Orissa High Court hauls up CMC over insufficient measures to control mosquito menace
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Thursday pulled up the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) over its failure to curb the mosquito menace in the city, saying the civic body refuses to wake up from deep and blissful slumber on the pressing issue. The special bench constituted by Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh recently for adjudicating on PILs concerning civic problems was hearing on mosquito menace. The division bench of Justice SK Sahoo and Justice V Narasingh said, Mosquito menace is a persistent all-season civic problem of Cuttack city and it is responsible for serious diseases like malaria, dengue etc. A sensitive civil administration should have an effective eradication programme in place year-round and if the Corporation refuses to wake up from its deep and blissful slumber, it would cause health hazards. The advocates committee formed to assist the court had expressed concern over growing mosquito menace in the city and stated that the measures taken by the CMC are insufficient to check the problem and some urgent effective measures are to be taken in this respect. The drains are choked which has resulted in the rise in mosquito population. The Corporation has failed to carry out proper bush cutting operation which is contributing in a large measure for the breeding of mosquitoes, the committee informed. The bench ordered that there should be effective monitoring of the exercise undertaken by the CMC for eradication of mosquito menace. It directed that the supervisors of each ward shall upload the data relating to sprinkling of mosquito larvicide oil and temephos larvicide in their respective wards in the central database on daily basis. Mosquito density of each area has to be measured after such sprinkling on a weekly basis, it ordered. Necessary instruction in this regard shall be imparted by the commissioner, Cuttack Municipal Corporation, the bench added in the May 9 order. The court had earlier on May 2 asked the CMC to file an affidavit indicating in which areas, steps have been taken for sprinkling mosquito larvicide oil in stagnant water in drains and temephos larvicide on the campus and latrine area of each household. The affidavit should have documents showing the signatures of the respective households being covered. Accordingly, the CMC commissioner had filed an affidavit on Thursday stating that such steps have been started in ward no 5 and ward no 41. The CMC has 59 wards.
Will quit politics if Naveen Patnaik doesnt become CM: VK Pandian
BHUBANESWAR: As the BJD-BJP fight in the ensuing elections has turned into an intense face-off between senior ruling party leader VK Pandian and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the bureaucrat-turned-politician on Friday announced he would quit politics if Naveen Patnaik failed to take oath as the chief minister on June 9 and challenged the latter to do so if the saffron party is defeated again. Addressing an election meeting at Brajarajnagar, the BJD leader came down heavily on Pradhan for making big claims about BJP coming to power in this election and making him the target of attacks. You are a very tall leader. I am a chamcha and gumasta. When I can announce that I will take sanyas from politics if the chief minister fails to take oath again, why cant you do so. If you have the courage, announce it, Pandian said. Referring to the BJPs claims that a wave for change is evident in this election, he said that the leaders of the Opposition political parties are resorting to falsehood which will be rejected by the people. The BJD will win the Assembly elections by three-fourth majority and Naveen Patnaik will be sworn in as the next chief minister of the state for the sixth consecutive time on June 9 as per the schedule announced by the party, he asserted. Pandian also accused Pradhan of using bad language against the chief minister. Taking potshots at him, he said, the Union minister has no electoral victory to show for. The minister tried to contest from Dhenkanal and moved around the constituency for 10 years. He visited the constituency more than 400 times. But, as he did nothing for the constituency, he got the signal and decided not to contest from there. Now, he has moved over to a new place Sambalpur, Pandian said. The BJD leader questioned Pradhans contribution to Sambalpur. The Union minister could not even complete the work of the national highway between Cuttack and Sambalpur. But, the chief minister has resolved the problem of displaced persons of Hirakud which was continuing for decades, he said.
Odisha: NGT imposes ban on extraction of morrum, earth for rail track project
CUTTACK: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed restriction on further extraction of earth/morrum by the contractor engaged for construction of earth bed for the third line railway track from Bhadrak to Nirgundi. NGTs East Zone bench in Kolkata issued the interim order on Tuesday after taking note of the affidavits filed by the East Coast Railways (ECoR) and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Odisha. The affidavits were filed in response to the application filed by Srikanta Kumar Pakal and other residents of the area alleging illegal extraction of the minor minerals by the private contractor while carrying out the rail project work. Advocate Sankar Prasad Pani appeared on behalf of the petitioners in virtual mode. The bench of B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Satyagopal Korlapati (Expert Member) said, In this view of the matter, we restrain the private contractor from carrying out any further excavation of earth, morrum during the pendency of the present application. The tribunal order said ECoR had categorically stated in their affidavit that they had entered into a contract with the private contractor for earth work and minor bridges in the flyover portion between Byree-Kapilas Road in Bhadrak-Nergundi third line project. The SEIAAs affidavit categorically stated that no Environmental Clearance (EC) has been issued in favour of the private contractor for extraction of earth/morrum from various places of Tangi-Choudwar tehsil of Cuttack district or any other district for construction of the said railway track, the order said. The bench allowed the private construction company counsel advocate Prabhu Prasanna Beheras plea to file counter affidavit within one week and fixed July 11 for further consideration of the matter. Earlier, the tribunal had constituted a committee to ascertain the veracity of the allegations made in the petition. The committee had confirmed illegal extraction of the minor minerals and recommended recovery of penalty of Rs 42.45 crore and environmental compensation of Rs 1.20 crore for illegal extraction of morrum and laterite from the private construction company. The committee included mining officer (Cuttack circle), regional officer (OSPCB), assistant conservator of forests (Cuttack division) and additional district magistrate, Cuttack.
Civic development top on poll promises for Barabati-Cuttack
CUTTACK: It is election time and the candidates promise the moon to the voters. In Barabati-Cuttack Assembly constituency, which encompasses a significant part of the millennium city, the trend is no different. From taking steps to end the perennial civic issues to the development of infrastructure and facilities, the candidates of the three major political parties BJD, BJP and Congress are holding back nothing in their promises to the citizens. Barabati-Cuttacks BJD candidate Prakash Behera has promised to carry out ambitious plans like a barrage on Kathajodi river if elected. The barrage will be constructed on the river near Purighat. It will conserve water and solve the drinking water problems of the city in the long run, he said. Behera said that the city has seen massive transformation under the Naveen Patnaik government will all-round beautification, and development of civic amenities and infrastructure. I am determined to take the development to the next level and make Cuttack city a no 1 city, said Behera while addressing workers meeting at different places in the city. With Cuttack being the legal hub of the state, Behera has also promised to set up an advocate academy, once Naveen Patnaik government comes to power for the record sixth term. Not to be left behind, Sofia Firdous, the Congress candidate and daughter of sitting MLA Mohammed Moquim, said the party would come up with a detailed manifesto for the city soon. She, however, said that all her efforts would be towards fulfilling her fathers half-executed developmental works in the city. My father had initiated many steps and put pressure on the state government for implementation of different developmental works including renovation of Petanala, construction of box drain to facilitate communication on main stormwater channel (MSWC)-1, construction of drains in Bidanasi and six-lane ring road. It will be my priority to ensure completion of the projects which are lying half-executed. Besides, my focus will also be on taking steps for transforming the environment of the millennium city to make it a green city, Sofia said. Similarly, BJP candidate Dr Purna Chandra Mohapatra has promised all-round development of Cuttack city. The millennium city has remained under-developed in comparison to other cities of the state. The residents belonging to different classes are yet to get the benefits of the developmental works due to massive corruption and embezzlement of funds. They are deprived of the benefit of several developmental and welfare schemes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Mohapatra in the workers meeting while assuring of successful implementation of Modi ki Guarantee for Viksit Bharat in the city.
Odisha village worships the hands that feed us all
CUTTACK (MANIJODI): While people buy precious metals on Akshaya Tritiya, residents of Manijodi village in Cuttack district worship annadata or the farmer. The temple has a life-size statue of a traditional farmer made of concrete. The statue has a hat on its head with the left hand holding a plough and the right a stick for herding cattle. The tradition of worshipping the farmer is around two decades old. On Akshaya Tritiya, the temple is decorated with flowers. Apart from garlanding the statue with flowers and worshipping it, a Nama Sankirtan (Astaprahari) is organised throughout the day. The holy Akhi Muthi (paddy filled in a gaunai, a container made of cane) is then taken out in a procession where traditional musical instruments like Jhanja, Mrudanga and cymbals are played with the participants, mostly farmers chanting Jay Kisan. After the procession moves around the village and nearby localities, the farmers take their respective Akhi Muthis and start cultivation by sowing it in their land. Odisha is a agriculture-based economy. Farmers grow food grains by toiling hard but do not get respect or adequate remuneration. The majority of our villagers are farmers and we revere them as much as God, said Pratap Sahu, a social activist who had established and consecrated the farmers temple in 2005.
Varsha-Anubhav Marital Discord: Anubhav Mohanty Fails To Appear Before Court
Cuttack: Ollywood actor turned politician Anubhav Mohanty failed to appear before the court today. The court had asked Anubhav Mohanty and his two accomplices Sujit Dallei and Khagendra Prasad Sahu to appear before it in allegation of mental, physical, torture, threats and other charges filed by Varsha Priyadarshini. According to sources, Anubhav cited [] The post Varsha-Anubhav Marital Discord: Anubhav Mohanty Fails To Appear Before Court appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
No vehicles on Station Square to Vani Vihar from 2 pm ahead of Modi's roadshow
BHUBANESWAR: Commissionerate Police on Thursday issued traffic advisory for the citizens during Prime Minister Narendra Modis roadshow on Friday evening. Vehicular movement will not be allowed on Janpath Road from Station Square to Vani Vihar from 2 pm and restrictions will remain in place till the roadshow is over. Vehicles coming from lanes/by-lanes on both sides of the roads will not be allowed to ply during the specified time period, said Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner, Sanjeeb Panda. The roadshow is likely to start by 8.30 pm and last for about an hour. Once PMs cavalcade will reach near Rama Devi University, vehicular movement will be stopped for a few minutes on National Highway-16 near Vani Vihar. Similarly, vehicular movement will be stopped on the flyover near Vani Vihar during the period. Police have asked the organizers to set up at least five parking places including one at IDCO Exhibition Ground for the people visiting Janpath to witness the PMs roadshow. All of them are ready for the citizens, said sources. Apart from Janpath Road (Station Square to Vani Vihar), there will be no restriction on vehicular movement in any other part of the city. We are expecting that there will not be any major traffic issue, said Panda. A gathering of about 75,000 people is expected during Modis roadshow, the first in Odisha during this elections.
BJD promises free power to consumers up to 100 units
BHUBANESWAR: In a move to woo voters ahead of the elections, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday promised free power for consumers using up to 100 units of electricity and 50 per cent subsidy for those consuming between 100 to 150 units. Announcing the Peoples Manifesto of the BJD here, the chief minister said that around 75 per cent of families of the state consume less than 100 units of electricity and another 10 to 15 per cent use 100 to 150 units. The decision will ensure energy security of 85 to 90 per cent of the families in the state, he said, adding this will encourage responsible use of electricity among the people. The manifesto has sops covering all sections of people including women, youth, SC, ST and OBC. Stating that Odisha will be converted to number one state of the country by 2034, two years before the centenary of its creation as a separate state, the chief minister said youths have a major role to play in writing the new growth story of Odisha. Naveen announced a separate budget of Rs 1 lakh crore for the youth in next 10 years. He said Rs 1,000 crore will be spent from this budget as per the advice of the youths. Such an initiative will be a first-of-its-kind through which youths can create their own identity, he said. Annual scholarships for girls and boys under the Nua-O scholarship will also be increased to Rs 14,000 and Rs 12,000 respectively. Keeping in view the fact that the growing unemployment among the youths has emerged as one major source of worry, the chief minister announced creation of two lakh jobs during the next five years. Besides, loan for self-employment will also be increased from the existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. The manifesto also announced several sops for women, who form a significant support base of the party. The manifesto promised interest-free loan of Rs 15 lakh for women. The SHGs will have financial linkage of Rs 1.5 lakh crore by which they will be returned interest of Rs 2,500 crore. The SHGs will be provided government business of Rs 20,000 crore in the next 10 years. Mission Shakti women will also be provided pension, he added. Besides, to placate the middle class people, the manifesto announced their coverage in BSKY scheme, interest-subvention on house loans up to Rs 20 lakh and scholarships for students. He said that government employees and contract workers will also be covered under the BSKY. The manifesto announced a corpus fund of Rs 1,000 crore to provide assistance of Rs 1 lakh each for 10,000 ST, SC and OBC youths during the next 10 years to create self-employment opportunities. Besides, loans up to Rs 10 lakh will be made interest-free for SC, ST and OBC youths for encouraging entrepreneurship. Besides, a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore was announced for protection of heritage places. A corpus of Rs 100 crore will also be created for development of Odia as a classical language. The chief minister announced that government will encourage urbanisation so that population in urban centres will be doubled during the next 10 years. Four mega-clusters covering Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Khurda-Puri, Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Rourkela , Baripada-Balasore-Bhadrak and Berhampur-Chhatrapur-Gopalpur will ensure all-round development. Besides, 20 towns will also be developed further. Poll sops Free power for consumers using 100 units 50 pc subsidy for consumers using 100-150 units 2 lakh new jobs in 5 years Rs 15 lakh loan to women without interest Rs 20,000 cr business to women SHGs in 5 years Pension for Mission Shakti members Rs 1,000 cr corpus for development, protection of heritage places Rs 100 cr for development of Odia as classical language Rs 1 lakh each for 10,000 SC, ST and OBC youths for entrepreneurship
First-timer challenges Cuttack veteran
Bhubaneswar: The first phase of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state is going to be held May 13. The Cuttack Lok Sabha seat, one of the 21 parliamentary constituencies in the state, will go for voting in the third phase, May 25. This Lok Sabha seat holds a special significance as the []
Centre Had Decided to Build an Airport in Odishas Paradip, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Bhubaneswar : Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the Centre has taken the decision to build an airport at Odishas Paradip at a cost of Rs 200 crore. He also informed that the Union government has also decided to improve physical infrastructure development of the state in a massive way. Gadkari was here to campaign for BJPs Puri Lok Sabha candidate Dr Sambit Patra and partys Brahmagiri assembly seat nominee Upasana Mohapatra. In an attempt to strike an emotional chord with the people, Gadkari started his address in Odia and said he visited Puri Srimandir and sought blessings of Lord Jagannath for the betterment of the country and making India the third largest economy in the world. Referring to the perennial communication problem of Krushnaprasad area under Brahmagiri asse, he said he would do something for them and they should also do something for him by casting their votes for party candidates, Sambit Patra and Upasana Mohapatra. I declare that we are constructing a road from Tangi to Digha. Due to Chilika Lake and the wetland, there is a missing link between Gopalpur and Satapada. Due to this missing link, people are still using boats. Between National Highway 516 A and National Highway 316 A, a road will be constructed. An order has been given to prepare its DPR, he said. The DPR for the 171-km-long six-lane road from Ratanpur to Digha to be constructed at the cost of Rs 8000 crore has been prepared and it will be built after the elections. Similarly, the DPR of 177-km-long four-lane road from Rameswar, Puri, Konark and Pardip to Ratanpur at a cost of Rs 8500 crore has also been prepared. This will improve the connectivity between Paradip and Dhamra port. The construction will start in October. Another DPR for a 65-km-long four-lane road from Jamjhari to Dhamra port to be built at the cost of Rs 2000 crore has also been prepared. Its tender will be floated after the elections. The DPR for the four-lane 87-km-long road from Cuttack-Paradip Port at the cost of Rs 2370 crore has been completed. Its construction will also start after the elections, said the Minister. I am spending Rs 3 lakh crore for the development of roads in Odisha. I believe this will help the development of Odisha. I have done a lot for Paradip port. This has provided employment to youths. I also permitted the rail project worth Rs 3100 crore rail project from Paradip to Kalinganagar. We have also decided to build an airport at a cost of Rs 200 crore, he said.
