At least five people drowned and two others were swept away in separate incidents as heavy rain swelled rivers and streams across Chhattisgarh. Rescue teams launched searches while local administrations urged residents to stay away from flooded crossings and water bodies.

Rain Raises Water Levels

Continuous rainfall has increased river flow and made familiar bathing spots, causeways and village crossings dangerous. Fast currents can develop without warning, particularly downstream from catchment areas receiving intense rain.

Search Operations Continue

Police, disaster-response teams and local volunteers have joined rescue efforts in affected districts. Poor visibility, strong currents and rising water levels can delay searches, especially in remote stretches without easy road access.

Preventable Monsoon Tragedies

Many drowning incidents occur when people attempt to cross overflowing roads, enter rivers for bathing or fishing, or underestimate current speed. Even shallow-looking water can sweep away people and vehicles when the flow is strong.

Administration Issues Appeal

Authorities have asked families to prevent children from approaching rivers and ponds during heavy rain. Barricades, warning boards and temporary closure of unsafe crossings will remain essential until water levels fall.

A fire broke out in the emergency ward of the Medicine Department at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital (Mekahara) in Raipur on Tuesday afternoon, triggering panic among patients, attendants and hospital staff. The blaze, suspected to have originated from an air-conditioning unit, was brought under control after a prompt response by the fire department, while all patients in the affected ward were safely evacuated.

According to preliminary information, smoke began billowing from the emergency ward after an apparent malfunction in one of the air-conditioning units. Within minutes, the smoke spread across the ward, prompting hospital authorities to initiate an emergency evacuation. Doctors, nursing staff, security personnel and emergency responders worked together to shift patients to safer areas, including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), to prevent any casualties.

Fire tenders reached the hospital immediately after the incident was reported. Firefighters battled dense smoke and flames before successfully containing the blaze. Officials confirmed that the situation was brought under control after sustained firefighting efforts, preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the hospital.

Hospital sources said six patients were present in the affected ward at the time of the incident. All of them were evacuated without delay, and no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far. The hospital administration stated that treatment for the shifted patients continued uninterrupted after they were relocated.

Initial assessments indicate that the fire may have been triggered by a fault or explosion in an air-conditioning unit installed in the emergency ward. However, authorities have clarified that the exact cause will only be established after a detailed technical inspection.

Chief Fire Officer Pushpraj Singh said the fire had been completely extinguished and added that electricity supply to the affected section would remain disconnected until a thorough inspection is completed. He noted that while an AC malfunction appears to be the likely cause, the exact reason will be confirmed only after the investigation.

Hospital Superintendent Dr. Santosh Sonkar described the incident as a matter requiring detailed examination and said an inquiry has been initiated to determine the circumstances that led to the fire. He added that patient safety remained the administration’s top priority throughout the emergency response.

Dr. Resham, another hospital official, confirmed that all patients from the emergency medicine ward had been shifted to the ICU and other safe locations as a precautionary measure. Medical teams continued monitoring their condition while normal emergency services were reorganised to minimise disruption.

Eyewitnesses and hospital employees reported seeing smoke emerging from the air-conditioning system shortly before flames became visible. The incident led to temporary chaos inside the hospital, with attendants rushing outside as emergency personnel secured the premises.

This is not the first fire-related incident reported at Mekahara Hospital. Hospital officials recalled an earlier case in which an AC compressor reportedly caught fire during a surgical procedure, leading to a similar emergency response. That incident was also controlled without major casualties after firefighters intervened.

Authorities are now expected to examine the hospital’s electrical systems, air-conditioning infrastructure and fire safety mechanisms to determine whether additional preventive measures are required. The findings of the investigation will also establish whether any negligence or equipment failure contributed to the incident.

The administration has assured patients and their families that essential medical services remain operational and that necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety while the affected section undergoes inspection and restoration.

 The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has filed a chargesheet against eight former government officials, including a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a district panchayat, in connection with an alleged ₹1.69 crore MGNREGA procurement scam dating back nearly 18 years in Chhattisgarh.

The nearly 6,000-page chargesheet was submitted before the Special Court under the Prevention of Corruption Act in Kanker after the EOW concluded its investigation into alleged financial irregularities committed during the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2006-07 and 2007-08.

According to the investigation, the alleged scam involved irregular procurement of materials worth ₹1,69,14,247 for eight gram panchayats. The probe found that procurement norms were allegedly bypassed, resulting in financial losses to the government.

