A special POCSO court in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district has sentenced a 24-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for abducting and repeatedly sexually assaulting a minor girl. The judgment was delivered by Special Judge Devendra Sahu after the court found the accused guilty under provisions related to rape and offences against children. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 6,000 on the convict. Officials said additional imprisonment would apply if the fine is not paid. The case was registered under the Kotra Road police station area and had drawn attention due to the manner in which the accused allegedly lured the victim.

Minor Went Missing From Home

According to prosecution records, the incident began on May 28, 2025, when the 16-year-old victim was staying at home with her grandmother while her parents had gone to attend the funeral of a relative. Police said the girl left home around 11:30 am after informing her grandmother that she was going to a nearby shop. However, she did not return, following which family members began searching for her. After repeated attempts failed, the family approached police authorities and a kidnapping case was registered. Investigators later launched a detailed search operation to trace the missing teenager.

Friendship Started Through Mobile

During investigation, police found that the accused, identified as Karan Dom, a resident of Patratoli in Jashpur district, had allegedly come into contact with the victim through a mobile phone conversation in 2024. Officials stated that the accused used an unknown number to communicate with the girl and gradually developed contact with her over time. According to the prosecution, the accused allegedly trapped the minor in a relationship by promising marriage and later convinced her to meet him outside her hometown.

Taken to Odisha and Kunkuri

Police investigation revealed that the accused first called the victim to Gerwani and then allegedly took her by bus to Kunkuri before travelling to Puri in Odisha. Prosecution officials told the court that the accused kept the girl confined in a house in Puri and repeatedly sexually assaulted her over a period of nearly five days. After staying in Odisha, the accused reportedly brought the victim back to Kunkuri in Chhattisgarh. The court observed that the victim was a minor and incapable of legally consenting to such acts.

Family Informed by Relative

According to the case details, on July 3, 2025, the accused and the victim reportedly reached the residence of the accused’s maternal uncle in Telain village. Police said the accused’s uncle later contacted the victim’s family and informed them about her whereabouts. Following the information, police teams immediately reached the location the next day and rescued the victim. Authorities simultaneously arrested the accused and initiated legal proceedings under the POCSO Act and other relevant sections of law.

Court Calls It Serious Crime

During the hearing, the special POCSO court observed that the accused knowingly abducted a minor girl and exploited her despite being aware of her age. The court noted that the accused not only misled the victim by promising marriage but also violated her dignity and personal safety through repeated sexual assault. Special Judge Devendra Sahu termed the offence serious in nature and held the accused guilty based on witness statements, evidence collected during investigation, and medical findings presented before the court.

Rigorous Punishment Awarded

The court sentenced the accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and also imposed a monetary penalty. Officials said the prosecution strongly argued the case and sought strict punishment considering the gravity of the offence and the age of the victim. The trial was conducted by Special Public Prosecutor Govind Narayan Dubey on behalf of the state government. Legal experts said the judgment reflects the strict approach adopted by courts in cases involving crimes against minors under the POCSO Act.

Police and Legal Action Praised

Authorities stated that coordinated efforts between investigators and prosecutors helped secure conviction in the case. Police officials said timely tracing of the victim and evidence collection played an important role during trial proceedings. The case has once again highlighted concerns related to online contact, grooming through mobile communication, and exploitation of minors through false promises. Officials appealed to parents and guardians to remain alert regarding unknown contacts and suspicious communication involving children and teenagers.

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A major illegal gambling network has been exposed in Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, where police have busted an IPL betting racket allegedly operating through online applications and mobile phones. The city Kotwali police action has led to the arrest of seven accused so far, with investigators claiming that crores of rupees were being circulated through the network during ongoing IPL matches.

According to officials, the racket was being operated in a highly organised manner, using digital platforms, cash exchanges and coded communication to avoid detection. The operation came to light after sustained surveillance and intelligence inputs.

Police Conduct Coordinated Raids

The crackdown on the IPL betting racket began after police received specific inputs about illegal betting activities being conducted during live IPL matches. Acting swiftly, the Durg city Kotwali police team carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations.