Demand for FOB as truck mows down 2 at Palasuni
Bhubaneswar: The demand for a foot over bridge (FOB) rose again as two persons including a woman were killed by a speeding truck at Palasuni Square Wednesday. As per reports, the accident took place when a truck hurtling towards Cuttack mowed down the two as they were crossing the road. While the body of the []
Be aware of cardiac issues, Thalassemia patients told
BHUBANESWAR: As cardiac complications are the most common cause of death in thalassemia, health experts on Wednesday said it is vital for patients to prevent such complications from developing, and for those who already have cardiac issues to get treated to reverse them or prevent them from getting worse. Speaking at an event organised by the Clinical Haematology department of SCB medical college and hospital at Cuttack to mark World Thalassemia Day, vice principal Prof Satyanarayan Routray said thalassemia can contribute to serious cardiac issues. Regular testing, treatment and lifestyle changes can play a big role in preventing cardiac issues. Patients must be aware about the symptoms, complications and consequences, he said and ensured all the necessary healthcare facilities at the Day Care Centre, which is being developed into a one point of care for all blood disorders. Medical superintendent of SCB Prof Sudhansu Sekhar Mishra emphasised the importance of early detection and intervention in managing thalassemia effectively, underscoring the role of such initiatives in raising awareness and promoting a culture of proactive healthcare. Head of the Clinical Haematology department Prof RK Jena said one point holistic healthcare services will be available very soon at the Day Care Centre, which will have the facility for laboratory services. Prenatal diagnosis for detection of beta thalassemia of foetus during pregnancy is already available. This will ensure the delivery of healthy children by thalassemia couples, he said. The department is all set to conduct a bone marrow transplantation on a beta thalassemia patient as a suitable donor is already ready. This will open up a revolutionary curative option in Odisha. The event, meticulously crafted and executed by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, provided comprehensive care and support to thalassemia patients, offering a ray of hope in their battle against the disease. The patients were empowered to lead fulfilling lives by a multi-faceted approach encompassing regular screenings, access to specialised treatment and educational sessions. Head of Endocrinology department Prof Sudhir Ranjan Pattanaik, associate professor of haematology Dr Sudha Sethy and assistant professor Dr Manamohan Biswal also spoke.
Dissident worry for BJD, BJP in Cuttack
CUTTACK: Dissidents of BJD and BJP have become a headache for the parties in Salipur and Mahanga Assembly segments. Addressing mediapersons on Tuesday, dissident BJD leader Bisheswar Swain announced he would contest as an Independent candidate from Salipur where the party has fielded sitting MLA Prasant Behera. Discontentment is brewing among voters against the local MLA. While problems of farmers remain unsolved in different localities of Salipur block, several localities in Tangi too are lying neglected. No steps have yet been taken for according sub-division status to Salipur, improving education, healthcare, communication and solving the unemployment problem in the Assembly segment, said Swain adding he would file his nomination on May 14. Similarly, Sarada Pradhan, an aspirant for BJP ticket has announced to contest as an Independent candidate from Mahanga Assembly segment where the saffron party has fielded a new face Sumanta Ghadei.
Odisha: Mohanty flays BJD govt over urban mess
BHUBANESWAR: Senior BJP leader Samir Mohanty on Wednesday hit out at ruling BJD over the urban mess it has created in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Odisha government has no concrete plan on managing waste and waterlogging problems in major cities of the state despite huge funding from the Centre. With increasing urbanisation and rise in population in urban centres, the existing infrastructure has proven too inadequate, Mohanty told mediapersons here. The BJD government had identified 20 slums as Biju Adarsh colonies but after three years of launching the programme the beneficiaries are yet to reap its benefits. The state capital has turned out to be a garbage city with huge mound of solid waste heaped in its heart. We will remove the mountain of trash by making use of up to 8 per cent of the plastic waste compulsory for road construction under the rags to road scheme. We guarantee proper standard of living for slum dwellers by implementing a slum rehabilitation policy after coming to power, he said.
Will pass orders if missing kid not found by May 14: Odisha HC
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has warned it shall consider passing appropriate orders on the next date if the child who went missing from Utkal Balashram at Khapuria in Cuttack nine months back, is not traced by May 14. The word of caution came on Tuesday while suo motu registering a petition entitled - RE: Missing of Child from Utkal Balashram, Cuttack - a state-run child care institution and directing all the concerned authorities to take all possible measures to ensure that the child is located. The case was instituted on the basis of a report submitted by the Orissa High Courts Juvenile Justice Committee. The division bench of Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, The fact remains that after nearly nine months, the missing child has not been traced. We have been informed that a special team has been constituted recently on 03.05.2024 to locate the child. We express our serious concern over the insensitive approach of the authorities in addressing the issue of a child missing from the Utkal Balashram, Cuttack. The bench fixed May 14 as the next date for further adjudication on the matter. It added, The court expects that the director, Women and Child Development department Monisha Banerjee shall take appropriate steps, based on the findings recorded in the report made by the secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee. Let an affidavit be filed on behalf of the opposite parties disclosing the instances of children found missing from other Utkal Balashrams in the state of Odisha. The order said the director of State Women and Child Development department informed the court that the department has taken up the issue with all seriousness and the department is also looking into similar instances in other childcare institutions in the state of Odisha. Advocate general Ashok Kumar Parija informed the court that an FIR was registered about the missing of child on the very same day, ie on August 12, 2023, disclosing commission of an offence punishable under section 363 of IPC, the order said.
Trance crime: Woman robbed of ornaments in Cuttack
CUTTACK: In a bizarre incident, a woman was allegedly hypnotised and robbed of her gold ornaments at a busy locality near Brundaban cinema hall in the city on Wednesday. Pushpalata Das (55) of Bajrakabati Road was on her way to buy vegetables near the cinema hall when two unidentified miscreants approached her for drinking water at around 10.30 am. The miscreants spoke in Hindi. Pushpalata, affable and religious in nature, bought water from a nearby shop and handed over to the miscreants who after drinking it blew into her eyes making her stand still on the spot. The miscreants then told Pushpalata that Goddess was annoyed with her and asked her to remove all her gold ornaments, keep it in her purse while chanting the Goddess name to get her blessings. Pushpalata obliged by removing her necklace, ring, a pair of earrings and bangles weighing around 30 gram and kept them in her purse which had Rs 150 in cash. The miscreants then asked her to hand over the purse and her mobile phone to them and walk 51 feet chanting the Goddess name, the complainant said. Pushpalata said she gave the purse and mobile phone and walked 51 feet towards the cinema hall chanting the Goddess name but when she turned back, the miscreants had fled the spot. The victim then lost consciousness. Later locals informed her family who then rescued her from the spot. Pushpalata filed an FIR with Purighat police station. We have registered the FIR and started investigating the incident by verifying the CCTV footage of the locality, said Purighat IIC Jatindra Sethi. Police said the case appeared to be an act of emotional blackmailing. We are trying to nab the miscreants as soon as possible, said a senior police officer while ruling out hypnotism.
PMs roadshow in Bhubaneswar, two km stretch under watch
BHUBANESWAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modis roadshow in the state capital on Friday, second in last five years, has the security agencies on their toes. A whopping 55 platoon force has been mobilized to be deployed during the roadshow which will start from near BJP headquarters and end at Vani Vihar Square. The roadshow is expected to start at about 8.30 pm and continue for an hour. Quoting Prime Ministers Office (PMO), police said the roadshow will kick off from BJP headquarters or Ram Mandir Square to Vani Vihar. Traffic arrangements and diversions are being chalked out and details will be shared on Thursday. The 2 km stretch between Ram Mandir and Vani Vihar Square will remain under tight security cordon and all arrangements will be taken up as per blue book, said Police commissioner of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Sanjeeb Panda. Vehicular movement will not allowed on connecting roads from BJP headquarters to DCP office in Vani Vihar. Police are likely to stop vehicular movement on NH-16 near Vani Vihar once the prime ministers cavalcade reaches near Rama Devi University, said sources. Vehicles will also not be allowed to ply on the flyover near Vani Vihar during the period. While the entire stretch will be sanitized, nobody will be allowed on high rise buildings between Ram Mandir and Vani Vihar Square. Besides, the area will be declared no fly zone and drones will be barred during the roadshow. Bomb and dog squads have already started scanning the area. Sources said police have finalised the required security arrangements if the PM opts to walk for some distance during the roadshow. Police said the event will be held in the evening but did not specify its timing. Around 55 platoons of police force, five DCP ranked officers, 10 additional DCPs, 27 ACPs, 41 inspectors and 180 sub-inspectors will be deployed during the PMs roadshow to maintain law and order. Barricades will also be erected on both sides of the roads, said Panda. Three teams of special tactical unit (STU) and police personnel in plainclothes will also be deployed during the event. The National Highways Authority of India has also issued instruction to its regional office asking it to keep the NH stretch free of potholes and water-logging. Streetlighting and signages must also be put in place, said sources familiar of the instructions. During Modis roadshow in the capital ahead of general elections in 2019, thousands of people had descended on the streets to have a glimpse of him. This time too, police expect a huge turnout when the prime ministers cavalcade rolls on the city roads.
JMFC Court Dismisses Discharge Plea Of Anubhav Mohanty In Domestic Violence Case
Cuttack: The Cuttack Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) dismissed actor Anubhav Mohantys discharge petition and directed the authorities to frame charges of domestic violence against him on Tuesday. In December 2020, his former wife Varsha Priyadarshini complained to Purighat police station, alleging that Anubhav and two of his friends had locked her in a room [] The post JMFC Court Dismisses Discharge Plea Of Anubhav Mohanty In Domestic Violence Case appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha's richest Lok Sabha election candidate owns 59 mutual fund schemes
Santrupt Misra, a BJD candidate for the Cuttack Lok Sabha Seat, declared investments in 59 mutual fund schemes. Notably, he holds significant stakes in various funds, including those from Aditya Birla, Axis, Bandhan, HDFC, ICICI Prudential, SBI, Kotak, Mirae Asset, and Bharat Bond ETFs.
Odisha: Man held for drugging and looting street vendors
CUTTACK: Cantonment police on Tuesday arrested another member of the gang which was involved in drugging and looting street vendors across twin city and several other districts since the last few months. The accused was identified as Uttam Behera alias Kankada (28) of Nurupur under Jajpurs Binjharpur area. Police have also seized cash of Rs 3,400, a mobile phone and an auto rickshaw from his possession. Additional DCP Anil Mishra said on February 28, Uttam and two others - Bikram Biswal and Ajay Behera - had come in the auto rickshaw to the stall of tender coconut vendor Purna Chandra Behera, located on the roadside near Barabati stadium, and asked him to cut 15 coconuts which were priced at Rs 40 each. While Purna was engaged in cutting the coconuts, Uttam offered him juice which he had bought from a nearby shop. However after drinking it, Purna lost consciousness following which the trio robbed Rs 58,000 from his pocket which he had saved for paying LIC premium, and fled. Later, locals rushed Purna to SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment and informed his brother. The trio had applied the same modus operandi to loot Rs 30,000 from a roadside meat seller on March 30, said Mishra. Biswal and Behera were arrested earlier and remanded in judicial custody. The trio was involved in over 20 similar cases in different districts, he added.