District-Level Procurement Under Scanner

Investigators alleged that then District Panchayat CEO K.P. Devangan authorised centralized procurement of materials at the district level despite rules assigning purchasing powers to the respective Janpad Panchayats and Gram Panchayats.

The EOW stated that various items, including flex boards, muster roll verification sheets, employment guarantee registers, file covers, labour information records and operational guidelines related to the employment scheme, were purchased without following prescribed procurement procedures.

Officials claimed the purchases were made in violation of government rules governing tendering and decentralized procurement under the rural employment programme.

Eight Former Officials Named

Apart from former District Panchayat CEO K.P. Devangan, the chargesheet names seven former Janpad Panchayat CEOs as accused. They include Radhakant Kar (Kanker), Govardhan Gajballa (Narharpur), Pardeshi Ram Markam (Charama), Bharat Ram Netam (Antagarh), Ramkishun Dhruv (Koylibeda), G.R. Thakur (Bhanupratappur) and Sanwaldas Baghel (Durgkondal).

The EOW alleged that the accused acted in collusion to bypass tender procedures and procurement regulations while misusing their official positions for unauthorized expenditure of government funds.

Officials said documentary evidence collected during the investigation supported allegations of procedural violations and financial irregularities.

Charges Under IPC and Anti-Corruption Law

The accused have been booked under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, including Sections 13(1)(C), 13(1)(D) and 13(2).

The prosecution will now proceed before the Special Court in Kanker, which will examine the evidence and determine the next stage of judicial proceedings.

Previous Cases Against Main Accused

The EOW also revealed that former District Panchayat CEO K.P. Devangan is already facing two separate corruption-related cases.

In one case registered in 2009, he has been accused of manipulating the recruitment process through forged documents to benefit ineligible candidates. Another case registered in 2010 alleges violations of procurement rules and misuse of official authority involving alleged irregularities exceeding ₹8.44 crore.

According to the agency, chargesheets in both of those cases have already been filed before the competent court.

The latest prosecution marks a significant development in one of Chhattisgarh's oldest alleged MGNREGA corruption cases. Authorities maintain that the investigation was based on documentary evidence and procedural records collected during the probe, while the guilt or innocence of the accused will ultimately be decided during trial.

 The investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) 2021 recruitment examination has expanded to include suspected money laundering, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiating a parallel probe into financial transactions linked to the case.

Investigating agencies suspect the alleged recruitment scam may involve corruption exceeding ₹500 crore, with allegations that candidates paid huge sums to secure appointments to prestigious government posts, including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and other administrative services.

ED Begins Money Laundering Investigation

The ED has started examining the financial trail following the ongoing probe against former CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani.

According to the investigation, evidence has emerged suggesting alleged laundering of ₹47 lakh, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reportedly uncovered evidence indicating collections of around ₹1.3 crore linked to recruitment-related transactions.

Officials are now examining whether the funds were routed through charitable and institutional channels to conceal their origin.

₹47 Lakh Allegedly Routed as CSR Donation

Investigators allege that ₹47 lakh was transferred to an organisation named Gramin Vikas Samiti in exchange for facilitating the selection of the son and daughter-in-law of a power plant director.

The agency claims that most members of the organisation were either relatives or close associates of former CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani. His wife, Padmini Singh Sonwani, reportedly served as the chairperson of the organisation.

The probe further alleges that the money was shown as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donation for a college that investigators claim did not actually exist. The ED is examining these transactions under provisions related to money laundering.

₹1.3 Crore Allegedly Collected From Candidates

According to the CBI charge sheet, coaching institute operator Utkarsh Chandrakar allegedly collected nearly ₹1.3 crore from aspirants by promising access to the mains examination question paper and assured selection.

Investigators said Chandrakar has been absconding since his name surfaced during the investigation. His anticipatory bail has already been cancelled by the High Court, and the ED is now attempting to trace his whereabouts.

More Recruitment Exams Under Scanner

Investigating agencies have widened the scope of the probe beyond the CGPSC-2021 recruitment, examining alleged irregularities in more than 12 recruitment examinations conducted during Sonwani's tenure, including recruitment for Assistant Professor and other government posts.

The CGPSC-2021 examination was conducted to fill 171 vacancies. The preliminary examination was held on February 13, 2022, in which 2,565 candidates qualified. The mains examination took place between May 26 and 29, 2022, followed by interviews, after which the final selection list of 170 candidates was released on May 11, 2023.