During the initial raid, three accused were caught red-handed while allegedly placing and managing bets during a live IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals. The accused were identified as Vikas Jain, Raunak Tamrakar, and Praveen Tamrakar. Police officials said that betting activities were being conducted using mobile phones and online applications that allowed real-time wagering on match outcomes, player performances and in-game events.

Four More Accused Arrested

Following sustained interrogation and digital tracking, police expanded their investigation into the IPL betting racket and arrested four more individuals linked to the network. The newly arrested accused have been identified as Akshat Bohre, Mohammad Adil, Mohammad Ayyub, and Prakash Soni. All four were taken into custody after their alleged involvement surfaced during questioning of the earlier arrested suspects. Police stated that these individuals played different roles, including handling transactions, managing clients, and maintaining betting records.

Digital Betting Network Exposed

Investigators revealed that the IPL betting racket was not limited to physical interactions but was largely driven by mobile technology and online betting platforms. The accused reportedly used smartphones, encrypted messaging apps and betting software to coordinate wagers. Transactions were often routed through multiple accounts to avoid detection by authorities. Officials believe the network was structured in a way that allowed quick movement of money during live matches, making it difficult to trace without digital forensics.

Cash, Devices and Records Seized

During the raids linked to the IPL betting racket, police recovered several key pieces of evidence. These include eight mobile phones, ₹9,810 in cash, pocket diaries containing betting entries, and pen drives with transaction records.

Authorities said the seized diaries contained detailed accounts of betting amounts, player selections, match outcomes and payouts. These records are now being analysed to understand the financial scale of the operation. Police officials also confirmed that multiple mobile devices contained chat histories and app-based transaction logs that directly connect the accused to betting activities.

Key Role of Main Accused

According to police, the IPL betting racket was allegedly being operated by Vikas Jain, a resident of Rishabh Nagar in Durg. He is believed to be one of the key operators managing the betting network at the local level. Investigators said Jain used mobile apps to coordinate bets during live IPL matches, while maintaining contact with other accused who handled money collection and client coordination. Police sources added that the accused were highly active during match hours, placing and settling bets in real time to maximise turnover.

Initial Arrests Trigger Breakthrough

The first breakthrough in the IPL betting racket came when police conducted a raid during a live IPL match and detained three individuals on the spot. The accused were found actively involved in betting operations, with mobile phones displaying live betting interfaces and ongoing transactions. Subsequent interrogation led to the identification of additional members of the network. Officials believe this initial arrest helped expose a wider syndicate operating within and beyond Durg district.

Wider Network Under Scanner

The IPL betting racket investigation has now expanded as police attempt to trace the full extent of the illegal gambling network. Authorities suspect that the racket may have connections in other districts and possibly interstate links. Cybercrime and financial investigation teams are currently analysing call detail records, digital payment trails and online betting app data to identify additional suspects. Police officials have indicated that more arrests are likely as the probe progresses.

Financial Trail Under Investigation

Investigators are also focusing on the financial structure of the IPL betting racket, which allegedly involved continuous money circulation through cash and digital transfers. Preliminary findings suggest that funds were being routed through multiple channels to disguise the origin and destination of money. Authorities are now tracking bank accounts, UPI transactions and cash flows linked to the accused. Officials believe that the total betting turnover could be significantly higher than initial estimates.

Legal Action and Custody

All seven accused in the IPL betting racket have been booked under the Chhattisgarh Gambling Prohibition Act. Following their arrest, they have been sent to judicial custody as further investigation continues. Police officials stated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in organising or facilitating illegal betting activities during IPL matches. Authorities have also warned that digital betting platforms are under close surveillance.

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Bilaspur Youth Killed While Saving Brother From Attack

A 22-year-old BA student was fatally attacked with a sharp weapon. The incident has led to protests, with five individuals taken into custody by police in this Chhattisgarh crime news.

A 22-year-old youth was killed late Saturday night when he tried to intervene in a fight involving his younger cousin. The attack, which took place in the Sarkanda police station area, has sparked anger in the local community.