Orissa HC grants bail to man on terms of planting 200 trees
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has granted bail to a man facing prosecution in an abetment to a suicide case on the condition that he will plant 200 saplings around his village. Noting that the accused has been in custody since November 19, 2023, Justice SK Panigrahi in his order, delivered on Monday, directed the Kalahandi district nursery to extend the helping hand by supplying plants to him. According to case records, Kartik Majhi is an accused in a case registered under section 451 (house trespassing), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 305 (abetment of suicide) under IPC and section 12 of Prevention of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act (sexual harassment). The Koksara police station had registered the case on the basis of the complaint lodged by father of the victim girl who had allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself after the six accused in the case had forcibly entered their house, abused his brother in obscene language and threatened to rape her. The case is pending before the Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court under (POCSO), Bhawanipatna. Kartik filed his application for release on bail on February 20, 2024. While disposing of the bail plea on Monday, Justice Panigrahi granted Kartik bail on the condition that he shall plant 200 trees like mango, tamarind, etc., around his village - Reinguda under Ampani police station in Kalahandi district. Planting of trees will be in addition to the conditions to be fixed by the trial court while releasing Kartik on bail. Kartik shall start planting trees as soon as the rainy season approaches and will maintain those plants, Justice Panigrahi said while directing the Ampani police station to see whether he has planted the trees or not. The court asked the accused to appear before the local police station once in a week between 10 am to 1 pm. However, Justice Panigrahi cautioned, If the accused indulges himself in any criminal offence while on bail or tampers with evidence of the prosecution in any manner it may entail consideration for cancellation of the bail granted to him. In his order Justice Panigrahi said Advocate PK Satapathy, appearing on behalf of the accused had submitted that he is innocent and no way connected in the said offence. While submitting that the conduct of the accused in custody is satisfactory Satapathy also gave an undertaking that if released on bail he shall plant 200 trees around his village.
Prakash Beheras candidature draws flak from within BJD in Barabati-Cuttack seat
CUTTACK: A turbulent situation prevails for the ruling BJD in Barabati-Cuttack Assembly constituency with the party receiving backlash over selection of candidate from the segment besides other unresolved conflicts. On the other hand, while Congress seems to be going on the right track regarding campaigning, the BJP too is on the back foot apparently over delay in declaration of candidate for the seat. Sources said the BJDs decision to field former Salipur MLA and ex-district BJP unit president Prakash Behera from the seat has not gone down well with the local aspirants who had been vying for a party ticket since long. Behera joined the BJD after quitting the saffron party recently. Beheras selection as the BJD nominee from the segment has only flared up internal conflict and factionalism which became prominent after resignation of Subhas Singh from the Rajya Sabha to be elected as Cuttack Municipal Corporation mayor. Former Barabati-Cuttack MLA Debashish Samantaray who had lost the seat in 2019 election was nominated to Rajya Sabha. Apart from Singh and Samantaray, Ashirbad Beheras son Sanjay was also aspiring to contest the elections from the seat. Though the BJD top guns interfered and held several rounds of meetings with the CMCs ruling party corporators and local leaders to amicably settle the dissidence, the matter is yet to be resolved. Meanwhile, though Behera has already started campaigning, voters of the constituency are seemingly unwilling to accept his candidature with open arms. I will prefer voting for the candidate hailing from the city locality as I would not be going to Salipur to air my grievances, said 65-year-old Rebarani Bewa of Hatipokhari locality. Congress candidate Sofia Firdous has meanwhile intensified her door-to-door campaigning along with her father Mohammed Moquim who had won from the seat in the 2019 elections. Moquim had been actively strengthening his organisation since the last one year in the constituency but was debarred from contesting the polls owing to a 24-year-old corruption case against him. He is presently campaigning for his daughter to garner votes in her favour. If sources are to be believed, a majority of 37,500 voters belonging to the minority community is expected to vote in support of Sofia. On the other hand, BJP after much delay declared 68-year-old Dr Purna Chandra Mohapatra as its candidate from the seat. Mohapatra filed his nomination papers on Thursday and is yet to begin campaigning for the elections. He is banking on the partys organisation and Modi Guarantee.
Odisha HC commutes death sentence of rape convict
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Monday commuted the death sentence awarded to one Mohammed Mustak to imprisonment for life with a rider. A Special POCSO Court in Cuttack had convicted Mustak of raping and murdering a six-year-old girl in a village under Salepur police station and sentenced him to death on September 19, 2019. The high court said he shall undergo minimum sentence of 20 years before moving an application for remission to be considered on merit only and if no remission is granted, the sentence of imprisonment for life shall mean till the remainder of his life. The state government had moved the high court for confirmation of the death sentence while Mustak had also filed a criminal appeal against the trial court verdict. While acquitting 31-year-old Mustak of the charges of rape but confirming his conviction for murder, the division bench of Justice SK Sahoo and Justice RK Pattanaik said that during the course of argument, the court enquired specifically from the state counsel as to whether there was any criminal antecedent against the appellant and whether there was anything adverse against his conduct during detention in jail custody, to which he answered in negative. The bench also said it is not disputed that the appellant is a married person and has children. No material was produced before it by the state counsel that there is no possibility of reformation and rehabilitation. Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future - strikes a note of reformatory potential even in the ghastliest crime. Human endeavour should be to hate the sin and not the sinner. There is still life in life sentence and only death in death sentence, the bench observed. Therefore, we are not inclined to impose death sentence for the offence under section 302 of IPC particularly when we have acquitted the appellant of the charges under section 376-AB of IPC so also section 6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act (Sexual Assault), the bench further stated.
Illegal sand mining: NGT seeks fresh affidavits from SEIAA and OSPCB
CUTTACK : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has rejected the affidavits filed by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) in response to the petition that had alleged illegal mining of sand beyond the permitted lease area in the Kusei riverbed area at Deogaon under Ghasipura tehsil of Keonjhar district. The NGTs East Zone Bench in Kolkata was hearing the petition filed by Tapas Kumar Bal, a resident of Deogaon alleging unchecked mechanical extraction of sand by using high power machines (excavators) by the lessee. In an additional affidavit, petitioner counsel Sankar Prasad Pani pointed out that the affidavits filed by SEIAA and OSPCB had not given specific replies to the allegations made in the petition. Taking note of it, the bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (Expert Member) said the affidavits filed by SEIAA and OSPCB had not given replies with regard to the allegations made in the petition. None of the affidavits of the respondents has given any para-wise reply to the allegations of the petition. In fact, the affidavits filed by the respondents are in an essay form, the bench observed in its April 30 order. The bench directed SEIAA and OSPCB to file fresh para-wise counter affidavits within four weeks. While directing the deputy director Mines to file a reply affidavit, the tribunal also granted the lessee four weeks time to file a response to the petition. The bench posted the matter to May 31. The petition had alleged illegal mining of sand beyond the permitted area by the lessee in Kusei river which is intersecting Jajpur and Keonjhar districts. The sand quarry in question is adjoining Jajpur and sand is being illegally mined from the Jajpur side whereas transportation of the mined mineral is being done on the Keonjhar side, the petition alleged.
Cuttack has turned BJD bastion of dynastic politics
CUTTACK: Dynastic politics has become synonymous with BJD in Cuttack district which has placed its bets on wards of bigwigs in Banki, Choudwar-Cuttack and Mahanga Assembly segments. The party has fielded Ankit Pratap Jena, son of legislator Pratap Jena, from Mahanga seat this time. Pratap had made a hat-trick by winning the seat on a BJD ticket in 2009, 2014 and 2019. But with his name being dragged into the Mahanga double-murder case, BJD had to sideline him. The party however did not look far for Prataps replacement and nominated Ankit for the seat. The prestigious Mahanga Assembly constituency, represented by eminent leaders like Mahammad Attahar (Congress), Pradipta Kishore Das (PSP and Janata Party), Surendranath Patnaik (Congress), Biraja Prasad Roy (PSP), Sarat Kar (Utkal Congress, Janata Dal and BJD) Shaik Matlub Ali (Congress), Bikram Keshari Barma (BJD) from 1951 to 2004 had never seen nominations on hereditary basis. After abolition of Kissannagar Assembly constituency, Pratap who had represented the seat for two terms in 2000 and 2004, was given ticket by BJD to contest from Mahanga in 2009 sidelining both Sarat Kar and Bikram Keshari Barma. Earlier, BJD which had denied ticket to Banki MLA Pravat Kumar Tripathy and Choudwar-Cuttack MLA Prabhat Ranjan Biswal after they were entangled in chit fund scam had given their sons Devi Ranjan Tripathy and Sauvik Biswal a chance to contest from the respective constituencies in 2019 elections. Though both Devi Ranjan and Sauvik are contesting again, the organisational activities of both the Assembly segments are believed to have managed by both Pravat and Prabhat. Congress, considered the pioneer of dynastic politics, too has given ticket to Sofia Firdous, daughter of Mohammad Moquim.
Orissa HC commutes death sentence of man
Bhubaneswar: Observing that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future, the Orissa High Court Monday commuted the death sentence awarded by a lower court to a man for rape and murder of a six-year-old girl in Cuttack in 2018 to life imprisonment. A division bench of Justices Sangam Kumar Sahoo and []
Bhubaneswar: TPCODL, a joint venture of Tata Power and the Government of Odisha, continually strives to enhance customer service through advanced technological solutions. TPCODL has recently introduced state of art Transformer Monitoring Unit (TMU) at our 33/11kV primary substations in the twin cities Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This TMU provides an exceptional combination of monitoring, control [] The post TPCODL Introduces Transformer Monitoring Units (TMU) for Enhanced Customer Service and Power Reliability in the twin city appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
BJD drops 30 per cent sitting MLAs, half of its MPs
BHUBANESWAR: The BJD has dropped at least 30 per cent of its sitting MLAs and 50 per cent of sitting MPs this simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Although it was speculated that the regional party, which aims to return to the power for the sixth consecutive term, would drop more than 50 per cent of its sitting MLAs on the basis of their performance, the failed talks on alliance with BJP forced it to retain some of the sitting lawmakers. Party sources said 33 sitting MLAs of the 112 elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2019 and six MPs of the 12 who won in the last elections have been denied tickets. Among the incumbent MPs, while Dhenkanal MP Mahesh Sahoo and Nabarangpur MP Ramesh Majhi have been fielded from Hindol and Jharigam Assembly constituencies respectively, Bhartruhari Mahtab resigned from the party and got nomination from BJP in Cuttack. Political observers believe BJD has attempted to revitalise its image and appeal to a broader spectrum of voters by replacing the incumbent lawmakers. The party has been successful in poaching two disgruntled former BJP leaders, who have been fielded from two prestigious constituencies - Berhampur and Balasore. It has also reposed faith on former Congress leaders in Kendrapara, Balangir and Keonjhar constituencies. However, nine family members of the dropped MLAs have managed to bag tickets. They are Archanarekha Behera (wife of Subrat Tarai) from Raghunathpali, Preetinanda Kanungo (wife of Rajkishore Das) from Morada, Sanjukta Singh (wife of Rajanikant Singh) from Angul, Ankit Pratap Jena (son of Pratap Jena) from Mahanga, Chinmayananda Srirup Deb (son of Usha Devi) from Chikiti, Gitanjali Routray (wife of Sambit Routray) from Paradip, Ramesh Majhi (brother of Prakash Majhi), Sanghamitra Swain (wife of Purna Chandra Swain) from Surada and Kausalya Pradhani (wife of Sadasiva Pradhani) from Nabarangpur. Besides, the party has fielded sitting Bangiriposi MLA Sudam Marndi as Lok Sabha candidate from Mayurbhanj and his wife Ranjita Marndi as the nominee from Bangiriposi Assembly segment. Similarly, Korei MLA Pranab Prakash Das has been fielded as the Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur and his mother Sandhyarani Das from Korei seat. The regional party has taken the lead by nominating 33 per cent (seven) women candidates for Lok Sabha and 23 per cent (35) in Assembly polls. However, the decision to drop sitting MLAs and MPs could have far-reaching implications for the BJDs future political fortunes. A senior BJD leader said by replacing candidates with stronger contenders, the party aims at maximising its chances of winning more seats. Public sentiments and winnability also factored into the decision, he said.
Commissionerate Police sets up eight check posts in Bhubaneswar
BHUBANESWAR: Amid heightened surveillance by Commissionerate Police ahead of the elections, around eight border check posts have been set up in the state capital to prevent unlawful activities and illegal transportation of cash. Police have set up the check posts in areas bordering Khurda, Cuttack and Puri. Three flying squads each have been deployed in four Assembly constituencies, while five have been engaged in Bhubaneswar North Assembly constituency as it is cash sensitive, said a senior police officer. Sources said there have been instances in the past of money being used in Bhubaneswar North constituency to influence voters due to which a strict vigil is being kept in the constituency by the police. Besides, three static surveillance teams have been engaged in each constituency to check unlawful activities and illegal movement of cash. Police on Saturday seized Rs 3.5 lakh in cash from the car of a contractor in Pokhariput area at around 9.30 pm. Police said the contractor claimed he was carrying the cash in his car for some construction work. Meanwhile, Odisha Police has seized over Rs 60 crore in cash from various parts of the state since January 1. The state police have implemented preventive measures and bound down 44,500 people under various sections and executed 10,000 non-bailable warrants. Around 120 inter-state check posts have been set up and 515 flying squads and 390 static surveillance teams engaged to check illegal activities.