Allegations of High-Value Bribes

Investigators allege that candidates seeking appointments to senior posts such as Deputy Collector and DSP were asked to pay between ₹75 lakh and ₹1 crore per post.

The probe has also raised allegations that relatives of former officials, political leaders and senior bureaucrats received undue advantage during the recruitment process. These allegations remain under investigation.

Twenty-Nine Named as Accused

The CBI has named 29 individuals in the case, including former CGPSC Chairman Taman Singh Sonwani, former Secretary J.K. Dhruv, former Examination Controller Aarti Vasanik, Deputy Examination Controller Lalit Ganvir, industrialist Shravan Kumar Goyal, his son Shashank Goyal, daughter-in-law Bhumika Kataria, Sonwani's son Nitesh Sonwani, relatives and several other accused, including absconding coaching operator Utkarsh Chandrakar.

Both the CBI and the ED continue to investigate the alleged recruitment scam, financial transactions and suspected money laundering linked to the case.

 The Chhattisgarh government has issued transfer and posting orders for seven Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers, assigning them new responsibilities as part of an administrative reshuffle in the state's Forest Department.

The orders include fresh postings, deputation assignments and additional charges for senior officers serving in various departments and forest institutions.

Sanjeeta Gupta Gets Minor Forest Produce Federation Charge

According to the notification, Sanjeeta Gupta has been appointed as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and Managing Director (In-charge) of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation.

Meanwhile, S. Venkatachalam has been deputed as the Executive Director of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation.

The government stated that the postings of the first three officers mentioned in the transfer order will come into effect from July 31, 2026.

Amarnath Prasad Given Additional Responsibility

Amarnath Prasad will continue to serve as Secretary, Forest and Climate Change Department. In addition, he has been entrusted with the additional charge of Managing Director, Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation.

The government said the arrangement has been made to ensure smooth functioning of the corporation until further orders.

Officer Recalled From Deputation

The state government has also recalled Abhishek Kumar Singh from deputation and posted him as Conservator of Forests in the office of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force.

New Appointments in Tiger Reserves

As part of the reshuffle, Gurunathan N. has been appointed as the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Field Director (In-charge) of the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve.

Similarly, Pranay Mishra has been posted as the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Field Director (In-charge) of the Guru Ghasidas Tiger Reserve. He has also been assigned the additional charge of Project Elephant.

Forest Development Corporation Gets New Regional Head

The government has appointed Ramesh Kumar Jangde as the Regional General Manager (In-charge) of the Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation.

Officials said the transfers have been made on administrative grounds to strengthen departmental functioning and improve management across forest divisions and conservation projects.

With Ganesh Chaturthi set to begin on September 14, idol makers across Raipur are working round the clock to complete thousands of Ganesh idols. However, one notable trend has emerged this year—most artisans are deliberately avoiding idols based on artificial intelligence (AI)-generated designs, citing concerns over religious sensitivities and the controversy that erupted during last year's festival.

More than 15,000 small and large Ganesh idols are expected to be installed across homes, neighbourhoods and community pandals in the city during the festival.

Traditional Forms Dominate

This year's collections prominently feature traditional depictions of Lord Ganesha, including Shiva-inspired Ganesha, Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Bal Ganesh, Balaji and Ardhanarishwar-themed idols.

Artisans say devotees continue to prefer conventional representations rooted in religious tradition rather than experimental designs.

Last Year's Dispute Influences Artisans

The decision to avoid AI-generated idol designs follows a controversy during the previous Ganesh festival in Raipur's Lakhe Nagar, where a Ganesh idol created using AI-inspired artwork drew objections from Hindu organisations.

The dispute escalated into protests and police complaints, prompting many idol makers to reassess their approach to designing religious idols.

According to artisans, the incident highlighted the need to exercise greater caution while creating idols intended for public worship.

Customers Bring AI Images

Idol maker Yashwant said customers often approach workshops with AI-generated images sourced from social media, requesting similar idols.

While acknowledging that such designs may appear visually appealing, he said religious idols must conform to established traditions and devotional sentiments.

"We avoid creating designs that could lead to controversy later. Religious faith should take precedence over experimentation," he said.

Strong Demand for Conventional Idols

Artisans reported that bookings for Shiva, Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Bal Ganesh, Ardhanarishwar and Balaji forms have been particularly strong this year.

