrated across several states with massive public participation. The procession symbolises Lord Jagannath's journey among devotees and reflects values of devotion, equality and social harmony.

Authorities across Madhya Pradesh deployed police personnel and traffic management teams to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the celebrations.

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.

A 23-year-old woman from Gwalior has alleged that a man she had befriended after he helped her family during a roadside emergency attempted to sexually assault her after luring her away from a wedding ceremony in Dabra. The accused allegedly took her to a secluded canal-side road, where he tried to rape her before fleeing when a passing vehicle approached the spot.

The incident reportedly occurred three days ago. Police have registered a zero FIR at the Gwalior Women's Police Station and transferred the case diary to Dabra Dehat Police Station, as the alleged crime took place within its jurisdiction. Further investigation is underway.

Friendship Built on Trust

According to the complaint, the survivor lost her father three years ago and lives with her mother in Gwalior's Murar area. Around three weeks ago, she had travelled with family members to Goleshwar Temple in Karahiya for darshan.

During the return journey, the family's vehicle reportedly broke down on a deserted road. A passer-by provided the contact number of Santosh Kushwaha, a resident of Karahiya, who arrived with his four-wheeler and helped the family reach Chandravadani Naka in Gwalior safely.

Following the incident, the woman and the accused remained in contact, with the complainant stating that she trusted him as a genuine friend who had helped her family in difficult circumstances.

Called Out During Wedding Function

Police said the woman had travelled to Dabra on Saturday to attend a neighbour's family wedding. During the function, she allegedly received a phone call from Santosh Kushwaha, who insisted on meeting her, claiming that he was also present in Dabra.

Trusting him, she stepped outside the marriage garden around 8:30 pm, where the accused was waiting on a motorcycle. He then allegedly persuaded her to accompany him before taking her to an isolated stretch near a canal on the outskirts of the town.

Alleged Assault on Secluded Road

According to the complaint, after reaching the deserted location, the accused stopped the motorcycle and allegedly attempted to sexually assault the woman. She alleged that he tried to force himself on her, attempted to tear her clothes, and behaved in an obscene manner despite her resistance.

The complainant said she screamed for help and continued resisting throughout the alleged assault.

Passing Vehicle Interrupts Incident

The alleged attack was interrupted when a four-wheeler passed through the otherwise deserted road. The headlights of the approaching vehicle illuminated the area, causing the accused to panic and flee the scene before he could allegedly carry out the assault.

The woman managed to escape and returned to Gwalior, where she later informed her family about the incident before approaching the Women's Police Station to lodge a complaint.

Case Transferred for Investigation

Since the alleged offence occurred in Dabra, the Women's Police Station registered a zero FIR before transferring the case to Dabra Dehat Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Police have begun investigating the allegations and are expected to record witness statements and gather evidence from the scene. Authorities have not disclosed whether the accused has been taken into custody.

The investigation is continuing.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a strong warning to police officers over procedural lapses during arrests, observing that such negligence can allow accused persons to secure relief on technical grounds. In a significant order, the Gwalior Bench directed the state's Director General of Police (DGP) to issue a fresh circular within one month to all station house officers and investigating officers, reiterating mandatory legal procedures during arrests.

The Division Bench remarked that while some police personnel wear the uniform of law enforcement, their conduct appears to benefit criminals when mandatory legal procedures are ignored.

Court Stresses Compliance with Arrest Procedures

The bench observed that every person taken into custody must be provided with the written grounds of arrest, as required under law and judicial guidelines. It noted that failure to furnish these reasons could result in courts questioning the legality of an arrest and granting relief to accused persons on procedural grounds.

The court further observed that if investigating officers fail to provide written grounds of arrest, such conduct may be viewed as a deliberate act that benefits the accused rather than a mere procedural lapse.

Fresh Circular Ordered for Police Officials

Expressing concern over repeated violations despite existing instructions, the High Court directed the DGP to circulate fresh directions to all police stations and investigating officers across the state within a month.

The court said the circular should clearly instruct officers to strictly comply with legal requirements while making arrests to ensure that criminal cases are not weakened because of avoidable procedural errors.

Concern Over Non-Compliance Despite Earlier Instructions

During the hearing, the bench also expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of an earlier circular reportedly issued by the Police Headquarters (PHQ), Bhopal, on February 13, 2026, following directions of the Supreme Court.

According to the court, despite those instructions, investigating officers at the field level continue to arrest accused persons without adequately communicating the written grounds of arrest, exposing criminal prosecutions to legal challenges.

The bench observed that such lapses undermine the criminal justice system and may enable offenders to obtain relief due to technical deficiencies in police procedure.