The victim has been identified as Abhishek Yadav, a resident of Mopka Gudi Mohalla. He was a second-year BA student. According to initial information, his cousin, Om Prakash Yadav (16), had an argument with a group of young men near Mopka Chowk around 10:30 PM.

What began as a verbal spat quickly escalated. The group, said to be five youths, surrounded the 16-year-old and began thrashing him.

Brother's Fatal Intervention

Seeing his younger cousin being beaten, Abhishek rushed to the spot to pull him out of the situation. However, the attackers turned on him. Sources familiar with the matter said the confrontation turned brutal within seconds.

One of the accused allegedly used a ‘chapad’ – a sharp-edged tool – to strike Abhishek on the neck. The youth collapsed on the spot and died soon after due to profuse bleeding.

Chase to Police Outpost

In the chaos that followed, Om Prakash managed to break free and ran for his life. The accused chased him all the way to a nearby police outpost. He was only able to save himself by rushing inside the premises.

Meanwhile, family members rushed a grievously injured Abhishek to Apollo Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Angry Protests, Police Action

The news of the killing led to a build-up of tension in the area. Late Saturday night, around 50 to 60 local residents and relatives of the victim gathered at the police station. They staged a noisy demonstration, demanding immediate and stringent action against those responsible. The protest went on for several hours.

Local authorities confirmed that they have registered a case. To calm the situation and push the investigation forward, police have taken five youths into custody for questioning. Officials said the accused are believed to be residents of Selar village in the Seepat area.

Ongoing Investigation

Senior police officials, including an ASP and CSP, reached the spot to assess the situation. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

Sarkanda thana TI Pradeep Arya stated that a case has been registered. "The youth lost his life while trying to mediate. We have detained five individuals and are interrogating them to ascertain the exact sequence of events," he said. The reason behind the initial argument is still unclear.

The attack has once again raised concerns about the use of sharp weapons in public disputes in the city.

In a disturbing incident from Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, a woman has been arrested for allegedly killing her two-and-a-half-year-old son and attempting to cover up the crime by fabricating a kidnapping story. The case, now part of the Latest News Today cycle, has drawn widespread attention due to its brutality and deception.

Police said the accused, identified as Sonmati Saroti Manchwar, committed the crime in the Kapu police station limits while reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

Child found dead

The child’s body was recovered from a forested area near Ranigaon hills after villagers spotted blood stains on stones along a narrow trail. A search of the nearby gorge led to the discovery of the toddler’s body with severe head injuries. According to officials, the injuries indicated deliberate assault, prompting suspicion of foul play.

Missing complaint filed

The case came to light after the child’s father, Bodhsai Manchwar (28), filed a missing complaint on April 19. He told police that he had left home early in the morning for forest work, leaving his wife and two children behind.

When he returned, the house was empty. Later in the evening, his four-year-old daughter returned alone and said her mother had taken the younger child to her maternal home.

Suspicious behaviour noted

The accused returned home the next day without the toddler. Family members and villagers grew suspicious as she failed to provide clear answers about the child’s whereabouts.

Sources indicated that her inconsistent statements and apparent intoxication raised doubts, leading to intensified search efforts by locals and police.

False kidnapping claim

During initial questioning, the woman allegedly tried to mislead investigators by claiming that unknown persons had abducted her son.

However, police said the sequence of events and lack of supporting evidence did not match her version. Investigators then questioned her more rigorously based on circumstantial evidence.

Confession to police

Under sustained interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to the crime. According to police, she admitted that she was travelling to her maternal home with both children.

On the way, she sent her daughter back home and continued uphill carrying her son. When the child refused to walk due to fatigue, she lost her temper.

Officials stated that she first threw the child to the ground and then crushed his head with a stone, killing him on the spot.

Legal action underway

Police have arrested the accused and produced her before a court, which has sent her to judicial remand. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are examining all aspects of the case as part of a broader India News Update.

The incident has raised serious concerns about substance abuse, mental health, and child safety in vulnerable communities. As a Public Interest Story, it highlights the urgent need for awareness and intervention mechanisms at the grassroots level.

Impact and concerns

The case has triggered outrage locally and reflects a troubling pattern seen in some rural pockets where domestic stress, alcoholism, and lack of support systems can escalate into violence.