STF seizes 49 kg marijuana, nabs 5
Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) has seized 49 kg of marijuana by intercepting two vehicles on National Highway-16 near Tangi area of Cuttack and claimed to have arrested five peddlers, including one from Bihar. Two four-wheelers and several incriminating materials have been seized from the possession of the accused, said a senior STF officer. []
IMD predicts relief from heatwave in Odisha this week
BHUBANESWAR: The severe heatwave which has thrown normal life out of gear across the state is set to abate this week. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said maximum day temperature will fall by 4 degree to 6 degree C at many places within three to four days under the influence of rainfall and thundershower activity. Rainfall and thundershower activity is likely to continue till Saturday. The flow of moisture carrying winds from Bay of Bengal will enhance this week and interact with the warm atmosphere which will trigger rainfall activity in various parts of Odisha, said Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre scientist, Umasankar Das. The impact of thundershower activity will possibly be felt the most on Tuesday and Wednesday. As strong gusty surface winds are expected to prevail, the regional Met office has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea in the region between May 6 and 8. Due to anticipated strong gusty surface wind speed reaching 40 km/h to 50 km/h along and off north Odisha coast, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from May 6 to 8, said the Met office. Odisha witnessed sweltering weather on Sunday as 26 places recorded 40 degree C or more. Of them, 12 places recorded 43 degree C or above. Titlagarh was the hottest at 45 degree C, Boudh 44.6 degree C, Nuapada 44.4 degree C, Balangir 44.3 degree C and Bhawanipatna and Jharsuguda 44 degree C each. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded less than 40 degree C for the second consecutive day on Sunday. The capital city recorded 39.9 degree C and neighbouring Cuttack 38.5 degree C.
India a Vishwa Bandhu, its global impact vital: EAM S Jaishankar
CUTTACK: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday spoke on Indias role as a Vishwa Bandhu (worlds friend) emphasising its diplomatic influence and global partnerships. Addressing a conference on Vishwa Bandhu Bharat here, he highlighted record Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and strategic connectivity projects with countries like UAE, Iran, and Russia while outlining Indias effort to enhance global cooperation. Indias foreign policy and its identity have reached a new high across the world. When you press a button in a polling booth, its impact will not only be felt on an Assembly, Parliament and India but also across the world, said Jaishankar. Vishwa Bandhu is a term used to refer to a relevant country whose contribution is acknowledged by the world. The entire world believes such country will extend a helping hand and has maximum friends with minimum problems, he said. If we look at todays India and analyse the reasons why we are liked and respected, we will find that a lot of countries are keen to invest here, share technology and include it in the global supply chain. Today Indias FDI inflow has increased and companies like Apple and others are coming here, said Jaishankar. 'Quad is here to stay, grow and contribute': Dr S Jaishankar He said three high-profile projects are in the offing including connectivity from India to Europe via UAE which is known as India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The second is the International North-South Corridor via Iran and Russia. Similarly, another route will help reach Vietnam and the Indo-Pacific via Odisha coastline and North East region. There is a lot of scope to make the world a workplace because of the dearth of human resources and extend benefits to citizens. Though a lot of countries are keen to team up with India, connectivity issues persisting since partition remains a challenge before us as we fall short of creating new ones post-Independence, said the minister. For connectivity, countries need to come together and contribute. But the main factor is trust. This is where Vishwa Bandhu comes into play. Now, countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam and others want to work and partner with India. In the last 10 years, the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid a strong foundation for the country on the basis of which the goal of Viksit Bharat can be achieved in the next 25 years of the nations journey, he said. Among others, BJPs Cuttack MP candidate Bhartruhari Mahtab, MLA candidates for Barabati-Cuttack Dr Purna Chandra Mohapatra, Choudwar-Cuttack Nayan Kishore Mohanty and Sadar Prakash Sethi, BJP city unit president Lalatendu Badu were present in the conference.
Separatism, extremism existed in J&K when Art 370 remained: EAM
Cuttack (Odisha): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir should have been abrogated a long time back. Jaishankar noted that a feeling of separatism and extremism existed in Jammu and Kashmir when Article 370 remained in effect. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is part of India and added that there []
PoJK is very much a part of IndiaWe were made to forget about it: Jaishankar
Cuttack (Odisha), May 5: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is part of India and added that there is a resolution of the Indian Parliament which states that PoJK is part of the country. He noted that people were made to forget about PoJK, however, it is now back in [] The post PoJK is very much a part of IndiaWe were made to forget about it: Jaishankar appeared first on Northlines .
EAM S Jaishankar Emphasises Indias Role as Vishwabandhu
Cuttack: Prime Minister Modis vision of India becoming a Vishwaguru (world leader) is gradually transforming into reality as the nation now stands as a Vishwabandhu (friend of the world), leading global problem-solving initiatives. Therefore, increase in connectivity with other foreign countries is the need of time for this Vishwabandhu. This was the key message delivered [] The post EAM S Jaishankar Emphasises Indias Role as Vishwabandhu appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Students take part in painting competition organised by Cuttack Artists Association at Sriram Chandra Bhawan to raise awareness on Hepatitis-B
Many nations now seeking friendship with India: Jaishankar
Cuttack: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday said amidst conflict and uncertainty in some nations, many countries are seeking friendship with India. Speaking at a gathering focused on Viswa Bandhu Bharat during the second day of his Odisha visit, Jaishankar highlighted Indias potential for partnerships across the globe. He outlined Indias ability to engage Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
`Indians Made To Forget PoK...`: S Jaishankar Blames Past Neglect For Worsening Situation
In Cuttack, Jaishankar was asked about Indias vision for PoK, to which he replied,people were made to forget about PoK; however, its back in consciousness.
PM Modi, BJP Chief Nadda Embark on Two-Day Odisha Sojourn from Sunday
PM Modi, BJP Chief Nadda Embark on Two-Day Odisha Sojourn from Sunday Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda will arrive in Bhubaneswar on Sunday on their two-day visit to Odisha. PM Modi is scheduled to arrive in the Odisha capital around 9.30 pm and will make a night halt at Raj Bhavan. He will address election rallies at Berhampur and Nabarangpur on Monday, a BJP leader said. PM Modi will again come to the state on May 10, when he will lead a road show in Bhubaneswar. On the following day, he would address an election rally in Bolangir, he said. Odisha Police have tightened security arrangements for the PM's visit on Sunday. Tight security will be ensured from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Raj Bhavan on Sunday evening, a police officer said. Nadda, on the other hand, is slated to reach Bhubaneswar this afternoon. He is scheduled to release the election manifesto of the state unit of the BJP in Bhubaneswar around 3 pm. The BJP president will also hold meetings with party leaders and workers in Bhubaneswar and neighbouring Cuttack to discuss the party's strategies for the ensuing Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. The state will go to polls from May 13 to June 1.
Rayagada: Creating voter awareness the tribal way
BERHAMPUR: The Rayagada administration, in a bid to ensure 100 per cent voting in the elections, has come up with two unique initiatives to encourage people to exercise their right to vote. As per the direction of collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, officials of the district administration have been moving door-to-door to distribute handmade bamboo fans in the remote areas sensitising people about their voting rights. Painted with details of the polling booths in Idital, a form of Saura painting, these fans have messages like, Mu nischaya vote debi (I will definitely vote) and ama vote ama bala (my vote my responsibility), asking voters to cooperate for a free, fair and impartial election. In the second initiative, the administration is distributing invitation cards with slogans imprinted in local dialects like, Muin misha vote debi-apana misha vote debe. The three Assembly constituencies of the district - Rayagada, Bissamcuttack and Gunupur will go to polls on May 13. Sources said Rayagada has around 32,189 new voters. It had registered 75 pc polling in the 2019 elections. Officials of the district administration said the use of bamboo fans has also augmented the business of the artisans making bamboo fans. Sub-collector Kalyani Sanghamitra Devi said using bamboo fans to create voter awareness is a cost-effective and environment-friendly option.
Odisha: RO rejects BJP claims, says Saradas candidature valid
ROURKELA: High drama unfolded at the office of the returning officer (RO) for the prestigious Rourkela Assembly constituency (AC) during scrutiny of nomination papers after the BJP demanded rejection of BJD nominee and minister Sarada Prasad Nayaks candidature on ground of false declaration made by him. However, at the end of scrutiny, the candidacy of Nayak was found to be valid. Representing heavyweight BJP candidate Dilip Ray, senior advocate of the Orissa High Court Pitambar Acharya on Saturday appeared before the RO and Panposh sub-collector Bijay Nayak with a petition. Acharya said he appealed for cancellation of nomination of Nayak accusing him of suppression of information in the prescribed Form 26. Acharya claimed two pending criminal cases against Nayak while the latter mentioned only one case. Acharya said, One of the criminal cases in which charge has been framed and the next hearing is on May 9 at the Panposh SDJM court, has not been mentioned in the affidavit submitted by Nayak. It is a valid ground for cancellation of Nayaks candidature and there is precedence of the court having revoked elections of two election winners due to submission of false affidavit. Acharya said Nayak concealed information about his shares in joint ownership of immovable properties, claiming Nayak had showed ownership of one landed property at his native place Sankilo in Cuttack district, but suppressed information about 29 other plots. Information of land records obtained from the Bhulekh Land Records web portal of the Odisha government has been provided to the RO, Acharya added. Citing the guidelines of the ECI and relevant ruling of the Supreme Court of India we appealed to the RO to apply his judicial conscience and cancel the nomination of Nayak and also register criminal case against him, Acharya further stated. Incidentally, while Acharya and others were submitting their petition, BJDs Rourkela unit vice-president and election convenor Sudam Das raised a hue and cry objecting the entry of Acharya in the office of the RO during scrutiny of papers. Das, a practising advocate at the Rourkela court, said only a candidate or the authorised agent is allowed. BJD spokesperson Jayant Mishra in a statement said the BJP, for the fear of losing, conspired to get Nayaks nomination cancelled, but failed, adding the voters of Rourkela would give befitting reply to the BJP. Meanwhile, the RO confirmed to this paper that the petition of the BJP was rejected and Nayaks nomination stood valid after scrutiny.
Odisha HC seeks details on two convicts to assess death penalty
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has directed the senior superintendent, Circle Jail, Cuttack at Choudwar to submit reports on the past life, psychological conditions, post-conviction conduct and such other matters on two convicts who were awarded death sentence for rape and murder of a six-year-old girl. The direction assumes significance as it is for the first time that the Orissa High Court has passed such an order while considering a death reference. The high court expected the jail official to obtain the reports by taking service and necessary assistance from the probation officer and such other officers including a psychologist or jail doctor or any medical officer attending the prison. The convicts have been also given an opportunity to furnish such data in the shape of affidavits. The minor girl was kidnapped while she was on her way back home after buying chocolates from a shop. She was gagged and gang raped in an abandoned house near the village and killed to destroy evidence. The incident occurred at a village under Tirtol police station on August 21, 2014. After trial in the case, the court of Additional District & Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court-POCSO), Jagatsinghpur convicted Sk Asif Ali (36) and Sk Akil Ali (35) on November 21, 2022 and imposed death penalty on them as it felt it came under the rarest of rare category of crimes. While the death sentence was sent by the state government to the high court for confirmation, the two convicts also filed criminal appeals against the trial court verdict. The high court issued the direction on Thursday after taking note of the state government counsel Bibhu Prasad Tripathys submission that the trial court awarded the death sentence on the same day it convicted the two appellants. The division bench of Justice SK Sahoo and Justice RK Patnaik said, Such an exercise is considered to be absolutely expedient in order to advance the cause of justice, the intent and purpose being to provide a fair amount of opportunity for the appellants to bring on record all such mitigating circumstances to be weighed against the aggravating circumstances since a balance is to be struck while taking a final decision on sentence in juxtaposition to the sentences imposed by the trial court. The bench felt there has been no proper and meaningful hearing as such which is necessary in order to do complete justice. In fact, there appears to be no opportunity afforded to the appellants to submit any such material in support of the mitigating circumstances during and in course of hearing on the question of sentence, the bench observed. While citing Supreme Court orders, the bench said, Law is well-settled that hearing on the question of sentence has to be real and effective and not a mere formality; if a meaningful hearing is not taken up by a court while considering the sentence to be imposed and inflicted upon the convict, it is likely to cause severe prejudice to him.
SCBs first liver transplant patient and donor discharged, doing fine
CUTTACK: Manas Barik (45), the first patient to have undergone liver transplant surgery at SCB Medical College and Hospital was discharged on Saturday. Manas wife Rashmita, who donated a portion of her liver, was also discharged along with her husband. The liver transplant has given a new lease of life to my husband, she said. Addressing mediapersons, SCB superintendent Prof Sudhanshu Sekhar Mishra said Manas, a driver, was afflicted with decompensated liver disease accompanied by jaundice and ascites. He was undergoing treatment at the Hepatology OPD. Following assessment by the liver transplant team of SCB, Manas was admitted to the Hepatology department on February 10 where symptomatic and supportive care was administered for seven weeks to prepare him for surgery as this was the only way to save his life. A collaborative assessment by the liver transplant teams of AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad and along with the Hepatology department revealed advanced stage of liver damage and liver transplant surgery was deemed imperative as a life-saving measure for him. The entire infrastructure and equipment of the transplant unit were renovated, new instruments procured and the MoU with AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad renewed. Vice-president of AIG Hospitals, Santosh Kumar Sahoo played a pivotal role in facilitating liver transplantation and overseeing the transplant programme. His dedicated endeavours, frequent visits to SCB with director and chief Dr P Balachandran Menon and the AIG team, expedited the commencement of the liver transplant programme, said Prof Mishra adding Manas was selected as the most suitable candidate for the first liver transplant from among three cases shortlisted for surgery. The surgery was conducted early in the morning on April 3. Both the donor and recipient completed one month of successful surgery and were discharged today. They are now fit and fine, said Prof Mishra. Considering the patients socio-economic status, the hospital had arranged required post-operative medication, dietary supplements and supportive services for them. This is the first successful liver transplant not only in history of SCB but also in a government medical college in eastern India.