Workshops across the city have extended working hours, with craftsmen engaged late into the night painting, decorating and giving finishing touches to idols ahead of the festival season.

Many artisans said business has improved compared to last year as orders from Ganesh festival committees continue to increase.

Hindu Organisations Issue Advisory

Representatives of Hindu organisations have also appealed to idol makers and festival committees to avoid AI-generated depictions of Lord Ganesha.

Vishwadini Pandey, state president of the Hindu Swabhiman Organisation, said the group has requested organisers not to install AI-generated Ganesh idols similar to those that became the subject of controversy last year.

She said the organisation would oppose any depiction that it believes hurts religious sentiments.

Legal Position on Religious Sentiments

Senior advocate Virat Verma said that if someone intentionally insults a religion, deity or religious symbol, or performs an act that deliberately hurts religious sentiments, legal action may be initiated under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

He said police examine complaints on a case-by-case basis, and an FIR may be registered if a prima facie offence is established during the investigation.

A Festival with Deep Roots

Historians trace Raipur's public Ganesh festival tradition back nearly 125 years. The earliest community celebrations were organised in Purani Basti, Gudhiyari and Baniyapara, before expanding to Golbazar, Sadar Bazar, Ramsagarpara and other parts of the city.

During India's freedom movement, public Ganesh celebrations also served as platforms for social unity and nationalist mobilisation, making the festival an enduring symbol of faith, tradition and community participation.

 The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally entered the investigation into the alleged Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) recruitment scam, shifting the focus to suspected money laundering linked to the recruitment process. The agency has arrested former CGPSC chairman and retired IAS officer Taman Singh Sonwani, who was already in judicial custody in the case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

A special court in Raipur on Saturday granted the ED seven days of custodial remand, allowing the agency to question Sonwani until July 31. Investigators are expected to probe the alleged financial transactions, illicit proceeds and the network of individuals suspected of benefiting from the recruitment process.

ED Probes Alleged Financial Trail

Appearing for the ED, advocate Saurabh Pandey told the court that the investigation had uncovered allegations that money was collected in exchange for the selection of candidates in the CGPSC recruitment process.

According to the ED, a Rural Development Committee was allegedly used as a channel for financial transactions. The agency claimed that ₹45 lakh was transferred from Bajrang Power Limited to the committee's account through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

The ED further alleged that most members of the committee were either relatives or close associates of Sonwani, and that the committee was used to facilitate financial transactions linked to the recruitment process.

CBI Had Earlier Arrested Sonwani

The CBI had arrested Sonwani nearly two years ago in connection with alleged irregularities in the CGPSC recruitment process. Along with him, Shravan Kumar Goyal, director of Bajrang Power and Ispat Limited, was also arrested.

The CBI alleges that influential individuals paid money to secure the selection of their relatives for prestigious government posts, including Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and other gazetted positions.

Allegations of Favouritism

According to the CBI, large-scale irregularities occurred during Sonwani's tenure as CGPSC chairman. Investigators have alleged that relatives of senior politicians, bureaucrats and other influential individuals were favoured during the recruitment process.

The agency claims to have gathered documentary evidence indicating financial transactions connected to the alleged manipulation of selections.

Paper Leak Allegations

The CBI investigation alleges that confidential examination papers were first taken to Sonwani's residence, where copies were allegedly made before being resealed and returned for printing.

Investigators claim that leaked question papers were later passed through intermediaries to Shravan Goyal, whose son and daughter-in-law allegedly prepared using the leaked material before both were selected as Deputy Collectors.

The agency has maintained that these allegations form part of a larger conspiracy involving examination officials and private individuals.

Recruitment Process Under Scrutiny

The alleged scam relates to CGPSC recruitment conducted between 2020 and 2022. Authorities suspect that transparency in the examination and interview process was compromised to favour candidates linked to politically and administratively influential families.

The examination was conducted to fill 171 government posts. The preliminary examination was held in February 2022, followed by the mains examination in May 2022. The final selection list of 170 candidates was published in May 2023.

Investigation Continues

With the ED now examining the financial dimension of the alleged scam, investigators are expected to focus on tracing the flow of funds, identifying beneficiaries and determining whether proceeds of crime were generated through the recruitment process.

The allegations remain under investigation. The guilt or innocence of the accused will be determined through the judicial process.