Experts say such incidents underline the importance of early intervention by local Administration and community networks to prevent similar tragedies.

What lies ahead

Authorities are expected to file a detailed charge sheet after completing the investigation. Forensic reports and witness statements will play a crucial role in the trial.

A shocking incident of relationship violence has surfaced from Durg district in Chhattisgarh, where a young man allegedly murdered his girlfriend after suspecting her of having an affair. The accused later informed the police himself, initially claiming that the woman had fainted.

Victim and Accused Background

The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Yuneshwari Verma, a resident of Chichola in Khairagarh district. She had been living in Durg for her studies. The accused, Kartik Ram Sahu, aged 27, is a native of Balod district. The two met while pursuing a B.Ed course at a college located on the Durg-Balod road, and their friendship gradually developed into a romantic relationship.

Relationship Marked by Suspicion

According to preliminary investigation, Kartik frequently suspected Yuneshwari of being involved with someone else. This suspicion reportedly led to repeated arguments between the couple. Despite ongoing disputes, the two continued to stay in contact.

Incident Inside Rented Room

On April 17, at around 1 pm, Kartik took Yuneshwari to his rented room in Subhash Nagar. During their time together, an argument broke out again over the same issue. In a fit of rage, Kartik allegedly strangled Yuneshwari, leading to her death.

Call to Police and Arrest

After the incident, Kartik dialed the emergency helpline and informed authorities, stating that his girlfriend had become unconscious. When the police arrived, he repeated the same claim. The woman was rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead. The accused was immediately taken into custody. 

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Police and forensic teams examined the crime scene and gathered crucial evidence to support the case. The condition of the room and other findings confirmed that the death was not natural. During interrogation, Kartik confessed to the crime.

Family Reaction and Legal Action

The victim’s family was unaware of her relationship with the accused. Her brother stated that she had recently visited home and returned to Durg just a day before the incident. The family has demanded strict punishment, including capital punishment, for the accused. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the investigation is ongoing.

A shocking murder case has surfaced from Chhattisgarh’s Kondagaon district, where a well-known tent businessman was brutally killed and secretly buried in a field. The victim, identified as 53-year-old Suresh Chauhan, was reported missing before his body was discovered in a semi-nude condition behind a housing board colony.

The incident has created panic in the area, with police launching an intensive investigation involving multiple possible motives such as robbery, personal relationships, and illegal betting activities.

Missing Report Triggers Investigation

Suresh Chauhan had been missing since April 11, prompting his family to file a complaint at the local police station. Considering the seriousness of the case, police began a large-scale search operation.

Authorities examined nearly 150 CCTV camera footages across the city to trace his movements. During the investigation, officers recovered a blood-stained motorcycle from Vikas Nagar ground, which became a crucial lead in the case.

Breakthrough Through Evidence and Interrogation

Based on technical evidence and CCTV inputs, police detained a suspect for questioning. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly revealed key information that led the police team to a field located approximately 1.5 kilometers behind a housing board colony.

Upon digging the site, officials recovered Chauhan’s body, which had been buried under the soil in an attempt to conceal the crime.

Body Found Buried in Disturbing Condition

The victim’s body was found in a partially unclothed state, raising suspicions about the brutality of the crime. Police believe that the accused tried to destroy evidence by burying the body in a secluded area.

Officials have stated that further forensic analysis and investigation are underway to determine the exact sequence of events and confirm the motive behind the killing.

Robbery, Affair, and Betting Angles Under Probe

Preliminary findings suggest that robbery could be one of the motives, as Chauhan was reportedly carrying gold jewelry and cash at the time of his disappearance. Authorities suspect that these valuables might have been looted before the murder.

In addition, police are also exploring other angles, including possible personal relationships and links to gambling or betting activities. Chauhan was reportedly preparing to travel to Dantewada for a major tent contract, adding another dimension to the investigation.

Family Demands Strict Action

The victim’s family has demanded strict and immediate action against those responsible. Police officials have assured that all accused involved in the crime will be identified and arrested soon.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to disclose more details in the coming days.