No heatwave in Odisha from next week
BHUBANESWAR: The unbearable heatwave across Odisha will likely subside Monday onwards providing much-needed relief to people. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said maximum day temperature is likely to fall by 3 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius by next week. Thunderstorm and lightning accompanied with gusty surface wind speed reaching 40 km/h to 50 km/h are likely to prevail at one or two places in Khurda, Cuttack, Puri and 16 other districts on Monday. Light to moderate rainfall/thundershower activity may occur at a few places in coastal and interior districts during the period. The Met office said light to moderate rainfall and thundershower activity is expected to continue in parts of Odisha till May 10. On the day, sweltering condition prevailed in the state as 25 places recorded 40 degrees Celsius or more. Boudh and Nuapada were hottest at 44 degrees Celsius each. Twin city of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 39.7 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius. The Met office said heatwave condition is likely to prevail in Angul, Boudh, Balangir and Nuapada districts on Sunday. There is a possibility of the capital city recording less than 40 degrees Celsius for the second consecutive day on Sunday.
Updated: Revised News Schedule
Updated: Revised News Schedule National news schedule for Sunday, May 5 NATIONAL **** Lok Sabha elections related stories and other political developments NCR *** Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai to address 'Delhi Tamil Samagam' at Talkatora Stadium BJP press conference Stories related to Lok Sabha elections *** NORTH **** PM to address poll rallies in Etawah, Sitapur and hold roadshow in Ayodhya Rajnath Singh to campaign in Lucknow Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to hold roadshow in Kharar Campaigning ends for third-phase seats in UP **** SOUTH ****Election related developments Andhra Pradesh Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh to address poll rallies Telangana: Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah to address election rallies EAST **** PM Modi to reach Odisha on a 2-day tour. BJP president JP Nadda to release party manifesto for twin polls External Affairs minister S Jaishankar to attend meetings in Cuttack and Sambalpur. Bengal: Mamata Banerjee to address rallies in Bardhaman Durgapur, Birbhum, Bolpur Abhishek Banerjee to address two rallies at Krishnanagar and Malda North Third phase campaign end stories from Bengal, Bihar and Assam Poll-related stories from states *** WEST ****BJP president J P Nadda to address poll rally at Surajpur in Surguja Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai to address press conference in Raipur Chhattisgarh Congress president Deepak Baij's press conference Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate to address press conference in Ahmedabad Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav to campaign in Vidisha, Guna and Rajgarh Lok Sabha constituencies. Sharad Pawar to address last campaign rally in Baramati in support of his daughter Supriya Sule Congress leader Girish Chodankar to address press conference in Panaji ***
BJDs Santrupt richest with property worth over Rs 482 crore
CUTTACK: Santrupt Misra (58), former HR head of Aditya Birla Group, who is contesting as BJD candidate from Cuttack Lok Sabha constituency is the richest to have filed nomination so far in Odisha. Misra in his affidavit submitted during filing of his nomination papers before returning officer-cum-collector, Cuttack Arindam Dakua on Saturday has declared that he and his wife Alka A Misra possess movable and immovable property worth Rs 482,21,02,942. As per the affidavit, while Santrupt has movable property including savings, investment, 100 gram gold jewellery, a MG ZS EV, a BMW sports car, a Mercedes car, a Mahindra SUV etc worth Rs 408,74,27,161, his wifes movable property include savings, investments, a Honda City car, 250 gram gold jewellery, etc worth Rs 11,72,15,787. Similarly, Santrupt has immovable property including land in Maharashtra, residential buildings including flats in Hyderabad and Mumbai worth Rs 53,06,10,000, his wife possesses a flat in Maharashtra, plot and flat in Mumbai worth Rs 8,68,50,000. Besides, Santrupt has declared that Alka has taken unsecured loan amounting to Rs 6,53,72,750 from him.
Odisha needs a leader risen from grassroots: EAM
BHUBANESWAR: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said Odisha needs a government that will have energy and commitment to propel the economic growth by utilising its skilled manpower and abundant natural resources. Addressing a media conference here, Jaishankar said, The need of the hour is to have a government that will be a good partner of the Narendra Modi government and have energy and commitment. Making a strong pitch for a BJP government in the state, Jaishankar said, You need a less bureaucratic government and a corruption free atmosphere for ease of doing business. But here is a government that has failed to utilise the natural resources which many other developed states do not have. The manufacturing sector has not done well despite the state being rich in natural resources. He said the country has high expectations from Odisha because of its rich culture, talented manpower and bountiful natural resources. Given the talent and resources in the state, it requires a government that can stir international interest which is sadly missing. I had the good fortune during my young days to associate with many talents from the state. I admire the talent of the people from Odisha who are now working at international level. But I feel sorry for the current state of affairs of a state like Odisha which has great cultural heritage, he said. He cited the priority of the Modi government to promote Odisha in topmost international forums saying the prime minister had many choices but he preferred to showcase the Konark wheel in the G-20 meet last year. This just shows his great admiration for the rich art and culture of the state, the EAM said. Highlight the tremendous support the state government received during the last 10 years from the Centre, Jaishankar said some central schemes are not being implemented for political reasons while the state has not taken the desired benefits out of some other schemes like PM-Kisan. He urged people of the state to make the hands of Modi stronger by sending maximum MPs from the state to achieve the target of 400 plus seats. We want a BJP government in Odisha so that it gets an opportunity to work closely and effectively with Modi government in Delhi, he added. The EAM addressed a meeting of intellectuals before leaving for Cuttack for his election-related assignments. He will visit Samabalpur where he is scheduled meet party workers on Sunday.
EAM S Jaishankar in Odisha on two-day visit
Bhubaneswar: In the run-up to the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, Union External Affairs Minister and BJP leader S Jaishankar Saturday landed in Bhubaneswar on a two-day visit to the state. Jaishankar will address an intellectual meeting in Bhubaneswar in the evening and attend a party meeting in Cuttack Sunday. The Union Minister []
Santrupt Misra, the BJD candidate from Cuttack, is the wealthiest candidate in the ongoing Odisha Lok Sabha elections, declaring assets worth Rs 461 crore. This includes movable assets of Rs 408 crore and immovable assets of Rs 53 crore. His income tax returns indicate earnings of Rs 76.23 crore in 2021-22 and Rs 66.21 crore in 2022-23. Dilip Ray, BJP nominee for Rourkela assembly seat, owns assets valued at around Rs 300 crore. Sanatan Mahakud, BJD candidate from Champua assembly seat, declared assets worth nearly Rs 152 crore.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar Reaches Bhubaneswar For His 2-Day Visit To Odisha
Bhubaneswar: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar reaches Bhubaneswar for his 2-day visit to Odisha. Jaishankar will address a press conference in the evening. He will attend a party workers meeting in Cuttack the next day. He is scheduled to attend various programmes in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Sambalpur. Jaishankar met intellectuals and editors of [] The post External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar Reaches Bhubaneswar For His 2-Day Visit To Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
EAM S Jaishankar Arrives In Bhubaneswar For 2-Day Odisha Visit
Bhubaneswar: The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived at Bhubaneswar airport for 2 day Odisha visit. Jaishankar will address a press conference in the evening. He will attend a party workers meeting in Cuttack the next day. He is scheduled to attend various programmes in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Sambalpur. The post EAM S Jaishankar Arrives In Bhubaneswar For 2-Day Odisha Visit appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
PM Modi to Hold Massive Election Rallies in Odisha on May 6
PM Modi to Hold Massive Election Rallies in Odisha on May 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda are scheduled to visit Odisha over the next few days to campaign for the simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections. Modi is slated to address two political rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday, a party leader said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to the state from Saturday, during which he will meet intellectuals and journalists. Nadda, who had addressed a rally in Berhampur on April 28, will again visit Odisha on Sunday to chalk out election strategies, BJP state unit vice-president Golak Mohapatra told reporters here. ''The BJP chief will attend party programmes in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The EAM will be on a two-day visit to Odisha during which he will attend several events in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Sambalpur,'' Mohapatra said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had launched the BJP's election campaign in Odisha on April 25 from Sonepur. Simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be held in Odisha in four phases from May 13.
EAM Jaishankar to visit Odisha on May 4
BHUBANESWAR: With only 10 days left for Odishas first phase election to Lok Sabha and Assembly, the BJP has lined up its star campaigners to undertake an aggressive campaign in the state. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is coming on a two-day visit to the state beginning Saturday. He is scheduled to meet editors of various media houses and later intellectuals on May 4 in Bhubaneswar. The next day he will interact with party workers in Cuttack, said state BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra. This will be the first visit of Jaishankar to Odisha. National president of BJP JP Nadda is also coming on May 5. He is scheduled to meet party leaders in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. This will be the second visit of Nadda within a week.
Severe heatwave may spare first phase voting in Odisha, says IMD
BHUBANESWAR: Voters in the state may be spared the heat torture as the blistering conditions are expected to abate during the next couple of weeks. Odisha will vote in the last four legs of the general elections and it starts on May 13. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) which issued the extended range outlook for two weeks - May 3-9 and May 10-16 said isolated thunderstorm activity is expected in the state between May 10 and 16. This will likely push maximum day temperature below normal to near normal at many places during the period. Elections to four Lok Sabha seats - Nabarangpur, Berhampur, Koraput and Kalahandi and 28 Assembly constituencies will be held on May 13. Odisha is likely to get respite from heatwave from May 9 to 16 under the influence of rainfall and thundershower activity, said Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre scientist, Umasankar Das. Meanwhile, day temperature started dipping slightly and heatwave condition is expected to subside from next week onwards. The mercury is likely to dip gradually by 3 degree Celsius to 4 degree C at many places May 6 onwards due to rainfall and thundershower activity, said the Met office. Weather experts said moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal has strengthened and may trigger thundershowers next week. The thundershower activity will remain strong till May 11 but will take time for the mercury level to rise again. However, scorching heat will continue in parts of the state for two more days. Maximum day temperature is likely to remain above normal by 3 degree C to 4 degree C and heatwave expected to prevail in some places till Sunday. On the day, 26 places recorded 40 degree C or more and Boudh was the hottest at 44.6 degree C. After some respite for 24 hours, mercury level again witnessed a rise in Bhubaneswar as the city recorded 41.6 degree C. The day temperature in the capital was above normal by 3.9 degree C. Neighbouring Cuttack recorded 40.5 degree C and it was warmer by 3.2 degree C. The day temperature in the capital city is likely to remain around 40 degree C on Saturday.
Poll fever grips Cuttack as bigwigs file nominations
CUTTACK: Several rallies were taken out in the city on Friday several heavyweight candidates including BJPs Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJDs Santrupt Misra and Samrudha Odishas Minati Patnaik, known for giving away her property worth Rs 1 crore to a rickshaw puller, filing their nominations for Cuttack Parliamentary constituency. Mahtab, rode pillion on a bike and arrived at the returning officer and district collector Arindam Dakuas office along with a handful of supporters. This election will certainly be a fight for Odia Asmita. The BJP has already announced and promised financial assistance to women through welfare schemes and pensions. Along with development, there is Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantee. The problems of Cuttack district like lack of industries, cold storages and defunct sugar mills, will be addressed. The fight is for a double-engine government and to protect Odia Asmita, Mahtab told mediapersons after filing his nomination. Santrupt, however, arrived at the office in a huge workers rally from Biju Patnaik Park and filed his nomination in the presence of Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantaray, CMC Mayor Subhas Singh, Barabati-Cuttack MLA candidate Prakash Behera. Development and transformation work undertaken by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his popularity are reflected in each household of Cuttack. It will help me winning the election with a huge margin, said Misra to mediapersons after filing his nomination. Minati of Sutahat locality, who moved by love and affection shown by a rickshaw puller and his family had adopted him and gifted him all her jewellery, land and residential building worth Rs 1 crore in 2021, has also filed her nomination for contesting as a candidate of Samruddha Odisha. BJPs Bhartruhari Mahtab filing nomination on Friday | Express I have been serving the poor and distressed after the death of my daughter and husband. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who has been governing Odisha for the last 25 years does not like Odia people. I dont know why Pandian, a non-Odia stands by his side. Similarly six-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab keeps harping about receiving the best parliamentarian award. What did the people of Cuttack get from his award. I have also received several awards after media highlighted my story of donating my property to a rickshaw puller. Samruddha Odisha political party has given me ticket and I am going to contest the election. I assure to serve people and develop villages. If people express discontentment, then I shall resign within a year, said Minati. Apart from nomination of three MP candidates, Congress nominee for Barabati-Cuttack Assembly segment Sofia Firdous accompanied by her father Mohammad Moquim and a few of her supporters filed her nomination paper before returning officer-cum-sub-collector Jyoti Sankar Roy. In view of scorching heat, I did not want to trouble my workers. Hence instead of a rally, I came with my father and a few supporters to file my nomination, said Sofia. Similarly BJDs nominee for Choudwar-Cuttack Assembly segment Souvic Biswal, BJPs Nayan Kishore Mohanty and Congress candidate Meera Mallik arrived in rallies to file their nominations on Thursday. BJDs candidate for Cuttack Sadar seat Chandra Sarathi Behera and BJP candidate Prakash Chandra Sethi filed their nomination before ADM (Election) Siba Toppo on the day.