During a weekly review meeting, the Commissioner instructed all Zone Commissioners to conduct ground surveys, identify violators within their respective jurisdictions, and initiate strict legal action without delay.

Key Highlights of the RMC Enforcement Drive

1. Survey on Illegal Constructions & Commercial Parking

• Illegal Colonies: Zone Commissioners must survey and map all unauthorized colonies, illegal land sub-divisions, and unapproved buildings.

• Commercial Complexes: A detailed audit is mandated for commercial establishments operating along major arterial roads without adequate parking facilities.

• Follow-up Action: Establishments failing to meet parking norms will face regulatory action based on survey reports.

2. Strict Action Against Big Tax Defaulters

• Property Seizure: RMC officials, including Assistant Revenue Officers, have been directed to accelerate tax collection to hit targets.

• Attachment & Sealing: Strict recovery protocols—including property attachment and sealing—will be initiated against major property tax defaulters.

• Early Payment Rebate: To encourage voluntary compliance, taxpayers paying their property tax by September 30, 2026, will receive a 5% rebate.

3. Water Management & Illegal Connections

• Regularization Drive: RMC is intensifying its campaign to regularize illegal tap water connections. Officials are tasked with raising public awareness and clearing pending applications promptly.

• 'Catch the Rain' Initiative: Rainwater harvesting is being prioritized across all municipal wards to bolster groundwater levels, supported by community awareness campaigns.

4. Environmental Norms, Sanitation, and Fines

• Construction Regulations: Fines will be imposed on sites operating without required green safety netting and those violating Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste guidelines.

• Digital Enforcement: Penalties for C&D waste violations will be processed directly through e-challans.

• Encroachment & Anti-Littering: Continuous penalty drives will target public littering and unauthorized road encroachments.

5. Grievance Redressal & Affordable Housing

• Timely Resolution: Field officers must ensure time-bound resolution of complaints originating from the CM Helpline, Collector Call Center, Nidan-1100, and public representatives.

• PMAY Progress: Construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is being fast-tracked, with orders to expedite housing delivery for eligible Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) candidates.

The latest forecast comes as the southwest monsoon remains active over the state. During the past 24 hours, several districts recorded light to moderate rainfall, while isolated pockets received heavier showers. According to weather officials, the prevailing atmospheric conditions are favourable for continued rainfall across much of the state.

Raipur and Durg recorded the highest daytime temperature of 30.8 degrees Celsius during the period, while Pendra Road registered the lowest minimum temperature at 21 degrees Celsius.

Among the districts that received significant rainfall, Dharamjaigarh recorded around 30 mm, the highest in the state. Lailunga, Korba, Kapu and Kharsia each received nearly 20 mm of rain. Moderate showers were also reported from Bijapur, Naya Baradwar, Kartala, Salhewara, Lal Bahadur Nagar, Kansabel, Pathalgaon and Manpur, where around 10 mm rainfall was measured.

The Meteorological Department has indicated that rainfall activity is expected to intensify over the next two days. While light to moderate showers are likely across many districts, isolated locations in central and northern Chhattisgarh could witness moderate to heavy rainfall.

Officials have also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at isolated places. Residents have been advised to avoid open fields, water bodies and sheltering under trees during lightning activity. Farmers and people working outdoors have been asked to monitor weather updates before venturing out.

The continuing rainfall is being driven by favourable synoptic conditions over central India. According to meteorologists, the monsoon trough currently extends from Jaisalmer through a low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan, passing via Kota, Guna, Sidhi and Daltonganj before reaching the northeast Bay of Bengal.

In addition, an upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over northern Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh. Weather experts expect a fresh low-pressure area to develop over the region within the next 24 hours, which could further strengthen rainfall activity across Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.

Despite intermittent heavy showers in some areas, seasonal rainfall across Chhattisgarh remains within the normal category. From June 1 until now, the state has recorded rainfall that is around 18 per cent below the long-period average. However, the IMD classifies rainfall between minus 19 per cent and plus 19 per cent as "normal," meaning the state's overall monsoon performance continues to remain within acceptable limits.

In the capital, Raipur, cloudy skies are expected to persist throughout Friday. Meteorologists have forecast one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain close to 24 degrees Celsius.

The latest weather advisory comes amid rising concern over swollen rivers and waterlogged areas following continuous rainfall in several districts. In Bilaspur district, rescue teams are continuing their search for a fisherman who was swept away by the strong current of the Shivnath River earlier this week, underscoring the risks associated with overflowing rivers during the monsoon season.