A deeply disturbing crime from Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh has come to light, where a 45-year-old woman was brutally killed following a suspected relationship dispute. Police investigations revealed that the accused, who had been in a long-term relationship with the victim, allegedly attacked her after doubting her loyalty. The case has shocked the local community due to its extreme violence and disturbing details.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

The incident was reported on April 3, when the woman’s body was found near a roadside structure close to the Kotwali police station area. The victim was discovered in a severely injured condition, prompting immediate police action. Initial inspection indicated that the crime had taken place recently and involved extreme physical violence before the victim’s death.

Investigation and Accused Arrest

After the crime, the accused fled the area and moved across different locations to evade arrest. Police teams tracked him for several days, deploying multiple units and gathering intelligence from various districts. An input about his presence in Chirmiri eventually led to his arrest. He was later taken back to Ambikapur, where he was interrogated and the crime was reconstructed at the scene.

Relationship Background and Suspicion

During interrogation, the accused admitted to being in a relationship with the victim for nearly six years. Both were reportedly involved in collecting scrap for livelihood and had been living together at times. However, the accused suspected her of having an affair with another man, which led to frequent disputes and ultimately escalated into the fatal incident.

Forensic Findings and Brutality

Medical examination reports confirmed multiple severe injuries on the victim’s body, indicating extreme physical assault. The findings pointed to fractures and damage caused by repeated blunt force trauma. Authorities described the case as one of extreme brutality, which intensified public outrage and demand for strict punishment.

Public Reaction and Political Protest

The incident triggered widespread anger among local residents and political groups. Several protests were organized demanding justice for the victim and strict punishment for the accused. Community members and activists called for swift legal proceedings, highlighting concerns over rising violent crimes.

Legal Action and Ongoing Probe

Police have confirmed that the accused is currently in custody and further investigation is underway. Authorities are gathering additional evidence to strengthen the case for prosecution. The victim’s family has demanded the harshest possible punishment, while law enforcement continues to review all aspects of the incident.

A deeply disturbing case has emerged from Durg district in Chhattisgarh where a five-year-old girl was allegedly subjected to a brutal assault. The incident took place in the Utai police station area and has sparked widespread shock and anger in the local community. The child, who had gone out briefly after returning from school, became a victim of a horrifying crime that unfolded within her own neighbourhood.

How the Child Was Lured

Reports indicate that the child had stepped out to buy chocolate from a nearby shop. During this time, a neighbour who was familiar to her reportedly approached her and lured her away under the pretext of giving her sweets. The accused, identified as a local resident and known to the family, allegedly took advantage of the child’s trust and isolation at the moment.

Crime Inside the Accused’s House

After taking the child to his residence, the accused allegedly committed the assault. The situation escalated further when he attempted to silence and restrain the child. The act reflects a deeply violent and premeditated approach, according to initial police findings shared during the investigation.

Attempt to Conceal the Crime

Following the incident, the accused allegedly tried to dispose of the child by placing her inside a sack and covering her face. He then abandoned her in an isolated area near an abandoned structure close to a well. The intention, as per police statements, was reportedly to eliminate evidence and mislead the investigation.

Rescue After Two Hours

Around two hours later, villagers searching for the missing child noticed movement inside a sack lying near the area. When they opened it, they found the girl alive but in a severely distressed condition. She was struggling to breathe and showed signs of trauma. Immediate help was provided, and she was rushed to a district hospital where treatment began without delay.

Medical Condition and Treatment

Doctors at the hospital confirmed that the child was in a stable condition after initial treatment. Medical examination later confirmed that she had been subjected to sexual assault, which intensified the seriousness of the case and led to stronger legal action by authorities.

Arrest of the Accused and Police Action

Police arrested the accused shortly after the incident. He has been booked under stringent provisions, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Investigators also recovered crucial evidence from his residence, including materials believed to be linked to the crime. Forensic teams have been deployed for further examination.

Public Anger and Protest

As news spread in the village, residents gathered in large numbers outside the local police station demanding strict action. The situation briefly became tense as people expressed anger and called for immediate and severe punishment for the accused. Police had to manage the crowd and restore order.