Rs 461 crore assets, ex-Birla exec is richest Odisha candidate
Santrupt Misra, ex-HR head of Aditya Birla, contests Lok Sabha from Cuttack with Rs 461 crore assets. Joined BJD post-retirement. ITRs: Rs 76.23 crore income, Bank deposits: Rs 4 crore. Movable assets: Rs 408 crore. Owns luxury cars.
461cr assets, ex-Birla exec is richest Odisha candidate
Santrupt Misra, ex-HR head of Aditya Birla, contests Lok Sabha from Cuttack with Rs 461 crore assets. Joined BJD post-retirement. ITRs: Rs 76.23 crore income, Bank deposits: Rs 4 crore. Movable assets: Rs 408 crore. Owns luxury cars.
Bhubaneswar: BJP National President JP Nadda is scheduled to visit Odisha on May 5, 2024. He is scheduled to meet party leaders in Bhubaneswar, informed State BJP vice-president Golak Mohapatra on Friday. Nadda is also scheduled to visit Cuttack and share key instructions with party workers and leaders regarding the strategy of the party [] The post External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to visit Odisha on May 4; BJP national president JP Nadda on May 5 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha: Five arrested, CISF constable axed for negligence of duty
PARADIP: Police on Wednesday busted a racket that was illegally lifting coal from within a prohibited area of Paradip Port and arrested five persons in this connection besides suspending a CISF constable for negligence of duty. On April 29, three trucks had entered the prohibited zone within the port to unload iron ore. Though the trucks were to leave without any cargo, sources said, around 30 to 35 metric tonne of coal was loaded on each of them. The vehicles then left through the port gate without proper checking or transit passes. Later acting on an intel, police patrolling the port town chased the vehicles. While two vehicles managed to escape, one was detained at Atharbanki and its driver Kamal Seikh arrested. During interrogation, Seikh confessed to transporting the stolen coal to Manguli in Cuttack besides revealing the names of his accomplices. Seikh was from Mirzapur in Jharkhand while his aides were identified as Galib Hasim and Rakesh Panda of Jajpur, Barada Behera of Kendrapara, and Subhransu Sekhar Mohanty from Cuttack. The suspended CISF constable is Amit Lakra. President of Jagannath Truck Owners Association Rakesh Jena said the trucks had loaded coal without obtaining proper loading slip from local truck associations. The truck did not have a waybill or other necessary documents for transporting cargo from the port. Local unscrupulous transport agencies are using outside trucks for illegal transport of coal and other cargo because they offer lower rates, he added. Paradip SP Rashmi Ranjan Sahu filed an FIR at Paradip Model police station and a case under sections 379, 411, and 34 of the IPC was registered. Assistant superintendent of police, Paradip Santosh Kumar Jena said `1.98 lakh in cash, two cars and eight mobile phones were seized from the accused. More people are likely to be arrested in this connection. Commandant CISF Akshit Patel said constable Lakra was suspended for negligence of duty. Inquiry is underway against other personnel on duty during that time and action will be taken against them if found guilty, he informed. Sources said some transport and stevedoring agencies, instead of hiring local trucks for transporting cargo in the port, reportedly engaged outside trucks because they charged lower rates and facilitated illegal transport of coal and other cargo from the prohibited areas within the port.
Odisha: Furnace explosion in KJS Ahluwalia plant leaves 10 injured
KEONJHAR/BARBIL: At least 10 workers sustained grievous burn injuries following an explosion in one of the furnaces of KJS Ahluwalia Steel Plant on Thursday evening. Four of the injured were critical and shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. Sources said an explosion took place in induction furnace number -1 of the plant and molten iron spilled on the workers who were present under it. The plant is situated in Barapada area within Rugudi police limits. The injured workers were immediately rushed to Keonjhar district headquarters hospital and four of them were later shifted to SCB. Dr Pradeep Kumar Naik, a senior specialist in Department of Surgery, confirmed that four persons were critically injured in the accident which took place at about 4.45 pm. Police sources said the injured workers are natives of different states like Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Assam. Deputy director and assistant director of Directorate of Factories and Boilers visited the spot to investigate the matter. The reason behind the explosion is yet to be ascertained. Initial investigation revealed about eight workers sustained injuries due to the explosion. Further probe into the matter is continuing, said DIG, Niti Shekhar. Odisha Fire and Emergency Service personnel rushed to the spot but things did not get worse as the incident did not trigger any fire accident. The incident has raised concerns about safety of the workers in the plant. In January this year, an explosion had occurred in induction furnace-2 of the same plant.
No compensation for railway trespassing deaths: Orissa High Court
CUTTACK: Dismissing a batch of petitions, the Orissa High Court has held that though the Railways implement safety measures and regulations to prevent accidents, individuals who trespass on railway tracks are ultimately responsible for their own safety. The batch of 19 petitions involved cases relating to deaths that occurred between 2012 and 2023 while crossing the railway track. The petitioners sought direction to the railway authorities to pay compensation against the unnatural death of their kin in a railway accident. The single judge bench of Justice SK Panigrahi on Tuesday said, the railway tracks are designed for the safe passage of trains and not intended for pedestrian use. The evidence presented indicated that the deceased individuals perished as a result of being struck by a train while traversing the railway tracks. While the petitioners did not contest this fact, their counsels failed to substantiate any claims regarding the negligence of the railway authorities. Instead, they relied solely on appeals for the courts sympathy, Justice Panigrahi observed. While this court extends its deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased, it is imperative to note that mere sympathy cannot serve as a basis for compensating the family in the absence of a compelling legal argument. Railways often emphasise the importance of safety around railway tracks, but it is true that trespassing on tracks is a significant safety concern, he stated. He further added that a majority of the deaths every year on the railway tracks occurs due to crossing the tracks, which is an illegal act. Trespassing on tracks poses serious risks, including the danger of being struck by trains or encountering other hazards associated with the railway environment. Therefore, individuals who choose to cross railway tracks unlawfully assume the risk of potential accidents and cannot blame the Railways for the consequences of their actions, he stated. Expressing concern over trespassing on railway tracks, Justice Panigrahi said in 2021, a total of 1,752 rail deaths took place of which 1,114 were due to line crossing, 277 due to falling off trains and 258 due to natural causes.
Odisha agriculture minister Raja Swain has no farmland, poorer than wife
CUTTACK: Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, who claims to be closely associated with the farming community by labelling himself chasi pua, does not own any agriculture land. This was revealed in the affidavit filed by Swain at the time of filing of nomination for BJDs candidate from Athagarh Assembly seat. The 70-year-old minister has stated in his affidavit that he has neither any agricultural land nor any non-agricultural land in his name. The seven-time legislator, who rode his 40-year-old scooter for filing his papers recently, is a crorepati but trails behind his wife, Manjulata Das. While movable assets including cash, bank balance, investment, motor vehicles etc worth Rs 85,85,790 are in Swains name, Manjulata has double the amount of movable assets. Manjulata possesses investments in share market, fixed deposits, car, gold and silver jewellery along with movable assets worth Rs 1,82,58,072. While Swain has only Rs 49,600 cash in hand, his wife has Rs 41,720. Similarly, Swain possesses gold ornaments worth Rs 8.50 lakh and silver ornaments worth Rs 65,000, Manjulata owns gold ornaments worth Rs 18.5 lakh and silver ornaments worth Rs 35,000. Swain also possesses a jeep, two motorcycles and a scooter. The scooter which he had rode for filing nomination is stated to have been purchased in 1982 and is valued at Rs 1,000. Two plots at Chandrasekharpur in Bhubaneswar and Bidanasi in Cuttack valued at Rs 1.48 crore are in the name of his wife. Swain has stated he has an ancestral property (a residential building) at Chandni Chowk locality in Cuttack which is valued at Rs 64 lakh. He owns one-fourth of the property, the cost of which is around Rs 16 lakh.
Odisha polls: A renowned doctor is BJPs prescription for success in Cuttack-Barabati seat
Though he has friends and admirers across political parties, Dr. Mohapatra has chosen the BJP in order to align with a national party
Keonjhar: Nine workers of a steel plant suffered critical burn injuries following a blast at the induction furnace at Barpada under Rugudi police limits in Keonjhar district, Thursday. Among the injured, condition of three of the workers is stated to be very critical. All the injured were shifted to a private hospital in Cuttack after []
BJP announces candidates for 6 more assembly seats in Odisha
BJP reveals candidates for Odisha assembly, featuring Dr Purnachandra Mohapatra in Barabati-Cuttack. Anubhav Mohanty vies for BJP ticket. 146 out of 147 nominees disclosed, awaiting Nilagiri's announcement.
BJP Releases Candidates for Six Additional Assembly Seats in Odisha
BJP Releases Candidates for Six Additional Assembly Seats in Odisha The BJP on Thursday announced candidates for six more assembly seats in Odisha, including its state unit vice president Dr Purnachandra Mohapatra. Mohapatra, a doctor by profession, has been nominated from the Barabati-Cuttack assembly segment where Kendrapara MP and actor-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty, who defected from BJD, was also in the race for the BJP ticket, party sources said. Mohapatra's name was also in the discussion for BJP nominee for the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat. With the sixth list of candidates, the party announced its nominees for 146 seats for elections to the 147-member assembly in the state. The party is yet to announce its nominee for Nilagiri in Balasore district. Prakash Ranabijuli has been named as the BJP candidate from the Begunia assembly segment and Umesh C Jena from the Bari assembly seat. Former BJD MLA and ex-minister Debasish Nayak, who was once close to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and joined the BJP after being denied a ticket in two previous elections, was in the race for a saffron camp ticket in Bari, the sources said. The BJP fielded Sudhanshu Nayak from the Bhandaripokhari seat, while Ashish Patra and Dr Sambhunath Rout will contest from Bhogarai and Ghasipura assembly segments respectively, an official release issued by the party said.
BJP Names Candidates for Six More Assembly Seats in Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The BJP on Thursday named the candidates for six more Assembly elections in Odisha for the upcoming elections. Here is the list of six BJP MLA candidates: Ghasipura: Shambhunath Rout Bhograi: Ashish Patra Bhandaripokhari: Sudhanshu Nayak Bari: Umesh Chandra Jena Barabati-Cuttack: Purnachandra Mohapatra Begunia: Prakash Chandra Ranabijuli The BJP party has so far announced [] The post BJP Names Candidates for Six More Assembly Seats in Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Bhubaneswar: The BJP Thursday declared a fresh list of candidates consisting of six names for the upcoming Assembly elections in Odisha. The party allotted tickets to Purnachandra Mohapatra for Barabati-Cuttack Assembly seat and Sudhanshu Nayak for Bhandaripokhari seat. With this announcement, the saffron party has released as many as 146 candidates out of 147 Assembly []
Woman Killed As Truck Hits Scooter In Cuttack, Driver Detained
Cuttack: A woman was killed as a truck hit the scooter she was travelling near the Durga Mandap at Chauliaganj in Cuttack district on Thursday. As per reports, the mishap occurred while the woman along with her husband was going to Cuttack in a scooter. The couple hails from the Gatiroutpatna area. A truck hit [] The post Woman Killed As Truck Hits Scooter In Cuttack, Driver Detained appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Rain-soaked Odisha gets respite from scorching heat as thunderstorm hits
Rain-soaked Odisha gets respite from scorching heat as thunderstorm hits Thunderstorms along with rain brought respite from the prevailing heatwave conditions in some coastal districts of Odisha on Wednesday, even as 15 towns in the state recorded temperatures of 43 Celsius or above. Thunderstorms along with rain, lightning and hailstorms occurred in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Banki, Athagarh, and some other places in the state this afternoon, an IMD official said. Lightning along with rainfall would occur in the south coastal, north coastal, and neighbouring coastal districts of Odisha in the next 24 hours, the official said. The districts of Rayagada, Gajapati, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Nayagarh and south interior pockets would witness rainfall, said Manorama Mohanty, director, Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre. The temperatures may fall by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius due to rainfall activities. However, severe heatwave conditions would continue in the state for the next few days, she said. ''We have issued a red alert for heatwave in some districts in the next two days while an orange warning is issued for another two days and then yellow warning. It shows that the temperature would gradually come down in many parts of the state,'' Mohanty said. She said that the day temperature would fall by 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in the state after May 5. On Wednesday, 15 towns in Odisha recorded a maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius or above. The coal town of Talcher was the hottest place in the state at 45 degrees Celsius, followed by Boudh and Titlagarh with 44.5 degrees each. Nuapada town in western Odisha recorded a temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius while it was 44.3 degrees at Angul and Jharsuguda, 44 degrees at Bolangir and 43.8 degrees at Baripada.