Case Related to NDPS Arrest

The observations came while the court was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Dharmendra Lodhi, who challenged the arrest of his brother in an NDPS case registered at Basai Police Station in Datia district.

The petitioner argued that the arrest was illegal because the police had allegedly failed to provide written grounds for taking the accused into custody.

However, after examining the case records, the Division Bench found that the police had served a written notice under Section 50 of the NDPS Act and recovered approximately 86.850 kilograms of cannabis from the accused.

Holding that the legal requirements applicable in the case had been complied with, the court dismissed the petition and refused to interfere with the arrest.

Strong Message to Law Enforcement

While rejecting the plea, the High Court used the opportunity to underline the importance of strict adherence to procedural safeguards during arrests.

The bench emphasised that the role of the police is to ensure effective prosecution of offenders while protecting the rights guaranteed under law. It cautioned that procedural negligence not only weakens investigations but also risks allowing accused persons to secure legal relief that could otherwise have been avoided through proper compliance.

The court's directions are expected to reinforce adherence to arrest procedures across Madhya Pradesh and strengthen accountability within the police force.

A sessions court in Gwalior has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the brutal abduction and murder of a 12-year-old boy, holding them guilty of carrying out the crime as an act of revenge after the victim's sister was married to someone else.

Additional Sessions Judge Dhirendra Singh Parihar convicted the main accused, Shivam alias Tota Kushwah (23), and his associate Aman Goswami alias Yogi (21) for kidnapping, murder and destruction of evidence. The court also imposed financial penalties on both convicts, describing the crime as exceptionally cruel. The verdict was delivered nearly 19 months after the incident, with the prosecution relying heavily on digital and forensic evidence to establish the accused's involvement.

Revenge Motive Behind the Crime

According to the prosecution, Shivam was in a relationship with the victim's elder sister, Nandani. While both families had initially agreed to their marriage, opposition from the girl's stepfather led to the proposal being called off. The family later arranged Nandani's marriage with another man.

Investigators said Shivam harboured resentment over the marriage and allegedly decided to take revenge by targeting her younger brother, 12-year-old Hem Singh Rajput, instead of confronting the family directly.

Lured to Fair, Killed in Forest

The prosecution told the court that on July 29, 2024, Hem left home to visit the Gupteshwar Mahadev fair. During his journey, Shivam allegedly contacted the boy over the phone and persuaded him to meet on the pretext of taking him around the fair.

Shivam, along with Aman, allegedly kidnapped Hem and took him to an isolated forest area near Dev Kho Road in the Tighra police station limits. After consuming alcohol, the two allegedly attacked the child with large stones, inflicting fatal head injuries and crushing his jaw.

To conceal the crime, the accused buried the body beneath heavy stones before fleeing the spot.

Digital Evidence Cracked the Case

The victim's body was discovered the following day after a shepherd noticed flies hovering over stones in the forest and found the child's fingers protruding from beneath them.

Police launched an intensive investigation using digital evidence. CCTV footage from liquor shops near Tighra and Dev Kho Road allegedly captured the accused with the victim shortly before the murder and showed them purchasing alcohol.

Investigators also matched the mobile phone locations of both accused with the crime scene. Call detail records established that the final call received by Hem before his disappearance was from Shivam.

The combination of CCTV footage, mobile location data and call records formed the backbone of the prosecution's case and played a decisive role in securing the conviction.

Court Calls Crime 'Shocking'

While pronouncing the sentence, the court observed that the murder of an innocent child to settle a personal grudge was a crime that shook human conscience.

The judge noted that taking the life of a minor over a failed relationship or family dispute was unacceptable under any circumstances and warranted strict punishment under the law.

The prosecution maintained that the verdict sends a strong message that crimes driven by personal revenge, particularly those involving children, will be dealt with firmly by the justice system.

The Gwalior Police Crime Branch has achieved its first major breakthrough in the high-profile digital arrest scam, where a 69-year-old retired lab technician was defrauded of ₹1.58 crore over a grueling 33-day ordeal. On Monday night, a specialized police unit extradited Vitthal Phalse, an iron merchant from Nashik, Maharashtra, to Gwalior.

While Phalse initially proclaimed his innocence, financial audits of his ICICI Bank current account exposed a direct deposit of ₹19.50 lakh from the victim's looted funds, alongside unexplained suspicious velocity transactions totaling ₹1.10 crore over the past six months. Investigators state this confirms his deep involvement in a pan-India mule account syndicate.