Legal Proceedings and Fast-Track Trial

Authorities have confirmed that the case will be taken up in a fast-track court to ensure speedy justice. Police officials stated that the investigation is being handled with urgency and that all evidence will be presented before the court to secure conviction.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation remains active, with officials continuing to record statements and analyze forensic findings. Security has been increased in the area to prevent any further unrest while the legal process moves forward.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Chhattisgarh has taken significant action in an ongoing probe into suspected irregularities in the state’s liquor distribution system. Authorities have seized three vehicles that were allegedly connected to a private distillery operating in Kumhari, located in Durg district. These vehicles are believed to have been actively used for transporting liquor outside the authorized supply chain.

Illegal Part-B Liquor Supply Network Exposed

Preliminary findings suggest that the seized vehicles were part of a structured system involved in the unauthorized movement of “Part-B” category liquor. Instead of following the official distribution mechanism, the liquor was allegedly delivered directly to selected government-run liquor shops. This bypassing of regulatory channels is suspected to have caused serious financial and administrative irregularities.

Digital and Physical Evidence Strengthens Case

Investigators report that both digital records and physical evidence have been collected during the probe. These materials indicate repeated use of specific transport vehicles operated by trusted intermediaries. The pattern suggests an organized attempt to avoid surveillance and maintain secrecy in the supply chain.

Earlier Actions Reveal Wider Network

This is not an isolated action. Earlier enforcement operations in Bilaspur and Mungeli districts had already resulted in the seizure of around 16 vehicles linked to similar allegations. The expanding number of seizures indicates that the network may be spread across multiple districts with coordinated operations.

Scrapped and Altered Vehicles Under Scanner

Officials have also found indications that some vehicles may have been scrapped or modified after being used in the alleged illegal supply chain. These actions are now being separately investigated to determine whether there was an attempt to destroy or hide critical evidence.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Action

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is still in progress. More arrests and disclosures are expected as the probe deepens into the multi-layered network. Officials have stated that strict legal measures will be taken against all individuals found involved in the case.

The Bilaspur Breakthrough

In a significant strike against the growing menace of online gambling in Chhattisgarh, the Bilaspur Police on Friday arrested two wanted bookies — Rajesh alias Raja Bajaj and his associate Pradeep Khatri — from a hotel room in Raipur, where the duo had been running an illegal online betting operation through the 'Ricky Panel' gaming platform. The arrests come after months of pursuit by the Anti Cyber and Crime Unit (ACCU) and the Civil Lines Police team.

What Was Seized

Acting on confirmed intelligence, police raided the hotel and recovered assets valued at approximately Rs 45 lakh. The seizure included Rs 6.90 lakh in cash, three luxury cars — a Honda City, Maruti Brezza, and Maruti Swift Dzire — expensive mobile phones, laptops, five bank passbooks, five chequebooks, a Honda Activa, and two registers containing detailed accounts of betting transactions running into lakhs of rupees. Documents related to more than ten bank accounts showing crores in suspicious transactions were also recovered and are currently under financial scrutiny.

Hotel Room as Headquarters

According to police sources, Raja Bajaj had booked the hotel room in a woman's name to avoid detection — a detail that emerged only after officers checked the hotel's register during the raid. Inside, both accused were found actively operating the online platform. The room yielded a full operational setup, complete with betting ledgers, SIM cards, and digital devices used to manage client accounts and wagers across the country.

How the Ricky Panel Operated

Investigations revealed that the accused ran their betting network through the Ricky Panel, through which clients were offered access to games including Aviator, Wingo, Casino, and Horse Racing — all carrying real-money stakes. Customers were recruited via Telegram channels, while WhatsApp numbers were used to share betting links. The profit-sharing arrangement was fixed: 65 per cent to the head office and 35 per cent to local operators.

The network was pan-India in scale, with agents on the ground across multiple states bringing in new customers and handling cash flows through a layered system of fake SIM cards and third-party bank accounts. Ordinary individuals were reportedly offered commissions to lend their bank accounts, which were then used to route betting money and launder proceeds.