Severe heat wave forecast in W Bengal Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand; isolated rains predicted over Kerala, TN The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday has issued a red alert for Severe heatwave conditions in Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand for Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday Kalaikunda, located in Gangetic West Bengal, recorded the highest temperature in the country at a sweltering 47.2 degrees Celsius. As per a warning issued at 9.30 am today the Met Department has said that Heat wave to Severe Heat Wave condition very likely to prevail in the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Angul, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack and Boudh.Heat wave condition very likely to prevail in the districts of Deogarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Nuapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Malkangiri, , Nawarangpur, Gajapati, Rayagada. It further said that hot and humid weather condition very likely to prevail in the districts of Koraput, Puri, Ganjam. According to the technical definition, it is considered to be a heat wave if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degree Celsius or more for the plains and at least 30 degree or more for hilly regions. According to the IMD strong surface winds (25-35 kmph) very likely to prevail over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi for today and tomorrow. Also a trough/wind discontinuity runs from southeast Madhya Pradesh to South Interior Karnataka in lower tropospheric levels and under its influence, isolated to scattered, light to moderate rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm and lightning very likely over Kerala and Mahe and Tamil Nadu during next 7 days and Lakshadweep today. Yesterday, the lowest minimum temperature of 13.2 degree Celsius was reported at Amritsar. According to the weather department, heat wave to severe heat wave conditions have prevailed in most areas of Gangetic West Bengal. Additionally, several parts of Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha are experiencing similar weather patterns, with isolated heat wave pockets reported in the Konkan region. Meanwhile, the state of Odisha is reeling under intense heat as 30 cities reported more than 41 degrees and 29 cities recorded 42 degrees Celsius and above. Baripada, a town in the Mayurbhanj district, has recorded a scorching 46.4 degrees Celsius, while the coastal district of Balasore reached 46 degrees Celsius marking its all-time highest temperature in the last 10 years. The Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, Manorama Mohanty said, In Odisha, 30 cities reported 41 degrees Celsius and above and 29 cities recorded 42 degrees Celsius and above. Baripada in Mayurbanj district reported 46.4 degrees Celsius. Balasore reported 46 degrees Celsius which is the highest temperature recorded in the last 10 years. As Balasore is a coastal district and due to disturbances in nature, these types of problems are arising, she added informing about the cause of such a high temperature in the coastal district of Balasore. She also said that a red alert has been issued for the district of interior Odisha for the next three days starting from Tuesday. These unprecedented temperatures are largely due to the prevailing north-westerly/westerly dry air combined with high solar insolation. This weather pattern is causing temperatures across Odisha to rise, said Mohanty. IMD Director further said that day temperature is very likely to rise slightly by 3 degrees Celsius to 6 degrees Celsius over some districts of Odisha during the next 4 to 5 days. Mohanty advised people to take precautions, especially during peak hours from 11am to 4 pm. Yesterday, maximum temperatures were in the range of 43-46 degree Celsius over many parts of Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha; in some parts of Jharkhand, Telangana and Rayalaseema and in isolated pockets of Madhya Maharashtra The temperature was in the range of 40 degree Celsius to 43 degree Celsius over many parts of Bihar, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh; in some parts of East Uttar Pradesh, Marathawada, Gujarat, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and in isolated pockets of West Madhya Pradesh and North Interior Karnataka. These were above normal by 4-8 degree Celsius in many parts of Gangetic West Bengal and Bihar; in some parts of Odisha and in isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Konkan, Telangana and Kerala. (ANI)
NGT warns collector for not acting against illegal mining on poll code plea
CUTTACK: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday said the Orissa Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) cannot take the plea of model code of conduct and express inability to conduct survey of and provide report on mining activities at Nihalprasad road metal stone quarry in Gondia tehsil of Dhenkanal district. NGTs East Zone bench in Kolkata said this when the collector of Dhenkanal filed an interlocutory application seeking four months time for filing the affidavit along with ORSACs survey report with satellite data that was necessary to assess the quantity of mining for calculating the illegal excess mining at the quarry. The tribunal was hearing a petition filed by Santanu Bhukta, a resident of the area seeking intervention against illegal operations involving excess mining beyond the prescribed limit and violation of environmental clearance (EC) conditions at Road Metal Stone Quarry. Advocate Sankar Prasad Pani represented the petitioner. The state counsel SK Nayak also submitted a letter received from ORSAC on April 22, 2024. The letter said satellite data on the stone quarry would be available only after MCC is over. So, permission from Election Commission is required for conducting the ORSAC survey with regard to allegations of illegal mining at the stone quarry. Taking the letter on record, the bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (expert member) said, We fail to understand as to why sanction of the Election Commission is required for a survey into an investigation of an alleged criminal activity. The notices in this case were issued on 22.10.2023 and at that time there was no model code of conduct and there were no elections. We fail to understand as to why ORSAC cannot conduct the survey without the sanction of the Election Commission and provide report to the collector & district magistrate, Dhenkanal, the bench observed. We, therefore, direct the collector & district magistrate, Dhenkanal, to ensure that the affidavit along with ORSAC report is filed within four weeks failing which provisions of section 26 of the NGT, 2010 would be invoked, the bench said.
Odisha records longest heatwave in nine years, Baripada hottest at 46.4 degrees Celsius
BHUBANESWAR: With the state bearing the brunt of a blazing heatwave since the last 15 days making it one of the longest spells since 2016, IMD officials on Tuesday said Baripada, Balasore and state capital Bhubaneswar figured in the list of top 10 hottest places in the world on the day. While day temperature for the month of April broke all records in Baripada and Balasore, Bhubaneswar sizzled at over 45 degree Celsius. Of the 10 hottest places, Baripada stood second in the list followed by Balasore at third and Bhubaneswar at 10th. Joba in Oman topped the list, IMD sources said. Met officials said Baripada stood the hottest in the state at 46.4 degree C which is an all-time high day temperature for the station in the month of April. The previous highest temperature of 46.1 degree Celsius had been recorded in the north Odisha town on April 21, 2010. Similarly, Balasore also recorded 46 degree Celsius, a departure of 10.1 degree Celsius than the normal temperature and an all-time record for the coastal town in the month of April. The city had previously recorded temperature of 45 degree Celsius in April. Capital Bhubaneswar, meanwhile, also recorded 45.4 degree Celsius, which according to the IMD, is the second highest temperature for the city in the month of April so far. The city had recorded the highest temperature of 45.8 degree C on April 11, 2016. With no end in sight to the intense heatwave, many places turned into heat chambers prompting the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to issue advisory to district collectors to exercise adequate caution. Temperature soared past 42 degree C in around 29 stations and 44 degree Celsius in 15 stations, weather scientists said. Met officials said this prolonged heatwave that dragged for 15 days straight, has already become the longest spell in last nine years. The previous longest spell of 20 days in parts of the state had been recorded from April 7 to 26 in 2016. The heatwave during this period had largely persisted over Chandbali, director of Bhubaneswar Met Centre Manorama Mohanty said adding, in Bhubaneswar such long dry spell had persisted from April 16 to May 5 in 2014. Mohanty further said the current spell of heatwave days is also the longest in last five years (from 2020 to 2024) as the previous longest heatwave spell of 12 days had been recorded in the state in June 2023. The northwesterly and westerly dry air and high solar insolation are the main reasons of the increased number of heat days in the state at present, she stated. Meanwhile, IMD forecast also suggested that heatwave will continue for another five days in which severe heatwave conditions could prevail in parts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Angul, Dhenkanal, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack and Boudh. SOARING MERCURY Balasore records 46 degree C, Bbsr 45.4 degree C Temp soared past 42 degree C in 29 stations, 44 degree Celsius in 15 stations This is the longest heatwave since 2016 Severe heatwave alert in 11 districts
BJD leader Debi Mishra challenged by new faces in Odisha's Baramba
CUTTACK: Political atmosphere has begun picking up pace in Baramba Assembly constituency with senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra along with the partys Cuttack MP Santrupt Misra filing his nomination in the office of the Athagarh sub-collector on Tuesday. The interesting part, though, is the 66-year-old senior BJD leader has this time locked horns with two new faces, Sambit Kumar Tripathy of BJP and Sanjay Kumar Sahoo of Congress. A six-time winner from the Assembly segment, Mishra has been representing the seat consecutively for the last six terms since 1995, the first being as a Janata Dal nominee and the remaining five terms since 2000 as a BJD candidate. The Baramba Assemby segment comprises 75 gram panchayats including 38 GPs in Baramba and 37 GPs in Narasinghpur. Forty-eight-year-old Tripathy, a native of Krushanchandrapur in Baramba block, had earlier worked as a private secretary to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. After taking voluntary retirement from his job as an IRS officer in 2020, Tripathy joined BJP a year back. Apart from actively engaging in several voluntary works in his native constituency for the last one year, Tripathy has also helped farmers gain profit by adopting modern methods of farming. The saffron party has denied ticket to Bijay Dalabehera who had contested unsuccessfully in the 2019 Assembly polls bagging 72,545 votes as against the senior BJD leader who polled 90,564 votes. Under Dalabeheras leadership, BJP had won seven of the eight zilla parishad seats in the three-tier panchayat election. Dalabehera said he would contest as an Independent if the party failed to reconsider his candidature. Meanwhile, Congress candidate Sanjay Kumar Sahoo of Champeswar said he has dedicated his life for the party serving people of the Baramba constituency. After getting ticket, I have tried to unite all Congress workers to regain victory the party had witnessed in 1980 and 1985 and fighting the polls assuring voters for the re-establishment of Baramba Sugar Mill, Sahoo said.
East Coast Railway GM inspects twin city railway station works in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: East Coast Railway (ECoR) general manager (in-charge) Mohes Kumar Behera on Tuesday inspected the redevelopment work of both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar railway stations. Behera inspected both side entry points and circulating areas of the two stations and advised railway officials to take necessary precautions to ensure safety while on work. Reviewing the pending works, he emphasised on timely completion of infrastructure projects and passenger amenities indicating a commitment to meeting scheduled targets. Once completed, both the stations will be the centres of attraction with world-class passenger facilities and enhance the travel experience. The entry points will have facilities like parking for two, three and four wheelers, pickup and drop point, parking for ambulance and VIP vehicles besides wider approach roads, air concourse for passengers waiting and foot over bridge. There will also be an integrated passenger announcement system and fire alarm protection system, food stalls, provisions for specially-abled passengers, baggage scanners, retiring rooms, passenger flow management system and integrated CCTV surveillance. Senior officials of ECoR headquarters led by chief administrative officer (construction) AG Srinivas were present during the inspections.
Severe heatwave alert issued for Cuttack and Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar: The IMD on Tuesday issued a red warning for the twin cities of Cuttack And Bhubaneswar for severe heatwave. The mercury touched the 44-degree mark before noon in Odisha with Balasore recording 44.1 degree C by 11:30 am on Tuesday. Bhubaneswar recorded a maximum temperature of 43.6 degree C while Jharsuguda recorded 42.5 [] The post Severe heatwave alert issued for Cuttack and Bhubaneswar appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Odisha: Three held for looting people posing as cops
CUTTACK : Badambadi police on Monday arrested three persons who used to pose as Crime Branch personnel and rob people of money, ornaments and valuables. The accused are Raza Ali (24) of Deojhiri Colony, Jafar Hussain (42) and Hasan Ali (28) Irani Gali in Maharashtra. Additional DCP Anil Mishra said, the three were arrested on the basis of an FIR filed by Sibu Biswas of Bangaon in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Sibu alleged he was en route to an imitation shop at Moon Light Lane in Pithapur to buy an anklet on April 19 at around 11.50 am when the accused intercepted him posing as personnel of Crime Branch. When Sibu asked them to prove their identity, one of the accused snatched his bag comprising Rs 30,000 in cash. The modus operandi of the accused involved employing tactics to deceive and manipulate their victims into handing over their gold ornaments or other valuables. The tactics included false accusations, intimidation or coercion against the victims. Many individuals have fallen victim to the accused, resulting in the loss of their hard-earned savings and valuables, said Mishra. The accused are involved in 14 cases of loot registered at different police stations in the city. Police seized Rs 14,950 in cash, five imitation jewellery, paper currency of Bhutan, two motorcycles, a plastic wrist watch, some personal documents and two rings from them.
30 of marriage party injured in accident
JAGATSINGNPUR : Nearly 30 people of a marriage party sustained injuries when a passenger bus in which they were travelling overturned on the Tihudi-Naharana Road, under Balikuda police station late on Sunday night. Ten of them are in critical condition. According to sources, around 40 people from Dhanurbellari, under Bandar marine police station, were returning from a marriage ceremony in Balikuda Bazaar when the mishap took place near Shova Village. The critically-injured were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for treatment. Eyewitnesses alleged that the bus driver was under the influence of alcohol and lost control of the vehicle. Following the accident, the driver fled the scene. One of the victims, Manas Kandi, attributed the incident to the drivers reckless driving, which led to the overturning of the bus. The Balikuda police have confiscated the bus and initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Red Warning issued for severe heat wave conditions in 9 Odisha districts
Bhubaneswar: Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, has issued Red Warning for severe heat wave conditions in nine districts of the State. These districts are- Khordha, Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Angul and Cuttack. IMD has issued Orange Warning for heat wave conditions to districts like Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, [] The post Red Warning issued for severe heat wave conditions in 9 Odisha districts appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Vigilance court acquits Odisha Administrative Service officer in DA case
CUTTACK : A court of Special Vigilance Judge recently acquitted an Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer after finding him innocent in connection with a disproportionate assets (DA) case filed against him 17 years ago. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal is presently working as deputy secretary Labour & ESI. The residential and official premises of Agarwal, a 1999 batch OAS officer was raided by state Vigilance on April 26, 2007 after he was suspected of amassing wealth beyond his lawful source of income. Agarwal was then the tehsildar of Bargarh. The state Vigilance had registered a DA case against him on August 22, 2007. While the chargesheet in the case was filed after six years on August 30, 2013 for allegedly possessing disproportionate income during the check period 2003-2007, the charges were framed against him nearly 10 years later on June 26, 2023. Subsequently, Agarwal faced trial on the allegation of possessing disproportionate assets worth Rs 23.55 lakh. Advocate Susanta Kumar Dash fought the case on his behalf. After completing the trial proceedings, the court of Special Vigilance Judge (Sundargarh) reserved judgment on April 8, 2024 and delivered the judgment on April 20, 2024. The special judge Rajalaxmi Pattnayak acquitted Agarwal on finding that he, in fact, had more income than assets and expenditures contrary to the state Vigilance wings chargesheet. The trial court on scrutiny of evidences found that Agarwal had total income of Rs 37.72 lakh, which was around Rs 10.71 lakh more than his expenditure (Rs 9.30 lakh) and value of assets (Rs 17.69 lakh) during the check period. The Special Judge (Vigilance) said, It is clear that the accused has acquired no assets disproportionate to his known sources of income during the check period.