Funds Dispersed Across 133 Accounts in 11 States Within 24 Hours

Cyber security experts tracking the money trail revealed a highly sophisticated, multi-layered laundering operation designed to bypass automated banking red flags.

The Laundering Layering Architecture:

├── Victim's Direct Outflow: Sent to 4 primary current accounts (WB, Kerala, CG, MH)

├── The Split Strategy     : Automated routing triggered within 24 hours

└── Final Dispersion       : Scattered across 133 commission-based "mule" accounts

                             spanning 40+ cities and 11 Indian states

Cyber forensic analysts confirmed that these 133 bank accounts are classic "mule accounts"—authentic accounts purchased from low-income individuals or shell companies on a fixed commission basis by cyber cartels to facilitate rapid layering. The operational network spans across Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

The 33-Day Digital Arrest Ordeal

The victim, Meenakshi Nakhre (69), a retired Health Department lab technician residing at Sardar Patankar Sahab Ka Bada near Nehru Petrol Pump, Gwalior, became the target of an aggressive psychological operation on May 10, 2026.

The Modus Operandi: Nakhre received calls from numbers +91 7500111409 and +91 7500111865. The caller impersonated 'Ashok Gupta' from the Delhi Telecom Department, claiming an unauthorized mobile number (6768532494) registered under her name was actively being weaponized for international money laundering and illicit cartel trades.

When the senior citizen denied ownership, the scammers staged a high-pressure legal setup. Co-conspirators took over the line masquerading as senior Delhi Police IPS officers and CBI investigators. They issued an ultimatum: either report to Delhi within two hours or face immediate arrest.

Using Skype/video communication tools, they kept her under a state of constant "digital arrest" inside her house for 33 days, cutting off her contact with family and forcing her to liquidate assets worth ₹1,57,90,000 into their control accounts.

Part of a Larger Syndicate, Says CSP Robin Jain

Gwalior City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Robin Jain stated that the first arrest has unraveled a massive systemic network.

Financial Recovery Log:

├── Direct Scam Inflow: ₹19.50 Lakh (Traced to Vitthal Phalse's ICICI account)

├── Asset Protection  : Remaining balance in Phalse's account frozen by Crime Branch

└── External Audit    : ₹1.10 Crore in unexplained non-business transactions detected

"Our teams have successfully secured the first arrest from Nashik, Maharashtra. While the iron merchant attempted to frame himself as an oblivious trader, his current account data suggests he was acting as a primary receiver for cyber syndicates. We have frozen the available balance in his account and have initiated rigorous custodial interrogation to map out the developers behind this multi-state network," CSP Jain confirmed.

Gwalior Crime Branch has notified the cyber cells of neighboring states to cross-verify the ₹1.10 crore suspicious transactions against pending digital arrest complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCCRP).

The Gwalior High Court has taken a tough line against the Madhya Pradesh government over allegations of collusion between mining officials and the mining mafia, asking why lease holders who failed to pay massive penalty dues were still being granted fresh mining rights. The court’s sharp remarks came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by petitioner Akram Khan.

A division bench of Justice GS Ahluwalia and Justice Pushpendra Yadav questioned the state on why recovery had not been made from miners who owe ₹305.97 crore in penalties for illegal mining. The court also asked on what basis such defaulters were allowed to regain mining leases instead of being blacklisted and stopped immediately, as required under the rules.

According to the petition, the penalty amount has been pending since 2017, but the mineral department has failed to recover it. The plea says that despite defaulting on dues, the mining operators were not only allowed to continue but were also given fresh leases in new areas, effectively ignoring their unpaid penalties.

The petition further claims that the defaulters’ existing quarry rights were renewed even after large sums remained unpaid. This, the plea argues, shows a complete disregard for the legal process and has allowed influential operators to keep benefiting despite owing money to the state.

The petitioner also told the court that illegal mining in the Billaua and Berja areas of Gwalior district has caused serious environmental damage. The area is known for black stone and crusher aggregate trade, and the petition says mining activity has left the land riddled with deep pits of 25 to 30 metres, or around 100 feet.

The petition alleges that huge quantities of valuable black stone were extracted and sold in the market, while the revenue that should have gone to the government treasury instead went to the mining mafia. Earlier departmental inspections reportedly found large-scale illegal excavation, but no effective action followed.

The state government’s additional advocate sought time to present the government’s stand, which the court accepted. The bench granted one week’s time, and the next hearing is scheduled for 6 July 2026.

The case has drawn attention because it raises questions not just about illegal mining, but also about enforcement failure, recovery of public dues and the alleged protection of powerful defaulters. The court’s observations suggest the matter may become a major test of the state’s accountability in the mining sector.