A Trail Going Back to December

The chain of arrests traces back to 21 December 2024, when police nabbed a bookie named Manoj Poptani from Hemunagarar in Torwa, Bilaspur. During his interrogation, Poptani disclosed that he had been operating in coordination with Raja Bajaj and Pradeep Khatri. That disclosure set off months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, with Bilaspur Police placing a reward of Rs 5,000 on Bajaj's head after he went into hiding and kept changing locations to evade arrest.

Financial Investigation Launched

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajnesh Singh confirmed that for the first time in Bilaspur, a formal financial investigation has been initiated against a bookie. "A property worth approximately Rs 50 lakh in the accused's name has already been identified," he said, adding that further assets are being mapped for attachment. According to officials, the probe will cover the accused's complete income and expenditure trail to build an end-to-end case under asset recovery provisions.

Police Signal Harder Action

SSP Rajnesh Singh stated that the department's campaign against those running illegal online betting operations — and looting hard-earned money from ordinary citizens — would continue unabated. "We are now moving towards economic action against these operators. By tracing their financial trail completely, we intend to dismantle these networks at the root," he said, as per official statements.

The case underscores a wider pattern of online gambling syndicates operating across Chhattisgarh under the cover of gaming apps, using shifting locations and fake identities to stay ahead of authorities — a challenge that police say they are increasingly equipped to meet.

Seven years of doorstep trust. One morning's deception. And Rs 45 lakh gone in minutes.

In a brazen and meticulously planned confidence fraud, a woman from Gujarat who had been selling homemade ghee at the home of a Revenue Inspector in Ambikapur for nearly seven years used that trust to pull off a Rs 45 lakh heist — swapping fake gold biscuits for real jewellery and cash meant for the officer's daughter's wedding. All four accused have since been arrested from Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

The Seven-Year Setup

The victim, Habib Khan, serves as Revenue Inspector (RI) at the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation in Surguja district, Chhattisgarh. For six to seven years, a woman named Manju Rathore had been a regular visitor to his home — coming door-to-door to sell desi ghee. She introduced herself as a resident of Kishangarh, Rajasthan. She was, in fact, from Gujarat.

Over the years, her consistent presence and routine visits earned her complete trust in the household. She was seen as a familiar face — a vendor who had become almost a part of the family's daily life. That trust became the weapon she ultimately used against them.

The Con — Fake Gold for Real Gold and Cash

In the days before Holi, Manju arrived at the officer's home with 50 tola (approximately 500 grams) of what appeared to be gold biscuits. She told the RI that she had a wedding at her home and needed the gold biscuits converted into jewellery. She asked if he could arrange this. The RI told her he would help after Holi.

On March 7, Manju returned — this time with two associates. She was aware that the officer had already had jewellery made for his own daughter's upcoming wedding. She presented the fake gold biscuits to the RI and told him that her wedding was urgent and could not wait. She asked him to exchange her gold biscuits for the ready-made jewellery he had prepared for his daughter's wedding, along with Rs 15 lakh in cash, promising she would return everything once her wedding was over.

The RI, trusting a woman he had known for years, handed over 20 tola of genuine gold jewellery — including earrings, bangles, a necklace and a ring totalling approximately 200 grams — along with Rs 15 lakh in cash. Manju and her associates left with the jewellery and money.

The Fake Gold Discovery — and the FIR

Within a short time of the gang leaving, the RI grew suspicious. He took the gold biscuits to a nearby jeweller for testing. They were fake — not gold at all. He immediately filed a complaint at Kotwali Police Station. Police registered a case under Sections 318(4), 61(2) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Arrested Across Two States — Gujarat and UP

Ambikapur CSP Rahul Bansal led the investigation, which relied on CCTV footage from the scene and technical surveillance. Once the accused were identified, police teams were dispatched across state lines.

From Rajkot, Gujarat, police arrested the main accused Manju Rathore (44) and her associate Santosh Rathore (45). Both confessed to the crime. From their possession, police recovered Rs 7.78 lakh in cash and a gold bangle weighing approximately 50 grams.