Naveen, Rahul, Priyanka to campaign in Rayagada
RAYAGADA/BHUBANESWAR : WITH the tribal votes of the state in the focus of all political parties, Rayagada district is all set to witness star campaigners making a beeline next month onwards. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Revanth Reddy, his counterpart from Telangana and former Congress president Rahul Gandhi are set to hit the campaign trail very soon. The BJP, to keep pace, plans to invite either Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah, to checkmate the rivals. The Congress is focusing on the constituencies which once were its fort. To wrest back the seats, Rahul is set to hold a meeting at Rayagada on May 3. All the Congress candidates of south Odisha will join the meeting of the Gandhi scion. Preparations are being given finishing touches under the supervision of Koraput MP Saptagiri Shankar Ulaka. Similarly, Priyanka will attend a public meeting in Nabarangpur on May 5 or 9. The exact date will be finalised later, Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar said. To double down the Congress efforts, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy will conduct roadshows in the three Assembly segments of Rayagada district after Rahuls programme. The day Rahul visits Rayagada, BJD supremo Naveen Patanik will hold a public meeting at Tikiri. To make the programme a success, a preparatory meeting was held at Tikiri under the leadership of district BJD president N Bhaskar Rao on Monday. The BJP which appears to be lagging behind is yet to decide how to defend the rival onslaught. On May 4, Union Minister of State for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur was scheduled to visit but the programme was later cancelled. Now BJP leaders of undivided Koraput district intends to invite either PM Modi or Home minister Amit Shah to galvanise party members and candidates. District president of BJP Siba Patnaik said very soon a stalwart of the party will visit the district. Meanwhile, battle lines have been drawn for the simultaneous polls in Rayagada district. As many as 30 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming polls in three Assembly constituencies (AC) of Rayagada. In Rayagada AC, ten candidates are locked in the fight, followed by eight in Bissamcuttack and 12 in Gunupur will test their luck.
No cakewalk for Prasanta in Salipur
CUTTACK : The Salipur Assembly segment is set to witness a triangular fight between BJDs sitting legislator Prasanta Behera and newcomers from BJP and Congress. While Congress has nominated Aquib Uzzaman Khan from the seat, BJP has fielded Ollywood actor Arindam Roy. Both the newcomers are pitted against Behera who had won the seat in 2019 by polling 1,04,218 votes. While BJPs Prakash Behera had polled 70,014 votes, Congress Rabindra Kar had to lose his security deposit as he managed just 5,565 votes. However, it will not be a cakewalk for Behera who is facing locals ire over his failure to fulfil several assurances given by him in 2019 including setting up a bus stand, solving traffic and drainage problems and construction of a flyover on railway line in Tangi. This apart, Behera also has the task of resolving differences among party workers. The Vigilance raid on Salipur block and local rural development office came as a jolt to Behera. On the other hand, BJP workers are in a dilemma after Prakash joined BJD and the party preferred Arindam Roy, an outsider, over local leaders like Rashmi Ranjan Parija, Kunja Mohan Sethi, Dibakar Pradhan and Satyabadi Chaini. While bringing all the disgruntled leaders and cadre along will be an ardous task for Arindam, it will also be difficult for him to cover all the 48 gram panchayats in the segment with just a month remaining for the polls. After Congress miserable performance in 2019, Khan (32), an engineer by profession and hailing from Raisunguda locality undertook organisational activities in the segment. Khans hardwork paid off to some extent as Congress improved its performance in the Zilla Parishad elections by garnering 21,000 votes. The meeting of senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the constituency on Sunday has also fuelled new enthusiasm among the party workers. The Assembly constituency has around 43,000 voters from the minority community and 80 per cent of their votes are expected to go to Congress. At least 300 to 400 Muslim voters had joined the party during a Mishran Parba (inclusion ceremony) organised by Khan in different gram panchayats, sources said.
Sunstroke claims 2 lives as Odisha grapples with heatwave
BHUBANESWAR : The blistering heatwave that has ravaged the state for the last over a fortnight has claimed two lives. The special relief commissioners (SRC) office on Monday confirmed that a 50-year-old man died of sunstroke in Dhenkanal district. On April 19, the government had confirmed the first sunstroke death in the state from Balasore district. SRC officials said they have received eight reports of suspected sunstroke deaths from different parts of the state and they are being examined. Three cases have been reported from Balangir district and one each from Cuttack, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj and Kendrapara. Health department officials said around 257 people were hospitalised due to sunstroke or heat-related illness in different parts of Odisha. Sundargarh reported 60 cases, the highest in the state, followed by Mayurbhanj (40) and Khurda (36). Of the total 36 cases reported in Khurda district, 18 are undergoing treatment at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, 32 places recorded 40 degree C or more. Baripada sizzled at 44.8 degree C and its day temperature was above normal by 7.3 degree C. Sunstroke claims 2 lives as state grapples with heatwave Angul recorded 44.3 degree C, Boudh 44.1 degree C and Talcher 44 degree C. Bhubaneswar recorded 41.3 degree C (+3.5 degree C) and Cuttack 42.5 degree C (+5.4 degree C). The harsh weather has thrown normal life out of gear with no respite in sight as India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the searing conditions will continue through the week. Maximum day temperature is likely to remain above normal by 3 degree C to 6 degree C in some districts of Odisha during next four to five days because of prevailing northwesterly/westerly dry air and high solar insolation, said Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre scientist, Umasankar Das. Heatwave to severe heatwave condition is likely to prevail in some parts of the state on Tuesday and Wednesday, he said.
Rahul Gandhi, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to Rally in Odisha's Rayagada District
Bhubaneswar: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will hold an election rally in Odishas Rayagada district on May 3, , Friday, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) said on Monday. Bordering Andhra Pradesh, Rayagada which comes under Koraput Lok Sabha constituency, has socio-cultural affinities with the undivided Andhra Pradesh as it has got a sizable number of Telugu-speaking population. Apart from the party's Koraput, Behrampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha candidates, thousands of Congress workers and leaders from Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Gajapati districts will join the rally, sources informed. Congress which ruled Odisha for more than four decades, is now the third major force in Odisha politics after the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition party. Its vote share in the state dipped to 16 per cent in 2019. Of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state, it could win only one seat Koraput in 2019. In South Odisha, the party could win only two assembly seats Jeypore in Koraput district and Mohana in Gajapati district. Though the grand old party won only nine of the 147 assembly seats in the state with a vote share of only 16 per cent, its vote share in South Odisha stood at 25 per cent. We will win at least 40 seats in south and western Odisha districts this time. People of Odisha are now frustrated with the BJD government which is very much hand-in-glove with the BJP. Both the parties are systematically exploiting the people of Odisha, said OPCC campaign committee chairperson Bhakta Charan Das. Das informed that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also carry out a massive election campaign in South Odisha. Priyanka Gandhi will address an election rally in Nabarangpur on May 10. The OPCC is in the process of finalizing Mallikarjun Kharges campaign, said the OPCC campaign committee chairperson. Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a poll rally at Salipur in Cuttack district, had targeted the ruling BJD saying it had looted the states mineral resources, pushed the state into poverty and left the youths in a state hopelessness sans suitable job opportunities for them.
Three Held For Posing As Cops In Cuttack
Cuttack: The Commissionerate Police arrested three persons for impersonating policemen and looting people in Badambadi, Cuttack. Two of the arrested persons hail from Maharashtra and one from Madhya Pradesh. (This is a developing story. Check again for more details.) The post Three Held For Posing As Cops In Cuttack appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Two Bike Riders Killed In Road Mishap In Jajpur
Jajpur: Two bike riders were killed after being hit by an unknown vehicle at Badachana overbridge in Jajpur district on Monday. As per reports, the accident occurred while the two persons were on their way to Chandikhol from Cuttack. At the Badachana overbridge, the vehicle hit them and they fell from their bike. After this, [] The post Two Bike Riders Killed In Road Mishap In Jajpur appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
Red Alert for severe heat wave issued for several parts of Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The regional center of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here has issued an red alert for the heatwave in eight districts. A red alert has been issued in eight districts including Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Boudh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack and Khurda. Similarly, an orange heatwave alert has been issued for 13 places including Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, [] The post Red Alert for severe heat wave issued for several parts of Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
ECI Publishes Notification For Third Phase Of Polls In Odisha
Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) published the notification for the third phase of elections in Odisha on Monday. In this phase, elections will be held in Sambalpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 Assembly seats under them on May 25. The nomination process for the third phase [] The post ECI Publishes Notification For Third Phase Of Polls In Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
There is no anti-incumbency against BJD: Santrupt Misra
Former CEO of Birla Carbon and HR head of Aditya Birla Group Santrupt Misra has joined BJD after spending 28 years in the corporate world. He has been fielded by BJD from the prestigious Cuttack Lok Sabha constituency by replacing six-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab. Hemant Kumar Rout speaks to him about his and the partys prospects, and his aspirations for the constituency and its people. From the corporate world to political pitch, the transition must have been difficult for you. Did you approach BJD or the party approached you? It is not about someone approaching the other. It is a courtship that grew over a period of time. I had interacted with some people in the government on many occasions and shared many ideas. The government had offered me an opportunity in 2018 which I could not take up due to some personal reasons. And then when I decided to come to public life, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during an interaction encouraged me to join the party. The more I saw him the more I liked the man. The common ground was that he was about Odisha and I was about Odisha. However, my tryst with BJD grew after I joined the party. I chose BJD mostly for three reasons - personality of the chief minister, holistic development taken place in the state during his tenure and my intention to return to Odisha to work for my people with the experience I have acquired over the years. You belong to Puri. You could have opted for the Puri constituency. Why did you choose Cuttack? People there are saying you are an outsider. Believe me, nobody asked me the constituency I want to contest from. I did not even know that I would fight the Lok Sabha election. Thats why I think it is destiny. The party asked me to contest and I accepted it. Simply because it is an old and prestigious seat. I studied at Cuttack and I feel I am a true Katakia. Puri would have the benefit of saying my village and Cuttack is a benefit of saying where I grew up. Those who did not know my background were tagging me as an outsider. But now nobody says it. I am well accepted across the constituency. What are the major issues you have identified in Cuttack? How would you solve those issues? Skill development, employment, infrastructure, expansion of economy and tourism promotion are some of the issues that need to be addressed properly. There are a lot of young people who are in search of employment. For that, we must focus on acquiring skills. We have to make our young generation employable with the right skills. Another major issue is how to expand the economy with alternative demand creation. For example: tourism. We are going to Banaras, Haridwar and Allahabad. Can we not have people from other states at Kantilo, Dhabaleswar and other such pilgrim centres? There are places in Baramba-Narasinghpur which were visited by Buddhist monk Hiuen Tsang. Guru Nanak Dev had visited the Gurudwara near Jobra. These areas can be packaged and propagated. If our tourism gets expanded, we can also generate employment. We can have a filigree jewellery market like the cluster of shops in Dubai. We can globalise our heritage. Cuttack was always a centre of learning. We have plans for building some educational institutes of global standards so that people from other countries would love to come and study. An international institute of designing or an institute in space craft can be thought of. In Odisha, we only know about big industries. Growth of MSMEs is also one of my priority areas for Cuttack. Why would people of Cuttack vote for Santrupt Misra? For that, I am preparing a manifesto for Cuttack. This is being prepared after my meetings with people from different parts and different segments. I am trying to address most of the issues and concerns to ensure that Cuttack becomes a model constituency in the country. Is there anti-incumbency in Odisha? I have visited many places and have realised that there is no anti-incumbency against BJD. But obviously whenever you have people long representing a position, it affects. You may have done nine things for people and if you failed to do one thing, they will forget the nine things done and hold you responsible for the one thing you could not do. One thing I must say, the legitimacy of BJD has not eroded in any manner.
NGT suggests Rs 96 crore fine for excess mining in Odisha
CUTTACK: The joint committee formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended Rs 96 crore environmental compensation to be paid by a private lessee for carrying out excess mining at Damanbhuin laterite stone quarry under Tangi tehsil in Khurda district. NGTs East Zone bench in Kolkata had constituted the committee in September last year after Ajay Behera of Jankia filed a petition alleging illegal mining at the quarry in form of mining beyond lease area and more than the limit prescribed in the mining plan. Behera also sought direction to the district collector to initiate criminal proceedings under sections 379, 420, 120B of IPC and section 19 of Environment Protection Act 1986 against the lessee and tehsildar of Tangi. Advocate Sankar Prasad Pani made submissions on behalf of the petitioner.In pursuance of the order a committee comprising mining officer (Khurda), scientist, State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority and deputy director Mines conducted a joint inspection and prepared a report that was submitted before the Tribunal on Friday. The joint inspection report dated April 18 was submitted along with the affidavit filed by member secretary, SEIAA Dr Kailasam Murugesen on Friday. The report estimated the excess mining by the lessee was approximately 64,254 cubic metre. The panel has recommended collection of Rs 96.28 crore environmental compensation from the private lessee. The bench of Justice B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (expert member) fixed July 5 as the next date for hearing while giving the private lessee time till then to file a reply.