Authorities have appealed to people living near rivers, streams and low-lying areas to remain alert as rainfall continues. District administrations have also advised commuters to exercise caution on waterlogged roads and avoid crossing flooded stretches until water levels recede.

With the monsoon expected to remain active over the coming days, weather officials will continue monitoring the evolving system and issue fresh advisories if rainfall intensity increases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will organise a collective Hanuman Chalisa recitation across all 90 Assembly constituencies of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday. In Raipur, the main programme is scheduled to take place at Budha Talab at 4 pm, where party workers, students, youth and local residents have been invited to participate in large numbers.

According to AAP, the event is not merely a religious gathering but a collective expression of support for social harmony, ethical values, public service and democratic rights. The party said the programme is also being organised to express solidarity with environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and raise concerns over the action taken against him.

Support for Sonam Wangchuk

AAP leaders alleged that the action against Sonam Wangchuk is contrary to democratic principles and claimed that peaceful voices are being suppressed. The party said the Hanuman Chalisa recitation is intended to convey a message of peace while highlighting the importance of protecting democratic freedoms.

The party has appealed to citizens across the state to join the programmes being held in their respective Assembly constituencies.

Exam Irregularities Also on Agenda

Apart from expressing support for Wangchuk, AAP said it would also raise concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET and other recruitment tests.

The party alleged that repeated paper leak incidents have adversely affected the future of millions of students and job aspirants across the country. It argued that accountability should be fixed for such incidents and called for reforms to ensure a transparent examination system.

Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

AAP has demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan take moral responsibility for the alleged examination irregularities and resign from his post.

The party also urged the government to strengthen safeguards against paper leaks and implement a fair and transparent examination process for students and candidates.

Key Demands Raised by AAP

• Withdrawal of action taken against Sonam Wangchuk and an end to his police detention.
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing moral responsibility for alleged examination irregularities.
• Implementation of a transparent and fair examination system for students and job aspirants.
• Concrete measures to generate greater employment opportunities for the youth.

AAP said the statewide programme aims to combine public participation with awareness on issues related to democracy, education and employment while encouraging citizens to take part peacefully in the initiative.

Rail passengers in Chhattisgarh are set to face travel disruptions as the South East Central Railway (SECR) has cancelled eight MEMU and passenger trains on July 22 and 23 due to infrastructure work on the Bhatapara–Hathbandh section in the Raipur Division.

The services have been suspended to facilitate non-interlocking (NI) work required for the commissioning of an automatic signalling system on the third railway line. Railway officials said the work is part of an ongoing infrastructure development programme aimed at improving operational efficiency and increasing line capacity.

Third-Line Project Behind the Disruption

According to SECR, the third-line project between Bhatapara and Hathbandh is progressing rapidly, and the current phase involves installing and commissioning automatic signalling equipment. During the non-interlocking work, train operations on the affected section will remain restricted, leading to temporary cancellations.

Railway authorities said the infrastructure upgrade is expected to improve train movement and reduce congestion on one of the region's busiest rail corridors once completed.

Trains Cancelled on July 22

The following trains will remain cancelled on 22 July:

• Train No. 68728 – Raipur–Bilaspur MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 68734 – Bilaspur–Gevra Road MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 68733 – Gevra Road–Bilaspur MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 68719 – Bilaspur–Raipur MEMU Passenger
• Train No. 58203 – Korba–Raipur Passenger
• Train No. 58204 – Raipur–Korba Passenger
• Train No. 68746 – Raipur–Gevra Road MEMU Passenger

Train Cancelled on July 23

• Train No. 68745 – Korba–Raipur MEMU Passenger

Jharsuguda–Gondia MEMU to Be Short-Terminated

Railway authorities have also announced changes to the 68862/68861 Jharsuguda–Gondia–Jharsuguda MEMU service.

On 22 July, the train will terminate at Bilaspur and begin its return journey from the same station. As a result, services between Bilaspur and Gondia in both directions will remain cancelled for the day.

Passengers Advised to Check Train Status

With several local and regional passenger services affected, commuters travelling between Bilaspur, Raipur, Korba, Gevra Road and Gondia have been advised to verify the latest train status before starting their journey.

Railway officials have said the temporary inconvenience is necessary to complete the signalling upgrade, which is expected to improve safety, operational efficiency and capacity on the route in the long run.