Following leads from their interrogation, a second police team travelled to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where they arrested Sunita Gujarati (35) and Kamla Gujarati (45) — both also originally from Gujarat. From them, Rs 12.53 lakh in cash and another 50-gram gold bangle were seized.

In total, all four accused were found carrying Rs 20.31 lakh in cash and two gold bangles weighing approximately 100 grams combined. All four have been produced before the Kotwali court and sent to judicial custody.

The Missing Gold — A Jeweller Being Hunted

The accused revealed during interrogation that the remaining gold jewellery stolen from the RI's home had been sold to a jeweller in Prayagraj. Police are now actively searching for that jeweller, who may have knowingly or unknowingly purchased stolen gold from the gang.

A Travelling Fraud Gang With a Tested Formula

All four accused were from Gujarat and regularly travelled to other states under the cover of selling milk and ghee — a mobile lifestyle that allowed them to build trust in multiple locations before executing their scams. The formula is dangerously effective: years of routine, low-value transactions to build complete confidence, followed by a single high-value deception using fake gold.

A Second Gold Scam in CG — Same Trick, Different Victim

This case is not isolated. In a separate incident in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, a villager named Umend Sahu was cheated of Rs 10 lakh by acquaintances who lured him with the promise of cheap gold biscuits allegedly found during excavation. Five fake gold biscuits were handed over in exchange for the cash. Police have registered a fraud case against four accused and the investigation is ongoing.

The pattern is clear: fake gold scams are on the rise across Chhattisgarh. Citizens must never exchange cash or valuables for gold biscuits without independent verification by a certified jeweller — regardless of how well they know the seller.

A deeply disturbing case of child murder has shaken Janjgir-Champa district in Chhattisgarh after a father drowned his own six-year-old son in a canal and then attempted to pass off the killing as an accidental fall. The accused, Resham Yadav, a resident of village Bhilauni under Pamgarh police station limits, has been arrested and sent to judicial remand after confessing to the murder during police interrogation.

A Family Torn Apart by Alcohol and Violence

Resham Yadav married in 2018 and the couple had three children together — two daughters and a son named Ayush. Over the years, Resham's chronic alcoholism became the source of constant conflict at home. He regularly subjected his wife to verbal abuse and physical violence.

Unable to bear the continued abuse, Resham's wife eventually left the house, taking her two daughters with her to her maternal home in village Bhilauni. Young Ayush, aged six, remained behind with his father. The separation enraged Resham, and according to police, he repeatedly called his wife on the phone issuing chilling threats — telling her that he would first kill their son and then end his own life.

The Night of the Murder

On the evening of Friday, March 13, Resham took Ayush with him and left home. In the early hours of March 14, at around 1 AM, he drowned the child in the Avas Para canal in village Bhilauni. At approximately 2 AM, Resham arrived at his wife's home carrying Ayush's lifeless body — and told her himself that he had killed their son.

When police arrived and began questioning him, Resham initially tried to mislead investigators. He claimed that he had been drunk and accidentally fallen into the canal along with Ayush and his bicycle, and that the child had drowned as a result of the fall. He maintained this false version for some time, attempting to frame the killing as an accident caused by his intoxicated state.

Confession Under Interrogation

Pamgarh police station in-charge Sawan Sarthi confirmed that upon receiving information, police acted immediately and took Resham into custody. During sustained and rigorous questioning, his fabricated story began to fall apart.

Under pressure, Resham Yadav broke down and confessed to deliberately murdering his son. He told police that his wife's refusal to return home had pushed him into a state of uncontrollable rage, and that he had taken out that rage on six-year-old Ayush by forcibly drowning him in the canal. After committing the murder, he carried the child's body to his wife's home in Bhilauni.

Arrested and Sent to Judicial Remand

Following the confession, police formally arrested Resham Yadav and produced him before a court. He has been sent to judicial remand and is currently lodged in jail. Further legal proceedings in the case are underway.

The case has sent shockwaves through the local community and has once again brought into sharp focus the devastating consequences of domestic violence, alcoholism, and the complete failure of protection for children caught in the middle of broken and abusive homes.